"I was being optimistic," Tromaki says, barely containing her exasperation. "I could sense that she was a fellow fey, and there was just something about her that said 'nymph' or 'dryad.'
"Then again, maybe I was just growing impatient. The trek to Tamlyn was taking too long, and it had been too long since I'd seen a good bloodbath."
...
By your reckoning, you are about a day and a half away from Horace when you spot someone standing among the trees, watching you. Before you even have a chance to call out or react, she is already fast approaching. Thankfully, it soon becomes clear that it is Melianse, the nixie ambassador of your First Citizens.
However, it also quickly becomes clear that she is very upset.
"What has kept you?!" she exclaims. "Do you have any idea what has been unfolding in your absence?"
Pelipe doesn't skip over the fact that Tromaki states that it has been too long since she has seen a good bloodbath.
"Why do you need to cause such violence? Cannot fey such as you rise above such inclinations?"
When Melianse comes into view, Pelipe gives her a wave. At her upset nature, the mage looks concerned about what she has to say.
"I hope it is not an unrelated, but entirely different negative issue. I was almost hoping to enjoy a moment of peace in the city for some time before this nation-destroying witch comes here....some time to get to know Ahto better..."
Pelipe lets out a quiet sigh to herself. Ahto, in his great ability to detect emotions might sense Pelipe's frustrated and yet remains peaceful and calm on the exterior.
Well, this looks ominous. Katrine looks at Ahto, then back at Melianse, wondering what's going on. She can think of any number of things that people might get up to in the absence of their leaders.
"Yes, we received your message, and yes, we arrested the damn tanner," Melianse replies, exasperated. "The 'powerful fey,' as you describe them with such an understatement, is exactly the problem!"
Melianse describes the chaos that has been unfolding as more and more wild fey converge upon Horace. Strange plants grow in the farmers' fields, uncontrollable beasts roam the hillsides, gale-force winds blow in from the Tuskwater, and other flourishes of the First World make themselves known in Tamlyn.
= Unrest increases by 1
= Unrest increases by
= Unrest increases by 1
"How did both he and the Vixen get to be so brave in the face of these threats!?" she considers with arms wrapped about herself.
With Ahto welcoming this Nyrissa, she hesitantly wonders if this will be the end of her story? She has faith in Ahto as her leader now, and it is that faith that drives her forward.
Along the way, she will ask Ahto of various places in his territory that are familiar to him. Perhaps these are places the party have already traveled and are accustomed to. In any case, she hopes to gain a bearing on the land she is in, in case she ever gets lost.
Well, this is sure to be interesting. At least Katrine gets to see her new companions' home now! She pulls her hood lower over her face to obscure her mismatched eyes. It's always safer to be careful when meeting someone as powerful and capricious as a nymph queen.
Melianse leads the party on the last leg of its journey home. However, rather than a glorious homecoming, you are treated to a taste of the mayhem that has begun to hatch upon Tamlyn. The nixie sorceress leads you to a stretch of farmsteads that mark the western edge of your territory.
She points out towards the fields and pastures that are riots of color, thick with flowers and fruit the likes of which you've never seen. Among these wild tangles, you can see farmers struggling to hack through vines and creepers with their hoes and spades in a desperate fight to save their crops and livelihoods.
A mob of small green creatures scamper out from one field of wheat that has begun to wither as fey weeds choke their roots. Hot on the heels of the fleeing creatures, you see Father Kavken and Captain Garess chasing after them. They huff and puff, trying to catch up with the tiny miscreants, but their pursuit is stymied as they stumble over rocks and roots.
"Well, there's the first problem for you," Melianse states dryly. "Gangs of leshys have taken to 'claiming' stretches of your farmland as their personal gardens, marking their territory by cultivating their favorite plants - ones which, as you can probably guess, don't exactly get along well with the plants you need to, you know, not starve."
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”You!” Ahto says, fixing one of the leshies with a stern gaze. ”You will not lay claim to land that is not yours! If you wish to settle here, you will do so lawfully. Bring your family to the Palace and register yourselves as Citizens of Tamlyn. If you do not, you will be arrested. If you resist you will be forced to comply, even unto pain or death, if necessary! This is your one and final warning!”
Pelipe will translate with force into Sylvan, should they not understand the order of Ahto. If they continue to run, fleeing the law, she will ride her infinitely faster horse out in front of them, showing that there is no escape. They must comply. Her eyes flash to her first cousin, once removed. Would Captain Garess greet her with joy or anger? She wonders.
Even before Pelipe translates Ahto's pronouncement, the lord of Tamlyn soon finds dozens of small plant people, each one being no taller than knee height, shivering and cowering before him. They wear cloaks of woven leaves, vests of moss, bits of pinecone armor, and hats made of fruit rinds or mushroom caps.
Kavken and Garess finally catch up and stand behind the cowed mob of leshys, pausing to catch their breath before they can manage any words. During this pause, Kesten Garess notices Pelipe. His eyes linger upon her in a way that suggests he knows she's familiar but hasn't quite remembered who she is.
Meanwhile, Jhod Kavken explains how they've been trying - and largely failing - to drive these plant spirits from the farms before they can ruin the next harvest and drown Tamlyn's arable land with their bizarre fey growths.
Wonky identifies these scared plant creatures as Leaf Leshys, which are some of the most common and (ordinarily) more benign specimens of leshys. They speak to Pelipe in Sylvan, and in tiny, squeaking voices they agree to obey Lord Ahto, even if they don't quite understand any of the legal concepts that he mentions.
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Ahto turns to his gathered Council. "Any and all of you who can speak Sylvan, please convey to the Leshys to repeat my instructions any other rampant fey to follow immediately to the Palace in Horace. Then, if we can continue a Crier's Call in Sylvan as we move, we may be able to pull a significant number of them along with us. We should not tarry trying to gather each and every one. The stragglers will hopefully have simple curiosity get the better of them, and be along shortly after."
In her studies on fey, although limited, she wonders if she has come across these plants? Part of her wonders if they are edible and perhaps delicious. If so, she may have a remedy.
Katrine also takes a critical look at the fey plants as they pass by, dismounting to examine them more closely. She's no expert on the First World, but you can't be a ranger in the River Kingdoms for as long as she has without picking up a few things. Are they edible, or useful in any way? Poisonous? Harmful to animals, and if so, which animals? What's the most effective way to get rid of them?
Strolling along the perimeter of the now-overgrown farmland, Pelipe and Katrine survey the exotic plants cultivated by the rebellious leshys. Some of them look like familiar ferns, ivy, beans, and flowers, just with strange, otherworldly flourishes to their color, smell, or size. Others are almost unknown to you, until Katrine recalls a book of plants from the Mwangi Expanse and recognizes some characteristics.
You don't recognize any of these plants as edible. Most are quite ornamental but quite toxic. However, Katrine also remembers lessons from her parents and begins devising possible ways to derive medicines or reagents from these rare specimens.
Kavken and Garess attempt to describe the other gangs of leshys that they and the militia of guards and Erastilian volunteers have been chasing. From their descriptions, Pelipe and Katrine identify that these other bands of rampaging plant miscreants include common variants, such as Gourd, Sunflower, and Fungus Leshys.
However, Katrine also takes note of details that suggest rarer varieties, such as Flytrap, Poppy, and even Lotus Leshys.
Those of you who speak Sylvan hear from the anxious Leaf Leshys that they doubt that their clannish cousins will likely not listen to them. Instead, they suggest that the "big, scary man" - pointing towards Lord Ahto as they describe him - would be better able to rein in the other groups.
Pelipe hardly feels like a town crier, capable of matching the King's tone, but she tries for those nearby with her much more humble voice to call out Ahto's order in Sylvan. She feels awkward doing so as she likely wouldn't be doing the executing unless ordered to. She looks behind her to see if they are leading a procession inward to Horace.
"This is not what I expected at all..."
Her eyes are not disappointed, but very studious and curious; one could almost call it adorable. As she goes, she makes quick notations of things in her journal, including the mentioning Katrine made concerning the plants. It is not limited to that, however, and she is recording geographical, cultural, and architectural elements as she goes. Her mind also goes to considering what statues along the roadside would look like.
"Sort of like a grand entrance to the center of Tamlyn. Then, as the city grows...it would be a beautiful remnant of its start."
Katrine tells Pelipe and Wonky what she knows of the plants and leshys, hoping that one or both of them will have some insights. "Maybe we can work together to find a use for some of these fey plants. We'll still want to get them out of the farmers' fields and homes, of course, but it would be great if these people could sell or use them in some way. Alchemical reagents, perhaps? Might help offset the damage to their crops."
"Yes," she answers Katrine. "And when some of the farmers hear how much some of these alchemical reagents may be worth, they may want them in a field nearby anyway..." she states in earshot of the farmers. "Tamlyn could very well become a capital of such goods throughout the world, as I'm not sure many places can boast of being welcome to the fey."
When they do set out, she keeps these thoughts in mind as well. Her father was well skilled in trade routes, making money, and handling rare goods. Could he help them?
The leaf leshys follow as you continue your march through Tamlyn towards its capital of Horace. As Ahto issues his forceful pronouncements, you soon find gourd and sunflower leshys joining the strange procession of plant spirits following you. Meanwhile, you catch glimpses of the other, rarer leshys fleeing to scatter into the hills, spooked by Ahto's intimidation.
The farmers and shepherds counted among your subjects do not join the procession. Instead, they turn their attention to reclaiming their land, now that they are freed from the fey mischief.
This changes once you reach the edge of Horace proper. Your return is heralded with shouts of relief - and calls for justice. The residents of Horace shake their fists and the newly arrived fey (ones you can clearly distinguish as not being among the familiar First Citizens of your land) and warn them that they'll face harsh punishment for all that they have done.
Pelipe and Katrine, as newcomers to Horace, find it to be a large town of roughly 3000 inhabitants. Despite being ostensibly a frontier town, the stringent Abadaran building codes has kept the streets orderly and the buildings precisely laid out. The architecture is largely derivative of the Taldan colonial style common throughout Rostland and the River Kingdoms. There are some outliers, though.
The most notable - and sizeable - structure in Horace is the castle, sitting at the heart of town. The design of the stronghold and center of governance is quite unique, the product of Wonky incorporating the best aspects of several different military architectural styles that she has read about.
The library, sitting in the shadow of the castle just to the east, displays even more of the gnomish polymath's innovative architectural designs.
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Ahto directs the caravan and attending mob to the castle. Once they arrive, he takes a few moments to put on the crown and robes of his office. "My fellow counselors, please don your robes. We are going to be paying host to an unexpected guest. We will assume the formalities of diplomatic decorum, until it is clear said guest will not. Arm yourselves as you see fit, but do not take any aggressive posture until diplomacy fails. The rest of you come as well. If it is your desire to serve and defend Tamlyn, bring your arms and comport yourselves as I have instructed."
Crowned and robed, and Burden sheathed across his back, Ahto ascends the stairs of the castle, and enters.
"Ah... what should Pelipe and I do? She's a noble, so she could probably represent her family or something, but I'm just a hunter and wilderness guide." Katrine shifts uncomfortably. It's strange to see Ahto wearing the trappings of rulership. She knew he was the High Councilor of Tamlyn, of course, but it's different to actually see him dressed as such.
Pelipe wonders at Horace. Few fully know or have seen her creative side to its full extent. Even the party have only seen brief glimpses. Many box her in and expect her to be just a noble, sitting and sewing hats or customizing her dresses in her free time, but a world of wonder is before her in Horace. It is a blank canvas and she, the painter.
Her excitement bubbles over despite the sour mood following them into the city and she must voice her excitement to VV and Ahto.
"I like it very much!" she happily hums to Ahto. Over the last few days, she had on more than one occasion expressed her anxiousness about seeing the city.
On top of her excitement, her love for children comes out as she kindly gives little cute waves to each child she sees. It's not every day the king and a bunch of interesting people come into town. It always pleased the children she saw in her home to wave at them and here, she hopes it is no different.
Ahto issues his decree and she nods in agreement.
"I am mud-stained from the ride, and I have nowhere to change or to leave my things for this meeting," she addresses the Tamilynians within her party. "Do you have a spare room somewhere in town I can work for rent, or even a room just briefly use to change into something less travel-focused?"
It is hard to think of herself working as a servant. Going from a noble to nothing. The question, however, shows what she is willing to do to stay and be of help.
"And, Ahto, what do we do about...you know who?" she asks privately concerning their most recent mind-controlling, bloodthirsty fey guest. "Do you wish to have someone keep an eye on her? I feel someone should be warned..."
Once she has completed her conversation with the king, the mage directs her horse to the nearby stables. If she must pay for stabling, she will hand over some of her money. It pains her to feel her money pouch becoming increasingly empty. When her horse is settled, she will return to her friends and ask them about changing clothes. If one of the party does help her, she will make use of the room and will change into a nice outfit befitting a diplomatic meeting. If there is time while waiting in the throne room, and the flowers available, she will fiddle with and make a sort of cute floral tiara or headband for herself that is complimentary to the dress. It is in no way replicating a crown. She wouldn't be so presumptuous. It is, however, very stunning for being just made of flowers. One might wonder what else such a mind could create.
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"The Maenad will join us, as will her entourage," Ahto replies to Pelipe. "If she decides to betray us, it is upon us to minimize the damage she and her slaves might cause. The Citizens of Horace have enough to concern them at the moment. Melianse," he adds, turning to the fey Counselor, "please notify Ash that we have returned, and have her join us, dressed in her Councilor's robes. If any of you wish to take a few minutes to prepare, please do so, but do not tarry long."
Pelipe will approach the Maenad and greet her.
"You are welcome to join us with your entourage in the throne room," she gestures into the castle.
Your steeds are guided to the castle stables, and you make for the council chambers in the keep.
As the councilors of Tamlyn ready themselves, Pelipe has just enough time to complete her impromptu accessory. Addy provides some valuable input and assistance that ensures it is completed just as the party enters the audience chamber.
Scant moments have passed before Councilor Asham comes crashing through the door. Her face is streaked with sweat, and she is clearly out of breath from hustling around Horace. She half runs, half collapses into her wife's arms. Addy, or rather the Vixen, just about scoops up Ash into her arms to lead her into a chair beside the broad, round table.
Asham gives a quick briefing on the situation.
As you've already seen, Captain Garess and Father Kavken had been leading the effort to drive the leshys and other fey beasties from the farms outside Horace.
"They were being assisted by Teuni-Hexa and the local hunters, but they've been redirected to the latest disaster," Asham groans. "One of the fey nobles brought an entire menagerie with them. It was quite the spectacle, and our residents were actually enjoying it - until some of the creatures escaped. Hexa, Vekkel, and practically every hunter and trapper in Tamlyn are out trying to catch them. They've made it a bit of a competition. I'm glad they're having such fun," she says, too exhausted to even hide her sarcasm.
Paval, Eunomia, and Harmond have been spearheading the policing effort around Horace, attempting to get the visiting fey to follow the laws. Tyg and Perlivash have been leading the First Citizens in support of them, and they've...they've been doing their best, but propagating law and order is new to them. Meanwhile, Barris Volklev is been down by the Tuskwater, praying to quell the strange gales blowing in off the lake.
"Father Kavken had previously been assisting him, but the two had...something of a disagreement. To his credit, Father Kavken decided to be the bigger man and step away, leaving Barris to the responsibility.
"My real pity goes to Madame Tremaine and her circle," Ash says, referring to the courtesans at the dance hall. "They've been working almost nonstop to placate some of the more fun-loving fey by keeping them entertained.....With their music and dance, I mean!" Ash quickly corrects herself, with plaintively raised palms.
Katrine hesitates to speak up at first, but her concern for the farmers of Tamlyn overcomes her discomfort at the formal setting. "I'm Katrine Thalian, a hunter and wilderness guide from Cordelon. I've been working with Lord Ahto and his councilors. Do you want me to help round up the fey menagerie?"
Addison's aid and fashion advice certainly help the simple construction. There are the sounds of giggles and laughter at times from the two of them as flowers drop or one twists something the wrong way. In the end, it adorns her crown quite beautifully. Her hair is styled with soft curls in the front in the form of spirals and the rest is done up in typical noble fashion. It may be strange for the others to see her bare neck, as she has not often exposed it in such a way.
At her waist is her cold iron dagger and her spell component pouch, but other than that, she saw no need for much else in her possession. She watches with curiosity as Addy's wife enters. There is a sudden shift in VV's persona and Pelipe wonders if this is common around her. The woman is so out of breath, Pelipe just stands off to the side for now and figures introductions may come after they all learn whether this Nyrissa is here or not.
Despite not being part of the assembled council members, she stands tall and poised--regal one might say. Her hands are folded on her lap as she sits quietly and patiently. As the situation is explained to Ahto, she observes him in this new light with a cute but curious look on her face. If he looks her way, she will give a faint smile, but she otherwise keeps to herself and pays attention with the intent to learn.
"Nyrissa? Aye, we've been hearing that name a lot in the past few days, much to the consternation of our First Citizens," Asham replies to Ahto as her newly returned wife dotes upon the exhausted councilor. "You can easily distinguish our own fey from these newcomers by how willingly they speak or hear that name. Our grigs and sprites? They shudder at the name as though it were the foulest curse imaginable."
However, Asham confirms that the infamous Nyrissa has not yet made herself known in Tamlyn. She then digresses to offer proper greetings to Katrine and Pelipe, the honored guests.
"Where to begin with the menagerie?" Ash groans, briefly cradling her head in her hands. "I don't know what's worse: the exhibits that escaped or the ones still in captivity."
The escaped creatures causing the most trouble are a giant slug, a mated pair of giant owlbears, and something called a pygmy jubjub bird, which (despite its epithet) is still also quite large in size. However, there has also been some unease about the handful of humanoids that they fey owner of the menagerie has kept in captivity.
"Although some of our residents certainly find it whimsical, others find it disturbing to see humans and halflings being treated like beasts. I knew your lordship would undoubtedly take issue with the affront, so I've been petitioning and negotiating to secure their release. So far, though, the owner of the menagerie keeps demanding outrageous compensation for their release."
The Tuskwater is a brown, rocky lake surrounded by cliffs and steep hills. The town of Horace was founded upon its northern edge. Nearly every river in the Kamelands and Narlmarches lead, inevitably, to Tuskwater. The lake experience seasonal floods, brought on by the spring thaw, spilling out into ravines along its length to the west. However, there is no natural reason for gale-strength winds to be localized upon its waters. This must be caused by one or more of the visiting fey.
As Ash takes the time to properly greet her, she will kindly respond with a lovely greeting. No doubt VV and her have talked constantly about Ash in their off-times before bed, so already, Pelipe feels like she knows the woman well. Despite this, Pelipe is formal as any good noble would be, but there is kindness and excitement upon her face to be meeting the woman.
She will continue onward and Pelipe will listen onward. She considers the reportedly missing animals as to whether or not they could cause gales?
"Pardon. I do not dare to insert myself into this court or upon your graces. If you would please listen to me for a moment."
If they consent kindly, she will continue. After introducing herself to the court again for recollection purposes, she continues:
"If it would please the court, I do not offer much, but I have studied weather patterns before during school and their interaction with nature and spells. Such gales would not be natural to this region, as you suspected. The way the Tuskwater is shaped and its natural cliffs would not allow this phenomenon. It sounds like Sir Vokleiv is attempting to ask the divine for aid in this matter." She pauses to show sincerity to his cause. "I do not doubt the gods' ability to aid in this situation. However, from just my most brieftest of assessments--which may be taken as you wish--of the limited fey I have seen in this region, these fey would not be capable to cause such a force to gather. However, such an ability is extremely fey-like in origin and may be being caused by one of the visiting fey. I do not wish to impose upon anyone or blame anyone though. I would kindly suggest, with the most kindest regard to all efforts being made, that another investigation be directed. A two-fold one. On one side, the prayers to the gods continue, as Abadar himself, I believe, seeks this community to thrive...and another, to search out the possibility of a unique fey causing this event in the local region. Perhaps by the gods' wills, we will find one."
With that stated, she bows and removes herself from the center of attention. She has no interest in tromping about unknown forests in search for something. That is someone else's task, but she can't just let them continue just praying when she holds information.
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Wonky takes on Ahto's advice and excuses herself after a few murmurs of greeting with some of the Tamlyn councillors and prominent citizens. She then heads for the library, intent to take a few moments to peruse the stacks and ensure her budding institution's safety in the face of the primal chaos - and to source her stately outfit from her private chambers therein.
Sprocket and Doo-dad waggle after her, their erect tails and ears indicating their curiosity in the environs.
"Humans and halflings in a menagerie?!" At the last moment Katrine remembers not to raise her voice. The ranger is clearly furious, though, one sharp-nailed hand instinctively tightening on the handle of her axe. "This is an abomination." If Ahto doesn't do something, she will. The River Freedoms, one of the few things that everyone in the River Kingdoms agrees on, hold freedom as sacrosanct. Any slave who makes it to the River Kingdoms is considered free.
And this fey dares to flout their most dearly held traditions? Not on Katrine's watch.
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”Since our guest has not arrived, it seems we have pressing matters to attend to,” Ahto replies. ”I believe we need to corral the dangerous creatures that have escaped from the menagerie, free the sentient ones, and bring the Menagerie Owner before the Council to face charges of slave-trafficking. I suggest we leave our Council Robes here, and once again dress for more dangerous duties.”
Asham reports that the menagerie is currently encamped just east of the dance hall and library.
"The owner is a lean, willowy fellow with purplish skin," she says. "Kind of like a lavender flower. He's also dressed like a fop, like he came straight out of some nobleman's ball."
Pelipe seems to agree with the judgments laid out toward this menagerie owner. She does shift slightly at Ash's description of him. There is something in her words that make her wonder if she dislikes nobles. When Ahto asks about how many creatures roam free now, she considers the crimes laid upon this man. Will Ahto ensure that he is responsible for the sins his captives have caused in their wild roaming?
"Will you be needing me, my lord? I am at your service," she answers humbly. While the others are hardened warriors, in her own eyes, she is not. She is weak and has had to be helped along by them many times.
With Ahto's incredible ability to identify true intentions, he will be able to discern that she doesn't wish to be a bother, but does desire to be near him even now. It would be clear that from their experience together, that she enjoys being there with him, but in this specific instance of state affairs, doesn't wish to impose herself and assume she's welcome. This gives Ahto a diplomatic out from her following him about.
"I'll be happy to lend a hand if you want. Hunting is what I do, after all." Katrine would be more than happy to put a cold iron arrow or six into a fey slaver. But she doesn't want to cause unnecessary problems for Ahto; this isn't her country, after all. If the menagerie keeper refuses to negotiate, though... she hopes that Tamlyn follows the River Kingdoms custom on how to deal with slavers.
"According to the last information I received, there were four creatures that Warden Hexa and his hunters haven't been able to manage: a pair of giant owlbears that escaped south and east along the lake shore, a giant slug that has been rampaging - albeit slowly - across the farmlands to the north, and something called a pygmy jubjub bird that was last sighted charging past the sawmill to the west, heading for the forest."
Miss Lightdriver blushes at the mere thought that Ahto might be subtly flirting with her. Regardless of whether it is true or not, she curtseys to him for the kindness of his response. It most certainly makes her feel welcomed among them, despite the separation of not being a council member herself.
"I will gladly enjoy being able to see more of this territory by following alongside with you. I will lend what aid I can."
Ahto once again will detect through his abilities to detect hidden intentions that she more directly means she will enjoy being alongside him far more than enjoying his territory, despite both statements being true.
Pelipe then prepares herself to head back out of the council chambers as Ahto directed. It isn't long before she is back into her travel gear and ready for a fight.
When she arrives back into the council chambers from changing, despite wearing a simple traveler's outfit, because she had made such an effort to gussy herself up for the diplomatic meeting, she looks far more put together (makeup, curled styled hair, and perfumes) than she did after the many hours on the road before. Upon her crown is still the elegant floral tiara, making her look quite adorable for a traveler.
When the group is ready, she will retrieve her horse and makes her way to the group.
In contrast to Pelipe, all Katrine had done before the meeting was clean up, shine her breastplate (not that mithral needs much shining), and pack her bearskin poncho away. Storm was a bit muddy from the road, but that couldn't be helped. Bathing a wolfdog and getting his winter coat properly dry takes quite a while.
Hmm... owlbears, giant slug (Storm will definitely need a bath after that fight), and pygmy jubjub bird. Has she heard of any of them before?
Katrine is quite familiar with owlbears, as they are a woodland threat almost on par with hags and their kin. However, the largest specimens she's ever heard of are only slightly bigger than the largest of ordinary bears. Asham, who saw the beasts in captivity when the menagerie first rolled into town, can attest that these creatures are well over two stories tall.
The immediate conclusion that Ahto reaches is that these exceptionally large specimens may hail from the First World, where the unbridled energies and loosened physical laws of that plane can give rise to such behemoths.
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While owlbears are classified as magical beasts, giant slugs are, surprisingly, naturally occurring vermin upon Golarion. Owing to the lack of glamor and abundance of danger, little research has been done into such creatures and why they grow to enormous sizes. However, the menagerie owner may have found and captured this beast here on the Material Plane rather than bringing it from the First World.
...
Ahto has encountered texts, many akin to frightful fairy tales, that speak of jubjub birds, so he knows that this is by far the most worrisome of the escaped beasts. These nightmare birds stand 20 feet tall and, despite resembling giant versions of the benign dodo found on distant island chains, are actually counted among the infamous Tane of the First World, monsters of legendary power that include the bandersnatch and the jabberwock.
The menagerie owner has billed this creatures as a "pygmy" variety. You can only hope this means the escaped beast is far less powerful than its ordinary, First World ilk, otherwise having it loosed upon Tamlyn and the rest of the Stolen Lands is a disaster on par with an earthquake or typhoon.
"When the jubjub bird escaped, even the dangerous fey 'visiting' Horace scattered for safety, clearly frightened of the beast," Asham says grimly. "I have never heard of such a creature, even in the fairy tales I heard as a child, but I am sure that it is the most dangerous of the escapees."
Katrine nods grimly. It's a good thing she sent that letter to her parents. If she doesn't come back from this, at least they'll know where to start looking for word of her fate. But she's not about to back down. Not when there are so many noncombatants in the area where the jubjub bird escaped. "Agreed. Here's hoping that the pygmy jubjub is small enough for us to effectively deal with."