After Quince's speech and along with everyone else's cheers, Kev raises his bow into the air, HUZZAH! ... ERASTIL SAVE THE WARDEN KING AND QUEEN! ... ERASTIL SAVE THE WARDEN COURT! ... ERASTIL SAVE THE WARDEN ALLIES! ... ERASTIL SAVE THE REALM OF GREENWATCH!"
Kev looks at the book and he grows with enthusiasm, he then looks at Jorne, "It would be an honored to learn the Elven Teamwork tactics with you. I am primarily an archer. What about you?"
While shaking Krazok's hand, proud in himself helping to fix a diplomatic problem, Kevros whispers to Krazok, "There is still a chance of you being a King. If you are interested, Warden King Quince, our most trusted Wardens, and I can discuss it at another time?"
After Katrina announces Stalker's upgraded discipleship, station, and name, he walks over first putting his hand on Kirren's shoulder and then man hugs him, "Congratulations Brother Kirren! You are most deserving of your new station and name!" He then stops hugging Kirren and looks at Katrina with loving eyes, "Take care of my Katrina when I can not."
Later when he hears about the book, Kev eyes light up, "Now that sounds cool!"
Kev nods and smiles widely at Katrina, then gives her the elven sign for my heart belongs to you, "My love only belongs to you and no other. And I will please you as long as I am mortally able. Congratulations, Goddess of Life! Although Goddess of the Kind Heart would have been more fitting" He then wonders if Erastil would be mad or felt betrayed if he went to worship his love in more ways than one?
Kev joins Quince and Katrina in reviewing the book with the ritual to make all horses into Kirren's horse or something like it. Kev looks at the ritual, then looks at Katrina and Quince, "That looks and sounds cool and I definitely want Hala to be a Ghost Horse. I always did like Kirren's horse's abilities!" Kev then whistles for Hala while Scram helps herd them all over for the ritual.
Like in all things or tries to anyway, Kev helps Kat with the ritual since they are both Priestly. He then looks to Quince to see if he will join them in the Ghost Horse Ritual.
"Katrina takes her time with the spell with anyone's help and soon one horse after the next gain the ghost travel ability. The smoke condensing into magical runes which take the template from Stalker's mount and infuse into the others. It takes a long time an hour for each horse but it will be worth it after the long night."
Quince now that the horses are in place begins to assist Katrina in the ritual.
Quince now that the horses are in place begins to assist Katrina in the ritual.
... and Kev
The next day Katrina just uses her normal cooking skills to prepare breakast of wyrm steaks.
He is walking around and once all of you come for breakfast he mentions his plans, ”Troll hunting. I know you need some exploration done. I suggest my troupe to head South West. Anything that seems too dangerous we will mark and come together for those high threat targets. How does that sound?”
He is walking around and once all of you come for breakfast he mentions his plans, ”Troll hunting. I know you need some exploration done. I suggest my troupe to head South West. Anything that seems too dangerous we will mark and come together for those high threat targets. How does that sound?”
He is walking around and once all of you come for breakfast he mentions his plans, ”Troll hunting. I know you need some exploration done. I suggest my troupe to head South West. Anything that seems too dangerous we will mark and come together for those high threat targets. How does that sound?”
Quince invites Krazok to view his map. "Here are some sectors that we want to know most about. Simply because they are close to the capital. They certainly are South and West."
Tristan nods agreeing as Quince goes over the map.
"Yes, we can explore those areas, do you think I will find a troll there? Anyways if you do find a troll run from it so I can kill it, or at least down it so it can regenerate." Krazok relays.
Packing up his mount Axebeak first and then walking leading it forward. With Jorne and Selena in his wake the four head South West.
He makes his orders clear to his captains, "Larina and Svetlanna make sure that the loot and what wyrm meat can be carried is taken back to the capital with the Wardens. I will be joining Krazok and his gang for now. We should be back to the capital in about a week, if you don't hear from us in three weeks send out a search party."
He whistles and his draconic mount comes running up and he takes hold of the saddle and in a graceful move mounts up and quickly joins Krazok.
He packs up his tent and other items into his large sack, which looks small on the tall man. He smiles and nods at Katrina, "Thank you again for the wonderful meal. It is invigorating. I will be joining Krazok as well unless you want me to be with you for this transitional time?"
She shakes her head and a bright smile can be seen under her dark tresses. She is positively glowing as she calmly replies, "No go be with him. I sense he will need your help more than the help you can give me. Plus you need to look into that scepter and see what can be done. I have my disciple and my love, let alone all the Wardens. I will be fine. Plus the beast was put away. Thank you again, and until next time may the road be blessed to you."
Kev looks at Warden King Quince, "So what is on the agenda Warden King? Are we heading back to Elkheart? It would be better if we did unless we have something more pressing out here?"
"Agreed. Should we just use the horses to go back or head south and then west to get a look at some other locations." He points to the map.
"Agreed. Should we just use the horses to go back or head south and then west to get a look at some other locations." He points to the map.
Kev shakes his head in disagreement, "Although it would be more efficient to check undiscovered acres, with are new undead threat, I would feel more comfortable to have my bow upgraded. However, we are a team, and I will do what the team decides to do without quibble or further quibbling if you feel I am quibbling now?" Kev smiles with his last comment waiting for the tease.
"You are probably right we are burdened down with a load too."
"I agree you are quibbling!" She says serious as she walks up and then the smile breaks and she laughs a little before getting ahold of herself. Merrily she says, "I think we should take the load to Elkheart, check in and settle for a bit before heading out again."
"Yes we need to return the hall and search and secure more land to safeguard our people and budding kingdom."
"To Elkheart then."
With a smile and sticking out his lower lip, Kev replies, "I am not quibbling." Then retracts his lip and winks at Katrina.
"Then let's return to Elkheart, conduct our Elkheart courtly duties, spend some quality time with family and love ones, then prepare for the field once more, and head out."
Kev helps Katrina and then mounts his steed, "Shall we test out our steed's new powers or leisurely stroll back? My in-a-hurry human roots say yes but my elven roots tell me to leisurely stroll back. Time is but a road bump."
Then Kev looks around, "Hey?! Where is Warden Sota, Warden of the Scroll?"
Quince pours himself in to the business of the city and the dutchy upon return. Stealing moments here and there with Angeus. He seems to be energized by seeking to help the people. He speaks at length with councilors and makes preparations for the new holiday to be remembered.
As has long been his custom Quince rises early to greet the sun and hopes to see the sight of a fleeting creature that the activity of human activity often drive to hiding. In his prayers he includes an invocation taught to him by Katrina. He makes his way back to his room after a visit with Scram. When he returned to his room to finish getting ready for the day he moves the sheets on his bed and notices a rolled up piece of parchment. He loosens the binding and unrolls the paper. He chuckles to himself when he sees it is written in Angeus' hand. He thinks wistfully a moment knowing her playful side. He begins to read the letter.
"Dear Quince, You are so suited for the life that the Wardens have carved from the rough stone of the Greenbelt. I know that the Greenwatch will flourish with you as its leader. I have known too long and acted to little on my own knowledge that while this life suits you it is an anchor holding me deep under constraints I will not bear. The fey in my heart longs to run the wild to go where I will, be where I will. As such I cannot yoke myself with a crown. I renounce the title as I will not allow others to suffer for my freedom.
I love you and I know you love me. Though I know you long for a marriage and more constraints of family yet more tethers on my soul. Why are you so stubborn? I offer you all of me but you seek a promise to others to some obligation. Your devotion is something I admire, but do not understand.
I long to see the land that the Wardens will make. I will continue to seek out mystery and threats helping where and when I can. But I was never one for people to look up to, to follow, they need to follow their own paths. I need to follow my own path. I am sorry."
Quince reads and rereads the letter. He runs through a gambit of emotions. I saw this coming you know. I prayed against it. I hoped that in marriage we would find new joys to chase. He lays back in bed. I can only hope to forgive you for fearing what you will not try to understand. I am not sure how your people will take it. Quince remains quiet for some time gathering his emotions and strength I wish I had your freedom Fey Princess. I will have to swallow my grief.
Quince makes his way to a late breakfast and seeks out Tristan, Kevros and Katrina. He spots Sota in his determined walk and attempts to be avoided, but his shoulder brushes a door frame as he tries to exit before being noticed.
Finally, Quince finds the others, "I have troubling news. Its . . . Its Angeus. She has left." He offers the note she left for him as they flood him with questions. "I feared this . . . I proposed some months back she said no. She is not one for . . . What she sees as the trappings of family." He looks away a moment. "When she was stone I thought things over. In a way I had not imagined before. This is not pleasant but somehow I understand her . . . Even if I wished different." He swallows and looks clear eyed at the others. "Well I am not the only one she has left. She leaves fellow Wardens and a people as well. I am sure in her mind she is preventing greater pain later. Perhaps she is."
"Sorry my friend I'm not sure what else I could do for you. Please lean on your friends at this time. We are here for you."
Upon return to Castle Elkheart, Kevros first helps secure the treasure, dispatches runners to move the Tatzlwyrm meat to Castle Elkheart's pantries, helps Katrina with any unloading she may have to, he then secures his gear, then checks up with the generals to check status of the kingdom, then cleans up, and passes out on the first night back.
Starting the next day, Kev joins any and all of the court meetings. Then speaks to his generals about the status of the kingdom, what they need, and writes down any suggestions they may have to bring to court to discuss. Some time during the day, he requests the Castle builder to move Katrina's suite next to his and Kirren on the other side of Katrina. And to get to Katrina suite, one needs to go through Kirren's room first.
During private free time, Kev asks Katrina, "In the human world, the wedding day belongs to the bride. In Elven culture, it follows a joint natural path. So the Goddess of my Love, what day shall we marry?"
Kev pauses and dreamily stares into her eyes, "I've been meaning to ask but we have been so busy. And what kind of wedding shall we have, something reserve, a major party, or make it kingdom wide and making it a kingdom holiday or something?"
In between his other courtly duties and courtship, Kev hires the trio of Wizards to start work on his bow immediately so it will be ready before they go out next. He directs any Warden interested to them so they can make items for them and entice the trio to establish a shop in Elkheart and thrive here. However, he makes sure his bow is priority since it is a significant item for him and the Warden party.
With a somber face, Kev responds to Quince, "I am sorry this has happened to you but do keep in mind, women are fickled creatures and can change on a dime." Kev looks at Katrina, smiles, and winks, "As long as she is alive, she can always change her mind. And just because she doesn't want a family, doesn't mean she doesn't love you and you can visit her? Part of love, companionship, and marriage, is making compromises. If you still love her, show her that you still support her and maybe you can continue your relationship outside the Castle walls? And maybe one day, she will come around and come back? As far as I am concern, and since she has done nothing to hurt the Wardens, Once a Warden, Always a Warden and still a Citizen of the Greenwatch!"
Quince thanks both men for their support. "Women fickle this one is half fey." He smiles. "I of course love her, if give the opportunity to support her I will. As for our relationship she has more free notions of what is permitted than I was raised with but perhaps my tutor in Erastil's values was on the conservative side. She will of course always be counted a Warden and I am sure she serves the people even now." He shrugs, "I appreciate all of your support. I wanted to bring it to your attention as we will have to address that our queen at the very least is away publicly."
Kev smiles, "I am sure Erastil is quite please on how you are handling your relationship. As for the public address, I would just say that she has stepped down from public appearances and that she is always serving the Citizens of Greenwatch. I think anything else will have a negative impact on the public?"
Sota spends his time in Elkheart simply taking time to enjoy himself as only fairy in a position of power can. He teases farmers, declares certain breeds of flower to be currency (though worth 1/27th of a copper, exactly), uses prestidigitation to draw on windmills, and goes hunting for the most evasive prey of all - average roaches. All in all, he lets loose the internal chaos he keeps at bay when attempting to be serious in his Warden position around his friends.
He shows up to Quince discussing his loss with Kevros, his glamered armor illusioned into a hunter's garb, with charcoal in his face for camouflage, and interjects suddenly. "I had a girl leave me King Duke Grand Emperor Your Warden Highness. I just got a kitten. She tried to eat me when she grew up but until then she was fun, and by then I forgot the girl's name. Was it a girl? Might've been a boy. It was definitely a brownie. Too many fun jokes. Oh he was a laugh. I miss ol WhatsHerName. Except when I think of barn cats."
He shrugs. "You're the king. You can marry anyone. Love is fun. Lovegoes away. Fun is around every corner. You want a half fairy? Make one. I'm sure we can find a dryad who thinks you're cute. Just....build a bedroom around her tree with an open roof and you've got a happy home with a wife who is happy with her tree when you're out. Just watch out for splinters when baby makin...that's gotta hurt."
Kev laughs, "There you go my friend, Warden Highness, love advice from another fey."
"Just what I needed." He smiles then closes his eyes finding an internal grounding place. He looks back at Kevros, "I think you are right as to how to proceed."
Upon their return she thanks her love for his doting efforts to get her unpacked. Then she excuses herself to go check on the cathedral.
In their private time she happily responds to Kevros' questions. "Oh any day would be fine with me, is there a day that you would prefer. Yes we are busy. I would have a private ceremony with just the Wardens, though if you would want to make it into a big thing I am open to that as well, a kingdom holiday just for our wedding... don't you think that is a bit presumptuous?"
At the bringing of the note of Angues' leaving she quickly gives Quince a big hug and a whisper into his ear, "I am sorry." Then after Kev's response she agrees, "Well said my love. We love her too and will miss her. We will track her down again when the time is right." She giggles at Sota's response and then when he gets to the splinters, her side aches from the laughter and to the ground she goes again.
She made the decision for at least some others to be able to communicate with Ash as well so she picks Draconic to be the language he can speak. It is guttural and bark like just as well as Infernal and he will then have two languages he will be able to understand her in. A hell hound who can speak Draconic.
When she gets back she gives Tristan a big kiss and a slap on his shoulder. With a big knowing grin she says, "Until tonight my Tristan." She then helps Kevros with making sure the loot and meat get to the appropriate stores. Checks in on her unit and goes to any meetings Kevros demands since Saren is gone. The rest of the time she is training herself, Svetlanna, or their men at arms.
At night when she does not have duties she goes and spends time with Tristan and his parents. Spending part of the night enjoying herself with her new love and the other half recovering from their rambunctious nightly events.
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Several days after the groups return she comes to court with Larina helping her stay standing. Tear soaked cheeks and blouse she comes to the assmbled Warden's council and lets Larina tell them of the sad news... Oleg is dead.
With likely all the Wardens wanting to look into his death to see if he could be brought back and the cause of his death. You soon find out he died of a heart attack, and looking around at their bed, in a round about way she may have killed him. The best way any man can go out, making love to his wife. He cannot be brought back as technically he died of old age.
He does not leave Larina's side except for Tristan's family's house. He does not fit in it. Though he has made a fire pit for him to sleep in at night letting the embers keep him warm at night.
At every chance the hell hound tries to talk with those around him, more so just the Wardens and their allies than common folk. His Draconic is slowly coming along but the more practice he has the better he can speak it.
Krazok and company make good time with plenty to eat they don't need to forage. After five days the troupe would arrive at the capital. Stories to come later...
sector 22, 23, 28, & 29.
[dice=Wow still no random encounters]8d20Krazok and company make good time with plenty to eat they don't need to forage. After five days the troupe would arrive at the capital. Stories to come later...
Tristan goes about his normal duties and truly is revitalized by the time spent with Larina. He is very sad at the news of Oleg as he has known him since he was a boy. He tries to offer comfort best he can to Svetlana. Other time is spent helping train and play with Ash and Larina. After a few days he comes back to the others to report.
"The horses are ready to go back out whenever we are. I have prepared everything. Buildings and everything is going as planned far as I can tell here."
As Katrina replies to Kev, he continues to gaze deeply into her eyes to her soul with a smile, "I will research and get a feeling which day is best for us. I think I am getting ahead of myself, who wants a Kingdom wide wedding for Marshall but a Goddess, that may be a different story? Let's have a private ceremony and if the populace calls for Kingdom-wide ceremony, we can have one too. As for being presumptuous, perhaps? I never been engaged to a Goddess of any sort before and I know they have their holidays. Sorry for being presumptuous, please don't strike this heathen down." Kev laughs before kissing her then stops to let her speak.
... Later ...
Kev nods to Tristan, "I am ready to go back into the field once my bow is ready and maybe a few other things I need to take care of before leaving. And thank you for the Kingdom update."
"Not a problem, as I see to the defense of the kingdom even when here I'm out and about securing the people and lands. Larina has been invaluable and even more so now with Ash her pet. I would see her put in as Royal Enforcer. Akiros never really wanted the job anyways. He can still work under her if he chooses or retire a noble of our court. It is tragic what happened to Oleg. As he had become a viceroy and voice of the wardens in Olegton. I would suggest Svetlana take his place is she desires it."
Kev nods to Tristan, "I am ready to go back into the field once my bow is ready and maybe a few other things I need to take care of before leaving. And thank you for the Kingdom update."
"Oh, yes I am a goddess. It is... just, it is just strange to think of myself as one. For the most part it is just me. You know the former catfolk turned elf, cleric of life turned full fledged worshiper of Erastil, and now pretty much vassal for Earstil or I could gain my own power. I am new to this and don't have any holidays yet. Though I might start thinking on that. Oh yes you heathen, I am going to strike you down so I can ravage you in your bed." She kisses him back and pushes him back after they finish the kiss.
"Ooh! I need to check with the merchants to see if my items came in!" She happily squeals as she runs off to go look for her brand new items.
She goes to Svetlanna and comforts her the best she can. She does indeed look at Oleg's body to make sure he can't come back for good or evil. She makes the preparations and buries him with Svetlanna's help and any others that want to make the ceremony.
Kev smiles from ear to ear, "Oooh!" He falls back without resistance ... fades into black screen.
With a smile he shouts to her as she runs out, "I hope your items came in!" He smiles and is glad to see her smile and acting like a child during the holidays. He cleans himself up and gets ready for the day. He thinks to himself that he will also look into his bow today.
Kev is there with Kat and Svetlanna hugging in a group hug of sorrow. Kev eyes are teary but does not break down crying. He assists Kat in looking over Oleg's body to make sure there was no wrong doing and if it was time for him to move on and no chance of resurrection. Knowing his soul has moved on, he blesses Oleg's body in the name of Erastil and all gods. Kev somberly helps Kat prepare Oleg's body for burial as well as the ceremony.
Kev proposes either a holiday for Oleg's birthday or the day he died. Without him, and Svetlanna, things could be very well different in the Greenwatch. Or proposes a memorial day for all of Greenwatch's fallen. He seconds any proposal for a Holiday recognizing Kat's ascension. Kev seconds Tristan's suggestion for Svetlanna to take over Oleg's position if she desires it. Lastly, he declares to the court that Katrina and himself will be married this year but the date hasn't been yet set. For now, unless proposed otherwise, Kev and Kat want a small ceremony with the wardens, family, and close friends only.
"Yes Oleg was a good man and gave much. He will indeed be missed." Quince nods at Kevros' words. "We will remember the Greenwatch's first citizen." Quince thinks a moment. "I can only imagine how annoyed he will be that we make a fuss." Quince chuckles.
Quince smiles at the wedding announcement. "Its about time." He winks. "I hope you will consider me for the ceremony."
Kevros joins in the chuckle, "Yes, he most certainly would be annoyed by this extra attention but more than deserves it."
Kev laughs, "Yeah ... Yeah!" Then he nods at Quince's request, "Don't worry, we will consider you."
She nods with Kevros' words stated pleasantly adding, "I am sure you are at the top of the list Quince. Yes Oleg would not care for all these emotions we show over or about him." She quietly laughs a bit thinking about the old fart.
"The first area we searched we found mostly forest, and some swamp land, and a Boggard. We tried interacting but with his lack of common we merely left him alone with his giant tusked frog. Nothing else of particular interest. Though if you are in the area again I would suggest meeting with it." Krazok retells.
"The next area we were pretty much in forest the whole day. Not many creatures to be encountered but if we wanted to do regular hunting it would suffice. No trolls though we did find this thylacine. I fell into the pit it was captured within and after pinning it and working with it, giving it some wyrm meat it became rather friendly."
"The third day we went around the river and through the forest. To find a delicate situation. A band of freelance loggers under a man named Croaxx recently decided to harvest a grove of coachwood trees in a glade, unaware that a nixie sorceress lived in the pool nearby. Melianse the nixie had charmed two of the loggers and they were at a stand still as we arrived. Selena came to my rescue as she talked the two leaders down to talk peacefully about the situation. Melianse let the loggers take the trees that were already felled as long as they went elsewhere for any more trees and we would need to replace the missing trees, we need to find some feather tokens. She said there is a dryad to the North of her and she might be able to help. Though that was out of our searching area we now look for the items. Though on of the loggers did get out of hand and a quick backlash of my hand knocked him out which probably helped with keeping everyone else quiet. She is a nice fey and if in the area a visit would be agreeable."
"Our last day we found the Marthropple Expedition. They were mired in the middle of the river and we quickly came to their aide. Once rescuing the small wagon, the gnomes thanked us. They were attacked by a band of kobolds and were able to drive them off but the ponies attached to the wagon we saved were spooked and ran into the water. Nine gnomes in all with Jubilost Narthropple as their leader, a wealthy gnome explorer. He has many maps and we should go see them before doing any more exploring, he is willing to trade information or we can buy the maps each for 1,000 gp. They are looking for a lost dwarven outpost."
Several reports of attacks on the town have come into to alert the council. A few days ago, some livestock were brutally slaughtered in their pens at an outlying farm; then two people were killed as well-a maid named Saki, who never made it home after her shift at the inn, and a shepherd boy named Beven, who along with the flock was attacked on his way back to town. The townsfolk have begun murmuring about these attacks, fearing the depredations of bandits or of some beast from the surrounding wilderness.
The two human victims were killed on successive nights: the night before and the night before that. Both were killed outside of the town, Saki two nights ago while apparently gathering berries for breakfast, and Beven the next night as he returned his sheep to town. A half dozen sheep were slain as well, with the remaining 10 sheep scattered throughout the surrounding area. The bodies of the human victims and several sheep have been brought.
+4 more for tracks
Tristan will have Ghost get a good smell of the victims, as they should have the scent of their attacker still present as well.
"Seems to be wolves, but coming this close to civilization is odd."
After finding the footprints.
"This is making more sense. It is a guess but I think it could be werewolves. They are trying to cover themselves by going into the trees then walking back out in human form. Worse is they are not just killing but have become cannibals eating on the bodies."
Tristan has ghost sniff both sets of foot prints to confirm the scent is mostly the same or similar enough.
"Someone a bit better with people should ask around town. Ghost and I will see if we can pick back up the scent anywhere."
"I looked in on things with some of the people when I started to hear some news. Lots of talk of wolves. Which immeadiately turns to the talk of werewolves." He sighs "We are in a full moon season."
"We are still small, only a couple hundred people. Should be easy enough to find out if this is true, either some people got cursed or we have new people to town which there are always new people coming in. Perhaps Ghost got a good enough scent to track them."
Kev nods to Krazok in appreciation, "Thank you Grand Champion Krazok for your status report and before I continue. Is Grand Champion a proper title for you or do you prefer something else during court and other meetings?"
Kev pauses waiting for Krazok's response, then continues ...
As for the Boggard, do you believe that the boogard will be an ally of some sort if we speak its language? I don't know much about them so if someone does, please educate me?
"Interesting, a Thylacine, I have read about them. They are kind of a cross between a kangaroo and a large cat but they are their own creature. Did it stay with our departed ways?"
"It sounds like Melianse is our kind of ally! We definitely have to meet with her!"
"As for the Gnomes, do we have enough coin in the treasury for some of those maps. The maps may give us a better idea of what lives or what is in each unknown Hex to us? And in the process, maybe produce another ally for us?"
Kev nods in agreement with Tristan, "I agree, even if wolves are extremely hungry they don't and they shouldn't be that hungry this time of year either.
Since Tristan is better at tracking, Kev assists Tristan in tracking at the kill sites.
[b]"A pack of werewolves are the most probable creature? I never heard of wolves doing this and cannibals? I guess but the bites are wolf and not human. I can see cannibals imitating claw attacks of a beast but not the bite of one unless they used magic?"
And continues assisting Tristan in town ...
Kev asks the town folk about the victims and reports it back to the Wardens, "Neither seemed 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 the speaker's breath at least once. 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."
Due to what has been happening around town, the townfolk seem a little uneasy to give out further information to Kev. Perhaps, someone with more Diplomatic skills and Charisma can coax more information out of the townsfolk? "The townsfolk seem uneasy, Warden King Quince or Warden Sota may have better luck than I did?"