Keildrithe bellows a reply in karandic to the strange being...
"King," calls out Keildrithe in Karandic, "we honour the Lady of the Forests, and count one of her devout servants among us. We mean you no harm, and would stand against those who would defile the woodlands and the animals within... Give us your name, and we shall give you ours."
Keildrithe bellows a reply in karandic to the strange being...
While Jirkin and Keildrithe speak, Laithe motions for the others to hold their weapons, while he pulls forth his symbol of Ehlonna so it can be clearly seen hanging around his neck. As Keildrithe finishes speaking, he adds, also in Karandic:
The monstrous humanoid stares forward blankly, seeming to completely ignore your reactions and responses. Suddenly, he lets out a loud, booming grunt, jumps down from the boulder and sprints up the north-western trail away from you, and is soon lost from sight around a bend in the path.
The monstrous humanoid stares forward blankly, seeming to completely ignore your reactions and responses. Suddenly, he lets out a loud, booming grunt, jumps down from the boulder and sprints up the north-western trail away from you, and is soon lost from sight around a bend in the path.
Laithe watches the figure retreat with a confused and worried expression on his face. "That thing definitely did not come across as being natural to me, and I find it hard to believe it was a servant of Ehlonna. Something is very wrong here; it appear to be extremely unstable and confused. I fear Jarred may have met a worse fate that originally thought".
Throwing another look at the trail by which the creature just departed, he turns to face the group. "Keildrithe, have you heard of anything like this before? Jirkin, perhaps you know of some magic that can meld two bodies together to create such a creature?"
This creature certainly resembles no natural creature that Laithe has heard of... but other Knowledge checks may be relevant here too (such as Religion)
I run over to where the creature stands (if possible) and try to knock it out without seriously injuring it.
I dash after the creature shouting "What is that thing?" over my shoulder.
Initiative: 22 (14+8)
Retroactively: I run over to where the creature stands (if possible) and try to knock it out without seriously injuring it.
I dash after the creature shouting "What is that thing?" over my shoulder.
Before anyone can stop him, Alton rushes forward, weapons drawn, but as he starts to move, the creature jumps off the boulder and sprints away down the trail. It's long legged, loping gait carry it easily away from the halfling.
Before anyone can stop him, Alton rushes forward, weapons drawn, but as he starts to move, the creature jumps off the boulder and sprints away down the trail. It's long legged, loping gait carry it easily away from the halfling.
Laithe moves after the halfling, saying "Alton, wait! If we are going to face this thing it should be together, on our terms. We don't want to blunder into a trap. With the state of the ground I imagine it will not be too hard to track, so I don't see a need to race off after it immediately." He takes a look around the clearing to see if there is anything of interest here.
Laithe watches the figure retreat with a confused and worried expression on his face. "That thing definitely did not come across as being natural to me, and I find it hard to believe it was a servant of Ehlonna. Something is very wrong here; it appear to be extremely unstable and confused. I fear Jarred may have met a worse fate that originally thought".Throwing another look at the trail by which the creature just departed, he turns to face the group. "Keildrithe, have you heard of anything like this before? Jirkin, perhaps you know of some magic that can meld two bodies together to create such a creature?"
With knitted brows, Keildrithe looks as dumbfounded as Laithe, doubly so once Alton races after the creature. It takes him a moment to react to Laithe's question. "I wonder if...," he begins to mumble to himself, deep in thought.
Laithe, apart from the two trails leaving the clearing, you spot nothing of particular interest, although the boar-man’s footprints are indeed clear in the mud. At this rate, even a novice should have no trouble tracking him.
---
Keildrithe,
The Boar King is sometimes represented as a consort of Ehlonna (or more rarely, of Titania, the Fey Queen), or as a warrior in her retinue. He is a loyal, if somewhat boorish, dim-witted and violent figure. His aspect is usually depicted as good, but sometimes as evil (usually unwittingly, or through stupidity rather than intentional evil). He figures in a number of faerie tales, and is frequently outsmarted by less physically imposing but smarter creatures, although there are tales where he brings wrathful devastation to his enemies (or those of Ehlonna).
In some tales, he is a man with the head of a boar, (either naturally or through means of a curse), in others he is simply an enormous boar.
---
Alton, the boar-man runs fast, it is unlikely that you could catch him, although perhaps you could keep him in sight if you kept after him.
"I am surprised that a servant of the Lady of the Forests is unfamiliar with the legendary Boar King," says Keildrithe to Laithe in Atuskan, so that the others may understand. "My grandfather told me of him when I was but a young lad. He appears alongside the Lady of the Forests in many tales, although his role in her sacred teachings may be minor and insignificant. The Boar King is sometimes represented as a consort of Ehlonna (or more rarely, of Titania, the Fey Queen), or as a warrior in her retinue. He is a loyal, if somewhat boorish, dim-witted and violent figure. His aspect is usually depicted as good, but sometimes as evil (usually unwittingly, or through stupidity rather than intentional evil). He figures in a number of faerie tales, and is frequently outsmarted by less physically imposing but smarter creatures, although there are tales where he brings wrathful devastation to his enemies (or those of Ehlonna).
"In some tales, he is a man with the head of a boar, (either naturally or through means of a curse), in others he is simply an enormous boar... I would be happy to share some of his tales with you sometime, by firelight, if you would like to hear them...
"I am beginning to think that the very boar that chased you but moments ago may in fact have been the Boar King, and I doubt that he and Jarred are one and the same... though what he is doing in this valley is a mystery to me... and the number of mysteries we face deepens, while the time we have to solve them dwindles rapidly..."
and the number of mysteries we face deepens, while the time we have to solve them dwindles rapidly..."
Jirkin looks, thinking what is happening?, THIS fool calls us traitors!, but i don't believe in a god? is there a god?, or is it all a lie? Jirkin stands motionless in a daze.
The sound of the Boar-King (if that's who it is) crashing through the foilage along the north-west trail is soon lost amongst the faint forest noises.
“I am somewhat confused,” says Yruch, his brow furrowed. “That masked man – or was that his real head? – is some sort of king of Boars? And a servant of the - ahem – so called goddess Ehlonna? If that is the case, why did he not seem to react favourably to the symbol Laithe held up to it? Is not that unicorn motif a recognized symbol of Ehlonna?”
“I am somewhat confused,” says Yruch, his brow furrowed. “That masked man – or was that his real head? – is some sort of king of Boars? And a servant of the - ahem – so called goddess Ehlonna? If that is the case, why did he not seem to react favourably to the symbol Laithe held up to it? Is not that unicorn motif a recognized symbol of Ehlonna?”
"Mind your tongue, Artonite, when speaking of the deities that others revere. I pray, for your sake, that the Lady of the Forest does not unleash a leafling on your arse to cure you of your insolence... but now is not the time for our group to fracture on lines of faith. In answer to your question, and as I stated before, the Boar King does not have a reputation for being exceptionally bright... perhaps our appearance has confused him, as much as his has confused us? If he behaves in an evil manner, it is more likely a product of his ignorance or stupidity than of intent... unless some evil forces have made a mockery of the Boar King, and turned this manifestation of him into their agent...
"Hmmm... Contrary to what I suggested earlier, I now believe the Boar King to actually be Jarred... a transformed Jarred... and the only way to find out for sure, and to find out what he really stands for, is to follow him..."
“I apologise, I did not mean to disparage your faith Karands. In fact, I am somewhat familiar with tales of Ehlonna and others of your pantheon, and I respect them. My hasty comment came from the fact that we are taught them as folk tales and mythology, rather than tales of a true faith.”
4. Does anyone else think this strange yellow dog is a blink dog? And if yes, then aren't they usually benevolent, or at the very least neutral in temperament?If so, either Jirkin or perhaps Keildrithe would have the best chance of answering that question (knowledge, arcana)
Knowledge, Religion, may have a shot at answering that … if Keildrithe doesn’t know, Yruch may be able to dredge his memories for the answers (Laithe has not intensively studied the formal teachings of his faith, preferring a more intuitive following I suppose!)
5. could it be some sort of avatar, or polymorphed celestial servant of Ehlonna? I'm really reaching now...
While awaiting the replies of his companions, Keildrithe ponders the situation and the questions it has generated a while longer.
“I apologise, I did not mean to disparage your faith Karands. In fact, I am somewhat familiar with tales of Ehlonna and others of your pantheon, and I respect them. My hasty comment came from the fact that we are taught them as folk tales and mythology, rather than tales of a true faith.”
Lost in thought, Keildrithe still manages to mumble a reply to the paladin: "Apology accepted, Yruch. Thank you. And know that others may think the same of..." He never quite finishes this last statement.
Keildrithe, Ehlonna’s mythology mentions a number of wolf companions, and even the goddess herself taking on the form of a wolf from time to time … but never a yellow wolf, and never a domestic dog, however wolf-like in appearance.
You have heard faerie tales of strange, intelligent dogs, sometimes called flicker-dogs or blink-dogs, that have the power to teleport about, appear and disappear … but you can’t recall what the appearance of those sorts of dogs was in the tales.
The sound of the Boar-King (if that's who it is) crashing through the foilage along the north-west trail is soon lost amongst the faint forest noises.
As Jirkin listens to the questions being asked, he then come to Laithe's question. Thinking of his studies
Laithe listens on to the theories and discussion put forth by the other characters. He bites his tongue at Yruch's comments, locking them away to take up later with the big man.
To Keildrithe he says "I confess I know little of this Boar Prince and his relationship to Ehlonna. To be honest I know little of the goddess, except she is goodly and a protector of nature and the forests; the things I hold dear to my heart."
At mention of the amulet, Laithe starts and pulls it from where it is concealed around his neck, handing it over to Jirkin. "Apologies friend Jirkin, I believe I promised to return this to you, but in all the excitement over the past couple of days I forgot."
To the rest of the group he says "Whether this creature be friend or foe, it seems he is involved in this mystery in one way or the other. Let's see if we can track him down and find out more". He sets off along the North-west trail in the direction taken by the creature, following its tracks.
As Jirkin listens to the questions being asked, he then come to Laithe's question. Thinking of his studies
Jirkin has not heard of a creature like this, but knows that it would take quite powerful magic to meld the forms of a man and a boar. This does not seem like a natural thing to him.
The path continues to snake it’s way along the marshy ground, between sporadic trees and boulders. The Boar King’s footprints are easy to follow – deep and widely spaced, the creature was obviously running fast.
After several minutes, the sound of running water becomes louder from up ahead, and through the fronds of a large willow you see that you have come to a bend in a small but swift flowing river.
At this point, the river is perhaps some ten to twelve feet wide, with muddy banks. The water flows swiftly, perhaps swollen by the recent rain.
The path runs right up to the river bank, where an ancient log spans it as a bridge. The log appears sturdy, and looks to have been in place for years. It is only elevated a foot or two above the water level, and appears somewhat damp.
The footprints you have been following grow closer together and less deep as you approach the log bridge.
The footprints you have been following grow closer together and less deep as you approach the log bridge.
The footprints you have been following grow closer together and less deep as you approach the log bridge.
The river does not appear particularly deep. The water is somewhat murky, but it appears to be no more than a few feet deep.
The footprints you have been following grow closer together and less deep as you approach the log bridge.
Laithe pulls up at the log and takes a quick look around, checking for any obvious danger. He eyes the swiftly flowing river and looks back at the others. "This crossing may prove somewhat dangerous. Perhaps we could secure a rope on this side and the first person to cross can then anchor it to the other end to make crossing easier. I'd be happy to cross first, unless there are others more confident in their balancing ability?"
Laithe,
You spot several nearby trees on the near and far banks which could be used for tying a rope to … and you also notice a humanoid figure lurking in the leafy shadows behind one of the trees on the far bank, about thirty feet from the river – perhaps the boar-man?
“You are welcome to that job Greycoat,” says Yruch, eyeing the narrow log dubiously. “Of course, Alton is also quite nimble.”
Laithe pulls up at the log and takes a quick look around, checking for any obvious danger. He eyes the swiftly flowing river and looks back at the others. "This crossing may prove somewhat dangerous. Perhaps we could secure a rope on this side and the first person to cross can then anchor it to the other end to make crossing easier. I'd be happy to cross first, unless there are others more confident in their balancing ability?"
"Not I, not I... But if one by one we could borrow Jirkin's staff or else find some other long stick here in the woods, we could use that to help us balance as we cross the log, or even to brace ourselves against the current if we were to ford the river (if one does not mind soggy boots and trousers, that is)... this might save us time in our pursuit of the Boar King?"
"Not I, not I... But if one by one we could borrow Jirkin's staff or else find some other long stick here in the woods, we could use that to help us balance as we cross the log, or even to brace ourselves against the current if we were to ford the river (if one does not mind soggy boots and trousers, that is)... this might save us time in our pursuit of the Boar King?"
"Good thinking Keildrithe", Laithe answers in a normal volumed voice, before lowering his voice and continuing. "There is a figure hiding about 30ft up the track on the opposite side of the river; probably the Boar-Prince. The log also shows signs of recently being submerged under water, and I fear it may be trapped, or else some magic can be called to raise the level of the water. Ready the rope, and your weapons, but do not yet move out onto the log or to attack. Jirkin, now may be a time to reveal Gosia's pendant. Keildrithe, perhaps you can make an effort to draw out this creature and engage with him in an effort to find out more about him? I will of course back you up where I can, as a follower of Ehlonna."
"Good thinking Keildrithe", Laithe answers in a normal volumed voice, before lowering his voice and continuing. "There is a figure hiding about 30ft up the track on the opposite side of the river; probably the Boar-Prince. The log also shows signs of recently being submerged under water, and I fear it may be trapped, or else some magic can be called to raise the level of the water. Ready the rope, and your weapons, but do not yet move out onto the log or to attack. Jirkin, now may be a time to reveal Gosia's pendant. Keildrithe, perhaps you can make an effort to draw out this creature and engage with him in an effort to find out more about him? I will of course back you up where I can, as a follower of Ehlonna."
"Has anyone seen a good stick?", the bard says loudly above the rush of the stream. Then, more quietly, "Do you think it would be wise for me to pull out my beldach, and try to entrance it with an old Karandic spoken lullaby?"
"Has anyone seen a good stick?", the bard says loudly above the rush of the stream. Then, more quietly, "Do you think it would be wise for me to pull out my beldach, and try to entrance it with an old Karandic spoken lullaby?"
"Good thinking Keildrithe", Laithe answers in a normal volumed voice, before lowering his voice and continuing. "There is a figure hiding about 30ft up the track on the opposite side of the river; probably the Boar-Prince. The log also shows signs of recently being submerged under water, and I fear it may be trapped, or else some magic can be called to raise the level of the water. Ready the rope, and your weapons, but do not yet move out onto the log or to attack. Jirkin, now may be a time to reveal Gosia's pendant. Keildrithe, perhaps you can make an effort to draw out this creature and engage with him in an effort to find out more about him? I will of course back you up where I can, as a follower of Ehlonna."
Laithe looks into the foliage beside the path and, pointing, says "perhaps in there?". Then, quieter, he replies to Keildrithe; "If it will help you get information out of him, then I don't see why not. I would love to find out exactly who he is so we can work out where he fits into this whole mystery."
Laithe looks into the foliage beside the path and, pointing, says "perhaps in there?". Then, quieter, he replies to Keildrithe; "If it will help you get information out of him, then I don't see why not. I would love to find out exactly who he is so we can work out where he fits into this whole mystery."
Keildrithe nods at Laithe before allowing his gaze to follow the druid's finger. "Ahhh, yes, you might be right... I think I see a good candidate over there...," he says out loud. "Jirkin, get ready to show him the pendant," whispers the bard to his ally.
Keildrithe steps off the path and into the brush, drops his pack and pulls out his beldach. He quietly hums a few words to himself , then starts beating a hypnotic rythm on his drum, slowly stepping out of the foliage and towards the edge of the stream as he does so. Keildrithe begins to recite dreamily in his native tongue, at the top of his voice so as to be heard above the roar of the stream, an old Karandic tale involving great deeds the Boar King once performed on behalf of Ehlonna. At occasional intervals, he adds a few rhymes concerning the party, their respect for the Lady of the Woods, and Gosia's need for aid...
"O mighty and powerful King of Boars, we mean you and the animals of the valley no harm... we seek your aid... Gosia seeks your aid... in the name of the Lady of the Forest... please come in peace, and tell us of your own task... we seek your aid... in the name of the Lady of the Forest..."
As Keildrithe begins his musical tale, Laithe keeps a close eye on the figure hiding on the other side of the stream. It stays still and silent throughout Keildrithe’s performance, but from this vantage it is difficult to see if it is merely listening or truly entranced.
"Not I, not I... But if one by one we could borrow Jirkin's staff or else find some other long stick here in the woods, we could use that to help us balance as we cross the log, or even to brace ourselves against the current if we were to ford the river (if one does not mind soggy boots and trousers, that is)... this might save us time in our pursuit of the Boar King?"
Jirkin stops walking looking at his staff, "I would not advise using my staff, it is older than you and has been used in my family's generation for years. If it broke or anything else... what would i do! give a plain old "stick" to the next generations of Faulens." Jirkin then looks nervious around, "ohhhh ok, here is my staff take it."
I look askance at Jirkin, wondering why he didn't want to be parted from his staff. I whisper "I'll tie a rope arouind my waist and I'll try to sneak across and tie the rope to something else. Someone should hold the other end of the rope because if there is some magic that submerges the log than it would be relatively easy for me to be swept down stream." I take a length of rope from me backpack and tie it about my waist. Then I carefully begin to scramble across the log while remaining hidden. I try to lean towards the side away from the 'Boar-king' so as to present as small a target as possible.
Jirkin then pulls out the pendant and holds it in his head ready to hold it out. "Everyone all set" Jirkin whisphers
Keildrithe continues to recite his verses and beat his drum while moving slowly north along the stream bank, trying to draw the Boar King's attention away from Alton... He gives Jirkin a look that seems to say, "follow me"...
Keildrithe continues to recite his verses and beat his drum while moving slowly north along the stream bank, trying to draw the Boar King's attention away from Alton... He gives Jirkin a look that seems to say, "follow me"...
Laithe had moved partially off the path in the pretence of looking for a staff or stick suitable to help with the crossing. He takes the other end of the rope Alton has tied about his waist and holds it firmly, ready to take the slack should the nimble man lose his perch on the log. He waits and watches the shadow as Keildrithe continues to tap out an entrancing beat on his bedach
The Boar King – if that is indeed who it it hiding in the bushes – remains unresponsive in reaction to Jirkin brandishing the pendant, and Alton’s attempt at the log bridge. Keildrithe takes this to mean that his fascinating chant must be working – indeed, the figures attention seems to follow Keildrithe’s slow walk along the bank.
Alton finds that the log is very slippery, and not just with water – it appears that some sort of oil has been poured over it’s relatively smooth upper surface! About halfway along, he suddenly loses his grip and slips! But it is not a bad enough misstep to send him over the side into the water, just puts him belly down on the log, clinging to it’s surface.
The Boar King – if that is indeed who it it hiding in the bushes – remains unresponsive in reaction to Jirkin brandishing the pendant, and Alton’s attempt at the log bridge. Keildrithe takes this to mean that his fascinating chant must be working – indeed, the figures attention seems to follow Keildrithe’s slow walk along the bank.
Alton finds that the log is very slippery, and not just with water – it appears that some sort of oil has been poured over it’s relatively smooth upper surface! About halfway along, he suddenly loses his grip and slips! But it is not a bad enough misstep to send him over the side into the water, just puts him belly down on the log, clinging to it’s surface.
Laithe watches from the bushes and tenses as he sees Alton slip and fall. His nuckles tighten on the rope, but he is relieved to see the halfling grab hold and keep from slipping into the water.
He continues to keep an eye on the figure on the far bank, encouraged by its continued inactivity.
Keildrithe:
So you are sustaining it for longer through use of your Extra Music feat?
Given that, if Alton successfully makes his next check, he could potentially reach the figure this round with a double move action.Keildrithe: ** spoiler omitted **
Between verses, Keildrithe continues to entreat the Boar King to speak with the party:
"King of the Boars
Protector of Ehlonna's woods
Let us parley, with weapons lowered
Let us join to fight the heart of darkness
In the name of the Lady of the Forest
In the name of Gosia Troskie
Let us parley, with weapons lowered
Let us join to fight the heart of darkness
In the name of the Lady of the Forest
In the name of Gosia Troskie
We beg you, mighty Boar King..."