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The creature look wary, but does not move towards the group. It does not answer Svetlana either, but a voice from the right, located behind the partial sunken build calls out.
"Greetings. I would come out to see you, but first I wanted to make myself know so as not to startle you. I will come out now."
Rounding the corner is what you can only describe as some sort of human/toad creature wearing a fur cloak over a weird set of armor. At its waist hangs a long sword and dagger.
"Hello! I am Garuum, and that is my steed, Ubagub. Welcome to my home, such as it is!"
Garuum is a Boggard, and Ubagub is a Slurk
Brigid tilts her head as she regards the creature, but she says nothing.
Paetyr looks toward his sister waiting for her to work her charms on this creature.
Svetlana smiled broadly and offered the strange creature a curtsey. We are very pleased to meet you Garuum, and apologize for intruding on your home unannounced. As I said, I am Svetlana. The others are my brother Paetyr and my friend Brigid. We are humble travelers on a quest; a dryad in this general vicinity may be at great risk from a creature known only as "the Dark One". We know little about this being, other than it has apparently taken control of several denizens of the broader region who now refer to themselves by the directional winds. If there is any assistance at all you could offer us, we would be most grateful. Perhaps we can help you in turn!
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Smiling a big, froggy smile, the creature gives a passable court bow and speaks.
"You and your companions are most welcome to my home. Please, will you join me inside?"
Inside the ruined building, you see Garuum has attempted to clean and repair the building. Reed mats layer the floor, and a number of cane chairs and a table make up the rooms furnishings. A small pallet was tucked to one side, heaped with blankets. The room is heated by two large, but battered braziers, and is quite warm.
"Ah, now that is better!", the frog-man says, taking off his fur-lined cloak and gesturing you to take a seat.
"I have some wine mulling here by the brazier, would you care for some? It is a local vintage, I'm afraid."
He offers each of the party a battered silver cup (none of which match), and pours from a brass ewer.
"Now then, you spoke of a Dryad? I only know of one in these woods. Her name is Tiressia. She lives about 1/2 day south. She is friends with the satyr Falchos and the unicorn Hylzarie. I did not know she was in trouble...although I must confess as the weather gets colder, I am seldom out."
Paetyr excepts his cup with a smile and asks, "Are there any trail's or paths that mark the way to Tiressia's grove."
Svetlana smiled and took a seat with a gracious nod, and a slip of the offered. Your hospitality is most kind, Garuum. As for Tiressia, she may not know she is in trouble herself. Although an extended stop here would be welcome, we would be remiss to stay too long. Since you know the way, would you care to join us on our travels? Your knowledge of the area and its key inhabitants would be most welcome!
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The boggard thinks for a moment then shakes his head.
"Not as such, I am afraid. Tiressia likes her privacy. If you follow this stream it will take you close to her home. I must confess I have only been there once myself...I usually talk to Falchos. He wanders the area around her tree...perhaps you might find him once you are in the vicinity?"
Svetlana gave Garuum a small pout and pleading eyes, but playfully so. Aww...why won't you come with us? We could very much use your help. Letting the expression go into a more reassuring smile, the priestess let the silence linger for a moment, truly curious about why the creature would not come with and hoping for an answer.
Not wanting to press the point too far, Svetlana went on afterward. Well, we thank you very much Garuum for your hospitality. As much as I do not cherish a continued trek out in the deep woods, we should be on our way. Looking back at her companions she asked, any other questions for our host?
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"Welll...I guess I could not let two young ladies wander the forest on their own, no offence sir! The weather is not too cold, but I will have to leave Ubagub here...he fairs even worse than I do in the cold. Shall we start off first thing in the morning? I have some food here, or you can eat your own if you perfer."
Brigid watches the exchange between their strange host and Svetlana with intense interest. She had no idea such creatures existed, much less could speak and interact as people. She stayed silent and wary, not wanting to disrupt Svetlana's diplomacy, but also keeping alert for signs of falsehood in Garuum.
When Svetlana invites him along in their search for the dryad, her eyes widen in surprise. She is even more surprised when her request is accepted.
When he suggests starting out in the morning, she nods her head and breaks her silence. "Yes, that is good. Ve vould be happy to share our provisions vith you. Ve have dried meats, hard cheeses and rolls. Is this pleasing to you?"
I don't want to know what it eats, Paetyr thinks to himself. "Thanks for the help Garuum. Dinner then bed so we can be off to an early start," he confirms with his companions and host.
Svetlana clapped and bounced up and down for a moment when Garuum announced he would join the group's search for the dryad. That's delightful, Garuum, thank you so much! We are ready to go whenever you think it best. , Svetlana then offers to share whatever food she has, much liked Brigid, then settles in to peppering the frog man on his background and what he knows of the area.
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The night passes swiftly and with the morning come a cold, autumn rain. Within minutes the party is soaked to the skin as they break camp and move further south through the forest. While uncomfortable, the group is in no real danger from the weather.
After spending several hours following animal trails and moving up and down numerous hummocks, you come on the site of some ruins. Whatever use to have been here was quite substantial, as columns and heavy stone walls still stand in some places. Ahead, the building seems to sink into a section of boggy ground.
So it was several hours of travel until you got to the ruins. Being autum night come earlier.
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Garuum leaves the room for a few minutes and returns with a number of items. The first are two rabbits on a spit, which he places over one of the brasiers to cook. The second is a woven basket with a number of apples, some carrots and some dried berries. He sets these down, turns the spits and leaves once again, only to return a few moments later with an armload of reed mats and some heavy winter blankets.
"There we are! That should make your stay here a little more comfortable. Help yourselves to my food...I have a duck as well if the two rabbits are not enough."
Svetlana beamed in appreciation as Garuum returns with the various provisions. That is most kind of you! And Thank you as well for agreeing to host us for the night. Tomorrow we will set off to the dryad's tree and hopefully put a stop to whatever the Dark One's plans are.
The priestess proceeded to help herself to some of the offered food, while offering some of her own hardtack in return as Brigid had. Once everyone was settled in for the night, Svetlana asked Garuum, Did you grow up in this area or come from some other region?
Brigid eats and listens quietly to the conversation between Garuum and Svetlana, staying alert and watchful, but also marveling at the friendly being and wondering how he would be received at her old home.
Paeytyr eats heartily knowing he will need his energy. As he eats he reflects on how much his sister has changed over the years. After a while he yawns, "It is getting late I'm going to turn in. Early start tomorrow."
Truly? I had never heard of Hooktongue Slough? Svetlana's interest was genuine and repeated in several follow-on questions. So why then come here, rather than stay at home? Did you learn the Common tongue there, are all of your kind as friendly and welcoming as you are? The priestess kept up the questions, and when appropriate or asked disclosed information from her past as well, so as to not let the conversation get too one-sided or seem an interrogation. When she sensed Garuum was growing tired she willingly lets the conversation go, again thanking the host for his hospitality before heading off to bed.
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Garuum seems very happy to talk to Svetlana and, basically tells her his life story.
He was banished from his tribe several years ago for not partaking in raids against the settlements near the Slough. He had always felt his people were too harsh and unforgiving. He felt that he should be helping the poor people the other Boggards were harming. Finally, when he stepped in to save a young boy who was caught fishing in the Slough, he was banished.
He travelled north and east, following a feeling until he reached the Greenbelt. Inside the forest he discovered an ancient statue of a stag-headed man. Ina small shack beside the statue he found an old human. He was not frightened by Garuum, and instead told the young Boggard that he was waiting for him. Over the next year he taught Garuum about Erastil and taught him to speak common. He learned quickly, and the following year, a knight of the Old Dead-eye showed up to take him for further study. He bid the old man farewell and went to study at a tower outside of a large human town. The knight taught him how to fight, but also courtly manners and respect for all people. A few years with the knight and he was passed onto a temple dedicated to Erastil. Here the priests taught him of their god and soon he came to love and respect all that Erastil stood for. Before he left, he declared his willingness to follow Erastil, and was anointed as a paladin of the god. Since that time he has wandered fighting evil and helping the poor and oppressed. He returned to the Greenbelt only a year ago...something seemed to be calling him, so he came. He has been here waiting since then.
Svetlana listened intently, at the end expressing respect for Garuun's ability to forge his own path despite the will and proclivities of those around. When the conversation ended she made her way into her furs to sleep.
Brigid sits and listens quietly to Garuum's story, and when it comes to a close she finds herself quite impressed with the being. She touches her bow to her forehead and nods in his direction.
Paetyr wakes up the next morning refreshed and ready to go.
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The night passes and the misty dawn greets you as you rise from your warm pallets. Garuum is already up and drying off after a quick dip in the hot springs.
"The water is fine this morning. Have a quick dip before breakfast. I have some quail eggs and a bit of salted pork we can break our fast with. Fresh honey and jam as well, but the bread I am afraid is a few days old. I chased Ubagub out so he will not interfere with your enjoyment of the springs. He likes to play!"
"Hot springs!" Brigid says in excitement as she eagerly accepts Garuum's invitation to bathe. She pulls off the chain shirt she customarily wears at night and slips out of the rest of her clothes as she moves to the steaming pools. She slowly lowers herself into the water and luxuriates in the spring for a while. When she climbs out, her pale skin is red and flushed as the steam rises off her.
She lets the cold morning air dry her off as she prepares her gear for the morning, heedless of her nudity. She then clothes herself and dons her armor before joining Garuum for breakfast. "Thank you for sharing your springs. The vater vas a delight."
Paetyr trys not stare as the Flame-haired warrior undress and heads into the spring. He'll try to focus on cleaning his gear, rather than the scenery.
Svetlana shouted hot springs! almost in unison with Brigid as Garuun offered the bath. The priestess even held off casting her usual magic to protect against the elements to fully enjoy the luxury. Once done, she dried her hair and proceeded to head just outside the abode to pray. With a thought though she turned back and approached their host. Garuun, I have access to magicks that prevent the worst of the cold from doing harm. Shall I pray to the Savored Sting for such enhancements for you or Ubagub? After he responds, Svetlana left for an hour to pray before returning to the group. She then ate a bit of food, prepared her equipment and looked over to the others. Shall we head out?
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As the magic covers them, both the boggard and his mount seem to feel much more comfortable.
"This is wonderful! I cannot thank you enough for this assistance. Now we should have nothing to stop us from going. Lets mount up and head out!"
A few minutes goes by then the strange sight of a fully armoured boggard mounted on his equally armoured frog-mount. He carries a lance as well as having a long sword and shield. Ubagub's saddlebags contain food and camping supplies. The weird hopping gait of the Slurk is difficult to match with your mounts, but they lead you down a fairly open path.
This has to one of the strangest things I've seen, Paetyr thinks as he watches the boggard mount up. He turns to his companions as he follows Garrum, "Coming ladies?"
Brigid nods as she pulls the stag's helm over her head and climbs into Zelter's saddle. She urges her mount to follow and keep pace with the odd knight and steed.
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As the day progresses, the weather stays cool and overcast. While it does not seem to be threatening rain, it is still a gloomy day.
Garuum leads the party south, and as the day continues, he stops more frequently to check the path, which has become little more than an animal path. He lets out strange little 'chirps' as he casts around for the trail.
"This is strange. Usually Tiressia, or one of her friends, keeps the paths here clear. These do not look like they have been tended for more than a month. I hope something is not wrong!"
A little past lunch the trees part to reveal a peaceful forest glade dappled with sunlight. A small pond lies placidly at the roots of an enormous oak tree with a scattering of leaves floating upon its surface. Birdsong twitters from the branches high above.
"Ah, finally, we are here!"
Paetyr looks around the glade that Garrum has taken them to. He has a nagging suspicion, Something isn't right. Maybe I;m just being paranoid.
Brigid looks about the glade, then her head is drawn up and up as she looks into the eaves of the great oak. "This is the home of the dryad?" she asks.
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Both Brigid and Paetyr can hear voices in an unknown language coming from the far side of the great oak. One voice is a soothing, melodious female's and the other an odd, high pitched squeaky voice that sounds somewhat familiar. As you listen a third voice, that sounds much like a cricket chirping as anything else, chimes in to the conversation.
After casting her magicks in the morning to protect herself, Garuun and Ubagug, Svetlana proceeded to prepare to head out, only to decide at the last minute that she wanted to wear her green cloak instead of the blue one. As usual she was then the last to leave; as the party traveled she would range to one side or the other of the group, getting caught up in the various sights ad sounds. As they reached the grove, Svetlana stayed closer to the others and also became more wary, as Garuun noted the change from his prior trips.
The priestess ears perked up hearing the two voices speak. That could be more of our fey friends! Excited, she motioned the rest to follow her over to where the voices could be heard.
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Coming around the tree you first catch sight of a beautiful young woman with long auburn hair. Leaves are twined into her tresses, giving her a very autumnal look. She is kneeling beside the body of what you, at first, took as a man, but upon closer inspection you discover his lover extremities are that of a goat. You believe this is a satyr. Finally you recognize two other figures, one buzzing in front of the woman, and the other tending the wounded satyr. They are Baron Prevlish and Tyg-Titter-Tut.
As you approach they all look up. The woman looks scared and almost ready to flee, where as Baron Prevlish looks very happy to see you all.
"See I told you something would turn up...and here they are! Greetings my friends. You have come just in time to save our Dryad friend here. How fortuitous!"
Brigid shoulders her bow and pulls the stag's helm off her head as she regards, wide-eyed, the fey beings before her. It was a wonder to behold: their strange natures, their oneness with nature. She blinks a few times as she approaches cautiously. She had heard stories of the dangers of fey, but seeing the fear in their eyes caught her off guard. She realized she didn't have anything to say, but she was not one for words anyway. "I am Brigid," she states plainly.
Fortuitous indeed, Paetyr thinks as he waits to hear what the Dryad's problem is.
Svetlana beamed as the fey she discovered were not only fey, but those in part she already knew. Greetings friends! We come with our new companion, Garuun, as we had heard news of concern from this area. Looking sympathetic and non-threatening, the priestess then addressed the woman and her wounded companion. You do not know me, but rest assured we are allies. You must be Tiressia, and you Falchos, she said, referring to the woman and the wounded Satyr in turn. Walking slowly towards the pair with no weapons drawn, she knelt down beside the wounded satyr. Please, let me help. Svetlana then called on her goddess' powers, channeling both overwhelming passions of lust and revenge into the creature as she touched his wound, partially or completing healing him.
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The wounds upon the satyr's body heal and a look of raw lust/anger flashes across his face, but is quickly replaced by a look of relief and gratitude. He speaks in a melodic voice, but the words mean nothing to you.
"He thanks you and your goddess for curing him.", Tiressia translates for the party.
The Dryad seems a little more settled and not a fearful as she was a few moments ago. She smiles at the party and greets them.
"Yes I am Tiressia, druid and protector of these woods. Thank you for healing Falchos. You come at a very fortunate time, as I and my tree are under assault by an evil know as a Scythe Tree. I have asked some of the other fey denizens of the forest, but they are either too week or frightened to stop the creature. It is slowly working its way towards me and my tree...bent on devouring us both. Can you help me?"
Make a saving throw on will ... DC-17 If you fail you immediately agree to helping the Dryad.
Brigid grows a bit more wary when she notices the satyr's look at Svetlana, but she makes no move. After the dryad speaks, her expression becomes puzzled.
"A scythe... tree? How can a tree move?"
Svetlana smiles warmly as she gets back to her feet, helping the satyr up as she does. The priestess listened sympathetically to the dryad and nodded, what can you tell us about this Scythe Tree? I unfortunately have no knowledge about such a creature. Also, do you know where specifically it is? Any additional information would be most helpful!
Paetyr puts his hand on the hilt of his sword when he observes the satyr's look of anger at his sister. He keeps his hand there and his eyes open as his companions begin to ask questions about this scythe tree.
Paetyr looks to his companions, "I think we should help Tiressa and protect her sylvan sanctuary."
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The dryad beams as Paetyr agrees to help her.
"Oh, thank you. I was sure this was the end of me. The creature is just an hour or so south of here. I can feel it lusting for my blood...."
She give a shiver of fear, but soon it passes and she smiles again at the party. She looks over to Svetlana and begins to tell he what she knows of the Scythe Tree.
The scythe
tree is an intelligent plant but does little with its intellect
other than devise new and cruel methods to torment its
food once it has secured meals—dryad flesh is particularly
intoxicating to its palate. The monstrous plant looks like a
dark brown tree, 20 feet tall, with dark, twisted roots; a few
reddish-brown leaves hang on the gnarled, wickedly curved
scythe-like branches that give it its name. What looks like
a long scar in the center of the tree’s trunk splits open to
reveal a toothy mouth when the creature attacks, which it
does as soon as any of the PCs come within reach.
Svetlana listened attentively as the dryad described the Scythe Tree. That certainly sounds like an awful creature. I can't imagine why such a foul beast would even exist! Can you tell us anything of its vulnerabilities or powers? Anything else that could help?
Brigid blinks away her wonder at the fey beings for a moment as she considers doing battle with a tree that eats flesh. Then she remembers their original purpose. "Svetlana, ve must remember Damen. Ve need the sap of this tree for his cure," she gently reminds the priestess, leaving her to do the delicate work of trading their services for the tree's lifeblood.
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The dryad thinks and converses with the satyr.
"Well it seems to know where you are without having any eves (blindsight, tremorsense), and being wood I suspect fire would cause it great pain. Other than that, we cannot think of anything specific"
@ All - Just so you know, the satyr's reaction was to Svetlana's healing, not him trying to hide anything