Malthir will ask Kressle if she thinks the radishes will last another 5-6 days while we look for the Unicorn or if we should run them back now and then search for the creature? He is worried about them spoiling.
Malthir will ask Kressle if she thinks the radishes will last another 5-6 days while we look for the Unicorn or if we should run them back now and then search for the creature? He is worried about them spoiling.
Upon inspection, they look to have kept absolutely fine over the last couple of days. Kressle suggests that Karina can run them back to Oleg's though, just in case.
Heading west deeper into the forest after saying farewell to Karina and Kressle, the group begin their mapping in the next hex.
Group Survival Rolls (Level 2)
Edric- (if his is the assist, add +3 not +2)
Fenna- (+8 at night, +4 at day, +6 on daily exploration checks)
Malthir-
Vaysh-
Casimir-
Group Perception Rolls (Level 2)
Edric-
Fenna- (12 at night)
Malthir-
Vaysh-
Casimir-
The absence of a forest-specialised ranger is keenly felt during the exploration and mapping, but Edric continues to show a great deal of competence, aided by Fenna and Casimir. The group encounter the Thorn River again in this hex, running through the middle of the hex south to north, and heading underground for a mile or two allowing you passage through this hex. The group find little of interest in this hex, except for a pair of hot springs that you find by following the strange smell of rotten eggs. The two pools appear to be extremely pleasant to relax in despite the smell, and the group is ahead of schedule thanks to Edric's prowess...
Worry? Kressle says, arching an eyebrow at you. You of all people should know I am a capable hunter Casimir... And I always catch my prey... she says with a wink.But your idea has merit, someone will need to guard over Jhod's converts, however capable Jhod himself implies he is... Karina and I will be honoured to watch over this area.
Realising that the group could again be going into danger, Karina runs at an unsuspecting Malthir, throwing her arms around him in a bear hug that Malthir suspects must surely be as ferocious as the cursed Bear would have delivered...
Come back to me safely Malthir... Karina whispers to him, tears running down her cheeks, showing no sign of extricating herself anytime soon...
Kressle chuckles at her sister's antics, rolling her eyes at Casimir...
Seing the paladin once again the target of Karina's affection, Casimir almost laughs out loud, and seems to be about to deliver a suggestive comment. But as he glances at Malthir's expression, he remains silent and seems very intent on straightening the harness on his horse.
He does , however, send Kressle a quick wink and smile when Malthir - and Vaysh - arn't looking.
I suspect that once I start spredding the tale of how this temple has been cleansed, some of the hunters and trappers around here who worship Erstil will probably make their way past and pay homage. That should keep you busy - be sure to treat them nicely.
I see your tactic of ignoring her is not really working. I'll slip a word to Kressle next chance I get. But in any event, I think it best if we let the two of theme have some time alone out here - I'm certain that Vaysh would agree with that.
Also, I'll make sure to mention to some of the more handsome trappers and hunters that the temple is being watched over by two beautiful sisters. That ought to bring a few distractions her way.
By all means, let us push on westward. I would very much like to see such a magnificent creature of magic as a unicorn.
Perhaps on the way back, we could head further east across the river and see if we can find the hill with the tree that was marked on the note we found on the dead bandit in the spiders hole. Surely there must be something of interest there for him to draw a map like that.
The exploration of this hex is complete, night is starting to fall as you discover the hot springs- do you want to camp here and possibly indulge yourselves in a hot bath, or move into the next hex and camp there?
Fenna looks up to the darkening sky, a look of longing on her face as the first stars begin to pierce the heavens. Rolling her shoulders with a glance to the springs, she lets out a small sigh, "perhaps we should spend the night here," she suggests, "we won't get much more exploring done before we run out of light, and I am sure that the aches of travel will be quite soothed by a hot bath... and maybe the smell can be obscured."
Closing her eyes slightly, the pale woman's face briefly tightens in concentration as the area around her takes on the more pleasant scent of lavender.
Yes we should rest here and then move on west tomorrow.
Pleased to get a chance to relax after several days in the saddle, Casimir helps set up camp and rubs down Shadow, then strips down to his undergarments and immerses himself in the now freshly-smelling pools.
With a long sigh of relaxation, he closes his eyes and lets the warm waters soothe his tense muscles.
Apparently unconcerned with modesty before the group she had shared the rather cramped accommodations at Oleg's with for some time, once it is agreed that the Guardian's are to stay at the springs Fenna quickly removes her woolen traveling clothes to follow Casimir into the steaming water.
"It has been a great deal of time since I last had opportunity to enjoy a natural spring," she says, leaning back with her face pointed upwards, half submerged.
The group enjoy the hot spring and relax until night falls, then make camp for the evening.
The group enjoy the hot spring and relax until night falls, then make camp for the evening.
Casimir, give me a perception roll for your watch...
Oblivious, you fail to see the dark form sneaking into your camp...
Suddenly, out of the corner of your eye you see a dark shape hurtle towards you from the undergrowth, and before you can react your knocked onto your back, with a heavy, four-legged creature atop of you. The creature lunges for you and bares its teeth as it... begins licking your face playfully and nuzzling you.
Casimir gives a startled cry as he is knocked over.
Wah...!
Casimir gives a startled cry as he is knocked over.
Wah...!
You recognise the mischevious prankster as Fang as he leaps off you and walks over to the fire, sitting down quietly and resting his head. You get the impression the wolf is very pleased with himself...
After hoisting himself to his feet and dusting off, Casimir wakes his companions.
Wake up, everyone. Fang has come to pay us a visit.
The gnomish woman stirs slowly at Casimir's words, at first assuming from the lack of urgency in his voice that he was merely waking her for the next watch. Upon hearing that Fang was at the camp she takes a moment to attune herself to the speech of the wild and sits up, the firelight giving the illusion of colour to her silvery-white hair.
"Hello Fang," she says, stifling a yawn, "it is good to see you again, how have things been since our last meeting?"
The gnomish woman stirs slowly at Casimir's words, at first assuming from the lack of urgency in his voice that he was merely waking her for the next watch. Upon hearing that Fang was at the camp she takes a moment to attune herself to the speech of the wild and sits up, the firelight giving the illusion of colour to her silvery-white hair.
"Hello Fang," she says, stifling a yawn, "it is good to see you again, how have things been since our last meeting?"
The wolf rests his head upon Fenna's lap as he responds to the Bleachling.
The pack has been well, although it is now not only Twitches-When-Dead that concern us. We see less of these green monstrosities each day and it seems whatever is driving the trolls south or attracting their attention has slowed.
Red-Eyes wished me to set a new condition of our alliance- he demands to be able to defend the forest without repurcussions from... unnatural humanoids. He spoke of 'those-touched-by-the-moon'...
A clear reference to Lycanthropes aka Were-Creatures. The wolves would have no true name for such creatures.
He's talking about lycanthropes - were-creatures who shift into animal form. Were-wolves are common, as a were-rats, and other animal forms - tigers, bears and such. Some are natural lycanthropes, while others are afflicted by a bite or other wound from a were-creature. They are resistant to damage from weapons not made from silver.
Fenna, can you ask if the man we found was such a creature - it would explain the manacles and muzzle we found. It was not for capturing a wolf - it was for himself. He would be unable to stop himself from transforming into a beast during moonlight.
"That sounds likely," Fenna replies to Casimir, before turning her head down to Fang and resting a tiny hand behind his ears, "Do these unnatural humanoids often harm your pack or other creatures of the forest? We found the body of what looked to us to be a normal man not far from here, though in light of what you say it may be that he was 'touched-by-the-moon' as Red-Eyes describes it... do you know anything about this?"
"That sounds likely," Fenna replies to Casimir, before turning her head down to Fang and resting a tiny hand behind his ears, "Do these unnatural humanoids often harm your pack or other creatures of the forest? We found the body of what looked to us to be a normal man not far from here, though in light of what you say it may be that he was 'touched-by-the-moon' as Red-Eyes describes it... do you know anything about this?"
He was moon-touched, Red-Eyes told us. We tore him apart, although when he changed into a wolf, he wounded many in the pack. Red-Eyes says such creatures are a threat, unable to control themselves or stop themselves feeding. They threaten the balance of the forest.
We have no objection to attacking these were-creatures - although those afflicted by a bite may be cured given the right magical treatment.
Are there any more of these creatures about? In that case, we had better take precautions. There are ways of protecting ourselves against their curse, and a silver weapon or two would probably be wise to carry.
We have no objection to attacking these were-creatures - although those afflicted by a bite may be cured given the right magical treatment.
Are there any more of these creatures about? In that case, we had better take precautions. There are ways of protecting ourselves against their curse, and a silver weapon or two would probably be wise to carry.
We have seen no others, but Red-Eyes says that where one walks free, others soon follow... So, we are agreed that our pack may destroy these creatures, yes? Fang replies once Fenna translates, seemingly trying to make her scratch his ears at the same time.
Fenna complies with Fang, rubbing the fur around his ears as she turns to question Casimir, "this magical treatment, do you know what is involved? If it is possible to cure the condition then it may not be necessary to kill them."
Fenna complies with Fang, rubbing the fur around his ears as she turns to question Casimir, "this magical treatment, do you know what is involved? If it is possible to cure the condition then it may not be necessary to kill them."
"Though from what I have heard," she continues, "it may not be feasible..."
Looking around to her other companions, she frowns with concern over what she is saying, "while I would rather work towards curing those unfortunates inflicted with lycanthropy, I am unsure if doing so will be enough--in the short term--to protect the forest creatures, and indeed the humanoid travelers, from the curse. Do any of you object to permitting the wolves to continue their campaign against them until such a time as we can find a cure?"
Are they all evil though? I don't like the idea of grouping all of these lycanthropes together and giving a blanket OK to kill all of them.
"Are they all evil though?"
While they are fully submersed in their were-form, they are almost always evil, although there are exceptions. In human form, their alignment is as varied as any normal race- although many eventually give in to chaos and evil in despair at their curse, should they become aware of it.
Well, if they must be treated as such then so be it. Maybe we can look into this cure at a later time, but for now we have too many other matters to address. Fenna can you ask Fang if they have seen the Unicorn in the last few weeks? Tell them that we want to find it and any help they can provide would be very much appreciated. Maybe we can offer them help in the form of healing for any of his pack if they were hurt, tell them to come to us and we will heal them if they like whether or no they help us though.
Well, if they must be treated as such then so be it. Maybe we can look into this cure at a later time, but for now we have too many other matters to address. Fenna can you ask Fang if they have seen the Unicorn in the last few weeks? Tell them that we want to find it and any help they can provide would be very much appreciated. Maybe we can offer them help in the form of healing for any of his pack if they were hurt, tell them to come to us and we will heal them if they like whether or no they help us though.
Thankyou to your pack for your kind offer, but several days have passed since we slew the moon-touched and our wounds have been licked.
The Unicorn... One of our wolves found the Unicorn recently... To the south-west, past the old statue of the Deer God. The Unicorn has been slain- and no wolf wants to go near the corpse, not even Red-Eyes. There is something... unnatural about the body...
Well, if they must be treated as such then so be it. Maybe we can look into this cure at a later time, but for now we have too many other matters to address. Fenna can you ask Fang if they have seen the Unicorn in the last few weeks? Tell them that we want to find it and any help they can provide would be very much appreciated. Maybe we can offer them help in the form of healing for any of his pack if they were hurt, tell them to come to us and we will heal them if they like whether or no they help us though.
Thankyou to your pack for your kind offer, but several days have passed since we slew the moon-touched and our wounds have been licked.
The Unicorn... One of our wolves found the Unicorn recently... To the south-west, past the old statue of the Deer God. The Unicorn has been slain- and no wolf wants to go near the corpse, not even Red-Eyes. There is something... unnatural about the body...
Thank you Fang you are a great help as always! Malthir walks over to the wolf with a nice thick piece of Tuskgutter jerky and gives it to him while he gives the wolf a friendly scratch behind the ears.
Looks like we have a good idea where to go now, we can map out the area to the Unicorn on our way there. I hate to hear that such a goodly creature has been slain, does Fang or Red-Eyes have any idea of what happened to it?
Fang tucks in eagerly to Tuskgutter's jerky, devouring it utterly and looking up at Malthir with his tongue hanging out happily like a dog.
Upon inspection, they look to have kept absolutely fine over the last couple of days. Kressle suggests that Karina can run them back to Oleg's though, just in case.
Malthir will ask Kressle if she thinks the radishes will last another 5-6 days while we look for the Unicorn or if we should run them back now and then search for the creature? He is worried about them spoiling.
Is there anything physically wrong with the Unicorn's body, evidence as to what killed it and what they might have been after? That is food or hide or if it was used in a ritual of sorts?
After discussing their options I agree that we should proceed south west to find the Unicorn, and I think we should quicken our pace or any evidence as to what or who killed this poor creature will be harder to find the longer we take.
The night passes without incident, with Fang moving off to re-join the pack. The next day, the group head south-west through the dense forest to the next unexplored area, and begin their now-familiar routine of exploring and mapping the lands.
With Casimir leading the exploration efforts enthusiastically, the group finish their task fairly efficiently. Malthir does get briefly lost and seperated from the group at one point, but is recovered. Just as the group are finishing their exploring, they stumble across...
The fifteen foot tall statue is clearly a homage to Erastil, partially overgrown and towering over the undergrowth. The ruins of what you surmise must have been a hunter's lodge rest next to the statue, but while the lodge has succumbed to the ages, the statue remains- albeit overgrown, mossy and dirty.
None have approached the Unicorn. Animals shun it, not even scavengers feast on it. I... I have no words to explain it. But none in the animal world will go near it...
Fang suddenly jolts and remembers something.
Ah yes... The unicorn's great spear had been removed... The horn of the beast...
I am glad you were able to find me, I don't fancy getting lost in these woods alone, I might not make it out alive! Should we spend the night here and continue to the area of the Unicorn tomorrow morning?
EDIT from knowledge check: If we are going to stay under Erastil watchful eye, maybe we should clean him up a little, it would never hurt to try and gain his favor, especially since we just clensed his temple as well. Malthir begins to clear away the area and asks the spellcasters to use any magic they might have to clean him up as well.
Cleaning up this statue is a fine idea, and we could certainly do it easily by magic - but somehow I have the feeling that old Deadeye would appreciate it more if we did it the old fashioned way.
What do you say? Should we get our hands dirty in the honor of Erastil? I promise, I will be sure to offer you all magical aid in becoming clean yourselves afterwards.
Casimir joins the paladin in the cleaning efforts.
"If we are to spend the night here, it seems the least we can do is tidy up a little to repay Erastil for his hospitality." Fenna agrees with Casimir, climbing up to the statue to begin scraping away the accumulated dirt, but careful to leave a little of the natural growth in homage to Old Deadeye's aspect as a god of tamed wilds.