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"Has the day o'ertired your owls? Any shortening of our journey would be of great benefit" "The owls have ridden too much today to allow them to take all of you out, but tomorrow morning after some rest, we can fly your entire company out in any direction that you wish to go. I would just ask that we leave at first light."
"May I kindly remind you how you thought we were heading to our certain doom against the black dragon, when you make your analysis?" "Yes, yes, but when I make the analysis, I also know that not everybody has the luck of a halfling, dear Bofus! Dragons usually eat their victims after they've scorched them with breath weapon!"
"Killiar, you know that I believe what I say, right?? This is going to be a fight, to be sure--but it is far from hopeless. I'm certain that I would not have condoned inviting our new friends to a certain disaster party!!" Killiar weighs Bofus' words before replying and finally speaks. "I know that you have an excessive amount of optimism, Bofus, and I know you believe what you are saying, but I am not clear how this battle will truly end up. War is not a pleasant thing and certainly death is a possibility at every turn. However, I will need to refrain from judgement until I see exactly what we are up against."
At the mention of three hundred dwarves a surprised look crosses Killiar's face and he says something to Edvard and Kelarius also in his native tongue. "C'est beaucoup de nains à venir en aide aux êtres humains de thèses. Je ne suis pas sûr Sellyria se rend compte du niveau d'engagement de ces nains ont montré. Je me demande si je dois rentrer et de l'informer de ce qui se déroule. Je déteste à penser que les nains seraient plus nombreux que nous!" Elven: "That is a lot of dwarves to be coming to the aid of theses humans. I'm not sure Sellyria realizes the level of commitment these dwarves have shown. I wonder if I should fly back and inform her of what is unfolding. I hate to think the dwarves would outnumber us!"
At Edvard's signal, Killiar lands his great owl next to Hestar and he sits and listens to the interaction, giving the dwarves an appraising look.
"I see Hestar has really taken a liking to you, Edvard. Now that you've got her under control, where would you like to go?"
"By your leave Killiar... in this, at least so far, I will follow." "Very well then, Hermit. Let us fly!"
"If you would take an extra passenger then I would fly with you... perhaps we will have more luck today." Killiar smiles at the request. "Are you certain you want to ride on an owl? You could certainly come with me, but I can also leave Kelarius here at the camp and you could take his great owl, Hestar. She's a fine raptor to take out if you've never flown before. You would be able to experience the thrill of the flight all on your own. I would fly at your side and perhaps together we would be able to see more than my eyes alone."
"Do you fly today?" "Indeed we will. I take the opportunity to stay away from Brindol as often as I can. I find it rather peaceful to be floating on the wind currents far above this vale. So far, we have not seen any sign of the approaching horde."
"Suffice it to say that I find little within the walls to interest me... if it were not for the Hand I would be happy to leave them be." "I find the Hand to be making me do a rather great many things that I would rather not be doing. However, it is interesting to watch them interact with each other. They all seem so removed from the natural world that surrounds them." "And what of yourselves, has the cripple saw fit to give you any instruction?" "Oh yes, the good captain." Killiar replies with a grin. "I am not sure the captain and I are on the same page yet. I don't think he trusts me and I will admit, I am surprised that he has risen to the rank he has with such a limp. I doubt he would fare very well in my own hunting party. He certainly has not told me much of their plans, but to be honest, I'm not sure these humans have much of a plan. Until I hear otherwise, I will simply send my fellow hunters out on scouting patrols to see that nothing takes us by surprise."
Edvard makes his way out of Brindol Academy and through the throngs of people toward the northern gates, across the bridge and out to the forest on the northern side of the river. You are able to easily find your way to the Tiri Kitor's encampment. As you approach, Killiar stands up to greet you as he smiles and grins to himself. "I see the comforts of castle life do not sit well with you, my hermit friend. How did you escape, or did they simply throw you after you forgot how to use a napkin? Hehe. I don't think you and I are quite as different when compared to these humans, my friend. I'm sure the differences are quite obvious."
"Killiar... De tout s'avise a qui pain faut." Killiar gives Edvard a knowing look and a grin as he replies, "Hah! Vous n'avez pas besoin de vous soucier de moi, Dark Ermite! Je sais ce que je suis ici pour faire. Rappelez-vous, je suis le sommeil un à l'extérieur avec mon peuple, et non celle reposant dans le luxe!" Elvish: "Catch not a shadow and lose the substance" "Hah! You do not need to worry about me, Dark Hermit! I know what I am here to do. Remember, I am the one sleeping outside with my people and not the one resting in the lap of luxury!"
"I will comply, Bofus." The elf responds. "Bring me to him. Let me see the leader of these warriors!"
"Very well, Jarmaath! However, you need not worry about our housing for we will live in the trees of the forest just north of your walls. If you need to speak with us, you may come and find me." Arrowswift and the other elves mount their owls and quickly depart.
"No, there are no more of us! We are the best hunters in all the Tiri Kitor and one of us is equivalent to five of your human hunters."
"Fine." Killiar replies succinctly.
Upon recognizing you and seeing you wave on the high tower of Brindol Keep, Killiar Arrowswift signals for his companions to land their great owls on the tower. Eight other elves land their great raptors and the top of the rook soon begins to feel rather crowded. Killiar dismounts and approaches Lord Kerden Jarmaath and stands there with a grim expression on his face looking at back and forth at both the party and the lord. The silence is awkward, but he does not say anything.
"Illusions are fleeting and quickly forgotten, when we are forced to ride to our death" "Indeed, Dark Hermit, we ride to battle to push our strength against the Red Hand of Doom. However of what illusions do you speak? My people are real in that the joys and sorrows they experience are genuine. There can be no doubt of that. They tears they shed are as real as the smiles they share." "You may not like me, and I care not if you do... but if you fall I will see your body carried to rest beneath these leaves. I will do that for any of your kin who fall in this fight" "You are indeed a mysterious one, Edvard. I do not see you able to open yourself up to our friendship, but truly I am grateful for what you have done. Your offer to bring our bodies back to our homeland is a also a kind offer that I cannot decline. For should one of the Tiri Kitor fall, the families and kin will most certainly want to put closure to his passing. However, let us not speak of death at the moment, but instead cling to the hope that we can make a difference in the battle to come."
"My ear tells me that the song continues despite my abscence. I have decided nothing for you, and only for myself. Grieve if you must, and wallow in the false dawn this celebration gives. I shall not stop you." dropping his hands to straighten and his voice taking a more determined tone "But I will not be party to your mirage..." Killiar lets the silence hang in the air for a moment before responding. Finally the hunter replies softly. "You are a dark man, hermit. We offer you thanks for your deeds, but you do not open yourself up to what we offer. I cannot change your heart, but I fear that if you do not know joy and cheer, then you do not know what you fight for and you have abandoned a side to your heritage that you will one day regret. I wish you well, hermit. I truly do. I also wish you well in all that you do for the people of this land. I hope that one day you will experience the joy that you have brought to so many others. Farewell, friend." Killiar walks away leaving you in peace.
"This is not the time for song... Your Starsinger talks with flowered voice of being free of the Red Hand and that the Tiri Kitor will idly fly the winds in peace. It is not yet that time. . . . What of you? Does the fresh scent of rain disguise the thunderstorm that rolls in behind it?" "Who are you to decide when the Starsinger can sing or cannot sing?! Clearly this is not the end yet, but you must realize that the Tiri Kitor have not had much reason to celebrate for a long time. There has been too much death in this village and the loss of Lanikar was felt by a great many people. This one little victory holds a great deal of weight for our people, for you have shown them that a small determine group can make a difference and cut off one of the fingers of that clawing Red Hand! I know you have more to do and I can see that you will not stop until it is done, but I urge you to keep your life balanced. Do not let the Red Hand poison your spirit, for then they will have truly one! Do what you can, hermit, but when the time comes upon you to relax and breath again, I suggest you take that moment and enjoy it while you can."
Edvard makes no attempt to prepare for the gala, remaining in the unwashed and bloodmarked clothing he wore during the day. As the songs start, he moves outside - making no attempt to excuse himself and finds a quiet spot. Killiar follows Edvard outside and approaches him directly. "You appear to have elven blood running in your veins, but you do not seem comfortable in the presence of elves. Do the elven songs bother you?"
"You honor us, friends. Welcome back! Speaker Starsinger will wish to hear all the stories of your adventure. When you are ready, please come with me."
The familiar face of the serious strong elven hunter, Killiar Arrowswift, greets you with a look relief as you climb out of your boats. "Welcome back, elf friends! We heard the bell, we saw the black dragon, and later we spotted the smoke. We were greatly concerned for your safety. I am pleased to see Trellara safely returned. Are the rest of you all fine? Are any of you in need of healing?"
Stardary, Lamashan 6, 4710, 1.5 hours before sunrise. You awake in the early morning hours. The clouds are thick overhead and there are no stars to be seen. Killiar and some of the elves bring you out to the west of Starsong Hill to a dock along a river where three elegantly crafted wooden boats await you. "Good luck, all of you! Dwarf, do not worry, we will take good care of your hippogriff for you. You may paddle through the marsh to the west, but be careful to avoid the rocks. The water is shallow in parts, but it will become deeper once you get out onto the lake. You will need to be careful as you slip by the lizard folk huts as the stream enters the lake, but if you drift and stay in the shadows, you may be fine. May Desna guide you safely." Killiar approaches Bofus and speaks with him. "You better bring Trellara back safely!"
"One: If we're flyin' in, we wanna have a backup. Remember when ye used te jump off tha wall outside yer house holdin' one o' yer mother's good sheets? That's tha basic idea...Killy-Arrow, Oi'll need some fabric. A lot of it if ye can spare it..." "Yes, we have some light blankets that may serve your purpose, but I have never heard of using them in such a way. I suppose at least you will water below!" Thordak: I will certainly let you make a parachute out of some of the thin blankets that Killiar provides. You will need to make a fly check to see how accurately you can maneuver it to your target. DC 20 = Bullseye, DC 15 = within 20 feet. DC 10 = about 50 feet away.
"but I'm much more confident in my ability to evade detection that way. Plus, I can get some detailed recon by being on the ground." "Halfling Bofus, you will not be able to walk upon the ground. Once you move a mile west of here, the marsh becomes deeper and you will easily be over your head in deep water. Sellyria will give you boats if that is helpful, but you better be careful when you choose to approach. The lake is also inhabited by Lizardfolk who appear to have allied themselves with the horde. I suppose that I should not be surprised that the reptiles would befriend the dragon."
@Edvard, Thordak, and Mantooth "Getting in for a tactical strike may be possible, but to do so would surely rouse the camp to entrap us within... I would think we need choose our target - is our intent to face the lord of the wyrm or his subjects in our first fight?" "I cannot imagine that you will find the Dragon's lair without meeting the fiends of the Red Hand first, but if you do not reach the solid footing of the structure in stealth, then you will never stand a chance. Should the dragon spot you crossing the lake in a boat, you will all be subject to his breath weapon as you are all clustered together. However, once you reach the old city, your chances for survival will increase by a slim thread. At the very least, you may be able to spread out. I can only urge that you use as much stealth as possible. Come to think of it, there is an old clock tower in Rhest that has a great bell. The Red Hand have used it as a warning device for their encampment. Perhaps if you could somehow eliminate that threat, it would aid in your efforts."
@Thorak, Edvard, and Mantooth "Well now yer makin' me all worried! Can ye tell me more about this Regiragi? Wot about tha Wyrmlord? Any tips fer fightin' 'em your people have picked up?" "We believe the black dragon's name is Regiarix. The Wyrmlord who commands him is a small creature, actually just a goblin. However, do not underestimate his size. He is a deadly shot with his bow and is a formidable hunter! All I can say is that stealth will be your best tactic. The dragon's lair is in one of the buildings in the center of Rhest. If you can get there without being caught, you may stand a chance. However, even when the Wyrmlord and his dragon are sleeping, they are still guarded by ogres, ettins, and hobgoblins. I am certain they are doing something vile there, but we have never been able to get close enough to find out!" "An' wot about some magic protection? Have ye got some crafters an' tha like that could get some armor or some necklace or somethin'--either fer me or Lulu?" "Unfortunately, we have very little we can offer you for protection. Perhaps with some time, amulets could be crafted, but not with the pressing urgency of which you speak."
@Thordak " A couple days later, Oi met her again, followed her trail into tha woods again, an' Oi convinced her that she should come with us an' have adventures an' all, an' so here we are!" "That is a remarkable tale. I would not have expected corn to win the heart of such a magnificent creature. Lulu? Now that is an interesting name. What does it mean?" "Well, dwarf, you and your winged beast will have an advantage that your companions do not. The ability to fly is a great gift when you are hunting in the black fens. It is by far the easiest way to move about. However, with this freedom, you need to be aware that you will be the first target that Regiarix and the Wyrmlord will take out. Together, they are formidable predators, and once they strip you of your ability to fly, the dragon will burn you alive with his acid breath. You have been warned, Dwarf."
@Thordak As the afternoon passes, Killiar Arrowswift, the great hunter, periodically checks back on Thordak to see what he is up to. On one particular visit, the hunter speaks to the Dwarf and says, "There is one thing that we do share in common dwarf, and that is that we both fly on great winged creatures. How did you ever train a Hippogriff to permit you to fly on it?"
Edvard:
Slight Retcon "If you have a map of how Rhest stands, that would be of service. As to the venture I would not bid you join us in the assault... but there would still be a means for vengeance to be taken for your fallen. Patrol out of reach and around, it we strike hot then there is a chance the savages will break and flee... that is when you could make sure they do not escape." Killiar listens thoughtfully to your request and departs with saying anything. When he returns, hours later he says to you,"My duties to the Tiri Kitor are great and I will not accompany you at this time, but I would be willing to give you a map of the ruins. Certainly your need is greater than mine." The great hunter pulls out a parchment, unfolds it and hands it to you. "This is all that remains of the ancient city. Most of it is underwater, but there are a few structures that were tall enough to protrude above the surface of the water. These posts around the perimeter of the lake are inhabited by the lizardfolk. They will not be keen to allow you to pass.
Killiar Arrowswift, the Tiri Kitor hunter sits, listens, and visits with Edvard Zamoyski, the witch of the Witchwood. Elven: "Consider yourself a bow, and this party an arrow. You need merely aim it towards Saarvith and release it to flight. Watch and learn from action what words will not convey... At the worst we will bloody your enemy before our death... at the best Rhest would be liberated and it's nascent threat upon the wood of witches removed." "You are smart and wise, man of the Witchwood. You use your words well and speak the truth. For indeed this Wyrmlord, his dragon, and the dragon spawn would crush us all if given have a chance. Perhaps I need to put aside my distrust and help them with what they need to do. I just cannot help myself when I watch how that dwarf behaves himself. That race has simply not changed all that much in the years that have passed. Did you hear his words when he was presented with breakfast? He said it was not a proper breakfast! Well, never mind, that is not important anyway. However, what is important is that we support you in whatever way you need help the most. What can the Tiri Kitor do to help you and your friends with your mission?"
Edvard gestures to a position before him upon the ground, waiting a few moments to see if the elven hunter would sit with him. The great elven hunter stands and considers for a moment. After glancing around over his shoulder, Killiar sits himself down on the ground across from the witch. He pauses thoughtfully before speaking again. Elven: "You have strong courage, witch. There is great change here in the woods, and you seem open to the aid of others. However, I am not yet trusting of these outsiders. We have much to do to simply defend the marsh and our own people without getting involved in this war with their kind. What help could they possibly give? They are clearly here for their own interests. Listen to me, Witch! Once they've got what they've come for, they will be gone and we will never see them again."
@Thordak and Edvard "Berries an' nuts? It's not a proper breakfast, but Oi do like berries an' nuts! Thank ye Killer!" "They may not be what you are use to eating, but they will give you the nourishment you need." Killiar watches as Mantooth returns to the tents. He nods to him, but does not say anything. After a moment, he walks up to Edvard and speaks to him in Elven, Elven:
"Why does a man of the Witchwood travel with a Dwarf, a Halfling, a Human, and a dark Gnome from the outside? You do not seem to be like them at all."
Alright, Oi'm hungry. Mornin' Killy-Arrow! he says, addressing the elf in the tree, Is there a place to get somethin' fer breakfast? Or should Oi go find a tasty swamp-critter? he asks, pointing his thumb over his shoulder at his crossbow. The great elven hunter looks at Thordak with a sharp eye and an gives no hint that he will crack a smile for you. After appraising your question, he responds sternly. "If you are in need of sustenance, I will send for some berries and nuts. There will be no need for you to hunt while you are in the encampment." Killiar gives directions to another elf who soon returns with a large bowl of fruit and a separate bowl of nuts. "You may now eat of the Fruitak berry and the Koolangus nut. Enjoy!"
Fireday, Lamashan 5, 4710, 3 hours before noon. As you stick your head outside of the tent the following morning, you are met by Killiar Arrowswift who is sitting on the branch of a nearby tree. He still appears very serious, but he nods curtly to you and says something to in elvish. Elven: "Good morning! May the strength of the wood be with you this day."
"Come with me." Killiar declares. He then leads you down a rope ladder to the forest floor where he proceeds to escort you through the encampment. You are soon brought to two large tents upon the ground which offer room for three guests each. "You may sleep here." Killiar declares as he directs you to beds made of soft grasses and moss. If nothing else is said, the hunter departs.
"I am ready to ride, as long as you are certain Vartak and the ponies will be safe." "Naturally, I cannot make any guarantees, but you have destroyed the only nearby threat. If you trust them to stay and graze here in the grove, then, I am confident they will be here when you return." "Thank you for allowing us to speak with your leader. This is a time of great need for the Vale, and if the Vale were to fall, then I fear that all good in the area would be in grave danger." Killiar Arrowswift looks at Tirion and responds. "Look around you, gnome. The good are already dying and there is danger all around us! You are simply one of the lucky ones to be alive!"
"That'd be me." Thordak says, slinging his crossbow away. "An' Oi'll come meet yer speaker, but Oi'll be ridin' Lulu here—Oi'd rather neither me nor Lulu end up like that other Owl an' rider..." "Listen, Dwarf! If a Greenspawn Razorfiend wants to eat you for supper, you really won't have a say in the matter! You may be a bold fighter, but Lanikar was one of the bravest warriors of the tribe, and if he was slain by the beast, then I have no doubt that you would just as easily perish!" Killiar pauses a moment and then continues, "I will permit you to ride your Hippogriff, Dwarf, but only because I would not risk another of my brothers bearing you upon his raptor. I will permit you to follow us, but I do so with reservation. It is only because your friend presented the Totem of Learnandel that I'll trust you with your companions, but I am warning you, dwarf, you will watch yourself. I will certainly be keeping an eye on you!" Killiar gestures for the rest of you to each climb aboard one of the giant owls with one of the elves. You may present yourselves to my brother hunters and they will give you instructions to keep you safe. Listen to them without question. You may leave your horses. They will be safe here in this grove until you return. Are you ready to leave this place?"
"The Totem of Learnandel was borne of my hand warrior of the Tiri Kitor. I am a ward of the Witchwood and would seek parley with those of the Blackfens. By my word and power we mean you no harm, and would insist upon the same courtesy being extended." giving a short bow that Edvard continues to a kneeling position with arms wide. "I am Edvard Zamoyski and I give you my name as further proof of our intent..." raising his head to look upon the elven leader with a challenging eye "... do you offer your own name?" The leader of this group appraises Edvard's challenging look, but it is difficult to read his emotions. With litte reaction, the elven leader responds matter of factly. "I am Battlehunter Killiar Arrowswift, and these are the tribe's hunters, Zordlon, Heldanel, Lanliss, and Caladrel. We have hunted for a brash young elf named Lanikar Nightshadow, brother of the tribe's High Singer, who has been missing for days now. We have now just learned of his fate, and must now return to deliver the news to our people. Your request for parley will be granted for you and your companions. You will be taken back to our encampment deep in the Blackfens. The Speaker of the tribe will wish to speak to all of you. You will ride upon the hunter's owls." Looking at Lulu and the horses, Killiar asks, "Which of you is the Windrider of the Hippogriff?"
"We had stopped for the night, and were beset upon by this nasty beast here, who had just managed to kill that unfortunate creature there." The elves stare at each of you without saying a word. They are clearly unfriendly, but not hostile. One elf, who is obviously the leader of this group climbs off of his giant owl and walks up to the remains of the great owl and then looks back at the vile dragon spawn and stares silently. "Yes, this a Greenspawn Razorfiend. It is one of the most hideous creations of the dragon horde!" "I recovered this from the owl." The elven leader walks up and takes the jade band from Bofus. He looks at it for a moment and remarks to his companions in elven. Elven:
"This was definitely Liokio, but what has happened to Lanikar Nightshawdow? That is what I want to know! He would never abandon his owl to die at the claws of this wretched creature!" Suddenly, one of the elves leaps down, pulls out his elven blade and begins to gut the Greenspawn Razorfiend and cut up its intestines. The black blood of this creatures spews all over the already darkened ground and sinks deeper into the earth. A moment later, the elf pulls out an obsidian ring with a white pearl upon it. He silently hands it to his leader. A look of recognition spreads across the elves' faces as they clearly gasp in grief. The leader inspects it carefully and declares to his elven comrades. Elven:
"Sadly, I fear this indeed is the proof that I needed. Lanikar Nightshadow has fallen to this vile beast. It is rather fortuitous but also suspect that these brigands just happened to be here." Turning to the heroes, the leader remarks in the common tongue of man. "You were fortunate to have survived such an encounter with the Razorfiend! You appeared too late to have saved a brother of ours. However, if indeed you slew this beast and you speak the truth of what you have already done, then you have earned some respect of the Tiri Kitor." Looking across at the campsite, and then to each of you, the leader remarks sharply, "Who among you made the Totem of Learnandel?!"
Suddenly, you hear a strange rush of wind and see soaring overhead five giant owl like the one that lies dead before you. Each bears a rider, a dark-haired elf wearing leather armor dyed green and brown to match the colors of the marsh. The flying elves circle the area twice, and then alight next to the slain owl. They study you with narrowed eyes. Then one speaks. "Who are you?" he demands. "What are you doing near the marsh?"
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