On the way to our next and final destination, I use the time we have to talk to Loral about the Dwarvern Monastery. She told me that long ago it was inhabited by followers of Torag, the Dwarvern god of protection and creation, but it was since taken over and desecrated by followers of Droskar. Droskar used to be one of the Torag's smith students but was caught stealing ideas from those he enslaved. Because of this he was banished and cursed never to be able to have an original idea of his own. His followers believe that life is only proved successful with toil and hardships but this extends to anything to achieve one's goal, including lying, cheating and far worse crimes. It is rumoured to have great riches lost beneath the crumbling remains. She also briefly mentioned the story of Druingar the Glint-axe, one of the Dwarf's greatest heroes who ventured below to find such wealth but was never seen again. I did not like the sound of Droskar or his Crucible and I could see Loral did not like talking of him any longer so I ceased my questions. I had learned enough as it was.
It took nearly another full day to find the old monastery, the forest is a long and difficult trek.The monastery was in ruins and no signs of life could be seen. We had to tread carefully as even though I could not sense any evil, this place felt dark and absent of good. We approached from the South and made our way to the crumbled wall that would have acted as an outside defence. Straight ahead of us, across the court yard, we could see the main double door which used to act as the main entrance. To our left was the only standing corner tower of the perimeter wall. But what caught my attention was the human body that was lying still in the middle of the courtyard. With no regard for my own safety, I walked into the courtyard to see if I could be of any help to the poor person. Sadly, I was long too late. Not even Loral's powers could help him now.
Jäger and Oakey used this as an opportunity to sneak towards the tower, hoping if anything was watching us, it was distracted by me. Loral watched on as she later told me, she was in awe with respect by my bravery. I searched the body in hopes of discovering who he was and to return his body to the right people but all I found was some adventuring gear, most of which I handed over to Oakey as he seemed the type of person who would make use of that type of equipment.
Jäger called Loral and myself over, he was keen to enter the tower and wanted to be sure there was sufficient back up as none of knew what to expect in a place like this. With Oakey's and Jäger's combined strength, they were able to push the stuck door open enough for me to enter. It was a storage area, filled with barrels and covered in cobwebs. The only other thing in the room to stand out was the remains of wooden stairs that lead to a hatch in the ceiling that presumably would take you to the next and final floor of the tower. Oakey volunteered to investigate.
With some careful footing, Oakey was able to silently, but more importantly, safely reach the hatch and opened it slowly. It was the shutting of the trap door that was quick. Once he was back at the bottom of the stairs he informed us that the attic of the tower had become a nest to a very large spider, possibly five feet long if it's legs were spread out flat. Needless to say, we left the tower and headed to the double door leading into the main building of Droskar's Crucible.
Wednesday, 28 October 2015
The Cauldron That Almost Killed Me.
Thankfully Loral's healing spell gave me enough energy to join the battle against the animated witch's cauldron. I strike as true as I could but my weapon seemed to not affect it, instead my blade merely bounced or grazed the thing. Jäger calls out to the witch, asking her to cease her attacks as we did not intend to steal from her but if she heard she did not respond. Nor did the cauldron stop it's attack. So strong was the cauldron's attack that it's next flurry knocked me unconscious.
Later I was to discover that while I was out Oakey managed to pull me out of harms way as Loral defended me against further attacks. Once outside of the building, Loral managed to heal me one last time. I came around to find Loral locked in combat with this evil guardian as Oakey and Jäger attack with their bows.
The battle seemed hopeless. The attacks coming from Oakey, Jäger and myself seemed to be doing nothing to it. It's movements only seemed to be slowed by Loral's attacks with her Mace. It is that mace that finally splits the cauldron's hard shell and caused it to fall lifelessly to the ground. Loral and I stood guard beside it as Jäger re-entered the cottage to search for our next ingredient.
He was not gone long before he joined us outside with enough rat's tail to help the entire town of Falcon's Hollow. But what interested me perhaps even more, was his decision to bring out another artefact with him. A shrunken head. I used my ability to detect evil and found none so I tried not to think any more of it, but I will not lie, it was creepy.
Later I was to discover that while I was out Oakey managed to pull me out of harms way as Loral defended me against further attacks. Once outside of the building, Loral managed to heal me one last time. I came around to find Loral locked in combat with this evil guardian as Oakey and Jäger attack with their bows.
The battle seemed hopeless. The attacks coming from Oakey, Jäger and myself seemed to be doing nothing to it. It's movements only seemed to be slowed by Loral's attacks with her Mace. It is that mace that finally splits the cauldron's hard shell and caused it to fall lifelessly to the ground. Loral and I stood guard beside it as Jäger re-entered the cottage to search for our next ingredient.
He was not gone long before he joined us outside with enough rat's tail to help the entire town of Falcon's Hollow. But what interested me perhaps even more, was his decision to bring out another artefact with him. A shrunken head. I used my ability to detect evil and found none so I tried not to think any more of it, but I will not lie, it was creepy.
Arrival at Elizmiller's
Putting as much distance between the remains of the walking corpse of a Kobold and us was a fortunate side effect of progressing deeper towards where Jäger suspected the witch resides. Even though there was a chance of having to deal with a potential witch at our next destination, I was just happy to put that crime against nature behind me. I knew that in the future I will be exposed to great evils that will make an undead Kobold seem tame and that was what scared me to think about. Jäger kept his cold as ice demeanour and I could see Loral's resolve was stronger than ever before. Even Oakey was not fazed by our encounter, I was glad to have such strong companions to inspire me.
So, the four of us pressed on towards the witch's home, following Jäger's lead. Because of Jäger's extensive knowledge and interpretation of the local geography we were able to find a glade exactly where Jäger expected it to be. It was then we all noticed just how eerie the forest had become. The trees seemed to favour spreading their branches away from the glade as if frightened of the building and none of us, not even Jäger, could hear the sound of any wilderness at all. We pressed on nonetheless, the needs of Falcon's Hollow were far more pressing than a little shaken nerves.
Once the trees started to thin I was able to see the witch's dwelling, if it could be called that. In it's prime, the building could have resembled a fetching cottage in the woods but in its current state it was little more than a dilapidated hovel which looked as though only the evil that I could sense within could be holding it up. I looked over towards Loral to find her looking at me, waiting for me to take the lead. I stepped out into the glade towards to building and she followed close behind me. Jäger and Oakey expertly melded into the woods and supplied us with cover in case of the unexpected.
The cottage was darker to look upon than I initially thought. Makeshift skeletons constructed from the remains of all sorts of creatures decorated the open clearing. What little breeze there was caused them to rattle like some sort of troupe of the dead. I had to be a strong example to the rest so I pressed on towards the cottage.
With Loral beside m I approached the door. It was merely half attached to the frame and in as good a shape as the rest of the building looked. Never the less it was jammed shut. Something was blocking it from the inside, but nothing a little brute force could not fix. As Oakey was not to be seen, it fell on me to push it open so I did and with only a little help from Loral.
The inside was even worse than the outside. The musky smell of rot washed over me as the door cleared the pile up from within. You could feel the damp on your skin as it irritated you to your bones. I called out to any one inside under the hopes that the 'witch' still resides within and was misunderstood. There was no answer so Loral followed me inside. The cottage hallway lead to a single room that took up most of the floor space of the ground floor. Mould and rot was everywhere but still standing in the room was a large chair, almost throne made from the bones of a long dead and unrecognisable beast. Sitting in the chair was a dead body wrapped in linen and in front of the throne sat a cauldron which took up most of the floor space. It sat in a hole in the ground making it treacherous to step near.
After having concluded that the building was empty of life (and indeed undead), I called out for Jäger and Oakey to join Loral and myself to help find the ingredient rat's tail. The two of them bleed out of the tree line and join us in our search within the cottage. Oakey and Jäger both look around and tread carefully as they search but in my haste I make a mistake. Jäger investigates the body in the throne as Loral and begin our search at the shelves and workstations that lined the cottage room. Jäger discovers that their is no body wrapped inside the linen but instead it is stuffed with sticks, mud and cloth.
As I reach out to take hold of a full jar to investigate closer, the cauldron bursts into life and attacks. It hits hard and almost incapacitated me. The animated cauldron was then distracted by Jäger's attack just long enough for Loral to cast healing on me so I can continue the fight.
So, the four of us pressed on towards the witch's home, following Jäger's lead. Because of Jäger's extensive knowledge and interpretation of the local geography we were able to find a glade exactly where Jäger expected it to be. It was then we all noticed just how eerie the forest had become. The trees seemed to favour spreading their branches away from the glade as if frightened of the building and none of us, not even Jäger, could hear the sound of any wilderness at all. We pressed on nonetheless, the needs of Falcon's Hollow were far more pressing than a little shaken nerves.
Once the trees started to thin I was able to see the witch's dwelling, if it could be called that. In it's prime, the building could have resembled a fetching cottage in the woods but in its current state it was little more than a dilapidated hovel which looked as though only the evil that I could sense within could be holding it up. I looked over towards Loral to find her looking at me, waiting for me to take the lead. I stepped out into the glade towards to building and she followed close behind me. Jäger and Oakey expertly melded into the woods and supplied us with cover in case of the unexpected.
The cottage was darker to look upon than I initially thought. Makeshift skeletons constructed from the remains of all sorts of creatures decorated the open clearing. What little breeze there was caused them to rattle like some sort of troupe of the dead. I had to be a strong example to the rest so I pressed on towards the cottage.
With Loral beside m I approached the door. It was merely half attached to the frame and in as good a shape as the rest of the building looked. Never the less it was jammed shut. Something was blocking it from the inside, but nothing a little brute force could not fix. As Oakey was not to be seen, it fell on me to push it open so I did and with only a little help from Loral.
The inside was even worse than the outside. The musky smell of rot washed over me as the door cleared the pile up from within. You could feel the damp on your skin as it irritated you to your bones. I called out to any one inside under the hopes that the 'witch' still resides within and was misunderstood. There was no answer so Loral followed me inside. The cottage hallway lead to a single room that took up most of the floor space of the ground floor. Mould and rot was everywhere but still standing in the room was a large chair, almost throne made from the bones of a long dead and unrecognisable beast. Sitting in the chair was a dead body wrapped in linen and in front of the throne sat a cauldron which took up most of the floor space. It sat in a hole in the ground making it treacherous to step near.
After having concluded that the building was empty of life (and indeed undead), I called out for Jäger and Oakey to join Loral and myself to help find the ingredient rat's tail. The two of them bleed out of the tree line and join us in our search within the cottage. Oakey and Jäger both look around and tread carefully as they search but in my haste I make a mistake. Jäger investigates the body in the throne as Loral and begin our search at the shelves and workstations that lined the cottage room. Jäger discovers that their is no body wrapped inside the linen but instead it is stuffed with sticks, mud and cloth.
As I reach out to take hold of a full jar to investigate closer, the cauldron bursts into life and attacks. It hits hard and almost incapacitated me. The animated cauldron was then distracted by Jäger's attack just long enough for Loral to cast healing on me so I can continue the fight.
Sunday, 11 October 2015
The Evil of The Forest Shows Itself.
After the Jäger had collected ample Elder Wood moss, we departed from the tree and went off deeper into the forest to find the witch Elizmiller in the hope she would part with some Rat Tail root.
After a few hours of trekking through thick forest we were attacked by a hideous creature that emerged from the bushes. It stood only two or three feet tall and resembled a humanoid rat-lizard. Better known as a Kobold, but this one looked as if it was dead but still moved. I had heard of such abominations from my teachings at the Temple of Sir Ganther, how wizards and other magic users can use the dead as puppets for their evil deeds. It shuffled towards us wearing only rags but more noticeable was the rat that resided in it's head. The rat was looking at us as while it wore, around it's neck, a small wooden plaque with unreadable script scrawled into it.
Jäger fires a warning shot but the creature continues. Oakey fires a warning shot of his own but the creature continues towards us. Even a second warning shot from Jäger proved not to stop the evil creature so I charged in to attack it with my great sword. Our combat was quick, both of us dishing out blows, his blows of which were easily absorbed by my armour. I managed a couple of slight hits against it but it was Loral who once again proved herself and Morriden to us and by only lifting her holy symbol and chanting a prayer towards the abomination. Right before my eyes, the disgusting creature exploded. All that remained of it was it's vicious looking head of witch the rat scurried off as it left it's small sign behind. Oakey recognised the script as Draconic and pleasantly surprised me with an ability to read it. He informed us that it read "shaman". I could only guess that the Kobold was once a magic user and the rat was his familiar, too lonely and lost to leave his no longer alive master.
After a few hours of trekking through thick forest we were attacked by a hideous creature that emerged from the bushes. It stood only two or three feet tall and resembled a humanoid rat-lizard. Better known as a Kobold, but this one looked as if it was dead but still moved. I had heard of such abominations from my teachings at the Temple of Sir Ganther, how wizards and other magic users can use the dead as puppets for their evil deeds. It shuffled towards us wearing only rags but more noticeable was the rat that resided in it's head. The rat was looking at us as while it wore, around it's neck, a small wooden plaque with unreadable script scrawled into it.
Jäger fires a warning shot but the creature continues. Oakey fires a warning shot of his own but the creature continues towards us. Even a second warning shot from Jäger proved not to stop the evil creature so I charged in to attack it with my great sword. Our combat was quick, both of us dishing out blows, his blows of which were easily absorbed by my armour. I managed a couple of slight hits against it but it was Loral who once again proved herself and Morriden to us and by only lifting her holy symbol and chanting a prayer towards the abomination. Right before my eyes, the disgusting creature exploded. All that remained of it was it's vicious looking head of witch the rat scurried off as it left it's small sign behind. Oakey recognised the script as Draconic and pleasantly surprised me with an ability to read it. He informed us that it read "shaman". I could only guess that the Kobold was once a magic user and the rat was his familiar, too lonely and lost to leave his no longer alive master.
The Adventure Introduces Us To A New Friend.
There seemed to be no immediate danger so Loral and I approached the magnificent tree. Jäger decided it would be wiser for him to keep inside the cover of the trees and skirt the perimeter. Once I was closer into the clearing I could more easily see the bodies in the tree. Rather than being nailed to the tree like the fairy folk we found earlier, they were bound by rope. In absolute disgust to the crime I was witnessing I called out for the foul heretic of the forest to show themselves so justice could be done. Sadly, no one came out to answer for their crimes.
I could no longer bear the sight of the poor people tied to the tree so I decided I must cut them down and lay their bodies to rest so they could finally get some peace. I removed my chain mail so I could climb the tree unhindered. That proved to be a mistake. Only moments after I laid my chain mail upon the ground, a hideous creature burst out of hiding from within the tree's many twisted roots. It's appearance almost caused my to recoil in disgust. It resembled a snake the size of a man with a large head and am upper body to support it's claw ended arms. Jäger managed to score a strong hit on it with an arrow that seemed to appear from nowhere. This gave me the chance and success to strike it with my great sword but only moments after that the foul creature was bested with an expertly placed arrow to the head. Needless to say that the beast was killed with only a scratch taken by me.
Without a moment more to waste, I began to climb the tree but that was my second mistake. The scratch I received earlier seemed to take more out of me than I thought. I lost my grip when only a mere ten feet up the tree and fell to the ground. The fall combined with the attack I already sustained caused me to fall unconscious.
I awoke a little while later, still under the cover from the gargantuan tree's branches by the care of Loral. The first thing I saw when I woke was the smile on her face and relief in her eyes. Jäger had not been idle either, he had bravely climbed the tree and cut down the bodies and laid them in a row on the ground. Clasped in their hands were their swords as they lay rested on their chests. Jäger had also searched them for clues in order to help us find any family who are looking for these poor men. He found a ring, a signet ring emblazoned with the image of a flaming hawk upon it.
Thanks to Loral's healing I was back on my feet and ready to make camp a little way into the forest so we could rest up for the night as we still had a long way to go before we can help the poor people of Falcon's Hollow.
The morning came after a peaceful night. As we were almost done in breaking camp man appeared across a the clearing. I called out to the stranger as I sensed no evil in him. He was a strong looking man, tall and confident. On his back he too carried a bow and attached to his belt was an array of tools and equipment to help him in his adventures. He called out in response to me and introduced himself as Oakey and he had been looking for us. He had heard of our deeds and what we intended to do for the people of Falcon's Hollow and tracked us here. He had come to Falcon's Hollow looking for adventure and possible hidden fortunes to discover. Also he was struck sympathetic of it's people and their plight. He sought us out so he could help us in our deed. Jäger gave no real strong liking of this man but I knew he was a man of good and I was happy to let him join us in our quest to rid Falcon's Hollow of The Black Scour Taint.
I could no longer bear the sight of the poor people tied to the tree so I decided I must cut them down and lay their bodies to rest so they could finally get some peace. I removed my chain mail so I could climb the tree unhindered. That proved to be a mistake. Only moments after I laid my chain mail upon the ground, a hideous creature burst out of hiding from within the tree's many twisted roots. It's appearance almost caused my to recoil in disgust. It resembled a snake the size of a man with a large head and am upper body to support it's claw ended arms. Jäger managed to score a strong hit on it with an arrow that seemed to appear from nowhere. This gave me the chance and success to strike it with my great sword but only moments after that the foul creature was bested with an expertly placed arrow to the head. Needless to say that the beast was killed with only a scratch taken by me.
Without a moment more to waste, I began to climb the tree but that was my second mistake. The scratch I received earlier seemed to take more out of me than I thought. I lost my grip when only a mere ten feet up the tree and fell to the ground. The fall combined with the attack I already sustained caused me to fall unconscious.
I awoke a little while later, still under the cover from the gargantuan tree's branches by the care of Loral. The first thing I saw when I woke was the smile on her face and relief in her eyes. Jäger had not been idle either, he had bravely climbed the tree and cut down the bodies and laid them in a row on the ground. Clasped in their hands were their swords as they lay rested on their chests. Jäger had also searched them for clues in order to help us find any family who are looking for these poor men. He found a ring, a signet ring emblazoned with the image of a flaming hawk upon it.
Thanks to Loral's healing I was back on my feet and ready to make camp a little way into the forest so we could rest up for the night as we still had a long way to go before we can help the poor people of Falcon's Hollow.
The morning came after a peaceful night. As we were almost done in breaking camp man appeared across a the clearing. I called out to the stranger as I sensed no evil in him. He was a strong looking man, tall and confident. On his back he too carried a bow and attached to his belt was an array of tools and equipment to help him in his adventures. He called out in response to me and introduced himself as Oakey and he had been looking for us. He had heard of our deeds and what we intended to do for the people of Falcon's Hollow and tracked us here. He had come to Falcon's Hollow looking for adventure and possible hidden fortunes to discover. Also he was struck sympathetic of it's people and their plight. He sought us out so he could help us in our deed. Jäger gave no real strong liking of this man but I knew he was a man of good and I was happy to let him join us in our quest to rid Falcon's Hollow of The Black Scour Taint.
Monday, 28 September 2015
The Forest
The three of us, Jäger the hunter, Loral the Dwarf priestess of Moradin and myself, a Paladin of the first order of Sir Ganther, set off into the forest beside Falcon's hollow that is situated within Darkmoon Vale.
The forest seemed unwelcoming but nerves can make even the most stout hearted of men feel a little off but watching Jäger's strong strides, I was able to be inspired by him and shook off any doubts or fears I had about venturing into the forest.
After a few hours we found the lumber yard and was soon confronted by a wart of a man named Jarlben Truxhabits. At least that is what he said he was called. I did not sense any evil from this man nor did I have any reason to suspect him of lying about his name but I found it hard to place my full trust into this man with his hideous politeness. He let us know that he was the foreman of the yard and that we were unwelcome. I hoped that after we explained the nature of our intrusion into his yard that he would be more forthcoming with aid but sadly I was let down. It took silver to convince him to help us. I only hope that silver is enough to buy himself some sense of decency before he is judged in the afterlife.
Nevertheless, he calls over Millan, one of his workers in the yard that has sometimes spoken of the Heart of the Forest and how he has been there. Just speaking to Millan for a short while, I could tell he was a genuine man and would not lead us astray. after we told him the nature of our quest he was more than happy to help. It transpired that he had a nephew who had become sick with Black Scour so to hear that there is a fresh chance of a cure pleased him greatly. Not only did he give us better directions to the Heart of the Forest, he also told us of a safe place nearby we could rest for the night as it was becoming dark and he was right, we did need our rest. Not only had we been slogging it hard all day, we still had a great adventure ahead of us. I thanked Millan and gave him some coin in order for him to purchase some of Cuthbert's remedy to help his nephew until we had come back with the cure.
We rested well thanks to Millan's directions and we were able to head off as the dawn broke but sadly we were not far off before we came across a dark sight. Normally finding fairies in the forest can often be a good omen but this was not one of those times. Some evil being had taken it apon themselves to kill and nail the fairies to a fallen log. The shock stopped me in my tracks. None of the three of us could think of a reason as to why some one or thing would do this so we immediately and carefully released them from their horrific scene and buried them. I offered a short prayer in the hopes that a fairy god would listen and forgive us if we put them to rest in a way that is not becoming of a fairy. We pressed on with low spirits but with a heightened sense of danger. Who knows what resides within this seemingly dark forest? We were soon to find out.
Next we were attacked by a pack of wolves. I was taken by surprise and almost perished if it was not for the skillful eye of Jäger and his accuracy with a bow, or the divine grace of Loral and her ability to heal. Next we faced a trap expertly found by Jäger. A hobgoblin had injured a fox and had it bait us out with it's woeful whimpers but Jäger proved to outsmart the hobgoblin and sneaked around as I heartily drew fire from him. Jäger and his bow once again saved the day as he dispatched the hobgoblin and his pet Razor-Crows. Once Loral healed my wounds and those of the fox we pressed on even deeper into the forest. It was then we truly realised we had best tread carefully as a wyvern flew close by over us. It's flapping wings could be heard as it almost blackened out the sky with his shadow. I thanked Sir Ganther as the poison tailed beast did not notice us and flew by. If it did notice us, I fear our quest would have abruptly ended then and there.
Our tried to keep up our spirits as we pressed deeper and deeper into the forest but it proved hard. Loral was always close to me and listened to my stories but I could tell that she was beginning to let her low moral get the better of her. Jäger mostly kept to himself as he scouted ahead of us. I trusted him to not lead us into danger so we followed his directions. A few hours passed and Jäger emerged from the trees like a forest spirit to inform us that there is a clearing ahead with a huge tree growing in the middle that fit the description of Millan gave us. The clearing must have reached over thirty feet in diameter. The tree itself owned a complicated pattern of branches that wove in and amongst themselves to almost resemble a building like cathedral to the forest, but my gut was telling me to be careful.
Jäger pointed into the tree's thick branches to help us notice the bodies that have been pinned to the tree, not unlike the fairies we found early on as we began our adventure into this forsaken forest. All three of us looked at each other and knew exactly what it was we had to do. Whatever darkness was active here, we had a duty to cleanse it.
The forest seemed unwelcoming but nerves can make even the most stout hearted of men feel a little off but watching Jäger's strong strides, I was able to be inspired by him and shook off any doubts or fears I had about venturing into the forest.
After a few hours we found the lumber yard and was soon confronted by a wart of a man named Jarlben Truxhabits. At least that is what he said he was called. I did not sense any evil from this man nor did I have any reason to suspect him of lying about his name but I found it hard to place my full trust into this man with his hideous politeness. He let us know that he was the foreman of the yard and that we were unwelcome. I hoped that after we explained the nature of our intrusion into his yard that he would be more forthcoming with aid but sadly I was let down. It took silver to convince him to help us. I only hope that silver is enough to buy himself some sense of decency before he is judged in the afterlife.
Nevertheless, he calls over Millan, one of his workers in the yard that has sometimes spoken of the Heart of the Forest and how he has been there. Just speaking to Millan for a short while, I could tell he was a genuine man and would not lead us astray. after we told him the nature of our quest he was more than happy to help. It transpired that he had a nephew who had become sick with Black Scour so to hear that there is a fresh chance of a cure pleased him greatly. Not only did he give us better directions to the Heart of the Forest, he also told us of a safe place nearby we could rest for the night as it was becoming dark and he was right, we did need our rest. Not only had we been slogging it hard all day, we still had a great adventure ahead of us. I thanked Millan and gave him some coin in order for him to purchase some of Cuthbert's remedy to help his nephew until we had come back with the cure.
We rested well thanks to Millan's directions and we were able to head off as the dawn broke but sadly we were not far off before we came across a dark sight. Normally finding fairies in the forest can often be a good omen but this was not one of those times. Some evil being had taken it apon themselves to kill and nail the fairies to a fallen log. The shock stopped me in my tracks. None of the three of us could think of a reason as to why some one or thing would do this so we immediately and carefully released them from their horrific scene and buried them. I offered a short prayer in the hopes that a fairy god would listen and forgive us if we put them to rest in a way that is not becoming of a fairy. We pressed on with low spirits but with a heightened sense of danger. Who knows what resides within this seemingly dark forest? We were soon to find out.
Next we were attacked by a pack of wolves. I was taken by surprise and almost perished if it was not for the skillful eye of Jäger and his accuracy with a bow, or the divine grace of Loral and her ability to heal. Next we faced a trap expertly found by Jäger. A hobgoblin had injured a fox and had it bait us out with it's woeful whimpers but Jäger proved to outsmart the hobgoblin and sneaked around as I heartily drew fire from him. Jäger and his bow once again saved the day as he dispatched the hobgoblin and his pet Razor-Crows. Once Loral healed my wounds and those of the fox we pressed on even deeper into the forest. It was then we truly realised we had best tread carefully as a wyvern flew close by over us. It's flapping wings could be heard as it almost blackened out the sky with his shadow. I thanked Sir Ganther as the poison tailed beast did not notice us and flew by. If it did notice us, I fear our quest would have abruptly ended then and there.
Our tried to keep up our spirits as we pressed deeper and deeper into the forest but it proved hard. Loral was always close to me and listened to my stories but I could tell that she was beginning to let her low moral get the better of her. Jäger mostly kept to himself as he scouted ahead of us. I trusted him to not lead us into danger so we followed his directions. A few hours passed and Jäger emerged from the trees like a forest spirit to inform us that there is a clearing ahead with a huge tree growing in the middle that fit the description of Millan gave us. The clearing must have reached over thirty feet in diameter. The tree itself owned a complicated pattern of branches that wove in and amongst themselves to almost resemble a building like cathedral to the forest, but my gut was telling me to be careful.
Jäger pointed into the tree's thick branches to help us notice the bodies that have been pinned to the tree, not unlike the fairies we found early on as we began our adventure into this forsaken forest. All three of us looked at each other and knew exactly what it was we had to do. Whatever darkness was active here, we had a duty to cleanse it.
The Possible Cure
With a little patience we were finally admitted into the herbalist's shop. It was warmer inside than I expected, covered in jars full of powders and roots. All sorts of plants growing from every available space within Cuthbert's humble building.
Cuthbert was a little man and getting on in years but his age had not stilled his desire to help the people even though you could see how the poor folk infected with the Black Scour was pushing his abilities to his limit. All he could do was create a potion that at best would hold off the symptoms but sadly not cure the disease.
After a little time spent with Cuthbert, I had decided he was a good man, worthy or recognition but Jäger had his doubts. I had come to respect Jäger but I worried at his inability to trust. Who or what has happened to Jäger that made him this way? I did not think I would ever know but was glad to know he held a heart of gold beneath his icy chest.
In spite of Cuthbert's efforts, the Black Scour was spreading and Cuthbert told us of a potential cure that his great grandmother had written down in her book of cures. I asked Cuthbert why he had not tried to create this cure but not only were the ingredients hard to come by but he held no faith in the potion and felt it to be hoo-doo rather than a real cure. At first I was not sure whether it was worth collecting these ingredients but as soon as I thought of the poor children and families outside Cuthbert's I became ashamed in myself for even considering the option for not helping. There was really no other option than to help, even if there is a chance it will not work.
Cuthbert told us where we had to go and what it was we needed to collect;
1) Elder wood moss. It is thought to grow on the tree in the heart of the forest nearby.
2)Rat's Tail root. Cuthbert informed us that although there was no plant that grew it nearby, it is said that the witch that resides in the forest is known to have some.
3)Iron Bloom mushroom. There is an abandoned Dwarvern Monastery in the forest and that is where it can be found.
We were in luck. The knowledgeable Jäger has heard of the Witch and roughly where we could find her but not only that he knew where we could find the heart of the forest. Is there anything this brave man could not teach me and those that are lucky enough to meet him? If there is, I do not care to find out.
Jäger and I had heard enough and left the shop looking for Loral at the temple. She needed to know that the town needed help and I was sure she would want us to do all we could. I followed Jäger and his direction sense and quickly we found the temple. Jäger decided he would stay outside, mentioning something about preferring to be outside, so I entered alone. Loral, Sister of the Hammer, was up the front by the alter talking with one of the priests that resides within the temple. Loral introduced me to Lady Setherda and after some formal greetings we spoke of the Black Scour and what Jäger and I intended to do.
The Lady Setherda proved to be as wise as she was pretty, but more importantly she became a real help in our quest. With her help in looking over our caravan, Loral was able to join us to look for the ingredients. I believe she was excited to help as she kept near me as we walked back to join the people we had been charged to protect and asked me all sorts of questions concerning what we may find on our way. If I was to be honest, I believe she was just happy to be near some one who was willing to help people rather than just themselves. Lady Setherda was also able to shed a little more light on the so called witch that lives in the forest and a little more information as to where we could find her. Her name is Elizmiller and is thought to be the great great great grand-daughter of Baba Yaga herself but Lady Setherda believes that to be an exaggeration of the truth.
Once we had decided that the three of us would set off together, we left the temple and headed back to the caravan. I stopped by the local inn to buy some hot broth to take to the guards that had taken position by the entrance to Falcon's Hollow to selflessly warn people of the Black Scour before entering. They seem outwardly thankless for the broth but I knew they had to keep their mean demeanour in order to maintain a sense of authority and I could respect that. These were hard times.
The now three of us, Jäger, Loral and myself decided that we would rest for the night before heading off. With Jäger's guidance and Loral's input we were confident that we could find all three locations. Loral knew the local area a little better than even the wise Jäger and informed us of a lumber yard on our way to the Heart of the Forest. We all felt that they may have some information concerning the forest that could help us so after I spent some time making sure that the people on our caravan knew what we were up to and understood why as I checked there nightly set up, I managed some sleep myself before the early morning to save the people of Falcon's Hollow.
Cuthbert was a little man and getting on in years but his age had not stilled his desire to help the people even though you could see how the poor folk infected with the Black Scour was pushing his abilities to his limit. All he could do was create a potion that at best would hold off the symptoms but sadly not cure the disease.
After a little time spent with Cuthbert, I had decided he was a good man, worthy or recognition but Jäger had his doubts. I had come to respect Jäger but I worried at his inability to trust. Who or what has happened to Jäger that made him this way? I did not think I would ever know but was glad to know he held a heart of gold beneath his icy chest.
In spite of Cuthbert's efforts, the Black Scour was spreading and Cuthbert told us of a potential cure that his great grandmother had written down in her book of cures. I asked Cuthbert why he had not tried to create this cure but not only were the ingredients hard to come by but he held no faith in the potion and felt it to be hoo-doo rather than a real cure. At first I was not sure whether it was worth collecting these ingredients but as soon as I thought of the poor children and families outside Cuthbert's I became ashamed in myself for even considering the option for not helping. There was really no other option than to help, even if there is a chance it will not work.
Cuthbert told us where we had to go and what it was we needed to collect;
1) Elder wood moss. It is thought to grow on the tree in the heart of the forest nearby.
2)Rat's Tail root. Cuthbert informed us that although there was no plant that grew it nearby, it is said that the witch that resides in the forest is known to have some.
3)Iron Bloom mushroom. There is an abandoned Dwarvern Monastery in the forest and that is where it can be found.
We were in luck. The knowledgeable Jäger has heard of the Witch and roughly where we could find her but not only that he knew where we could find the heart of the forest. Is there anything this brave man could not teach me and those that are lucky enough to meet him? If there is, I do not care to find out.
Jäger and I had heard enough and left the shop looking for Loral at the temple. She needed to know that the town needed help and I was sure she would want us to do all we could. I followed Jäger and his direction sense and quickly we found the temple. Jäger decided he would stay outside, mentioning something about preferring to be outside, so I entered alone. Loral, Sister of the Hammer, was up the front by the alter talking with one of the priests that resides within the temple. Loral introduced me to Lady Setherda and after some formal greetings we spoke of the Black Scour and what Jäger and I intended to do.
The Lady Setherda proved to be as wise as she was pretty, but more importantly she became a real help in our quest. With her help in looking over our caravan, Loral was able to join us to look for the ingredients. I believe she was excited to help as she kept near me as we walked back to join the people we had been charged to protect and asked me all sorts of questions concerning what we may find on our way. If I was to be honest, I believe she was just happy to be near some one who was willing to help people rather than just themselves. Lady Setherda was also able to shed a little more light on the so called witch that lives in the forest and a little more information as to where we could find her. Her name is Elizmiller and is thought to be the great great great grand-daughter of Baba Yaga herself but Lady Setherda believes that to be an exaggeration of the truth.
Once we had decided that the three of us would set off together, we left the temple and headed back to the caravan. I stopped by the local inn to buy some hot broth to take to the guards that had taken position by the entrance to Falcon's Hollow to selflessly warn people of the Black Scour before entering. They seem outwardly thankless for the broth but I knew they had to keep their mean demeanour in order to maintain a sense of authority and I could respect that. These were hard times.
The now three of us, Jäger, Loral and myself decided that we would rest for the night before heading off. With Jäger's guidance and Loral's input we were confident that we could find all three locations. Loral knew the local area a little better than even the wise Jäger and informed us of a lumber yard on our way to the Heart of the Forest. We all felt that they may have some information concerning the forest that could help us so after I spent some time making sure that the people on our caravan knew what we were up to and understood why as I checked there nightly set up, I managed some sleep myself before the early morning to save the people of Falcon's Hollow.
Monday, 7 September 2015
Black Scour
So the three of us entered the town of Falcons Hollow, I could tell Loral was worried about the people we were leaving outside but we needed food and water for the journey and we did not want to risk the health of the people in fear of it spreading through them. It was a hard decision to leave the caravan unguarded but I believe we made the right decision.
Jäger and suggested I speak to one of the towns people to find out the problem was. I approached the first person I saw and noticed he was almost doubled over in a coughing fit. Hind sight tells me that it may have been wiser to ask questions of some body who was more able to speak but at the time I was more concerned for his health and what I could do to help. I failed to get much useful information from him but we did learn the name of the illness, Black Scour. He was also able to direct us to the town herbalist, Cuthbert of Cuthbert's Herbs. If any one could give us more information that Jäger and I could work with, it would be Cuthbert.
Once we approached the herbalist it became evident that we were not the only ones seeking his advice. A sad looking queue of people of all ages were waiting outside. My heart sank to see whole families together outside hoping for a cure. It was then I pledged to myself that I would help these people or my name is Sir Cyril Sweetmore of the Order of the Roaring Lion.
Jäger also decided that these people needed help so he heroically pushed through the sick and straight to the front of the queue. I was able to help the sick towns people to understand why it was important that we be seen next as we are looking for a way to help all the families of Falcons Hollow but no matter what Jäger and I said through the door of Cuthbert's nor how hard we banged on the door, Cuthbert insisted we wait until he had finished speaking with his current customer. I used the time to bring some smiles to the poor children suffering with Black Scour with some stories of Sir Ganther. It warmed my soul to see the people enjoying my tales as we waited. It seemed the poor children have had no reason to smile for a long while. Yet another way Sir Ganther has proven himself to me as the true way to live one's life.
Jäger and suggested I speak to one of the towns people to find out the problem was. I approached the first person I saw and noticed he was almost doubled over in a coughing fit. Hind sight tells me that it may have been wiser to ask questions of some body who was more able to speak but at the time I was more concerned for his health and what I could do to help. I failed to get much useful information from him but we did learn the name of the illness, Black Scour. He was also able to direct us to the town herbalist, Cuthbert of Cuthbert's Herbs. If any one could give us more information that Jäger and I could work with, it would be Cuthbert.
Once we approached the herbalist it became evident that we were not the only ones seeking his advice. A sad looking queue of people of all ages were waiting outside. My heart sank to see whole families together outside hoping for a cure. It was then I pledged to myself that I would help these people or my name is Sir Cyril Sweetmore of the Order of the Roaring Lion.
Jäger also decided that these people needed help so he heroically pushed through the sick and straight to the front of the queue. I was able to help the sick towns people to understand why it was important that we be seen next as we are looking for a way to help all the families of Falcons Hollow but no matter what Jäger and I said through the door of Cuthbert's nor how hard we banged on the door, Cuthbert insisted we wait until he had finished speaking with his current customer. I used the time to bring some smiles to the poor children suffering with Black Scour with some stories of Sir Ganther. It warmed my soul to see the people enjoying my tales as we waited. It seemed the poor children have had no reason to smile for a long while. Yet another way Sir Ganther has proven himself to me as the true way to live one's life.
Saturday, 5 September 2015
Falcons Hollow.
Over a week has passed since I took on the quest from
Marcus, Child of the Sun, worshipper of Pelor, to help protect the caravan heading to Hobham.
From what I was told by Marcus, Hobham is currently only a small
community of people, not yet big enough to call a village but after the
arrival of this caravan things should change. With me on the road is Jäger, a
woodsman and archer. He too was hired to help
protect the families willing to endure the dangerous road.. He keeps to himself
most of the time, preferring solitude but I can tell that once his
chilly exterior has been broken a warm soul resides within him. Leading the
caravan is a Dwarf Cleric by the name of Loral, a worshipper of the
Morriden. A worthy woman to follow as she lead us forward with her warhammer helping
free our path ahead of us.
The reason I have decided to chronocalise my journey is
because I am finding life outside the temple of Sir Ganther is more difficult and
perilous than expected. The elders tried to prepare me before leaving as
an anointed but only until I saw how fallen some of my fellow men have
become, I could not have believed it.
Within the first week of travel we have lost a number of
families and one of our wagons to bandits. Jäger bravely spotted and
dispatched as many as he could with his keen senses and long bow and I helped defend the defensless if any of the bandits managed to get past him.
Morale was beginning to drop and so was our supplies We had started out with enough to get to Hobham but the attacks we had suffered had taken it's toll on us. Loral, Lady of the Forge, suggested we take an a detour to the lumber town of Falcons Hollow to replenish our supplies and hopefully some rest would re-stoke the fire in the hearts of the people Jäger and I were tasked to help defend.
The road to Falcons Hollw was easy enough to follow, even if it seemed to be less trodden than it may once have been. The only obstacle we hit was when we were approached by two men. I have to admit that my nerves became a little on edge as they approached but I need not have worried, They were not meant to refuse entry but to warn unsuspecting travelers of a sickness that had started to spread in Falcons Hollow. They suggetsed that he caravan should not enter the town and Loral advised we take heed of the warning. Who was I to argue, her wisdom and cunning had proven itself many times on the road and my mind had clearly been affected by the long journey to get even here. Being constantly on guard against any unfamilar face for fear of bandits had polluted me. I thanked Sir Ganther by sending the two men before me as a reminder that good men still existed in these parts and instantly I felt his divine presence looking over me.
We still needed the supplies to continue so it was decided that Loral will make contact with her friend to negotiate for supplies while Jäger and I investigated what we could about the malody that had started to take hold of here.
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