"Are you having a tea party over there?" she shouts.
"Lumps ARE involved," He calls back, "But no."
Everyone is in the fight so Zethyris moves amongst his friends to stab and nick at all of the exposed innards of the roots opened up by previous attacks. Isham ducks under the filling branches, takes a step or two farther into the root structure and swings the mighty axe severing an entire cluster of roots near the base. The trees remaining roots begin to groan and creak and Anastasiya fires more arcane energy into the unnatural tree splintering a large chunk of the bark open revealing almost flesh like insides that begin to seep and ooze pus and blood. Jediah sensing that the tree is nearing the end cries out, "Die you stupid tree!" while severing another root causing several nearby to begin to splinter from the weight above. At the base cracks can be seen moving across the rest of the roots, splinters begin to erupt outwards as the skinnier of the remaining roots shatter and Rutilux again swings his flail sideways smashing the last of the anchor roots on this side.
With a crack like thunder the trees remaining roots on this side snap under the weight of the enormous tree and the sound of tearing comes from the back as the other roots behind it are torn violently out of the soil as the tree collapses downwards towards everyone.
Rutlilux glances up, sees the tree start to crumble on top of them, then tries to leap clear only to find himself not fast enough, and he is pinned under the damaging fall.
"One day, I will have descendents. They will read of my explots from my memoirs.
This part will not be in it."
Argh!
As the tree falls, Zethyris only has time to realize he did not factor the girth of the roots into his plan to avoid being trapped. The tree tips over, the roots he was hacking at now falling onto his chest. Should have stepped back a bit farther... The crushing weight on his torso almost makes him black out, and he hears something snap sickeningly. "Ungh, can I get some help here? I'm stuck," Zethyris grunts.
Jediah struggles to free himself.
Rutilux tries to find a safe pace to slowly but firmly exert his muscle to free someone near him, giving them a chance to wiggle free more easily. If no one else is close enough TO help, he'll settle for freeing himself...
if he can.
Julian and Anastasiya are the only ones free of the tree. With no-one else to help them and with the tree far too large for anyone underneath to move Julian is forced to use his katana as a machete to chop and cut away at the tangled roots and branches until he can free someone else. As the time passes each of you are freed from the carcass of the tree. You are forced to drag Isham's body out from under the tree by leveraging Jediah's glaive and also digging the ground out from underneath him but he is still alive. After Dagmar tends to everyone's wounds you all finally have time to look at the remains of the tree and the gristly sight underneath it. Below where the tree grew sits a mass grave holding hundreds of bodies in various states of decomposition but mostly just bones. Scattered amongst the bones are:
Half-plate Armour
Falchion
Greatclub
Saddle-bags containing two bottles of strange potions and a scroll
An amulet in the shape of an anchor
Gems and Jewels Breakdown
Turquoise 5gp, Blue quartz 2gp, Tigereye 6gp, Rhodochrosite 6gp, Turquoise 6gp, Lapis lazuli 4gp, Obsidian 2gp, Rhodochrosite 2gp, Obsidian 5gp, Blue quartz 3gp, Lapis lazuli 1gp, Hematite 1gp
Coins Breakdown
pp: 1
gp: 21
sp: 80
Cp: 300
Gathering up as much Black Oak as you can carry or drag as well as any times you brave the grave for you begin a much slower track back out of the forest.
The trek out is long but blissfully uneventful and you find yourselves at the outskirts of the forest on your third day. Greeted by man villagers as word spreads quickly of your return.
You have returned to Merroh to check up on your aging uncle, only arriving two days ago to learn that he ventured into the forest with emissaries from the returned Kodiakborne over a month ago and no-one has heard from him since. You were forbidden to enter the forest for fear that the local fae had been angered by their coming.. Feel free to greet them however you feel.
By squirming his narrow frame and pushing with his adrenaline-fueled muscles, Zethyris manages to work his way out from under the tree after he realizes that nobody is available to come to his aid.
Zethyris sighs in relief as the village comes into view. At least the fae was true to her word, and we were not interfered with on the return. Now, where was that ale we brought? Zethyris looks mournfully at his long-depleted aleskin. I could sure use a stiff drink.
When they return to the village, items, oak bits, and bodies in tow, Rutilux accepts the greetings with quiet gratitude. His joints ache from the cold still, and he looks to his compatriots, "I wonder how they will react when we tell them of the fae's accusations, or more of them learn of Ungrill's death?" I also wonder if a hot bath is possible in this frozen land? I feel chilled to my very bone.
Jediah limps back with the group. I sure hope this will be worth it. Lot of trouble for this shield.
A man, who bears a striking resemblance to Ungrill, stands in front of the assembled men of the village. He is as muscled as Rutilux and stands slightly taller than Jediah. Like an illuminated page torn from an old book of Ulfen sagas, Thorvald The Blackshield, Son of Snorri and Kodiaksworn, fair of eye and hair, stands before you. The 26 year old man wears a breastplate of ancient design and a helm that has knot worked eye and cheek guards, a solid spike on its crown and covers the warriors neck with a cowl of chainmail. He carries a masterfully crafted round wooden shield of darkwood studded and worked in silver. An Ulfen style longsword and hunting horn hang from his belt which rides atop a studded leather scale skirt which provides addition protection to his thick leather leggings underneath. His left arm supports the shield while his hand grasps two spears. His right hand remains empty yet closed in a fist held to his side, though the cestus on his arms show that he is never truly unarmed. Wrought iron holy symbols to the gods venerated by the Ulfen adorn his clothing and gear and also mark him and knowing the secret of metal.
His eyes sharp and fierce study all of you as you walk and limp back into town bearing the treasure trove, recovered arms and armor and the body of the fallen Ungrill. Appraising eyes sweep over those of you who are from foreign lands, linger on Dagmar approvingly, and narrow sharply on Anastasiya with a look of knowing puzzlement. Stepping forth a few strides to meet you he proclaims in a loud baratone voice, ”Is it true that Savol Kodiakborne walks the lands of the Sons of the Ursine in the North once more and that you are the heralds of his return to reclaim his birthright!?”
Ana looks through the treasure to identify all magic items:
potion 1:
potion 2:
scroll: , alternatively read magic
Detect magic on everything else, to see if there is a magic aura.
Afterwards, she mulls over how much money she still owes for the dress:
The dress is worth 359gp. Minus 140gp that everybody else already got. Thats 219gp left. According to Jediah we found 85gp in gold and jewels this time. Divided by six, thats a little over 14gp per person. So I still have to pay off 205gp for the dress.
She sighs.
At this rate, its going to take me forever to pay it back.
Ana steps forward to greet Thorvald.
"Hello, Ulfen warrior. Yes, we are." She takes out her pendant and smiles. "I am Anastasiya, princess of Irrisen and emissary of the Kodiakborne. Don't look at me like that. What is your name?"
Later that night, Ana will tell Rutilux - and everyone else who is interested - all they want to know about Irrisen.
After a hot bath, of course.
Oh thanks the ancestors we made it back here safely. I don't think we'd have been a match for anything else that would have cared to attack us.
Dagmar turns to Rutilux. "Ungrill died with honor, helping to kill the beast that murdered his son and who knows how many other people. That knowledge will help comfort them."
Dagmar studies the Ulfen man who comes out to question them. Like Ana, she will take out her pendant and make sure it is visible to him. "It is also true that we are wounded and weary and would a chance to wash up and rest before being questioned." Her voice takes on a slightly scolding tone as she speaks to him.
Rutilux nods at Dagmar's estimation of how people will react, but when the Thorvald speaks up, he cannot help but notice how the man looks much like the fallen guide and warrior, "Pardon, but are you kin to this man?"
Just loudly enough for Dagmar to hear, Isham says sotto voce to Zehthyris and Julian, "formidable heralds indeed."
Julian snickers.
"I see that you hold the pendant of our liege lord, but still claim to be a princess of our enemy to the east who has killed our people and taken our lands, but you have honor and have given your name so I shall give mine. I am Thorvald The Blackshield , Son of Snorri, birth sworn to the Sons of the Ursine, Keeper of the Secret of Metal and Nephew of Ungrill!"
"And to you shield maiden, I have eyes and a nose, I can see you are wounded , bedraggled and covered in shit! But I also see you carry the body of my dead uncle and bear goods that once belonged to our kinspeople. So you must accept my apology that I may have a few questions before you demand our hospitality, resources and shelter. And without giving your name I might add."
Some of the older men of the village murmur in agreement.
Perception check to hear the snicker as Thorvald is watching and listening to the party with great interest.
Sense motive for the snickering
The Ulfen warriors blood is definately beginning to heat up, "I fail to see the humor of this situation, should I take your derision as a personal affront to myself and my kinsmen?!"
"No. I am Julian Itto and I have a fancy necklace somewhere, too. Please excuse my compatriots. An evil tree fell on them and apparently that makes them cranky."
"Tempers run hot when bones are chilled and wounds throb, or when an honored blood kin is lost," Rutilux hopes to head off things before they grow too heated, "First, know that your uncle lead us into battle with the very monster that slew his son. Together, we brought justice upon the creature. Dagmar, who you should not spurn, had no small part in making that possible and is worthy of your respect. I do not know Ulfen ways well, but you have my sympathies for your loss, and your uncle has my great respect for his ferocity in battle. I am Rutilux Talonn, heir of the Talonn line, in service as the others are to the Kodiakborne."
Jediah stands silently and lets Rutilux speak, since he seems to have a knack for it
Damn right I'm cranky and this person is about to replace Julian on my list for most annoying...
"My name is Dagmar Ragnasdottir and the tale of someone's death in battle is better told when the bearer of the tale isn't about to drop from exhaustion. Also, I demanded nothing and I gave my name the other night to your uncle and his kin when we were first here."
Dagmar is obviously hurt, tired and in a very pissy mood.
Thorvald takes a step towards Julian eyes smoldering and teeth clenched, but stops to listen when Rutilux speaks his peace. As Ulfen warrior listens to the knight he continues to look over the rest of the party with steely eyes, but softens in his stance.
"You speak with the wisdom of a skald . . . And I know of you now that you have named yourself Retilux, you have shown courage in the face of danger, defended those who cannot defend themselves, and shown honor in the service of our rightful lord. . .You have not forgotten the face of your father."
The battleborn God has shared
Spoil with me,
My oath at birth was to Soval,
Ungrill lkgave me aid in fulfilling that pledge.
How that maker of mystic
Runes only mocked him
With the death of his son my cousin.
For Ungrill beswore vengeance in lament.
The death of one with broken oaths,
Voids all ones victories,
And commits ones soul unto,
That breaker of vows
I'll make offerings to Gorum,
Though not in eagerness,
I'll make my cousin's sacrifice,
Not suffer silently.
Though this friend's body has failed me,
He followed our ways and Gods,
To his credit he comforts me
With his glorious death.
Ungrill wolf-killer, that warrior,
father, friend, well seasoned in war
Bestowed a bounty
Not to be bettered.
To my art he added
One other gift,
A heart that held
Not war craft only, but love.
His end has come
May Ungrill stand strait
High on the headland
Life fades, All must fall.
I pray I face my own end
Not in misery and morning,
But with a man's heart as Ungrill.
Lo there do we see our fathers,
Lo there do we see our brothers, and our sisters and our mothers.
Lo they do call to Ungrill and our cousin.
They bid them to walk among them in the Halls of Valhalla,
And in whose mighty company they shall know no shame,
Where our ancestors shall live forever!
Thorvald hands his shield to one of his kinsmen as he removes his helm and draws his sword. Quietly four of the men move forward and take Ungrill from your care and bear his body towards his home on top of Thorvald's shield. As the dead man passes by Thorvald, the Ulfen warrior presses his own sword into his dead uncles lifeless hands and rests one of his spears beside him. As those bearing the burden continue on Thorvald turns back towards the party.
"My name is Dagmar Ragnasdottir and the tale of someone's death in battle is better told when the bearer of the tale isn't about to drop from exhaustion. Also, I demanded nothing and I gave my name the other night to your uncle and his kin when we were first here."
Dagmar is obviously hurt, tired and in a very pissy mood.
"I am also not deaf, you demanded a chance to wash up and rest before being questioned. And it is good that you gave your name to my uncle, but as you can see he is dead and he could not tell me that himself. Those you see assembled here are loyalists from all about the lands come here to see if the rumor of Savol's return is true."
"Come shield maiden, it is a sore day lets not make it more raw. You will get what comforts we can provide and afterwards I am sure we will hear of the stories you have to tell, for tonight we will celebrate Ungrill's death together."
"As to you others, we Ulfen give our names when asking for aid, food or favors. This is because to have ones name is to have power over another person. to gives ones name is to show the other person your good intentions and will, for you have given him power over you.
It is the old way and one that not even all Ulfen still hold, but living in the times and place that we do it is still a useful tradition. Among a people which have long memories and ones personal and family honor are of utmost importance ones name carries great weight. So please fellows tell us your names so that we may all share our own and well come battle brethren among us. My uncles home has a great store of food and drink and he will no longer be needing it, let us share it as friends."
So, with greetings done, Ungrill appropriately cared for, and everyone adquately measured up against each other, Isham looks forward to some domestic comfort.
"Thorvald, I am Isham Tabouri, also sworn to Soval Kodiakborne. Shall we find somewhere out of the weather to speak at greater length?"
...and Isham will follow Thorvald off to Ungrill's house for bathing, laundry, food, and discussion.
Rushing us as fast as his poor legs can handle Dolva comes into sight his breath coming in sputtering gasps and erases.
"What's going on here!?!" he manages to bellow, "Thorvald what are you all doing here near the..." at this point he finally sees the others, "By my ancestors! You've returned. We thought you were lost, how did you survive the forest for a whole month?"
A month?! Oh no..Those tales about getting lost in the lands of the fae for ages. %&#^! what will Kodiakborne think?
"A month?" Rutilux is stunned, "No, it was but a handful of days."
"Thorvald, I am Isham Tabouri, also sworn to Soval Kodiakborne. Shall we find somewhere out of the weather to speak at greater length?"
"Of course let us go to my mother's home, by now Ungrill will have reached there, of course there will be the sadness of his loss, but pendant bearers have told us of his glorious death. Though I came here with these men expecting to find my uncle alive, my heart is unburdened now to learn of the manner of his death. We won't be needing furs this evening for we will set Ungrill alight atop a great bonfire, perhaps we could add some of the black oak upon his pyre as well. We shall also build a pile of stones for my cousin whom we now know for sure fell in battle. But first I shall show you where to clean if it is your custom."
"Dolva, it would appear you have known these people before, but I had not. Ungrill has fallen, but kept his oaths. His life is fulfilled and my cousin avenged. Then it is true, Savol has returned. I intend to join him and fulfill my own destiny that was chosen for me and I accept as my own."
"With all deference to Dolva, if that accords with his plans. We've got some specific intentions for that Black Oak - no offense. I did have an idea for a more durable and living memorial to your uncle. Perhaps over some mulled wine..."
"With all deference to Dolva, if that accords with his plans. We've got some specific intentions for that Black Oak - no offense. I did have an idea for a more durable and living memorial to your uncle. Perhaps over some mulled wine..."
"It would be rude to refuse a drink from you so I won't and you must share a horn of mead with me as well. Especially if you have been held captive by the fae, your thirst must be powerful indeed."
"Tell me of this idea you have."
Rutilux raises a brow at Isham's talk. The words about Captive of the Fae also mildly alarm him. Gone for a month when it should have been less than a week? I think I see now why so many fear the fae. He follows the others.
"So please fellows tell us your names so that we may all share our own and well come battle brethren among us. My uncles home has a great store of food and drink and he will no longer be needing it, let us share it as friends."
I could sure use some of that food and drink... and sleep. Lots of sleep.
"I am Zethyris. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Thorvald.""By my ancestors! You've returned. We thought you were lost, how did you survive the forest for a whole month?"
Well, I hope they didn't get rid of our gear... wait. Did he say one month? Zethyris furrows his brow and tries to recall how much time had passed. We were wandering for a while, but certainly not THAT long. Thrice-blasted fae and their mind games!
"It would be rude to refuse a drink from you so I won't and you must share a horn of mead with me as well. Especially if you have been held captive by the fae, your thirst must be powerful indeed."
We may need to set some things straight about our adventures. The fae DID seem to honour their word about the acorns, but we need to find out more about the 'Devourer'. Zethyris will save his questions for later, however, until a more opportune time arises.
Jediah Mountainstrong.
A MONTH?!? Perhaps the month past while the Ulfen recited his poem. Gods, but does he talk a lot. Seems to really be impressing Dagmar, too.
"Well met Zethyris, wear that armor with pride for you have paid the iron price for it."
"And well met to you as well Jediah and Julian. It apears Soval's influence continues to grow and that he draws fighters from many lands. This is good."
The night is filled with a combination of celebration of life and a mournful remembrance of death. The town's origins populous plus many returning families have turning the almost ghost town into quite the thriving and busy spot. As you can see the returning townsfolk had already started to repair and rebuild houses when they began arriving. The current populace has more than doubled from just over a hundred to close to two hundred and fifty.
As you all sit talking and trading stories you are finally given a chance to sit back and examine the items from earlier free from the dangers of the forest.
Feel free to discuss your plans on what you're going to do next
Before everyone goes to sleep, Andreas the paladin has decided to stay here and spend his time with the fae
We better get back to Kodiakborne right away. he probably thinks we are dead.
Rutilux wishes Andreas well, feeling better knowing one of them will be in the area. Still, when Jediah speaks of rushing, "One more day after all this time will not likely make a difference, Jediah. Others of the town should know of the fae's complaint, and if we are to plant these acorns as Isham suggests then we must make sure they understand they are not to be cut down. And indeed, the people of this town would be wise to plant two seeds for every tree they cut down. I cannot feel our job is fully done here, only started."