City of Sinister Delights IC 4

[AlanBruce]

Chapter IV




The Badlands



“He was a tool of the boss, without brains or backbone.”

― Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis

In The Palace of Justice, a few days ago…

Grand Inquisitor Connor of the Cudgel, seated on his golden throne, magnificently decorated with a thousand gems and boasting eight pairs of beautiful angel wings, looks down upon High Priestess Na’Wa, while Inquisitor Dalpinian stands further back, almost in the shadows.

A large trunk with the jade Sultanate crest sits beside the young Cuthbertine.

“Your contributions to the City of Power will not go unnoticed, High Priestess. We are aware that you , as a political refugee, want nothing more than to see your lands restored from oppression.

In a way, I have been burdened to do the same here in beloved Halmathan. As soon as the King’s Campaign is brought into fruition, as Steward to this noble City, I shall advise the King to see into matters concerning the Sea of Sands.”

High Priestess Na’Wa looks at the trunk and then up at Connor, who is basked in light from a the Eye of God window behind his throne, casting shadows over his face and bows.

“I am aware of the plight of your land, Your Holiness. All I ask is that I can be given the authority to build a legal church to The Ruby Sorceress. One that will not be countered by the other churches.

Once her doctrines are accepted by the people, they will come to see that we are not vile necromancers as many would be quick to point out.”

Connor leans over like a hawk and locks eyes with her.

“Are you sure about that, High Priestess? You know what you have to do before I call the Conclave.”

Na’Wa closes her eyes and sighs while nodding.

“I am aware. My finest man will see to it.”

Dalpinian clears his throat and takes a step forward, a smug look on his face and takes out a small note book while he leaves through it.

“You mean the dwarf? Your bodyguard by the name of… Sharkun, son of Thrazir, yes? He has been absent lately from your side. Not exactly a reliable bodyguard, if that is indeed his position amongst your very small flock.”

Connor raises an eyebrow and looks down at the High Priestess, who ignores Dalpinian and looks up at Connor.

“If we are to be here for a long time- presumably citizens- I asked him to get to know our new home. I did not see it as a transgression of sorts. If it was, my apologies, your Holiness.”

Connor is about to respond when he grows silent and his hands clench the arm rests of his throne.

“A subject that will be covered at a later time. This audience is over. You are dismissed. Dalpinian! Escort the High priestess back to the Palace Guest House.”

High Inquisitor Dalpinian bows deeply and a pair of guards open the massive ornate doors for both him and Na’wa to leave, making sure to shut it ever so gently- Connor depsises loud noises, after all.

And with nobody in sight, the Grand Inquisitor looks at a shadowy corner of the vast Chamber of Law where so many trials have taken place since he took up office and a crimson robed stranger bearing a ruby mask walks up to him, bowing just as courteously.

“That is a nice coffer, your Holiness! I take it the King;s Campaign is sure to be well on its way now…heh.”

Connor does not take this well as he leans forward and looks at the man straight through his ruby mask.

“Why are you here?”

“You know why:

She has been fully awakened, Connor… was this part of your plan? Because if it is, I really hope you have a way to contain her.

Connor grips his arm rests and looks around at the room.

“I am aware. I had not expected her to fully emerge. But there is little reason for conern:

She has played her part. And I believe she is no longer welcome into my plans for this City. The mages at Runestone will be a problem, but I can diffuse it. Done so before, it will be the same result.”

The masked man looks around the room as well and shakes his head.

“Once she has amassed enough power, what stops her from coming here? Everything we have strived for will be for naught!”

Connor smiles and puts his hands together in prayer as the sun seeps from the great window behind him.

“I believe it is time we give such a Bright Mind a proper burial… a real one, this time.

And you will do nicely. You know where she lairs. Make it happen. I am too close to achieving my goals and those of this City. I cannot have loose ends.

Now go- I have to meditate and Commune. Do not report to me until the deed is done. Understood?”

The masked man looks up at Connor as a purple aura surrounds him.

“I hope you know what you have unleashed, Connor. Know that i will not risk my life for your brilliant plan. At first chance, I shall elope. And with me, so does my army.”

Connor furrows his brow and looks at the man as he’s about to disappear.

“Faith, my son- it moves mountains.”

The masked man chuckles before leaving in a silent shadowy veil, leaving Halmathan’s Grand Inquisitor alone in his room and looks at his right arm, which holds something surgically implanted beneath the skin.

I cannot lose. Not even to her! With Borazon gone, I can still use this new acquisition to further my lofty goals.

I am and always will be in control!

[dantiesilva]

As the town guards approach Sister Elizabeth's first reaction is relief, surely they would be able to help her. That all changes however as they begin speaking to her and she realizes the city is far more dangerous than the Mercy ever was to her. Maybe Lady Alexia is right, this world has changed but certainly not for the better. the old woman thinks to herself as she visibly shakes in fear as the guards meant to protect people begin speaking.

"Oh no officer, Cornelius is not feral, I just bought him..." the old woman says, quickly silenced as the other guard gets a greedy grin on his face and begins tell her about the tax, more like extortion the old woman thinks, as with shaky hands her hand reaches to her very old coin purse and begins pulling out a gold coin when a third figure appears almost making her jump out of her very skin. Towering even over Hannibal would be an understatement referring to this half-orc as her nerves slowly came back to her as he spoke, like a true town guard should.

"No sir, absolutely not." the old woman says as she gets out of the cart, watching as he easily places Cornelius inside of it before lifting it over his head. All the time she stands their mouth ajar with Firewood of the Mercy in her hand. " My you are a strong boy, it is a good thing you are not like those other guards." the old woman notes, still rather shaken as she follows him towards the Mercy. "To be honest I still am not use to all that has changed, it feels like only yesterday people were a lot nicer and very few people had those contraptions, automobiles I believe they are called." the old woman says trying to keep up the small talk. "So what happened to the city, everyone seems so different from the good old days fifteen years ago, I barely even know my neighbors anymore." the old woman says trying to give out as little information as possible, while still learning what had happened to cause such a change in people.

As the two arrived at the wall of separation and Captain Wulfur lowers the cart the old woman pulls out her bag and takes out two gold coins. "I know it is not much, however you are one of the nicest people I have meet in a long time and have saved me no doubt a great deal more than those two pieces." the old woman says holding out her hand with the two gold pieces in it to Captain Wulfur. "If they don't I will have to find a way to get a message to my friends is all. I knew we should have all stuck together. Again thank you for your help young man and have a blessed day."

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: Maybe Alexia is right after all...

Is this the kind of world Man deserves? Men with badges acting as crooks, warded by an umbrella of Law, ready to cut your purse open with some clearly imagined tariff. Has the City sunk so low so as to become a thieving ground?

However, as noble as Alexia's intentions might seem, her way is an extreme- this behavior would cease to be... as would any other. Everyone would be a monster fit to serve her, forever beholden to her designs. A lot of work indeed you have cut out for you now, as you dig into your coin purse, only for the crooked guards to gulp and skittle away as a titan of a half orc lifts Cornelius Rust and the cart you drove on above his head and walks beside you towards The Mercy.

"You think I'm strong? Ha! You're alright, lady. Truth be told, you can get fined by the City if you stall traffic. Mules are good pack animals, but when the streets are packed head to butt with those machines, traditional transportation is usually frowned upon.

So you have been away fro awhile? Fifteen years? That's a long time, madam. I hope your views on Halmathan haven't changed too much for the worst. It wasn't always like this, though:

People weren't that mad at each other.

The streets weren't packed with sleaze bags toting a baton.

And mules could haul a cart without them or their rider being insulted.

It was a good... kind of miss it myself.""

He does not address more of your questions and shakes his head as you dig into your purse once the cart and mule are put down on the ground, pointing at his badge.

"To protect and to serve, ma'am: that's my job.... and of everyone wearing a badge like. I appreciate your gesture, but that's what we do. Besides... this is the entrance to the Mercy.

You might need it more than I. Have a good one.""

And just like that, Captain Wulfur, thought still in retirement, walks away. Perhaps there are other men of the Law here that behave like him? Maybe not all is lost, after all...

But such idea is quickly washed away when the Cuthbertine Guards look at the cart and mule and then at the tents, not fit for pack animals and of course, set out to inspect the goods going in, papers on you or not.

"Didn't you leave here a few hours ago? Old wrinkled bat like you is hard to forget. Are you as blind as one? Entrance to the wall is for people, not carts or beasts of burden...and what the hell are you buying all this stuff for, anyways?""

The guard moves the stuff around the box, but not really finding anything to blame you on, shurgs as a young pelorian neophyte offers to watch for your mule, cart and stuff, with the promise to return quickly, since no matter how much you argue, sweet talk or sing-

That cart and mule aren't making it through the Wall. That's a fact. Could the guards carry it over? Yes.

Do they want to? What do you think?

Access to The Mercy is lengthy, having to go through the many checkpoints as your eye catches sight of more Mercyfolk are rounded up in dark tents and amidst the wails of plea and hard steel on flesh... cured.

But at long last, you find yourself in the slums of Hope's Caress and head towards the Den, where everyone except Sharkun is assembled.

Sasha checks the tools that will hopefully, one day make her a top cook and examines them as one would in her line of work:

By how sharp they are.

William is quick to show you the letter he got by one of his own people and upon analysis of the penmanship and the seal, it becomes clear:

It's Alexia's... she has taken somebody again.




@The Party: With pretty much everyone assembled, the path is clear: to the Badlands and then on to Karyllyn's Mine. If there is a way to bring Halmathan's Brightest Mind down, it has to be there. Is there solid proof that there is? Not even close, except the file you have read.

But if there is at least a chance you can learn something about her weakness...anything. You have to try.

Cyrus will be cause for all of you being arrested- it's not like Raikou can fly over Halmathan's skies riding him- The little guy was shot down upon arrival.

Sparky is an old SMC bot. It is true that many SMC products dot the City, but you have yet to see another one like him around, so both construct and familiar are stuffed in a bag and, leaving the Den and the Bitter Coffee to Will's capable little army of runts, you walk towards the Wall of Separation. From there, cross the City of Power to the North Gate.

The Cuthbertine Guards at the checkpoint eye all of you most warily- especially Rusty, but don't act on it, as an Eye in the Sky looms above all of you and Elizabeth introduces you to Cornelius Rust, pack mule extraordinaire.

...


...


...

A mule. And a cart. Because you need these... why? At least she bought food for it, and a dozen other things that may or may not come in handy.

A young Pelorian priest releases the mule back in Elizabeth's service and of course, you can't fit cart and pack animal in a cab or carriage- they won't fit and you are a big number of people... so.

The old Zodalian is back on the saddle again, with all of you walking at a slower pace as she whistles and sings a tune about a grey rider or some such, all amidst more insults from the cabs driving past her as you stick to the sidewalk and listen to the most inventive insults people can throw at some sixty something driving a wooden cart, pulled by a mule... in the advent of an Industrial Revolution.

Insults aside and booing and laughter and mockery, you reach the North Gate.

None of you have really been to the edges of the City. No need to. Your business is inside, but the soldiers have no problem opening the enormous metal gates for all of you and watch you take that first step outside Halmathan proper...

The gate closes behind you and you all feel a tad...unsafe. Not as if the City was safe at all. The Mercy much less, but at least there you had an almost idea of what was what and where to go.


https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ec/48/37/ec483730109a21045525013ec4cc17fb--fantasy-places-fantasy-art.jpg

But out here, the road stretches for a few miles and into the unknown. No Eyes in the Sky, except for those orbiting above the City, but a few steps and you should be well on your way... somewhere.

If only Sharkun were here with you.

[remetagross]

The dwarf is relieved at first to hear the sound of people, but then looks with dismay as he discovers that the newcomers are Royal Guards, led by a slavish servant. Sharkun is too stupefied to resist being pushed aside by the guards.
"But what are you all doing?"

Sharkun makes the first motion towards claiming the High Priestess again, but he is soon shoved away by the Guards.
"...what is the meaning of this? I used magic here to heal her of course!" The only reason while Sharkun lets go is because he has witnessed his uselessness. Regardless of how rude the Guards may appear to him.
"My Cure spell has proven ineffective! I suggest Remove Disease, or Remove Curse! Please be gentle with her, I beg of you" says Sharkun to the guard carrying her away, imploring.
"And yes, of course, I am sorry for having used magic in an unauthorized ground, and will not do so again...and yes, I will set into motion at once to satisfy His Holiness' demand..."

Sharkun watches haplessly as the High Priestess is taken away from his view. His grim satisfaction is that Connor has no use of a dead Priestess and has to keep her alive to carry on his blackmail on him. Meaning the Priestess will be correctly taken care of...

What now? Trying to make contact with either Ugmar or Bertio would be utter foolishness, if Sharkun were to blackmail someone into doing his bidding by threatening his friendsI, the first thing he would do to secure his position would be to ensure said friends remain within his power and out of reach of his victim.

But I cannot take on Connor all by myself...I need other allies...

Sharkun starts his journey towards the Bitter Coffee, all by foot. He needs to calm down and to ponder. Besides, he is utterly penniless.
I need the Olidammarans.

[Chimaera]

Hannibal give the olidammarans a farewell and leave the Den with the guys and... Cornelius Rust., the mule. His first thought at the name given to the mule was to hammer Elizabeth in the head for the audacity, but heh... Soon they'll be out of the town and into no-man's-land so murder can wait.

The travel through the City was not fantastic, but at least he could hear people insulting her all the way to the North Gate.

Once outside the city and away from those damned eyes in the sky, Rusty look at those he gathered.

"I'll let the guys tell Sharkun to track us if he ever go back to the Mercy, so for now we are a dwarf short", he says and look at the mule, "And a mule extra. Wonder why you didnt named it Cornelius Assford, cause it's a donkey and all".

No matter the answer he just shrugs and look at the map, "So let's focus on getting where we have to. Once you have time to pray and get some spells, be sure to prepare a Sending to call Sharkun since the reporter never did and he was very useful on combat".

Setting the direction to the mines, Rusty try to figure out how far iare they from their destination and keep on moving.

[Frendle]

Will listens to Elizabeth explain that, yes, this note did come from Alexia. He thanks her, and walks out of the room in a daze. Why take Jenny? How was it that she figured of all the Guards taking Jenny would cause him any more pain than the others? Not that Will would want any of the guard to be taken, and indeed Jenny had accepted the mantle of, well, at least Hero of the Mercy in training.

Will sits down in a chair away from the others pondering these things, “Do I go save her? Could I go save her? Can all of us do it? Would I be leading others into a trap just to save someone I love… wait, what?” Will smiles and shakes his head, well of course, he loves all the guards, but all the same, “Certainly not any one of them more than the others.”

He stands up and shaking his head, “No, I cannot take others to their likely death, now is not the time to take on Alexia. They need an angle, to find some weakness, which maybe they will find in the mines. “Begin at the beginning, it makes sense.” Will says aloud as a passing rouge looks at him and shakes head in turn.

Just then Will hears a loud commotion in the common area, “Well, I wonder if that is the mountain hammer?” He heads back to the others and upon learning of their resolve, he gladly packs up and leaves with them. But not before quickly stopping by the Coffee to let them know he will be gone for a bit, but will return.

As they leave the gates and Mountain Hammer mentions the Dwarf, suggesting that he will just have to track them down. “I’m not sure leaving ahead of the Dwarf will do us much good, he’ll just get lost and we will be without his services and he’ll…. Well who knows, Be dead?”

[Niwrad]

Once a safe distance from the city, Raikou lets Cyrus out of the bag and the two spend several minutes souring high above the others, reveling in their freedom from the tyrannical laws of the city. After they have their fill of flying, they return to the ground and Raikou listens to Rusty. Heheheh Assford...

That sucks though. I was really starting to like having that dusty armored dwarf around. Plus he was one more warm body for bad guys to hit before getting to me. Should we wait a bit around here for him to catch up? Not having to worry about any of those annoying city laws is nice though.

Then the halfling turns to the newest addition to the party, the mule. I think I'll call this one Assford.
So Lizzy, is there anything special about this mule you bought?

Oh and Hammers, remind me... where exactly are we going again?

[Frendle]

Will watches the Halfling fly unbound and unassisted, well almost unassisted, and finds, despite all the concerns on his mind that he envious. Then he smiles a little, well, he can kinda do that. “Ya know, I’ve always wanted to fly freely, without relying on my wings,” he ruffles his cloak as he speaks.

An image of a large cat’s powerful hind legs seems to appear over his own and he smiles broadly while taking a moment to gather himself. He leaps straight up more than twice his own height and with a scream of defiance disappears in black smoke only to appear much higher and then immediately he disappears again and reappears over a hundred feet in the air. Whooping he crosses his arms and slowly descends to earth. As he lands lightly down he looks around at the others as if to say, pretty cool, eh?

“Not bad, and all without any magic, I’ve always wanted to do that, but never dared for fear of getting shot down before I reached the ground.”


After a moment his smiles disappears, "Now's not the time for that I suppose though." and he takes a few measured moments and the image of the cat appears around his face and fades.

He pulls out his Kukris, "So we waiting for the Dwarf or not? I feel the need to kill something evil."



Change stance to Leaping Dragon Stance

Swift - leap straight up, min distance is 14'

Standard - Shadow Jaunt- 50' straight up
Move - Shadow Stride - 50' straight up

Ring of feather fall takes over for the ride back to earth

Free action, draw both Kukris

Change stance to Hunter's Sense

Use Adaptive Style to reset his Manuvers

[dantiesilva]

"Sadly it is a great deal different then I remember, a lot less open to people. Something I hope will change before my time is up on this world." the old woman says with a kind smile to the captain, making it clear that she intended to try and be a force of change in the city. She did not expect things to go back to how they were, but perhaps with time they could be made better.

Once at the hideout the old woman chuckles as Sasha holds up a spatula and states its not very sharp. "Not every tool a chef owns is meant to be sharp, they even have hammers to make meat tender." the old woman points out with a kind smile. "Now just keep practicing the basics Sasha, and between what you have learned and the cookbook you should do fine, or at least better than the raw chicken that first day of me being here. And don't worry, I will do what we talked about, even if it means having my own Rust drag him kicking and screaming back to you." the old woman says before saying goodbye to everyone at the den and wishing them the best of luck.

Once outside as Hannibal insults poor old Cornelius the old woman pats the mule on the head. "You don't listen to him now Cornelius, he's just jealous you look better than him." the old woman says soothingly as she turns to address Hannibal and the others about her mule. "For one I am old and had a lot of stuff to carry, two to make the map not stand out as an odd request as it was already drawing a few questions I had to buy other things to make it seem like a normal adventuring party heading out for a short trip. Three he is adorable and makes it so I do not have to walk." the old woman says from her lofty seat in the cart. "As for his name, well I could not call him Connor inside the city, I doubt very much I would have made it down the street. Only old people like myself would put Cornelius and Connor together, and as for Rust well he is as dependable and stubborn as another person I know called Rusty." the old woman says with a smirk before turning Firewood of the Mercy on Raikou, "His name is Cornelius, or Rust. Not Assford, just because you meet a single bad egg doesn't mean the whole basket was like that." the old woman points out before turning and listening to Williams request.

"It could be referring to your friend Jenny, but what about that paladin lady we meet the other day? You did offer to help her and if Lady Alexia saw that she would assume you were friends. I do not want to get your hope up, but there are others this could be referring to." the old woman explains before watching him seem to vanish into the air before floating back down. "I suggest we keep the fancy tricks until the wall is more than a shadow behind us, never know how far out those flying machines will go to protect the city from what it sees as a threat." the old woman points out.

"As for preparing the sending spell by resting I am not a wizard Hannibal that can just change my spells whenever I so choose. I must pray each day at dawn. I had hoped he would have returned to the den before we had to leave but it was beyond our control. I would be more worried about finding shelter out here tonight. I can use magic to provide us a safe place to sleep for eight hours, but that will be one less spell to help you all in battle. Just wanted to say this now so it is out of the way and we all know what our jobs are." she states, making it clear she would have to wait an entire day to prepare a sending for Sharkun.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: If only you were back in your homeland...

And had your gear at full working capacity, of course. These armored thugs would not stand a chance as one of them carries away with High Priestess Na'wa and you start suggesting what to do regarding her condition as the Royal Guard points to the door.

"I suggest you shut up and leave, dwarf. You have work to do... and you better not show up around here until it is completed!"

Thrown out of the comfort of the Royal Palace and pretty much broke, you walk down the many streets of Halmathan, with its busy horns and whistles and people always in a hurry to go somewhere as Connor's Eyes in the Skies watch everything from above...

Can you get Bertio and Umrar involved? Yes, if you can find them.

Can you guarantee they will be of any help to freeing Na'wa? Unlikely. Connor has her well protected now. The Royal Palace is pretty much next door to his own and security is extremely good.

And what about the deal you have made with Connor himself? He wants to know Rusty's identity and that of his friends... which so happen to be the very same group he purged months ago. The last remnants that defy him here.

Is there any way for you to wriggle out of his grasp? Maybe. You could always lay low, abandon your loyalty to Na'wa and Wee Jas...

And fall from grace in such doing. Rusty did mention a dwarf mercenary shortly before you joined... a monster turned by Alexia. No, you need to find help. Bridges will have to be crossed... in due time.

Right now, you need the very people Connor despises and that you have become rather well acquainted on your side. How can they help? Good question, but they are brash and impulsive. Strong.

Maybe all together can topple Halmathan's Grand Inquisitor? How hard can it be- he did look rather old for a man on a golden throne.

Going through the check points once more seems like a doldrum exercise as you take a whiff of the cracked and filthy Mercy streets and head for the Bitter Coffee. They all like to hang out there and...

Nope.

Rusty would be someone easy to find: Big Hammer and fiery red beard, but he's nowhere on sight.

The same can be said for Raikou and Cyrus. The little pun caster can't be seen anywhere.

Elizabeth's nagging would be the first thing you'd hear at the pub, but no sight of the old Zodalian.

Travis the mage most likely walked out. Who can blame him after being turned into a monster?

And then there's that guy William, with the blades... no sight of him either.

Hell, not even Nana is here to greet you. A bunch of faces- none of which you know, as you grab a table and mope around before a local approaches you and crosses his arms.

"You gotta eat or drink something. Otherwise, I think there's a few benches out in the Green Meadows you can loiter in.""


@Rusty: The nerve on this old hag!

Rust is a good name! You got it from your father, who inherited it from his father who... stabbed someone? I think that's how it went.

And here she's calling that mule Rust, Cornelius Rust. Stupid healers and their rickety wooden carts. You just might have to get chatty with her once outside Halmathan.

And once the gates close and your merry traveling troupe is already hitting the Imperial Road, you eye Cornelius, who drags Elizabeth's bony behind as she sits on the cart like a sovereign and mention her getting ahold of Sharkun:

You need that guy out here. Sure, he got hit by Alexia just as hard as you, but the whole strength in numbers holds truer than ever now as you take the map from the cart and unfurl it like an expert tracker and...

What is this?

Bunch of drawings on a parchment. Nobody here is a tracker or known geographer or map maker? Whoever penned this, they did not spell "Karyllyn's Mine" anywhere. For all you know, this could be a map of the Sea of Sands!

And to be honest, your work is better done within City Walls... and that could use some improvement. What are you going to do out here- punch trees and rocks and hope they spill out information?

Having said that, there is a fork in the road with a single sign pointing west. The road continues north for about a mile or so before getting lost in a thick forest, but it's the name on the sign that maybe piques your interest:


Santa Noria's Correctional Facility


@William: So Elizabeth confirmed it.

This is Alexia's handwriting, but what to do with this information?

Does she have Jenny in her clutches?

Do you drag these guys back to her House and hope and pray to any god up above that will listen and perform a brave and most likely incredibly foolish escapade?

Who knows if Jenny is indeed captured, but right now, you need to find a way to bring that monster down. Rusty says the answers lie in the mines, so the Mines it is.

The Bitter Coffee should be able to hold itself without you. You are after all, only gone for a bit...

And although your people back in The Mercy may have to endure trials of their own, be it from brigands or Alexia's nefarious forces...

You can't let the halfling steal your thunder, can you?

Raikou may fly, but so can you. Wreathed in shadows, you skyrocket upwards and watch the group mildly amused by you and and the halfling's antics as Cornelius Rust's eyes widen with wonder and more than a little fear.

Back in Halmathan, a stunt like this would have you locked up or killed, in no particular order. But here in The badlands... you;re free!

But for how long... where are you guys headed to again?


@Raikou: Assford...heh.

And that's how the mule shall be named from now on. This may not be the The Ossian Way or The Sea of Sands, but it sure feels good to be out of that confining City... until Rusty lets you know you'll be heading to a mine.

Might as well enjoy the open plains as much as possible. Getting Cyrus out of the bag, you cast the very familiar spell on him and ride the wind, as high up as you can go...

It sure is a big place. Lot's of green. Forests as far as your little eyes can see. However, it is an imposing building that catches your attention west as you descend and let Cyrus float around on his own.

Oddly enough, a very strange feeling caught up to you the moment you began flying with Cyrus. What is is? Impossible to tell. Not necessarily harmful. But not good either, just... funny.


@Elizabeth: The nerve of these people!

The finest name in Halmathan's history reduced to a joke? Not on your watch! Sure, Alexia has become a monster and she has done horrific things to the people you once called family...namely Jarvis. Calling her a Bad Apple may be going on the lighter side, but come on...

Assford? Really?

And regarding getting ahold of the dwarf? No can do.

You can't just switch spells on the fly! Why didn't Rusty let you know this a day BEFORE leaving the City? Now you need to hunker down, put up a Tiny Hut, cook some rats...

yeah, that would be nice. Who knows what they have out here when it comes to game. A good thing you bought trail mix.

[remetagross]

Sharkun freezes. Ah, that is unfortunate. Especially given he does not know the way to the Den. But no time to waver. Sharkun firmly walks up to the bartender and asks with a steady voice:
"Hello good sir. Allow me to introduce myself: Sharkun, son of Thrazir. Would you happen to know where Mr William Merrit, Sister Elizabeth Rose, Mr Raikou Stormborn, Travis Wood and Hannibal Rusty all might be? I was to meet them in the Mercy. Or maybe does Mrs Nana knows about their whereabouts?"

In case Sharkun is not answered, he turns around to scan the room and try and recognize a rogue from the Den. If there indeed is one such, Sharkun asks him the same questions. If not, then Sharkun decides to boom aloud his questions to all of the patrons, with a voice both strong and polite. That is the voice he uses to execute his White Raven maneuvers.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: The few times you have been here, people were a lot nicer.

Sure, you always had Rusty calling the shots here and Nana was always willing to make some small talk, but with any people you can get acquainted with here and relate, you are like a fish out of water.

And so, you stand up and face the local with all your dwarven might and ask in order, where your companions and allies in arms ought to be. They are after all, regular heroes. Chances are they know about...

"I have no idea who these people are, Sharkun...

Except for one of the names you mentioned- William Merritt. He owns this place now, but you'll have to wait for him to return. shouldn't be long:

He said he'd be gone for a bit, so if you have the coin, I can get you a drink or cup of coffee while you wait. How's that?""

[Chimaera]

Hannibal look at the sign and look to west, his mind starting to get some ideas and thoughts and...

No. He shakes his head and look to the forest north, "We have no business in St. Noria. Not now. Let's keep on the road north", he says and look to Elizabeth and Cornelius, "Move you Assford, old lady".

[dantiesilva]

"Well I would hope we have no business in a place where they send criminals like Dr. Cutter." the old lady says as she looks up from the map of the two maps with the compass in her hand as she begins looking at the north road before following it on the map to see where it leads. "Now now rushing is how you get lost youngling, patience. Besides we do not want to go to far away from the city if you wish for me to send to Sharkun come the morning. Though honestly I do not know why we are trying, he has not tried to contact us in three days, even though he knows where we were. No doubt whoever he is supposed to be protecting sees it as him needing to be with them at all times now after what he no doubt told them about Alexia." the old woman says as she, pushing her glasses up, uses her pointing finger of the other hand to follow the north road until she finds a place that looked like it may be good for camping. "Okay kids lets carry on now. Cornelius you know what to do." the old woman said with a kind voice as she told the mule to begin walking as she placed the maps back in their protective cases. While doing so she reaches into her cornucopia and pulls out a fruit like she had been doing the past few days.


Survival (untrained) using compass [roll0] Without aid another
Knowledge Geography (Trained) [roll1]
Cornucopia [roll2] Grape Cluster that can be split into twelve and acts as heroe's feast for anyone LG, NG, or LN) suffice to say she is eating a grape

As she pulls out the grapes she eats one before holding them up to the others, "Anyone want one, they are delicious cotton candy grapes. Taste like they just got picked off the vine."

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: So the prison is that way, eh?

How easy it would be to just waltz in there and Hammer every last person in that place into a bloody pulp. Hell, you have the back up necessary: Raikou and William alone just showed you their aerial prowess...

But murdering Halmathan's State Prison will have to wait. Right now, you have mines to go to. And in those mines, Alexia's weakness HAS to be. You read it in a file, right? Since when do manuscripts lie?

And even if you don't get to the mines- which you should- Travis here can always teleport you back safely to the Den. Go in, say hello. Kill anyone who disagrees with you and out before dinner time.

There is a talk about getting Sharkun back on the team. He is an important member of the party after all. Can't leave him waiting back in the City, when his immense abilities as a Jasidian and Royal Guard have proven to be of unparalleled strength and virtue...

For all this, Sharkun is remembered as you keep walking away from Halmathan and over a mile of coppery plains and grey cold skies....

He can always catch up. Somehow.


@Elizabeth: Cornelius Rust brays in the direction the sign points to, clearly approving of your words as he pulls your cart further into The Badlands themselves.

Who wants to go to prison, anyways? Cutter spent time there and if a man like him ended up in that place, how would you fare any better?

The conversation soon changes to the matter of Sharkun. Well of course he would stay with his liege: he is a bodyguard. If yours hadn't gone crazy and megalomaniacal, you would be in the comfort of the Ashford House right now.

But that isn't the case, as you stick your hand into your horn and a cold breeze flies from the plains, causing you to wrap your quilt around your arms as you take a bite of the grapes...

They taste... different somehow. Not rotten. Not overtly citric... but not like a grape ought to taste. Bunch of different flavors inundate your taste buds, but other than that... you're fine.

@The Party: It becomes obvious to all as you leave the City's sight altogether, that some parts of these plains have been badly blasted. It wasn't recent, that much is clear, but immense craters remain on the ground. They aren't too deep- time has taken care of filling them, but at a glance, one of them might well have the circumference of the entire Mercy.

Erosion, most likely.


@Elizabeth: Chastising Rusty for not being patient, you arrive at the entrance to the huge expanse that is a most peculiar forest:


https://img.clipartxtras.com/dbff6225717c486952c1f053c91aac72_dark-forest-by-vityar83-on-deviantart-landscapes-art-haunted-forest-drawing_1264-632.jpeg

Not even a hoof in, and you can already tell that Cornelius is spooked. In fact, tied to a nearby tree, you can see old hemp ropes, like the ones used to tie down horses:

They have no horses attached to them. The rope has been bit off. Whatever happened, happened a long time ago... and with Rust shaking so much his teeth rattle, it is hard not to feel something utterly foreboding about this place.

A place perhaps, not meant for men and beasts of burden.

[remetagross]

Sharkun has mastered himself a little again, and does not show his disappointment.

"So you say Mr Merrit is the new owner of the place, but he has gone on an errand, you could not say where or when he would return? Well, then, I thank you for your help nonetheless." Sharkun bows slightly to him, and proceeds towards the exit of the Bitter Coffee.

Once out, the dwarf thinks while munching on a trail bar. Where to? The one place where he has seen Olidammarans apart from the Bitter Coffee is the Den itself. Hmm, but the place is hidden even if one knows where it stands. Still, there should be a number of guards that could maybe recognize him or carry a message to Rusty for him to fetch the dwarf, maybe. This appears as good a plan as any. Where was it already? Sharkun recalls the memory of Drakan accompanying him out...pictures himself taking that path in reverse. All good.

The dwarf sets out to reach the Den. When he arrives at a place which he believes is as close to the Den as possible, he almost starts shouting "Rusty, are you here?" before noticing that would do no good to the rogues' privacy. Instead, knowing he is observed, Sharkun carefully writes a message in the dirt with the haft of his guisarme, in letters large enough to be read from a high and afar viewpoint.
RUSTY HERE? CAN I COME IN?

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: So this place is under new administration?

The man looks around at the patrons and then back at you, nodding as you get up.

"For a few days now. William is said to have been given this place by Nana herself. He is a trustworthy man- he would not lie... and a fool one would have to be to counter that statement.

As to where he went? Beats me, but knowing William, he should be back shortly. You could wait and..."

No time to wait, as you give the local a quick bow and head back to the cracked streets, filled with all manner of miscreants and thieves of all caliber. You need the Olidammarans if you're to save Na'wa. That being said, they need you if they want to have a prayer of a chance to survive against Alexia. Only your training, well honed back in the Waste, can ensure their survival and victory against that monster.

William barely met these guys a few days ago, a lot less time than you. He was invited to live at the Den with Rusty's people and although you did not receive the same courtesy, your actions saving their home should warrant an invitation... but how to get in?

The old book store, seemingly abandoned, should house all of them in the lower levels. Rusty is most certainly there, poring over maps with Corwin, Ross and the rest, but how to get their attention without barking like a mad jackal?

And so, you trace a message on the ground with your guisarme as a myriad of slumped hooded hobos, rattling their rusted tins for a copper or even a silver piece, begin rattling them faster and faster as Drakan, whom last you saw was possessed by one of Alexia's mutants, comes out from the shadows behind you and taps you on the shoulder.

"It's the holy warrior of Wee Jas. How's the City? I'm sure it's nice, as usual... why don't we go inside?""

Drakan walks ahead of you and takes a number of twisting turns before tapping a few loose bricks on a side wall and getting you and him onto the first floor of the very dusty library as he asks you to stay put and disarms a few traps.

"Wouldn't want you turning into a pincushion, heh! The guys are downstairs. Let's go.""

The Den is just as you left it before, but no sign of Rusty, Raikou or the others.

Sasha doesn't even acknowledge you, working on something in the kitchen as Drakan motions to a chair, opposite Corwin, who shakes your hand and puts one of his magazines down on his lap.

"Good to see you again, Sharkun. I hope everything's fine in the City of Power...all things considered.

You are looking for Hannibal? I thought he would've fetched you- all of them left hours ago. Outside the City walls. North, towards The Badlands....""

Corwin goes silent for a few seconds and lets that information sink in before continuing.

"Of all the places they could have chosen, the one we all know the least was their top pick. Given that they left hours ago, they must have a good head start, unless they chose to wait for you at the North gate. That's where people leave Halmathan and head towards uncharted lands.

Let me see if I can get ahold of him for you....""


@Rusty: You look up at the foreboding forest and watch Rust the Mule get all shaky- dumb donkey.

And then Corwin's telepathic signal rings in loud and clear:

Hannibal! Where are you? Sharkun is here in the Den, looking for all of you. You left him behind? We cannot escort him to the North gate or else we'll be arrested, but if you can go meet him there, he sure could need some company and given what he's carrying, he looks ready for a good fight.

Just let me know where you are and I'll let him know.


@Sharkun: Corwin closes his eyes for a second and then opens them, looking straight at you.

"Waiting on his answer. Not much we can do now but wait, unless you wish to head for the North Gate, but that's all the way across the City, a few hours on foot.

So... how's your priestess doing? I have yet to meet a Priestess from the Sea of Sands.""

[remetagross]

"Ah! Hello, Mr Drakan. I am pleased to see you again. The City...could be in a better stage, though that is hardly anything new to you, I am afraid. How about life here in the Mercy?"The dwarf stretches his hand to salute him the way he did last time. He then obediently follows the rogue, and stops at his beckoning before the traps. Once inside, Sharkun salutes both Corwin and Sasha, carefully does not disturb Sasha as he sees her busy and not reckoning his presence, and walks forth to Corwin.
"Ah, that is most unfortunate...and you do not know why they have left? Ah, so they are still not too far...very well, if they answer that they are waiting for me, then I will go and join them."

"As to how the High Priestess goes..." Sharkun's face hardens. But he manages to maintain his calm and polite ways, with great effort.
"She is all but a hostage to Connor now. And she, as of this very evening, seems to be suffering from a disease against which I found myself powerless...I suspect it was an affliction brought about by the Cuthbertine Church, so as to have an acceptable reason to hold her prisoner completely..."

Sharkun clenches his teeth even harder. No one here is anyone to whom he must show a formal deference, only people he respects on a personal basis, so the dwarf asks for a chair, and allows himself to heavily sit.
"...so it appears High Priestess Na'wa al-Habai is quite unlikely to be the first Priestess from the Sea of Sands you might encounter in Hamalthan. She nonetheless sent me here, saying that keeping on fighting to bring down Alexia - and eventually Connor - was the best I could do to serve her. What would you make of it, Mr Corwin?"

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Drakan shrugs when you inform him of the new things happening in the City as both walk towards the Den.

“It’s that bad, then? Why am I not surprised?”

The myriad of traps is overwhelming- they sure don’t want anyone just coming in here and raising hell like last time, but you are on the level: you did help them a few days ago, after all.

And once seated across Corwin, you learn where Rusty and the others are gobe off to, followed by some questions of your own.

“They left a few hours ago. Hannibal believes that those mines may have a way to deal with her, something I can hope as well. I thought they stopped by to pick you up, but that clearly isn’t the case...”

And then, when asked about High Priestess Na’wa, you let Corwin know of the current situation. How Connor and the Cuthbertine church has...

It is during your explanation that the room seems slightly distorted as a burning sensation sears your hand and the feeling swells through your body.

The room spins, as Corwin appears diffused. In fact, the whole room does as the pain within your body reaches critical proportions.

18 damage. DR and saves don’t apply

Why won’t the room stop spinning? Cold sweat. Shortage of breath...

Corwin gets up and inspects you with a very concerned look.

“Are you okay, Sharkun? What’s going on!?”

[dantiesilva]

As the group sets out Sister Elizabeth lets down her long white hair from its prim and proper bun as she begins singing a simple tune to help pass the time as they follow the road.

Cornelius Rust is the Mule you can trust,
He's got the stuff that sturdy and tough,
Who else but Cornelius Rust has the guts,
To face the open road without a fuss.

Cornelius Rust is more dependable then a baboon,
It is said he once won a fight against a racoon,
But whos to say what is what,
Besides good old Cornelius Rust.

...."

The old woman continues to sing as she turns to Raikou and with a smile and a wave of her hand says. "Come on now thunder kid, lets see the sparks that you can spin." she says encouraging the halfling to join in the song as she keeps the beat going for him.

As the group travels and sings Sister Elizabeth studies the land they are going across, it looked like a great battle was once fought here, and judging by the craters in the ground it was nothing small or weak that did the fighting. But what, she didn't really remember much about the world outside of Hamalthan as it was never of high priority to her duties. Looking to all the others she points down to one of the holes they were passing. "Does anyone know any reason these would be here?"


Sing [roll0]
Bardic Knowledge [roll1]

As the group arrives at the entrance to a forest the old woman notices poor Cornelius shaking like he had back in the city with all those machines around him. Taking the grapes she had still up to him she slowly patted his head, stroking down his neck with one hand as she feed him a single grape at a time. "What's wrong Cornelius, your a smart boy you can tell me. Is it those ropes that spooked you? After all you are a lot brazer than any horse I have ever meet. And look how strong you are." the old woman says soothingly as she tries to calm the mule. "Someone mind looking at the map, its in the cart, and try telling me where this forest is to the mountains? Cornelius seems awfully spooked and I don't think he will come in." the old woman says turning to Sparky the robot and asking "Is there anything you could do to calm him Sparky? If not I suppose we could always try going around the forest, or I could use magic to try and calm him." the old woman notes to not one in particular. "Then again this is a good place to set up camp and wait for Sharkun as well."

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: It's not so bad out here in the open plains, as you let your white hair flow with the mildly cold wind blowing through.

And then you notice the enormous craters on the ground while Cornelius Rust raises an eyebrow as well and keeps his ears straight up, always on edge.

Who knows what happened here. Maybe an earthquake? There haven't been any in the City as far as you can remember.

A Fire perhaps? If that were the case, these plains would be blasted and barren. Although there are no trees, tall coppery grass fills the entirety of the plains... hmmm.

Who knows what they are, but they don't seem to be a problem for you and your group, so that's a plus.

The problem is once you reach the entrance to the huge forest, as you give Rust a few of your tasty grapes, a boost in confidence for the old mule, as he takes each greedily.

It's a murder of crows that fly off the trees further ahead, cawing at the skies and echoing in the air around you as the air grows colder. Cornelius is startled of course, but nothing an extra grape won't calm down.

After all, this is a forest. Birds are a common thing. The question is:

Do you move in, or set up camp right out here? It's the grand open plains after all, what could go wrong?

[kinem]

Travis smirks at the ass' names but agrees that they are appropriate.

He accepts the grapes from Elizabeth. "Thank you."

Upon sees the craters and the dark forest he ties to figure out what my have happened here - and to see what is currently happening.

ooc: Spot [roll0], Know (arcana) [roll1], Know (local) [roll2]

[Chimaera]

Once at the entrance of the forest, Rusty receive Corwin's message and reply back.

"So he finally showed up? Good. Tell him to go to the North Gate and follow the road until he find a fork with a sign point to St. Noria. From there he need only to follow the road, but not towards St. Noria. We'll be waiting him here at the entrance of a grim looking forest. Also, advice him to pick some winter clothes, cause weather is turning colder".

After replying Rusty look at the party and come to a halt.
"Let's wait Sharkun here. He is on his way out of the town, so he should catch up in a few hours".

He look to Elizabeth, "And prepare a Sending for tomorrow anyway: I've come to learn that the magic weapons Fetterman forged for us might have their magic restored and so I think it would be good to see if Fetterman have any idea how. And if you are as curious as me toward the foret and the many craters around, you can also have some divination as well to answer thise questions".

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: You walk besides the group, not really paying attention to Rusty and Elizabeth's back and forth banter.

What you do notice are those gigantic craters on the ground as the group travels through the plains and look at Raikou:

You have seen these before. Many times, actually. These are the result of a large blast upon hitting the ground. Usually by spells like Fireballs or even an empowered orb or any such spell that causes massive destruction. The imprint on the land is usually small- orbs and even blasts like that of an evocation aren't that large.

At most, an empowered orb of force cast by you would have the circumference of your clenched fist and leave just that big of a hole on a surface upon striking.

These are gigantic in scale. Why? Many possible reasons, not necessarily related to the size of the caster, though.

As for the forest itself? Not a soul has ever spoken about it back in the City or Runestone. You have never left town and so, these woods may be just like any other woods learned about as much in a book on geography, botany or a fairy tale.

What does catch your attention, however, is that once at the entrance to the woods, you can see that the rope that held beasts at the entrance- now thoroughly chewed out- is not the only thing to catch at a quick glance:

Very faded hoof prints can be seen on the soil. Even squinting, you can only make about one or two sets, but they seem to be heading into the woods. Why? Who knows.

As for the grape Elizabeth hands you as a snack... it's just that. A tasty syrupy treat, not what a grape ought to taste. And nothing else.


@Rusty: Always the dwarf...

You let Corwin know specific instructions about where Sharkun should head to. Shouldn't be difficult, as long as he avoids heading to St. Noria's prison, which is clearly marked a few miles behind.

And then, looking at the huge foreboding forest, you instruct Elizabeth to prepare some spells come the morrow.

Fetterman should have a way to restore your weapons. He owes you that much after freeing him. Having said that, he did warn in his letter when all gifts were granted that every weapon, no matter how powerful, has one mighty flaw:

Its wielder.

As for the forest itself? It can wait. Sharkun can bark his way over here in a few hours. Dwarves are good at running even when carrying a mule like Rust on their back. And you need Sharkun- his might in battle has proven true many times over in Alexia's abode.

The same should hold true here.


@Sharkun: Vision resuming back to normal...

Burning sensation ceasing, but what caused it? Corwin steps back and looks at you in a most quizzical way.

"You alright? You seemed a bit under the weather. Hannibal replied:

Go to the North Gate and follow the road until you find a fork with a sign pointing to St. Noria. From there, you need only to follow the road. Needless to say, avoid heading for the Castello.

Hannibal and the others will be at the entrance of a grim looking forest. If you have any winter clothes, that would be prudent as well."

[remetagross]

Sharkun's mind goes blank as an incomprehensible pain bolts through him. What. He tries to raise to his feet, staggers, and rises again, as much concerned as Drakan or Corwin about what just happened here.

"...I suddenly felt a burn spread through my body...did you feel something like that too, or was I the only one? It clearly felt magical in nature, as if I was hit by a delayed blasting effect. But...I have no memory of someone casting a spell upon my person ever since the fight here." Sharkun immediately proceeds to try and detect magic upon himself. In case some magic appears, he takes all the time needed to concentrate on the cantrip and glean as much information as he can.

Whatever his spell answers, the dwarf then acknowledges Corwin's answer.
"Ah, this is great! I will immediately proceed to reach them. As it happens, desert nights are particularly cold in the Sea of Sands, and the day under the Sun is so hot than one has to cover oneself in thick insulating clothes to prevent one's cooler body temperature to rise up to the temperature of surrounding air...I think my ceremonial garment will do fine as a winter cloth, as it were. Also, the North Gate it not an area I have often wandered around. Could you provide me with some indications as to how to reach it? I will go by foot."

Still dizzy, the dwarf gathers up the strength to put himself into motion. He starts to thank and say goodbye to the Rogues, when one last thought strikes him. He bows to the rogues, and then speaks with a somewhat embarrassed voice.
"Mr Drakan, Mr Corwin, I once again thank you for your diligent help...no need to disturb you, provided the traps that were disabled on my way in are still nonoperational, I remember the path clearly enough. Though, hum. I confess I am far from being a conoisseur in the art of roguecraft, so my next words might appear utterly preposterous to you, and I beg of you not to taie offence for them. But come to think of it, I have been able to, ah, map out how to enter and leave the Den rather easily. Obfuscating the various ways to ingress even more might prove a wise endeavor."

That being said, and after the potential answer, Sharkun exits with or without the help of a Rogue. Following Corwin's instruction, he sets out for the North Gate. If nothing of note happens on the way, he immediately carries on following the trail out of Hamalthan as per Rusty's instructions.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Whatever this was, it caught you totally by surprise.

Corwin sits back down and listens to your words as he looks around the room and you focus on your own self with a very novice divination, registering something strong on your body.

“A spell, you say? You have been fighting below in Alexia’s home. Who knows what you may have caught. A lingering residue is not unheard of, especially in a place like The Mercy.

As for the North Gate... it’s north, Sharkun. Leave the Mercy and take a left. If you’re going by foot, we’re talking hours before you reach it. And that’s getting to the Gate itself- never mind where Hannibal is. Expect to travel out there by sun fall.”

On the matter of cleverly mapping the Den and its traps, Drakan walks you out and laughs.

“We took notice. The boss and Corwin change the traps every so often. Although you may find the Den, getting in isn’t as easy. So relax...

We’ll be fine.”

That’s as much information as you will get from the Olidammarans, but it should suffice: you now have a place of destination. You know where to find Rusty and the others.

Hopefully they don’t get too gung ho and start trouble since you have a long, long walk ahead of... you?

It is the moment you leave The Mercy and its check points that a Cuthbertine carriage, studded with spikes on the roof and painted black stops traffic, as a half dozen mounted guards don’t make it any easier for traffi to move as a cabbie gets out of his vehicle and approaches the carriage.

“Hey! What’s the big idea?! First I have to slow down because of a goddamn mule and now...”

The boisterous can driver shuts up immediately as a window is lowered from the carriage and the man bows his head and retreats back to his vehicle.

The mounted guards mive close to you as the carriage driver opens the door for you and makes sure your weapons are not on your person.

Inside, sitting with a notebook in hand is Dalpinian, who bids you to sit opposite him as he takes out a white silk handkerchief.

“Dwarves and the sewers they like so much. So... enjoy your trip to The Mercy? We figured as much.

The names of those requested by His Holiness. As well as their address. Now.

I do not need to remind you what is at stake, is it?”

[AlanBruce]

@Raikou: It’s getting colder out here.

But if Rusty says Sharkun will be joining you soon, he must be right. He’s never been wrong so far, after all... but the idea of resting isn’t so...

Wait... why are your eye lids so heavy? The cold wind around you takes on a scented lavender smell and that grass looks awfully, awfully... soft.


@Elizabeth: What happened to Raikou?

It’s not like you were walking that much that he just fell face first and the ground and began snoring. You just mentioned shelter. The tiny hut! Sleeping out here like tgat is reckless! You need to...

You need to do... what, exactly?

Wait... where are you?

Who are these people?

Why are you with these people?

And most importantly:

Who are you?!

[Niwrad]

Raikou's eyes start feeling quite heavy. Maybe they had just been waiting at the entrance to this forest for a very long time. A short nap couldn't hurt could it?

Nighty night. Imma take a quick snooze right....

With that the halfling falls asleep, nearly falling off his familiar.

Cyrus is quick to catch him though, and is left quite confused. He looks at the others with a very confused expression.

[dantiesilva]

Sister Elizabeth looks on in puzzlement as Raikou falls to the ground asleep, sure they had walked a good distance, but the sun was still out. There was no way the little halfling should be that tired. Wait is was that halfling, over their sleeping the old woman thinks to herself as everything starts to get a bit foggy.

As the old woman begins to wonder why the halfling was laying on the floor sleeping, with a cloud Why is that cloud not in the sky, it should not be so low this doesn't make any sense. the old woman thinks as she looks around with a look of utter confusion on her face as she stares at the other three figures with her, and her old pale skin turns all the paler as she sees the menacing giant of a man holding a hammer as big as the mule she was sitting next to. By his side was another with wicked looking blades and some shiny armor just standing a little bit taller than herself. His Blonde hair and blue eyes looked the least bit friendly to the poor old woman as she began to grip the reigns of the mule in fear, her knuckles turning white.

However these two vile bandits seemed to have another with them as a third stranger dressed in some kind of dark evil looking robes stood by their side all looking at her. Fear slowly crept into her eyes as they darted left and right looking for some way to escape, no doubt these vile people were thieves who had beat up that poor halfling and were about to steal all the things in the cart she was sitting in. "Get away from him you vile thieves!" the old woman hissed out as she flicked the reigns of the mule she was sitting with as her other hand reached out to grab the staff by her side, golden specks of dust went flying at the thieves somehow. Not questioning what was happening as the mule began to flee pulling the cart the old woman directed it to the 'unconscious" halfling and tried to heft him up into the cart before the thieves could catch up and kill them.


Glitterdust Will DC 17

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: Why the hell is Raikou... Raikou...

How long have you been walking all the way here, as you place your Hammer on the soft grass and a sweet lavender breeze lulls you to profound and pleasant sleep.


@Elizabeth: Who knows how you got here, but these people...

You have no idea who these people are. Kidnappers? Highway men? Murderers? Most likely given their attire.

And how did you get this mule? And the cart- maybe tgat guy with the robes... a mage. They are evil, so the tales go... but from where?

No time to think too much about this. You have a cart. And a mule. You can get away from tgese ruffians, but not before blinding them for their folly, as acloud of multicolored glitter explodes in their face.

[remetagross]

Sharkun pensively strolls out of the Mercy, ponder about this strange magical effect. Drakan suggested a remnant of the battle against Alexia...but I know of no magic that can leave a leftover of such magnitude several days after the battle. Besides, in such cases, clinging wisps of magic do not have any active effect upon their target. Now, I could have to have my acquired knowledge be updated with the seemingly impossible things Alexia manages to produce...if it was a spell, why would it have been triggered?"

That said, Sharkun almost absent-mindedly crosses the border of the Mercy, and enters Hamalthan proper. And, would you believe it, Dalpinian seems to have been waiting for him to ask him questions. Sharkun freezes for a splt second as he recognizes the face of Connor's lapdog, feels a pang of worriness and - You don't have time to conceal the emotions on your face. So make use of them instead.

Sharkun takes place where Dalpinian indicates him, having parted with his guisarme as requested, his voice pleading.
Sir Dalpinian? Your own person here? Were you waiting for my humble person? Is this the summoning his Holiness told me about? And about what is at stake...the High Priestess is. How is she? Was she cured? I left her in a poor state, but Royal Guards assured me she would be taken care of..."

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Could Alexia have done something to you?

Impossible. You fought her and her minions, yes. But that was days ago. No power you are aware of can remain unnoticed on the subject. Not this long...

Of course, none of you expected Alexia to turn into what she did and do what she did to all of you. Something to ponder with the guys once you meet up with them outside this City and...

And Dalpinian, Halmathan's Sword of Justice himself has come to pick you up after your rendezvous at The Mercy. Your weapons are confiscated, of course. Dalpinian may be an inquisitor of high caliber, but he despises getting his hands dirty and only allows his personal guard to wield weapons around him. For safety purposes, of course.

Connor's protege taps the end of his quill on his notebook several times as the carriage moves through the streets and locks eyes with you.

"Dispense with the pleasantries, dwarf. I wish to be with your fetid self close to me for as little as possible. Who knows what diseases you have carried from such a slum...

And yes, you know why I am here, Sharkun:

Whether or not your High Priestess remains safe in her alcove back at the Guest House is solely dependent on your very honest and direct answers. I do not have time to listen to damn rodeos...""

Dalpinian looks out the window as the street lamps begin to light up as dusk approaches and smiles.

"I do have time, however, to order this carriage to go directly to St. Noria. Now...""

Dalpinian tosses you the same printed image of Rusty, down to the very last detail and points at it as the carriage goes over a speed bump, causing the Sword of Justice to tap the roof of your compartment as he composes himself and looks at his notebook.

"The name of that man.

The name of all his associates.

His place of residence in The Mercy... and don't try my patience, bodyguard: I will have you shackled by nightfall and sent to the darkest cell in the Castello, St. Cuthbert as my witness. Now tell me everything I wish to know... speak!""

[remetagross]

Sharkun keeps thinking at high speed, cogs stirring in his brains, as he keeps Dalpinian busy with incessant babble. Still pleading:
"Ah, so I infer from your words that the High Priestess is safe and sound, albeit within your power. And my answers will determine whether your kin sees to it that she remains in good health, or that whatever mysterious disease she has contracted keeps on spreading? Is that correct, Sir Dalpininan? Now, I have to say you have left me but a few hours to start investigating, ans I have not had the time to discover all the information his Holiness required. I did garner some, though. As it happens, leading the carriage towards St Noria would be quite relevant, because this name has currently left Hamalthan today - but he is but a few miles from its borders. In fact, he left by the North Gate, and data I gathered tells me he walked up to St Noria's postsign before turning right towards the forest. As to his motives, I haven't been able to clearly determine them. I think it had to do with retrieving intelligence to defeat a powerful ennemy the Mercy is currently being home to. As to his name...

Sharkun pictures a halfling making the oompa loompa dance, a skeleton carying a keg of ale, a humking human playing music to woo a necropunkette and introducing himself as...

"I have been able to determine he presents himself as one Bob Lovejoy. Though there is little reason to believe that is his real name, insofar as there is such a thing as a real name for him."

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Dalpinian does not look very amused. At all.

As a public servant, and one of high recognition within the City of Power, he must have other far more important tasks at hand.

Mostly the apprehension of mages, a hatred he shares with his boss no doubt. And so, you decide to reiterate what he just said, but with a lot more words as the man seated across you nearly snaps his quill in two.

"His Holiness expects swift action from those under his service. That includes you. Do not think we did not see you heading towards The Mercy shortly after leaving The Palace of Justice.

You are not here to ask questions, but to provide clear answers, Sharkun. That is not your place. So this man left Halmathan through the North Gate. And en route to The Badlands...""

Dalpinian writes this piece of information down and chuckles.

"Well, The Castello will be the very last of his worries at this point. We know he goes by a poorly conceived alias, you fool. Bob Lovejoy is the name we have in countless documents signed by him at Runestone. You still haven't answered my questions:

His real name.

That of his associates.

And his place of residence. Dwarf, this is your last chance. His Holiness believes your lot to be stupid and flawed. I am willing to give you the tiniest sliver of doubt on that aspect alone. Don't prove me wrong and answer directly and truthfully..""

Dalpinian lowers the window and hails one of the mounted guards.

"We are heading towards the Castello. Clear traffic. I want to make it there and back before night fall.""

"Understood, your Grace.""

The carriage begins to speed up as the sounds of guards ordering the traffic to move through whistles and yells resound outside as Dalpinian looks at yo and taps the quill on his note book.

"Your last chance, Sharkun. Test my patience again and you will be considered a traitor to this City.""

[remetagross]

Sharkun breathes heavily. Dalpinian has said nothing about the High Priestess. Ignoring the human's various misbehavings, Sharkun keeps thinking. What to keep? What to let loose? Sharkun makes a decision on the fly and immediately answers Dalpinian with no pause.
"Well, as I said already I have not had enough time to gather all the data asked, but I did roughly pinpoint the location of the man's hideout. Would you happen to have a map of the Mercy at the ready?"

When Dalpinian produces said map, Sharkun takes it and tries to figure out the position of the Bitter Coffee on the map. He then closes his eyes, remembering himself walking from one place to another, assessing the travelling time, the various turns of the path. After a few moments, Sharkun holds the map to Dalpinian, and lightly puts an armored finger on it. He draws a circle, about 100 meters in diameter, which according to his calculations only barely includes the Den.

"This is my first estimate. The more I scout out the place, the more accurate I become, however. Besides, it is rather difficult for me to precisely assess what is where on the map. I would be able to lead some Cuthbertine in person to the place more efficiently."

"As far as names are concerned, I have gleaned but a little so far. Once again, my inquiry is only at a beginning. I have been able to conclusively determine the names of two who have fought with him: a dwarf barbarian going by the name of Folkir, and an illumian cleric of Heironeous named Plaehn. I do not think those are any sort of fake names."

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Dalpinian does not produce a map at your request, but listens to your words as he takes down a few notes as you once again play circles around very obvious questions, mentioning buildings.

The Bitter Coffee, more buildings...

And perhaps, barely. Maybe... the Den. After all, you have never been to Rusty’s place. You have never sat down at their table. That much is clear...

And then that burning sensation, as Dalpinian says something, but you can’t make out what it is and the carriage spins for a few seconds as the Inquisitor raises an eyebrow and taps his note pad.

“So the names of his associates are Folkir and Plaehn and you have gleaned nothing else so far. This fake Lovejoy has no other people working for him and even above...”

Dalpinian shakes his head and pockets the note pad as he looks out the window as the vehicle drives through the City.

“His Holiness would never have time to confer with someone such as yourself. You are a mere bodyguard, Sharkun. A hired hand. And yet, he saw upon you the promise of loyalty and honesty. Dedication to the City that has given you home and harbor not only to you, but to your Priestess...

That is why he asked you to help. To prove that you can turn around. Do the right thing. Answer truthfully.

But in the end, he was right about you dwarves:

You are stupid.

You lack any common sense.

You side with the wrong group.”

Dalpinian opens the window and raises his voice.

“Stop the vehicle!”

The carriage comes to a stop and the guards open the door for the Sword of Justice as he looks at you and crosses his arms.

“Sharkun son of Thrazir, you are under arrest for conspiring against the City by allying yourself with its enemies. As per the powers given to me by virtue of my rank, you are hereby sentenced to prison in the Castello di Santa Noria.

Guard, I want this dwarf cuffed for the rest of the trip.”

And that’s it. Perhaps if you had answered directly, mentioned more immediate names.

Maybe they were testing you, not unlike Alexia. A test of loyalty to the City. To Connor.

A test you clearly failed. Speculations at thispoint, of course, since you are headed to one place and one place only.

And what can you possibly do about that?


@Travis: What is going on here?

Rusty and Raikou both dropped asleep and snoring immediately.

William doesn’t seem to say or do much, but still stands.

The fact that Raikou and Rusty both have fallen asleep all the way out here is bad.

The fact Elizabeth has decided to shower you with the Glitterdust spellis a tad mire worrisome. She is old. And senile as a result, but she isn’t known for talking this crazy and following up with a spell to boot. Not one like this.

[kinem]

"What the hell has gotten into you, Elizabeth?" Travis inquires. I mean, maybe I was recently the one acting crazy, but I wasn't trying to start a trend …

He tries to wake up Rusty, hoping that that warrior's mind has not also gone berserk.

What could be causing this? Arcane pollution? Spores from the plants? I think I once read something like that …

ooc: Knowledge (arcana) [roll0], (local) [roll1]

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: Damn this old hag!

Her spell is annoying more than potentially deadly, but why blast all of you in Glitterdust? Thankfully, Elizabeth is a healer, not a blaster. This conjuration will expire in about a minute, maybe less.

William is as showered in glitter as you. Like you, he has not been blinded by the old woman, so he should be able to take care of himself.

The issue here is Rusty, as you check on his vitals and look at the forest laid ahead of you.

No, this isn’t arcane pollution. For that phenomenon to take place, you’d have to be in a heavily urban area, rife with magical experimentation.

You are far away from Halmathan and the Mercy, which is flooded with that stuff. No, Rusty has fallen to some sort of Enchantment, most likely the same that caught Raikou and is making Elizabeth act stranger than usual.

Question is: whose Enchantment?

[Frendle]

Will watches the Old Woman spew the glitter from her hands like it was a party. “So that’s how that looks from the receiving end, thank goodness I was able to avoid the worst of it.” Watching the others fall, except for Travis, hopefully he retains some of his power from your first meeting.

You can see him looking at Rusty first, then look around trying, no doubt, to figure out….. WTH?

Well, you’re not a mighty arcanist, but in your experience, where there is a magical effect, there is someone wiggling their fingers, or something. Ignoring for now the Old Woman, Will looks toward the forest, “If I was gonna ambush, that’s where I’d be.” Will moves toward the forest, sniffing and scanning as he moves forward, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.



Using Scent while spotting. (Hunter's Sense stance)

Will will move toward the forest for a move action (40') using Spot Skill and Scent.

If he Spots someone/thing he will use Sudden Leap (Swift) to close the distance (If the Jump result allows it) and use a standard to use Mountain Hammer strike. If it is beyond reasonable jump range (20') then he will use the remaining action to move toward it to be in threat range.

If he is next to the target and still has his immediate he will use Wall of Blades to counter any physical attack the next round. If the attack
is going to hit (post to-hit roll) then Will can roll an attack roll and use that result as his AC to see if the attack still hits. (ToB pg70)

Wall of Blades [roll0]



If he smells something without seeing it, then he will take a move action to pinpoint it and if in range of the source he will use Sudden Leap (Swift) to jump at them.


If he neither sees nor smells anything when he gets to the woods he will he will move back to Elizabeth.

Spot [roll1]

Jump [roll2] Tumble if needed [roll3]



If able to attack [roll4] Damage [roll5] plus Mountain Hammer [roll6] Ignores DR

[AlanBruce]

@William: So this is the whole fuss they make about the spell? Boulderdash!

A few colored sprinkles cannot stop you, that much is clear. Travis can deal with Elizabeth and the others. If someone is messing with you, they wouldn't hide in the vast open plains, you would have seen them already...

No, if you were to set up an ambush, you;d hide in that thick forest and that's where you are headed, kukris in hand and your sense of smell heightened to its peak as a cold gale blows your hair to the side and approach the entrance attempting to find someone around...

These woods smell very old...older than anything you have seen back in Halmathan...there! Something unseen moves through the thick branches, but what? Nothing you can leap onto, not from where you are, as the smell dissipates and instead, you all hear a child's voice:

Arhoswch yn ôl, hil dyn! Nid oes croeso i chi yn y tiroedd hyn!

Very high pitched, as the cold winds blow forth from the forest, but who it is and what they are saying? Who knows.

[dantiesilva]

As the vile mage begins speaking to her the old woman covers her ears. "I will not fall for your vile tricks mage. All I need to do is block my ears and not listen to your lies." the old woman says as she watches another of the menacing figures fall. Good she had an ally helping her, but who, wear? Thats when she hears the child like voice coming from the woods and calls out to it in the same tongue, not realizing she was not speaking common.

"Helpwch fi, blentyn o dir, achub fi rhag y dynion drwg hyn." she calls out to the voice, thinking it is her ally and it is warning the others to stay away and leave her alone as she begins directing the mule and cart towards the forest, quaterstaff wacking out at the nearest bandit to her.


Attack roll [roll0] Against whichever "vile" bandit she comes across in her travels
Damage [roll1]
Splinter of time roll a d20

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: The Mercyfire Wood!

You won't allow these vile men to hurt anyone. Not you, most definitely. Whoever has laid these ruffians to rest must be your ally, as the one with the blades walks away from you, like a wild beast, ready to kill whoever is aiding you against these bandits.

And then you hear a language you haven't spoken or heard in a very long time, as you look at the forest and respond in kind, causing a cold breeze to blow from the thicket as the child's voice echoes through the wood's entrance:


Chi ... ydych chi'n siarad iaith ein Mam? Beth ... pwy ydych chi?

Nid ydych yn gelyn, ond maen nhw ...? Hen farwol ... Mae'n ddrwg gen i. Nid yw hyn i chi, yna.

It's a mild sting on your forehead as a thistle drops on your shriveled hands and upon close inspection, it looks like a tiny arrow head, made from amber, which quickly dissolves into pollen and is carried back by the winds into the forest as your memories come back like a cold shower on your old back.

Raikou, Rusty... Rust!

What's going on here?

[dantiesilva]

As the childlike voice once more speaks to her she easily understands the words as her memory slowly begins to come to as a small arrowhead falls in her hand. "Well that is odd, and oh my!" the old woman says as she remembers the childs words and quickly jumps back and forth between common and the language this child of earth spoke trying to get everyone to calm down.


Merch y Ddaear mae'n bleser cyfarfod â thi,
Diolch am fod yn barod i siarad gyda mi.
Fy enw i yw Elizabeth Rose er nad ydw i'n rhannu eu harddwch,
Dysgais iaith y Fam rhag bod yn fyfyriwr o Venuti.

The old woman says as she looks at the others "I suggest you drop your weapons now and stop making sudden movements. A bow, or offering of some kind might go a long way." the old woman says before turning back to the forest.

"Yn hen fel coediog mewn coedwig hynafol,
A yw fel dweud bod gan y plant hyn amynedd."

The old woman says respectfully pointing to the others when she speaks of patience.

Os gwelwch yn dda maddau ein troseddau Duw y Ddaear rydym ni'n golygu nad ydych chi a'ch tir niwed,
Mae'r plant dynion rydych chi'n eu gweld gyda mi yn ffwl ond os ydynt yn ddoeth, byddant yn gwrando ar fy swyn.
Mae'r rhai sydd â mi yn ceisio gwella,
Ar gyfer merched eraill y Ddaear sydd wedi'u dal y tu ôl i'r waliau cerrig.
Helpwch ni ar ein ffordd fel y gallwn achub yr aflonyddwch.

The old woman finishes, pleading with the unseen spirit, though what exactly is being said is unknown.

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: The old tongue, alright...

The last time you heard such language was back in Halmathan, but that seems like ages ago. Who would've thought that more of them lived north of the City?

And if indeed their voices belong to them, how rude would it be not to reply in kind, as you let the unseen child of the Forest know why you are here. Your name and the reason why you travel with these lunkheads.


Elizabeth ... Rose? Fel y rhai a oedd yn tyfu yma.

Rwy'n amddiffynydd o'r tiroedd hyn. Gwyliwr a gwarcheidwad. Ni fyddaf yn caniatáu mwy o'u math creulon i gerdded y coedwigoedd hyn ...

Ond rydych chi a mwy ohonom yn dioddef? Doeddwn i ddim yn gwybod...


@The Party: Whatever Elizabeth has spoken, it has caused the trees to part and bow as they creak and crack and the air grows cold as a swirl of fallen leaves brushes around Raikou and Rusty, causing both to awaken as the voice can be heard in the distance, deeper into the woods:

Bydd hi'n eich gweld chi yn y glade ... ni chysylltwch ddim byd arall a dangoswch barch!

The trees seem to watch your every move as patches of frost gather here and there and Rust the Mule has much trouble navigating the cart- there are no roads here. A tangle of rough roots and hedges and the sounds of distant creatures roaring, chirping and cawing, but whoever spoke, is not making herself known until you arrive at a green glade, barely illuminated from above wirhg ancient stones set around a circle.

A large green tree sprouts from the center as the air becomes a bit warmer and the scent of lavender wafts around, while a female's voice, quite different from the first one, speaks in Common to all of you and a form appears from the tree and relaxes against it as she admires her hands:


https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/the-demonic-paradise/images/5/5c/Dryad.png/revision/latest?cb=20161214171941

"Maia is just a few hundred autumns old. She takes her role as Watcher of Wyrmwood Glade so seriously...

And yet she has much to learn about the outside world. If it isn't men and machines, it's men on horseback...

And if that should fail, a mule will have to do? I have seen two kinds of mortals here: Vile and Stupid.""

The woman crosses her arms and looks at all of you through amber eyes as the wind picks up.

"Where do you fall?""

Knowledge Nature to ID her

[AlanBruce]

@Raikou: Who knows how you were knocked down, but someone just woke you up with the same lavender breeze that that put you to sleep.

And before you have a chance to protest, Elizabeth leads the way into the woods, ancient and brimming with power that you as a sorcerer can definitely feel all over the place. Overwhelming power. Like a clash of shields, thrown into a frenzy in the midst of battle.

And when you see one of the denizens of this place, it is hard not to be reminded of Home.

That green lady is a dryad. Spirits of Nature that at one time were revered as deities on Oerth. Your mentor back in the Sea of Sands, Kaalo the dancer of the Dunes is a dryad as well, but given the harsh lands of the Waste, she is a cactus dryad, however, they shouldn't be too different.

Dryads are, like many fey, whimsical. Some more than others, depending on where they live. In combat a dryad would prefer to avoid it, but if pressed to do so, they can be fierce embodiments of Nature's Wrath. You have seen your mentor drive away Kazym's forces with naught but a flick of her wrist, so who knows what this one can do, seeing as she appears to be alone.

Yet, for all their power, dryads, being spirits of Nature, are bound to an aspect of it. In the case of a dryad, it is usually a tree. Their womb and tomb, should this one be desecrated.

[kinem]

"Greetings, madam. Let me just say that we don't fall on the vile end of that spectrum" Travis says.

[Niwrad]

Raikou has a very nice nap, filled with dreams of soaring through a vast infinite sky. But eventually the cold winds and the brush of leaves wakens the halfling back to the land of the awake and he hears the strange voice from deep within the woods. The language was familiar, and even if he didn't actually understand it, he remembered enough to recognize it as the language of the fey.

His curiosity piqued, Raikou follows the others deeper into the forest until they arrive to the green glade. All the while, Cyrus is untroubled by the lack of a road, and hovers just a few feet above the forest floor.

And when the fey lady emerges from the tree, the halfling knows enough to recognize her for what she is. He slides down off of Cyrus and looks up at the Dryad with his classic friendly smile.

Hello there! I bet you and Maia have never seen a halfling on an elemental before heheheh...

My name is Raikou Stormborn, and the elemental behind me is Cyrus. We and the other gruff-looking types with us are most definitely not vile. Maybe a bit on the stupid side... but we mean you no harm. If anything, I'd like to think of most fey as friends, and I wouldn't hurt a friend.

I'm assuming this is the Wyrmwood Glade we're standing in right now? Also, you're a Dryad right?

Sorry if that was a little upfront, most of my experiences have been with desert Dryads, and they all live in cacti. There's not really a lot of trees there so I think it's cool to meet a forest Dryad.... What's your name?

[AlanBruce]

B]@Travis:[/B] The woman smiles and looks at you from the corner of her amber eye as she gets off her tree and walks around it, disappearing from view.

"Hehehehehee... so if you aren't Vile, then that makes you Stupid. Why are you here, mortal? I recognize those trappings- the robe and the staff- you are a wizard. The last one I saw here was a long, long time ago. Old enough for...""

And then her voice is unheard and she vanishes from view... only to appear right next to you and caress your beard as she chuckles and walks back towards her tree.

"... well, let's just say it's been awhile since a wizard walked these woods. Or flew. Or did anything rather spectacular. But that's, as your people say, Ancient History.

What brings you here? Last I remembered, your people were given quite a lot of land to build a City on top.""


@Raikou: Well, this is more like it!

Enough of monsters and hideous tentacled experiments. This is a true fey and a long time has it been since you were in the company of one, as Cyrus hovers a few feet off the ground and you introduce yourself as the green lady kneels down and grabs your cheeks.

"Oh, you are simply adorable! And what is this...""

The dryad caresses your cheek and for those around you, they can see a glowing imprint of a kiss, which fades back into your skin.

"Oh my! By Verenestra, you have been kissed! And not just any kind of kiss, is it? I sense a powerful fey has blessed you, Raikou Stormborn. Maia! Come see our little halfling friend. Don't be shy, now...""

Above the dryad, a petite girl with gossamer wings appears holding a very ornate bow in her hands:



https://i.pinimg.com/originals/13/1a/55/131a55a536ed4c1d7910680f5a26a0cd.jpg

"She is Maia, Watcher of Wyrmwood Glade. You don't speak the language of the Forest, Raikou? Pity- Maia never bothered to learn the tongue of Man. As for who am I?""

The dryad brushes aside her green hair while her horns catch what little sunlight that seeps through the canopy and blows you a kiss.

"I am Morea Fyrejoy, one of the Guardians of these lands. Known by song as Wyrmwood's Whimsy. A fey, daughter of these war torn lands and born to calm them through song and dance.

But why are you here, little Storm? The Sea of Sands sounds like very far away from Wyrmwood...or The Badlands as humans call it.""

[dantiesilva]

"Yn anffodus, nid wyf yn gwybod beth oedd yn arfer blodeuo tu mewn i'ch cartref,
Nid wyf erioed wedi gadael fy ngwaith fy hun o garreg.
Dyma'r tro cyntaf i mi fentro,
A dim ond fel dewis olaf.
Ond os yw'r hyn yr ydych yn ei siarad yn yr hyn rwy'n credu,
Yna, mae dynol a enwir ar gyfer natur harddwch yr hyn a welwch."

Sister Elizabeth answers the creature of earth respectfully before listening to what she had to say next.

"Os ydych chi'n darian, yna dwi'n ofni am y ffwl,
Pwy fyddai erioed yn meddwl am eich twyllo.
Edrychwch pa mor gyflym wnaethoch chi i gyd syrthio,
Fel storm nerthol gan ddwyn i lawr yr hyn oedd unwaith yn uchel.
Gwarcheidwad, clywch fy nghais,
Dymunwn ddim niwed i ddigwydd yr hyn yr ydych yn ei ddiogelu,
Ac yr wyf yn mudo ar fy mywyd tra nad ydyn nhw mor ddoeth â chath,
Nid ydynt hwythau mor sneaky fel llygod.

Dyna ofnadwy o'r hyn a ddywedir wrthyf,
Ac oni bai ein bod yn dod o hyd i ffordd i atal yr hyn sydd ar fin dod i ben,
Rwy'n ofni mwy na bydd y garreg yn oer,
Os yw uchelgeisiau dyn yn cael eu gadael heb eu rheoli.
Yn rhy hir mae'r coed wedi bod yn dawel,
Lle ar ôl clywed eu cerddoriaeth yn aml yn yr haul,
Maent i gyd wedi eu dwyn a'u casglu gan un,
Wedi'i newid i anghenfilod gan un sy'n galw ei hun yn frenhines."

As the trees begin to part and the little voice calls out the old woman looks to the group. "I suggest you keep your hands close to your sides at all times, we have been asked to follow and not touch anything. Remember this is not our house or even our city, be respectful." she says directing her gaze directly at Rusty at this last part.

Seeing all the trouble Cornelius was having pulling the cart given how he was not walking on a road the old woman got out and helped the her friend find stable footing, pulling when the cart got stuck to try and help Cornelius without touching anything besides what they themselves brought with them.

As the group arrives at the fairy circle (as her father used to tell her they were called in stories) the old woman stopped at the entrance and bowed looking inside before speaking in the old language.

"Merch o ddaear a cheidwad gwirionedd a allaf ddod i eistedd gyda chi?
Y tu mewn i'ch cartref lle mae'r ddaear yn cwrdd â'r awyr, a'r danci afonydd wrth eich ochr chi?"

As Morea Fyrejoy appears out of her tree the old woman seems to be as giddy as a school girl. It had been so long since she had seen a fey, and even then she had never really had the chance to speak with them often, observing them in the park was simple enough. But this was something entirely different as she watched with a slack jaw as Travis and Raikou began speaking to her as if she was simply a normal human being. What on earth were they thinking, they needed to show more respect, manners.....the old woman kept on going on and on before she saw that in fact Raikou had broken the ice quite well, though she wasn't exactly sure how she would not question it.

"O'i gymharu â chwi, rydym fel dail yn y gwynt,
Ni allwn byth ddysgu'r hyn a welwch chi.
Felly, er nad yw'n ddrwg, rydym yn ymddangos mor aml,
Mae barn y marwolaethau yn aml yn fyr.
Felly, pe bai'n rhaid i mi wneud dewis, mae'n rhaid i mi gyfaddef ein bod ni'n ddiweddarach,
Hyd yn oed nid oeddwn yn fy henaint yn gallu cyd-fynd â doethineb Maia.
Er fy mod yn addo i chi hyn yn ein calonnau, nid ydym yn flin,
Mewn gwirionedd, rydym yn ceisio atal salwch a grëwyd gan ddyn trwy ofyn am ei ffynhonnell."

Sister Elizabeth replies to the second guardian, a dryad if what she read was true, though their seemed to be a little more to her than a typical kind. Something she could not place at this time.

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: Once the path has opened and your allies are awoken from their slumber, you address the unseen Vigil while Cornelius Rust trepidates to enter the forest, not fit for a cart, given that there are no roads, only gnarled branches and thick ancient roots:


Dywedwyd wrthyf fod eich math yn byw ar ei gilydd, gan sgwatio fel madarch wedi'i eplesu gan winwydd gwyn.

Pam mae dynion yn arwain bywydau o'r fath? Dw i ddim yn deall. Rwy'n gwybod bod llawer o harbwr yn sâl, nid wyf mor ifanc er mwyn peidio â gwybod y ffyrdd y tu hwnt i'n coedwigoedd, ofnadwy fel y maent eisoes ...

O ran y rhai rydych chi'n cerdded gyda nhw? Pe bai fy saethau yn gallu pwyso'u calonnau, hoffwn beidio â bod yno pan fydd y rheiny o'r coed yn eu hawlio, Rose.

You take a look at the group you travel with and then at the immense forest that beckons you to come in. What did she mean???

And then, you are brought back to your younger years, when the Fey in Halmathan were seen or at least glimpsed at in Glenndale Park. Before they vanished...

No. Before they were taken.

The books don't do them justice though- truly Nature's triumph. Pure spirits of the world, not bound to mortal and moral views. Fey are said to represent the best- and worst- of Humanity's qualities and flaws, but boosted forth a hundred times over. Noble and Graceful one moment, only to become Terrifying and Nightmarish the next, these spirits are best treaded with much care.

Mages back in Runestone are said to have penned volumes detailing how to deal with beings of the Great Beyond, but little effort has been done to understand those living right next door. Hopefully you and the others won't have to learn the hard way, as you let Rusty know not to touch anything as Morea makes herself known.

Wyrmwood's Whimsy listens to your words and looks at her grove and the stones that circle it, raising an eyebrow as she looks at those with you and the mule once you request a particular favor from her:

"Yn marwol, rydych chi'n amlwg wedi byw trwy lawer o gaeafau ... ond digon. Mae cylch dryad yn sanctaidd. Yn fwy felly, pan fyddant yn cael eu defnyddio i gadw'r tir yn gyfartal.

Ennill fy ymddiriedolaeth, un bach, a gallech fynd i mewn un diwrnod, ond hyd nes hynny:

Rydych chi'n sôn am uchelgais dyn? Beth sy'n newydd? Maen nhw bob amser wedi bod yn llawer hyfryd. Yn greedy, heroic ... ac iawn iawn, dwp iawn."

It is however, the last part of your tale that causes Morea to raise her eyebrow.

"Wedi'i gasglu? Pwy fyddai'n eu casglu?

Rwy'n gwybod mai dim ond un Frenhines yn y tir hwnnw- Maira Airdan. Un o'r ychydig farwolaethau a oedd yn dangos gwir arwriaeth ac yn dynodi teitl y frenhines, ond mae gwaedlif o'r fath wedi gostwng dros fil o flynyddoedd.

Fodd bynnag, rydych chi'n siarad am salwch. Uchelgais. Uchelgeisiau dynion. Mae'r rhai yn ddiweddar, onid ydynt?

Pa fath o salwch a ddaw i Wyrmwood?""

[Frendle]

Will hesitates at the edge of the forest, the voice was angry, that much was certain. But….. the owner of the voice has not attacked. Why not? Why speak? Well, Alexia taunted them, so did the other aberrations. Then Will hears Elizabeth respond to the voice, turning back he sees her drop something to the ground. Then a less stressed, more familiar tone comes from her as she continues to converse with the voice.

“Drop my weapons? Are you crazy? I will sheath them however. But be warned I can draw them again at a mere thought.” Gods what kind of madness has he become associated with? Trees, green mists or was it blue? Child's voices, ancient forests. He’d rather be standing on a cobble street dodging smelly autocarriages.

He sheaths his Kukris as Elizabeth continues her conversation and then the trees part and they are led through a forest path of sorts.

Then the tree woman appears, this is all beyond his ken and he wishes again for the familiar sounds and smells of the City. “Probably best to just stand aside quiet like and look, I dunno, competent?”

[Niwrad]

Well, it is quite a long story.... Raikou begins to say once the dryad lets go of his cheeks.

My Master, Lady Choralis of the Ossian Way, sent me to the big city to find a friend of hers, some elven wizard named Archy or something. Any chance he was the wizard that showed up here? The one you mentioned? Anyways, stuff got more and more complicated in the big city I guess, and now it seems finding and saving this elf requires stopping this evil transmuter queen who rules in a giant dungeon beneath the city.

The halfling stops to glance over at Rusty and Elizabeth before continuing, not entirely clear on the next part. We're all working together now to try to stop her, along with a desert dwarf who's still in the city right now. Apparently one of the sources for her power came somewhere from some mine or something out here in the badlands, so we came out here to investigate.

Honestly though, my friends could probably explain it a little bit better.

And when Elizabeth converses with Morea in the tongue of the fey, Raikou looks on quite confused. As they converse, Cyrus whispers to the halfling.

(in Auran)
You lived with fey for a while, why did you never learn their language...?

Raikou shrugs and replies.

(in Auran)
They worked with other races a lot so they were pretty used to speaking in common whenever I was around. Plus I was too busy playing with lightning and blasting salt mummies to bother learning Sylvan.

I suppose if I'm going to help Miss Enchantress find her missing fey I really should learn a bit of it...

Cyrus then looks back up at the Dryad before whispering again to his master, this time in a little lower of a voice.

(in Auran)
Also, is it just me or does this dryad look a little draconic?

(in Auran)
I don't know? I've never seen a dragon in person before and would rather keep it that way. Maybe that's just what forest dryads look like?

[Chimaera]

Things happen in a wild sucession of events, as Rusty is put to sleepin the far corner of his mind. No good nor bad dream this time, as he get up from his short fall and remove a piece of grass from his fiery beard.

"There is yet someone to tell me to be apart from my Hammer", he says and hoist it on the shoulders, following them into the dryad's glade.

Once Elizabeth and the fey start speaking in a weird language, Hannibal look to Elizabeth.
"Do you mind in translating it for us as well? And what about Maira Airdan?", he ask the dryad, having picked the legendary queen's name from the gibberish, "And I'm Hannibal Rust, acting as these pretty folks leader".

"We are travelling away from the City, in hopes to reach a place called Karazyn Mines and werent aware this forest being yours or anyone for that matter. So worry not, Morea Fyrejoy, as we are only passing by and...", he trail off conversation as the small Maia shows up, looking at the tiny fey and stop what he was talking. Been quite a while since he last saw fey like that one (Novistadors not counting of course).

[Frendle]

Will looks at The Mountain Hammer with a wry smile and says to him from the corner of his mouth, "You're not my leader brother Mountain, so long as we are clear on that, you may continue to delude yourself."

[AlanBruce]

@William: She must be crazy if she thinks you'll lower your guard here.

The City, for all its ruffians and bandits, is a well known place to you. Even with the sewer smell. But this forest... this is a new place altogether. Who knows what lurks around, but an unseen child was able to put down two of your men with ease.

Among them, your so called leader.

Rusty isn't the leader. Maybe their leader, not yours, as you stand aside and try to be as silent and capable as possible, but capable against what?


@Raikou: Morea Fyrejoy sits on the grass a few feet away from you, still within her circle of stones while Maia flies around Cyrus, not quite sure if she's ever seen an elemental here before. Or one of his size at least while Wyrmwood's Whimsy looks at your companions.

"The Ossian Way... that is very far away from here. The wild seas of the world, home to mighty fey. Some belonging to Lady Titania's Court. Although I have heard of such a vast ocean, I have never been there.

As for the wizard you mention? Archy... heh. No. An elven wizard did walk these lands, but that was a long time ago. I dare say your friend here is the first human wizard I have seen in many, many moons.

Not that he may be the only one that can muster the powers of one here.""

Morea gets up and walks towards her tree, beckoning Maia to follow as the pixie flutters her gossamer wings and wafts the scent of lavender in the air.

"An evil transmuter queen... that is new. I have heard many tales in Wyrmwood, but the things that happen in your human lands is not my concern. Your desert dwarf... I do not know him, and yet you say that all of that can be found in...""

Morea's stare turns grim as Maia goes invisible.

"A mine? Why do you want to go to such place, little Storm? The Airdan whelp sealed it off years ago. Nothing good comes from a place like that. If any semblance of intelligence was inherited from his great ancestor, it would have been to close that place. And long enough it took him to reach that decision.""


@Rusty: History has yet to confirm you and your Hammer being split apart.

You have always been inseparable... except for that one time when you were indeed separated and had the Hammer stolen by a former Olidammaran turned into an aberration, but that's not something people need to know immediately.

Morea looks at Elizabeth and nods.

"Of course, you don't speak the tongue of the Fey. And rarely do I have need to speak in your language, given that very few mortals come here...

... or leave, for that matter.""

Morea eyes William in a corner and chuckles.

"And are you sure you are their leader, Hannibal Rust? Humans are very strange lot indeed. Not too long ago, a group of them rode valiantly here. Like fools in some childish crusade. They too had a leader among them. I attempted to reason with them, to ask them to turn around...

But of course, humans are too pig headed. All rode in, lances and blades drawn, shields polished to a fine mirror finish...

None have yet to make it out. As for Maira Airdan? Yes, I knew her. If ever I saw a human I could look up to and actually admire, it would have to be her. She liberated these lands a thousand years ago, along with her friends. As thanks, we granted her land for her tribes to flourish...

I have to wonder if your City, the way it is described now to me, is what she envisioned.""

On the matter of the mine and her well being, Morea laughs as a cold wind blows through her glade.

"I do not own Wyrmwood, little mortal! I am a Guardian of these woods, making sure that none encroach upon it...

Of course, that isn't a simple task- Wyrmwood hosts many who would claim these lands as their own. For good or ill, the forest is home to all manner of beings, so in retrospect, I am not the one who ought to be worried about my well being.

But you wish to go to a mine.

You will not be able to. I don't know how to get there and the one who does had to leave her abode. Maybe she's here, in Wyrmwood, but why so interested in a place your King had sealed off in the first place?""

[Chimaera]

Hannibal listen to Will's whidper and to Morea's joke about his leadership and he just laugh.

"As I said, I'm the leader of the pretty folk. That exclude William and Travis here", he says, before turning to the dryad, "And many humans are stupid, yes. But not all. I have yet to insult your kind in any way but I wont. There is no need to generalization as it becomes petty prejudice and that is for those with closed minds".

"Anyway", he says ending the topic, "As much as I would rather stay in retirement and enjoy the company of my lover, there are answers in that mine and we need it to stop this vile transmuter. She achieved something ancient and alien there and is using it to transmute all kind of creatures into aberrations. From human and dwarves as well as those of your kind, so stupid or not we're doing what we believe is right".

He take pause and caress his shoulder, "If you can, could you name the one who know the way to the mines? And do you know what affiliation had those shiny knights?".

[dantiesilva]

Sister Elizabeth can not argue against the points the guardian Maia points out about how humans live, however when she mentions that there are others in the forest that were more dangerous than she the old woman looks worried as she continues her conversation in the ancient language. "I take it not all who reside in this forest are like you, as gracious and beautiful as the morning dew?" she asks curious about what else could reside in these woods, to imagine fey so close to her home and she never even knew about them or anything else for that matter that might reside in these woods. Perhaps her younger brother had been right all those years ago when he had told her she needed to get out of the family business and see the world instead of simply reading about it.

"It is true what you say the greed of man has cost many wars and destroyed many homes. I understand and hope that one day I may prove to be a friend to you so that you can see we are not all the same." the old woman replies in Sylvan before turning to the others and realizing not a single one of them spoke the language of the fey. "Not even you Travis, or Raikou? I am a bit surprised to say the least." the old woman says before agreeing to translate when needed.

"It is a sickness we flee and not a queen of that cloth. Perhaps you know the family name of Ashford from which this "queen" has made her cloth." the old woman says waiting to see if the Dryad knew of the Ashford family before going on. "As a child she took from the mine that which should have never been woken and now uses it to bend all to her will. Changing and twisting all in her view until they can do nothing that they used to. Friends and family no longer matter, memory is replaced to only those that she deems to matter." the old woman exclaims before the others begin jumping in all at once instead of one at a time, so instead of rushing like a human would to have her voice heard, she simply waited for it to once more be her turn.

While she waits she reflects on her choices in life, most paticulary how long she would live if Rusty or William choose to attack one of these fey should they grow bored. After all both refused to put down their weapons when she first spoke, the first hoisting his, and the second making a threat of being able to take them back out just as quickly. If I somehow manage to live and make it back to the cit it will be nothing short of divine intervention I believe. the old woman decides as she continues to wait.

However as Hannibal says they are simply passing through the Dryads home the old woman speaks up quickly. "What my leader means, as he likes to call himself, is that with your permission we would like to continue on our path to search for these mines. Going around the Wyrmwood would take far to long and no doubt we would be more lost than when we began." the old woman quickly tries to recover any offense the warrior may have accidentally made with his statement.

As the tiny Maia goes invisible once more at the mention of the mine, and even the dryad's face seems to turn much darker, and draconic the old woman can tell that something is not right about this mine if it made the fey act in such a manner.

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: With Hammer always in hand and well hoisted over your shoulder, you explain to the woodland denizen your intentions.

Stupid or not, who here is to judge? You have someone that needs to be stopped. And the answers to that lie in the mines, something you let Morea know as she looks at you and then at Raikou while she lies against her sacred tree and looks up at the canopy, while the light of day begins to wane.

"Humans lead such short lives... of course! They seek to make the most of it, is it not? That is why you are the way you are, right? I meant no insult, but well... some of your kind have shown an uncanny knack for it.

And yet, you still want to go and embark upon such quest?

That Mountain... you really want to go there, don't you? Know this, Hannibal:

The place you stand now, as well as where you want to go was the site of a titanic war that shook these lands. I was still growing into my powers as a Guardian, but I remember.

The untold destruction. Power wielded at a scale that no bard could ever put into song. It was in these lands that Mighty Alubastac was finally put to rest... and not an easy battle it was. As a result, your home and mine are still intact, but the resonance of a war such as that still linger to this day.

The powers unleashed in that battle feed the soil, the trees and the very air. As a result, many creatures have made Wyrmwood and the Mountain's bowels their home, attempting to harness such magic as their own. Some have not been successful in harnessing it.

Others...terrifyingly so."

Morea extends her arms to the air and Maia appears as she embraces her much older sister as the dryad looks at you and the others.

"The one whom you seek was already connected to the Mountain since she was born. Just like I am intertwined with leaf, root and bark, so is she forever bound to rock, crevasse and snow...

Daisae Rhinefrost, Proud Protector of the Peak, Daughter of Hleid and Servant of the Rimefire. A daughter of the earth like me. Unlike me, she is no longer in the Mountain. Why did she abandon her home? I do not know.

But I have been told that she was seen wandering Wyrmwood. Lost and bereft of her strength, Daisae will eventually fall for any of those that would hunger after her knowledge and power. If you want access to that vile Mountain, she is the one you must seek.""


Morea kisses Maia on the forehead as the pixie lays to sleep on the dryads bosom and then Wyrmwood's Whimsy looks at you regarding your final question.

"You are asking me about that? I would have expected you and your people to know:

Your King Marcus lead those knights, Hannibal."


@Elizabeth: What could that little pixie mean?

Sure, Hannibal and yourself have faced many horrors back in Halmathan. Mostly in Alexia's manor, but what could possibly lurk in these woods?

And stranger still that Raikou, raised by the fey and mentored by then and Travis, a well known scholar, are utterly unable to understand the fine language of the beings of the woods.

Morea plays with Maia's hair as the little pixie dozes in her arms and addresses your own concerns.

"Men are capable of much destruction and greed. Your tale confirms it so. Greed and Destruction, however, are not flaws present only in the hearts of Men, Elizabeth.

If you decide to venture further in, you will know what I mean.

As for that Ashford you speak of... I know not who they are, but I find it impossible to believe that my sisters and brothers that remained in your lands would fall for people such as the one you describe.

There are many different kinds of fey, Elizabeth. And make no mistake:

Those that guarded your lands are amongst the strongest of our kind. Blessed by the Seelie Court of Summer, they pledged to maintain the Balance in our lands. No power I know of. None that you or any in that City can muster, would ever be able to rein them in and twist them in the way you describe. I simply refuse to acknowledge that...""

Upon mentioning those words, Morea looks down at a sleeping Maia and presses her a bit harder against her chest, in a protective manner.

"I told your leader before: I do not own these woods. I merely watch over them. If you want my permission, you have it. Go find that which you seek, but know this:

Wyrmwood is not a place known for being kind to strangers, or the unprepared. You still can leave. The path back to the plains isn't far.""

[Chimaera]

"Thanks for the information, we'll try and contact this Daisae Rhinefrost", he says to Morea after she finish her tale.

"As you can imagine, I'm not the one here with the better education. Not exactly a brute with a hammer, but yeah", he says shrugging despise the weight of the hammer in his shoulder, "A charming brute with a hammer. Who was this Alubastac? We saw many craters on the way here and now that you mentioned it, could they be due this epic battle you speak of?"

He listen to the final of her speech and scracth his beard, "And what happened to King Marcus? The City of Hamalthan fell to a tyranny ever since he left and, reckless as he may be, he was well loved and loved the City in return. Bringing him back home would help a great deal of those held in the current regent's oppressive laws".

"As for exploring the forest: we are waiting on a friend of ours to meet at the entrance of the forest, so if there is no problem in us camping around here for tomorrow, we'll gladly rest and wait. Did Maia see where Daisae was last seen?"

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: Morea keeps looking down at Maia as autumn leaves fall around her glade and moonlight seeps through the thickets.

"I never went to your so called schools... does that make me a brute too? We are who we are, Hannibal.

As for Alubastac? You have never heard of him? He was known as The Mighty, and for good reason:

Of the many Horrors locked up from the Ancient world, Alubastac awoke to bring forth untold destruction, for destruction is all he knows. A terrifying beast, around whom a cult was created in these lands. His foul progeny is said to still roam around Wyrmwood and the Mountain...

But whether this is true, I cannot tell for certain.

But you have seen his handiwork while walking here. Yes, that is one of the many trails left from the battle that finally put him to sleep. In fact, it is said that in still nights, Alubastac can be heard stirring in his slumber and so, mountains are reshaped by his very whim.

As for King Marcus? That is a good question, Hannibal:

He rode in with twelve valiant knights. Each far more handsome than the next. Of course, the Airdan charm is not lost despite the generations. He would not state his purpose, but merely hinted that he was on a quest of great importance. The kind of tales you would read a child before they go to sleep and some such.""

Maia's gossamer wings flutter on their own accord as she turns around and Morea caresses the fey protector.

"So your City has fallen to a tyrant? I do not know what one would do in such case...kill the tyrant? That is what one does upon an enemy here. Don't you do that there? As for Marcus, he never crossed back through here. If he's alive... he would still be in Wyrmwood. As would his knights.

He is an Airdan, after all. They were all blessed with great strength, amazing charm... and little common sense.

How you find Daisae, I leave that up to you. I hope you have good trackers, though. If you even know where to begin. You may wait at the entrance of Wyrmwood for your friend, but...

He is coming alone from the City? At night... ok, then! I am already rather tired and Maia needs her rest for the coming day. It was nice meeting you, Hannibal..."

And having said that, Maia and Morea both sink into the tree and become a mere outline.

[remetagross]

Sharkun's heart freezes as he hears the sentence.
"Sir Dalpinian, I beg of you...please allow me some more time to continue! I will keep making findings the longer you leave me at it! I am of no use to neither his Holiness nor to yourself while in prison!"

While pleading, Sharkun does not resist being handcuffed. What would be the point? They are surrounded by Eyes in the Sky anyway. What to do then?

Sharkun, still with a desperate face, inwardly thinks calmly. I haven't given away any real name nor any precise location of the Olidammarans, so I hope they will be safe even after my arrest. I must escape before they lock me in, because it will become probably much more difficult if they do. The High Priestess has asked me to carry on helping the Olidammarans, so I will. Now, I need to touch the ground so as to break these manacles...I have to bid my time. Maybe I can try to unnerve Dalpinian?

Sharkun, sitting and handcuffed, now waits for the carriage to proceed to St Noria. He does not tense his muscles to prepare to escape, as Dalpinian would likely take notice of this. Instead, as soon as they have crossed the north gate, Sharkun uses his paladin's graced sight to Detect Evil in Dalpinian.


Sharkun uses his spell-like ability on Dalpinian (it does not require either somatic or verbal components).

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: The cuffs click in and the Royal Guard pushes you back onto your seat as Dalpinian nods and the door closes while the carriage keeps moving forward and the City lights seep through the windows while Halmathan's Sword of Justice reaches into his black robes and takes out a round stone, not unlike those Rusty likes to use and presses it against his forehead lightly, followed by him pocketing it and addressing your words.

"And now you decide to speak? Oh, how bloody convenient, isn't it? You were given ample time, Sharkun. His Holiness knew you and this... Lovejoy traveled together. You were seen talking many times at Runestone. Of course, that would have warranted an immediate arrest the moment we had reason to suspect that man was arming a militia...""

Dalpinian lets that information sink as the carriage stops at the North Gate and one of the Royakl Guards speaks to the men at the border as the vehicle starts moving again and a series of hooded lamps are lit outside, since it is already night time.

"However, you are a Jasidian bodyguard. Protector of a political refugee of considerable status, both seeking asylum in The City of Power and under His Holiness' good graces. He decided to place your loyalty to the test... and what do you do instead?

Bite the hand that feeds you. Like a stray dog. And because of that...""

Dalpinian looks down at his pocket and retrieves another stone as he presses it against his forehead lightly and smiles from ear to ear before pocketing it and pointing out the window as the carriage turns left and rides for about a mile.


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a8/c5/a4/a8c5a4d9c400dc69a2e0038da0c17e82.jpg

"... dogs like you have to be sent to the pound. Take a good look at your new home, Sharkun. The Castello di Santa Noria. Within those walls, you will have a long, long time to reflect upon your life choices, dwarf.

For example, your blindly idiotic decision to abandon your so called liege, Priestess Na'wa for a bunch of nobodies. As far as loyal bound bodyguards go, you must rank at the very bottom of the list. If His Holiness is compassionate, perhaps you might catch a glimpse of her here... perhaps.

In the meantime, should I purchase some lubricant in your name? Seeing how you screwed her over so well..."

The castle is gigantic and you can smell the sea wafting through the cold winds that seep through the windows as the carriage comes to a stop and a guard blows a horn that echoes through the air before a giant drawbridge is lowered and the carriage moves on, quite rickety as it wobbles back and forth.

And as much as you'd like to sense any evil in Dalpinian. Despite his words, their is no wicked flames in his soul. None you can sense, anyway.

Peeking out through the window, you can see a pair of Eyes in the Sky floating above the Castello itself. Not too different from those always circulating around the City and above the Palace of Justice as the vehicle comes to a stop in the courtyard and the doors open for both.

Dalpinian is helped out with much care. You?

You are dragged out as you find yourself in an enormous courtyard and can see the main gate wide open and the portcullis lowered- you should be able to make a run, but what about these guards and those Eyes above? And then barking is heard as a pair of horse sized hounds walk at a slow pace towards all of you:


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ed/5e/57/ed5e57b39260d0932a185aa188f270c9.jpg


Knowledge Arcana (trained) to ID them

Even Dalpinian is taken aback by this sight as he orders his personal guards to create a phalanx around him, with a pair of unmounted guards keeping a close watch on you, of course, already on St. Noria's grounds.

And then the hounds growl and slobber, only to calm down and sit on their haunches and wag their tails as a figure walks in from the front door:


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d6/48/c3/d648c3ec63acb718ba19cdf01c8f3425.jpg

"My, oh my! By the stars above in Heaven almighty!

Halmathan's Sword of Justice deigns to come over to my little burg in the woods? Heh... how are you, Inquisitor Dalpinian? Afraid of the dogs? They don't bite, don't you boys...""

The man is strange. His mannerisms as he walks down the stone steps and the way he caresses the dog's ear as if it were a pup and how he talks, with that sickeningly sweet tone that even puts Dalpinian uncomfortable.

"... unless you have been a bad boy. But I doubt that is the case for you, isn't it. Inquisitor? And is this the one?""

Dalpinian clears his throat as the man walks up to you and checks your trappings and cuffs around your wrists and speaks.

"Hello, Warden. This is Sharkun, son of Thrazir. A Jasidian paladin and priest. By orders of His Holiness, this dwarf is to be sent here and placed in a cell. Regular procedure. I am sure you will have a ball with this one...""

The warden's eyes open up and a tear rolls down his cheek from utter happiness as his shadow covers your stocky frame.

"His Holiness is all too kind and loving! You are a man of faith? That is such a dwindling thing here. And a paladin too? Hahahahahhahahahahahahahhahahaaa....

Hahahhahahahaaa...HAHHAHAAAHAHHAHAAAAAA!!!!!!...AH HH...HAHHAHA...hhhehhee... oh my! Woo, I got carried away here for a second. I take it you are a religious man, then, Sharkun, aren't you? My name is Warden Clavius Aemillius and I too am a religious man.

In fact, I believe in two things: Discipline and the Bible. Here you'll receive both. Put your trust in the Lord....""

The warden's smile changes to a stern look as the hounds snarl lowly and begin pacing behind him while the dark skies are illuminated by the Eyes in the Sky and their giant lenses.

"...your ass belongs to me. Welcome to Santa Noria.""

Dalpinian gets back in the carriage, not before looking at you and smiling.

"Oh by the way... any good books you might recommend?"

[dantiesilva]

Sister Elizabeth listens as the dryad speaks to Rusty, asking him if he had not heard of the mighty Alubastac, and the war that finally put him to rest.

[roll0] on Alubastac and a war

So this war left magical residue that people had been trying to harness for years, it was curious that Lady Alexia had not thought of doing this. Did she see the power as to unpredictable, or simply never knew of it in the first place? The question sat in her mind as she continued to simply listen to the exchange between Hannibal and Morea.


Bard [roll1]
Arcane [roll2] on fey or other creatures like fey that would be tied to a mountain like a dryad is to a tree

As they are told about this Daisae Rhinefrost, Proud Protector of the Peak, Sister Elizabeth looks to Hannibal with a smile. "Well thats a bigger lead than we had when we started out. Now we at least know who to look for, and perhaps once we find her we can help her home." the old woman says thinking it best to help a wayward creature back to its home. After all not everything had to be fought, sometimes it simply needed to be guided back to its home where it belonged.

However as mention of the king himself is brought up the old woman is torn, on one hand saving the king would solve many problems happening in Hamalthan, on the other Alexia would still be a very real threat and this Daisae could be dead if they went in search of the king. "I had no idea the king had come this way, or why he would for that matter. Then again him leaving the city in the hands of Connor makes no sense either so maybe I didn't know him as well as I would have liked. Either way he has twelve valiant knights with him while this Daisae Rhinefrost has no one to help her. I suggest we go in search of Daisae, it may cost us in the long term I know, but saving the life of someone who is lost and in danger is more important then saving someone who already has a great deal of protection and for all we know does not wish to be found." the old woman says to the others, voicing her opinion on the matter.

"I hope you are right Morea I really do because I have seen the many horrible things that child has done, and from what the papers we have found have said she has turned fey into other creatures. I believe Hannibal knows more about this then I however." she says looking to her leader to see if he had anymore to add to what she had already said.

"I thank you for your warning, and because we are supposed to be meeting someone on the road I will follow your warning and wait out on the plains for at least one day for them to arrive. I thank you for your hospitality and hope when next we meet I can bring news of better times around the bend."

And so as both fey vanish back into the tree of their fairy circle the old woman nudges to the others to follow her back the way they came. Once they exit the woods she immediately calls forth a tiny hut and opens the door for them all to enter, even Cornelius and the cart, before closing all the windows and doors and having them magically lock themselves so no random person could just stumble in without her giving them permission.

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: A war...here?

You have been around for a lot longer time than any of these people you travel with and by logic, you ought to have heard something about a war... but no.

There is no tale you can recall about any war that took place in Halmathan or its environs. Ever since you were a child, the Royal family, The Churches and Runestone, as well as its military might have protected the City from any attacks and to your knowledge, no wars have ben waged since... or ever.

As for who Daisae might be... good question.

Fey are spirits of the land. Morea is a dryad, embodying the trees. This Daisae she speaks of is related to the mountains. There are no mountains nearby and fey are said to come in all shapes and sizes. You at least have a name and hopefully, that will be enough to find her in Wyrmwood, if she is still here.

As for King Airdan, well... he is the Rightful Ruler, make no mistake about that.

Alexia spoke of her being the one to rule Halmathan, but in truth, the Airdan family claims such a title. If the King is out here in the woods, should it not be your priority to find him? Probably not:

He has an entourage of knights, after all. He should be fine, right? If he was able to come all the way here, he can ride his kingly self back to the City at any time.

Morea Fyrejoy may have taken your words to heart regarding the fate of her brothers and sisters, but she has nothing to say or show at least that could be interpreted by mortal senses. Your words may have struck a chord, but for someone as ancient as her, such news may take awhile to record in her heart as she and Maia envelop themselves in her sacred tree, safe for the night.

And speaking of being safe, what about Sharkun?

It is already getting late. The moon is partially covered above as you lead Cornelius out into the plains at the entrance to Wyrmwood.

The sounds of the open plains at night is not a safe one. Echoes out in the distance, both from the plains and the thicket behind you herald the awakening of who knows what manner of beasts.

Never mind that the air has gone cold. The temperature has dropped enough to cause the bones in your fingers to ache as you reach into your purse and take out the small crystal bead, reflecting your face in a most distorted manner as you toss it above your head and utter the words of power, to summon forth shelter for the night...

Something is not right.

The crystal bead shatters. The power of the spell is felt coursing through your body. For all intents and purposes, you and everyone ought to be surrounded by an opaque igloo...

But something in these lands has caused your spell to simply not work, despite your mind having expended it.

[Chimaera]

With nothing else he wants to add, Hannibal follow Elizabeth and Cornelius to the entrance of the forest and ignore the old woman's words for the time being.

Once outside he wait for her to cast her shelter spell and watch as it fumbles, looking around and shrugging.
"Maybe try again?", he offers and sit on the grass waiting for her to try conjuring the spell again while he reaches for Corwin.

"At the entrance of a weird forest: Wyrmwood Glade. Ever heard about an Alubastac? Mighty Alubastac, as he was refered. We met with some fey and heard some news about Marcus Aidan, but nothing we didnt know yet. Did Sharkun left already? We'll wait him until tomorrow morning and will resume or travel afterwards".

He blow the cold air and watch as it condenses, almost as if he was smoking or something. That thought lead to Silvana and her deathweed. So, taking the small stone, he reach into the necromancer's mind.

"Camping in the Badlands. How is your journey going?", he asks her and snore, putting the stone back to his pocket.

"Tomorrow be ready to Send for Sharkun. If he doenst answer or dont arrive after an hour after we wake up, we are leaving him behind. We'll look for the lost fey and help her back, but if we get any news regarding the king I'll try to investigate it: saving the king isnt our job, but if we could get rid of Connor then lots of troubles would solve themselves".

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: There is little light showing from the moon up above, covered in dark clouds...

Back in the Den, you had your forge to keep you warm...and Sasha. Out here, in the Badlands, not even a quilt to wrap yourself around as tiny thistles from the forest get caught in your red beard, but nothing too bad.

If only it were a tad warmer, though.

And then Elizabeth botches her spell. Great. What's up with the crone anyways? Her magic tricks usually work.

And while you wait for her or Travis to come up with some form of shelter, you sit on the cart and focus on reaching Corwin, as the sound of large flapping wings can be heard way above you, only to disappear into the night.

Hannibal! You are safe! Good...

Wyrmwood Glade? No, that name eludes me. Much of the lands beyond the City are not known to me. People usually sail from the south and that is how I have met many during my years as a reporter. Like I mentioned when you left: that is uncharted territory for me.

As for Alubastac? Hmmm...

An old tale, Hannibal. Shrouded in myth. I heard it when my mum tucked me in at night. Of a great and terrible monster that used to lay claim in these lands, but the story ends with a Hero of Old conquering the beast. A fitting end for a story to a five year old.

No one has seen Alubastac. Ever. If you believe there is reason to suspect he is around, well... all I can ask is that you don't. I will, on my end, try and dig any of my old books. See if there is anything that could help.

As always, be safe....

The air here is cold, enough to cause your mighty hands to shiver a bit as you blow into them and look at both mages.

They better pull a damn cottage out of their ass soon. Otherwise-

They say mules make good sleeping bags if you gut them right.

And while the robed ones decide what to do, you pick up your Sending Stone and place it against your forehead, communicating with Silvana Castaferni.

Hey LJ! How the hell are you?! Guess what I saw today: a whale!

The captain wanted to hunt it. Something about its blubber ...


Damn word limit! You will have to resume the conversation some other time and... why do you feel so...sad?


@The Party EXCEPT Sharkun: The cold around you intensifies as Elizabeth fails to provide shelter and then all of you, except for Cornelius hear someone singing from Wyrmwood. Has to be.

Whoever it is, it's a song that pulls at your very heart strings. Someone is alone. Lost and very afraid in the depths of this ancient forest.

Someone that may very well need your help.... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgFpHs5dGdg)

You did come here to find a cure. And now, you know you must rescue someone too. You must head towards that song. As heroes, it is your duty!


Everyone roll a Will save

[AlanBruce]

@Raikou & Rusty: Screw the camp!

Someone is in dire help and only you can give that lovely voice assistance. Be it on short stubby furry legs or tall armored ones, both Storm and Hammer sprint towards Wyrmwood Forest, ignoring any path little Maia may have guided you earlier and cracking through roots and branches and getting leaves in your mouth and face, you watch all manner of owls and other birds of prey of the night hoot and caw as they watch both as mad men race blindly in.

That poor creature cannot be far... you must rescue her! Nothing else matters here.

And the fools that would attempt to do that would face severe agony at your hands.

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty, Cyrus & Raikou: Exhausted from running who knows how long, you stop to catch your breath in the moonlit forest of Wyrmwood and look around at the splendor of she who sings that majestic song:


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/01/b7/6d/01b76dfa7b7c458f1a3d2875283aa2c9.jpg

Your heart grieves for her. That much is clear as tears run down her cheeks and yours as well as she extends her soft hand towards all three, beckoning to free her...

Everyone so affected suffers the effect of a Crushing Despair: Each affected creature takes a -2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, ability checks, skill checks, and weapon damage rolls.

This, of course, is not inherently known to any of you:

All you need is to save that beautiful sylvan maiden.

[Chimaera]

Rushing through the wood, Rusty keep listening to the song and cries for help: someone is desperately in the need of a hero!

Once he finally catch sight of the trapped sylvan lady, Hannibal huff and puff from the armored dash and look to her.
"Worry not, fair lady! I'm here to save you!", he says and takes a final sprint towards her, reaching for her hand.

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: You have seen many people taken and in peril back in your home.

You won't allow the same fate to befall this Maiden of the Woods! Raikou and Cyrus are here. They too have heard such sad song. It is your duty as knights to rescue her and so, you walk towards the trapped sylvan beauty and reach out your hand towards her as the woman smile.

A pleasant smile at first... only to distort as you are struck by a brutal branch, carrying no small amount of malevolence!

25 damage plus 7 Vile damage

You are knocked back several feet as Raikou and Cyrus keep walking towards the sylvan femme, but that attack has allowed you to see what it really is:


https://img00.deviantart.net/6f1d/i/2013/102/7/0/lothorewyn__the_corrupted_by_velinov-d61epzj.jpg

By Olidammara... what has taken root in this forest? It's a tree- a very big one, with branches extending out twenty feet across its glade, but it is unlike any tree you have ever seen. It looks intelligent, evil...and very hungry.

Raikou and Cyrus have not taken notice of you being knocked back as they keep moving forward.

How do you beat a foe like this?

Roll Initiative

[Chimaera]

Seeing that he have once more fell for some sylvan creature's spell, Hannibal bite his lip and focuses on the pain of it.

He spit on the forest floor a mix of spittle and blood and look at the creature's real form, all sadness washed over and exchanged for the desire to cut it down and making a great firecamp with it.

Removing the Crushing Despair effect.
He gains +2 on attack rolls until the end of his next turn

"Raikou! It's a trap!", he shouts and get ready to slap the senses back to the stormcaster should he proceed further to the tree.

Giving Raikou a punch in an attempt to break the enchantment if he moves away from me.
[roll0] dmg [roll1]

[AlanBruce]

@William: That song cannot be a good thing, especially given how Rusty, Cyrus and Raikou have taken off like mad men.

And sure enough, it becomes clear that it wasn't some damsel in distress calling them... but instead, some monstrous tree. One that has taken no problem in smacking Rusty around with long wicked branches and left a black wound upon his body.

Raikou doesn't seem to be aware of the situation, despite Rusty being struck. Neither does Cyrus as the creature keeps singing and slowly raising not one or two... but five long wooden roots from the ground as it prepares to turn them into a late night snack.

Round 1


@Rusty: Damn that hurt!

No wonder nobody comes to these woods anymore. Morea hinted that things here could get bad, but not this bad. At any rate, you need to get this damn grief caused by the tree away as your inner will power breaks any deleterious effects on you and without a second thought...

You punch Raikou.

Now normally, that would work, but Raikou, hurt as he is... he's not responding to your gauntlet. That stupid smile on his face means he's still under that thing's influence!

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=234905)

Rusty
William
Raikou & Cyrus
Rootmaw, The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood

[remetagross]

Ah Sharkun listens to Dalpininan's cheerful condemnation, he feels in himself that the Stern Lady has granted him the power to break apart mountains themselves...as long as he touches the ground. The dwarf pays a great deal of attention to the layout of the prison and the portcullis, trying to memorize it to favor a later run. Keeping his vanquished face, Sharkun exits the carriage and purposely misses a step, so that he falls prone, his body turned on the side, and towards the carriage. NOW! As quickly as he can, while making moaning grunts about how he hurt his head, he summons the power of the Earth to snap his cuffs on the spikes that cover his leg armor.

Regardless of whether he succeeds, Sharkun moans again and painfully turns his head around, trying to keep most of his body - his hands especially - towards the carriage. The dwarf witnesses the Warden - Nine Hells, he is putting even Dalpinian at unease and his monstrous hounds - Probably of a lower threat level than a Kerberos, but higher than an ex-Olidammaran Choker and hopes really really hard people have just thought that since dwarves are so stupid, clumsy, etc he has just stupidly missed a step.


Initiating Mountain Hammer: attack roll [roll0], damage roll [roll1]. This ignores damage reduction and hardness. RIP the +6 bonus from Arralae's hair :(

[Niwrad]

Raikou and Cyrus are still enthralled by the horrific tree's vile enchantment.

Eyes glazed, the two continue to move forward towards the strange forest maiden. The halfling barely even notices Rusty's metal-clad fist as he delivers a solid blow to the face.

Come back here pretty lady! We're here to help you! I'm a friend of fey. Please tell me why you're so so sad? What can I do to help? Anything? Anything at all?

Also... what's your favorite color?

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: So this is the infamous Castello...

Many people have been sent here. Not a place you definitely wish to end up in. Especially when the demented and twisted Warden Clavius and his horse sized hounds come out to greet you, Dalpinian and his contingent of Royal Guards.

The fact that the Eyes in the Sky are shining their light down on all of you isn't much of a comfort either, but at this point, you can either surrender and leave the others to their own devices...

Or you can break free and leave this hellish prison. Yeah, that sounds like a far better plan as you look at the open portcullis, the way out of this place.


It's about a hundred paces from where you are. Then, run like a mad mage across the bridge and then head to the plains... oh boy. If by any chance you manage to pull this off... may Wee Jas smile upon you now.

Warden Clavius raises an eyebrow as you feint hurting your self and falling down.

"Really? You are hurt already, dwarf? And I haven't even gotten started... huh?""

It's a one chance in a million, as you cement your feet on the ground and with a grunt, bash your knee against the cuffs holding your wrists, causing pieces of them to fly in slow motion while Dalpinian's eyes widen before he boards the carriage back to the City and the Warden takes a step back while the hounds snarl and bark in your direction.

"Oh my! Inquisitor Dalpinian, it would seem your prisoner has still some fire left in him!""

Halmathan's Sword of Justice immediately calls his Royal Guards to for a phalanx around him- he would not want to be close to any kind of scuffle, but he and his men walk closer to the warden and his hounds as the Eyes in the Sky aim their search lights down at you.

"He is stupid. Like all dwarves, very headstrong. A very useless trait of their race. Sharkun, you really think you can leave this place?""

You have to at least try.


Round 1

Dalpinian looks up at the imposing machines and then points at you.

"Open fire! I want to see nothing but a stain left of that Jasidian!""

The Eyes in the Sky lower their altitude and you can see they sport some heavy looking turrets attached to their sides and bellies as these begin to rotate slowly at first...then very quickly.

It's the Warden who looks up and shakes his head.

"Not in my castle, Dalpinian. I won't have my courtyard blasted because of a single unarmed dwarf. Give my hounds a boost:

They will take care of him.""

The Royal Guards sheathe blades, but stay close to the Inquisitor as the Sword of Justice holds his holy symbol, mad eof pure gold, and an emerald aura envelops himself, the guards, the warden and the Hounds.

Righteous Wrath of the Faithful

Warden Clavius smiles smugly and takes a few steps back as he swings his baton and points it at you while both canine beasts snarl and fix their red eyes on you.

"Go fetch...""

On cue, both black dogs sprint towards you and one bites your left arm, nearly tearing off in the process, but never intent on letting go.

19 damage plus Improved Grab DC 20

The second one goes straight for the jugular as more of your precious blood spills on the courtyard.

19 damage plus Improved Grab DC 28

Clavius crosses his arms and looks at Dalpinian.

"St. Noria's Hounds are of the finest breed. No man- or dwarf has yet to escape their grasp. This one is going to learning the folly of his actions as we speak...""

These damn dogs sure can bite as their red eyes fix on you. A few priosn guards also strat pouring out of the main door. Not as tough looking as Dalpinian's entourage, but with them, the dogs and those Eyes above...

How will you get out of here?



Dalpinian
Royal Guards
Warden Clavius
Hounds of St. Noria
Sharkun

[AlanBruce]

@Raikou: Such a pretty lady...

You move closer towards her and, despite Rusty clocking you in the face, you choose to ignore the Hammer brute. Such a sorrowful maiden, trapped in this vile forest...

You need to rescue her, no matter what, as both you and Cyrus walk and fly closer to her, just barely reaching out to her...

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=234908)

Rusty
William
Raikou & Cyrus
Rootmaw, The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood

[kinem]

When Elizabeth's spell fails, Travis frowns. Great, more interference with magic. He tries to figure it out and tries casting his own Rope Trick spell.

OOC: knowledge (arcana) [roll0]

Will save vs song [roll1]

[remetagross]

First part of the plan, success. Now...

But now Sharkun feels himself rapidly overwhelmed by the two monstrous dogs. Without Arralae's blessing, he fully feels the pain of each of these bites. The dwarf miraculously manages do dodge their latching fangs, and finds himself free, but surrounded by a powerful warrior cleric, two oversized canines, a squad of Royal Guards, two flying drones equipped with rapidfire weaponry, and most terrifyingly, the Warden, of whose capacities Sharkun has no idea but who manages to bend Dalpinian to his will. If only we had set foot before the portcullis...

Turn oneself to those. Submit oneself fully to the laws of people on par with the Lord of Fire as far as inhumanity goes. Sharkun feels a part of him breaking as he does the sensible thing and raises his hands. Caring not to look at the Warden in the eyes, Sharkun forces himself to gurgle a few burning words
"...I surrender. It was just a ...fit of panic."

[Frendle]

Will follows his comrades into the forest. “It’s just music, I’m not an expert, but can Bard’s do that?” He shakes his head, no matter the source, he must follow them or consign them to whatever fate awaits them.

As they come to their destination, “Oh good lord Hlal, a TREE? Really? I hate nature.” Then he glances down at his Kukris, “Well, you don’t like the right tool here, and after all, I did just buy an axe, and an axe is the right tool for a tree.”

He runs at the tree thing sheathing his Kukris first then drawing his Great Axe and as his body is briefly outlined with the contours of a great cat, he gathers himself for a tremendous pounce, and in the blink of an eye is on top of the enemy, slicing it twice.



Full Round action - Pouncing Charge

First move sheath Kukris

Second move draw Great Axe

Free action - initiate Shifting class ability +2 Str 7 rnds, 2 - claw attacks 1d4


First charge Attack - [roll0] Damage [roll1]

Second charge attack - [roll2] Damage [roll3]

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: So far, you have been too reliant on the powers of that hair strand...

But that power does not bless you now, as the cuffs shatter by the power of your training, only for St. Noria's Hounds to leap upon you as their jaws rip at your flesh and the light from the Eyes above nearly blind you as the smell of your blood wafts into your nostrils...

At this rate, you will be a dead man before you can even cross the portcullis and make it to the Badlands themselves. How can you face opposition of this caliber? No, there is only one thing you can do now..

It's a single clap that causes the Hounds to release you and step back while a Royal Guard opens Dalpinian's carriage.

"He is all yours now... good riddance. And Sharkun:

Defiant to the very end. Dwarves like you belong in a mine, not a City. Good bye.""

Still on the ground, you watch the black carriage ride away as the portcullis is raised and the gates close while several dozen prison guards take out heavy looking batons and Warden Clavius smiles smugly as he stands back with his black hounds and the guards smile crookedly as they circle you.

"A defiant spirit is a disease, boy. Here, you will learn the sacred tenets of obedience. Out there, in the City of Power, you squandered your freedom by making poor choices.

Look at this as your Atonement from a life of sin and bad decisions. Show this inmate St. Noria's warm welcome..."

You stand up and know what's coming.

You attempted to break free from Halmathan's maximum security prison. At its doorstep. This, the good warden will not have, as they gang up on you.

Sure, you are able to punch a few. Dodge a few others, but those batons hurt like hell. And they aren't fighting fairly as ribs, jaw and neck are cracked under the weight of Oppression and Tyranny as a few of them are struck in return, but in the end, the warden and his hounds appear sideways as you hit the ground and all becomes darkness...

What comes next is a blur.

Water being gushed on your body in some dimly lit and stink ridden bathroom.

Your belongings stripped apart.

Your body dragged across dark halls amidst the laughing and wailing of who knows how many trapped souls.

The feeling of being lifted and the tight chains around your wrists...

Who knows how long you've been out, but the room you are in is somewhat big for a cell. No windows, but a single table on the opposite side of where you hang, since your feet are about five feet off the ground, held up by a thick chain as the lone metal door unlocks and in come a couple of inmates, wearing tattered orange suits and set up the table with a fine white linen, expensive looking porcelain plates and silverware. This comes along with a fine looking bottle of wine, a silver platter with roasted duck bathed in orange sauce and a side of wild berries, as the inmates look up at you and lower their heads before a black dog, smaller than those outside, barks at them and they stand at attention while the Warden comes in and one of them helps him get the chair as he sits and one of the inmates uncorks the bottle for him and pours him a glass.

"You are finally awake, Sharkun! I imagined you'd be hungry, so I decided to have dinner here. I hope you don't mind the company?""

The dog sits by his master and seems to smile at you- an almost human smile as Clavius cuts his duck and takes a few bites, savoring each, followed by a glass of wine to wash it down.

"You sent four of my men to the infirmary. No small feat for such a small man. Cannot say I am not impressed. A paladin of Wee Jas graces St. Noria. That is something indeed.

You surely must've done something amazingly stupid to upset His Holiness back in Halmathan. But let that be in your past, son.""

Warden Clavius cuts a fat piece of duck and tosses it to the ground as his dog wolfs it down in one bite.

"This is a House of Redemption. Not unlike the churches in the City. As you have noticed, I had no other choice than to string you from the ceiling, seeing as how you were able to break the manacles with such ease. I want to know why you are here.

His Holiness sends the worst of the worst to my domain. For that, I am thankful: it is my sacred duty to... correct these wayward souls into the Right Path, But a paladin? Why would a paladin end here?""



@Travis: Magic fails here too? No...

It didn't fail. What that fey said... these lands. You have read about this phenomenon back in Runestone.

They are known as Wild Magic. A rare occurrence, to be sure, Wild Magic may spontaneously emerge because of the whimsical nature of the land itself. Without prior warning.

Other times, it is a response from the earth itself to a site of tremendous arcane firepower. Battles that relied heavily on Magic and blasted the land with all manner of spells, both arcane and divine, warp the fabric of reality itself, creating an area not unlike arcane pollution, but at a far more massive scale.

The effects are random. They could be as annoying as a spell not working- Elizabeth's case- or the spell working in ways the caster never even thought possible, for good or ill.

This effect not only translates to Magic itself, but to those that live in areas like this one. In time, denizen of Wild Magic Zones may develop traits normally not encountered in other creatures of the same species.

In time, those that live in a Wild Magic Zone can develop ways to mitigate these effects. But we are talking years. In your case, it's not even been a full day.

And with that knowledge, you get ready to cast a sanctum spell of your own before a heart wrenching song pierces your mind and like everyone else, you leave cart and mule behind and run into Wyrmwood under the fall of night, attempting to save whoever is in trouble.

You can see her, a beautiful maiden trapped in a tree. Despite Rusty's words, you care not for them:

All that matters is saving this damsel. And after all...isn't that what heroes do?


@William: Everyone's gone crazy!

But the crazy follow the insane and so, you do, keeping Rusty, Elizabeth, Raikou, Travis and Cyrus close as they walk towards... a tree? No, this isn't a regular tree. It just smacked Rusty good.

Damn trees want to kill you now? Heh, that's why you have an axe!

Running towards this wooden monstrosity, you welcome the wilder side of you and hack at it with all your might...

Only for this thing's bark to be extremely tough. Not a single hack went through!

And then, with everyone close to it, the massive tree uproots itself and moves back just five feet as it's five branches rise, with two of them sporting wickedly long claws...

And one of the branches strikes you brutally across the face, nearly cracking your jaw!

29 damage plus 7 Vile damage


@Travis: You are about to reach out to the heavenly maiden and she to you...

When her face distorts and you see the true horror, but too late indeed it is to avoid it.

30 damage plus 7 Vile damage


@Raikou & Cyrus: Both feel a soft caress... but not really.

22 damage plus 7 Vile damage vs Cyrus


21 damage plus 7 Vile damage vs Raikou


@Elizabeth: Cornelius can wait...

You need to help that poor soul from her predicament. Nobody must face entrapment. You of all people would should know best...

And then you realize the painful reality of things.

20 damage plus 7 Vile damage


@The Party: Rusty was right... it's a trap!

There is no maiden here, just a horrid looking tree. One that has hit all of you, leaving dark painful splinters on your wounds as the creature laughs and shakes its black leaves, causing an immense gale of icy cold wind to blow from its entire body, attempting to blow you away or keep you from getting closer as it speaks in an old and hollow voice:

"Humans are still as weak as always... how long has it been since last I ate one? Hehehehehehheeeee.....!"

Fortitude DC 30. If failed, results as follows:

Small creatures are knocked prone by the force of the wind.

Flying are blown back 40 feet, such as Cyrus

Medium creatures are unable to move forward against the force of the wind

*Since you have all been hit, Crushing Despair penalties no longer apply.

Whether blown away by this thing or not, it's your call:

Fight or flight.

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=234926)


https://i.imgur.com/N7LmpPJ.png




Round 2



Rusty
William
Raikou & Cyrus
Travis
Elizabeth
Rootmaw, The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood

[Frendle]

Will really, really hates trees.

“Well folks, we might as well not stick around here. Take a licking and run. Cause that’s what I’m gonna do right now.”

Then, putting words to action, Will turns on his heels and sprints away from the killer tree and back to the safety of the plains, and doesn’t intend to stop running until he is a good half mile from the forest.



Full round action - Withdraw - run directly back the way we came 160'

[AlanBruce]

@William: Damn nature.

Damn trees! There is a reason why you are a City boy: not even the park back home is a place you like strolling through. And this right now? This is why you avoid them.

Hopefully the others will follow by example as you turn tail and run through the thicket, away from this horrific bark laden enemy as the tree keeps howling and blowing gusts of cold air.

"What is wrong, little mortal morsel? I thought you were going to cut me down...and now you run away? I do not think so!""

It's a brutal slap on the back as you spit some more blood and keep running, never intent on turning back.


50 damage plus 7 Vile damage

That hurt, as the black splinters sink into your wounds, making the pain that much worse, but run where? Is there a way out of this damn forest? The others were ensorcelled by that thing's song.

If only you could track your way back out to the plains...

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=234928)

Rusty
William
Raikou & Cyrus
Travis
Elizabeth
Rootmaw, The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood

[Chimaera]

"Guys! Get out of there!", Rusty says as the windforce keep him from getting closer, "And quick!"

Rusty will wait everyone leave the battle. If everyone manage to, he'll leave as well.
Else he will keep on the battle on total defense this round and SP of 5 for 10 temp hp

The wind blow Cyrus away from his master, whom trips on an oversized root and fall head first on the ground.

"Get them out of there, Travis!", Rusty shouts through the winds, as Elizabeth wait for Travis action to take them out or, barring that, run (away) to the hills along Rusty and Cyrus.

Regadless if Travis teleport them out or not, Cyrus fly alongside Rusty and away (toward the place they teleported to, if in sight).

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: This isn't good!

The wind that tree emanates is too strong for anyone to even reach him, as Cyrus flies back several feet past you and little Raikou drops on the ground, being small...and at the mercy of this creature.

William seems to have the right idea, as he is already even further away from all of you and clearly suggesting an escape.

The only way to escape now is using Travis- he is the wizard in the group after all. And then something unexpected happens....

@Raikou: Struck by the massive tree and with those winds threatening to blow you away, you immediately cast a spell of your own upon your body, the arcane surges attempting to keep you on your feet.

The spell works, but you are still unable to resist the gale force winds from the tree. However, something else happens, as Wyrmwood reacts to your casting and your entire body vanishes from view from everyone present.


Caster is permanently invisible until remove enchantment is cast him.

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=234969)

Rusty
William
Raikou & Cyrus
Travis
Elizabeth
Rootmaw, The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood

[AlanBruce]

@The Party: Whether blown away by this tree's wind or smacked down by its terrifying branches, one thing is certain:

You must flee!

Elizabeth may be able to heal you later, but not here. And so, she runs towards William's direction, nearly tripping over the uneven root laden ground.

Raikou, unseen by everyone, gets up with a grunt and moves his shirt furry feet as far away from the enemy as he can.

Rusty, a bit further away from this monster, does the same, which leaves Travis next to the horror of this glade as the beast moves its immense wooden bulk, uprooting itself and ignoring the mage for now as it moves a bit closer to everyone, but still at a considerable distance, as the trees and roots begins to rumble and shake around our fleeing heroes.

"You are NOT escaping me, mortals! Once you have fallen for my Song, you are now MINE! Wyrmwood, hear my call! Brothers and Sisters of the Frozen Woods, hold my prey...!"


@Elizabeth, Cyrus, Rusty & William: The ground shakes as the wicked tree laughs and dark roots entwine and slither around you, holding you fast in place! That thing has the abilities of a druid too?

But more so... this spell- all too familiar to you- carries a malignant vapor to it, as it seeps into your minds and attempts to make everything you know grow foggy.

Reflex DC 18 or become Entangled, as the spell.

Additionally, each PC that fails the Reflex save, roll a Will save DC 18 or forget all names, including their own name. This lasts until a person calls target's name or a break enchantment is cast.

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=234971)

Round 3

Rusty
William
Raikou & Cyrus
Travis
Elizabeth
Rootmaw, The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood

[dantiesilva]

As the old woman flees this monstrous tree she cries out in horror as it casts a spell much like a druid in the parks back in Hamalthan would be able to do, which causes her to almost lose her balance and fall. "Cursed creature, I really didn't want to do this but I guess I have no choice." the old woman says as she uses the ankelts on her feet to teleport 10ft. away from the creature and to the edge of the field of vines, and before they can grab at her once again she quickly steps out of the field and looks back to see how the others were fairing.


Swift to use Anklets of translocation to move south
Move Action to run 30ft south
Standard Action Darts of life to gain 10 darts and possibly bad wild magic

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: No wonder nobody comes to this place!

That wound will take more than just a potion to clean up- that tree is truly wicked, but resting in this grove will prove your doom as the roots wrap around you and were it not for your anklets, they would still hold you in place as the others struggle and Raikou...

The halfling's gone.

Moving as far back from the mess of animated vines and roots, you ask Zodal to grant you one of his most powerful blessings, as Wyrmwood itself seems to breathe out a sigh in response and your body feels tingly all over as several white feathers orbit around your head and around you, not too far...

Flowers spring in full bloom, as if Spring had come.

An odd occurrence, to be sure... but other than that, you are fine. Or as fine as you can be in some ancient forest, away from the safety of the City.

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=234972)

Rusty
William
Raikou & Cyrus
Travis
Elizabeth
Rootmaw, The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood

[kinem]

"Stormy!" Travis shouts as Raikou vanishes. Teleported? Dead?

Seeing the party attempting to flee and the slow movement of the tree, and wary of casting spells here, Travis tries to distract the monster with acid.

OOC: attack [roll0], damage [roll1]

[Chimaera]

"Goddammit, Travis! Fall back!", Rusty shout to Travis as the mage remains standing still in open defiance to the tree. For Baator and its many Hells, how could the mage survive the onslaught the tree would send his way if even Rust (the charming man, not the mule) would barely keep standing?

Hearing the olidammaran cursing, Raikou decide to intervene to save Travis, taking the wand of Benign Transposition and playing conjurer once again, trading their leader with the mage. He keep moving invisible away from the tree and towardds the others.

"Wait for me guys! I'm still here, but invisible!"

Targeting Rusty and Travis

Cyrus try to pinpoint his master, but failing at that, fly above the area of the Entangle and away from it.

"Are you sure you didnt shrunk to the size of a mosquito, master?", the elemental wonder as he fly towards Elizabeth.

Hearing the retreat order, Will dissapear in a puff of shadows and appear besides Elizabeth. Everyone should be here by now, but why are some of them going back? Is they still under lure of that tree?

Using his teleporting maneuver to get away from the field of roots and together with Elizabeth.

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: The others are gone, far away from danger.

Raikou has most likely been evaporated and although you could escape and run like the others, you will let this tree know your wrath, as you conjure forth a mighty glob of acid and hurl it at the immense tree, striking true, but not really bringing him down.

A small chip of bark may have melted, but other than killing it, you have made him mad, not hurt.


@Raikou: So this is what this place does... neat!

You are hurt, yes. But now nobody can see you- which in battle may have amazing advantages... but no one will ever be able to look at your face. Not unless they use magic. Oh well, tim,e to use some of your own since Travis decided to play hero as you announce your presence to the others and take out your trusty wand as William shrouds himself in shadows and reappears next to Elizabeth, past the entangled mass,

Cyrus hears you, but cannot see you, as he flies well over the roots and joins the others.

And then you wield your wand, tapping into its dwindling arcane resources...and it becomes apparent that Wyrmwood reacts to it as both Mage and Hammer writhe amidst the white light of the spell, which crackles with multicolored sparks and indeed switch sides...


@Travis: Saved by... the hoof?

Why do you feel so shaggy? And what's with a burning desire to eat grass all of a sudden...and prance around the woods?

The entangling roots attempt to hold you down, and they still might succeed, but why can't you move your arms around?

Travis' new stats until further notice. (https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Deer_(3.5e_Creature))


@The Party: What happened to Travis? Is that him? if it is, he looks somewhat more majestic than his usual self.


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/50/5d/1a/505d1abb49474c37f23b50a195c4116a.png


Doesn't look like him. But is he? And if it is him.... where's Rusty?


@Rusty: What the cluck?!

Seriously? This?


https://wow.zamimg.com/uploads/screenshots/normal/512819-chicken.jpg

If that tree looked big before, now it's titanic next to you. Might as well lay an egg from fright!

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=235009)

Rusty
William
Raikou & Cyrus
Travis
Elizabeth
Rootmaw, The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood

[Chimaera]

Rusty watch as his red hair become a red crest and watch as his equipment and items meld into his now feathered shape.

"Poo po?", he ask in chicken and look around, "Pooo! Popopopoh!"

Not really interested in staying for dinner (specially now in a much more yummy shape), Roosty the Rooster dash at the forest at top speed. Which really isnt much.

Running x4 (not impended by armor anymore, yay) for a total of 40ft towards the party.
Making a Jump check DC 10 to add 10ft to the distance made.

His new Jump check modifier is: 14 (ranks) - 12 (slow speed) - 5 (Str 1)and no armor penalty for a total of -3 modifier. So although he CAN Take 10, it wont be enough to help him.

[roll0] DC 10
If uscessful, he mvoe 50ft away from the tree.

[remetagross]

Sharkun painfully awakes. His whole body aches, he can barely feel his wrist anymore as they bear his entire weight, and he is covered with various bruises and cuts. His lower lip is enormously swollen from a blow he received during his beating. His foggy mind has a hard time processing anything else than pain and discomfort. The voice of the Warden comes as a hazy noise to his ears. It takes him long seconds to muster the concentration required to realize he has been spoken to, and to understand the meaning of what has been said. The dwarf slowly raises his head to try and see the scene before him.

Ah. Warden Clavius, eating fine food in front of him. Asking him what he has done to irk Connor to that extent. The dwarf is too exhausted to worry about his presence. Sharkun's brains takes a few dozen seconds to think about a suitable answer, and the exhausted Jasidian manages to produce a reedy answer. Uttering the letters requiring his lower lip is too painful to even attempt.
"...I haf disleased him."

Sharkun's eyes shut close again, blood beating at his brow, and he lets his head rest on his chest. The effort has been intense given his physical condition. However, by sheer curiosity, more to himself than to Clavius, he lets out another sound, without opening his eyes or raising his head.
"...a House of Redemtion?...what Redemtion would that e..."

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Damn cowards...

If only you had your weapons, that fight would've gone a lot differently, that's for sure. But now, you are at Warden Clavius' mercy. And given his warm welcome, you can only begin to speculate where it all goes from down here as you barely open an eye and speak through a broken lip as the Lord of the Castello drinks fine wine and eats deliciously sauced duck while his nasty black dog finishes a fat piece of it, thrown on the ground.

"You need to speak more coherently, boy. I know dwarves have a speech impediment, but you? You are a paladin of Wee Jas, aren't you? According to your dossier, you served a royal house far away in the Sea of Sands...

I can appreciate that. A few nobles have ended here, too. There is something about putting those through the grinder more than a nobody taken off the street.""

Clavius takes a sip of his wine and looks at you with a smug smile.

"They scream more. A life of luxury has deprived them of the knowledge of pain. And so, it is a delightful duty of mine to visit that upon such untarnished flesh.

But you are a bodyguard. Were a bodyguard, to be more precise. Pain is something you are most definitely acquainted with. You will come to see that St. Noria's has many ways to bring that upon everyone. For you see:

It is His Holiness' will to send you here.

And it is my job to keep you here. What happens to those in this place, ceases to be his concern. They fall under my auspices. And so, I want to know what did a man of self proclaimed virtue and... holiness would do to displease Halmathan's Grand Inquisitor?

As for Redemption... of course. I am a man of faith, much like you. A pity that so many faiths in the City disagree with what His Holiness does. Thankfully, many have proven to be of little consequence to him:

The Pelorians are too blinded by the sun that they revere.

The Kordites, for all their strength, are nothing more than pack mules. And just as smart.

The Heironeans are locked up in their own church! Like a cage at a zoo. Hehehehehe... how fitting for a temple lead by a Bear.""

It's the distant sound of lashing, followed by the wails of agony of men and women alike that brings a smile to the warden's chalk white face as he takes another sip.

"The Olidammarans are of course, well acquainted with this House by now. But you are a Jasidian
: there are no churches devoted to the Ruby Sorceress in the City. But that doesn't mean she cannot have representation here. After a fashion."

Warden Clavius rings a little silver bell and the inmates come in, picking up the table as he gets up and walks towards you, rubbing his chin.

"You are here for as long as His Holiness dictates it. And I am guessing it will be for a very, very long time. However, life doesn't have to be so terrible and grim.

I am a man who enjoys the finer things in life. I am not a monster. In that regard, I expect a similar trait from the inmates brought here. If I am pleased by their behavior, I am known to show leniency. Mercy, even.""

The warden takes out a white handkerchief and cleans his hand and covers his nose.

"You see this room? Filthy isn't it? I would not want to sleep here. How unsanitary! Never mind the rats and vermin that must crawl around after lights out.

Having such a large number of inmates, I find myself wondering- how can I boost morale? Most of them have life sentences. They won't be leaving these walls alive. So, I have come up with some, let us say, activities. To keep their spirits up. If you play along, who knows, you might find yourself sleeping in a far more comfortable bed tomorrow. I can't imagine what it feels like hanging by a chain all day... or all week."

The warden smiles and turns his back to you as a guard opens the door for him, but not before pausing, as his dog looks up at you, with that uncannily human face.

"Oh! You never told me- how did you displease His Holiness?"


@Rusty: Dammit NO!

Your mind is still yours and it is quite evident that you are now...a chicken.

Maybe as punishment for having beaten the Leader of The Roosters so long ago, these woods have visited upon you a most ironic fate. There is no way you can peck that tree to death and so, with a loud cluck, you flutter your useless wings and make a bee line towards the others, twitching all over as the immense root from the tree smacks you hard, nearly breaking every single bone in your body.

23 damage plus 7 Vile damage

"Hahahahahhahaa!!! Where is this little chicken off too? You are now mine! I must say, though: I haven't had chicken in ages, but it's one foolish venison I am after tonight!"


@Travis: The immense tree uproots itself and moves a bit closer towards you. Not incredibly close, but close enough before its wooden claws weave a horrific power as the image of both Hannah and Michael visit you, screaming like lost souls as their flesh joins and stitches together to form a monstrosity, not unlike those seen in Alexia's House as a cold tendril reaches out to you.

Is this real? It definitely feels that way...

Will save DC 21 (using Travis' unadjusted bonus as per his sheet, without buffs from items or spells- since none were cast and items merge with the new form you currently have) to disbelieve.

If the Will save fails, a Fortitude save DC 21 (using Travis' new form to calculate the save), or die from Fear.

Even if the Fortitude save is successful, Travis takes 14 damage.


Whatever the result of the spell, it has caused the tree to show fear itself. Something must've gone wrong with the casting of it, but it can still be potentially harmful to you.

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=235010)

Round 4

Rusty
William
Raikou & Cyrus
Travis
Elizabeth
Rootmaw, The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood

[remetagross]

Sharkun's head keeps spinning as the Warden carries on his speech, the sounds almost turning to an inintelligible babble if not for a great effort of concentration from the dwarf.

A prospect of upgrade of his station if he cooperates on some sort of game...huh? Too complicated to handle the implications now.
Clavius is the only master here, ah, even above Dalpinian, that explains yesterday...or was it older than that? Ugh.
What kind of offense he has commited? Ah, that one is easy enough.
Sharkun rehearses the sentence in his head so as to produce it in the most understandable way:
"He assigned e on a ission...and I failed to delifer."

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: You can feel your arms stretched beyond anything even a dwarf like you could handle.

Your weight alone fights against the chains on the ceiling. If left like this for another few hours, the tendons will snap. There is only so much pressure your already broken body can take, as Clavius goes on a long monologue about his power here. That of Connor over there...

And the fate of a few churches in this very prison.

But even with your vision blurred by a nasty knot that used to be your left eye, you look up at the idea of... assisting this man? Warden Clavius has shown to be, so far, a cruel and sadistic monster. Contrary to his claims that he is not. It doesn't take horns and scales and forked tongues that spew poison for a monster to be.

Usually the worst are indeed Man.

But work for him? Doing what? He wishes to boost morale here. The sound of lashings outside your cell clearly indicate that morale is a non existent concept here. He says a few have been sent here for life, but chances are that Connor sent everyone here to serve a life sentence.

And how on Oerth was a man like Clavius given so much power? It is the last few words that cause the Lord of the Castello to stop in his tracks and turn to look at you, a raised eyebrow and a smug smile.

"You were assigned a mission? By His Holiness of all people... a more virtuous task I cannot fathom. What was it? And how did you fail it?""

Clavius looks at the guards who stand outside the cell and close the door.

"You can tell me, son- think of this place as a church. and I, your confessor."

[remetagross]

The pain numbs Sharkun's mind almost to the point where he cannot think twice (or one and a half) about what he is going to say next.
"...I had to chase reaining Olidaarans. I was not making fast enough progress for Dalinian's liking...
O Wee Jas, grant a cool head to your servant so as not to betray anyone in front of this man... thinks Sharkun with the hope of desperation.

I want him away so I can rest a little...if only in mind...

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: If only you could break the chains that bind you...

Maybe muster enough strength to wrap them around this freak and hold him at choke point and walk out the front gates of St. Noria...heh.

Sure. And then you could go punch Connor just for a few laughs. Perhaps your time with Rusty and his fellow thieves have imprinted some humor upon you, even here. In these dark cells.

"You were tasked with bringing Olidammarans here? A more lofty labor there is not, Sharkun.""

The Warden steps back and looks at you while his black dog circles around him, sneering at your current predicament.

"Olidammarans are thieves. Assassins of the worst caliber hiding behind the facade of Religion to excuse their unlawful behavior. The other churches and the King himself thought they were alright and so, they remained to conspire against the City of Power...

But the King is gone. And now His Holiness, in his infinite wisdom, has seen to it that they are rightfully purged and sent here. I have heard tales of your land, the Sea of Sands. Is it true they cut a thieve's hand when caught? I find that to be... a slight barbaric. I am sure very efficient, but barbaric nonetheless.

I have a different approach here. Thieves with stumps for hands make poor laborers. And there is much work to be done here. Halmathan's Savior depends on it, after all.

No, I do not condone the severing of limbs. In the best of days. What I enjoy most is breaking them. Olidammarans are free spirits. Not as strong as Kordites physically, but their fire burns bright. Their so called "Freedom".

There is something... artistic about stripping that Freedom from them. Watching them defeated and accepting of their fate. Somewhere, between the pain and the harsh truth of their fate... a realization of their past misdeeds."

The warden smiles smugly and puts his hands together.

"And believe me- I have a very good staff, well prepared for just that purpose. If you comply, you may not have to see them, so humor me, Sharkun son of Thrazir:

His Holiness sent you to find Olidammarans. You are a stranger in a strange land. How would you know about them? Unless...

Unless you knew them?""

[remetagross]

Sharkun refrains from chuckling, because he knows it will cause him unbearable pain to move his shoulders in the slightest.
"Cutting hands...our Sultan stoed this...as a araric custo...though I haf heard the Lord of Fire has reinstaured that..."

The conversation forces Sharkun to reactivate his mind, as cogs painfully stir faster and faster. There is much to lose in telling anything else than what Dalpinian will be able to report to Clavius when the Warden wants to verify Sharkun's tale...

"As to knowing Olidaarans...not really...I si - Damned be that sore lip, I cannot even pronounce "simple"... - I just told his Holiness I had tried y hand at viligantis in the Ercy. His Holiness told e that was worthy of prison, but since I knew so well the Ercy already, I could use that knowledge to try and root out the few Olidaarans his Holiness knows keep hiding in there...instead of being sentenced to jail.
Sharkun refrains another chuckle. This story is quickly rivaling my adventures in Alexia's Manor as the creepiest and oddest of them all...

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: The Warden crosses his arms as the dog snarls up at you.

But this man is grossly misinformed regarding the customs of your land. It was a practice, yes. Imposed by the older Sultans, when the Empire was still forming and communication around the Waste was far more difficult and, Laws needed to be passed swiftly.

Is it still practiced in remote villages? Sadly, yes. The old bloods that adhere to the more archaic ways do it, but never openly when in the presence of the Guard. Of course, chances are such practice has returned in full force with the advent of the current warlord, a comment doesn't go unnoticed by the good warden.

"A Lord of Fire, you say? Interesting. Very much so. There is a lot you have to say, for a broken dwarf. A tale I can believe...

What I find hard to believe is that His Holiness would send you alone to The Mercy to rout any straggling Olidammarans just like that. He is a wise and very intelligent man. I dare say, if only King Marcus had followed in his footsteps and vision...

My Castello would've been brimming with people a lot earlier. It matters not; any remnants that oppose His Holiness and the City will all end up here. They always do- wayward mages, petty nobles with revolutionary ideas...

And yes, Olidammarans. I have pretty much their entire flock here, but like any good collectionist, I am missing a few pieces to make a full set and that irks me a smidge. Pity... maybe you could've helped me there. Who knows, you could have been named a Royal guard for His Holiness. After all, why show any kind of honor to a cutthroat, hm?"

The dog yawns at Clavius' feet and the warden looks at your dangling stubs.

"As strong as you are, you won't be able to be suspended for an entire night without breaking your bones...and I have many fun activities planned for you in the following days, months...years.""

Clavius knocks on the door and in comes a guard with a wobbly wooden stool, which he places it right beneath your feet, enough to release the pain as the warden looks at your bruised face and grimaces.

"You look utterly hideous, paladin. I will have The Governess come and give you some...hehhehee... much needed aid for those wounds.""

Clavius and his dog walk out and the guard follows as he locks the door behind him and the warden looks at you from the barred peep hole.

"Hang in there... for me. Hehehheheee...ahahhahahahhaaaaa!"

His laughter echoes through the halls of the Castello as you look up at the chains. Sturdy and thick, who knows if you can break free of them.

And who exactly is The Governess? Oh Wee Jas... how will you get out of here?

[Chimaera]

With nothing in its power, Roosty chicken out and keep on running away, scurrying through the foliage and away from the terrible monster who seems colossal to his new self.

Run away for another 40ft away from the battle.

[kinem]

Damn that hammer head, look what he did now … Travis is shocked at his transformation into a deer, but on the other hand, it's not the first transformation he's experienced lately. No slime this time …

When the tree targets him with some kind of magic, he uses his one remaining magic power - the abrupt jaunt - to escape, and heads away from the monster and towards Elizabeth.

[dantiesilva]

What was going on, first an Raikou began speaking as if from the beyond only to say he was invisible followed by Travis trying to fight this monstrous tree alone to a chicken and deer appearing on the field of battle. None of this made any sense to the old woman as she sent a dart at William to try and close some of his wounds as she watched the two animals. Seeing them fleeing she suspected, though was not sure, that at least one of them may be her former companion and as such tried speaking with the sylvan tree, trying to stop it from killing everyone.

"Why are you doing this? We mean these woods and its denizens no harm and are in fact seeking out a friend who is lost." the old woman says in sylvan trying to see if the tree would speak to her like the other fey had. Picking up the chicken if it gets close enough to her.


Free dart of life [roll0] +11temp hp 9 darts remaining
Standard action pick up chicken once it gets close, move action retreat 30ft back if the tree tries to attack her in any shape form or way (ps didn't anyone buy a bow?)

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: Screw this!

Normally, in your own body, aptly protected and wielding a Hammer, you might stand up to this foe.

You’re a chicken now. Petite claws and white feathers and red crest won’t change the tide of battle as you nearly lay an egg and scamper through the foliage, pecking your way through the roots and...

And then something holds on to your fluffy feathery body and carries you away.

Away from that glade.

Away from that evil tree.

Away from your allies.

Whatever it is, it’s unseen and has a firm grip on you, not unlike claws as the dark branches of Wyrmwood blick all sight of the battle and you are dropped in a small clearing, tumbling and spreading white feathers all over the place as the sound of something big- much bigger than you- lands on a branch above as a whispering male voice speaks in a language you as a chicken can totally understand:

Long way from home, are you? I have yet to decide:

Do I see if Wyrmwood has a surprise for you, or...

Do I help myself to a drumstick?

[Chimaera]

Just a little bit more and he'll get out of the battle and... As if for magic, his wishes come true. Damn wishes and irresponsable asking for them!

The Olidammaran **** get up and scratch the ground, trying to recompose himself.

"Po, popopo. Po po", the small chicken cluck looking toward the origin of the sound, "Popopo, Po".

He stands in the clearing waiting for the answer from his savior/kidnapper/soon-to-be murder.
If he dies this way, he'll make sure to stand on the entrance to Winesong and kick Travis out of it once he dies (a brutal and gruesome death hopefully).

For once, Hannibal's motivation and will force shatter.
"If I get out of this alive (and that is a big IF)", he thinks to himself, "Then I'll learn the lesson and never help anyone other than mysefl anymore".

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: Of course this is Rusty’s fault!

Somehow, it has to be, damn Hammerhead wading into battle without a care in the world...

And because of him, you’re a damn deer now. And who knows for how long. Most likely a permanent thing, given the nature of this forest.

With what remaining power you have of your former self, you identify what that tree is throwing your way and force your remaining arcane power to jaunt out of the way and stumble through the entangled mess of roots as you trip on your own hooves and fall to the side in a most unceremonious manner, getting your new antlers caught on some root on the ground, but at least away from that tree and closer to the others.


@Elizabeth: You watch... whatever the hell happened in a few seconds.

An unseen Raikou.

Travis the tumbling deer.

Rusty the Chicken Little...

How are you going to survive these woods? A compass? Yeah, tgat will certainly help against that thing as you speak to it in Sylvan, asking why it seeks to harm you.

“Why wouldn’t I? You are looking for someone lost. I am the one who gets them lost, mortal.

And taking wayward souls is a preferred hobby of mine.”

Sometimes, things are just evil for evil’s sake. This old wicked tree must’ve been doing this for years. Even before you were born. Can you take it down?

Not now. Not when Rusty has scampered into the woods and failed to surface.

William gets a white dart to the neck, healing him a bit, but he was the first to suggest a retreat. Bow or no bow:

Are you in top condition to fight this thing now?


@Rusty: Goddam That idiot!

You were clear:

Retreat. Don’t engage. This is new territory. But noooo:

He had to make a stand. Hurl that acid. Show off his arcane prowess for bragging rights later. Typical of him.

Annoying as a mutant.

A fool of a man.

Perhaps as deer he might change altogether. And if you somehow find your way back and resume your own form, he better prance away with those new hooves of his.

But those are a lot of IF’s in this equation. Where are you now? Who got you out of that glade?

What willhappen to you?

It’s a pair of large blue cat eyes that shine through the canopy as they blink twice slowly in your direction.

“You know I can understand your tongue, little were chicken? Why are you here?”

[Chimaera]

Hannibal stop his clucking and look at the blue eyes. Cat-like ones, like Sasha.

"I had no idea you could speak chicken", he says and scratch the grass with his claws, from the nervosism, "As for why I'm here? Short story is that I was on my way to investigate the mountains. A terrible wizard is doing terrible things in my homeland and some information we gathered shows that the mines in the mountain might have some clue on how to defeat her or at least understand the source of her power".

He stop after a moment, "Do you mind telling me who you are?"

[remetagross]

Sharkun remains silent as the Warden doubts his tale. However, when a stool is brought beneath his feet, he feels a surge of gratitude. The dwarf then suddenly recalls why he can barely speak or see in his current state, and refrains from thanking Clavius. What he does is to delicately rest his foot on the stool and, very slowly, shift his weight on it. A shudder of relief courses through his sored body.

Clavius and his pet dog walk away, leaving Sharkun alone - if only for a moment before that Headmistress comes in - and in a slightly better predicament than before. His mind has slowly started to run again, and the leaden weight that was pulling his arms apart has lessened. Now...

It appears I will remain for quite some time here, and that Warden will keep questioning me. Well, I have enough stories of my homeland's war to tell him busy for the next decade. It is unlikely the others will attempt to free me - that would be extremely dangerous for them to leave cover, plus I do not think they have the power to storm the place nor to sneak inside it - and I am far from being able to escape on my own...at least for now. Think, Sharkun. What have you seen and heard so far that can prove useful?

The Jasidian reviews the fateful events of the day of his arrest...ah. Something of note is how Dalpinian proved fearful of any harm coming to his person. He did not hesitate to rush backwards and surround himself with a whole phalanw of Guards at the first sight of my attempting to escape. Interestingly enough, he did not use any teleporting means to put himself to safety. Hmmm, I suppose if I come to encounter him again and manage to best him, holding him hostage would probably be an efficient means of having him ordering all Guards and Eyes in the Sky to let me go my way unhindered...On the other hand, I have seen him cast a powerful divine spell. It puts him at least on the level of Elizabeth's spellcasting power, plus I fathom he has at least a modicum of training with that blade of his. Which marks him as a serious opponent - maybe on the same threat level as a mutated Plaehn. Now, about Clavius...

Undertaking this methodical analysis helps Sharkun calming down and regaining some serenity.
...he has not been able to cast the spell he asked Dalpinian too. Because given how proud he is to be the master of this place, he would not have asked for help if he could have provided his dogs with the required magic by himself. Also, he stands as at least equal to Dalpinian in the Cuthbertine hierarchy, given how he was able to order him out of having me blasted to ashes. These dogs of his are moderately threatening provided I can fight them fully equipped. Since this is rather unlikely to happen, though, I think given my current state I might not be able to take down even one of them. And I suppose there are more than two roaming the place.
About what Clavius wants with me, I think he is considering me a welcome rarity in his prison, and somwhat wants to know more about me by some sort of collectioner's curiosity...except if it seems to him I can deliver intelligence about the Olidammarans. He did not let a single word of mine on that topic go unnoticed. I have to tightly control what I say or do not say on that matter, and even if Dalpinian does not believe a word of it, keep my discourse in accordance with what I told him. What could be interesting would be to probe what kind of information he really wants and would be ready to improve my condition as a prisoner in exchange for. Because I then might be able to regain my daily magic...there is a possibility that Clavius, having been shown a demonstration of my mundane prowess, will have forgotten about my magical abilities - or that Dalpinian will have not given him that information. After all, he has never witnessed me casting a spell. I should however err on the side of caution and assume this is not the case. Well...

After having poured a great deal of his remaining energy into such reflexions, Sharkun clears his mind, and as much as is possible in such a contrived position, tries to rest his body and his spirit.

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: Those are some big eyes...

Feline ones, like Sasha’s. Wonder how she is doing back in the Den, probably worried sick and trying to cook something to distract her already beautifully messed up mind.

And you’re here. As a chicken.

“I can speak to any animal, little snack box. Even those that weren’t animals before.

Why would you go to Rootmaw’s Glade? He is a nasty piece of work. If anything, you were barking up the wrong tree. Heheheheee!

As to you and the humans being here? Not the first ones. Most likely the last ones. Wyrmwood is not kind to strangers. If your friends are wise, they will leave that Glade.

But from what I’ve seen, such virtue is scant upon your travelling team.”


The enormous cat eyes blink once more and disappear, but youcan still hear his voice amongst the branches.

You should be safe here- I already ate. Perhaps you won’t be a chicken for long. Perhaps you will.

And if you are, a word of caution:

Worgs love chicken.

[Frendle]

William watches the others flap, jaunt and otherwise muddle about in their attempt to get away. Shaking his head he looks down the path, if you can call it that, and begins to move farther away from the killer plant putting his Great Axe back over his shoulder and drawing his Kukris as he moves, "Follow me team, let's get out of here."



Move - Move 40' away from tree - Sheath Axe

Move - Move 40' away from tree - Draw both Kukris

Sill in Hunter's Sense stance

[dantiesilva]

Sister Elizabeth is utterly confused as she watches a chicken go flying through the sky, and looks around. "Travis, Rusty if you are invisible like Raikou it would be really nice if you let us know, if not though can you at least follow us and not the flying chicken, I don't know what magic these woods have but chickens certainly do not pop out of thin air and fly." the old woman says before following after William.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: One has a lot of things to ponder when they are hanged from a smelly dark cell in the bottom of who knows where...

Bertio mentioned this place in passing when both would get drunk, fresh off the boat at The Marina. Halmathan's prison. An impenetrable fortress where the City's worst were sent. Never to be seen again.

Bertio, being a foreigner himself and having enlisted in the military here, never had reason to visit the Castello, but even to an outsider like him, this place was known. At least on the surface. Enough to not want to come knocking.

And after meeting some of St. Noria's most notables, it is clear why.

Dalpinian may not have power here, but he is still a threat back in Halmathan. He is Connor's protege and it shows: the man may not be a mighty wizard, but when it comes to the powers of a priest of the Cudgel, he has shown reasonable skill. Of course, his repertoire must be based off defense mostly, since he did not hesitate to hide behind his Royal Guards.

If you were to face him one on one, he might give you a fair challenge. Might being the key word here- you are usually sporting a guisarme and you can only guess that his title as Halmathan's Sword of Justice is tied to his weapon of choice. Priests are not only healers, after all. This, you should know well.

After all, someone coined the term "CoDzilla" after them because a priest can elevate its fighting prowess to match and humiliate even the most seasoned veteran warrior.

And even without any of those perks, Dalpinian seems to exert some command over those damn Eyes in the Sky. Who knows what they can do, but had Clavius not intervened, you would have been reduced to a stain, as Dalpinian claimed. Still, the idea of holding that cowardly worm hostage is interesting enough.

Which brings you to your host: Warden Clavius.

The man is a sadist. This is pretty much accurate. Ironic that a man like him would be allowed to run a prison and not be confined to a cell, but with the way Halmathan is these days, it should come as little of a surprise.

He does exert power here. Authority that may surpass even Dalpinian's. Those dogs of his nearly tore you in half...and chances are he has more roaming around this place. At full gear, you may be able to dispatch one, but two at the same time?

And he definitely wants to know about the Olidammarans. Like Connor, he seems rather obsessed with them. He wants to...collect them. If it is true and many are here, those in the Den and Rusty are the last remnants of such faith in the City. You cannot give Connor and his cronies the satisfaction of being the one to deliver them here, to share your fate.

And so, in contemplation, a few hours go by and your legs feel like ice columns, carefully balancing on the feeble wooden stool when shadows from the other side of the door stop and the jangling of chains can be heard as a shadow seeps through the ajar door as a couple of guards walk in, with one hauling a wheeled table, covered in a white blood stained blanket as the other one lights a torch and places it on a nearby sconce.

Why are they here... and what's with that blanket? And then sharp steely nails caress your bare back as the guards stand at attention and a female's voice hisses in your ear, causing your body to shake all over as a shadow brushes past you and stands in front of you, taking form:


https://i.pinimg.com/564x/59/c2/40/59c2405ed4e20ef75d9430412e96c78d.jpg

"So it is true! A paladin of The Ruby Sorceress graces St. Noria's... yummy.""

You didn't even see this one come through the door, just the two guards. And something about her... well, everything about her, really, but in particular a symbol etched onto her spiked helm: a stylized barbed whip. Something about it...

Knowledge Religion to ID it & Knowledge The Planes to ID her

The woman grabs your face in her steely grip and brings you close to her ruby lips as they quiver in anticipation. You cannot see her eyes, being covered, but pretty sure she's... smelling you?

"Oh yes! He is definitely a paladin! Hehehehhee... delicious indeed. So! Those amateurs gave you a beating outside? Tsk tsk. Poor little dwarf. You must be suffering so! But not to worry, kitten- the good warden has sent me to patch up your wounds...""

The woman squeezes your face just a little more. Quite a grip on her, that's for sure, as she lets go and walks towards the newly wheeled in table.

"Warden Clavius' sworn duty is to keep those unwanted by His Holiness here.

It is mine to make sure they are properly treated. What manner of House would this be if faith were not present, am I right? As a Jasidian, I am sure you are familiar with it.

I am also rather versed in getting people to talk. With a little help from my friends. Would you like to meet them?""

One of the guards wheels the table in front of you, covered in a white bloody cloth as the woman uncovers a portion of it, showing a little bit of its contents.


https://wallpapertag.com/wallpaper/full/9/b/d/840033-surgery-wallpapers-3168x2112-for-meizu.jpg

"At first, I will not believe anything you tell me...""

The woman caresses the metal object before pulling off a bit more of the cloth.


https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0870/8326/products/Steel_instrument_assortment_2__42546_grande.jpeg?v =1530075677

"When these little friends of mine come to play, though... I'll second doubt your words a little.""

By the Ruby Sorceress... who is this woman?! But she's not done yet, as she finishes uncovering the table completely.


https://c1.staticflickr.com/7/6091/6237140308_d61ed133e8_b.jpg

"And when my pretties here are properly introduced... I'll believe anything you tell me. You like my little friends? Ah yes, can't start game time without treating you first. Silly me...""

The woman runs her crimson nail like a dagger down your sternum and digs it deep into your chest, twisting it and smiling with glee as powerful energy courses through your body.


Heal: 140 HP healed

"Feeling better now? I am sure you are! Now look at you- all that ripe soft flesh... shall we get started? Or do you have anything to say first?""



@William: Damn this place!

Even at full strength, there is no way you are getting close to that tree again. Good thing it's slow and you aren't. With Rusty gone- prior to being turned into a chicken- there is only one capable leader left here:

You!

Ordering retreat, you can only hope that Raikou is following you, since the halfling went invisible for some reason, as you sniff the air around you and can tell that the Stormcaster is nearby- he made it past that entangled mess and all of you are quick to put as much distance between that tree as possible.


@The Party: Well, shoot...

Rusty's gone. he chickened out. Literally.

Travis the almighty mage, is now a deer. Not a doe, not a female deer.

Elizabeth is still with you, but as far as guides go, she's as useful as the map she bought. And compass to boot.

The closest thing to a "tracker" would be William. But he's a City boy, not a wilderness guy. hell, none of you have ever been beyond the City walls, so far north. And it shows.

The canopy is thick. Moonlight is scarce and none of you, save perhaps for Cyrus can see in the dark, as you bonk your heads against tree branches several times. Never mind tripping over roots on the ground.

North?

South?

The Cart?

Cornelius Rust???

Who the hell knows where any of those places are. You're in deep. Lost in Wyrmwood... until someone walks through the trees about forty feet away, well within William's scent, which is definitely carried on:



https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/15/ef/f4/15eff492256068fd63d73dd455fb3136.jpg

"Hey guys, looking for me? Your charming leader? Or are you siding with Discount Lumberjack now? What gives, man? You just run off, leave me behind? *sigh*...."

He made it! The Olidammaran Hammer is back... and he must've been smart enough to bring a torch with him, as he stands several feet away and grins.

"You gonna hold on to your ***** in the wind or what? Bring the mighty deer along too... found something I need to show you."

[Niwrad]

Raikou isn't quite sure what to make of his new form. On one hand this invisibility sure made things a lot easier when it came to being sneaky and unnoticed by the big folk around these parts. On the other hand though, he couldn't even see himself. Teamwork could be a little more troublesome. Hell, Elizabeth would have trouble healing someone who was invisible. And on his own feet, it took even more effort to avoid tripping over roots when he couldn't even see his own feet.

Once reunited with Cyrus, the two retreat with the rest of the party.

So how long do you guys think this invisiblity will last? I'm sure it would make for a lot of great pranks, but I wouldn't want to be invisible forever...

Then when Rusty returns, and in his original form this time, Raikou is pleasantly surprised, and his voice rings out from what looks like empty space.

Hey Hammers nice to have you back. How did you change back? Or am I going to start having to call Jumpy over here Bambi?

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: You have heard of that faith. In passing, for it is very secretive. Very obscure...

And much reviled.

This woman is a priestess of Scahrossar.

Not many people know this, but Olidammara, god of wine and pranks, has a sister. His priesthood doesn’t mention her much or at all because Lady Scahrossar of the Exquisite Pain is a vile deity of torture and sadism.

Her priesthood usually plays a facade when operating in cities, posing as innocent shop keeps. In reality, they conduct cruel and excessively long torture sessions in the backdrop.

It is said that few masters of torture exist like Scahrossar’s Mistresses ofPain, as her high clergy is known. They are consummate healers- they need to keep their charges alive after all.

And few living exist that don’t end up spilling everything they want to know, since these priestesses arenot only torturers, but also information gatherers.

And this is in no hurry to get you to talk. From what youhave heard, the few unlucky souls that were rescued from these vile cultists had been tortured for weeks.

And they were never the same afterwards.

[AlanBruce]

@Raikou: Well, you’r invisible. All the time.

Much like a pixie... if only you could speak their language too, but how to become visible? You can’t even see yourself.

And then Rusty shows up in these woods, no longer a chicken, as he walks away from the group, but still wielding the torch to illuminate the way.

“Haha. No Jumpy for me. I’m just lucky. Just keep talking and moving towards me since I can’t see you.

And the faster we get out of this place, the better.”

[Frendle]

Will looks around to make sure the others are following, he can’t see everyone, but he can see most, though he’d not expect to see Rusty the Rooster, as he is so small and probably hidden in underbrush or something, and he can’t see the Halfling, but he does hear him as Mountain Hammer appears.

“Hey, don’t blame me for this Mountain, you’re the one running into the forest for no good reason and almost getting us all killed.” Will snaps back at Rusty. “What the heck, this is about survival, not who’s in charge. Although maybe that is the question.” Will thinks to himself.

“What do you mean, come here and see something? We need to get out of this forest now, not go looking for more trouble. We are not in any condition for further exploration now, don’t you see? Our spells are failing and both of us are damaged. We need to leave the forest.”

Will moves off again, not intending to waste more time and risk his or anyone else’s life on further shenanigans. “Come on Mountain, right now you and I are the only protection these guys have.”

[AlanBruce]

@William: How the...

But he was a chicken. Then that means that Travis is...

Nope. Still deer, which begs the question: how the hell did Rusty get back?

“I haven’t blamed you. You just suck and can’t help it. Not your fault. As for me getting you all in trouble? I seem to recall saying RETREAT!

Top of my lungs, too. Bambi boy over there thought it was a genius idea to stand like a fool and blast the thing. And so, we all got screwed.

As for getting out of these woods? Way ahead of you. Reason why you need to follow me.

We stay put here... and being turned to animals will be the least of our problems.”

[Frendle]

Will shakes his head, nothing in this forest makes any sense to him. First Rusty and Travis become animals, then Rusty shows up ok and insisting that he knows the way out. The Halfling disappears and there’s a big ole evil tree following them.

"Rusty knows about as much about forestry and I do..."

There must be a way to find the way out…. Wait. My wings, they aren’t a spell are they? They are magic, but maybe…. I mean my weapons work, and so do my rings, at least I think they do. Maybe I can do a test.

Feeling very scientific, Will changes his training focus to that of a Leaping Dragon and looking for what is, hopefully enough room to do so, leaps about 15’ into the air expecting to float to the earth on the power of his ring.

“If this works, I’ll unfurl my wings and take a look at where we are.”



Swift - Change stance to Leaping Dragon Stance,


Move - jump up in the air - Minimum leap height is about 15 feet.

Float back down to earth via his Ring of Feather Falling.

[kinem]

Meanwhile Travis continues to make his way towards the others.

[Niwrad]

Raikou's voice sounds out again from what seems like empty space, courtesy of his now constant invisibility.

Whoah whoah guys lets not start playing the blame game. That evil treant thing caught a lot of us under it's song and we were unprepared for the crazy magic effects in this forest. Why don't we follow Hammers here since he seems to be the only one of us with some idea of where to go?

On that note, Hammers, mind telling us how you were un-chickened? Part of me wishes that you were a birdie for a just a little longer, I didn't quite get the chance to make any fowl-related jokes at your expense heheheh.

And when Will prepares to fly up with his wings to see where they were, Raikou calls out to him.

You know, if you're looking for an aerial view, we got a pretty good solution right here.

The halfling points to his elemental familiar, but then quickly realizes that no one else can see where he was pointing...

Oh right... invisibility... But yeah. Cyrus's flying ability isn't magical either. If you want an idea of where we are in this forest, ask him.

With that, he climbs up on his familiar (assuming Cyrus's alter self spell was still active) and Cyrus hovers up to the same height as Will.

[AlanBruce]

@William: You may not know these people. Not much at all.

But something tells you- despite not being warranted- that Rusty is as much an outdoors man as you.

Meeting these guys in some underground lab fighting off a hideous aberration and introducing yourself by sticking your blades in it?

Pffft...Normal.

Facing off with same group of strangers against a Divine and Perfect Being and walking out unscathed?

Every day news.

Traveling with a wizard who, until a few days ago, killed you while sporting way more tentacles than you'd ever wish to see on a face and then partnering up with said mage, despite the fact that he may or may not be a deer?

Yeah... so?

But seeing Rusty show up and berate you in these woods about failed combat tactics...

Sorcery, says I! SORCERY!!!!

And speaking of sorcery, you may not be a wizard, but hell, you have read about them. You master abilities that are not unlike a mage yourself and carry enough magical trappings to make any wizard blush.

So, you perform the only thing you can do- jump.

The woods are dark and the canopy is thick. You break a few branches on your ascent, but fifteen feet? Not likely to get you to the top of the canopy anytime soon. Your ring seems to be working normally, which means you could in theory, fly up and away.


@Raikou: They may not see you, but at least they can listen to the voice of reason.

But too late, as William the Wise leaps upwards and floats back down, bringing some twigs along in the process, bonking his head on the branches above.

If you need a good view, Cyrus can fly- all the time. You can just command your familiar to shoot himself upwards, until he gets a good clear view of where the hell you are all trapped in.

As for Rusty, the former fowl listens to your voice and spits on the ground as he walks away.

"There has yet to be a mage that can hold this Hammer! I'm walking to a safe place. If you decide to stick around with Fake Ass Robin Hood, that's your call..."

[dantiesilva]

Sister Elizabeth had remained silent as William ordered them to retreat, after all it is what their leader had said to do. However as Rusty and Travis vanished in the fight replaced by a deer and a chicken, while it occured to her it was possible for the two of them to have been changed. It was a lot more likely the magic simply replaced them with animals closer by, and well such magic would be a lot easier and make more sense then the two being turned into animals after all. So as Will begins calling Hannibal a chicken, and the deer Travis she looks at him oddly as she moves closer to Hannibal. "I don't know what you saw William, however I saw Raikou use the wand to save Travis and then a chicken and a deer appear. I do not know if you can see a creatures true self under an illusion or something but I know I can't. What I do know is that Hannibal has not led us astray once so far, and has never left anyone behind. He even risked his life for Travis just a few moments ago, and from the looks of it he just came running back to try and save us after the spell went wrong. Maybe the trees song is still effecting you?" the old woman says in a semi questioning manner as she turns to look at Hannibal, the Firewood of Mercy in her hand. "Well lead on Hannibal, I am sure poor Cornelius is worried sick about us right now and is thinking about leaving with all of our supplies." the old woman says moving to stand besides Hannibal.

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: You came here for answers.

So far, a dozen questions have been piled up on that list. What is this place, Wyrmwood? Who lives here? The few you have met seem friendly, but not really...

These are unknown lands. With unknown powers that have clearly brought everyone much grief. Never mind what that tree did to all of you. If you were back home, any temple ground would suffice to heal this malady, but out here...

Out here you are on your own. People disappear. Animals take their place. magic goes awry and now that a familiar face has surfaced, William decides to practice long jump in the middle of the cold night.

You don't have time for this nonsense. Cornelius must be out there, somewhere. With the cart. Freezing cold. Your best bet right now is following a Man you have actually been in several fights with back in the Ashford Manor. Is he a solid bet? Hell no.

But it beats this guy by a long shot, as you nearly trip over more overgrown roots in the dark as Rusty stops moving and lights his torch to help you get to him as he turns his back to you and romps through the dark woods as a cold icy wind sweeps through the trees.

Whether the others follow you or not, up to them. But this is a face you know well. All too well, sadly. But better than nothing out here.


@Rusty: Damn cold is making your feathers freeze!

Whoever that was, it didn't give out a name. Or respond to your query regarding why you are here. Does he even care?

But what was it he mentioned about... Worgs? What's a worg?

And then you hear some crunching sounds and a light...torch light? Every single impulse in your body is telling you to scamper away, but soon enough you hear a familiar nagging amongst the trees:

Elizabeth!

And such is your excitement that you feel like laying an egg, before your body itches a hit and you watch a few white feathers fall off your body as your head spins round and round before your spine is stretched and you watch your tiny claws revert to feet. feathers take the form of fingers, connected to mailed hands and arms before what appears to be your duplicate holding a torch catches sight of you and winks in your direction, smiling conspiratorially...

And vanishes in a puff of snow, blown by the wind.


@Travis: Whether you follow William and his Mad Jumping antics, an unseen Raikou or a noble Rusty, the desire to eat is strong with you and the soil, cold as it may be... does offer an intoxicating aroma.

Nothing a little hoof prints on the ground won't help to expose the delicious roots and mushrooms that grow beneath the dirt as you start doing this, almost as if guided by sheer instinct, before you realize that your hoof begins turning back to a hand.

Fur recedes into your skin, exposing robes and a staff.

Antlers and muzzle gone, replaced by brilliance and a dirty beard as you find yourself kneeling on the ground, just in the process of stuffing your mouth with roots.



@Elziabeth: Whoever you were following, it wasn't a long walk- at most a few minutes under and above branches, roots and old moss covered logs before Hannibal Rust stops dead in his tracks and turns into nothing more than snow flakes carried off by the wind and a bit further ahead, seated on the ground, Hammer firmly placed beside him...

A very hurt, very mad...Rusty.

[Chimaera]

Not sure if he should thank the mysterious creature, Hannibal decided to remain quiet and find some shelter agaisnt the cold wind.

After a few moments of trying to see ho to get out of this mess, he have an idea! Ironheart Surge! BY focusing his will power and take several deep reaths, he eventually return back to normal. Of cours eone could claim it was the effect duration expiring, but he knew the truth.

Feeling his hands back to their former mailed selves, Hannibal watch as a twin of his own smirk and wink to him, bringing a very much old Elizabeth.

"Elizabeth? Where are the others?", he ask and get up, massaging his temples, "Tell me at least Travis died back there".

[dantiesilva]

Following Hannibal was a simple choice to the old woman as she followed him into the unknown, watching him turn into a snowflake however and leave her with a chicken was a bit odd. After all to her knowledge Hannibal didn't possess magical capabilities. Everything is soon answered though as the chicken before her transforms into her friend, and leader, Hannibal Rust. Looking up to the wooded cannopy the old woman says in the language of the fey like spirits that seem to call this place home. "Ancient spirit swift and fast, I thank you for your help at last. Without you no doubt we would be lost, I promise in time I will repay what this has cost." the old woman says, before bowing to the glade she found herself in.

Once finished thanking the spirit she immediately sends a dart of life straight at Hannibal trying to close up some of his wounds. "Well I don't know how much you saw, but once you and Travis vanished William tried taking command of us and ordered us to retreat, saying you had already told us to do just that I saw no harm in listening until we could all regroup. When we were safe he called Travis a deer that was following us and well he tried to fill your role with you away, though I do not know why. Raikou or myself would have been much better suited then someone brand new to our group." the old woman says before stopping herself. "Right, sorry short version. A spirit came out of the woods looking like you, though we didn't know it was a spirit. I mean he acted exactly like you. Anyways William asked how you/he/she became a human again and no longer a chicken which made no sense. After all why would a conjuration spell have a transmutation effect, though he was correct still. Anyways I think he is trying to take your spot as leader, started jumping around and such trying to find a way out when the other you said to follow you to all of us. I choose to follow, after all you have never mislead us before and I had no reason to believe it wasn't you. Raikou is still invisible so he may be here, Travis is a deer so I am not sure if he is hiding or still with William. William, well he refused to follow you and was trying to be the leader so if I had to guess back where I just came from." the old woman says looking around to see if Raikou's voice would appear out of thin air, or the thump of Travis as a deer hitting the soil would say he was with them as well.

[remetagross]

Sharkun enjoys a modicum of calm before things get on the move again. He painfully looks around when he hears a whisper in his ear, and then his eyes fall on the creature before him. Most likely the "nurse" Clavius mentioned...Sharkun's eyes focus on the symbol engraved on her helmet. His face first shows puzzlement, then after a while recognition, and finally horror. The horror does not abate when the Mistress of Pain unveils the atrocious tools of her trade. Sharkun's already numbed mind cannot move past the sight of the metal mechanisms of pain. When the priestess Heals her, however, the dwarf regains full clarity of thought. The first that comes is resignation.I suppose I always knew it would come to this at some point. Torturing Olidammarans to extract information. It was only logical for me to be the next target of interrogation. Now, Wee Jas, please lend your resolve to your humble servant. The ordeal I will face in your name will require much of it. I beg you to ask Olidamma to intervene towards his sister Scahrossar: I am enduring this to protect his flock.

Sharkun, hesitating, speaks a few words to the priestess. His voice is both weary and scared.
"I am indeed a cleric of Wee Jas...I have to say, you said never to have met a Paladin in the bowels of that place before, while I-I have never met a follower of Scahrossar before either...I do not suppose we are here to discuss theology, but I would have enjoyed doing so in another context..."

All the while, he tries to think about delaying tactics he can employ to avoid betray the persons his mistress has ordered him to fight with. He finds one, but one needing an amount of willpower he does not find in himself at present. And yet, there is the possibility that either her tormentress will prevent him from doing so, or she will find a way to circumvent that tactics. But despite these drawbacks, would it be worse than speaking under torture at her hands? Probably not.

Thus, Sharkun tries to gather his force of will for what he wants to do. Better that than being tortured into speaking anything...now rather than later. The dwarf is well aware it is only a temporary means of keeping the priestess at bay, at best.


When Sharkun feels that he cannot withstand the pain anymore, and that he is about to break, he suddenly bites his tongue off.

[Frendle]

William rubs his head, “Man, that was dumb, but at least it answered my question. I think I should be able to use my wings without any ill effect. I hope, but Hlal would not want me to not use them if it meant not doing what I can to get us back to the plains. The blessed plains….”

Then he sees Elizabeth following Rusty, “Oh man, I hope that Rusty hasn’t been charmed again. If I can shake off mind effects, why can’t he? I think we’ve had training under the same discipline.” But such matters must wait, Elizabeth has made her choice, and so it seems Will has one to make as well.

“Hey Travis and Raikou, or Cyrus, are you guys alright, can you hear me? Elizabeth went over that way,” Will points in the direction the old woman walked, “I hope you guys are ok and following, I have an idea about flying that might help get us out of here. Let me know if you are here so we can all stay together.”

Will knows that Rusty is with Elizabeth and so, hopefully, she’s safe, so while he doesn’t want to split apart from them, he also wants to be sure the others are going to follow.

“Hey guys, I think I pissed The Mountain Hammer off, should I be ready to duck when we find them again? He likes to hit me.” Will waits to see if the mages answer him, or at least show themselves. If they do, he will follow Elizabeth after taking the time to refocus himself to the Hunter as a faint images of a cat form around his face.

If they don’t answer pretty soon, he will follow Elizabeth to tell the others that they might be missing.



Swift - Change to Hunter's Sense stance

Will with wait about 10 seconds (Two Rounds) for Raikou and /or Travis to show themselves or talk to him, then he will follow Elizabeth.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: So they have these people in St. Noria's...

A priestess of Scahrossar, evil sister to Olidammara and a Torturer in her own right. Who knows if the City at large is aware of what goes on here. Would the other churches even allow someone such as her to practice her twisted version of faith?

Given how many Olidammarans have been sent here and these maiden's penchant to making people suffer, she must be awfully delighted by the surplus of rogues that have fallen under her many blades and methods of persuasion.

The guards prep the metal table, fixing its screws and cleaning the utensils as the woman smiles and runs her nail across your forehead, seemingly marking it and a wide grin crosses her face.

"Cute, little dwarf. You are right- you have never met me. As for theology, oh I am sure we will have time to discuss that...and many, many other things.""

Having said that, the woman walks silently behind you, but not before taking something from the metal table as all you can see are the guards watching you with the door closed and what little light shines from the torch casting eerie shadows as something cold presses against the back of your head. Lightly at first.

Who knows what she is doing to you, but an intense pain invades your entire body as one of the guards looks at you and cannot contain whatever he's seeing before kneeling over and throwing up on the floor, causing his fellow guard to stand away from him as the woman's laughter echoes in the room and the pain intensifies...

And then everything goes black.

It's the cold wind that wakes you up. The City is visible due to the night lights, despite having walked about a mile away. yes, everything's coming back to you:

You left High Priestess Na'wa under Connor's supervision at the Guest House in the Royal Palace. This was followed by your meeting with Drakan and Corwin, who informed you of Rusty's whereabouts far away from the City, towards some "grim looking forest".

What transpired later you remember all too well.

Dalpinian attempted to coerce you, even getting you into his carriage and tried pulling the same old threats- a one way ticket to the Castello. This, you would not have.

Like a sly snake, you rode around Dalpinian in metaphorical circles. The poor fool believed every last thing you told him- and did not. Underestimating a bodyguard from the Sea of Sands is a grave mistake, after all.

He tried pulling some tough guy act, but your barks were louder than his. In the end, Halmathan's Sword of Justice and his cadre of Royal Guards were no match for your superior training and mental acuity. He even apologized for treating you so badly and offered a small trip- free of charge- towards the City's outskirts.

Damn coward never even took you to the infamous St. Noria.

Your gear is just as you had it when you left the Royal Guest House- mostly non magical after facing off against Alexia, but even at night, in these cold plains...

You should be able to reach the others in time.

They need your help, after all...

[kinem]

Cough. Cough.

Travis spits out the roots he'd tried to eat and stands up. He looks at his hands. Human again!

After rubbing off some of the dirt on him, he looks around. Seeing William, he walks quickly to rejoin him.

"Well! That was unpleasant, though I've been through worse. I think I could take that tree, but not today - I'd have to prepare for that.

What now?"

[Chimaera]

Hannibal get up and feel momentarily dazed as Elizabeth keep pouring too much information. Most of it he didnt even asked for.

"Slow down, Elizabeth. I didnt see anything and dont even care if Will said the obvious thing to do or not. In the case I fall I hope you all have enough discernment to know when to retreat".

Once up he look around. Whoever helped him had blue and feline eyes. Better be watchful on that.

"Let's gather the rest and regroup: this forest is tricky and this land react to magic in whimsical ways. So let's avoid using them and move as far back from the it as possible"

He move to her and back to the group. Assuming he find them (other than Raikou that who knows where is standing now that he's invisible), he gather them.

"Okay guys. Anyone know which side for the exit of Wyrmwood?"

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: Damn dirt!

You clean yourself as much as you can, taking off any bits of branches and roots your beard may have picked up during your brief forage as deer and look at the most capable man around, William.

Could you take on that tree? Of course you could! You are a wizard, after all. And not just any wizard- you are a Runestone Mage. Those are very well prepared wizards...

Just not tonight.


@Rusty: The last thing you need right now is a long winded goddamn explanation!

Clearly this forest is messing with everyone right now. You were a chicken not too long ago and the wounds suffered by that tree are not the kind to simply wash away.

William, Raikou...even Travis. It doesn't matter at this point- you are all in unknown territory and Common Sense would be to retreat from a battle. Especially the way these woods deal with magic users, something your group has an abundance of.

As to the person or thing that got you out of there... blue cat eyes. Whatever it was, you don't know enough as to whether to thank it or punch it. At least Elizabeth here can guide you back to the team.

The forest is getting colder with each step you take, as your pauldrons form a thin sheet of ice on them. You did feel the cold weather back home. Back home, though, you had the luxury to be indoors, with a lit forge to give you warmth.

Out here, in the dark wilderness, well...

How to get out? How prepared is your team? Let's review:

Elizabeth can heal, but she herself is not in top condition. The woman lived underground in the Ashford Manor for fifteen years. The Mercy is a strange place for her. Never mind these woods, miles away from the City.

Raikou... well the hell is Raikou anyways? Invisible? Great. What's he going to do? Tell the woods enough bad jokes that hopefully it groans and spits you out?

Travis is a wizard...! Who until just recently was turned into a deer. His prowess to get you out right now are as reliable as Elizabeth's mule.

Then there's William, the tracker who...

Oh right- he's not a tracker. He just cuts people and can jump real high.

Yeah... you are stuck in the middle of some ancient forest in the middle of the night and none amongst you have any idea of how to even get walk out of here.


@The Party: With no real way of finding your way out of these woods and already nightfall, the weather in this place is getting unforgivingly cold. It is true that at night, temperatures lower. And that's why people put on a nice warm quilt or cloak or stay indoors and light the fireplace.

That usually ins't an issue back in the City, but here, the cold is much stronger. The winds blowing through the tall dark trees don't help either as you can barely feel your hands and your breath comes out in visible cold gouts.

Anyone not wearing appropriate winter clothing (and no- robes and armor don't count as that), roll a Fortitude DC 15 or take 6 non lethal damage from exposure to the elements.

This DC increases +1 each hour spent in areas of cold such as this. PCs with ranks in Survival may gets a +2 bonus to help with their saving throws. They may even be able to spread the bonus around to aid as many as they can, but in so doing, reduce the bonus to their own save, since it's spread around.

[dantiesilva]

[roll0]

As the bitter cold of the forest begins to close in around them the poor old woman realizes that there was no way for them to make it back to poor Cornelius before nightfall. " Oh I really hope he is alright. Come the morning we really need to go find him." she says as she once more tries to summon a nice warm magical hut around herself for her and the others to sleep in for the night.

[Frendle]

Will stares at the others for a second as he shakes his head, “Well aren’t we the picture of heroic grandeur.” Then he looks around at the gathering night and the shadows of the forest.

“Man, we gotta get out of here, this place wants to kill us. I have an idea, but it may be too late. If one of us who can fly can get above the trees, then they should be able to see which way we need to go to get to the plains, and yes Lady,” Will bows to Elizabeth, “and we would then rescue your mule.”

Will looks around for Raikou, “Maybe Cyrus can do us the honor? My own abilities are rather limited in duration.” Will also takes a moment to refocus his mind and refreshes his senses.



Fort Save [roll0]


Full Round action - Use Adaptive Style to reset Maneuvers.

[remetagross]

Sharkun dusts off his scarf and readjusts it around his head in the proper fashion of a Sultanate bodyguard. He smiles rather smugly to himself.
Here is one that is not likely to come back harassing the High Priestess anytime soon. All in all, you weathered this ordeal quite well Sharkun, if I dare say so to myself. He. The dwarf smirks at his own play on word. He then turns serious again.

What to do, now? I have to join with the team...but I do not know the way to the forest any more precisely than "turn right at St Noria's forkroad". Besides, for all I know they could have entered deep into the forest already. My chances of finding them by venturing forth by myself tonight are quite slim. No, I need to be able to communicate with them. And that means praying Wee Jas to grant me the needed magic come the morrow. In the meantime, I need a place to sleep. I am far from equipped for camping in the outside now. Where...the Den? No, I did give partial information to Dalpinian about it, and I have witnessed firsthand that my moves are followed. The Royal Palace? I am all but an outcast there. Bertio's place? That would put him in a difficult position towards his obligations as a guard. The church of Wee Jas? Umrar is held hostage against him as much as the High Priestess is. The Bitter Coffee? I do not want to make Connor think Olidammarans are hiding there either. And how about...the janitor's closet in Runestone??? Janitor Scruffy will most likely allow me to...Of all places in Hamalthan, this is the one where I can rest for free and without drawing suspicion...the Royal Guards can frisk it to their heart's content with no risk of finding a hidden trapdoor with a cave brimming with thieves...He.

That decision made, Sharkun motions towards the glittering lights of the City of Power. The walk ahead is long and tedious, since cabs are out of the question.

[Chimaera]

Hannibal get himself more concerned in not freezing as he wait for Cyrus to scout ahead and see which way to go back.
"I think whatever lives in this wood have already eaten Cornelius", Rusty says and look around, "And we better stay here for the night than wandering in the dark".

Once Elizabeth start casting, Rusty is quick to move away for a safe 30ft distance from her, "Beware with castings, woman. I'm in no mood to be turned in a chicken again".

After the spell suceed or fail, he return and look at the trees.
"I think if e start a bonfire here we'll anger more than a dozen fey spirits, right?"

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: You showed that Inquisitor alright!

At this point, you might as well go see Connor and punch him straight in the face. Nothing- and this is true- NOTHING can stop you. How could they?

You are a Jasidian Bodyguard. A Ruby Knight Vindicator- elite amongst the elite...

You can move around in armor and not even make a sound. That's how elite you are. Let that be a reminder to people like Alexia, that she may cower in fear in the bowels of The Mercy.

Speaking of... you need to get on with the team. Find Rusty and the others, but at this hour? Late at night? Out in the open road?

You may be Elite, but not Stupid. Communication is key. They have Elizabeth with them, who can reach out to you no problem, but where to wait it out as you head back to the City Gates?

The good Sergeant Bertio? Chances are he's working as a City Guard. Why jeopardize his position since Connor did mention his name a few days ago.

Umrar? It would be nice to go see her and the church of Wee Jas... except there is NO church of Wee Jas in the City. Is there a faith? Yes. Is it incredibly small, to the point where it doesn't even attain cult status?

Sadly, yes. The odd wizard notwithstanding, you don't see any Jasidians walking the streets of Halmathan. At all. Umrar may be free to practice her faith indoors at her home, but an official temple?

That's what your High priestess wanted to do here in the first place upon arriving... and she is not in the best place now to even greet you. So the Royal Palace is out of the question.

So where to go? The Den? You were already there. If Dalpinian showed some suspicion about you coming out of The Mercy, what will Drakan, Corwin and the others think when you come back twice in one day? Alone?

Whistling a happy and triumphant tune, you move those short stubby legs and head straight to the North gate. Runestone, of course! Who would think of harassing wizards in this City, am I right?

But you can't even set a single foot in Halmathan, when the North Gate is locked and a contingent of City Guards manning the watch towers look down upon you while a single Eye in the Sky shines its search light on your body, nearly blinding you as a side door opens, only to reveal a gate, as a soldier looks at you from head to toe.

"An outsider coming into the City? Welcome to Halmathan, sir!

It's a hundred pieces of gold for entry. City Tax."



@Rusty: So you were turned into a chicken.

Travis into a deer.

Raikou is invisible.

William is, well...

And somehow, Elizabeth expects the mule to be alright? You did need your dose of humor for the day. You also remind her that weaving spells in this forest is not safe, as you take a prudent distance from the old woman and watch her work her magic nonetheless as the cold gets colder and you have to wonder how many spirits would you piss off here where a fire to start.


@William: One has to wonder what tipped you off regarding the lethality of these woods...

The fact that you were shot invisibly at its entrance.

That one of its denizens gave a clear warning.

The fact the King and his Men rode in and never surfaced.

Or maybe it was that singing tree that nearly broke your body in two? Take your pick.

Heroic and Grandiose, you definitely are not. You were given a shot at stability- running and owning the Bitter Coffee? It may not be the cleanest place, but it sure was safe. Safer than out here, in God knows where.

Flight is the only optiuon now. Cyrus can fly all day long. He will never tire.

You can fly for a long time. Not all day, but your wings can flap hard enough that you could propel; yourself over the canopy and get the hell out. Sure, the others may not be able to fly and...

Well screw them, then! They should have brought some flight gear, right? Their fault for not being prepared and... capable.


@Elizabeth: You know Cornelius Rust is fine... you just know it!

You can feel it in your bones. You can feel it's getting awfully cold here, too. You won't survive the night standing out here. Magic be damned or not, you need it to keep yourself protected and the others as well.

With rusty backing up from you a good distance, you toss the crystal bead upwards, chanting the words of power as this time, a protective igloo of raw arcane power forms around you and covers as much as your spell usually covers.

Everyone should be safe and warm inside your Tiny Hut, however...

You lean against the magical interior as the temperature rises, enough to make it warm and cozy for the group. But you... you still feel a bit cold.

And so so shaky...

[dantiesilva]

As the spell has the desired effect the old woman smiles, as her old bones finally begin to thaw out, if only slightly. It is clear as she opens the door for the others to enter that even in this warm building her frail body is still freezing cold. Not as badly as if she were outside, but still cold. "I suggest if you are to even think about making a fire, you do so with only wood that is dead and already fallen from a tree. And never make the fire to big you can lose control of it." the old woman says. "If we were still at the cart I had bought flint and steel as well as a few torches we could have used, however it is to dark to even try to find our way back. I just hope the cold doesn't do to poor Cornelius what it is to me. Now come on in everyone so I can lock up the door and stop letting in all the cold air. This spell will last until the dawn allowing us all to sleep the night, but that doesn't mean we should be foolish and waste the time." she says locking the door once everyone is inside and finding the softest spot she could before laying down to sleep, shivering the entire time.

[remetagross]

Nine Hells. Sharkun refrains from letting his exasperation color his voice. He courteously answers the guard:
"Ah. That is most unfortunate. I was not aware of this taxe, and I do not have the required money on my person. I am Sharkun, son of Thrazir. I am an envoy of a royal guest of the King, Wee Jas High Priestess Na'wa al-Habai of the Sea of Sand, under the protection of his Holiness Connor of the Cudgel. I can write a letter of change here, as well as a token item whose value exceeds the tax as a deposit, such as my guisarme. I can then fetch the required sum in the Royal Palace, before coming back here and paying the fee."

The dwarf expectantly awaits for the guard's answer, though he does not his eagerness to enter appear on his face.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: How the hell would you know about this tax?

The City is taxed all the way to high heaven. You don’t usually feel the sting because you are comfortably situated in the Royal Palace, never having even left the City before.

In hindsight, you should’ve used that bark of yours to get some traveling money from Dalpinian.

And of course, you explain to the guard at the gate the entire situation.

How you are a Royal Bodyguard.

Your close ties to the Royal Palace and its illustrious guest, High Priestess Na’wa, from the Sea of Sands.

How Connor protects you and her under an unbrella.

And naturally, how you can leave an item here and be back in a bit with the payment, even pawning if need be.

The Eye in the Sky keeps the light focused on you while the guard listens to your tale and crosses his arms while still behind the gate.

“Uh huh... you know I used to be the King before working the Gate?

Listen dwarf: It’s a hundred gold to come in here. A lone nobody like you spinning a tale like that? Actually amusing.

But no money, not coming in. So either cough up the coun, or walk away.”

[Frendle]

Will shivers, feeling the cold in his bones suddenly he finds he's tired down to his feet.

"Well, let's pack it in then, and he follows Elizabeth into the hut and sits cross-legged against the wall and eats his rations.

[remetagross]

It had to be tried however low were the chances of success. Ah well...
Sharkun sighs. He steadily keeps his guisarme uptight and looks straight at the guard before telling him with a hard voice:
"Alright. You have six seconds to let me in proceed as I have told before I wave at this Eye in the Sky and Dalpinian is made aware of this."


Intimidate: [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: This little lanky man hiding behind a gate...

You have official business to do here, dammit! You don't have time to deal with petty taxes. You are going in, no matter what.

You are a Jasidian Warrior of the Waste, after all. Everything you want, you can make happen! And in some few words and looking up at the human, you declare your intentions clearly and firmly, in a threatening manner. Something that gives the guard a moment's pause as he shuts the small gate and checks something and whispers amongst a someone you cannot see before he comes out again and points at the Eye in the Sky, a smile on his face.

"Look, shorty: you were funny a few seconds ago. Now you're just annoying me. See that?

That's one of His Holiness' Eyes in the Sky, built to protect Halmathan. Anyone coming from the outside- especially your side- is to be taxed. No exceptions.

Now, this is how it's going to go:

I am going to count to three. If by the count of "three", you haven't disappeared from my sight and this Gate...""


The massive machine up above lowers its bulk, enough to cause a mild gust of wind as the propellers whirr and turn at incredible speeds and its search light shines clearly on you.

"... then you are going to be the very first person to find out just how efficient these Eyes really are in protecting us, dwarf. So, as I was saying:

One."

[AlanBruce]

@William: In this cold forest...and at night?

Best not to try your chances. Elizabeth has managed to pull some protective transparent igloo that, although not as comfortable as a room at an inn or a house, it should keep you sheltered enough for the night as you order everyone to hunker down.

Rusty mentioned making a fire to keep you warm, but do you even know how to make one out here? Elizabeth bought a bunch of tools, among them flint and steel for exactly that purpose...

But those are in the cart with the mule. At the wood's edge. far from your location.


@The Party EXCEPT Sharkun: Your bodies are seriously hurt by the damage taken from that tree, whatever it was. No tree you have seen smacks people around, but at least you are safe away from it.

But are you really safe? Inside this hemisphere, you can barely see out to the chilling darkness that is Wyrmwood. Sounds echo through the branches.

The hooting of owls.

The caws of crows.

The distant howls of wolves...

And as each and everyone of you surrenders to Slumber, except for an ever vigilant Cyrus, now and then, you are all awakened by trees being pushed aside way off from your location:

Something big moves through these forests at night, but no sight of what it is. Thankfully, it never comes your way.


Day 38

What little sunlight seeps through the thick canopy above and the morning dew, swirling like thin frost mist finally causes the Tiny Hut to expire. It's not warm, but it's not freezing either. Clearly the sign of the changing weather. Soon, this whole place will be a white blanket of snow and frost.

There is also the matter of your last battle.

You have rested, but wounds remain. Wounds that even Elizabeth may not be able to heal.

Those that need book reading, get their chance well before their shelter expires.

Those that need to meditate and rest on spells get that luxury too, however...

Where to go from here? Also:

Elizabeth seems pale. Cold to the touch and although she can still talk and walk, she is constantly shaking. odd, given that her spell has kept you all reasonably warm inside.

[remetagross]

Sharkun defiantly crosses his arms right in front of the man, and does not move away in the slightest.
"Are they? I have to admit, I am rather curious to see what they can do. I did not know that they could be commanded by rank-and-file soldiers such as yourself. I am equally curious to discover how long it will take for you to be locked up in St Noria after what has happened to an official guest of the King is discovered. I suppose we shall soon know the answer. I believe you were going to say "Two"."

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: You are not going anywhere.

One thing dwarves are, for or for worse, is their stubbornness. It goes beyond creed and allegiance. This petty file and rank soldier doesn’t have the authority to command those things, so you are going to be just...

Fine?

The enormous Eye in the Sky aims two turrets at you as the wind from its fans increases and your beard flies to the side of your face, your turban nearly flying off your head.

The City Guard makes sure to shut the gate tight and looks through a peep hole as the search lights focus on you.

“And here I thought this was going to be a boring night... you heard the fool!”

The search light turns red as the turrets begin spinning faster and faster...

[dantiesilva]

As the morning sun rises the old woman is still shaking from the bittercold, all night long she was cold, her bones feeling each and every single gust of wind even though she was protected in the shelter of the hut. "Hannibal..." the old woman says, her teeth chattering. "I have prepared the message spell for sharkun, as well as two consecrates. Try and think of what you want me to say while I try to consecrate the land around us so I can remove the taint please." the old woman says as she begins rubbing her hands back and forth together, blowing hot air into them on occasion, before finally beginning to cast the spell to hopefully consecrate the ground.

Consecrate
Everyone keep in mind I had the darts of life so everyone should be at full minus the vile damage

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: The many books you read about forests- be it an actual geography book or a fairy tale- would never actually prepare you for the real deal.

These are wild unclaimed zones of the world. Cold forests that operate in ways you have never seen before. Magic does not always work the way one would like. This, you and everyone else have learned the hard way.

And still, given the precarious situation everyone is in after being struck by that ominous tree, you shiver and shake all over as the morning dew freezes on the bark of the trees in your makeshift camp and you begin walking around and sprinkling holy water and powdered silver dust, all the while intoning a prayer to Zodal, that his Merciful hand may wash away the Vile filth that has fallen upon you and those under your care...

And then Zodal answers... (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqrg_1TkKT4)

This music is audible not only to you, but everyone in the group, once the patch of woods have been consecrated. Who plays this music? Who knows, but it sure brings some warmth amidst the ever increasing snow of this place...

And a brief respite from the many trials you have endured and will endure.

[Niwrad]

When Raikou awakens, out of habit he begins to cast his usual daily protective spells, but stops just before the first casting, remembering the wild magic nature of the lands they were in. And he looks down at his hands, or where they should be, and remembers his invisibility. He whispers to his familiar.

(in Auran)
Dang and here I thought this invisibility had all been one strange dream...

He follows the others, shivering as they exited the warm confines of the hut. When Elizabeth asks about sending to Sharkun, Raikou's voice rings out from his invisible position.

How about you tell him to meet us at the entrance to this forest, the one we came in through. Oh and tell him to bring warm clothing...

I can have Cyrus fly up above the trees and see if we're anywhere near the edge of the forest? Maybe worst case we can try asking that dryad lady for help.

Cyrus will fly up above the trees and look for the edge of the forest, or any prominent landmarks otherwise.

spot check? [roll0]

[AlanBruce]

@Raikou: No. Still invisible.

Normally a spell like this would have expired hours ago, but not in these woods. Who knows for how long you will remain in this state, but at some point, even a man who cannot be seen will want to be acknowledged some way.

As for your usual daily spells? Those would be a given, except tgat again- this place makes magic work weird. So far you have gained long lasting Invisibility. Who knows if your halfling luck will shine through the next time you weave a spell? The latest mishap has been music that echoes through the forest as a result of Elizabeth’ spell.

But she still needs to patch your wounds from that tree. That’s a lot of castings...

For now, you advise the healer on what to inform Sharkun- especially to bring warm clothes. Despite being daytime, it’s not hot. The cold can be felt. Not as bad as night time, but enough to numb the tips of your fingers.

As for Cyrus, he may not see you, but both share a link and language, as the elemental shoots upwards and gets lost in the thick foliage...

@Cyrus: Flying up isn’t difficult.

You just have to traverse several minutes of twisted frozen branches. Being from the Elemental Plane of Air, it’s hard to get used to space being so occupied.

But at last you surface to the canopy and look around...

Who knows how long everyone ran in last night, but you can’t see the plains, and not for lack of trying.

Up here, the cold is felt a lot more and a heavy mist surrounds the air. Morning fog, most likely. You can see the outlines of the trees, but the road? The cart? The mule?

Those are beyond your sight.

[dantiesilva]

As the relaxing music fills the glade the Sister Elizabeth opens her eyes a small amount. "Oh well that went better than expected. I think I am starting to get the hang of this." the old woman says as she pulls a wand out of her bag with an apricot on it. "If I am correct the spell will either not work or have some sort of added effect. From what we have seen it has even added the transmutation abilities to other spells so please bear with me. I am still trying to study the effects, and no doubt this will take some time. Thankfully we all need to be healed, I will use the wand on myself first to try and gague what kind of outcome to expect before trying it on anyone else, after all I wouldn't want to place any of you in any danger." the old woman says before tapping herself with the wand and watching to see what happens.

Seeing no ill effect coming from her healing spells she looks to the rest of the group, minus Raikou of course. "So far so good, lets finish healing so we can contact Sharkun, warm clothing sounds like a splendid idea. Whoever wants to be next step foward, Raikou dear you will have to hold my hand as I can not see you and I doubt you want to risk me blinding you and covering you and glitter." the old woman says kindly waiting for everyone to take their turn.


Okay so Elizabeth needs 7hp total due to the vile damage so anything before the full seven is healed is hers followed by everyone else getting what they want
1. [roll0] Elizabeth
2.[roll1]
3.[roll2]
4.[roll3] 1-4 All Elizabeth as she needs them all to get it right
5.[roll4]
6.[roll5]
7.[roll6]
8.[roll7]
9.[roll8]
10.[roll9]

[kinem]

"Better to limit spellcasting to the minimum here!" Travis facepalms.

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: Even though Elizabeth got the Consecrate spell right, the fact that it comes accompanied by music doesn't exactly means everything's hunky dory here...

But too late: The healer heals, using that wand in quick succession as you can only facepalm at what may occur.


@Elizabeth: It's not so bad, really.

Granted, the shaking isn't stopping and you got some music to go along with your spell, but these woods... you're starting to get the hang of it.

Ignoring Travis' warning,s you line up the party to get some much needed medical aid, with you first, as you tap the wand within the Consecrate circle and close both eyes...

Hmmm...

Nothing. You could feel the magic surging through the wand. As if the spell was cast, but such charge is wasted and you aren't healed. Let's try again!


@Travis: Of course magic would go awry. She just wasted a damn charge from those very expensive wands, but that doesn't deter the Zodalian, who casts the spell again as her visage turns into something truly taken out from the grimoires of Advanced Conjuring back at Runestone:


https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2mlGPUvy8Ko/maxresdefault.jpg

Goddammit...NO! Something deep within you can tell that this thing is out for blood. Especially yours!


@Elizabeth: What's with Travis? He looks positively spooked, but other than that, you feel fine, as you the spell works right this time, but something gets clogged in your throat as you cough loudly and spit something shiny on the ground:


https://images.beastsofwar.com/2014/07/Fantasy-Coin-Pile.jpg

Well what do you know: four shiny pieces of gold. And they thought bringing you was a bad idea? Let's keep on healing!


@The Party: For Travis, the demonic visage is all too real, despite nobody else really seeing it. What transpires next is...odd, to say the least.

The third casting of the wand causes a white light to manifest between the healer and the recipient, but no spell manifests to patch any wounds.

Instead, something small and blubbery oozes from the forest floor, right at Elizabeth's feet:


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/17/3d/78/173d783fa24f0e39f5476d195209404c.png

And jiggles amongst the cold weather before slithering on the ground, leaving a green patch of flowers in its wake.

Knowledge Dungeoneering to ID it

The fourth casting works as normal. A nice change to the old ways of Magic.

The fifth casting watches Elizabeth noticeably shrink five inches...and the charge from the wand is used up, affecting nobody.

The same happens when Elizabeth uses the wand a sixth time, eating up more charges to the wind.

The seventh wand weave sees good use of the spell...as it should, for the lucky recipient of it.

The eight use causes Elizabeth to grown an unnoticed one inch from her previous reduction. The spell doesn't work and the wand keeps wasting charges.

The lucky recipient of the ninth charge has the spell work...and all his body hair grow ten inches. Nothing a trim shouldn't fix, though.

And for Elizabeth's final wand use, the charge is expended. None are healed, but had anything been broken on their possession, a Make Whole spell would've worked wonders.

It is then that a childish laughter can be heard from amongst the tree branches as little Maia appears up above you and addresses Elizabeth in the only language she knows.

"You are still here? That music drove me to this place. How is Wyrmwood treating all of you?"

[dantiesilva]

As the wand has a bunch of up and down adventures, including making her shrink, grow, spit out coins like some kind of coin machine, and create a strange life form the pleasant and welcome voice of Maia is a pleasant one to say the least as the old woman bows to the spirit. "Greetings Maia, protector of the Wyrmwood it is a pleasure to see you once again. As for how we are adjusting....I can say everything seems a lot bigger as of late. We ran into a little trouble last night with a tree, and have become lost. We were hoping to make it back to the plains where a friend would be meeting us with warm clothing, however well none of us really know where we are. Could you happen to point us in the right direction, in return I promise to owe you a boon." the old woman asks politely.

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: Well, this is weird.

Not you becoming a walking, shrinking slot machine. That viscous blob that came out of the wand...

It is said that in sites where great Arcane Wars have been waged, Magic remains in a state of constant flux. Effects that usually pop up and disappear, remain. They don't remain in the same way they were cast, though.

They are given new life in the form of the Living Spell.

Now these are whole new creatures, not too different from an ooze. Mindless like their sewer found cousins, a Living Spell is the magic weaved from sites such this one and becomes its own new persona, albeit at a very primitive scale. They are not usually driven by any particular impulse, although some spells, known for their Virtue or Malice may imprint upon the nature of these blobs.

What makes these creatures so unique- dangerous even- is that they can strike you. And in so doing, affect you with the very same spell that made them. In this case, it would be perhaps the best description of "tough love", since each time you'd be smacked, you'd be healed.

Assuming of course, you can find a way to domesticate it.

And then Maia appears up on the branches, clearly amused by your slight size reduction and that someone in the team has a lot more hair than the night prior.

"Greetings, little Winter Rose!

We were told you were around here. Lady Morea would like to have a word with you before I can fulfill your desire to leave for the plains...

Unless you have other plans?""

[dantiesilva]

"To my knowledge we do not have any other plans Maia, however I will ask the others just to be sure." Sister Elizabeth says relaying the question to the others, as well as the request from Lady Morea before trying her best to catch the glob. "Please don't run away, you won't be able to live very long on your own. Stay with me, we can keep each other safe." she calls out to the glob as she chases after it, though staying in sight of the group as she tries to pick it up.

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: A walking healing blob...and it's all yours!

Yeah, sure. You let the others know that Lady Morea wants an audience. But first, you need to catch this slithering potion bag as it makes its way deeper into the frozen woods.

It isn't very fast- it has no legs- but it slithers on the ground as you lick your lips and stretch out your old withered hands like a hag's claws as you cry out to it, that such a wondrous creature would never be lost out here.

And although the man sized puddle of goo may not see you per se, before you can reach out to it, it smacks you good with a single pseudod, confiorming your theory.

3 damage plus 3 HP healed

It hurt... and healed? What?!

Maia raises an eyebrow and giggles as a cold breeze washes through the forest.

"Silly Rose:

There are many like him around Wyrmwood. It's probably off to look for its mother.""

[remetagross]

Sharkun watches with dismay as all his stratagems to enter the the city fail one after another, leading to him being targeted by one of the Eyes in the Sky. Winning a staredown contest does not warrant being killed in the process. Let us retreat before we are blasted to Hells...

Sharkun raises his eyes towards the Eye in the Sky, and walks backward away from the gate, so as to always have the engine in his line of sight. The dwarf moves diagonally away from the peephole; this way, he exits the field of vision of the guard, as was required of him, at the same time he increases the distance between him and the gate. The dwarf slowly raises his arms in a gesture of peace, his guisarme resting on his shoulder in a nonthreatening way.

While warily surveying the Eye in the Sky's every motion, the Jasidian is suddenly shot through with a meditative thought. This is a lesson taught to a Paladin that has tried to bully his way into a City instead of abiding by the laws; on the matter of which a rank and file soldier has no say and cannot be held responsible for his frustration. Thank you, O the Dark-Eyes Lady, for bringing this enlightenment to your overconfident servant.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: You have seen these metal Eyes since Connor assumed power in the City.

As far as you know, the are used to transmit his daily messages to all of Halmathan. Given their names, they would have an ability to "see", but to what extent? You have no idea.

You also have no idea what those turrets can do, but best to step back, raising your hands in a sign of non aggression. If only you had the money and clout...

And you should have one of those, but your attempts at strong arming yourself at the gate failed and so, you are forced to retreat, as the search light switches back from its red color, but keeps floating low.

Now where to go? The City is an impossible breach for you now. There is the Imperial Highway, which leads further north. Corwin did mention Rusty and the others headed there, but at night? In the open plains? Alone?

How well will you fare in your trek? If any is to be had, that is.



@Elizabeth: The little healing ooze will not respond to your calls. Doubtful it even recognizes your words, being mindless and all.

Whatever visage has caused Travis to look at you with fearful eyes is gone off your body, but the same cannot be said of William, whose hair has grown a lot. One could even call him a Wild Man of sorts, fit to live here...

IF he could track his way out, that is.

But for now, your best bet is finding a way back to Cornelius, your cart and getting out of this ancient forest. The only one that can know the way out would be little Maia and so, since Rusty has decided to adopt a stony look and the verbal capacity of a mute, you lead the way and urge everyone- even an unseen Raikou- to follow the pixie.


@The Party: Finding Morea's glade isn't easy. The fey know how to conceal their homes, revealing them only to those they wish to have them found. Thankfully, Maia guides you through twists and turns, urging you to stop at several intervals as she scouts invisibly and then resumes her child self for all to follow and, after about twenty minutes through the cold forest, ducking beneath giant roots and traversing through thick hedges, you find yourselves at the edge of the Stone Circle, home of Wyrmwood's Whimsy.

The horned dryad sits on the ground at the foot of her tree and collects a few stones marked with runes, sighing as she pockets them in her sacred tree and gets up to greet you.

"I can already see that Wyrmwood has not been kind to you. You ended up falling for Rootmaw's Song and his mark can still be seen upon your bodies...

And where is the Little Storm? I can only hope nothing terrible happened to him last night. I can understand if you wish to leave these woods, but first, a few words, if you can spare the time.""

The dryad walks to the edge of her circle and looks at all of you, except for Raikou, being invisible.

"The day prior, some of you mentioned that my brothers and sisters, who remained in your lands and swore to uphold the Balance of the Land had been taken. I refused to believe it, but doubt clouded my mind as I got ready to sleep in for the night.

As kindred spirits, I can Commune with them. This isn't usually necessary, since your City is supposedly under their protection and they have shown to be very good at it. And then I reached out to them...""


Morea looks up at the tall trees around her glade and closes her eyes, a single tear rolling down her green cheeks.

"I could hear them calling out. Fear and despair. Trapped in some cold place where my sight cannot reach. I have never felt them in such a state. They are powerful Fey, amongst the strongest in these lands and yet, they felt so vulnerable.

I don't think you understand: we fey maintain a very delicate balance not only here in Wyrmwood, but also in your home. Disrupt one side, and the other suffers just as much. You mentioned you wanted to go to The Mountain, yes? Alone and in your current state and the way Wyrmwood works, you will not make it far, that much is true.

Return to your home, and it won't be long before you too feel the change...

So, I ask of you: Do you really wish to go to that Mountain?"

[Niwrad]

Hey M! I'm here, right next to the elemental, but suffering from a (hopefully) temporary case of invisible halfling syndrome...

Raikou's voice calls out from his invisible location right next to Cyrus.

You are right, we had a bit of a mishap running into that creepy tree. In while trying to fight it, we discovered just how wonky magic here is. It basically just doesn't seem to work... I guess we weren't really expecting that.

And you tried contacting the city fey? I guess it's not surprising that you couldn't reach them. At least they're still alive...?
That evil Queenie lady that we mentioned, the one creating an army of mutants below the city, she's the one who kidnapped them. What for? We don't really know. She took a bunch of other fey too, less powerful ones I think, and did a lot of really horrible things to them...

His voice trails off, wanting to spare these fey the details of what Alexia had done to the pixies and nymphs of the city.

And that's why we need to get to this mountain. In our current state, we don't know enough about her or her powers, and maybe by finding this mine, we might learn more about how to defeat her.

I guess the forest isn't really our element. It's not like the open ocean or desert where you can see for miles. Do you have any suggestions on how to deal with the magic here? Or anything that might help us travel in this wilderness? Worst case, could you at least guide us back to the entrance of this forest so that we can head back to the city and better prepare?

[AlanBruce]

@Raikou: Morea turns her attention to Cyrus, since your voice came from his location, more or less.

"M? Who is this M...oh, my name? Is that what you call me? We usually go by our full names, Little Storm. Why in older times, such a name would have incited wrath. The likes rarely seen back then...

And all too frequently nowadays. Rootmaw, the The Haunting Song of Wyrmwood. He is a Night Twist. An old and very despicable tree that has been in Wyrmwood for many, many years. Some say he has been blessed by a sliver of Mighty Alubastac's power, which still lingers in these lands, making him a very formidable opponent.

You shan't worry about him during the day, since Rootmaw slumbers now. But every evening, his song can be heard around Wyrmwood. We who have been here for a long time have grown somewhat immune to it, but newcomers such as yourself...""

Morea takes out a dagger from her tree and cuts herself in the hand, wincing from the pain as the tree bleeds golden sap, much like tears as the dryad picks some with her fingers.

"I do not know of any Queen over there, Little Storm. But I know wickedness when it harms those I care about. You need access to that Mountain. I cannot provide it, but Daisae can... if you can find her.""

It is then that Maia flies about excitedly as a medium sized creature walks past all of you and bows to Morea, speaking in Draconic:

http://img05.deviantart.net/e7be/i/2017/098/3/0/havoc_dragon_by_leeshahannigan-db4wnth.jpg

"I did my best to keep them safe, my Lady. But they are a strange lot.""

Now this is very different from the other creatures you have seen here so far. It's as tall as Rusty and almost twice as long. Raikou may be able to ride it, assuming it allows you to.

Knowledge Arcana & Nature to ID it

Morea returns the bow while Maia flies around the reptilian creature, who whistles to her, much like some bird commonly found here.

"He is Frirgyd Fae Blessed of Hlal, Champion of the Glade. A fierce protector as well in these areas. Frirgyd will take you deeper into the Woods if you are so inclined. Maia will also be with you, since both are very close. As for the magic gone awry, show me your hands, mortals...""



@The Party: Morea stays within the edge of her circle and traces with the golden sap, a rune on your hands or foreheads, as she deems convenient.

"You will not survive long within Wyrmwood on your Magic alone. This is a gift I can bestow to those I find truly worthy of a cause. It may not be much, but it should allow you to face anything that you come across a lot better than you have done so far.""




https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/pagan-ritual-rings-celtic-runic-symbols-mysterious-magic-visualization-casting-magic-spell-enchantment-glowing-74879888.jpg

The Badlands and Wyrmwood are always subject to a Wild Magic Zone. This, should be apparent by now. Unless you are a creature that has lived here for a very long time, your spells will keep malfunctioning.

Enter Morea's Mark.

In a wild magic area like this forest, spells and spell-like abilities function in radically different and sometimes dangerous ways. Without Morea's Mark, any spell or spell-like ability used in a wild magic area has a chance to go awry.

With Morea's Mark, however, the caster must make a Caster Level Check (Standard DC is 15 + the level of the spell or effect, but it can be higher) for the magic to function normally.

For spell-like abilities, use the level or HD of the creature employing the ability for the caster level check and the level of the spell-like ability to set the DC for the caster level check.

This check must also be made to items that recreate spells, such as scrolls, wands and staves/ runestaves.

If the check is failed, the caster and his surroundings may be affected by a surge of Wild Magic.

"It's not fool proof, but it should give you a definite edge against whatever lurks deeper into the woods. Do note that my Mark will cease to work if you leave Wyrmwood, for that is the extent of my influence.

And I know that the woods aren't your Home, Little Storm: that much is clear to me. reason why Maia and Frirgyd will be joining you at least for the first part of your journey."

[remetagross]

Sharkun is relieved to see the menacing engine reverting to a more passive stance. What now, though? The dwarf briefly entertains the idea of trying to walk past the wall using a Dark Way spell. On second thought, however, this enterprise seems as risky as his recent attempt at bullying his way past the guard: there are more Eyes in the sky watching over the walls. Besides, once on the other side...Sharkun remembers that Runestone is closed at night. That spells the end of his attempt at infiltrating the City without paying the entrnce fee. And, in retrospect, this turn of events rings as a warning to the Paladin: one can associate with thieves at one heart's content, but one must not use this as a motivation to behave unlawfully in turn, especially when one is a Paladin of a lawful goddess. Well.

Sharkun looks back. Adventuring in the outer lands alone at night? That still appears a needlessly dangerous undertaking. The least bad solution might be to try and rest at the foot of the walls. Wild animals and creatures are less likely to be roaming in the vicinity of this heavily guarded place. Besides, in case an unfortunate nightly encounter brings him to a battle, having a surface rather than an empty space behind his back is a better position.

That said, Sharkun sets about to looking for an acceptable place to sleep in. Remaining within 20ft or so of the walls at any given time, the dwarf circles around the metropolis, looking for a pile of rocks, a small grove, anything that provides a modicum of protection against the elements. Once such a suitable location is found, the Jasidian kneels in prayer, asking the Stern Lady to grant him her boons for the incoming day. Without removing his armor or parting with any of his equipment, Sharkun then lays on the bare ground and abandons himself to sleep.

[kinem]

"Hello, Frirgyd."

Travis tells Morea "Thank you. For everything" as he tries to understand the mark.

ooc: knowledge(arcana) [roll0]

"Even so, the sooner we leave this wild magic, the happier I'll be."

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Like a Hun at the Gates, you circle them.

Bullying yourself inside didn't work. Who knows what would've happened had you stood your ground, but that machine seems to have reverted into a less threatening one. And then you consider other options.

Use a spell? You could- the wall is high, but not that high. Enough to grant you a bridge on which to effortlessly walk over the palisades and then...

... and then other guards and Eyes would spot you. But what IF you weren't spotted? Runestone would be close now. The last time you went there, travis got you a janitor's closet to sleep because the gates to the Academy were closed for the day.

Head back to the Den? It's far away from where you are right now. The Royal Palace would have a warm bed for you...

If you weren't on a mission already. The North Wall is massive, and extends for miles circling around the City. You may have to lay down like some nomad on the cold grass outside and hope nothing comes to attack you. The City is well fortified, that much is evident:

Hopefully, they have no laws against slackers dozing out twenty feet away from them. And so, as you lay down, you can hear the sounds of the City so close- yet so far away. divided by a massive stone wall and the dazzling lights that erupt from beyond it.

And as you pray to Wee Jas and a cold breeze blows from the plains, you can only hope High Priestess Na'wa is faring a lot better than you.


@Travis: Well, this is new.

You have read about magical creatures back in Ruenstone. Not extensively, but just enough to know that Frirgyd is a Faerie Dragon.

Dragons are already considered legendary. The stuff of tales, even. But Faerie Dragons fall into the realm of myth, given their rarity even amongst a race known for being much referenced, but rarely seen.

This type of dragon favors the woodlands, such as where you are. True to their name, they are in good terms with the Fey, something you can attest to, given that this one has taken the mantle of Champion of this Glade.

Whether it can live up to such title, though... who knows. You didn't get to read much on them.

Morea raises an eyebrow and listens to your words.

"Thank me for what? All I have done is mark you. If you are so inclined to leave Wyrmwood, well... you are a wizard, aren't you? Your spells should work now and get you safely back home."

[dantiesilva]

Arcane for the mark [roll0]
BArdic Knowledge on the mark [roll1]

Arcane on dragon [roll2]
Bardic Knowledge [roll3]


Back with the living spell

After being smacked by the spell the old woman watches as it leaves, hoping that the poor creature would not die saying it had just been born. "It's mother, I never knew creatures such as that would consider anyone besides the person the spell they came from as their mother....Thank you Maia for teaching me something new, no doubt it will save my life at least once knowing now not to try and take any of these creatures as they must have some kind of society." the old woman replies kindly in the language of the fey, which to the others seems like gibberish.

At the border to the drayds grove the old woman bows respectfully. "It is good to see you again Morea, guardian of the Wyrmwood, though a lot sooner than we had expected." the old woman says respectfully. "Your guide and friend Maia said you wished to speak with us and so we came. Though in truth if not for her help we would be very lost in these woods right now." Sister Elizabeth says before listening to what Morae had to say.

"Raikou is around here somewhere, if I had to guess close to Cyrus his companion."

"Yes many of us fell to his haunting tune, it is a pity he uses such beautiful music for evil deeds. It however has not changed why I have come, though it has opened my eyes to some of the dangers you spoke of, for instance the freezing cold at night. I still have not warmed up." she says with a slightly smile as she continues to shiver still from the night prior. "I am sorry for what you had to endure, had I been a better teacher, more observant, perhaps my humanitarian ways would have passed on to the child. My road is only made all the clearer by your statement Morae, I must get to that mountain so I can find a way to stop her and with luck restore everything she is trying to destroy. But you mentioned a balance, I have never heard of this and certainly none in the city or else they wouldn't build those large machines."

"Raikou please, better yet all of you when someone gives you there name use it and stop making up your own for them. It is rude, and as the Lady Morae just said depending on who you say it to can bring upon their wrath." Sister Elizabeth says with a sigh. They were going to get her killed, even the young master was never this bad.

Elizabeth speaks draconic

As the great dragon lands besides the group the old woman takes a step back, however as she realizes it is a friend to Morae and Maia she does a curtsuy to the dragon. " Greetings Frirgyd Fae Blessed of Hlal, Champion of the Glade, I am Elizabeth Rose and it is an honor to meet you. In all my life I never imagined I would ever see a real dragon, never mind have a conversation with it, I have so many questions." the old woman says before stopping herself. "Sorry I get carried away sometimes, seeing beings of legend that I have only heard tales about before tends to make me want to ask a great deal of questions."

As the dryad blesses them with her sap the old woman thinks for a moment before asking, "If you will allow it, back home I am a healer of no small talent. I would be more than willing to treat your wound, it is the least I can do after all after you have done so much for us." the old woman offers before hearing Travis say he wants to leave. "Travis we all know what we were getting into when we left the city, did Runestone not give you a sense of adventure when you were being taught there? This young dryad just gave you a gift and the first thing you do is say you want to leave. I swear you younglings were never taught a lick of manners growing up." the old woman says before sighing. "I can not speak for the others, however I will continue on this journey Morea, but before I do I must send a message to their friend telling him to meet them at the entrance to the forest."


DC 19 [roll4]
Sharkun I hope you are okay, the others will be waiting at the mouth of the forest. Bring warm clothing please.

[remetagross]

As Sharkun awakes, feeling sore within his armor and on the rude soil through his bedroll, he practises a few stretchings and sparrings before receiving the message from Elizabeth. At last a way to join them! Sharkun enthusiastically answers with the concision of a military communication:
"Am outside City and penniless: no clothes. Moving now to meet you. Very pleased. Have no means to contact you.". This thought immediately saddens him, however.I wish I had a means to communicate with the High Priestess...I hope she is taken care of. She probably won't be allowed to use her own magic to heal herself, meaning she has to rely on Connor's "care"...on the other hand, if Connor wants to keep leverage on me, he needs to have her safe.

That being said, Sharkun walks some meters away from the wall (in case overzealous Eyes forbid the use of magic even outside the walls of the City in its immediate vicinity) and casts a spell on himself to improve his shape after his discomfortable night. The Jasidian then eagerly walks forward on the path leading to the forest. At the crossroad with the postsign indicating St Noria, Sharkun engages himself in the other direction, and does so until he reaches the edge of the forest as indicated.

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: Little blob's got some fight in him, no doubt.

Normally, anything you have fought up until now would have thrown you several feet backwards, but this little green jello has a different touch. The whole "Tough Love" is certainly true...at least when it comes to him, as you allow it to slither further away and look at Maia, up in a branch.

"Wyrmwood has a bunch of them roaming around, Freezing Rose.

Some are very old. Older than I, even. Lady Morea says they awoke after Mighty Alubastac clashed with a mighty mage when these lands were at fierce war with your kind.

If you decide to venture further in, who knows:

You might see more of them. Far bigger than that one. Let us go see her now, shall we?""



And once at Morea's Glade, yet another fantastic being walks in, unseen and unheard at first and bows to the dryad before letting know in some way that he had been present at the fight against the Night Twist, Rootmaw.

The noble and ancient race of dragons. Predating all known races. Definitely yours. Frirgyd is a Faerie Dragon, a lesser known offshoot of the majestic creatures of lore and legend.

These are sylvan dragons, in tune with the Fey beings of the world. Fond of pixies, who look up to them as teachers and protectors after a sort. However, maybe because he has lived here in these woods with such Earthly Beings, Frirgyd has become more than just a dragon, which is saying a lot.

Morea described him as "Fae Blessed of Hlal", but why? That part eludes you.


And whether it’d be wise to challenge him? That’s another mystery as well.

Morea, the Dryad of Wyrmwood's Whimsy looks at you and feels your forehead, while looking up at Maia.

"You are shaking all over... you didn't attempt to cast a spell, did you? I have seen this before. The Shakes. It's a disease. By nightfall, you will barely be able to move.

However, there is a flower that grows deeper in these forests, the Boggart’s Bulb. At an old altar to The Shalm, close to Wyrmwood Bog. I suggest you go there first. Once you retrieve it, go to Rhinebrook River and gain audience with an old acquaintance of mine. She is rather knowledgable with these maladies that affect Men and knows how to prepare medicine out of it. My mark is imprinted on you, so you should be able to converse with her...rather well. Let's just put it that way.

As for your abilities to heal? I appreciate the offer, Little Rose, but I have ways to relief the pain caused by myself. Such is the power granted to me and my grove.

So you were a teacher too? I have taught Maia much of the denizens here in Wyrmwood. Whoever this person is you speak of, she has placed my brothers and sisters under a veil of darkness and fear. One I cannot pierce... nor understand.

If there is a way in The Mountain to stop her, then you must make haste. As for The Balance? You were never taught of this back in your lands?""

Morea walks to her tree while Frirgyd smells the cold air in the woods and the dryad places her hand on her sacred tree.

"Way before you were born. When Halmathan was but a collection of tents and huts, home to warrior men and women, Wyrmwood was home to Alubastac's terrifying reign. His progeny and many lured by his power, made these lands a dangerous place. And their influence would have seeped into your lands. Halmathan would not be here today...

Were it not for one barbarian. One your City hails as the first Queen, Maira Airdan. It was she, along with a band of like minded souls from all parts of the world, that set out to eradicate this evil for good. And for a while, they succeeded.

But she and her company had fought many battles the world over prior to this one. Age catches to all mortals, no matter their deeds and so, she and her friends departed soon after upon cleansing these woods and the threat was over...for a time.

Alubastac was never really dead. Defeated? Yes. And badly enough to retreat into slumber to lick its wounds. Killing such a being is a feat I do not think is possible. And so, five hundred years ago, he awoke.

This time, his call was heard from everywhere and all manner of beasts and wicked souls alike flocked here, swearing allegiance under different banners. They would seek to reclaim Halmathan, which now had grown in size and power.

And this time, although the Barbarian Queen had long since left this world, others stood against him and his forces.

The churches, with their priests. Calling upon the power of a multitude of gods revered by mortal Men.

The King of that era, with his own army of warriors.

And last, but definitely not least, the mages. A powerful force in their own might. It was one of them who finally smote Alubastac and ended his reign. This reshaped the land as we know it. The powers exerted from both sides was too much for just one to handle and so, we Fey here and in your City agreed to keep the land rested. That his vile influence would be kept at bay.

For years, his legacy remained, thankfully under control. Hopefully you won't have to face against them in the woods, but they still hold a trace of his blood and are no less dangerous for it. And still we, the Guardians of Wyrmwood, sworn protectors of the Natural World, agreed to keep these powers in check, however...

... for the last few years, things have gone in disarray. Slowly at first, but the presence of something Insidious threatens to envelop us all. Many of the ancient horrors that pledged fealty to Mighty Alubastac have began to rise and amass power of their own. If my sisters and brothers in your city were able to do their duty, this would not be a problem, but given what I have learned the night prior, I don't know if they will be enough. Not in their current state.""


If she is talking about the fey Raikou mentioned, then you know who has them...and not an easy task it will be to release them, Zodal as your witness. But if you are here, you must find a way to somehow revert the damage caused by her.

You have to try. Not only for the sake of the family she took from you, but now, for these lands and yours.

As for the Mark she has imprinted upon you, this is a Sylvan Sigil.

Some magic in the world cannot be researched in books or even learned. It is said that only mighty Fey Lords are able to impart these upon mortals, when the need is dire and the quest true. If such is the case, then Morea must have deemed you worthy enough to traverse Wyrmwood with her blessing.

When the subject of the tree is brought up, Morea nods.

"Rootmaw is one such ancient monster, Elizabeth. He was never a tree anyone here liked. And with the powers that seep around Wyrmwood, he's even less likely to attract our attention.

Thankfully, Maia knows where he usually sets root for the night and should steer you away from his Song.

I am sorry- I hope I have not overwhelmed you with all this. The air grows cold, yes. And with it, many old spirits that answer to dark courts awaken from their slumber. Even with my Mark, engage them at your peril.

This place hasn't seen mortals in a long time- your king and his knights... I hope they are well. More of this you may learn once you reach Rhinebrook River, assuming it’s not frozen over.”

Frirgyd whistles to Maia as she sits on his back and the faerie Dragon extends his wings, which catch the rays of light and bask the glade in a multitude of colors.

"You have many questions, little woman? If you decide to venture in deeper, we will have time to converse. I do enjoy talking to strangers from far away lands and have some questions of my own.""


And then, you step away from the glade and sit on the cold forest ground, asking Zodal to grant you a chance to reach out across Time & Space to Sharkun.

But not before giving Travis a lesson in manners.

This is a gift rarely given to anyone. The stuff of bard tales...and he just wants to turn around and leave? So much for a mighty mage. Why did he come here, then?

It is clear that you need to stop Alexia. And given what you have been told, the Mountain may have such an answer.

The glow on your hand from Morea's Mark is a sure indicator that your spell went through without a hitch. She wasn't lying. Hopefully, your luck remains the same way through this journey as the others wait patiently for ten minutes before the dwarf responds in kind.

It went through... but he's penniless? Why?

On the matter of going in alone, Morea looks at the others.

"Child, even with my protection and with Maia and Frirgyd, I am afraid it won't be enough. Wyrmwood was never safe. It hasn't become any tamer over the years.

Use your better judgement if going in. Especially alone."


@Sharkun: It's a lone pebble that strikes your face as you open an eye and watch some guards high up in their watch towers laughing as they get ready to throw another one.

"Get off the City property, you bum! Hehehehehhehheheee! I swear: these nomads, am I right?""


Normally, you would engage them- if you could reach up to the watch towers and give them a piece of your mind, but right now, you have a Sending from Elizabeth, to which you respond in kind.

No winter clothing. No money. But at least you have a purpose now. The High Priestess should be fine, not that you relish the idea of Connor watching over her. Something is very strange with that man, and leaving her so vulnerable under his iron grip...

But you need to meet with the others and so, the journey begins for you, one step at a time. The sun shines above, but gives little warmth. It's getting cold out here. very much so, as you walk past the sign to St. Noria's Castello and away from the City's influence...or so you hope.

It's clear that something happened in these plains. Gigantic craters dot the land for miles and with each step you take, you can feel not only the cold breeze hitting your face, but something...strange in the very air your breathe and land you walk. Nothing of the sort has been felt before. Who knows what it is, but once the Imperial Road ceases to be, you keep moving north and catch sight of a forest. A most foreboding one, with no roads leading in,

What also catches your attention is a destroyed cart. Its contents have been defiled. Blood smeared on the ground and bits of flesh and bone scattered around...

As well as large black feathers.

[remetagross]

Sharkun keeps walking, pestering about the guards that have nothing more pressing to do than throwing rocks at a homeless man. I hope it is Connor's influence that brings them to this, and not innate malice.

Arriving near the forest, frictioning his arms to garner some heat, Sharkun can only state the lack of the party...and a ruined carriage. Hm? Sharkun suspicioulsy runs his gaze across the foreboding forest's edge and its surroundings. What could have happened there? Some sort of attack, whom assaillants might still lay close.
The dwarf comes closer and kneels near the feather. Would that be the same kind of airborne creature we faced in Alexia's manor? He also inspects the remnants of the carriage. His operation done, he raises to his feet again, and cautiously moves closer to the edge, thoroughly looking around, not daring to enter proper, trying to see if a note or any other kind of signal has been let by the party in the vicinity.


Listen and spot: [roll0] [roll1]
Knowledge (Nature): [roll2]
Search: taking 20 so 21.

[dantiesilva]

"Yes I did cast a spell, I was trying to create a safe and warm home for everyone to sleep in last night when this happened." the old woman nods before hearing what was effecting her. "Well this will be a problem, I told our friend to meet us at the entrance we came in, and I suspect you are going to tell me where we need to go is in the opposite direction.. I can not ask all of you to leave Sharkun at the forest entrance alone, however from what Morae says if I do not find this plant I will be useless as well. I need to get this plant, I leave what you choose to do however up to you. And I understand if you choose not to follow me."

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Those guards will learn their place...

But not today. And certainly not by your hand. Without access to the City, there is no reason to get worked over those low rank soldiers as you leave Halmathan behind and even the Imperial Road.

The plains are vast. The cold gets a lot more severe, despite being day light still. You had felt a chill back in the City, but here? Here it's enough to cause the tip of your beard to gather tiny specks of frost as you reach the edge of the forest Corwin somewhat detailed.

No sign of Rusty or the others. Why didn't they wait? And what's with the cart?

Their was an attack, let their be no doubt about it. No human footprints can be seen on the cold ground, but the blood still smells fresh- a recent kill...maybe.

As for sounds, just the howling of the wind seeping from the tall ancient trees. The feathers? They could be from who knows what animal. Impossible to tell on feathers alone, but given the blood and carnage, a predator of some sort, which should not be as surprising given where you are.

If there were any contents in the cart, these are gone.



@Elizabeth: Morea watches you shake and chatter your teeth as you explain what you attempted to do the night prior and shakes her head.

"You won't find Boggart's Bulb at the edge of this forest, child. That grows deeper into Wyrmwood, beyond my watch. Reason why I advise caution...and a larger group.

You mentioned a friend? More coming here... hmmm. I can offer no more assistance than what I already have given. If you wish to find your friend, go ahead. But be wary:

Danger lurks in these woods. Even under a watchful sun."

[remetagross]

Sharkun steps back, disappointed. Nothing of note here. The dwarf moves away a few dozen meters from the forest in order to try and gauge its size. Does it extend endlessly on both sides? Is there some sort of hill Sharkun can climb so as to get a somewhat from above view of the forest? Sharkun also looks for plumes of smoke that might rise above the canopy.

When all of this is done, Sharkun starts to think that he could light a fire, in order both to ward off the freezng wind and to signal his presence to his friends. The dwarf reaches back to the cart and stockpiles the broken slats scattered here and there. If a small prominence is present near, Sharkun will gather his timber at the top of it, to make his campfire more visible. Else, he chooses a place reasonably dry and some distance from the forest, in order not to risk settng the woods on fire. The dwarf uses a series of Mountain Hammer maneuvers to plow the soil in a circle around his destined fire, so as to uproot flamable grass (which is then added below the stack of wooden boards to be used as a fire igniter) and expose humid earth instead. This will act as a natural firestop.

Slightly panting from the effort (and somewhat warmed up), Sharkun makes a step back and looks at his work. A proper ranger might be laughing at the way I prepared all of this, but I am confident it will create a signal that can be seen by them...or, for that matter, by unwanted visitors as Sharkun's eyes fall on the feathers. Hum. The dwarf wisely decides not to light his fire just yet, in case his allies arrive in the meantime.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: They aren't coming back...

None of them mentioned a cart for their trip, but you never know, given the outlandish decisions this group is known to make from time to time. Good thing you have a better head on your shoulders and never, EVER make bad decisions.

The weather out here is getting unbearably colder. If they are to meet you out here, you need to at least start a fire. Will the smoke be seen through that thick forest? Hopefully. You have seen this tactic used back in the waste, but back home, it's rolling sand dunes for the most part, not thick woods with trees that very well may rival the towers back in Halmathan in sheer scale.

Still, it is worth a shot as you grab the broken cart and strip it of a few pieces, while moving several feet away from the woods, but well within sight. There may not be hills here, but long over arching flat plains. Still, good enough to set up a fire as you kneel in front of the wooden debris and cause a few sparks to land on the wood, causing a small fire to consume the cold remains of the cart. If you blow the fire just about right, you should get a good flame going on, enough to send some form of signal to the others...

Assuming the others are in these woods.

And as you blow the fire to make it grow and rub your hands together, a brutal cold gale erupts from the forest itself, accompanied by a cackling female voice. Or at lest it sounds female, but in a language you cannot understand at all:

Hehehehhee ...! Hahhahahahahhaaa !!!! Itt van még egy törpe? Oly sok embert már a hegyre vittek.

Mégis olyan, mint önmagad, egyedül jött. Talán csak annyit kell tennie, hogy még egy bátor lovagot adjak a szolgálatomnak.

Zenobious szárnyai! Ünnepeljük meg őt és megfosszuk őt minden életről és vérről. szakítani a testét a Wyrmwood hideg talaján!

És akkor ... hozd el hozzám

And then the fire you had created is blown away, with frost gathering on the wood as a couple of shadows cover the sun above and the flapping of wings shed a few black feathers on the ground as you take a look at what has silently burst forth from the forest and maintain a thirty foot altitude:



https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/gamelore/images/9/9e/Blackwing.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150721162120

Ten foot tall..."eagles." Not good. You know what these things are, because practitioners of the Dark Arts back home use them.

Those are Blackwings. Once, majestic giant eagles ridden by brave elven warriors pledged to Sky Goddesses, these animals are targeted by Necromancers, subjected to a foul ritual that kills them and animates them into twisted forms of their former selves.

Despite being undead, do not make the wrong assumption of thinking they are merely skeletons. A Blackwing is a cunning and swift aerial predator with razor sharp beaks and talons. They are known for creating gusts of blinding wind from the earth by flapping their wings, gaining an edge against their prey. And they usually target lone ones, since they make for easier meals.

Your guisarme will do little to no harm against these creatures. If Rusty were here, this fight would be over before it began, but in your case... it may not be as easy. And because of the nature of their unnatural creation, the Cold does not even faze them.

And if that weren't enough, these creatures use fear in the form of unholy screeching that can shake even the most indomitable soul, rendering them helpless against against their very well coordinated swoop attacks.

Blood can be seen on their talons and beaks- they must've been the ones who killed whoever owned that cart. And it seems they are hungry for more. Whoever spoke from the forest... you cannot see the origin of the voice, but they should be dealt with later:

These things have come to pick up a fight and if everything goes wrong...

Pick you clean afterwards.

Round 1


@Sharkun: Here they come...

Both Blackwings screech loudly and plunge towards you, beak and claws ready to shred you apart as their wailing assaults your mind, gaining a flanking advantage...and a whole lot of pain should you not be able to resist.

Bite 11 damage plus Will save DC 18. If failed, Sharkun is Frightened for 1 round.

A frightened creature flees from the source of its fear as best it can. If unable to flee, it may fight. A frightened creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A frightened creature can use special abilities, including spells, to flee; indeed, the creature must use such means if they are the only way to escape.

If the save fails:

1st Claw: 13 damage

2nd Claw: 11 damage


The second undead eagle follows by example and swoops down, also attempting to cause fear in you while tearing at the flesh between your armor.


Bite 11 damage plus Will save DC 18. If failed, Sharkun is Frightened for 1 round.

A frightened creature flees from the source of its fear as best it can. If unable to flee, it may fight. A frightened creature takes a –2 penalty on all attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks. A frightened creature can use special abilities, including spells, to flee; indeed, the creature must use such means if they are the only way to escape.

If the save fails:

1st Claw: 13 damage

2nd Claw: 12 damage

These things must've been the ones that killed the people in that cart. And if it was Rusty and the others...

You need to send these send these creatures back to Eternal Rest!

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=235325)

Blackwings x2
Sharkun

[remetagross]

"Ugh! Nine Hells!" Sharkun curses as he discovers the provenance of the ominous feather sooner rather than later. He manages to stave off the horrifying roar of the Blackwings, whom he perfectly well recognizes. On the other hand, the cackling voice indicates a necromancer hiding near the selvedge...first, Sharkun needs to cancel out their aerial superiority. He rushes through the gap left by the birds, grimacing in the anticipation of the vicious lashes that will probably follow. Once safe from their grasp, the dwarf rapidly invokes the power of the Dark Way spell, so that it takes the form of a cage surrounding the birds but for a tiny opening facing him. With a grim determination, Sharkun then readies his guisarme to hack at the first bony wing that tries to wriggle through. The dwarf does not forget the hidden mage in the forest.
"Whoever you are, you will discover I am not an easy prey!" He repeats this warning in Dwarven, Gnomish and Celestial.


Move action: go three tiles to the right, suffering the due AoOs.
Standard action: cast Dark Way. Sharkun now is one tile away from the opening left in the cage.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Damn birds indeed!

But you should be able to fight them off. There is a reason why you are a paladin of Wee Jas, after all! But first, you need to gain some distance from them, well aware that you may take some punishment along the way...and well received by their sharp talons.


11 damage


14 damage

That hurt, but not as much as you will hurt them. This is one of your signature spells- The Dark Way. You can craft pretty much anything with it and...

And something is not right.

You intone the words of power and move your hand around, attempting to weave the cage of shadows around both undead eagles, but the spell... it's not coming into existence at all!

The cackling from the unseen creature echoes in the woods, not bothering to respond to your words this time, but well aware of your mishap, given her glee as both feathered undead lock eyes on you.

Round 2

And in unison, screech in your direction, causing the air to turn really cold as they fly low to position themselves once again within a flanking position. They aren't attacking with their beaks and claws this time, but instead, attempting to send shivers down your very soul!

Will save DC 20 or cower for 3 rounds and be shaken for 4 rounds thereafter.

Cowering

The character is frozen in fear and can take no actions. A cowering character takes a –2 penalty to Armor Class and loses her Dexterity bonus (if any).

Shaken

A shaken character takes a –2 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, and ability checks.

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=235337)


Blackwings x2
Sharkun

[Frendle]

Will watches mouth agape as the Dragon alights. He has seen a dragon before during his days learning the ways of Hlal, but not one such as this. It is beautiful beyond even the most beautiful ones he has seen.

He listens to the conversations, not knowing what Elizabeth is saying half the time, but that is par for the course, but he does catch that this one is called Frirgyd Fae Blessed of Hlal, Champion of the Glade. Beloved of Hlal…. Will’s breath catches in his chest. Suddenly his dark thoughts of the forest are pushed aside, he can see nothing else around him. Beloved of Hlal, how can the others not see the magnificence before them?

Will approaches slowly, respectably to the Dragon. He then takes a knee before him bowing his head deeply. “Frirgyd Fae Blessed of Hlal, Champion of the Glade, I honor you and am glad to be in your company. I am only a lowly adherent of Hlal, Blessed be her name, and place myself at your service in her name.” Then he raises his head and speaks to the others. “I have no misgivings about our purpose now, I will accompany Frirgyd and any who wish to join us on this quest.”

[AlanBruce]

@William: By the gods...

Who would've known that all the way here, in a place referred to as The Badlands, you would come across a servant of Hlal herself.

In a City that is now ran by the forces of Tyranny and Oppression and by the Malignant wellspring of Scientific Assimilation, it more than a relief to see perhaps an embodiment of your goddess in the flesh, all the way here.

Hlal teaches that one must think for themselves for themselves, rather than relying on the word of others. The worst crime in her eyes is not trusting in oneself.

She has little patient for tyrants --even well-intentioned ones-- and even less patience for cruelty or bullying, something you have seen all too much at home lately. She taught that one must be freed of restraint, whether real or imaginary, in order to freely express one's opinions.

And most importantly: Hlal teaches that one must accept of others. First appearances are not the end all and be all in the world. Actions dictate who someone really is, not their looks. Appreciate diversity, do not rout it out in blind and stupid zealousness.

And above all, enjoy the little things.

All this floods back to your mind as you kneel in front of the multicolored scaled Champion of the Glade and bow to him as Maia flies to the side and Frirgyd lowers its head, returning the bow.

"A follower of The Pursued here? Lady Hlal has many more followers than I had imagined. The honor is all mine, mortal. There is no such thing as a lowly of anything, human.

That is dictated by what you do or say in the following hours. However, if we are to help your friend Elizabeth and these lands, your company would be most welcome. They call you... William, isn't it? The pleasure is all mine.""

[remetagross]

Sharkun looks with bewilderment as his spell fizzles out, and then turns to the woods with an exasperated look. "Alright, I have had enough of this camel****. I am coming for you now."

He does not miss the occasion to hack at the creatures as they fly away from him. The dwarf then runs towards where the cackling can be heard.


Attack of opportunity because the eagles leave while being within the reach of Sharkun's guisarme: [roll0]. Damage roll: [roll1]. These include the +5 insight bonus granted by Knowledge Devotion.

Sharkun then runs (speed x4 as dwarves are not hindered by armor) 80ft towards the forest near the origin of the sound as far as Sharkun can tell, entering it.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Damn birds!

These may not be Alexia’s harpies back in Specimen Storage, but they are twice as big and just as annoying.

Fighting them right now would prove to be a rather bad idea- you are alone and those two have razor sharp claws and beaks. Even with full knowledge of what they are and a well stuck guisarme thrust on their exposed rib cage, you can tell this battle would go awfully bad in your favor:

You barely managed to leave a mark on the thing! And so, you direct your full attention at the foreboding forest and its mysterious cackle, running away from the birds and into the cold dark woods.

These aren’t plains. The ground is uneven. Massive roots snake out of the ground and collect green frost covered moss. Any sunlight outside barely makes it through the canopy, towering trees who knows how old that should deter those large Black Wings from pursuing you here.

In fact, as you trip and roll down a small hill, you find yourself way deeper in the woods than you might like, but at least you cannot see nor hear those eagles.

As for whoever was laughing, no sign of anyone here. Just thick hedges and trees. A lot of ducking and crawling or, if you’re feeling bold...

Hacking.

[Frendle]

Will looks wonderingly at the Dragon. “Yes, of course you are right. There are no lesser persons, only lesser deeds.” He then looks at Morea and smiles as he open his arms and gestures at his attiar. “I don’t suppose you have anything more appropriate for us to wear? I, we, have lived in the city all our lives, it seems we know nothing of proper clothing for the early winter in the wilds.”

“For yes, I’ll go on with the quest of course, and first to find this bulb for Lady Elizabeth. It will make a good story for the Guard.” Will bows to the old woman. “But what of the others, are you going to join us as well?” Will looks at the other member s of the troop.

[AlanBruce]

@William: Frirgyd looks up at little Maia, who flies down and rides the dragon, not unlike a knight on her valiant steed.

“Tyrants dwell in these woods. Some stronger than others. We will guide you and your friends to fetch a Boggart’s Bulb for the human. And in so doing, we shall see how dedicated to Hlal’s cause you are, William.”

You have seen tyranny back in the City, firsthand. The night prior you faced off against a seemingly impossible opponent, rotten to its very core.

Perhaps these trials in Wyrmwood will give you such an edge to make things right back home...

Morea the Whimsy rests against her sacred tree and catches a single snow flake dropping lazily on her green hand.

“Your king and his knights rode through Wyrmwood just as prepared as you... although I may have seen a tracker or two in their midst. Not that they have surfaced since.

My mark should allow Elizabeth to keep you warm with her spells, assuming you can find the Shalm’s Altar before nightfall. The disease coursing through her body is wicked fast:

On a young spry human, it would be an annoyance, but endurable.

On a woman of age, such as her... best find that bulb quickly, that being my advice.”

On the matter of getting warm clothes for these woods, the dryad looks at you from the corner of her eye and smiles.

“And should you not find the Shalm’s altar by nightfall, rest assured- someone or something will try to make your travel unpleasant. It is the ways of these woods.

And those blades of yours seem rather sharp. What you do with them when the time comes, I leave it to you.”

And that’s it. Morea has given you a tidbit else of information, but not as detailed as you’d want.

Traveling with a servant of Hlal should be a story the Guard will enjoy thoroughly, but what of the others?

[kinem]

"Of course we're with you" Travis tells William with a certain amount of exasperation. He's almost as dumb as the old hag if he ever doubted that.

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: Whether Morea marked your hand or forehead it doesn't matter.

The powers that course through this ancient forest will forever be awry. It would take years living here to become used to its influence...and you only have a few days.

Best get the most of it, since Elizabeth needs a cure for the sickness that avails her. If the Zodalian isn't at full strength, you won't get the much needed succor her training provides and past experiences have shown you:

You need a healer.

She did come to your rescue many times before and as payment, you caused her death. Time to atone for that in a way.


@The Party: Morea's Glade begins to close around the dryad while Frirgyd and Maia ride next to you and Wyrmwood's Whimsy simply looks at all of you with a bit of concern before the copse shuts her out of sight and a cold wind blows through the impossibly tall trees.

No sight of the plains.

No sight of Sharkun.

At this point, you have to go deeper into Wyrmwood, while Maia rides atop the Champion of the Glade and blows small gouts of cold breath into her cupped hands as the dragon sniffs the air around him before leading you deeper in.

"For a few months now, Wyrmwood has seen the appearance of many creatures. Most of them thought asleep. Like Lady Morea said- things are changing. As much here as in your home, since both are connected. Before we reach our destination, we will have to go through Gukurg's domain.

Don't be concerned, though: The Bloody Blade Tribe is not as menacing as its name suggests. He has become a tad more territorial as of late, however. Lady Morea keeps him at bay from reaching the edges of Wyrmwood, but deeper in, that's a whole different story....""

And as you leave the Glade far behind, the air grows intensely cold as maia keeps blowing more and more gouts of cold air between her cupped hands, not taking much notice as Frirgyd looks around at a small clearing while several snarls can be heard beyond the trees, speaking in the Tongue of Man:

Long way from home, aren't you?

Is that Morea's little gnat???

Too chewy for my taste! What about the humans...

Tasty, tasty humans...!

It is clear you are not alone, as several lupine creatures encircle the area you are in:


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/46/0e/42/460e42392c5ee2fbfbfcca9f75cfe586.jpg

They look like wolves- same height and general appearance, but something is odd. For one, they can speak, something wolves cannot.

However, it's a colder presence still that heralds a much larger creature snarling through the trees and leaving frozen patches of bark wherever it goes:


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f2/82/31/f282316a5d53e673556cda5e38618e7f.png

"And here I thought Men had become scarce already! Part with the humans, dragon! I have no intention to defile these woods with your blood. Or the pixies'...

But mortals such as them are tasty delicacies. It isn't too late for you to turn around, you know...""

The Champion of the Glade looks at all of you and then at the creatures that have come to lay ambush as Maia doesn't even pay attention. Maybe because she doesn't speak Common, and keeps playing with her cupped hands, blowing cold wind into them.

This wolf is far bigger than the others. As big as a war horse, if a quick comparison would have to be made. And looks just as strong.

The Champion of the Glade looks at around at the snarling creatures and then at you as he smiles, baring his own dragon fangs.

"I do not speak for them. I am their guide into Wyrmwood. They are, however, welcome to respond in kind to your proposal.""

You are seemingly outnumbered, but who knows what these creatures can do. The pixie doesn't even seem to be paying attention to what well could be the end of a very short journey.

Knowledge Arcana to ID them and initiative.

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=235525)

[AlanBruce]

Round 1



@Travis: You have read and seen at least one of these creatures before.

The talking wolves that have appeared in large numbers are known as Worgs. To the inexperienced adventurer- or anyone who hasn't dedicated time to a proper Magical Grimoire- a worg is no different than a wolf. Just as rabid and smelly.

However, a Worg is a Magical Beast. Canny enough to speak the language of Man and think like one, a worg will stalk its prey in the woods for a long time before gauging the right moment to strike- such as when they have large numbers in their favor.

Like a wolf, a Worg attacks by biting. Just like a wolf, they can drag their prey along the ground by clenching their jaws on the bone and crushing it like a vise. Unlike a wolf, Worgs can coordinate attacks rather well, and are known to bring down big animals- such as large grizzlies, by using hit and run tactics.

Military application of worgs exist, but the City has for years banned their use because these animals tend to exhibit a malicious nature since birth. It is said that goblins favor them as war horses.


The big one, though...

That's a Winter Wolf. The last one you saw served as familiar for Ellen Martell, since these creatures can answer the call of a powerful mage. Much like Cyrus did for Raikou.

Far bigger and stronger than a worg, a Winter Wolf is also smarter and meaner. Mean enough to bully these creatures into service. At first glance, a Winter Wolf looks just like what it name implies, but approach these creatures with caution.

If their increased size isn't a deterrent, a Winter Wolf can cause wounds from its powerful jaws to freeze, bringing down even expert hunters with ease.

Try to shoot it at a distance? Not only are these creatures extremely fast, being quadrupeds and all- but they can blow gouts of freezing shards that will pierce the flesh of the unprepared with vile ice to ranges up to twenty feet. Protection against the cold is recommended when going against them and ill advised would it be to attack such creatures with frost, since they were supposedly born from the Tundra itself.

However, for all their strength and speed and clear supernatural advantages, a Winter Wolf is exceptionally weak to fire.

Travis
William
The Pack
Fryrgid & Maia

[kinem]

Travis says "We are just passing through and I have no craving to kill these wolves, but we will if need be. William, what say you?"

He readies an action to cast Sudden Maximized Mass Whelm (60 nonlethal damage, Will neg DC 20) on the Winter Wolf and up to 9 Worgs in case hostilities break out. He's also prepared to use AJ as needed.

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: These wolves are clearly hungry and bloodthirsty...

For you.

Despite talking like Men, they are Beasts. And living here in these woods, used to hunting and living off sentient creatures, humans must be a rarity that they aren't about to just allow to walk away.

However, that doesn't mean you aren't going to make their meal an easy one, as you begin amassing enormous arcane power within you. Much like the one reserved against Alexia's minions back in the manor and watch the worgs and its pack leader...

Pretty spread out, but you should be able to at least catch the Winter wolf and render him helpless. Enough for William to dispatch it, since he is the biggest threat.

And when the big white wolf announces the charge through snarls and howls, you intone the Enchantment and...

...and something goes wrong. Horribly wrong.

It's not only you, but the Winter Wolf as well, something in your stomach churning and pecking as your entire body is caught in a Wild Surge and becomes positively rigid, as your mouth fills up and out comes:


https://img00.deviantart.net/2064/i/2015/109/0/b/yellow_canary_by_mondoart-d6t7w75.jpg


It's one first. Then two...then a dozen. And more keep pouring out!

Beautiful canaries have grown in your belly and fly out your mouth, seeking joyous freedom amidst the cold winds of Wyrmwood. The Winter Wolf is in a similar state as it growls and unhinges its jaw, allowing a different set of creatures altogether to fly out:


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DK06rXQUIAEIfka.jpg:large

Your spell has been expended and used. Not in the way you would like, though...


Both Travis and the Winter wolf will keep disgorging those animals/ vermin for 3 rounds.

Both Travis and the Winter Wolf will be stunned for 3 rounds.

Stunned

A stunned creature drops everything held, can’t take actions, takes a –2 penalty to AC, and loses his Dexterity bonus to AC (if any). This includes AJ.

And in your current situation, three of the worgs charge at you, going for your legs and torso, with each attempting to bring you down.

7 damage plus Dexterity Check DC 21 or be Tripped and dropped prone.

9 damage plus Dexterity Check DC 15 or be Tripped and dropped prone.

9 damage plus Dexterity Check DC 10 or be Tripped and dropped prone.


@William: Whatever Travis did, it wasn't good...in part.

The big wolf is puking bugs. That's disgusting.

Travis is blowing out birds. That's weird.

You get jumped by several wolves. That's painful.

7 damage plus Dexterity/Strength Check DC 15 or be Tripped and dropped prone.

9 damage plus Dexterity/Strength Check DC 21 or be Tripped and dropped prone.

Thankfully, you are a lot more prepared than Travis and are able to dodge a few lunges from those creatures. those that bit... you can carve them out far worse.


Fryrgid is quick to react and lunges at one of the worgs attempting to drag Travis on the ground, proving why it is unwise to mess with dragons- even small ones such as he.

His strength is remarkable, both with claws and fangs, using a pattern not too different from what Rusty uses when he swings his Hammer, minus the spells.

Enough to drop one of the wolves and turn it into a bloody pulp on the ground while Maia leaps off the dragon's back and disappears into thin air...

And a single eldritch blast from somewhere strikes one of the other worgs, piercing its ribs, nearly dropping it! That pixie uses warlock powers, for those in the know...and being invisible, she must've figured out how to use the skills of a rogue as well.

Round 2

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=235650)

Travis
William
The Pack
Fryrgid & Maia

[Frendle]

Will watches in horrified wonder was canaries and locusts fill the air, “I thought those marks were supposed to prevent this type of thing from happening!” His attention is required elsewhere though as several of the dark wolf things rush him. He sidesteps as two of the beasts lunge but one and then another strike at him, each grabbing him by a leg and upending him. On the way down his visage changes to the familiar feline, but too late as the ground nearly knocks the wind out of him.

OK, he’s back to hating this forest.

Looking around he can see that Travis has been likewise upended with two of the beasts standing over him. "Well I need to get over to him and distract those two.” Will is enveloped by shadow and reappears next to the mage. Swatting a couple canaries out of his face, he concentrates his attacks on one of the wolf things. Setting his feet firmly on the ground this time, he levels a blow at backed by the strength of the earth itself.



Move Action - Shadow Stride to K-10

Standard Action - Use Mountain Hammer strike (Bypasses DR if any) on Worg in L-11

Mountain Hammer [roll0] Damage [roll1] Extra from MH [roll2]

[AlanBruce]

@William: So much for liking these woods...

On the ground, you won't be able to dispose of this pack efficiently. You need your superior training in order to dispose of them as shadows envelop you and immediately you move across the battlefield, thrusting a kukri into one of the worgs, right between the ribs.

The beast howls in pain as blood splatters on the cold ground. It's hurt- badly so- but it isn't dead.

And then three of them turn their attention on you, since Travis is pretty much helpless at this point and seek to bite at your legs and bring you back on the floor.


9 damage plus Trip DC 18 or fall prone


7 damage plus Trip DC 14 or fall prone


@Travis: Not good!

Canaries keep flying out of your mouth, even as you are dropped on your back and one of the damn worgs bites into your arm, nearly ripping the hand off!

16 damage

The three other worgs pile up not on you or William, but on Frirgyd, all managing to jump on the Faerie Dragon, but because of his superior strength and the fact he's a quadruped, they don't manage to bring him down. However, they do bleed him good. Not that it would take this to bring down a creature such as he, as the Champion of Morea's Glade retaliates on his own, butchering one of the worgs in the same manner as the one before.

And it's an unseen Maia who fires yet another Eldritch Blast at one of the Worgs with William, bringing it down for good and thus reducing the size of the pack.

The Winter Wolf, like Travis, is still stunned and puking locusts. But he, like the mage, won't be in such a state for long.


Round 3

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=235743)

Travis
William
The Pack
Fryrgid & Maia

[Frendle]

Having succumbed to the trip tactics of these beasts already, Will steadies himself as he sees the jaws flashing. Twice he feels the pain of the horrible fangs and this time is able to fend off the takedown attempts.

Then a blast of energy strikes one of the beasts square in the muzzle and the fangs melt away as the eldritch energy drives through the back of the skull. “One less, thank you friend.” Will says in the general direction of the blast’s origin.

Turning his attention to the other wolf thing Will draws a bead on the beast’s neck and shoulders hoping to score a decisive cut or two.




Full Round Action - Full Attack on Worg in L-11


1st attack [roll0] Damage [roll1]

2nd attack [roll2] Damage [roll3]

Off Hand [roll4] Damage [roll5]

If any of these result in a confirmed Crit, then subsequent attack rolls and damage increases by 1.

[AlanBruce]

@William: Who knows how that little girl manages to do it, but she's good!

Pressing the offensive, you dig your blades on one of the wolves and squeeze the steel between their ribs, causing it to howl in pain as its bloody body props to the ground before the others left in the pack move in and one fails miserably to strike you, while the others go for Fryrigid and manage to bite him good.

Travis is the recipient of one nasty lunge on his behalf, though.

Travis takes 9 damage plus Trip DC 22

It's a roaring counter attack by the Champion of the Glade and another unseen blast by its Watcher that decimate a few other worgs before the last canary and locust escape from the mage and Winter Wolf mouth and they are no longer held down by the powers of Wyrmwood Forest.

Fryrgid looks on at the massive Winter Wolf and then at both of you.

"The worgs are almost dead. But that one could well be a problem...""

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=236082)

Round 4

Travis
William
The Pack
Fryrgid & Maia

[kinem]

Travis was already prone.

Although he's no longer coughing up birds, Travis is in trouble and he knows it. Should I risk a spell?

He stands up and aims a blob of acid at the winter wolf. If attacked, he'll use an AJ or have to risk celerity ...

ooc: Travis hp 17/67

attack [roll0] ranged touch, [roll1] acid

[kinem]

ooc: crit confirm [roll0], extra damage [roll1]

:smallsigh:

[Frendle]

Will looks around him, "No one around, so maybe...." He eyes the Big White Wolf thing and just as he decides that charging it might be a good idea, it stops spewing birds. "Of course, ah well, here goes."

Will lets out a scream like a wild cat and put his head sown he charges the wolfthing. Just as he is about to strike it he leaps in the air, pouncing like a ferocious cat, slashing the beast with his blades, then when he gains his footing he shifts and the lithe mongoose appears for a brief moment as he lays two mare rapid strokes across the white fur.


Full Round action - Using Pouncing Charge, charge attack with full attack at the end. Accelerated Tumble (5' short of 40' move) to avoid AoO.
end at T9

Swift Action - Dance of the Mongoose. One strike each with held weapons at full attack bonus.


First Charge - [roll0] damage [roll1]

Second Charge - [roll2] damage [roll3]

Off Hand Charge - [roll4] damage [roll5]



First Mongoose - [roll6] damage [roll7]

Second Mongoose - [roll8] damage [roll9]


Any confirmed crits add +1 att/dam to subsequent rolls, stacks.

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: These woods are indeed very dangerous for a man of your talents.

The last spell you attempted to cast left you spitting canaries and stunned, left at the mercy of Worgs. But that effect is long gone as you spit out the last yellow feathers from your mouth and grunt as you get back on your feet, only for one of the malignant lupines to try and snap at your legs.

Not this time!

From what little you gathered the night prior, your spells have a high chance of misfiring. Even with Morea's Mark, there is a risk that the spell will not go off as intended, but there are techniques learned back at Runestone that these woods cannot cause them to go awry.

For one, your Abrupt Jaunt. An early ability learned when you took the mantle of a Conjurer. Teleporting away from the worg is not a problem. You should be able to rely on it without fear of any mishap, a clear proof of it as you jaunt ten feet away from the snarling wolf.

The second, is your arcane reservoir, the Acidic Splatter. Although it may resemble a spell, it's a Supernatural Ability fueled by the as of yet uncast Vitriolic Sphere. The Winter Wold is struck. Not as hard as you'd like, but again, there is no mishap here.

In theory, you could rely on Abrupt Jaunt and Acidic Splatter to get you through Wyrmwood, in lieu of any other spells your mind may harbor. Is it the best solution? Hardly. In your experience, foes have emerged that are highly resistant or outward immune to acid. Dimensional Anchor has been used against you by the more canny casters you faced back in the City.

But here... who knows. Maybe you won't face enemies like that.


@William: Travis should be fine with Fryrgid and Maia, still invisible. It's just a couple of Worgs.

You need to take the battle to the big one before it gets a chance to close in and wreck the mage. Time to go feral, as you brandish your kukris and sprint towards the white furred beast...

However, it's an uprooted branch on the ground that causes you to trip, if only for a fraction of a second as you get in the beast's face and allows him to get a solid bite on you. One that, unlike those of its smaller kin, carries a freezing burn.

14 damage plus 5 cold damage

This one hurts more than the others, but your kukris- at least a few of them- dig in and dig in good. Enough to stain his white fur red. Enough to cause him to howl in pain.


@Travis: Not out of the battle yet, the two remaining worgs go in a frenzy and bum rush you, aiming for the legs.


10 damage plus Trip DC 12


8 damage plus Trip DC 15

The pain is too much as you collapse on the cold forest floor. Not dead, but definitely out.


@William: Fryrgid goes on the offensive and destroys one of the worgs that brought down Travis while an unseen Maia blasts the remaining wolf as the Champion of Hlal looks at you from a good distance.

"We won't let him die! But it is up to you to take that beast down! Be careful!""

The Winter Wolf looks at the body of corpses that used to be his pack and icy fire burns in his eyes as cold begins to amass around him.

"Prey doesn't fight back!""

And it is then that everything goes white as ice shards assault your body, freezing the ground and your body in the process. This wolf... is he somehow a dragon as well???

18 cold damage. Reflex DC 16 for half

Map (http://pyromancers.com/media/view/main.swf?round_id=236104)

Round 5

Travis
William
The Pack
Fryrgid & Maia

[Frendle]

Will hears the terrible growls behind him as Travis falls to the ground. “They will protect him, I have work here I am committed to.” Then he sees the cloud of ice and bitter cold as it leaves the oversized wolves’ jaws. Just in time, “There will be no roots tripping me up this time!” as Will jumps quickly out of the way, but not quite fast enough as the blast strikes his legs.

“Could have been worse. Now it is my turn.” Will takes a moment, and when he sees an opening, he strikes in quick succession first with the right, then left then right again.



Full attack option

First attack - [roll0] damage [roll1]

Second attack - [roll2] damage [roll3]

Off Hand attack - [roll4] damage [roll5]

[AlanBruce]

@William: Damn forest and their wolves!

The lone worg back with Travis attempts to finish off the downed mage, but Fryrgid swats him away with his tail. That should keep him safe. As for this guy...

The blades dance around the Winter Wolf with feral fury. You never did like the woods. They don't like you either, that much is clear.

And this morning, you are sending a message, as the last blade sticks into the beast and you twist the blade inside, causing more blood to come out in torrents before the enormous beast falls to the side and Glade Champion and Maia, now appearing for all to see, finish off the straggling worg.

It's not getting any colder, but your body seems like it's on fire, as you limp back towards the group, covered in blood, bite marks and frost while Fryrgid looks around and extends his wings and lowers its head.

"We still have a few more places to go through Wyrmwood before we arrive at the Shalm's Altar. Right now, you need to collect your bearings and patch up. And since the healer is in no condition to do so...""

The faerie dragon closes his cat eyes and takes a deep breath as a cold wind blows through the woods and the sounds of hooves can be heard not too far away before Maia smiles broadly and claps her hands together and you watch a majestic beast walk through the undergrowth:


https://i.pinimg.com/736x/78/af/27/78af275b114361355852164c4503bb9c--fantasy-fairies-fantasy-art.jpg

You have seen these in decorative helms and family crests. The fabled unicorn of myth. As far as you know, these creatures don't exist. None have been seen in Halmathan... ever, as far as you are concerned.

Having said that, you have never set foot outside the City. A few days ago, giant evil trees and talking wolves were not at the top of your list of things to worry about. Today, you have a fairy and a fairy dragon that walk through some crazy forest.

"He will not stay here for long. Enough to heal the wizard, yourself and me. But it won't be much. enough to get us back on our feet.""


@Travis: It's a warm feeling within your body as you open your eyes and look at the eyes of a unicorn. A beast you are all too familiar with, given one of your more powerful spells.

This one is the result if a spell too. Not one you may be able to cast, however. This unicorn is a summon. A result of a druid calling on the powers of nature to aid in battle or post battle, as the case may be, what with all the dead worgs and winter wolf.


26 HP healed

"That should be enough to get you back on your feet. William! Come close. Do not fear this noble beast- he means us no harm...and his time with us is short."


@William: The unicorn watches you limp towards it while Travis gets back on his feet and his horn is lowered to seemingly cut your outstretched hand...

But it does the exact opposite.

1st Cast: 11 HP healed

2nd Cast: 12 HP healed

The last healing from the unicorn is for Fryrgid himself, who has been badly mauled in the battle as Maia speaks to the noble beast in her native tongue and this one bows to her and the Fryrgid before galloping away into the trees and turning into fine white mist.

"Until the next dawn, my friend...and thank you. Now you know what we are facing here. The path to the altar is still a few hours away and it won't be an easy trek. I suggest you patch yourselves further before going on.

If we do not reach the Shalm's Altar by day's end, your friend will never walk again. No magic I know will make that happen. Only a Boggart's Bulb will reverse the malady...and once we have it, the lady of the Rhinemaidens will know what to do with it."

[kinem]

"Thank you" Travis says as he stands up.

He swaps out his belt, using his healing belt, then swaps back.

ooc: heal [roll0]

"Let's get going then!" This one is for the old hag!

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: If only your magic worked well, all these worgs and their pack leader would've been knocked out immediately.

A similar tactic was used months ago against Asgrim's cannibal men in his Den, miles away in the more dangerous parts of The Mercy. It worked like a charm back then and the Society's henchmen made short work of them while the beasts fell unconscious.

But here, you must rely on Morea's Mark if you have any hope to achieve similar if not greater results. Sure, you can spam the Acidic Splatter, but it's only a matter of time before some of the locals show up that prove to be either resistant or immune, leaving you with several Abrupt Jaunts to get out of harm's way...and a quartestaff.

And still- you need to get Elizabeth back in top shape before sundown. She is the only one who can reliably heal all of you from whatever else may lurk in these woods. That wolf fight nearly ended your life, but with Maia and Fryrgid at your side, as well as William... this part of the trek at least ought to be manageable.

The Faerie Dragon takes the lead with Maia seated on his back once more and takes you deeper into Wyrmwood as you apply some much needed healing from your belt, making sure to witch back to another better suited for any future battles down the perilous road.

"The altar to the Shalm has been abandoned for quite some time. It is beyond Lady Morea's watch, but no vile beasts would dare go inside or much less near it. The problem will be traversing Gukurg's domain.

He is strong. But like those that serve him, dim witted. The Bloody Blade Tribe is spread out into small outposts, not very well guarded. We can either bypass them through stealth...

Or go out on the offensive. We'll see how bad things are upon arriving at its borders- they like to place marks around their territory. A way to scare off trespassers, but we shan't worry if we go about this smart....""

And then the Champion of the Glade stops mid sentence while Maia flies off his scaly back and checks a small old, worn out and clearly destroyed campfire. Any signs of recent use are long gone. The fire pit has been frozen over and a few large black feathers lay partially covered in snow.

Maia speaks in her native tongue and checks the ground and camp, unearthing a small dirty frozen leather bundle, wrapped in hemp string as she is quick to open it, true to fey curiosity.

Fryrgid's cat eyes widen as a few baubles catch your eyes.

"Shiny trinkets... but from whom?""

Someone buried these under the snow. Who? That's anybody's guess, but a broken banner half buried in the snow shows the Royal Emblem of Halmathan, covered in dried blood.

100 gold pieces

Blue Star Sapphire (1000 gp)

Golden Yellow Topaz (400 gp)

Badge of the Royal Guard

Those badges are carried by Halmathan's Elite knights, in service to the King directly. They are given to them as a rite of passage, when their valor and unwavering loyalty has been shown to both king and country. But that's not all, as Maia tilts her head sideways and tries to read an old parchment, something Frirgyd attempts to do as well, but neither know the language...

The Common Tongue of Man.


https://i.pinimg.com/736x/23/7b/56/237b56d5a2c74e2b786a5fa829716d72.jpg

The mission has been severely compromised.

Our horses were either slain or spooked away during the night. The few we did manage to rein in were given to Lady Artemisia for safekeeping- she will tie them at the entrance to these gods forsaken woods until we come out. I have volunteered to wait upon her return and then join the others. His majesty... he is very much driven by this quest. I dare not question his wisdom, but trained as we are with the blade, it's the sorcerous training back at Runestone that has proven to be our downfall.

I nearly killed my team by bringing forth a damn fireball in our midsts when fighting those beasts... a fireball! I never even learned that spell. They don't blame me for this, but the least I can do is make sure Lady Artemisia comes back safe and then guide her to where the rest are. Can't risk having another one of my spells go awry and jeopardize everyone.

Still... we have been here for way too long and the reinforcements from ...

The rest has been ripped apart, or was never finished in time before whatever befell this knight ended his woodland musings. Who knows what he meant to finish in that exerpt. or what to make out of it, but there is nothing else to be found in this place. Not even a body.

[kinem]

”Looks like the king went this way. Quite an important discovery, potentially, since if we could bring him back he might free the city from the tyrant. But he’s been gone a long time, and we are in no position to search. Onward for now” Travis says.

[Chimaera]

Hannibal woke up in the s all shelter Elizabeth crafted through magic and followed the group silently. Whatever was going on his mind he treasure it to himself.

For once he decided to stop barking orders around and just follow them into fey territory, allowing to get marked by the Silvan Sigil, even though he was no spellcaster at all.

Lost in his own thoughts, he watch the fairie dragon and smile, but keep mute. Like a stone. Once the matter of Sharkun waiting on the edge of the forest and the mustic illness that befell Elizabeth is brought up, he decide to speak up... But hesitates and shut himself.

Like a dispassionate watcher, he watch as Will and Travis almost get killed fighting wolf-like beasts. They're not his minions nor pawns. He was not their leader, that much they let it clear to him. So why help?

However his trance is broken at the sight of the royal badge of Hamalthan. The king and his elites were around here in the past.

"If the King is still alive in these woods, another day or night wont make any diference", he says breaking his silence, "For now we need to help Elizabeth. Heal the healer for once".

Looking to Frirgyd he speak in the tongue of dragons.
"And here I thought Worgs liked chicken best, but seems humans and dragons are also in their diet. How far is this altar we seek and what kind of creatures are those Bloody Blade Tribe?

"Sorry for the inaction. These woods have strange effects on people, but I guess you already figured out so".

I'm back, baby!

On a second note: I'll probably limit my posting rate to one or two posts a day only due intense studying still going on, but taking a few days break before getting scholat mode [On]

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: An interesting discovery indeed.

King Marcus Airdan and his army came through these woods.Most likely close to where you are headed. If he can be brought back to The City of Power, Connor's tyrannical oppression ends. Pure and simple. This will finally place mages in a safe spot. No longer will they be persecuted, arrested and sent to St. Noria's Prison. Finally, you will be able to practice your craft freely....

But that's not what you;re here for. Is getting the King back important? That's an understatement. Is getting the King back your job, though... nah. Halmathan and its people can suffer a bit more. Besides, it's not like you are in Connor's sight right now, being so far away from the City.

Ledgers and loot be damned.


@Rusty: Time to see how well Travis, no longer a monster under Alexia's sway and William, with his kukris, can handle a bunch of wolves.

As expected... they nearly died.That dryad Morea, she gave each of you a mark to make casting easier.Travis ended stunned and vomiting canaries while the worgs dragged his sorry body on the ground like a rag doll.Thankfully, Maia and Fryrgid are along for the ride, at least for now.The dragon is rather capable both as a beast and to an extent, a healer.

Which brings you to the matter of your own Healer, Elizabeth. You need to reach that Altar to the Shalm before nightfall.Good thing you have an entire day to get there before sundown. Otherwise, she will be utterly useless and you will need her powers as a Zodalian.

The Champion of the Glade watches you scrounge through the items of moderate worth and look at the badge worn by the Royal Knights of the City, under service to the King. So he did come this way.Although the camp looks abandoned and without even a cinder, you do recognize the broken banner of the City of Power while Fryrgid addresses your questions in his native tongue. One everyone in the group understands.

"The Altar to the Shalm is a few hours north of here, at the entrance to Wyrmwood Bog. We should not be venturing further into the bog. The altar marks it as an entrance point of sorts. It isn't very big and because of the water and roots that grow there, Boggart's Bulb are a sure thing to find.

As for the Bloody Blade Tribe, well... ever heard of ogres? Brutish giants, but not as tall as others one may find here. They hit strong, like all giants, but they are dim witted and easily fooled by both magic and a sharp tongue.

Their leader is Gukurg, strongest of them all. A raging hulk. He is rarely found alone, surrounded by a few of his strongest ogres. Like the fight here, Gukurg and the Bloody Tribe use worgs as hounds to patrol the area of their tribe. To my knowledge, they have no casters and we have way too many.

Maia should be able to scout unseen and hopefully unheard . The tribe is spread out into small checkpoints. It isn't far from here and we could avoid facing all of them or a few, depending on how brave you feel.

Once we have crossed their territory, we should be close to the Shalm's Altar. The decision of how to proceed, though... that I leave it up to you."

[Chimaera]

"Thanks, Fryrgird. If possible let 's try to avoid battle if we can", he says and scratch his red beard, "Do you you anyone by the name of Lady Artemisia? The letter mention her, but not sure if she was part of the King's crusade or someone they picked along the way", he asj the dragon and close his eyes, focusing on Corwin.

"We are safe and deep in the woods in the Badlands. Even tripped on some lead for the King's whereabouts. Do you know.anyone by the name of Lady Artemisia? Maybe an elite knight from Hamalthan or something? Also... Hiw are things going in the City?"

Opening his eyes, Rusty look at everyone.
"Heal if need be and let's keep moving. If we can avoid fighting, the better. If not, let's take them quickly so that no reinforcements show up. Okay?", he then motion for the fey to keep guiding them towards the Shalm's Altar.

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: The Faerie Dragon nods at your proposal and he and Maia, now visible, keep leading you and the others deeper into the cold forests of Wyrmwood.

"We should be able to avoid the patrols- they aren't that big in number. Having said that, ogres don't have the keenest sight- an ambush on a few patrols may allow us passage through the main tribe with a lot less resistance. They fancy using horns to announce the presence of intruders and draw the brunt of their forces.

Maia and myself are rather stealthy, but I have no idea how well you can move unheard in the forest. As for Lady Artemisia... not a clue. I saw the band of knights with their banners from a hiding spot, but never really got any names before I lost sight of them completely.""

Elite knights of Halmathan wandering here, just as lost as you. There is one man that may shed light into the identity of one of them at least. And so, you contact Corwin back at the Den as the cold wind blows through the trees...

Hannibal! We were starting to get worried here. You found the King...oh, just leads. Hmmm... it goes without saying that getting him back would solve a lot of our problems here in the City.

As for that name you mention- Lady Artemisia.

She is a noble, Hannibal. Like many that left with his majesty. Lady Artemisia of House Caria, one of the oldest houses in the City and whose ancestor founded the Hunter's Guild. Lady Artemisia is known as Halmathan's Unerring Arrow. Her skill with the bow is matched by only one person I have traveled with:

Borazon the Merciful Father. Trained as an expert tracker, Lady Artemisia must've been his Majesty's first pick to go to those woods. From what little interaction I have had with her, The Unerring Arrow is a cordial and friendly noble woman, always willing to help those in need. Finding her would help you traverse the wilds a lot better. Maybe even find the King.

As for the Den... we are safe. yes... Drakan mentioned Cuthbertine Guards stopping at the Bitter Coffee yesterday. He would not go inside and normally, Nana would send them packing. But word on the street is that a new and much younger group runs the place. Who knows if they are trying to muscle their way in. So far, they haven't given us trouble, but Roscoe has advised everyone here to avoid the Bitter Coffee for now.

[Chimaera]

"Corwin know her. Artetemisia, an expert hunter and archer of a noble family from Hamalthan", he says to the others and look to his armor, "William: help me take off my armor. Heavy armor and stealth dont work well together".

Once he don off and put the armor in the haversack Rusty signal for them to go keep going.

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: It's not like the armor kept you much warmer...

But while William helps you remove your adamantine carapace and all that envelops you are well worn trousers and a shirt, it's hard not to shudder a bit at the cold freezing weather that permeates around Wyrmwood.

In fact, even your hands go numb as they tighten their grip around your Hammer. Right now, getting into fights with the beasts of these woods is not the best idea. Walking around them should present a better a better alternative until you reach the Altar of the Shalm and find a cure for Elizabeth.

And if what Corwin says is true, Lady Artemisia of House Caria may still be around these woods. An accomplished hunter herself, she would have likely lead the King's Campaign into this gods forsaken place, but..

Why didn't she return to Halmathan? If you find her- and that's one big IF- you may get more answers about what exactly happened to that expedition. For now, you need to get through ogre territory.

@The Party: Fryrgid and Maia navigate the tall foreboding trees as the cold gale blows through them like ice knives tearing at your flesh before the pixie signals to stop and silently points a few feet past an overturned tree:


https://i.warosu.org/data/tg/img/0289/62/1387469072651.jpg

They weren't kidding. Ogres. The giants of fairy tales. Known for eating children...and pretty much everything else. Three of them stand hunched over with a vicious axe hoisted over their shoulder while a fourth attempts to light a fire from frozen twigs... with no success.

The Faerie Dragon looks at them and then at all of you, shaking its scaly head. They haven't seen you and you may have some tactical advantage. But the road is long still and the worgs and winter wolf hurt a few of you pretty good. Besides, you still need to get through the tribe itself. If these are left to their own devices, you should be able to bypass them entirely...assuming you are god at sneaking around.

That being said, most of you have fought far bigger and stronger enemies back in Alexia's manor, so the decision is up to you.

Roll a Move Silently and Hide check

[Chimaera]

Hannibal look at evryone and just nod, leading them with the stealth of an olidammaran.

Trying to stay as far as possible from any possible worg, they move slowly and trying to avoid to alert the ogres, hoping their work with lightning a campfire could be enough to keep them distracted and that this way the party could avoid unecessary fighting.

Since there's no reason why not, I'm rolling all hide and move silently checks.

Hannibal
Move Silently: [roll0] Hide: [roll1]

Raikou (He get +40 on Hide checks, since he's invisible)
Move Silently: [roll2] Hide: [roll3]

Travis
Move Silently: [roll4] Hide: [roll5]

Will
Move Silently: [roll6] Hide: [roll7]
Will use Cloak of Deception, Shadow Stride and Shadow Stride as necessary, teleporting short distances into cover and turning invisbile when moving in the open)

Elizabeth
Move Silently: [roll8] Hide: [roll9]