The party pops out of the bush they were taking cover in and the leader, the half orc, trying to conceal his surprise at not spotting the party earlier, addresses the party.
"Hey, what are you doing in these woods?"
Realizing that the half orc has spotted them, 'There's a joke about bears in the woods, that I probably should keep to myself.' Ratel unable to resist the urge, smiles; then rests his unshielded hand on Bear, telling him "Stay, Bear." Trying to stay serious, he looks toward his friends to see which one is going to start talking.
Azmythe looks at his companions before speaking. "We're, like, getting away from the horde of hobgoblins that overran our town. We're travelling to safe refuge where we can get help. Like, you should go warn your people about them."
When the scout undoubtedly denies his allegience, Azmythe says, "Keep your distance! We know who you are. Some of my companions think it was you who hired the Ironfang Legion to attack our town. Come closer and we will kill you, Molthuni."
Azmythe readies Sleep and casts it if they get even 10' closer.
"Easy, now." Robert says. "I doubt that Molthrune would order the murder of civilians. Especially children. The Ironfang Legion may have gone rogue. It's happened before. And they are monsters, after all."
"Which town? How heavy is the hobgoblin presence in this region?" The half orc asks Azmythe.
On his threat on killing them as they come closer, the half orc touches his bow. "I don't need to get any closer to kill you."Then he adds quickly, "nor do I want to in the first place."
"I would smuggle you through the border if you would swear to the empire, but judging from your reactions, that's not likely. And I have better things to do then march a group of unwilling captives through the Fangwood."
"And you blame us wrongly." The half orc sounds slightly hurt. "Your companion is right. We haven't seen the Ironfang Legion since they disappeared into thin air after Ramsgate, 2 years back."
"Not good hearing but thanks for the information. We will be careful, and the general will be informed."The half orc informs Nigel. "Since you've warned us to be careful, we will be moving stealthily through the woods. To the untrained, it will seem like we just vanished. We will do it a distance from you, so that there will not be misunderstandings."
The platoon moves for some distance in the southern direction, then the half orc raises a fist into the air and everyone ducks into the bushes and seemingly vanishes into the undergrowth.
An hour of traveling later, the wolves return to Nigel, reporting their findings.
We found an abandoned two legger den made out of wood and a bunch of thorny berries ripe with fruit. But there was some movement with the berries. There's also another wolf den nearby.
'If Molthune had killed the Hobgoblins instead of turning them into a mercenary company, there wouldn't have been a massacre two years ago or this mess.' Scowling at the party of rangers, Ratel keeps his mouth shut and his hand tightly grasping Bears harness.
As the enemy disappears into the forest, he breaths a sigh of relief. "At least they seemed to be heading away from our friends. Shall we move on?"
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Nigel nods.
He then offers each of them some jerky as a reward.
Nigel then turns to the others.
"Ze volves have identified zree areas of interest - an abandoned humanoid dvelling (two hours our of our way); some sort of large berry patch (four hours out of our way from tomorrow); and a wolf den (a day out of our way). Obviously, ze dvelling should be looked at immediately (as ve might be able to use it as temporary shelter, vhilst ve clear ze local forest), and ze berry patch ze folloving day. I vould prefer to check out ze volf den, as vell, as anyzing ve can do to svell ze size of our pack, and deny ze hobgoblins potential resources is, in my opinion, vorth it, but if ze rest of you don't vant to, I vill understand."
"Yes. Let's go look into the homestead. Maybe there's still something to be found there, ya'know? Azmythe wonders if he handled the interaction with the Molthrouni scouts the right way. *He shrugs* Oh Well.
The party follows Nigel’s wolves to the abandoned human dwelling. All that remains of an abandoned farm is a tumbledown chimney and an overgrown stand of apple trees, full of apples.
Ratel notices a wasp nest in the branches of one of the apple trees in the centre. The apples could provide provisions, if plucked, but it would probably result in the angry wasps defending their trees.
Nigel and Azmythe realize that the wasps, if provoked would form a swarm to defend their territory.
Wasps swarms have poisonous stings and can be distracting. They're also diminutive in size.
The party then travels with their refugees through the Fangwood until it gets too dark to proceed, where they make camp under the enormous trees of the Fangwood forest. Marcus and Ajobe bring along to share with the group roots and berries, while Taidel, Lirosa and Cildon bring in pheasants, rabbits and Squirrels. Geran brings back a young Ibex, while Billy brings back a brace of salmon. The goat herders bring in their goat, and the party has dinner before setting up camp for the night.
Taidel passes Azmythe two scroll cases that he found while forging in the forest. One contains a scroll of Longarm, and the other a scroll of comprehend languages.
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Nigel does his best to circulate among the refugees, trading stories, complementing people on the work they have done, and generally trying to buoy-up spirits.
He takes his turn on watch, but apart from that, settles down with his pack, the wolves providing all the warmth that he needs for the night (although is bedroll certainly helps, as well!).
Norris, despite the parties best efforts, is unable to throw off his fever and still remains tossing and turning in derilium.
"This isn't good," Aubrin curses. "I wish I were more powerful, then I'd be able to just purge the disease out of him instead of being only able to just alleviate the symptoms."
The night passes uneventful and the next morning dawns clear, but there are hints of dark clouds in the horizon. Geran points out those dark clouds, stating,"You see those dark clouds there? We're going to have a ton of rain tonight. And you definitely won't want to be without shelter when that happens."
The patch of skin in your stomach seems to be less swollen and also less red.
As the party makes their way through Fangwood forest, on the second hour of their travels they spot a large, horned bull that has a dirty black hide. It sniffs the air in the party's direction and snorts angrily.
No one has any idea what that creature is.
Is there some way we could pick apples and not disturb the hornets? Or is there some way for us to get rid of the hornets that doesn't involve being stung by thousands of them?
Azmythe spends some time among the refugees as well. He will serenade them with a soft song of courage and hope.
Take 10 on Perform (sing) for 17.
He thanks Taidel for the scrolls. Azmythe offers the scroll of longarm to Hedran first. If Hedran doesn't want it, then, he will make a paste of it to feed to Enoch.
I am personally no expert, but I think smoke and water are used. And a long stick.
Take 10 for 19 or
Maybe Nigel can alchemy up something.
If all else fails, Azmythe just got Burning Hands.
The idea was to know if they can maybe assist with staving off the disease, since they are skilled healers? Will also speak to Aubrin about it - maybe she can help.
"I have seen bee farmers use smoke to shoo bees away, but have no idea how exactly it is done" - Hedran comments - "Otherwise some really thick clothing could maybe do the trick? With multiple layers" - he ponders - "Last but not least, I have four doses of vermin repellent I managed to acquire. they might be useful here"
"Thank you Azmythe - this will come in handy" - the half-orc nods at Azmythe when he offers him the scroll.
Otherwise, Hedran's main concern is keeping up with his guard duties. When not doing this or resting, he will grab the opportunity to do a round with everyone, and check if they have a weapon to defend themselves in case of need (also if the weapon is in good conditions), and if they know how to use it, even if as simple as a club.
Nigel puts a smokestick into a hooded lantern then starts smoking the beeswasps away. The wasps flee from the smoke, and Hedran puts on two layers of clothing, then goes into the orchard with a sack to pick apples. He manages to get several sacks full of apples. Checking the old chimney, Hedran finds a lose stone concealing 210 sp, 75 gp, a set of masterwork bolas, a masterwork javelin and a large citrine gem worth 50 gp.
Rhyna mixes you up something out of a bunch of forest herbs. It tastes absolutely bitter and grassy, but it works. "This should help your body fight off the infection," Rhyna claims. As an afterthought, she also passes Hedran a salve made out of crushed garlic.
"Rub it over the infected portion, once in the morning, once before bed."Rhyna tells Hedran.
Hedran tastes one of the apples for good measure - "Good job Azmythe. Why is it that going close to wasps nests is so unsettling, after all we've been through?" - he shivers - "Anyway, that's done, and a good haul indeed" - he nods at Nigel.
"The taste is just... Terrible, terrible Rhyna" - Hedran chuckles - "But thank you for this. I had no idea I was hurt this bad, never felt a thing except for the wound itself..."
He takes the garlic with a nod - "At least I'll smell good" - he smiles - "Thank you again"
Listening while the others discuss how to pacify the wasps, Ratel asks, ”We could distract them with honey, but I think smoking them out would work.” Watching as Nigel turns the lantern into a ‘smoker’ Ratel, uses his shape changing ability to make his skin thicker and helps Hedran pick the apples. But he sit’s down and enjoys an apple while Hedran rummages around the old chimney. Nodding in agreement with Nigel, ”A good thing this old tree didn’t turn to crab apples.” Then gesturing toward Hedran,”And Good idea looking in the fireplace Hedran, who would think to use the chimney as a sort of treasure chest.”
That night. Ratel and bear sit quietly near the camp, letting the children approach and play with Bear. But when Azmythe starts to sing, he smiles, standing and gesturing to Bear. ”Come on Bear you should show everyone how well you can dance.” He then uses his innate ability to talk to his companion, explaining to him how to stand up and spin around in time with the music.
Gesturing toward the large creature, ”That looks like some kind of cow, we could probably butcher it. Hedran do you still have that fancy javelin you found yesterday?” As Ratel asks his question, he pulls out his sling, ”Stay here Bear, let's see if it will charge us. No reason to charge in if we can kill it from a safe distance a way.” He then places a lead ball in the sling and stepping forward, lets it fly.
Listening while the others discuss how to pacify the wasps, Ratel asks, ”We could distract them with honey, but I think smoking them out would work.” Watching as Nigel turns the lantern into a ‘smoker’ Ratel, uses his shape changing ability to make his skin thicker and helps Hedran pick the apples. But he sit’s down and enjoys an apple while Hedran rummages around the old chimney. Nodding in agreement with Nigel, ”A good thing this old tree didn’t turn to crab apples.” Then gesturing toward Hedran,”And Good idea looking in the fireplace Hedran, who would think to use the chimney as a sort of treasure chest.”
"You know what's funny..? My mother used to do that" - Hedran pauses at Ratel's words - "She was obsessed with saving every penny and hiding it away" - he grunted, shaking his head - "Anyway... I remembered that and decided to try our luck"
Ratel's sling bullet strikes it on the shoulder, angering it.
Robert steps to the side, and lets fly an arrow, striking it on its right forehock.
Throughly incensed, the big bull paws the ground, then begins to charge at its tormentors!
Robert attempts to jump out of the way of the raging bull, but doesn't quite make it.
Bear and Ratel strike at the bull as it comes, hoping to kill it.
Ratel nearly knocks the bull out with an uppercut, but it stubbornly ploughs on to Ratel and Bear, trampling them. Bear does not manage to chew through its thick hide.
Ratel and Bear try to get out of the way of the trampling bull.
They both manage to get partially out of the way, though they are still kicked by its hooves.
"Well, this isn't too bad, how often do you get to hear elves sing and watch a dancing bear?" Wallace says.
Ajobe gives a sad smile. "I jozt wish that Zoya and Ada wa' a' to enjoy it with me."
"Once we find the Chernarsado Rangers, they'll send the hobgoblins packing and we'll be able to rescue everyone!" Rhyna adds optimistically.
"Hear! Hear!" Rhyna's words are greeted by cheers.
"Well, Father Noelan said that if it didn't taste bad it means it isn't good for you."A shadow passes over Rhyna's face. "I miss him, you know. I know he was training me in his duties, but I never wanted to have them handed over like this!"
Then she looks at the cold, distant stars in the night sky. "Do you think he's happy in Heaven?"
Nigel clobbers it on the head and it collapses on the ground.Ratel puts his knives to good use as he starts dressing the bull, managing to cut 8 provision points worth of beef from the large bull.
Nigel starts leading the party to the berry patch his wolves told him about.
An hour into their journey, the party spots 2 small plants with large, flat, flowering head reflect light in unnatural ways. One of them has soft butter yellow petals while the other has bright orange petals.
Azmythe and Nigel recognize them as sunflower leshies.
Among the most social of leshys, sunflower leshys serve as the ambassadors and diplomats of leshykind. They enjoy socializing and interacting in groups of leshys or with other creatures. Solitary sunflower leshys are rare, as their need for companionship compels them to find others with whom to interact. Leshys who lack companionship for 1 week lose their petals and heliotrope aura as a result of being depressed. Being welcomed back into a group restores the aura in a day and petals after 1 week.
Sunflower leshys are peacemakers and shun martial activities and conflict unless forced into confrontation. To avoid altercations with unfriendly creatures, they band together and trust that the presence of their heliotrope aura protects them. Other leshys look to them to serve as mediators and help resolve differences.
Special abilities
Heliotrope (Ex) Sunflower leshys reflect the sun and other sources of bright light from their faces onto all who come too close. Any creature within 20 feet of a sunflower leshy must succeed at a Will saving throw or be dazzled for 1d4+1 rounds. A creature dazzled once cannot be dazzled again by the same leshy for 24 hours. The save DC is Charisma-based.
Seed Spray (Ex) Three times per day, a sunflower leshy can spray seeds in a 15-foot cone as a standard action. The spray deals 1d4 points of piercing damage to all targets in its area of effect. Against dazzled targets, this attack instead deals 1d6 points of piercing damage. A successful Reflex saving throw halves the damage from this attack. The save DC is Dexterity-based.
They speak only Sylvan, Druidic and Plant.
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"I think he is closer to Erastil than he has ever been before" - Hedran replies - "I don't know much about Gods or the Afterlife, but Father Noelan lived in agreement with his beliefs, and Erastil's teachings - if anyone deserves to be 'happy in Heaven', it is him" - and tries to comfort her as best as he can.
"You are doing a great work in his footsteps" - he nods at his own injury - "I don't have much to repay you with, but I can teach you using a weapon if you'd like? Everyone should be prepared to fight if necessary"
"That was fast guys. Very well done!" - Hedran nods - "We could think about roasting this one for the villagers... Might help lifting their spirits?"
"Maybe he got reunited with Cavall in heaven. They say you get to see those who have gone before in heaven." Rhyna muses. "I hope he's happy there."
"That's where we were different. I know how to use a crossbow. I'm passable at it, but I feel queasy shooting at another sentient. I mean I'm a healer...I'd feel horrible killing someone." Rhyna answers.
Unable to avoid the charging bull, Ratel punches it then attempts to push Bear out of the way, "Ouch, stupid herbivore." Smiling as Nigel as his friend whack it in the forehead with his staff. finally putting it out of it's misery. He helps butcher the meat, tossing scraps to bear as he does so. then loading it up he helps carry it.
Following behind the wolves, seeing the odd flowering plants, Ratel smiles and waives, holding onto Bear's harness, "Don't eat the pretty plants, Bear."
As Nigel smiles and wave, the bright orange colored one starts speaking.
"Բարեւ ձեզ, կցանկանայի մի քիչ դադարեցնել խոսել:"
Hello there, would you like to stop a while to talk? We could share stories!
Robert limps to the group, hand held fast to a nasty gash to his side. "I need some help here. That bull took a big chunk out of me."
Robert limps to the group, hand held fast to a nasty gash to his side. "I need some help here. That bull took a big chunk out of me."
"Thanks."
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Nigel smiles, suddenly recalling that he can, in fact, understand them.
"Բարեւ ձեզ: Ես ուրախ կլինեի, որ մի քիչ զրուցարան: Միայն մի նախազգուշացում, նախազգուշացում, թեեւ այստեղ հարավային տարածքը բավականին տխուր hobgoblins- ն է: դուք կարող եք մի փոքր ավելի զգույշ լինել ձեր ապագա ապագայի վրա:"
He then happily shares some stories with them, including that of the recent clearing of Nessen's tomb.
Azmythe joins them, adding a bit of song to the mix.
Realizing that Nigel and Azmythe were going to speak with the cute little plants, Ratel nudges Bear, "Sit Bear." Realizing that the plants were 'sunflowers' he ask, "Hey ask them if they have any extra seeds to spare, Sunflowers are good eating."
The two sunflower leshy’s listen with interest to Nigel’s rendition of their adventuring stories.
” Այսպիսով դուք արկածախնդիր եք: Եվ կան hobgoblins? Որոնք են hobgoblins:” The yellow one asks with child-like curiousity.
So you’re adventurers? And there are hobgoblins? What are hobgoblins?
The orange one says, ” Մենք ճանապարհորդում ենք Fangwood- ի շուրջ, ստուգելու, թե արդյոք բույսերը երջանիկ են: Մենք խոսում ենք բոլոր տեսակի բույսերի մասին: Եվ նաեւ այլ ճանապարհորդներ: Նրանք պատմում են նման հետաքրքրաշարժ հեքիաթներ: Նրանցից մեկը մեզ պատմեց մի մեծ անապատի մասին, որտեղ մեզ նման լեշ է եղել: Բացառությամբ նրանք պատրաստեցին փեշ:”
We travel around Fangwood, checking if the plants are happy. We talk to all the plants we see. And other travellers as well. They have such fascinating tales to tell. One of them told us about a great desert where there were leshys like us. Except they produced pesh.
Then the yellow one speaks up, ” Ցանկանում եք գալ մեր հարդարանքը: Կան որոշ բույսեր, որոնք հայտնաբերել են այլ leshys, որոնք երջանիկ էին: Երբ փորձում էին ավելի մոտ լինել, պարզելու համար, թե ինչ է սխալը, կատաղած կատուն հարձակվեց նրանց վրա եւ ստիպված էին փախչել: Մեր շաման, Սթոք Սթեմը կարող է ձեզ ավելի շատ պատմել այդ բույսերի մասին:
Would you like to come to our grove? There are some plants that other leshys found, that weren’t happy. When they tried to get closer to find out what was wrong, an angry cat attacked them and they were forced to flee. Our shaman, Stout Stem, can tell you more about those plants.
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Nigel nods.
"Նրանք մութ, մռայլ, փչացած մարդոիդներ են, militocratic հասարակության հետ, եւ, ամենայն հավանականությամբ, չարիք են: Նրանք, ամենայն հավանականությամբ, կփորձեն նվաճել քեզ կամ սպանել քեզ, եթե նրանք չեն կարծում, որ արժե ծառայել: Ես խորհուրդ կտայի խուսափել նրանցից:"
When they mention wanting some help, Nigel smiles, and nods.
"Իհարկե, մենք ուրախ կլինենք օգնել: Որքան հեռու է այն:"