Padvalo smiles and goes to a shelf to get you a copy of Irius Tamflen's Wyvernwaeld Survival Guide. It is a red leather-bound book with 'Wyvernwaeld Survival Guide' written in elven on the front in black letters, and 'written by Irius Tamlen' below in smaller, cursive elven letters. "Here you go Master Kainanaleninalai. Regular price is 50 derims, but I'll sell it to you for 40."
You return to the tower and walk past the sign up the winding path of stones throuh the well-kept garden to the front door of the tower. The jackdaw is sitting in a tree, looking at you, moving on to the next, as you pass by it. When you reach the door, the jackdaw flies into the tower through an open window.
Enough time pass by after you have knocked on the wizard's door, that you begin to wonder if the wizard is even still at home, but then you finally hear the sound of several locks being unlocked on the other side of the door, and the door is opened just enough for a gaunt elf face with dark circles below narrow pale green eyes framed by long grizzled hair to peek out at you, over the chain.
"Where are the shrooms?" he asks in aratheël.
Rhialla's eyes peer at the elf with curiosity, as she replies in kind, "I have them here." She motions to the basket she carries lifting the cover. " I'd like you to give me the information you gave to Illysari about the Aratheel temple. Her and a guide may have gone out to look for it, but have gone missing. I am here to find her."
And I also wonder if you could answer me some questions, I've come a long way and I have not gotten a chance to speak to another mystweaver for a very long time. Darvinen stands slightly closer to the wizard then Rhialla.
"I suppose I can set aside a bit of time from my research to answer your questions, considering you got me what I asked for." Calferan closes the door, takes the chain off it and lets you inside the tower. First thing he does when you enter is grab the basket.
"Follow me," he says and shows you into a large very messy room with piles of books everywhere. He removes a bunch of stuff from some chairs and motions for you to be seated on one side of a table, while he sits down in his chair on the other side of the table. The jackdaw flies over and lands on his shoulder.
"So... You want to about the Temple of Ang Varshon. The temple of Ang Varshon is very old. It predates the Frost Age, and is a remnant of the Amarath Empire, the ancient great empire of the aratheël. When the elves of the Savathaal tribe rediscovered it in the Great Spring, they found a spirit inside. Ang Varshon. First, Ang Varshon was very helpful, and he granted some of the Savathaal great power. But it turned out the spirit was corrupting the minds of those whom he granted power, and seeing as the Savathaal couldn't kill the spirit, they decided to seal off the temple with all the tributes they had given to the spirit in return for power inside. In the hoard of tresure that Ang Varshon had gathered there was an artifact of the Amarath Empire called the Seraph's Lyre. The Seraph's Lyre was what Illysari was after...."
Rhialla listens intently and once Athaven trails off she urges him to continue, "Yes, and so where is this lost temple? What do you know of the lyre, and the spirit beyond its corrupting nature in return for its boons?"
Yes, and is there a greater density of the Myst there? Does the temple interact with it at all? Darvinen looks excited, and there is a gleam in his eye.
"I do not know its exact location. From what I've gathered it is supposed to be located somewhere in the northern part of the Waeld between the Circle of Sistren, the Wyvernskull Cairn, and Yndil's Well, the ancestral home of the Bherug tribe. One of the old texts I've read on the subject suggests that there is an entrance to a secret tunnel called the Shaman's Path, near the Baravos Fall, that leads directly to it. The forest is full of Bherug tribesmen, but there might dwell creatures even worse in the Shaman's Path, as it is supposed to be linked to the Darkendeep. The temple of Ang Varshon is supposed to be built on a place of power, dense with the Myst, so if you have a sense of the Myst, you might be able to use that to find your way to the temple."
Calferan Athaven picks out a dusty old green book with yellowed pages from a pile of books on the table and flips through its pages until he finds the page he is looking for.
"There it is." he says and places the book in front of you.
You see an illustration of what appears to be some kind of angel playing on a lyre.
"The Seraph's Lyre. It is said that playing certain tunes on the lyre will produce different magical effects. Some of these tunes are written in this book, but it would take an experienced minstrel to play them. One is supposed to heal anyone that can hear the tune of even serious wounds and ailments. Another one is supposed to summon a movanic deva." He lets you look on the pages for a bit, before taking the book and closing it. He then picks another book from the pile, another dusty tome, this one brown, and flips through that one's pages until he reaches the right page. He puts the book in front of you on the table and points on an illustration of a sinister-looking humanoid creature with pointed ears, wearing a strange headwear, a lot of jewelry and long flowing robes. The creature is grinning from ear to ear and has unnaturally large eyes.
"That, is Ang Varshon. He is supposed to have been a witch-king in the High Age of Amarath, who accidently cursed himself to be transformed into a spirit bound to the temple for eternity, in an attempt to cast a spell that would grant him divinity."
He closes the book and puts it back in the pile.
"Now I think I've given you enough information, and then some, and I have other important matters to attend to, so if you'll kindly show yourselves out, that would be great."
"Let's just say I happen to be in a very good mood today," Padvalo answers smilingly. "Could I interest you in anything else? If you're going to venture into the depths of the Waeld I have all kind of equipment which you might be interested in."
Darvinen smiles at Athaven, I can see that now would not be a good time to press you, but certainly if I get a chance, I would love to return and speak with you. Thank you very much for all the information. With that Darvinen moves to stand at the door, he looks truly thankful.
Rhialla speaks rhetorically as she processes Athaven's words fingers clasped together and propping up her head by her chin and leaning in intently, "The heart of the Bherug ancestral home? I imagine our tracker will not like to hear that. Even I think it foolish to risk such an endeavor. Why would she risk going there at a time like this? It matters not..."
Rhialla looks up and then stands, "Thank you Athaven, you're cooperation is greatly appreciated. We will see to your wishes and grant you solitude. Enjoy the mushrooms." Rhialla turns and proceeds to leave as soon as Kevroth and Darvinen are ready.
After leaving the tower she will proceed to where Kai is to arrange for proper camouflage and supplies before returning to the inn to rest for the remainder of the day, preparing for what is sure to be an arduous journey.
You buy the supplies and return to the Hollow Oak Inn, where you find a very drunken Magnes making merry with a hulking Red Griffon soldier. Both are grinning like madmen.
Well hello Magnes, I see you've met a new friend. Try not to get too drunk... He glances over at Rhialla we're doing things tomorrow. With that, Darvinen nods and walks over to the inkeep, dropping another silver coin in exchange for a mug.
Rhialla joins Magnes and the red Griffon soldier for a bit before socializing with the other patrons for the remainder of the evening.
Myrnday, Thaal 10th, 1247 DE
You awake the next day in your rooms on the side of the tree that the Hollow Oak Inn is built in to the sound of chirping birds.
Rhialla is early to rise for morning prayers and eats a light breakfast in the quite commons area. She waits for the majority of her companions before heading out to collect The Ghost from his haven and head out to find the trail of the missing in the direction of the lost temple.
Darvinen descends to eat a good heavy breakfast, talkative and friendly. He follows a little bit after Rhialla to join her and the Ghost after introductions have been made.
"I see that you're all properly dressed for our little excursion," Ornthalas notes, referring to the green clothing and cloaks you have all changed into at his request. "And you've got the machettes too. That's good bendalës." He turns to Rhialla. "Now, have you learned anything more about the temple that Illysari and Wimbley went looking for?"
Kevroth stands with the others, a slightly worried look on his face while he fingers the cocking mechanism on his musket.
"Quite a bit, it is located in the northern part of the Waeld between the Circle of Sistren, the Wyvernskull Cairn, and Yndil's Well, perhaps near a place called Baravos Fall. We head that way and hope you are able to pick up their trail along the way."
Bhalur wakes up early in the morning as he goes throug his backpack and items to ensure that he had everything he needed. Going down to the mainhall and dining before others appears only to see that Rhialla already is there as he greets him smiling
Seeing a new person and finding him being their guide to the wilderness Bhalur mostly listens and ponders a different possibilities "Is there something we should expect as we go to this direction, outside your normal possible encounters?" Bhalurs asks just to make sure
"They have probably traveled through the Shaman's Path, that's an old passage through the Darkendeep which starts in a cave by the Baravos Fall and ends up relatively close to the Circle of Sistren. The Baravos Fall is three day's journey from here."
When Bhalur asks his question, Ornthalas turns to look at him: "I don't know what you'd consider normal, but the largest predator we have to look out for is the bherug. I mean the actual animal. There's also giant spiders, snakes and assassin vines."
The old elven ranger leads the party out of town and onto a path along the Baravos River north, putting the town of Avalath behind them.
Rhialla follows close behind the tracker, trusting his expertise, stepping where he steps, and trying to keep an eye out for trouble.
Darvinen walks as close to the front as he can without actually leading. He tries several times to start conversations, but quickly trails off. He looks around nervously often.
"They have probably traveled through the Shaman's Path, that's an old passage through the Darkendeep which starts in a cave by the Baravos Fall and ends up relatively close to the Circle of Sistren. The Baravos Fall is three day's journey from here."
When Bhalur asks his question, Ornthalas turns to look at him: "I don't know what you'd consider normal, but the largest predator we have to look out for is the bherug. I mean the actual animal. There's also giant spiders, snakes and assassin vines."
The old elven ranger leads the party out of town and onto a path along the Baravos River north, putting the town of Avalath behind them.
"My greatest concern is getting caught up in local matters and having found ourselves choosing a side. I dislike the method the Bherugs are using but I don't want to assume I know their agenda or what alternatives they might've already tried.
"The Bherugs have always been belligerent, fighting other tribes over the smallest matters. They were the tribe who resisted the longest when Arglondar claimed the Wyvernwaeld. They are very proud and quite a bit thick-headed. They still refuse to realize that the Waeldfolk are now part of the modern civilized world. Whether we like it or not, we have to adapt. There's no point in making strife with the King of Arglondar. King Gothrund's army has to be at least thrice the size of the Waeldfolk tribes combined, counting not only the warriors, but all 'folk, and we lost enough Waelfolk back in the Waeld War, when Arglondar took over our land. I am old enough to remember that war, and it wasn't pretty."
"Understood. What other tribes does have the same kind of power as Bherug or rather, used to have? This arise to power and conquering all tribes of Wyvernwaeld seems strange at this point, without gathering of all tribes and that seems to be not the case but rather gaining more power but for what?" Bhalur speaks as he walks behind of others
"Power is what Alskar Hearteater pursues. He is driven by the lust for power. Alskar was a warchief of the Bherugs before he killed the previous chieftain Ramajér Whiteclaw in single combat, earning himself the position as the new chieftain. He dreams of Waeldfolk greatness, inspired by the legends from our past, but he does not care about how he will obtain that greatness, about blood shed and lives lost. Those things does not matter to Alskar as long as he reaches the greatness he so yearns for. There are a couple of tribes that Alskar has yet to conquer. One if the Valastaag tribe. The tribe that belongs in Avalath. Yalnath Halrond, a Waeldfolk half-elf is the chieftain of the Valastaag tribe and the lord of Avalath. The Ghost Bear Tribe is another large tribe which the Bherugs are currently fighting. Their chieftain is Yasandra Melathnir. Their home is the village of Falan Feren in the western part of the Waeld."
Magnes groans the groan of a man severely regretting his prior decisions as he half listens to the conversations going on around him.
"This migh be wrong what wit' meh last nights spotty memory buh here goes. Dunno if it matter's much ta us but tha' griffin's in tha bar are lookin' ta put a hurt on that Bherug clan. All they got is an educated guess as ta where they actually are though. If'n we can find a good way to send a message to them in tha forest I spect' we'd be able ta' get a pretty good distraction so as ta affect a rescue fer our forge pr- *cough* Rhialla's friend. If it turns out these Bherugs have em tha' is."
The Dwarf then seems to stare at his hand for a moment before thinking of something
"Migh' jus be tha' memory is escapin' me but wha' tha heck is a Bherug anyway?"
"A terrible beast that roams in large forests. It blends in so well with its natural habitat, that its victims does not even notice its presence, until they are in the creature's maw."
"So am ah to assume that you've never seen one up close then? Cuz that sounds like a fishwife's tale, doesn't help much fer killin' one if runnin away ain't an option." the dwarf responds to the elf. looking about the forest they are in.
"Well supposin' most tales are like that cuz the best answer is 'Stick em' wit somethin pointy.' "
He then looks over to Rhialla
"Lass with our record so far I'd just accept the fact that we are about to get involved in a mess of other people problems before we can deal with the problem we got hired to deal with. That was how it worked last time and we came out more or less alright."
Ornthalas lifts up his shirt showing some really nasty scars. "I have been close to one. Too close for comfort. They are larger than bears and covered in dark green scales. Their backs are covered in hard growths resembling rocks and it is pretty much impossible to pierce through their upper side without some sort of magical weapon. You need to drive your weapon through the beast's underside. They are nearly impossible to spot in the deep forest as they are so adept at blending in with their environment, but they give off a foul stench, so if you smell something foul, let me know at once."
Magnes examines the scar pattern for a moment seeming to consider things as he does. "Bigger than bears... Huh."
The dwarf then looks at himself and raises one arm. Sniffing once Magnes seems satisfied before turning back to the elf.
"Foul smell. Alright, figure its noticeable if yer warning about it now."
Magnes seems to think for a moment but come up with nothing.
"Perhaps they like big fat cats?" The dwarf suggests as he glances to the carry case Kai had coaxed the cat into.
"Mao" Says the cat, clearly unimpressed by the humanoids suggestion. It paws at its face and resumes relaxing while Magnes has to walk with a hang-over.
"Lass with our record so far I'd just accept the fact that we are about to get involved in a mess of other people problems before we can deal with the problem we got hired to deal with. That was how it worked last time and we came out more or less alright."
Rhialla nods somberly, "Tis more than likely, but I can hope for the best," she lends a worried but sincere smile. Then she looks as if she going to say something else, but the thought of it seems to dark to share and instead returns to looking out for trouble.
" Eh, prepare fer tha worst hope for the best an expect the world to meet you somewhere inbetween. Tis what meh uncle used to say when I aked him why he was taking a packmules wortha stuff to go barter with the blacksmith." The dwarf replies and gives the woman a half hearted grin
"Now on the topic of preparedness I don' suppose you purchased an extra machete an' perhaps a tarp or somethin? I'd prefer ta' not have the entire jungles worth of dangerous bugs decide meh backside is an excellent place to sleep for the night."
Earlier:
Just before the party is about to leave Avalath with the tracker Ornthalas, a man in his late twenties with a well-kept brown full beard wearing a Red Griffon uniform with black stripes on it and a grey hooded cloak runs up to them.
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:Earlier
The stranger pants for a moment as catches up with the group.
By the kings bladed bits why didn't they dispense me a horse for this journey?
The human looks up at the collected group and swallows once before speaking " Greetings adventurers. I am Girian Lewyn of the Red Griffon army. I was just dispatched by my commander, Odus Margol to accompany you into the Wyvernwaed. Also apparently to bring you the winnings for a drinking game." The human says, tone telling his stark disbelief that anyone could out drink his commander.
The human looks to the dwarf in question and seems to examine the man for a moment How on earth is he still standing, much less journeying into the Wyvernwaed after that much liqour? Smiley is still loafing around in his off duty garb and complaining about the sun being bright.
"I take you are Magnes? Good of you to offer to help find those damn savages in the forest. World will be better off without them raiding." The human reaches to his belt and grabs a pouch and two potions offering them to the dwarf.
Magnes blinks once, twice and rubs his eyes as he looks at the human.
" Heh, won that did I? couldn't remember the last of it ta' be frank. I suspect it was a close one. Sounds like you didn't see it though, same woulda' been nice ta know how the last bit went. Think I tried to teach one of the old Dwarven drinking songs at some point, don' think it went over well."
With that the Dhouvarr reaches over and takes the bag and potions grinning at the human as he does
"Yer' gonna have to explain that bit about you coming with us more though. Ah don' much recall that bit. I recall talking about some stuff with him but nothin specific. Think there was reference to the forest being a dartboard though. That was funny." The dwarf explains lamely as he scratches the back of his head just under his hat.
Girian smiles, less in a friendly manner and more like a shark rolling its eyes back to make more room to bite. Well that would explain the sounds of a dying herd of bagpipes and strangled cats I was seranaded with in the middle of the night. He forgot? seriously. why do I have to do these things, the commander knows i'm not the sociable type so why on earth did he pick me? Why not Gabel, that empty headed sorcerer?
" Ah, that would explain the noises I heard in the middle of the night. You suggested to Captain Margol that you were headed into the forest to extract a civilian likely captured by the Behrug tribe. You just needed some method to contact our company so you could tell us where they are." the human says then gesturing to himself
"that would be me"
Magnes blinks again. Looks at the human and back to his adventuring group. He seems to remember something as he glances back to the human
" Err.. right. So perhaps ah did suggest such a thing. Uh, don' spose you all mind if this one comes with us? We'd be servin' a good cause an' i'm bettin' this captain. Wait, yeh mean Smiley was yer captain.. commander whatever tha heck? Yeesh hope they don't grow all of 'em like that. Well anyway I'd bet that the commander'd likely offer us something nice as a "finder's fee." The Dwarf suggests to his allies.
Kevroth simply shrugs a noncommittal response.
--Earlier--
Noticing the man in Red Griffon uniform running after them and pausing shortly to catch his breath before speaking.
Surprised but soon smiling as he kept explaining the situation "Well met Girian Lewyn. It seems that our company size increases once again but for a short-time it seems. Anyway, I am happy to hear that we are able to have some help from Red Griffon Army and some connection to them." speaking sincerely as Bhalur looks at man
"Ah, I forgot my manners. I am Bhalur Blackthorn, Acolyte of the Dragon Matron. These are my companions: Kevroth, with the double-barreled rifle and silent one in our group as well our accomplished hunter and tracker. Rhialla Arken, Paladin of Larafae and our frontline fighter. Kai, joined us not so long time ago but he is a skilled swordsman and lastly Darvinen, who apparently seems to be not with us for now - anyone has some idea where he is? - but our caster in the group"
Rhialla nods at the Griffon soldier to greet him. "Staying out of this mess didn't include bringing along a Griffon soldier..." she sighed already knowing the story of the missing company, "Though, I am not one to turn those seeking aid away. My charge is for the priestess first and foremost though, just fair caution in case it is due. If you understand the risks, then I can not in good conscience turn you away."
You follow Orthanlas the Ghost on the path along the Baravos River for hours. Some places the dark blue water of the Baravos turns frothy white and roaring as it hits a rocky rapid, and you've walked by at least two hanging bridges suspended over the river.
You reach a place where the path leads up several feet on a an ancient stair of crude stone steps, where there is a smaller waterfall on the Baravos. A giant statue of a warrior holding a scimitar and a large shield stands in the waterfall peeking out through the curtain of water.
"This is the Sentinel's Fall. It marks the edge of the Valastaag territory. There's a Savathaal ancestral shrine inside the waterfall. I will need to pray there for the ancestors to bless our expedition. We will each need to give the keeper of the shrine a bit of food as a sign of respect."
Ornthalas leads you halfway up the stone steps and then on a path along the cliff wall behind the waterfall. Inside the waterfall on a small ledge there is a stone shrine lit by candlelights. A wrinkled old elf with long white hair covered in tribal tattoos, wearing brown robes and holding a gnarled wooden staff sits on a stone next to the shrine.
"Suilannad salviniaer." Ornthalas says to the old elf while bowing his head. He hands him half a loaf of bread and a chunk of cheese.
"Suilannad Ornthalas." The old elf replies.
Kevroth bows deeply to the ancient elf and offers some spiced venison and a small flask of wine. With a quick glance at Orthanlas, Kevroth repeats the guide's words, "Suilannad Salviniaer."
The antediluvian elf smiles approvingly as you hand him the spiced venison and flask of wine.
"Suilannad. Suilannad." he says and bows his head in greeting.
-earlier-
Girian nods to those who had chosen to speak. Best to tread careful around the paladin. " Good to meet you all. I understand your concerns Lady Arken they would have likely thought you our army scouts regardless as we have been sending them into the forest for some time now." with that he stands a bit taller and looks at the group as a whole.
" Regarding my mission I have tasked to help you all with your own and send information when I can. Fortunately I have an excellent messenger for when that time comes. The human says and a small beak pokes out of his pack making a somewhat strange noise.
"thats Phyllis."
-current-
The human mimes the gesture offering one of his rations and a strange looking leaf. "You wrap the ration and dip it in some water or something. Makes iron rations taste less like crap. don't have anything else, sorry. Oh uh. Soolannad Savatoor." The human says attempting the greeting.
-earlier-
"Alright, well ya know everyone and we are agreed you can come with. I guess if Darvinen doesn't show we could use the price we paid to Ornithas for this one instead? The dwarf says as he pulls his cask of alchohol
" Here have somethin' spirited." The dwarf says offering a mug of his drink as he pulls one himself.
-current-
Magnes walks up to the ancient one and grins. Offering the aged elf a wooden mug filled with Pale boar, handle first. "I don't know how to pronounce that properly, but I hope the drink is received well all the same." The Dhouvarr says good naturedly as he steps off to the side with everyone.
" So whats the history behind this place if yeh don' mind me askin'?" Magnes asks as he looks to Orthanlas before looking back to the shrine keeper.
"If yeh know the trade tongue hearn' the legend from tha keeper of the place is generally best. Just not sure if you know it or not."
"The Keeper of the Shrine only speaks elven. He knows and understands tradespeak, but he is bound by tradition to only speak elven." Ornthalas' words echo in the cave behind the waterfall.
The old Keeper smiles and nods, taking a huge bite of spiced venison and washing it down with some Pale Boar.
"The Sentinel's Fall used to mark the border of the heart of the Savathaal realm. Outsiders were not permitted past the Sentinel's Fall. The Savathaal are the elves that the elven Waeldfolk are descended from." Ornthalas speaks with a serious tone which shows great veneration for the Savathaal. He moves closer to the shrine and points to the cave wall which is lit by the many flickering candlelights standing on the shrine. It shows images of elven cities in the forest and elven people fighting wyverns and bherugs and monstrous humanoids. The images furthest to the right shows the forest being covered with snow and ice and the elven people leaving the forest.
"The Savathaal were forced to leave the Wyvernwaeld when the Frost Age came. The Frost Age lasted for many centuries and though many of the Savathaal returned to the Wyvernwaeld when the Great Spring came around, the Savathaal kingdom was never rebuilt. The returned Savathaal became the first Waeldfolk."
Rhialla follows and pays homage and due respect as Ornthalas guides. When she comes to the Keeper of the Shrine, she bows, looks up, and hesitates a moment before speaking in her native Aratheel dialect, "Heru inimeite valpio Melisse ettul-ehh?"
"Have you seen a Loving Lady priestess come through here in the last several weeks?"