As the first grey hint of dawn begins to supplement the light of the dying camp fire, Laithe wakes the camp, and the group prepares to continue their trek towards the Valley of Snails.
As Keildrithe returns refreshed from a quick splash in a nearby stream, he rummages through his pack to find his breakfast -- a few strips of jerky, nuts, and drief fruit. As he munches ravenously on his simple meal, he looks in various directions with uncertainty before asking:
"How far are we prepared to track our mysterious quarry to the south? Is this a wild goose chase that is taking us on a tangent to the Valley of the Snails, or...? Though I certainly feel that these creatures we have been following are somehow implicated in the deaths and disappearances in Barg, I cannot help but wonder..."
Perhaps our alliance can lead to a new dawn between Karands, Atuskans, and Artonites...
"I would like that very much. Thank you for your optimism on this matter, though I fear your wishes will never come to pass, as I have met too many of my church who would oppose such a thing" Yruch lapsed into a thoughtful silence, and then settled down to sleep.
Yruch likewise makes a light breakfast on some trail rations, and then settles into a brief prayer.
Then he speaks:
"Yes, I too am interested in how far this will take us off our predicted course. I will gladly follow into unknown territory, but would prefer to know what dangers we can expect, if there are predictions to be made."
"Yes, I too am interested in how far this will take us off our predicted course. I will gladly follow into unknown territory, but would prefer to know what dangers we can expect, if there are predictions to be made."
Laithe is in the process of pulling apart the camp, (scattering ashes etc) as he listens to Keildrithe's and Yruch's concerns. He pauses in his work, squatting next to the last dying embers of the camp fire and replies:
"I too share the concerns you both speak of. However, the corpse we found on the track gives me hope that we are on the right path." He pauses in thought for a moment before continuing.
"My theory is that these creatures have indeed been responsible for the disappearance of the girls. The man we seek, Jarred Hale, was on his way from the valley of snails to meet Gosia about a week hence when he came upon these creatures, or else signs of their passing. He tracked them along the path we now follow before at least one of their number became aware of him. He either killed this one and continued, or else was ambushed and taken down himself".
Again he pauses, contemplating the possibilities. "Of course, my theory includes quite a bit of speculation. It also suggests that Jarred is in trouble, as it has been some time since that creature was killed, if it was indeed Jarred who killed it. I would like to take another look at the site and see if I can see signs of a fight. Then I think we should follow the path for a little longer. If we can still find no solid clues then perhaps we should turn back to the valley of Snails..."
"Either way we should make a start". Laithe stands, and heads back to the trail, making his way back towards where the corpse was found the previous day. Once there he takes another look over the area, studying the ground around the body, looking for signs of a fight, and any prints other than those of the creatures he's been tracking.
Keildrithe nods his assent and follows Laithe to the spot where the dead body lay, his confidence in their chosen direction renewed.
Yruch follows as well, keeping his eyes trained on the wilds around him.
After breakfasting, the group sets out towards the site of last evenings almost battle, on Laithe’s advice.
Whereas the morning light is a welcome respite from the near black of night under the forest canopy, it is not long before the gloominess of this place sets in. In fact, it is soon apparent that this day is if anything even dimmer than the last, and as you pass an opening in the overhead canopy the reason becomes clear – the sky above is heavy with grey rain clouds. Laithe estimates that it will begin raining within the next few hours.
Hurrying along, you soon reach the bend in the trail – the trail turns sharply to the west – where you encountered the leafling the evening before; but for good or ill the creature is gone.
The small corpse remains, although it appears to have been severely mauled by scavenging creatures during the night. Laithe immediately sets about investigating the area for tracks, and within ten minutes or so reports his findings back to the rest of the group.
The small humanoid prints that he had been following yesterday continue normally until the bend in the path, where there are signs of a confused scuffle or battle. The humanoid prints from there set out at a run to the west, until one was cut down a short distance away – the corpse you found. There is evidence of something else following between the bend and the corpse, but going no further. The tracks are unclear, Laithe cannot tell what manner of creature it was – although it was possibly the leafling.
Amongst the animal tracks on the trail since the humanoids passed, Laithe finds the prints of at least one large predator – some type of hunting cat by the look of the prints, as big – or bigger – than the wolves you encountered yesterday. It seems to have passed within the last day – or night – and also appears to have been heading west.
---
The small humanoid prints that he had been following yesterday continue normally until the bend in the path, where there are signs of a confused scuffle or battle. The humanoid prints from there set out at a run to the west, until one was cut down a short distance away – the corpse you found. There is evidence of something else following between the bend and the corpse, but going no further. The tracks are unclear, Laithe cannot tell what manner of creature it was – although it was possibly the leafling.
After spending some time looking over the sight, Laithe returns to the group and reports back.
"It seems I may have to revise my theory a little; evidence suggests it may have been the leafling who surprised and ambushed this group. However, I think we should still stay this course for a while longer. What do you think?"
"I agree. These tracks could lead us to Jarred Hale. We must be careful though. Jarred Hale is apparently a skilled ranger and I beleive these creatures to have either kidnapped or killed him. We must stay constantly aware. Two of us should have our bows ready and the rest of us should have our melee weapons at the ready."
Yruch, if you wish to have a continuous spot check going for the journey, taking 10 is probably the best way to go. You have seen no obvious signs of danger so far.
Laithe, are you still taking time to track, or simply following the path?
Turning to the west, Laithe leads the party on once more. He pulls out a handful of berries left over from last night's foraging, and holding them in his palm, he quietly says a quick prayer to Ehlonna "Lady, imbue these berries with your healing and nourishing touch, so that I may be better prepared should we face further trouble today". Immediately, 6 of the berries glow with a faint light, before fading once more to their dark red colour.
He pops 4 of the berries in his mouth, and upon swallowing them appears visably bolstered and refreshed. He then offers the remaining two berrie to Keildrithe "Hedilye, are you still carrying some injury following our brush with the wolves yesterday? If so, take these berries and eat; they will nourish you and perhaps help close up your wounds a little quicker".
With that, Laithe turns his attention back to the track; he grips his spear and shield at the ready, but keeps his eyes on the track, looking out for any sign of the creatures deviating from the path.
With that, Laithe turns his attention back to the track; he grips his spear and shield at the ready, but keeps his eyes on the track, looking out for any sign of the creatures deviating from the path.
Keildrithe takes the berries and looks at them with curiosity. "It is kind of you to share these with me, Laithe. I thank you for your generosity." He places one berry in his mouth, savouring the flavour as the fruit dissolves on his tongue.
Keildrithe's eyes widen in wonder as the enchanted berry takes effect, and quickly places the other one in his mouth. "I am in awe of your gift, Laithe... the ability to imbue ordinary berries with healing properties truly is a sacred gift from Ehlonna!"
For the DM:
The group continues to follow the path – although the way twists and turns between the gnarled trunks, you seem to be traveling in a predominantly westerly direction. The tracks that Laithe is following continue to follow the trail.
After an hour or so, there is a peal of thunder, and within minutes you hear the splatter of large droplets of rain on the leaves above. The heavy canopy actually serves to keep the worst of the rain at bay, but still, it is not long before conditions become wet, cold, and miserable at the level of the forest floor, with rain finding its way through the gaps in the canopy and eventually making a muddy morass of the forest path.
The rain is not completely unexpected – it has not rained in over a week now, unusual in this season, and it was inevitable sooner or later. It is, however, an inconvenience, for soon enough the signs of passage that Laithe has been following have been obliterated by the rain.
The path itself however remains clear enough, and although muddy seems quite trafficable.
Keildrithe faces the party, sword in hand, pointed upward and leaning against his shoulder. "No sense in backtracking now, we'd be wasting time. We know the humanoids went in this general direction, and it also seems to me that the trail is now running roughly parallel to the broader track we first started out on. I think we should press on."
Keildrithe faces the party, sword in hand, pointed upward and leaning against his shoulder. "No sense in backtracking now, we'd be wasting time. We know the humanoids went in this general direction, and it also seems to me that the trail is now running roughly parallel to the broader track we first started out on. I think we should press on."
"Agreed, let's keep moving so we keep warm!"
Keildrithe’s words seem to hold some wisdom, as back tracking to the other trail at this point would take several hours, and the rain does not appear to be slowing your journey over-much.
You press on.
Despite the somewhat miserable conditions, there appears to be an advantage to traveling in the rain; the creatures of the wood seem to be keeping out of the wet weather, and your journey passes uneventfully for some hours, disturbed only by the drip drip of water, and the squelching of boots in mud.
The rain continues for about two and a half hours before abating, though leaving the sky grey in it’s wake.
It is about ten or eleven of the clock when the path meanders out of the tree line and across a small field of long grass before ending abruptly at the lip of a vast cliff.
Before you lies a great valley, several miles long and surrounded by steep cliffs. The valley looks like nothing so much as a big crater, filled with a sea of green, orange and yellow treetops swaying in the breeze. You catch glimpses of a stream snaking between the trees. Here and there, the trees part to reveal grassy fields. Rising up at the far western end of the valley is a huge, black rock formation, devoid of vegetation. Beyond that, you see a steep path winding it’s way up the slightly less steep cliff face at the distant far end of the valley. As you watch, something startles a flock of birds, who rise up into the air above the valley, calling and singing, before heading back into the trees.
The almost sheer cliffs that drop down some fifty feet immediately before your feet are covered in vines and twisted shrubs that run down the entire face for about fifty yards in either direction, before giving way to even steeper cliffs and bare rock.
The almost sheer cliffs that drop down some fifty feet immediately before your feet are covered in vines and twisted shrubs that run down the entire face for about fifty yards in either direction, before giving way to even steeper cliffs and bare rock.
Laithe perhaps needlessly, calls a halt as he gazes out over the valley, taking in the beauty of the scene, while also scanning for any telltake signs of human or humanoid life.
"Perhaps we've found the Valley of Snails after all?" he says, halfway between a question and a statement. He also looks to see if he can see where the trail they've been following goes; does it follow the edge of the cliff face or descend down the cliff face. Finally he looks to the South to see if and where the original trail they followed descends into the valley.
At the base of the cliff in front of you, the valley opens up into a grassy field, which extends for several hundred yards to the west before giving way to forest. You see a clear trail through the long grass, leading from the base of the cliff west into the forest. About halfway through the field, the path passes close to a stone structure of some sort – it is about the size of a small cottage, but you can make out little more detail at this distance.
You see no other obvious signs of habitation within the valley, although you do catch glimpses of other paths here and there through the trees and the open fields of the valley.
A few yards to either side of your current position at the top of the cliff, the trees close back up, coming right to the brink of the cliff. Although it would be possible to traverse the cliff edge to the north or south, winding one’s way between the trees, there does not appear to be any clear path.
About a mile to the north, along the top of the cliff, you see a large clearing in the forest at the edge of the cliff. There appears to be a trail opening running back into the forest, heading north east. It is possible that this is the other path, the original trail you had been following.
"Impressive. I take it we've reached the Valley of Snails? If so, everyone be careful. We're not sure how poisonous these snails are and wether or not mere contact is sufficient to get poisoned and I'm not sure that Laithe, powerful as he is in the art of healing, can heal such wounds." I look at Laithe, looking for an answer.
"Impressive. I take it we've reached the Valley of Snails? If so, everyone be careful. We're not sure how poisonous these snails are and wether or not mere contact is sufficient to get poisoned and I'm not sure that Laithe, powerful as he is in the art of healing, can heal such wounds." I look at Laithe, looking for an answer.
"It's a beautiful sight isn't it? This is why we must resist the uncaring expansion of the Atuscan empire. Human's can live in harmony with nature, but many, like the Atuscans, seek merely to rape the land and move on once they've sucked the life from it..."
His voice trails off as he gazes out at the beauty of the valley. Eventually, Alton's question registers and brings him out of his reverie. He replies with a shake of his head, "I have limited experience with poison, so we are definitely best off being careful and avoiding contact if possible".
Looking back down into the valley he points down at the trail leading away from the base off the cliff "It appears that the trail continues down there, so we should be able to find a way down. There is also a structure of some sort that I'd like a closer look at". He gazes out once more and then adds "while I could enjoy this view for quite some time, we are also out in the open and very visible while we stand here. Let's see if we can get down the cliff and out of view. Does anyone have any rope?"
He moves to the edge and looks for the best path down the cliff face.
Yruch moves along the cliff slowly, taken in by the beauty as well as the feeling that he really should have gotten out to see the world a lot sooner. Then, mind moving to the task at hand, he assists Laithe in searching for a way down the cliff face.
Keildrithe gazes at the natural canvas that spreads out to the west before the party, as awed by its strange and rugged beauty as his companions are. He spends a few moments in silent contemplation, drinking in the scenery and breathing in deeply of the cool air and pungent scent of the forest after the rain. "This place is worthy of its own poem," he states quietly.
After a few more moments spent in admiration, Keildrithe adds: "Gosia mentioned that Jarred Hale shared the Valley of the Snails with some fey creatures, which were at the very least mischievous and perhaps even malevolent. I wonder if these humanoids we have been tracking are in fact the fey creatures Gosia alluded to. If yes, then this must be their home..."
At Laithe's recommendation, Keildrithe steps away from the cliff's edge and back into the trees. "You are right, we should be cautious, and should do our best to maintain concealment until we know of the intentions of the Valley's denizens... and until we learn what has befallen Jarred Hale, that he was late meeting with Gosia..."
"Laithe, Alton, what do you think would be the best way to scout the Valley floor?"
"Perhaps Wil might be able to guide us to Jarred's home?"
"I think that the best method would be to create a base camp near the center of the valley and search around that camp in expanding concentric circles until we found something promising. However, I beleive that we should first see if Wil can lead us to Jarred Hale's home. Laithe, do you possess any means with which you can get Wil to do that?" As I speak I look down at the valley, looking for anything of interest and also trying to judge the width and length of the valley.
Jirkin looks at the fox, "Wil know Jared better than us and has his scent, maybe." "I can't navigate in a forest, getting lost for me is easy." Jirkin he forgot to pack rations waits til everyone makes their decision.
Wil the fox, who has been off chasing after some small, unseen animal by the side of the path, runs back to his new friend Laithe. He then catches sight of the valley spreading out below you, and gives an excited sounding “Yip!”
---
Yruch joins Laithe in searching the top of the cliff face, looking for some way down. Tree roots protrude from the rock here and there near the top of the cliff, and vines and creepers cover the rock face further down.
After searching for several moments, Yruch finds something unusual – one of the vines has the look of a rope. In fact, it is a rope – a sturdy hempen rope, knotted at two foot intervals, is tied around one of the tree roots near the top of the cliff face, and hidden in amongst the vines. It appears to lead all the way to the ground, fifty feet below.
---
Alton gazes out over the valley, trying to estimate its size. He figures it is about three miles long by one and a half to two miles wide. There are two small, tree covered hills in roughly the centre of the valley, and a large rock formation at the far, western end. There are open fields amongst the trees, mainly clustered around the near eastern end of the valley.
Wil the fox, who has been off chasing after some small, unseen animal by the side of the path, runs back to his new friend Laithe. He then catches sight of the valley spreading out below you, and gives an excited sounding “Yip!”
---
Yruch joins Laithe in searching the top of the cliff face, looking for some way down. Tree roots protrude from the rock here and there near the top of the cliff, and vines and creepers cover the rock face further down.
After searching for several moments, Yruch finds something unusual – one of the vines has the look of a rope. In fact, it is a rope – a sturdy hempen rope, knotted at two foot intervals, is tied around one of the tree roots near the top of the cliff face, and hidden in amongst the vines. It appears to lead all the way to the ground, fifty feet below.
---
Alton gazes out over the valley, trying to estimate its size. He figures it is about three miles long by one and a half to two miles wide. There are two small, tree covered hills in roughly the centre of the valley, and a large rock formation at the far, western end. There are open fields amongst the trees, mainly clustered around the near eastern end of the valley.
"Wil clearly seems to recognize this place, and seems happy to be back... I would judge it is his home. Perhaps that small cottage we see is Jarred's?"
Keildrithe continues to scan the Valley carefully. "Would it be wiser to try and scout the valley from above before we begin our descent, by doing a perimeter run around this ridge? Or would that take too long?
"If, instead, we decide to go directly to the valley floor, then my recommendation would be for us to climb down the rope one by one, starting with Alton. As one person descends, the others can provide cover with slings and bows. That way, fewer people would be left vulnerable at any one time. Then again... perhaps Wil might take us to his home along a path that would not require any climbing?"
For much of the perimeter of the valley, the treeline reaches the very edge of the cliff top - there is no path around the entire rim, although there are a few clear areas here and there. As such, it would take a while to circumnavigate the cliff top, exactly how long you couldn't say without knowing more of the terrain.
There appears to be a steep path down into the valley on the very far side from where you stand, where the cliffs become more of a steep slope than a sheer face.
"Wil clearly seems to recognize this place, and seems happy to be back... I would judge it is his home. Perhaps that small cottage we see is Jarred's?"
Keildrithe continues to scan the Valley carefully. "Would it be wiser to try and scout the valley from above before we begin our descent, by doing a perimeter run around this ridge? Or would that take too long?
"If, instead, we decide to go directly to the valley floor, then my recommendation would be for us to climb down the rope one by one, starting with Alton. As one person descends, the others can provide cover with slings and bows. That way, fewer people would be left vulnerable at any one time. Then again... perhaps Wil might take us to his home along a path that would not require any climbing?"
"Circling the valley without a path to follow would take a long time and perhaps be dangerous, if we are travelling with the ridge on one side. Hopefully we will find more clues at the hut below if that's what it is. I may also be able to pick up the tracks we've been following when we reach the bottom, in which case hopefully will lead us to them. I would recommend scanning from the ridge as a last resort."
He glances down at the rope. "But I'd agree about going down one at a time and providing each other with cover in case we are spotted and beset upon. Alton, if you are comfortable with going first, then lead away!"
To Alton's earlier question he replies, "I have asked of Ehlonna the power to converse with Wil, and think she has favoured me with this ability. However, I would prefer to wait before using this power, as it may be needed elsewhere. It is certainly an option if we lose any other trail to follow".
"Alright, I'll go first." I say as I carefully get on the rope and then begin to nimbly climb down the side of the cliff.
"Alright, I'll go first." I say as I carefully get on the rope and then begin to nimbly climb down the side of the cliff.
Alton begins to climb carefully and steadily down the cliff face, using the knotted rope, and bracing himself against the rocks.
As he suspected, the climb takes little skill with the assistance of the rope, and Alton makes it to the base with no problems after only a few moments.
He now stands in a tiny clearing within a large, grassy field. The surrounding grass stands tall – four or five feet – above Alton’s head, reducing his visibility. Moisture from this morning’s rain storm beads here and there on the grass stalks. A narrow trail through the grass leads away to the west.
I look around the clearing, staying alert for anything out of the ordinary.
As he suspected, the climb takes little skill with the assistance of the rope, and Alton makes it to the base with no problems after only a few moments.
Laithe watches Alton's nimble descent from the top of the ridge, taking his sling out and holding it at the ready, scanning the field below for any danger. Seeing him reach the ground he quickly returns his sling to his pack and says "I'll go next".
Ge graps the top of the rope and carefully starts making his way down the cliff face.
Looking around, you notice a snail crawling slowly on one of the grass stalks … and another there, and there another. You soon realize that there are dozens of snails crawling in amongst the wet grass, on the stalks themselves and some on the ground. They range in size from the size of a man’s fingernail up to the size of your clenched fist. They have drab grey – brown shells, but surprisingly bright blue bodies. Otherwise they appear to be quite ordinary snails.
There are various noises from within the grass, the call of birds, small rustling noises. It seems that this valley is much more life filled than the rest of the Dimwood above.
The rest of the group, waiting at the top of the cliff, see that Alton appears to have made it to the ground safely.
Laithe swings himself out over the cliff edge, carefully grasping the rope. He is not an experienced climber, but by being careful and working steadily, he also makes it to the ground easily, and now stands beside Alton.
Laithe is tall enough to see over the top of the grass. The pair are at the eastern edge of a large field. Behind them is a steep cliff, which curves around to border the field to the south a few hundred yards away. A similar distance to the north and west, the field is bordered by forest.
Some sort of stone structure - appearing from this angle and distance to be a single, tall standing stone - stands roughly in the middle of the field, towering above the grass. It appears that the trail through the grass leads towards it.
Seeing that Alton and Laithe made it down safely, Keildrithe sheathes his sword and places his sling back in his belt pouch. With a firm grip on the rope, he rappels down the cliff to join his companions.
Once at the bottom, Keildrithe also takes a look at the snails that have caught Laithe and Alton's attention. His expression is a mixture of admiration and disgust. "Fascinating. The valley is aptly named. I have never seen such colourful -- or large -- snails before. Laithe, will any harm come to us if they should touch us?"
Laithe,
Once at the bottom, Keildrithe also takes a look at the snails that have caught Laithe and Alton's attention. His expression is a mixture of admiration and disgust. "Fascinating. The valley is aptly named. I have never seen such colourful -- or large -- snails before. Laithe, will any harm come to us if they should touch us?"
Once on the ground, Laithe takes some time studing the snails which Alton points out to him. Shortly Keildrithe joins them, and he responds to the bards question:
"Although I have not encountered these snails before, poison in such creatures is typically a defence against predators. Which means it is likely that their flesh is poisonous, though their secretions may be as well. It might be that they are only poisonous to ingest...which I assume won't pose a problem to us" he adds with a wry smile. "However, they may be poisonous to touch as well, so I'd avoid it wherever possible. If you do need to touch them, I'd imagine the shell would be ok to touch."
The pauses and gazes at the grass stretching out before them "The field appears to be covered in them; I'd suggest we stick to the trail as much as possible where they are likely to be thinner".
While the remaining party members scale down the cliff, Laithe kneels where the trail starts up again and studies the ground to see if he can once more pick up the trail they've been following.
Apart from the fact that the trail through the field seems to have been made by people – or creatures – wearing a path through the grass, the morning’s rain has obliterated any signs of recent passage.
---
After being carried down to the valley in Laithe’s pack, Wil races off into the grass, and soon returns dragging a small dead rabbit.
As Jirkin looks at the rope he says nothing, but as he sees the snails he twitches, as he is ready to go down the rope Jirkin loses his grip of the rope and falls having horroable images in his head of his past with snails and also that he hates heights as well now.
Yruch, the last to descend, has been holding the rope for his companions.
After that little debacle, Yruch carefully lowers himself to the ground, taking special care at the end not to touch any of the mysterious and unnerving blue snails.
Yruch, the last to descend, has been holding the rope for his companions.
After that little debacle, Yruch carefully lowers himself to the ground, taking special care at the end not to touch any of the mysterious and unnerving blue snails.