Kyras looks from Danna to where the children still cower and back to her. She is right it is not fair to them to not return them to their families. I trust your instincts in this matter Danna. Have Grigor prepare the horses and tell Bjelich to disperse the gear from one of the pack horses across the other horses as I hope that Kressle will be returning with us. Have the children ride double with you and Bjelich. If we run into trouble Grigor and I can slow them so you can make your escape. Is there anything else we need to do? Oh yeah tell finwick to gather up whatever he has found so we can get going. With a nod Kyras moves away.
Receiving Kyras' instructions to make preparations to leave, Bjelich raises his eyebrow at the ragged looking magus, but says nothing. He gets to work right away and soon the horses are ready to travel.
Danna, seeing that Grigor is still lying unconscious after Bjelich's healing burst rifles through her pack until she locates a potion. She forces it down the poor cavalier's throat and waits to see if he revives.
Grigor is not responding so Danna slaps him a few times just to be sure.
Using what potions are necessary to get Grigor ambulatory, Danna helps prepare to move out, comforting the children and calming the horses.
To the victors went the spoils. The lizardfolk insisted that defeating King Vesket and Stisshak earned them the right to loot their personal wealth and belongings. From the lizard king's person, the group took a magnificent trident, an exquisite set of leathers, and pair of gold armbands. From the leader's hut they added a coral crown embedded with lapis lazuli, a malachite statuette of a serpentine dragon, various furs
and 575 gold coins.
Within the hut of the Wisp lay a trove of offerings in a pile. Mixed in amongst other mundare bits of "treasure" was a castle forged cold iron lance, an interesting looking tree token, a blue steel ring inset with a piece of jade shaped like a crashing wave, some additional animal skins, 3 citrines , and 119 gp in assorted coins.
Meanwhile, the lizardfolk were wasting no time in preparing to leave the settlement for parts to the west. Having little in personal belongings meant they could break camp quickly and travel lightly. They listened to the overtures of friendship and promised to steer clear of any humans they encountered in the future. They also pledged an alliance of mutual friendship and assistance should the need arise in the future.
Kyras took a moment to approach Kressle, and the woman before him hardly resembled the cocky and confident bandit lieutenant he encountered all those weeks ago. She was dirty and ragged, quite thin and covered in numerous wounds and scars. From her sitting position upon the ground she looked up at Kyras with eyes weary beyond her years. Her voice croaked in response to the Baron's overtures. I did not drop you in the river, and if you recall I took the same plunge. I also did not lie about the secret passage. Well... maybe about its exact location, but not about its existence anyhow. How do you think I got the boy out?
When her axes were offered back to her, she rose unsteadily to her feet . Taking hold of them, she stared dumbly at them for a moment, before testing the feel of them in what felt like an enormously long time. Looking the Baron in the eyes she whispered a thank you. I'm not sure what my next step is. Nothing has been going according to any plan I make. Ever. I will think on your offer.
The rest of the group began debating their own next step; whether to leave immediately themselves and take their chances in the wild or to stay within the village for the night and hope that the Stisshak or any other Wisps returned before daybreak tomorrow.
A consensus reached after some spirited debate, the group made plans to move out immediately as well. With the horses divided up as best as possible given the circumstances the party exited the gates along with the majority of the lizardfolk.
The lizardfolk moves directly westward heading up river, while the party turned to the north and made for shore. Once on shore the party... ?
Shortly after bidding the lizard folk good bye and making the final preparations to ride out Danna feels a peculiar shiver course through her body; It is almost as if her skin was trying to shake itself off from the inside. With mounting excitement she remembered back to the time her father had tried to explain to her the feeling of changing form and realized this must be what she was experiencing!
Turning to Kyras she obliquely explained, I think I can free up a mount and scout the way as well.
Before anyone can say anything with a shimmer Danna disappears and in her place is an eagle. It shakes itself briefly and then experimentally stretches out its wings. It hops a few times flapping its wings and makes a few short flights before launching itself into the sky. It circles the party and calls out then flies higher still searching for movement or possible danger in all directions.
As Kyras leaves Kressle to her thoughts, Bjelich beams a healthy smile in her direction. Striding his way over he jokingly adds, Don't mind him! He's just upset about all those undead. A cold shiver runs down the cleric's back. They made finding your passage, quite difficult. Shuddering, he moves on, Rest assured, we are so very relieved to have found you at last Kressle! We have been quite worried you know - your sudden departure down that river was dreadful. Shaking his head the cleric's expression turns remorseful. The memory of the moment she turned her back on the Stag lord and his ways rushes forward. It was a proud moment in time for the young cleric - a moment that was too quickly swept away by the river.
Struggling to save some face, Well, we searched for you for days before being waylaid ourselves. You understand, we never intended for you to... Realizing excuses would not make Kressle feel any better, Bjelich stops mid sentence. She had had to endure those hardships on her own which is something none of the guardians could say for themselves. Removing his hat, Bjelich looks down at the ground. Rubbing his bald head the cleric summons up the courage to look her in the eye again. Speaking sincerely, he puts his hand on her shoulder, I'm sorry we didn't find you earlier Kressle. Truly, I am.
He takes a step back, the warm smile returning to his face. We can't let this one fall again... If there is anything I can do to help, I am here. You need but ask.
My fate is the result of my actions. I hold no one to blame save for myself. is all that Kressle says in response to Bjelich.
As Bjelich waits for Grigor and Kyras to join the group, he examines the ring and tree token.
Once the party breaks on the shore, Finwik hops down from his pony and walks up to the others. While he listens to Bjelich's conversation he smiles slightly while giving Kressle a 'once over' with a subtle gaze. Once both have said their peace, he walks up and claps his hands together once and says Good good, we have all over come terrible things and what does not kill us only makes us stronger.
He turns to Kressle with a bow And by that logic my lady, you must be imbued with the strength of giants. He pivots back toward the group It is not, however, the terrors of the past that concern me. It is the terrors that lay before us. We know the wisps live on the lake. We know there is a carniverous plant beast to the west. We cannot stand still, for our divine and arcane abilities are spent and there is a particular wisp floating around that might be gathering allies.
Finwik tries to put on a stern look and nods his head in approval. Yes I think the most prudent course of action might be to make a tactical retreat to our base of operations...by the safest means possible. It is best for us all that we are nowhere near this lake when night fall.
He looks to the air as Danna flies off. Do you think she could fly to town and gather some troops to come out to meet us? If we march toward them and they march toward us, is there any chance we'd meet before nightfall? There is certainly strength in numbers. The more men we have, the better able we are to protect the children.And the better able I am to hide behind them, he thinks to himself.
Kyras chuckles at Kressle's comment about the river a wry smile playing over his lips. I have little doubt that you knew before we set foot on the bridge that it would collapse. Never the less, I am happy to see you survived and am thankful you did not warn the Staglord about us. I will call that even for the incorrect secret passage location. His expression becomes sympathetic when she comments on the state of her own decisions. You made the choice to save a child at considerable personal risk. You attempted to get him to safety but were waylaid by circumstances beyond your control. I think you have made some very good decisions since we last met. I hope you will consider working with us but I will accept whatever decision you make. Kyras gives her shoulder a gentle squeeze of support and moves away leaving her to her thoughts.
Kyras readies his mount then helps the others with preparations to leave leaving the children solely in Danna's care while they get ready to go. He nods in agreement with Danna's plan to fly ahead and looks to Bjelich to keep an eye on the children while they ride out.
As they reach the far shore Kyras listens to Finwick's suggestion shaking his head in the negative. Even if she could make it to the city by the time a retinue of guards were prepared and sent out it would be of little benefit. Regardless they could totally miss us on the way back in the forest. No, our best course would be to ride swiftly and see if we can make it to the witch's abode before nightfall. If not a small fire and a cold night await us to ensure we do not draw any undue attention. With that Kyras turns his horse towards the forest and leads the party back home.
Bjelich's study of the ring and the token proved fruitful as he determined the magical nature of the two items. The token is a tree feather token, a one time use item that summons a full sized tree wherever the token is activated. The ring imparts significant skill in activity of swimming.
A plan made and a course set, the party rode north for the capital, just about making the narrows by supper time. Danna's aerial overwatch helped to steer clear of any potential dangers for as long as she could maintain her new form.
The party selected a defensible spot well clear of the lake and settled in for the evening.
Danna, exhilarated after an afternoon of flying, somewhat reluctantly resumes her form and finishes out the day with the rest of the party on horseback. After camp is made she tries to help the boys after their terrible ordeals.
She assures Tig that his parents will be overjoyed to see him back and that he is safe now.
One look at Than convinces her that he has been very traumatized. She tries to comfort him with the news that his brother Crix is safe and and that he will now be reunited with him. She observes the relationship between him and Kressle, trying to determine their feelings for each other.
The party's luck seems to be turning as they had an uneventful night. No Wisps, trolls or other things that go bump in the night disturbed the group's rest and they woke to a chilly morning.
Bjelich wakes with the sun and prepares for the day. In his prayers to Erastil, he is sure to give thanks for not only seeing the party through the night, but also providing them with new allies and items to keep the group strong.
Over breakfast, the cleric takes his time to examine the remaining items, leaving the morning routine of clearing everything up and saddling the horses to others.
To town
The party's luck continued to hold and they made the outskirts of the capital.
As they ride into the under-construction castle, Danna sends one of the grooms to find Crix, assuming Kyras will deal with reuniting Tig with his parents. She brings both boys inside and invites Kressle to join them inside for a meal and discussion on what happens next.
Her eyes light with joy when she sees the reunion of Crix and Than.
The cleric accompany's Kyras and the boy Tig back to his parents. Once the joy of their reunion has abated, Bjelich reminds Tig's parents not to let him wonder off in the future. He uses the brief tale of the party's recent encounters with Tatzlewyrms, near invisible life sucking creatures inhabiting the lake and vile torturing villains to drive his point home. He makes sure the family understands the Stolen Lands are still a dangerous place to be and little boys should be put to work around the home rather than be left to explore it.
Bjelich will also use this tactic with the rest of the community as he preaches of the dangers of the lands surrounding them; calling upon some of Erastil's parables regarding children wondering off to seal his point.
Kyras leads the party through the gates of the town. He signals for the first guard he sees to run ahead and find Mikmek. After arriving at the fort he watches with a slight smile at the reuniting of Crix and Than. He raises an eyebrow at Danna inviting Kressle along with her. He makes brief eye contact with Kressle and smiles as he nods to her to go with Danna.
Turning to Mikmek Let us find Tig's parents and make sure he is returned to them. As well, we met a tribe of Lizardmen who we have made overtures of friendship to. Please make sure your tribe and the guards are aware that if some come looking for us they are treated well.
Kyras then notifies a page to arrange a room for Kressle and to let her know that he would like to talk to her when she has a moment. With that he heads to his quarters to wash and rest.
Finwik tags along on his pony, a few paces behind the group. He closes his eyes and licks his lips with anticipation each time the group passes a tavern. He seems to be much more relaxed now that he....the group..is safe at last, behind sturdy walls and amongst allies. Seeming eager to get the business out of the way, he says Yes let us complete our heroic task by reuniting the boy with his loving family. Then let's split our booty and adjourn for the night. The sun is waning, my belly is growling and my throat is most decidedly parched. I am certain we can chart a new plan of action in the morning.....the late morning...
Crix is overjoyed to be reunited with his brother, the boys hugging each other for a full ten minutes. Arrangements are made to settle Than in and see that his needs are taken care of.
Kressle watches silently, saying nothing, but obviously pleased in some measure in her contribution to the reunion. When pressed, Kressle remains evasive about her future, saying simply, I have much to think about. I need some... time. She appreciated the comforts of a real room and bed and retires for the evening. Perhaps after some sleep I will feel more like talking.
The return of Tig spreads like wildfire within the community. Tig's parents are beside themselves with joy and relief. They thank you all profusely and the gathering crowd breaks into a cheer. The excitement and appreciation is palpable.
Having seen to Tig and been reacquainted with the town folk, Bjelich checks in on Akiros. The cleric will gauge Akiros' reaction to Kressle's return and seek his opinion on her. He will also mention the Tendriculos to see if the paladin has heard or encountered it before.
Bjelich will then spend some time amongst the town folk gathering what information he can regarding this strange plant. He will continue to preach warnings of the dangers surrounding the settlement, encouraging everyone to keep busy and watch out for one another in the hope of preventing another Tig incident.
Danna suggests they settle a few things during the next day and then set out to deal with the plant creature the day after. I think we should try to gather as many things as we can that will aid us against the wisps. We do not want to be unprepared again! Danna makes a list of things they will need to order. She also looks into getting a new mount. She may have to order a war trained horse from Brevoy.
Akiros raised an eyebrow at the mention that Kressle had been returned to the capital. Given the details he nodded slowly. She seemed to be at odds with the bandit lifestyle as well as I. It is telling that she risked the wrath of the Stag Lord to do what she felt was right.
The ex paladin had nothing to add to the party's knowledge of the Tendriculos.
Bjelich's efforts to seek additional insight within the general populace met with failure. Most commoners reacted with apprehension when informed of the monster.
Reacquainting himself with Mikmek, the cleric queries him how long it has been since the kobold has seen his kin. Bjelich expresses his gratitude to Mikmek for having stuck around despite the party's foibles and hopes Mikmek will continue to enjoy and support this growing community. (Draconic) Have the town folk been treating you well Mikmek?
Kyras Looks into some of the magical provisions to ensure that the party is better prepared for any future Wisp encounters. He spends most of the first day back ensuring that there are no issues with any of the construction. He follows up with Mikmek to see how the towns people are reacting to the return of Tig.
After 2 days he looks for Danna and suggests that they head out in the morning to attend to the Tendriculus. Assuming she raises no issues he sends a page off to locate Bjelic and have him prepare the gear they will need. He also explains that he should find Finwick, likely in the seediest part of town and ensure he is sober for an early morning departure.
Finally Kyras ponders sending a runner off to find Kressle then opts against. Let us leave her the freedom of choice to stay or go as she pleases
He lets the head of the guard know that if she decides to leave she is to be allowed to and that there is an allotment of funds as well as a horse and provisions set aside for her if she would like to avail herself of them.
Somehow, Bjelich makes time in his busy schedule to speak with Kressle. After inquiring with one of Danna's many squires, he finds her in her quarters. Speaking politely, yet with a friendly upbeat tone, the cleric says, Hello Kressle! How are you doing? Have you managed to settle yourself into our little town? What do you think of the StagLord's old stronghold? Bjelich uses the Staglord's name loosely, with a hint of sarcasm then directs his attention to one of the walls of Kressle's room, placing his hand on the wall as he reflects, Still needs a lot more work though I confess. Looking back to the woman, Bjelich silently sizes her up, Is she looking well? Has she recovered? or does she still need more time?
Resist Energy is a 2nd level spell for a cleric that has a minimum CL of 3, making the DC 8...
Having seen to his duties around the town, Bjelich spends the remainder of the day locked away in his room with pen and parchment. To anyone passing, in their peripheral, growls or flashes of light may appear to eminent from his door. But should they turn to investigate, all appears normal with the cleric's simple wooden door, save for a small "Do Not Disturb" sign hanging from the door knob.
Danna uses this brief down time to do a bit of communing with nature. She finds a (safe) copse of trees on the outskirts of town and begins to meditate. As the time passes she realizes that she is not calling to one of the creatures that inhabit the land or air but instead that the sky itself is calling to her! As she attunes her thoughts upwards the clouds themselves seem to race and dance before her as if trying to court her attention. She reaches out to them, calling them to her and they dance obediently before the waves of her hands.
For the next hour or so the townsfolk notice strange clouds, thunder and lightning coming from the direction the druid had gone then the sky abruptly once again resumes its normal appearance.
Danna shakes out of her apparent revery to feel the energies of the clouds coursing through her. She knows that the Mother has spoken with her through one of her many facets and directed her calling from that of the bonded companion to something more ethereal. She emerges from the grove with an air of something slightly unearthly; her hair is floating around her head like a very messy halo. After another hour or so these indications that Danna is somehow changed have disappeared and she seems as she ever was.
Emerging from his room, Bjelich makes his final preparations to depart for the group's next mission. Having procured supplies, but not loaded them onto any of the horses, the cleric seeks out the elusive Kyras. What does that magus get up to? A small chase ensues. Several times throughout the day, Bjelich heads to their leader's last known location only to find he has moved on. Finally, the cleric corners the elf in the kitchens. Speaking candidly, Finally, there you are! I've made my preparations and am ready to leave. Shall I round up the gang or do you need more time to wrap up your affairs?
In preparation to leave Danna examines the stable of horses they have collected looking for a temporary replacement for Palm.
Dear Mama and Papa,
How are you all faring? I miss you all and think of you and the children often.
The path that my companions and I have traveled since we left Mabeth has been both dangerous and rewarding. As you know this is an untamed and savage land, but we have found pockets of bravery and kindness among the wilderness. I don’t know how much has changed since you last traveled through here but things are changing rapidly now. You may have heard that we have been commissioned with not just mapping and exploring this wild place but taming and settling it as well. We recently received a new charter that gives us leave to rule here!
We have elected Kyras as the leader among us; I hope it doesn’t go to his head! You know how impulsive and quick to temper he can be but I believe his new responsibilities are weighing on him somewhat. He has had some sobering experiences during our time here thus far and has been somewhat changed. I have been assigned the office of Warden but I am chaffing at the administrative duties and long to be out exploring the forests and fields. Hopefully as more people arrive we will find someone more suited to the responsibilities.
Many hardy settlers are already coming to our new land to build their homes and lives with this opportunity. I would be overjoyed if you were among them. Every time there is a difficult situation to deal with I ask myself how each of you would react but I sometimes find myself overwhelmed and wishing for your advice and guidance. I miss the laughter and games of Raina and Fallun. There are some other children here already who would relish the company of other children, especially Raina and Fallun with their endless games and gentle natures.
Your knowledge, abilities and skills are exactly the kind that would be most valued here right now in this wild land. I know that you both have always loved the adventurer’s life and this opportunity gives you the adventure without leaving your backyard! This is still a dangerous place and will likely always be so to some degree so I understand if you do not wish to put Raina and Fallun in any danger. There is reliable trade between Restov and our capital, Silverguard, so you can send any letters here and I will receive them.
I have a request, other than your presence here. My dear Palm was recently killed during a tatzelwyrm attack. I would like to buy one of Papa’s trainees. If Brindy has reached her potential I would like her but I trust your judgment and will take whomever you deem most appropriate. Payment should be enclosed with this letter, if you could please send your choice with the next envoy here.
I have many tales to tell you but will save them for later, perhaps I may be able to relate them in person.
Thank you my dearest Mama and Papa. Please give my love and hugs and tickles to Raina and Fallun.
Your loving daughter,
Danna.
Bright rays of light assault Finwik through the cracks between the boards of the walls as he lay prone, sprawled in a bed in a low quality inn. Waves of pain course through his head as he groans and reflexively shields his eyes with an arm. Parched beyond words, he reaches out with his free hand beside the bed and finds a cup. He sits up and takes a heavy gulp of what he assumes is water. Choking and gurgling, he realizes it was wine. After getting over his initial shock he shrugs and downs the cup.
He slowly rises, naked, and surveys the room. Still deep asleep within the bed are a red-headed halfling woman and human woman with tussled blonde hair. Silently remarking at their beauty, he wonders to himself just how much the pair cost him. With a shrug he stumbles about, collecting his gear and trying to remember the events following the party's return to the city.
He remembers the overwhelming feeling of relief at seeing the city as the party approached it, and then bidding his companions adieu once they entered the gates. He has a vague recollection of arranging for his horse and belongings to be cared for, before quickly seeking out an ale. The rest of his memories are a blur of ale, dice, and women. Great ale, poor dice, and questionable women.
Casting a glance back at the bed he smiles and then turns toward the door to exit the room. As he reaches for the door he notices a mark on the back of his left hand. As he examines the mark closer, he realizes it is a crude tattoo of a Taztylwyrm starting with the head near the middle finger on the back of his head and wraping around his wrist, with the tail coming to a point near his thumb on his palm.
Having absolutely no recollection of getting the tattoo he chuckles and exits the room. In the common room of the inn he downs two flagons of water before venturing out into the harsh light of the midmorning sun, looking to find his companions and make the necessary preparations for whatever adventures they decide to undertake.
In the early morning hours three days after the party returns just as the sun is cresting the horizon a lone traveler approaches the gate. He rides a large stallion so black the guards could not see them approaching until he was right outside the gates. He sits hunched over in the saddle the hood of his robes pulled low over his eyes. The only object standing out in the night is the head of a huge glaive hanging on the side of his horse the silver of the blade seeming to flow and move in the light of the dawn.
The guard challenges the newcomer at the gate. State your name and purpose traveler?
Never raising his head Taldani speaks clearly though seeming to whisper at the same time.I am here to Kyras I have a message that I must deliver to him directly!
The guard looks suspiciously at the newcomer the other guards looking nervously on.What message do you have to tell Lord Kyras? I can pass the message on to him.
Straightening his back the newcomer seems to fill out and is clearly a powerful warrior beneath the heavy robe. He raises his hands to his hood and pushes it away from his head revealing a beautiful face marred with two small horns barely visible on he forehead but his eyes make the guards gasp. His eyes clearly burn red in the twilight marking his fiendish heritage. He turns the burning orbs towards the now clearly uncomfortable guard. Well please tell "Lord" Kyras that his father has sent his protector to watch over him! His smile seems to add to the fiendish nature of his face as the guard hurries off to find Kyras.