The morning of the 21st, the first full day back in the capital, Grigor received a missive from home urgently asking that he return to deal with family matters. He did not elaborate as to the nature of the emergency, but asked for a leave of absence to attend to "his responsibilities at home". He promised to send word once he knew more himself. He saddled his horse and rode north a few hours later.
The Silver Guardians, including their newest member, set forth to seek out the lair of the Tendriculos. Riding the entire day they made the Gurdin River Ford by nightfall. The night itself was mostly peaceful with the only cause for concern was a bout of wolves howling some distance to the north. They seemed quite numerous and possibly other than "normal" wolves.
The following morning, the Silver Guardians crossed the river and made their way back west to the shores of the Tuskwater. They arrived just at supper time and were now directly south of the capital, directly east of the lizard men's village, and exactly where Old Bedlame directed you would find the mud bowl and the Tendriculos.
After a short search of the area you discover a narrow defile between several hills. A strange, 20-foot-wide pool of bubbling mud sits in the center of a strange circle of gigantic mounds of fungus and strange mushrooms, with several of the fungi growing to heights of 10 feet or more. The ring of fungi is some 140' in diameter, with the bubbling mud in the direct centre. A foul smell emanates from the entire valley.
A scan of the mud bowl and its surroundings fails to locate your quarry. Given its nature, and its apparent habitat, it likely blends in very well with its surroundings.
With Kyras' administrative duties complete, Bjelich gladly takes his leave of the Baron and continues with his final preparations. As he tightens the last strap on Mokos' saddle, the cleric's heart skips a beat, Blasted! I've no more healing potions! Panicked but by no means shaken, Bjelich hurries off to the stores. After a quick search, the cleric at last heads once more to the stables, this time with two vials of healing nectar in his hands.
No sooner does Bjelich round the corner than he is met by the very image of death itself! A towering black figure, its two small horns barely visible on its forehead and possessing burning red eyes, passes within feet cleric. His eyes wide, Bjelich stops in this tracks. Stammering, he blurts out, What the devil! But the cleric quickly regrets his rash remarks as the dark stranger is clearly being escorted. Trying to regain his composure, curiosity takes over and the cleric watches silently as the dark figure disappears into Kyras' office. Determined to learn more of this stranger, the cleric walks over to one of the guards posted in front of the Baron's office, Tell me guardsman, who is that stranger speaking with Kyras?
Upon Kyras' introduction of the stranger, Danna eyes the newcomer with open amazement and some trepidation. Danna immediately bombards Kyras with questions regarding his father.
Kyras sits in his room enjoying his morning meal while perusing some of the mass of paperwork that seems to be on the verge of burying his small writing desk. I think I am going to need to get a proper office to deal with this headache and now with Grigor gone there seems to be just more to do. Hearing a rather panicked knock he shouts for them to enter his eyes never leaving the paper in front of him. Suddenly a young guard bursts into the room. Lord Kyras there is a demon at the gates looking for you the guard shouts his breath coming ragged gasps.
Hearing this Kyras snaps his eyes up immediately the papers he was looking at falling to the floor. This "demon", is he a pale skinned fellow, horns on his forehead and flaming red eyes? The guard stares at Kyras his mouth hanging open clearly shocked that Kyras already new this "creature". Finally he seems to realize he is waiting for a response and nods in the affermative. Kyras rises to his feat and reaches for his blade before heading out the door. That is no demon young man but let me tell you he is no less dangerous. Follow me Then he heads out of the room.
Arriving at the gate a short while later Kyras spies Taldani standing by the gate his hood still thrown back a small group of guards standing around nervously holding their weapons. Taldani turns to look at Kyras as he approaches the gate his smile, that has clearly been for his own amusement at the guards stress over his appearance, quickly disappears.
Brother it is good to see you again this lot here seemed to be working themselves up to getting seriously hurt. When I got the message from father that you were in danger I worried that I would be to late. Imagine my surprise to hear that "Lord" Kyras was no the leader of a party of adventurers and even a growing "kingdom" The insincerity for the titles clear in the tone of his voice.
Kyras stiffens clearly at the term brother being used barely even acknowledging the other sarcastic tone. Forger your platitudes "brother" the only thing I need from you is where have you seen father?
Taldani dismisses Kyras's attack with a frown. I am sorry Kyras but I do not know I received this from a messenger.[b] He hands a letter over to Kyras and continues to talk while Kyras scans the document. [b]You can see it is clearly from father. You can see as well that he invokes our oaths to him to work together and I know you brother if father says you must work with me you will.
Kyras looks up from the paper to glare at Taldani his eyes smoldering with anger. The paper in his hands suddenly bursts into flames and falls from his fingers turning to ashes before it hit the ground. Turning to the guard that followed him Kyras snarls Find this man a room. Preferably as far away from me as possible! Then pivots and stalks away from the gate rage clearly marring his features as everyone seems to shrink away from him.
Taldani sighs the mirth gone from his face looking at the guard he smiles That actually went better then I expected. Lead on young man.
The guard turns to Bjelich I have no idea but he seems to know the man With a shrug the guard walks away.
Later that day the party is summoned to the private audience chamber. Upon entering they are greeted by Kyras sitting in his chair at the head table scowling at no one in particular. Seated across from him is a demonic figure. Upon everyone starring at the newcomer Kyras snarls Sit down all of you you would think you have never seen anything unusual around here.
Taldani smiles when Danna enters the room. Young one look at you. You are all grown up and have become fetching to the eye as well. His smile is genuine his eyes locked on Danna's. The last time I saw you was bundled up in your mothers arms. I am glad to see that you are well though i must admit to being surprised that you are here as well.
After the rest of the party sits Kyras looks around the room and shakes his head at Taldani's comments to Danna Now that you are all here I can get this over with. It is my distinct displeasure to introduce you to my adopted brother Taldani. He will be joining us for a time as it was the wish of my father. He invoked an oath that we made to him long ago that I am bound to follow. I hope that you are all ok with him being here now because for reasons I chose not discuss right now I have no choice in the matter. Now if you will all excuse me I am going to make preparations for our upcoming expedition. With that Kyras strides from the room.
Taldani smiles again his burning eyes unreadable. Well this should be fun!
Adopted brother? That is an interesting twist! The cleric smiles and raises his eyebrow in jest. Turning to Taldani, Pray tell, how did you two become brothers, as it were? Bjelich leans forward in his seat and looks intently to the Teifling.
Finwik stands by casually with a mischevious smirk on his face as his gaze drifts between Kyras and Taldani while they speak.
Danna raises her eyebrows in surprise at the introduction and revelation of Kyras' 'brother'.
After Kyras' abrupt departure she finds her tongue and addresses Taldani.
Well, it seems you have me at a disadvantage, already knowing all about me and all. I must have been quite young at the time of our meeting for I feel sure I would otherwise have remembered you. It appears that since we are old acquaintances it falls to me to introduce the others to you as Kyras was obviously to busy to perform more than a one way introduction.
Danna introduces Bjelich and Finwik to Taldani and gives him a brief outline of their meeting and mission. It is not too detailed as she is not sure how much trust can be given to their new comrade based on Kyras' reaction.
Never one to beat around the bush Danna questions the newcomer.
How do you know my family then and what would my parents have to say about you if asked? She bluntly asks.
Will post taldani tomorrow. Combination of Rylans last soccer and me trying to figure his background out has not given me enough time tonight.
Smiling at the cleric his eyes seeming to glow like embers in a fire. Brothers is perhaps the wrong term as I am significantly older then Kyras. I was born near the world wound as you might imagine my mother either did not survive my birth or choose not to keep something that reminded her of her assault. Regardless, I was left at the porch of some church. They raised me for the first 15 years of my life and hoped in some way they could redeem my soul. Smiling a darker smile at Bjelich. Some even claimed I was bereft of a soul. I never stayed to find out which it was. I left when I had an opportunity to join a less then prejudiced merchant convoy looking for another guard.
Taldani leans back looking at the ceiling.I traveled for a time moving from place to place just trying to find where I could fit in the world. I always received a less then lukewarm reception from the places and people I visited due to the nature of my kind.
One fall many years after I had left home I found my self in a situation. I was staying in a small town in southern Brevoy. Sadly ther were several missing people and mysterious murders in the area while I was there. Unfortunately, I was suspect number one for no other reason then my heritage. The town was planning to solve the problem by having me drowned, apparently they did not think they could burn me. Fortunately for myself There was a local group of adventurers in the area who had discovered a group of vampires were causing the problems. They arrive just in time to save me.
Taldani turns towards Danna. Kyras's father was part of that group as was your mother Danna. I must say you are as beautiful as she was back then. I hope your parents are both well I have not seen them in several years. Anyway, I was still young at the time and Kyras's father saw something in me I guess that I never did. He took me in and trained me and gave me a home. I have looked up to him as my father since that time. Sadly I have been gone for several years.. I guess it is more then just a few now.
Leaning back and scanning the room he continues. I trained and grew up under the tutelage of my adopted father. I even introduced him to his wife as she was a friend of mine. It was my fathers happiest day when he held Kyras in his arms. It was heartbreaking the death of Kyras' mother and it drove both of them mad for a time. It was made worse by my presence I am afraid. Taldani sheds a tear the drop of water impervious to the flames encircling his eyes.
Father had implored me to find a cure for his wife. He had a lead on a cleric up north who could cure her. Unfortunately by the time I found him and returned it was too late. Kyras blamed me for her death and I think father did for a time as well though he never voiced it. Eventually Kyras told me to leave and I choose to make peace and prepared to leave. That is when father made us sit and vow to him to always be true to each other. As you saw from Kyras earlier he will follow the word of the oath but does not feel it.Father disappeared shortly after that with a note and nothing else we were left alone. We separated and went our separate ways. I have thought about Kyras and father since then but as you heard I recently got a letter written in fathers hand asking me to come here and watch over Kyras. So I came and here we are.
Smiling warmly to Danna.Thank you for the introductions it is a pleasure to meet all of you.
Laughing at her follow up question.You are as forward as your mother. I cannot say what your parents might say about me I would think you should ask them. What I can tell you is that it was your mothers impassioned speech that saved my life from a crowd of raving townspeople. I owe your mother a debt of gratitude that I can never repay. I did however make the same oath to your parents upon your birth that if anything ever happened to you that I would be there to help try and repay that debt. Smiling he leans towards her. Of course it has become a lot easier to keep an eye on you now. Smiling Taldani rises from his seat. Is there any other mysteries that I can help with before I turn in for the night? He smiles warmly as he looks around the room.
Chuckling, Bjelich asks, How are you with children?
The cleric does not expect Taldani to understand the reference, but is hopeful the rest of the guardians do; afterall, they have been rescuing a lot of children since arriving in the stolen lands.
As the guardians approach the mud bowl, Bjelich winkles his nose at the smell. Reining in Mokos, he wafts his hand in front of his face. Phew! Knowing very little about the creature that supposedly inhabits these surroundings, he looks to Danna, their resident expert in all things organic, Well?
He leaves his question hanging, not really expecting an immediate reply. Looking at the ring of fungi surrounding the bubbling mud, Bjelich wonders out loud, Didn't Bedlame warn of a creature guarding these mushrooms? Should we throw a rock or something? He takes a moment to scratch his head and continue his scan of their surrounds.
You know, if I were a betting man, Bjelich leans forward in his saddle and points to the bubbling mud, I'd say what ever is here, is probably in the middle of that. And, the cleric continues his thoughts, it either doesn't know we are here, or is lying in wait. Bjelich removes his hat, using it to fan fresh air to his nostrils, How close do you suppose we can get before Bedlame's creature notices? OR, more importantly, how close can Finwik get? Bjelich turns and smiles at the gnome.
Smiling Taldani inclines his head to the others. Tomorrow then my new friends
Taldani smirks at Bjelich's comments. Very astute master cleric it is down there somewhere.
Kyras looks unamused at Taldani's sarcasm. Why throw a rock when we can just send Taldani down there to flush it out.
Sighing Kyras turns back to the pit before them. I would guess that ring of mushrooms hides what we are in need of. I hesitate to think that Finwick would be able to get in undetected and regardless I will not let this creature lurk in swamps of our kingdom. Taldani and I will work our way down to flush the creature out then you others trail behind to support us once it shows. Turning to Taldani Well brother you wanted to protect me here is your chance. Kyras ignores the disapproving look from Taldani and dismounts his horse draws his rapier and utters the words to a spell his sword suddenly crackling with energy he begins slowly moving down the hill.
Finwik's ever present smirk disappears in an instant and the blood drains from his small face as Bjelich mentions his name.
Before he is able to begin listing all the reasons why it is a poor plan for him to attempt to sneak into the pit, Kyras dismisses the notion.
Finwik nods enthusiastically as Kyras lays out the plan to slaughter the creature, rather than pilfer the mushrooms and vacate the scene.
Finwik says While I would be more than happy to sneak into the pit and secure the cargo, I must agree with Kyras' plan. We must do whatever we can to make this kingdom a safer place for its residents.
Nodding to Kyras, Finwik draws his bow and looks for an advantageous position from which to cover his braver allies.
Following Kyras' lead, Bjelich dismounts and secures Mokos alongside Kyras' mount and a safe distance from the ring of fungi. Before the two can get too far, Bjelich calls out, Don't get too far without us! The cleric takes up his holy symbol and speaks a few words in Erastil's divine tongue. A pulse of positive energy flows forth, filling all in the party with a boost of courage. He straps his shield to his back, then taking up his bow Bjelich turns to Danna, Ready? The cleric moves indirectly toward the mud pit picking his way carefully through the growth.
Thirty feet or so back.
Danna, a little more philosophical about the creatures' home, speaks.
Kill it if we must but I haven't heard of it terrorizing your subjects. i doubt it strays far from home. All we want is some mushrooms, why not just try to collect them then leave? If these are dangerous mushrooms then maybe they should have a guard...
Danna asks every person, including Mikmek, if he or she knows anything about giant, carnivorous mushrooms in general or this one in particular. She seeks out any books that may exist in the newly risen village to see if there mayhap be one entitled "Flora and Fauna: Watch out! It all wants to kill you and probably eat you too." or something similar.
I could cast cat's grace on you Finwik. It would add significantly to your ability to move silently. You may be able to sneak in undetected. I could try it myself. Perhaps my connection with all natural things would aid me in this task.
Danna offers another option to fighting a regenerating, paralyzing, carnivorous mushroom.
Danna searches through her pack and realizes she carries a potion of invisibility.
Maybe this could be used. I guess it all just depends on whether this creature sees, hears, smells, or senses vibrations.
Danna's words stop Bjelich in his tracks. Eyebrows raised the cleric turns and smiles at the young druid, My, you have come prepared! Signaling to the Baron, Umm, Kyras, perhaps we should give Danna's option a shot.
Sounds like a plan.
Finwik swallows hard and puts away his bow. He stares hard for a moment at his pony - it's saddlebags laden with acid flasks. He shakes his head, puts on a look of courage and struts toward Danna. I suppose it's time for me to earn my keep. With your enchantments I might just have a chance, but if for some reason this doesn't work out and it senses me when I'm close...can we have a backup plan? For instance, if I give the signal - the signal of course is a shrieking gnome, the rest of you come running and bellowing from the same direction so as to draw it's attention?
Bjelich beams down at the brave gnome, Absolutely my good man! But I don't think you will need to get too close to the mud pit. We are here for Bedlame's precious mushrooms, the cleric nudges the gnome playfully with a wink, the ones you'd promised to get her. Simply find those mushrooms closest to us, get a couple and return. Bjelich looks into the ring of mushrooms to see if he can spot what it is they have come to get. Danna, would you do the honors?
As the gnome prepares to consume the potion, Bjelich kneels down, looking the rogue squarely in his eyes, Be absolutely quiet as you enter the field Finwik, I don't know of this thing has the same eyes we use to see. It may have other means of detecting you. Bjelich raises his holy symbol of Erastil before the gnome. Recalling some divine words, Erastil imbues the rogue with a glimmer of insight to the task before him.
Before they start Danna begs for a little time to prepare. Let's look for a peace offering as well. She convinces the others to hunt for a rabbit or the like to have ready to sacrifice to the mushroom.
Danna approaches Finwik giving him the potion of invisibility. She then calls upon her power to bless him with cat's grace and feather step.
I can be at the ready to cast obscuring mist to help any retreat. If it does show itself I would like to try to communicate with it.
Danna is intrigued by the idea of the sentient plant, not having come across anything like it before.
I will have the sanctuary potion ready and will address it.
Finwik takes the potion from Danna and says I will angle a bit to the side so that if you charge toward it you won't trample me as I try to escape. He pulls out his dagger, hoping he will be needing it for dislodging mushrooms and not for defence. He points out the path he means to take before quaffing the potion of invisibility and silently making his way toward the mushrooms.
Bjelich watches as the gnome disappears then turns to the druid, Danna, although your intentions are noble, I do not hold your confidence that it is possible to communicate with this creature.
With his bow in one hand, the cleric carefully moves forward trying to keep a clear line of sight on the mud pit ahead.
Danna, shrugs to Bjelich, you are probably right. If the situation arises I will just say "friend" and throw the carcass to it.
Kyras and Taldani wait patiently for Finwick to return with the mushrooms. They are dismounted and have weapons drawn and wait by Danna.
With rabbit in hand, Danna and the rest of the Silver Guardians approach the mud bowl surrounded by the ring of giant fungi.
The distance is too great, the terrain is unfavourable and the mushrooms you seek are too small for you to see them from where you are. A search of the area will be required.
Buffing their companion Finwik, they send him out to find the mushrooms.
Danna moves closer to the edge of the mushroom field in order to be available if needed. Blood drips from her elbow.
Our efforts to aid Finwik will not last indefinitely, perhaps a diversion of sorts would be of use?
...and is overwhelmed with stomach distress.