It... is possible that she could be turning him into one of them. Ghoul fever is treatable, but this ghoul you speak of is probably going to be biting and healing him continually to ensure hes infected. The disease usually takes a few days, and once the victim dies of the fever he rises again at the next midnight...
Atop the western hill of the island, you have been sheltering from the midday sun underneath the great banyan tree that is bonded to your mentor and patron, Aycenia. The mighty tree is sixty feet tall and towers over the island, with a smaller grove of trees surrounding it. You have not yet acclimatised to the island's temperatures, but Aycenia has been here for over seventy years- she stands like a delicate flower, bathed in sunlight with her hands in the earth. You know from experience she is communing with nature- she has sensed change in the island and has taken note of a great deal of cannibal activity of late.
Aycenia is a beautiful creature with deep green hair and eyes the color of a tropical sunset. She communes with nature for over an hour, before approaching you with a smile.
Mawj, my brave champion- I have learnt much this day from the earth and the winds. The silent gray scar I felt in my dreams is indeed the island to the north- and it is suffering from an infestation of fungi, the likes of which belong in the Darklands... The strange fungi has infected the crew of the ship that crashed upon the island- and now they are foul creatures that must be purged.
In addition, a new shipwreck has arrived on the north-east tip of the island. The crew have managed to defeat the cannibals and have taken control of their village to the south- I wish to offer them an alliance. Go to them Mawj. Pledge your sword to them and aid them in any way they ask, but have them come here to meet me soon in return. I cannot leave my tree for long, and you cannot cleanse the island alone. They may yet have need of a strong ally; for the winged beast of red mountain has already slain one of their number...
Marcus latches on to Jask's words like a drowning man.
So theres a chance. Gwen what do you think?
Gwen shrugs.
Whatever you decide. I would love to save Tun'ada, if it can be done. I cannot be of much use until I rest, though.
The wiry goblin kneels in the high grass beside the dryad's tree. His wolf Uli stands attentively beside him, peaceful in the presence of the wood spirit. "Mawj gro-Bolmog will go and do as you have commanded, Aycenia." His voice is a disturbing mix of squeaky, raspy, and noble all at once. "Can Mawj have a token, Aycenia, to prove the truth of his words? It would convince longshanks more than just Mawj's words alone."
As they sit quietly over the evening dinner, eating mechanically, Chi's and the party's thoughts move to how they might be able to avenge Savarend and Tun'ada's deaths, by removing the evil cleric and her lackeys from the island. And just as importantly, release the souls of Savarend and Tun'ada.
At dinner Marcus chews mechanically.
After, he rises to his feet and clears his throat. We're all in shock after what happened but we have to pull ourselves together and go on. Plain and simple if this island has taught us anything its that it has no time for weakness. We have to be smart and strong or we die. I think based on what that thing said that Tun'ada may still be alive. Either way, tomorrow morning at first light I'm going to go back down there and find him.
Afterwards he seeks out Gwen.
Gwen I know you blame yourself. But you shouldn't. You did the best you could. You stayed while I ran from the creature's magic. Its too late for Savarend and we all have to live with that forever. But I have hope we can still save Tun'ada. I have a plan involving all this stuff we've found but your the heart of it pure and simple. Also, we need Jask. We need his magic for sure. I'm hoping he can create us some holy water and do something to bolster my resistance to fear but I think we need him down there with us as well. Your the closest to him. Will you ask him?
In the morning Marcus lays out his plan.
I appreciate your words. I still feel that Savarend's and Tu... Savarend's blood is on my hands, but it seems that I have been charged by the Gods with that responsibility, so I do not shirk it. I should have felt the weakness in my spirit and brought it to everyone's attention, perhaps it would have stopped us from overextending. It is difficult to say with such things. So, I will stop second-guessing. It should come as no surprise to the Gods, though, that they chose an imperfect vessel for their blessings. Perhaps it is something I needed reminded of, myself.
That's a well-thought-out plan, Marcus. I will ask Jask what can be done. I am loathe to ask him to come along, however, although I am sure he will want to do so. None of these others are beholden to us - they have supported us already, in many ways, as much as we have supported them. If he volunteers to come with us, I will not decline - but neither will I ask as much of him. We shall see. I will ask him about the holy water.
** spoiler omitted **
A wise thing to consider- but I have no possessions as you well know... Perhaps this will suffice.
Using some of her innate magic, she picks up a nearby piece of fallen wood. With a soft blue glow, she immediately sets to work shaping the wood with her magic. When she has finished, she has created a small but incredibly detailed sailing ship. She smiles at you and places the creation in your possession. It does not possess moving parts, but it is exquisite. Emblazoned upon the side of the vessel in tiny script is a single word- Jenivere.
They should recognise this... Off you go. Watch for the shocker lizards!
Jask listens to your request and sighs, his brow showing his wrinkles as he worries. Placing a hand upon each of Gwen's shoulders, he manages a weak smile.
You will need my help down there. I'm not good for much except my knowledge and the positive energy that Nethys grants me, but it shall be a useful tool against these Ghouls. If I focus on keeping you all standing, you bring your wrath upon the undead. I can make two flasks of holy water in the morning- assing them amongst the others as you see fit, and I shall prepare a spell to bolster Marcus' courage should it fail him again. Ishorou and the others should stay here to guard the camp- if we need to beat a retreat we need to be sure its to a safe place. If such a place exists upon this isle...
Aerys shouts from her vigil in the northern watch tower.
You wake up, confused and groggy, and very weak. You are covered in bite wounds, and you can feel that your head appears to be far too hot. You definitely have a fever. You are too weak to even stand, and even if you did you expect you wouldn't get far. You are propped up against a wall in the same cavern that your group was defeated in. Nylithati stands before you, smiling a cruel smile. Standing close by, are five more Lacedons, none of them in the fine armour she wears but all vicious and deadly opponents.
Wake up my pet... I didn't want you to miss this. My Ghouls are hungry... and who am I to deny them fresh meat, and deny you the chance to see the glory that awaits you when your fever ends. Gaze upon your Dwarven friend, and gaze upon the brothers and sisters of those you slew; soon you shall dine on the flesh of your comrades with them, along with your new family! she hisses out the last words, a burning intensity in her gaze as well as a hint of madness. Examining you carefully, she gloats once more-
Oh... And don't think I don't expect them to try and rescue you or assault my caves again. We're going to set a trap for them my pet... But don't worry about that right now. Enjoy the show... I have preparations to make!
Nylithati walks off into her antechamber, while the Ghouls begin to tear chunks of Savarend's body apart, gorging themselves on his flesh...
Trying to shake the confused feeling from his mind, Tun'ada tries to yell a warning to the others, but with little success due to the combination of distance and the weakness of the Mwangi tribesman's voice.
Glancing up at the grim business in front of him, he considers trying to bear his claws and rip out his own throat, if only to deny the priestess her "pet", but then thinks better of it....He thinks to himself, "I must try to conserve what little strength I have left. If I am to die, let it be denying this fiend her plans for my friends...."
Aerys shouts from her vigil in the northern watch tower.
Goblins. Gods we don't have time for this, Marcus thinks as he readies his weapons and moves to confront the intruder. If they wanted a fight they had picked the wrong day.
Riding down the trail is indeed a goblin mounted on a wolf. The goblin is wiry, with green skin and orange eyes. A shortbow is strapped across his back and a scabbard hangs loosely at his hip. His riding wolf is lanky, black on black with piercing yellow eyes. Both are clad in studded leather armor and appear to be very comfortable riding together. The goblin clicks his tongue as he sees Marcus move up the road towards him, drawing the wolf to a halt. He narrows his eyes and places a hand on the hilt of his blade. He voice is a slightly disturbing mix of raspy and squeaky and noble at the same time. "I am the one called Mawj gro-Bolmog, Champion of the Lady Aycenia, Wood Spirit of the Smuggler's Shiv. Mawj requires you to accompany him to see the Lady Aycenia. You will not keep him waiting." He pats the side of his leg and motions with his chin. "Come, come. Time is short."
From behind the cover of the building the sharp point of an arrow, retreats as a figure disappears into the shadows of the trees around the camp. A ginger cat follows the shadow, as quietly Chi tiptoes through the vines and shrubs that cover the forested areas floor. The green dark shadow moves behind the goblin, knelt behind the golden green leaves of the jangu bush, a sharp and dangerous point of an arrow just breaks through the bush, pointed at the goblin. The elf watches Marcus and the goblin, ready to protect Marcus and her friends if the goblin should threaten to harm them.
Not seeing Chi, Marcus realises what she is about. He simply looks at the goblin for a long moment giving others a chance to move up and Chi to get into position. He looks grim and unwelcoming.
Unless someone interjects with a quicker response he finally says, No offense to you or your lady but we have other business to be about this morning. Tell us where your lady resides and we will consider a visit at a more appropriate time.
"Mawj does not care about your other business. Lady Aycenia, however, requires Mawj to assist you in your business so that you may come more quickly. Mawj is to offer his services." The goblin looks around the cleared savage village while his wolf mount sniffs the air. "You have culled the self-eaters. Mawj is mildly impressed with this feat. How might he assist you in your business?"
Not at all expecting that response from the goblin, Marcus looks to his other more knowledgeable companions to take over.
No Encounter
Aerys shouts helpfully to Marcus from her vantage point.
"Mawj questions the wits of the female speaking. Why would he speak boldly if he planned to attack? He would be a very clumsy hunter. This makes no sense. Mawj is here to escort you to Lady Aycenia. Whatever needs to be done first he is willing to help finish."
Hold on a moment, worthy Marcus, comes a voice from behind one of the buildings in the camp. A second later, the frame of a young girl comes into view. The girl is beautiful, but she walks as though she is much older than she looks, and she is clearly bearing the weight of the world on her shoulders. She speaks softly, and approaches slowly to stand next to Marcus before she speaks again.
Greetings, Mawj gro-Bolmog. I am Gwenyth Finley, Shaman of our band and Bearer of Divine Light. If you do not bear us ill will, please accompany us to our camp, where we may speak further without pretense of violence. The Gods know I have seen enough violence and death today. Time may be short, as you say, but it is not so short that allies cannot hold counsel and determine their path forward. Please, be welcome.
Gwen gestures toward the camp with a open palm.
The goblin nods and smiles, revealing rows of needle-like, sharp teeth. "Mawj is pleased that someone in this party is aware of courtesy! He will be happy to accompany the child-shaman to their campfire." Bending over, he whispers a few words to the wolf the raspy, squeaky language of goblins and scratches behind his ear. The wolf relaxes somewhat and begins a loping trot towards the center of the savage village.
"Uli, graka." The goblin hops lightly off of the back of the wolf and takes a seat on a stone. His mount lies easily beside him, searching the treeline with his yellow eyes. "Mawj would like to hear your business."
Where there is one goblin, there are always more. Tread carefully... Gelik whispers to Gwenyth as Mawj enters the camp.
As the goblin starts to move forward and follows Gwen, there is a rustling of leaves and an elven woman of dark skin walks out from behind a bush. She holds a bow up and ready to shoot, aimed at the goblin, as she moves forward the string on the bow is relaxed, as the arrow points at the ground. In a voice as soft as the wind, words are carried on the breeze to Gwen and Marcus, "I believe he may speak the truth."
Chi and a ginger cat at her heels, slowly follow the party back to the camp, before sitting down with her friends and the goblin. "Mawj, if you are indeed a friend, you may call me Chi, but those who betray my friendship will be my eternal enemy and suffer dire retribution."
The goblin waves a tired hand towards the elf. "Yes, yes, Mawj trembles in fear. Surely your vengeance will rival the eternal tortures of Venkelvore the Unfed." He smiles a toothy half-smile. "But such is not necessary. What is your business that prevents Mawj's quest?"
Marcus is content to let the others do the talking but checks to ensure Aerys stays at her post and hovers between the goblin and his wolf and the others not really caring what this strange creature thinks of it.
Chi strokes the ginger cat, keeping one eye on Mawj, listening to what Gwen and the goblin have to say.
Ambroze has been uncharacteristically silent ever since the companions exited the caverns. In his mind he replays their final moments down below. At first everything seemed to go in his companions favor, only to fall apart when the ghoulish priestess entered the scene. Marcus' bravery shattered by fell magics. Savarend laid low, his soul consumed by an unholy spell. Tun'ada bravely holding off the priestess so that the rest of his companions could escape, only to be left behind to an unknown fate - possibly to be turned into a ghoul himself. "If what Jask says is true, then anyone bitten by a ghoul can be turned into one of them," Ambroze thinks to himself, rubbing the spot where he was bitten by one of the ghouls.
Sitting away from the others and brooding, Ambroze looks up with a faintly hopeful look and calls out to his companions, "Jask, you said that ghoul fever is a treatable disease. I carry two flasks of antiplague... would that be effective against ghoul fever if we can get to Tun'ada in time?"
The gnome scholar pauses for a moment before he continues in a softer voice. "While we were down there... I was bitten by one of those creatures too. How will I know if I'm infected?"
Ambroze looks up with only mild surprise when a goblin riding a wolf enters the camp. "Hmm. A goblin on a wolf," he thinks to himself. "What else is this cursed island going to throw at us? At least it doesn't appear to be some form of undead horror. Maybe it won't try to kill us immediately..."
The gnome scholar is content to sit silently by the fire, listening to what the strange visitor may have to say.
Sitting away from the others and brooding, Ambroze looks up with a faintly hopeful look and calls out to his companions, "Jask, you said that ghoul fever is a treatable disease. I carry two flasks of antiplague... would that be effective against ghoul fever if we can get to Tun'ada in time?"
It will certainly help him- but ultimately its not a cure. His body will still need to fight the infection; and if this Lacedon was older or more powerful than the others which seems likely; then it will be a more potent fever than normal. Was she the one that bit you?
The gnome scholar pauses for a moment before he continues in a softer voice. "While we were down there... I was bitten by one of those creatures too. How will I know if I'm infected?"
The foul disease is already in your system- so we'll know by tomorrow sometime whether you have succumbed to it. With Gwen and my help, we should be able to keep the progress to a mininum before your body fights it off.
Chi quietly asks "If we are in the midst of clearing this camp of it's flesh-eating inhabitants and their allies, tell us would you help us in our quest? And who is this lady you speak of, why should we join you and meet with her, everything we've come across on this island has been evil or trying to eat us, so why should we think this lady is different? Why should we believe you?" When she finishes, Chi looks across to Gwen, in her eyes she lowers her eyelids, expressing discomfort at he forthrightness, not using the sweet diplomacy that Gwen bring to the group.
Gwen glances at Chi as she begins the dialogue before turning to the newcomer.
As you can see, Mawj gro-Bolmog, our group is wary, and with good cause. We have lost several of our number since coming to this island against our will. It has seemed at times as though the very island itself has been aiming to swallow us whole and spit out our bones. Just a few hours ago, we lost a close friend - perhaps two. Our business, as you say, is to ascertain the fate of our second friend as soon as possible. Repeatedly communing with the Gods has left me weakened, however, and we must wait until dawn's light on the morrow before descending into yon pit - she gestures to the opening in the ground, now covered by heavy objects - and learning his fate. You would do much to earn my trust if you would accompany us in that endeavor. I will agree to visit your lady in the wood if you do so. Is this an acceptable agreement?
Mawj turns to Chi. "Has anything on this island that tried to eat you sent you an invitation? Lady Aycenia is a wood-spirit, knowledgeable of all the events on the island. She made this, to prove Mawj's words." The goblin rider pulls from his belt a small piece of wood. It is a replica of the Jenivere, carved from a single piece of wood with minute details. The name of the ship is written on the side as it was before the wreck. "She has watched your progress since you landed. This is a token of Mawj's words."
He turns to Gwenyth. "Yes, Shaman, Mawj will help you with the bone-spirit. The agreement is made." The goblin spits into his hand and holds it out toward Gwenyth.
Bemused, Gwen spits on her own hand and shakes the goblin's hand. After a moment, she turns and mutters a few syllables, extending her hands. A large amount of water appears in thin air directly above her hands, which she briskly rubs together and subsequently wipes on her pants.
On the morrow, then.
The waifish girl then walks over to her bedroll, pausing only to gently pat Chi's ginger cat before rolling over and falling immediately into a troubled sleep.
Ooooh... That ship model is wonderful. Can I keep it, Mawj? Sasha asks, between cooing over hew pet dimorphodon.
Marcus doesn't seem very happy about taking the goblin down the hole but he left the negotiations to the others instincts and he bites his tongue.
I suggest our watches take in the water. They might try an attack on us during the night from the waves.
He spends a long time looking out to sea himself before he finds his bedroll for a few hours sleep.
Chi takes the model ship from Mawj, "Sasha, let me take this model for a little while, I think both Ambroze and I might take a look at it. Although unless there are other claims on it, I'm sure you'll be able to take it later." She returns to look at Mawj, "Thank you, and your Lady for this gift. So how far awy do we travel to see your Lady, as Gwen has agreed for us to go?"
The model ship does not detect as magical.
By wood spirit he is likely referring to a Dryad, nature's druids. They have many spell-like abilities related to nature (including the ability to sculpt wood with both skill and magic) and they are usually bonded to a great tree- like the one you saw to the north of here from Red Mountain. They are good creatures, although they are not above manipulation to achieve their aims of defending nature.
You settle down to a somewhat uncomfortable evening meal prepared by Sasha- who sits at one side of the campfire with Aerya and Ishorou staring at the goblin. Ishorou has sharpened his katana several more times than necesary this evening, and his message is clear. In addition to the awkwardness presented by the camp's newest arrival, the keen loss of both Savarend and Tun'ada is felt. In an attempt to break the ice a little, Gelik clears his throat, brushes dust off his fine clothing and stands up to his feet.
A toast... to fallen comrades. Flute, James, Savarend... and Tun'ada. May no more of us fall upon this accursed isle, and may those of us who survive tell the tales of the fallen.
His piece said, Gelik raises his glass in a toast and begins to spin tales for the group...
... Mawj. I am Jask, a humble clericof Nethys the two-faced God; and it is a pleasure to meet you. Know that when I met my fellows, I was a convict in chains aboard the Jenivere. These are good folk, but recent events have hardened us all and made us wary. I have a few questions- how did you come to be on this island? Are there more of you, a tribe serving the wood spirit perhaps? Who is she, how long has she been on Smuggler's Shiv?
Mawj begins to prepare himself for sleep as he talks with Jask, gathering leaves and branches nearby to make into a makeshift nest near the fire. "Mawj comes from the Bloodfish people. You would say 'tribe.' Bloodfish live on the mainland, on a piece of rock that snakes out into the ocean and points toward this island. They fish and hunt, mostly. They also raid if any longshanks are dumb enough to camp nearby without a lookout. Mawj was a warrior of the Bloodfish people, named in his fifth year for killing a human hunter. Mawj led patrols in the jungle and hills nearby the village. But there are not enough Bloodfish people for every job, so one day Mawj was selected to guard the fishers in their boats. This does not make Mawj or Uli very happy. A great storm came and blew Mawj's canoe away from the fishers. After many days, his boat landed on the shore of this island."
Settling down in his small nest, Mawj reaches into a pouch on his belt and pulls out what must be his dinner. Several dried lizards, a handful of nuts, and a few large, shiny beetle grubs. He eats as he continues speaking, making smacking noises as bites into juicy portions. "Mawj was lost for several days on the island. There were no other Bloodfish or any other people, so he did not know where to find food or water. He found the wood-spirit Lady Aycenia and pledged himself to her in exchange for help surviving. Aycenia is very old. Much, much older than Mawj's eight summers. She says she has been on the island for so long that she remembers the savages coming in their boats before they were savages." Wiping bug guts from his mouth with the back of his hand, he stretches languidly as Uli curls up beside him. "That is all that Mawj knows. How did you come to this island?"
Chi, seeks out Isharou her mentor before she rests after this day's hellishly momentous events, yet seeing for the first time maybe a fortuitous encounter. She brushes her blonde hair back, revealing her blue face and elven features, "Isharou, despite the lose of Savarend and Tun'ada and the sadness that that bring, I do at least feel for the first time there may be some godness on this island after all. This goblin, though normally untrustworthy and vicious, does appear to have some redeeming features, as his word seems true. I found no deception in his dealings with us, and if this be true and he has indeed become a servant of a wood spirit, then we might presume that the spirit means us no harm. Back home before I became a slave, my parents would often visit a spirit of the trees near the village. In exchange for protection of the trees in her copse, she would aid use with news of the approach of the evil ones. My father always said she was a good spirit, that would help us, if we helped her. It is my hope that, this is such a spirit. With this news I at least have some hope we my find an ally on this devilish island, one spark of light in the darkness, which might guide our course. Do you think I am too hopeful, Isharou?"
Having parted with isharou after the conversation, Chi and the cat lay down in the comfort of their bed and Chi is able to sleep more restfully than she has a right to given the days events, but a new hope shines in her heart.
How did you come to this island?"
We were on the way to Eleder, the capital of Sargava. A varisian scholar named Ieana appears to have had the voyage sabotaged for her own purposes- we believe we were poisoned at the ships last supper, but somehow we were rowed to shore. I believe we have First Mate Alton to thank for that.