"Thank you, Seres. I think it's going to be a difficult road to walk, finding a balance between the needs of our community and the wishes of the Fair Folk, but it is probably better than the alternative - people disappearing in faerie mounds, living in fear of having their children whisked away and replaced by changelings."
She turns to Ezekial.
"You've been pretty quiet, Ezekial. Do you think it's possible? Can we figure out how to be neighbors with the fae?"
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Veronica crouches down and sniffs at the blood.
"This is the work of a wolf or wolf-kin. Not mine, though." She turns and pats Moondancer on the neck.
"Wolf-tracks lead... that way. Toward that stand of trees."
Jax nods at Connor and rides back to town. After a half hour, he returns with several guards from the jail. "I'm afraid we don't have many fighting men to spare."
He stares nervously at the copse of trees. "How do you want to proceed?"
Seres enchants his bow and nocks an arrow before we advance on the copse.
Within the copse you find no sign of the beast. The tracks enter the woods but do not appear to emerge.
You find a set of bare human footprints leading out of the trees and toward town; unfortunately, the tracks become obscured by traffic upon entering town.
Connor, dismounted and studying the ground and tracks, looks about in frustration, "There's something here ... I just can't quite make sense of it. Veronica, an assist please?"
Once the party departs, Melianse beckons you deeper into the water. before you are fully submerged, you spot Corax watching you from the trees. He winks at you and then disappears into the foliage.
Melianse takes your hand and leads you down into her underwater home. At the lake bottom you find a grotto with beds of seaweed, tables of rock and walls of water lilies. At the far end of the grotto there is a cave entrance that leads into darkness. Melianse casts a light spell on her hand and motions for you to descend with her.
The underwater cave tunnel drops and then rises back up again. You emerge into air filled caverns. Melianse stands next to you. Corax's two lieutenants, Greaves and Aeron, are also with you.
The scene before you can only be described as majestic. The slightest movement of Melianse's light infused hand causes a myriad of multi-colored points of light to dance across the walls and ceiling of this hemispherical cavern. Most of the floor of the cave is taken up by a clear pool fed by a broad waterfall on the far side. The waterfall is apparently quite motionless, each minute rivulet of crystal-clear water is perfectly suspended as if frozen, and gem-like droplets hang stationary in mid air.
Music, almost heavenly in its quality, falls gently on your ears bringing forth memories and emotions, both happy and sad, which you thought were long forgotten.
The floor of this hemispherical cavern is bare rock but the walls and ceiling are completely encrusted with rock crystals which are the cause of the reflected points of light.
Within the pool of water, a stone dais rises to just above the surface. The dais is covered by a ring of glowing arcane runes. You notice that the waters of the pool, like the waterfall, are also frozen in time.
Melianse turns to you and smiles at you sadly. "Beautiful, is it not? The waterfall is fed from Porpherio's Garden, where time moves much slower than this plane of existence."
"These crystal caverns will be your home while you live with me. You, Greaves and Aeron now have a decision to make. You may either spend your days safely within this cavern and then depart when your friends undo the damage to my grove. Or, you may cross into the Gardens, wake from this dull reality, and see how deep the rabbit hole goes."
"Of course."
Larisa takes a moment to process her surroundings, the beauty overwhelming her rendering her speechless for a time. Almost in a daze she wanders around, awestruck as she marvels as the waterfall. "I never knew such beauty could exist." She says, her voice airy as she looks at her reflection in the water.
Taking a moment to center herself as the music tugs at something deep inside, Larisa turns to face Melianse. "I've made up my mind. Show me the first world, if what your saying is true then how could I possibly say no. How often will I get the opportunity to rouse my mind from the mundane."
And while I'm there I can learn something about this mysterious fey lady who's set her sights on this land.
Understanding dawns on Connor as he exchanges a knowing glance with Veronica, "Werewolf ... this could be a problem."
The cavalier points out the tracks that change from wolf to man and leads the others into town where they are lost in the traffic.
"We need a plan to ferret this killer out, has there been a full moon recently? It needs to be one that our Warden can execute, since we can't linger with Larisa in danger."
Crouched down by the tracks, Veronica flexes her hand and shifts. Her hands turn into claws, a close match for the shape in the mud, albeit smaller. "This is going to be... awkward," she says. "People sometimes don't understand that I'm not a werewolf." She shifts back to her normal human guise and says, "But we'd better be quick. More people will die. And we will need to find a powerful priest to break this curse - more powerful than I."
Jax answers Connor. "The first night of the full moon occurred the night before Saki’s death — the night the livestock at the outlying farm were slaughtered. Tonight is the last night of the full moon for the month."
The paladin Akiros also joins you in town. "I have more bad news. The Stag Lord has resurfaced. The rumor is that he has founded a rival settlement in the Narlmarches. Several of the former bandits have left for his camp, including Ayles Megesen, Falgrim Sneeg, Dirty Jeb Megesen and Jex the Snitch. More may leave if morale doesn't improve. The settlement hasn't completely recovered from the scourge of the black rattlecap epidemic."
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A pained look crosses Connor's face before he reluctantly nods, "As you wish, Larisa, but be warned she is capricious and racist, so use your best judgment should the need arise."
With a cold glare, he looks at the nixie, "We will be back. She will be unharmed and unchanged when she is returned to us. If not, you will wish we had left the loggers."
To the others, "Quickly, lets be quit of this."
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Ezekial is surprised to find himself completely agreeing with Connor and is happy to be clear of the ill tempered fey. I am not sure we can live around such creatures as that. he comments to the group once clear of the scene.
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"Thank you, Seres. I think it's going to be a difficult road to walk, finding a balance between the needs of our community and the wishes of the Fair Folk, but it is probably better than the alternative - people disappearing in faerie mounds, living in fear of having their children whisked away and replaced by changelings."
She turns to Ezekial.
"You've been pretty quiet, Ezekial. Do you think it's possible? Can we figure out how to be neighbors with the fae?"
Looking to Veronica Ezekial responds somewhat sadly I thought so at first. I even hoped so. but they do not like us, not even the friendly ones. I took the side of that watery fey and was ready to defend her and she still was hostile towards me. How can we ever be friends with creatures like that?
Looking to Veronica Ezekial responds somewhat sadly I thought so at first. I even hoped so. but they do not like us, not even the friendly ones. I took the side of that watery fey and was ready to defend her and she still was hostile towards me. How can we ever be friends with creatures like that?
"I don't know yet," mulls Veronica. "I feel like... their motivations are so different from ours that finding common ground is hard. I'm not sure how to get them to... umm. No, let me back up. They don't behave like us, so trying to interact with them like 'people' is hard when they don't do the things and value the things that 'people' do."
She grins and says, "That's what I like about you, Zeke - you're honest about who you are. You're up front and you don't hesitate to say what you really think, and if people don't like it, they can take a hike."
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[ooc]Current time line[/b]
Ezekial finds that he is not too helpful in tracking or assessing the kills. When Connor announces his suspicions Exekial responds Wherewolves. Right. Full moons and belladonna and silver weapons, right? Or is it garlic and stakes and wolvesbane? Or mirrors and running water and holy symbols? I guess I can't separate what I think I know from rumors and legends. Who would know about such horrors? And should we lock up anyone who was bitten?
Melianse smiles and nods her head. "A brave choice. You have taken your first step towards expanding your consciousness. You may prove to be the exception to your race."
Both Greaves and Aeron tentatively agree to accompany you.
Melianse begins walking towards the lake. "The Gardens are but the first step in traveling to the First World. They exist somewhere between the First World and this plane. Though, as with this portion of the prime material plane, it is only a matter a time before the First World subsumes both realities."
She now turns around and looks you in the eye. "Before you enter the Gardens you should know a bit about their history. Long ago in the lovely land of Iobaria there lived the beautiful half elven princess, Caerwyn, with her human lover and mage Porpherio Profoundeus. It was there on her estates that together they laid out and built a large garden. It was an early paradise, serving both as a symbol of their enduring love and as a seclusion to which they could retire, when they so desired."
"They stocked their garden with the loveliest plants, all those growing things most delightful to the elven folk, and encouraged the gentler creatures both fantastic and mundane to make it their home. Then Porpherio laid enchantments on it to enhance its beauty and pleasantry to beguile and tease those honored few who on occasion were invited as guests to enjoy the garden of their hosts."
"Lovely it was, beyond compare, making the gaudier gardens of the eastern monarchies vulgar by comparison; a gem set in the crown of the land of Iobaria. A place of hushed peace and serenity whose music was birdsong and the drone of bees; where majestic trees made pleasant shade in golden days and strange, lovely shadows in silver and indigo nights. Where days and nights were heavy with the perfume of a thousand different blossoms. So there Caerwyn and Porpherio lived their life of love, and with their garden became a living legend, inspiring bards and poets with the story of their mutual devotion and the beauty it brought forth."
"But, alas, all flesh is mortal and even elves must die. So it was with Caerwyn in the fullness of time, and the ending of her life was like the sadness after song. After her passing Porpherio caused a marble tomb to be raised in the midst of the home that had given them both so much delight. Then he went about and on their paradise placed new enchantments of a fiercer kind than heretofore to guard and preserve its peace from all intruders. Porpherio thus protected the fabric of his garden, but to tend and nurture the living things he called upon the Green Man to dwell in the garden forever. When these tasks were done he ceased his personal magics and allowed his own life to slip away, leaving instruction that he and she should lie together for all eternity in the tomb within the garden of their love, so that even in death they would not be apart."
"So it remains to this very day, inviolate and impenetrable, a place where none of ill intent may hope to intrude. There have been those who have tried, spurred with greed by the stories of great treasures entombed with the two lovers. For that is always the way of man - give him a mystery and he need must solve it, whisper gold and he need must have it; but within the garden none have as yet accomplished either. Most failed to even obtain entrance to the gardens, of those who did, some have returned after a long absence - their minds and memories curiously disturbed. But, for those pure of heart, the gardens may impart wisdom and knowledge beyond what can be achieved on this earthly plane."
"The dais will teleport you to Porpherio's Gardens. On the other side, a similar dais will teleport you back, when you so desire. I cannot travel with you - my role is to guard these woods from those whom would destroy this land. Tread carefully in the Gardens - the Green Man brooks no transgressions."
The paladin Akiros also joins you in town. "I have more bad news. The Stag Lord has resurfaced. The rumor is that he has founded a rival settlement in the Narlmarches. Several of the former bandits have left for his camp, including Ayles Megesen, Falgrim Sneeg, Dirty Jeb Megesen and Jex the Snitch. More may leave if morale doesn't improve. The settlement hasn't completely recovered from the scourge of the black rattlecap epidemic."
Seres groans. "Good riddence to them, if they believe the Stag Lord will give them a better life, which is highly questionable. Idiots. I imagine Nugrah is with the Stag Lord as well."
"More concerning is the state of New Hope. We need a victory, and a visible one, fast!"
Veronica says, "We need to finish him for good! And the twice-betrayers have earned themselves the rope with their treachery. It feels like our course is clear."
Larisa tentatively goes to step forward before hesitating, turning sharply on her heel she points at Greaves and Aeron. "You two should stay here, me and my friends got involved with this mess to save you and your coworkers. If you two get killed or worse wandering the first world it would have been for nothing. Stay here." She says sternly before turning back to the dais, resolute as she places a hand on the stone.
Just as quickly as she made her exclamation, Veronica smacks her forehead. "Urrgh. I got so angry hearing that the Stag Lord is back... our first order of business is to visit that dryad and try to fix Melianse's grove, so that we can get Larisa back, of course."
"I am no expert, but full moons and silver are what I will stick with. As much as I want to leave immediately for Larisa, I feel we need to stay up and lay a trap for this beast tonight."
"We will hustle tomorrow to make up for lost time "
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Veronica nods. "Sadly I don't know much about werewolves beyond the common folklore - silver and wolfsbane. Not being one myself it has never been a major topic of study."
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"I know very little about were-creatures. For what its worth, this could also be an angry druid."
"I hadn't thought of that. Nugrah?"
Seres shrugs, "Certainly possible. I don't want to seem paranoid, but his influence could be behind any number of our recent problems."
You know of the legend of the Green Man. In folk lore, he is a demi-god whom cares for plant life of all types. He is worshiped by many druids and is a prominent aspect of what is known as the Green Faith.
Greaves and Aeron nod with relief and back away from the pool.
Melianse turns to leave. "You are forbidden from returning to the lake until your friends have completed the restoration of the grove."
She then motions to the water of the entry tunnel and a column rises and forms once again into the huge, armored skeleton.
"Hydran, allow no one to leave this chamber!"
You have heard of werewolves and are aware that their lyncanthropy is triggered by the moon. You are unsure of their weaknesses.
Jax turns and looks over the growing settlement. "Luckily, New Hope is still relatively small. We should be able to identify anyone acting suspicious."
Around you workers are building houses and farmers are plowing fields. A main street of sorts is forming between the barracks, jail, stable and stockyards. You note that many of the colonist still reside in tents on the edge of town.
Seres will ask around, trying to find information about any relative newcomers. Perhaps someone saw a person wandering to or from the copse.
Turning away from the fey and the others, Larisa enters the garden.
You step onto the dais of glowing arcane runes and suddenly you find yourself standing in the middle of a 20 foot diameter ring of large toad stools. The ring stands in a small grassy clearing in an idyllic woodland. Seated on five of the larger toad stools are five diminutive figures with pointed hats, red cheeks and bright, cheerful clothing. They are grinning at you.
Larisa gives the figures a small wave as she walks into the clearing. "Hello." She says, looking around. Not what I was expecting She thinks to herself as she kneels to rub her hand through the grass. It all seems rather, normal. I guess I need to find the Green Man, maybe he can tell me about Narissa. But how do I go about that.
Larisa thinks for a moment before standing up and walking over to the tiny creatures. "I don't suppose you could help me, I'm new here and I was told that the Green Man lived here. Do you know where he is?" She says, standing in front of them with a hand on her hip.
Connor will move about the city seeing what he can pick up about the murders from the settlers, spending a few moments here and there to check on their work, ask questions about their families, and where they need help, making a note of it for later.
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With Seres's assistance, Connor is able to determine from the town's people that neither victim seems to have had any enemies. A few locals ominously add that wolves were heard howling on both nights, and the word werewolf is muttered under one speaker’s breath at least once.
After spending the day with several families, Connor finally comes across a farmer whom reports seeing something odd in the early morning. "A strange, quiet tribesman has come to town recently. He’s been spending much of his time drinking or sleeping in his tent.
I've seen him staggering back to the tent at dawn."
The farmer points to a lone tent on the edge of town, in the shadows of the forest.
I'll show myself out.
You're fired.
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Seres inclines his head towards the tent. "Shall we?"
"Let's be cautious, but also not assume because one man pointed out a stranger that he is guilty," Connor says fatigue and worry starting to tug at him.
He leads the way.
You find the tent door flapping ominously in the wind. The tent appears to be empty. A solitary bedroll and backpack are the only items in the tent.
You find a single golden earring under the bedroll - still attached to a bloody, severed ear. You remember that Saki had a similar earring - and also happened to be missing an ear, among other body parts.
"No one home, should post a sentry here just to see what happens this evening. Any volunteers? Anyone with a silver weapon, for that matter?"
Connor will look for tracks and see if they are recognizable as the ones departing the clearing.
-Posted with Wayfinder
Connor finds multiple tracks leading to and from the woods. It is unclear if they are the same tracks as the ones at the crime scene.
Connor grimaces, "Good find, Zeke. Looks like it's not just xenophobia. This is our guy."
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The dimunitive humanoids slide off of their toad stools and begin approaching you. They chant in unison:
"The river o'er yonder appearing
has five bridges, of which you are hearing.
The problem we set,
Is how do you get
Across each and return to this clearing?"
You note that carry small oaken cudgels.
Veronica says, "It's not total proof - could have been from some other fight not related - but it's not a good sign, either." She crouches down and checks the floor of the tent for any more tracks and especially signs of claw marks.
"I see, thank you." Larisa says, noting the cudgels and backing away before briskly walking to the river.
How hard can it be to cross a bridge? You just walk over it. She thinks, looking over her shoulder to check if she's being followed.
Frowning but silent, Seres aids in the search for clues.
Seres and Veronica find no further clues after searching the tent.
Outside, the sun sets below the horizon and casts New Hope in shadow. From the somewhere in the distance you hear the howl of wolves. Veronica's companion, Moondancer, sniffs the air uneasily.
Jax looks nervously at the darkness of the forest and turns back to you. "Well, what now? The moon will be rising in a couple of hours."
Larisa sees no one following her.
The diminutive fey continue to press you while chanting.
"There's a fountain somewhere in this garden
Whos waters, we hear, sometimes harden,
But a drink now and then,
Cures all of our ken,
And may even bring forth cries of 'Pardon'."
Suddenly there is a flash and then Corax, Greaves and Aeron appear next to you on the teleportation circle. Corax smiles at you broadly, "We're here to rescue you!"
The fey scatter into the shadows of the toad stools.