Katrine pitches in for the grisly job of setting up the funeral pyres. Hopefully their little ceremony, basic as it might be, will satisfy the spirits of the dead enough that they won't come back as ghosts. "As we are born from the elements, so we return to them in death. The circle of life turns once more."
Once that's over, she joins the others in studying the trolls' map. "Feathered death... that could be any number of creatures." Probably not a roc or giant eagle, they prefer mountainous territories with plenty of room to stretch their wings. A giant owl is a possibility, though, as is a cockatrice. Sprits, please don't let it be a jubjub bird. One of those was quite enough.
"...especially since there may be remnants of bandits remaining in the land." It was a bandit-run land for so long.
"I long to see Horace again too. Days of trudging through swamps. I could use a good bath and a nice warm bed," she chuckles. It was only due to the magic of her spells her clothing hadn't worn down after such a journey, and still look just as clean as the day she bought them.
Seeing as though they are heading out soon, she then looks in the direction of the newest member of their party: Faerin.
"You happened upon us in our time of need and were of great aid. We'd love to have you on the road with us if you aren't otherwise committed somewhere else?"
"My goal was to see the danger of the trolls dealt with for the safety of all in the area, and in that, you have all been as great a help to me. I am interested in seeing that the danger they pose if put fully to an end, and would be happy to travel with you all. It seems we have some common ground and goals." she says with a smile.
As the druid's eyes scan over the companions, her smile broadens as she gives Katrine a nod, finding a kindred spirit in the woman's affinity for the natural world.
"Perfect!" She exclaims with a returned but wearied smile. "It is also good to see another spellcaster of great skill. I was impressed by your spells earlier. Perhaps on our journey back, I can share with you what I am capable of and likewise, if you are comfortable with it, you can share what you are able to manage? You know, for the sake of future tactics and engagements."
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Katrine smiles and returns Faerin's nod. "It's refreshing to meet a like-minded person." She likes her new... comrades? friends? Are they friends?... but they're such city folk. Faerin gets it.
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Once a camp for the night has been established, and all members of the group are seated around the evening fire, Ahto breaks the silence.
"Now that the danger has passed, perhaps we should take a moment for proper introductions to Miss Cordova. We have given our names and titles, at least, but perhaps you would like to know more about us, or our fledgling nation of Tamlyn? Please feel free to ask what questions you will. I will answer, so long as the question does not imperil Tamlyn's security." He turns to the others. "Each of you are free to do the same."
During that evening, Pelipe will sit around the fire near to Ahto. She will have made a bed from undergrowth and moss. Those with nature affinity will notice that she is selective in selecting moss that was near the end of its life but still comfortable to lay upon. Also she will take moss nearing sunny areas that will likely die frequently. It shows that while she most certainly is a city girl, she is highly educated even in natural ways. She may not know how to skin a deer properly, but when it comes to book knowledge, she is very proficient.
Pelipe will look up as Ahto speaks. She will sit up from her bed. Already, her face has a creamy hue to it rather than the pale worn look she had earlier. She must be feeling better. In response, she nods "Please, yes. Ask anything you would of us. I will be glad to answer anything." She pauses a moment and breaks the ice. "I suppose I'll start and ask you what your favorite hobbies are." Her face seems excited as she looks to Faerin.
"Hobbies...I suppose if there's anything I do solely for enjoyment it would be exploring the wilds...embracing the natural beauty that is throughout these lands, I suppose." Faerin says after a moment of consideration.
"I appreciate the openness. I have heard a bit of a new nation founded in the region here and there, one that some of the fey happen to find especially favorable...and others seem hostile toward for unspoken reasons."
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”Tamlyn has citizens both fae and mortal. Unfortunately, we have enemies both far and mortal, as well,” Ahto replies. ”Most of the hostile
fae seem to either be in the service of, or attempting to ingratiate themselves to a self-styled Queen of the Fae who has decided Tamlyn is her kingdom in the mortal realm. Part of our current political strategy is winning the hearts and minds of as many fae as possible, while losing as few as possible to her influence.”
"Well, there is plenty of exploring the wilds to be had around our home," she beamed kindly and then will nod at her reasoning of what rumors were out there.
"And she is a determined foe..." she adds.
Katrine is seated next to Faerin at the fire, Storm lounging on her other side with his head in her lap. "I'm not very good at the political stuff, I leave that to these two." She nods toward Ahto and Pelipe. "The Nymph Queen is bad news though. She wants Ahto to marry her, and gave him a year to think it over. Obviously he doesn't want to- spirits only know what she has in mind for a mortal husband- so we've got a year to either figure out how to make her back off or kill her." Clearly the ranger is fine with either option.
"It sounds like she poses quite a threat, and would definitely have to be dealt with." Faerin replies, stretching out a bit to enjoy the fire warming her feet. "A year...were it not for the fact that she set that as a deadline for accepting her offer, something the fae will never fail to claim on, it would have been possible that she would forget all about it, as the passage of time for us and the fae can differ drastically. But in this case, there's no doubt she will return on the appointed date."
She considers the words of the companions, good, seemingly trustworthy folk, some with whom she has much in common. "I've had quite a few dealings with the fae, both good and ill, and in fact have a bit of fea blood myself. If you would have me, I'd be happy to help in building the bonds between your development and those who claim the wilds as their home."
"Of course!" she answers. Of course, they will have her with them.
She can detect that Faerin is very trustworthy and trusting. Whatever she saw in them at the onset clearly gives her faith in them. Pelipe would need a lot more to really trust someone's motives and would be asking as many questions about them as possible. Perhaps this is why she volunteers some information:
"I love masonry. Working with stone and gems is sort of my family's heritage. You might even think us dwarves if you do not look at us directly, but only by our deeds and thoughts."
You pass the night taking sanctuary within the portion of the troll lair that was carved by dwarves, since the carefully masoned walls are more comforting than the rough stone of the caverns dug out by the trolls - except perhaps for Faerin. This time also allows you to secure the spoils reclaimed from the trolls in your bags and upon your animals, led up the winding trail up the rocky hillside to the stronghold.
In the morning, you set out east through the forest to return to the more open ground of the Kamelands.
The ground trembles, and soon Munguk the giant comes lumbering out from the trees and skids to a stop before you, inadvertently kicking up dirt, stones, and roots in the process.
"Are we heading back to your place for more drinks?" he asks, quite enthusiastically.
Holding her staff at the ready at the thundering of the approaching giant, Faerin notes her companions' lack of alarm and holds back on attacking as she sees that the giant appears friendly. She passes a questioning look to Katrine.
At first, Pelipe doesn't know what is charging them, but then when the size seems far too different from a troll, she ponders that it might be their friend. When the first glimpse of him comes through, she will announce it and call out to him with a wave, hoping he sees them and stops.
She shields herself and her horse from the oncoming onslaught of dirt stones and roots by hiding behind Ahto and his steed and a small bush.
A smile is on her face as she answers him:
"Indeed, that is the idea, friend. Perhaps in exchange, you can help us with some of this load?" She gestures to the haul they currently are bringing back to Tamlyn. "Oh, and before I forget, this is our new friend, Faerin. You can be friends with her too!" She volunteers openly, hoping the giant will be convinced to do so.
"Sure, sure! I can carry it! I'm super big and strong, see? Much bigger and stronger than my little drinking friends."
Munguk turns his attention to Faerin.
"Oh? Does she know how to grow blue wolfberries?" he asks eagerly.
Faerin hasn't heard of blue wolfberries before, so she concludes they must be a regional cultivar. From the context, though, she gathers that they can be turned into some kind of alcoholic drink - one that is highly desirable to this giant.
With a little research, it should be possible for Faerin to cultivate a crop of blue wolfberries. Of course, it could be tricky convincing Munguk the giant to be patient and wait for them to grow...
"I am sure I can figure ut how to grow them." Faerin replies to the eager giant.
Being quite well-studied in nature, Pelipe is sure that either her or one her other nature-tied friends can point out the berry to Faerin and learn its properties. Together, they can make it happen. And now with him carrying the load for them back to Tamlyn, she also is certain that no monster will be brazen enough to attack them on the road. She can breathe easy the whole way back. Still, she will do her duty and keep an eye out for both magic, nature that can aid them, and threats along the way.
Ah, the friendly giant. Hopefully there's enough booze in Horace to satisfy his giant thirst. Katrine waves to Munguk as they approach. "Faerin knows nature magic. If anyone can figure out how to grow your berries, it's her."
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Pelipe has seen blue wolfberries growing wild in the region during the time she has spent as part of Tamlyn, but she also knows that they are currently out of season. However, she does know of some other fermentable plants that can be found this time of year along your route back home.
Knowing what local growth to look for makes it easy for Faerin and the rest of the party to gather some during your trek, and once he knows that they can be turned into strong drink, Munguk eagerly stows them in his sack for the trip.
As you press on northwards, though, you begin to find worrying signs. Large clumps of savagely upturned soil mark a trail also leading northward towards the borders of Tamlyn. Along this route, you also find the viciously mauled carcasses of prey animals like elk. It would seem that your trail home is paralleling the path of some very large predator.
Faerin studies the signs of the creature's passing intently, looking at the mauled carcasses to gather some idea of what kind of creature they were likely to be dealing with, how it attacked and hunted.
"Well, it seems to be something after prey animals, so it may have its place here in nature. We haven't come across any citizens out here, but let's hope its interest is only food..."
She doesn't like the size it must be based on the bite marks she is seeing. She looks to Faerin and Katrine for any insight before making her own conclusions.
Stayven, too, studies the grisly scene.
Faerin and Stayven's first and immediate discovery is that whatever has been on a rampage out here has been tearing into its prey with talon and beak. While this would suggest some sort of immense avian creature, like a giant eagle or maybe even a roc, there are tracks suggesting that the creature galloped after its prey, rather than swooping down upon them.
While the two conclude that this would normally suggest an owlbear, a predator that is endemic to this region, there is one problem with this explanation: based upon the size of the tracks and the size of the wounds, this owlbear would have to be many times the size of a normal specimen - seemingly the size of a two-story building!
Faerin makes one more observation. This creature left its prey only partially consumed, leaving much of the meat behind. This peculiar behavior suggests it is not merely hunting for food, and instead is on some sort of mad rampage.
" Either this is an owlbear of extreme size and violence or something I've never encountered before. Either case is bad!" Faerin points out as they follow the creature's path with an increased sense of urgency. "We are most definitely dealing with an apex predator, acting on something more than instinct."
"Great, just what we needed." Katrine gazes off into the distance as she tries to think of what settlements or other landmarks are around here.
This immense beast is heading in a roughly northwesterly direction. This will first take it to the eastern shores of the Tuskwater and the shores of the Guldrin River. If the river does not deter the beast or convince it to change its direction, this heading will eventually lead to Horace.
Upon this being pointed out, Pelipe will note:
"What are the odds that there would be an angry Fey-queen challenging you in Horace, and next, the largest owlbear I have ever heard of is heading right for it, killing anything and everything in its path?"
If he gives the order, she's willing to ride with more haste. Perhaps Munguk could be left behind with hopes he will show up eventually in town?
"Damn. It's headed northwest, towards the river. If it can swim, it'll end up in Horace."
Faerin spends some time studying the creature's tracks, the distance between fallen prey, and the damage done to the surrounding area, trying to determine how fast the apex predator was moving.
Stayven sighs and says to Pelipe, "It's enough of a coincidence it seems entirely un-coincidental. The odds are more decent than I'd prefer. That in mind, let's make haste."
Faerin and Stayven are able to calculate the headstart the massive beast has on you based upon the weathering on its tracks and the decomposition of its half-eaten prey.
Even if the river slows it down, it will probably reach Horace a couple hours before you if you maintain your standard pace. You would have to push yourselves to close the distance and catch the giant owlbear before it can cause any mayhem amongst your territory and threaten your citizens.
Of course, you would thus run the risk of being exhausted when the time comes to battle the beast.
"Were I familiar with your stronghold, I could send a message ahead once we were within 7 miles." Faerin points out as they move.
"Animal messenger! Of course." Katrine puts her bow down and starts digging around in her pack. After a minute or two, she comes up with a scroll, a sheet of parchment, a pen and ink, and a piece of twine. "Here, Ahto. Write a warning to the town and sign it so they know it's legit. I'll call a hawk to carry the letter to the castle, hopefully someone will be there to take it."
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Ahto accepts the paper, quill and ink from Katrine and finds a spot to sit down and write.
Captain Garess,
An owlbear of enormous size is rampaging across the countryside, and is moving towards Horace. It is currently approaching from the southeast. Muster the garrison and any able-bodied militia to stand ready, should it reach the capital before we can intercept it. Inform Melianse, and any sprites and pixies you know to be loyal to Tamlyn, so that they may spread word amongst the First Citizens.
I trust in your good judgment on how best to deploy forces, but be aware that the creature is far larger than is typical of its species. Pikes, long spears, and ranged weaponry would be my recommendation, as well as deploying riders to keep tabs on the creature's path. It is possible the creature is under magical domination, and may therefore take actions that are not typical of a creature behaving on instinct.
Know that I and the other Councilors are currently in pursuit of the beast, with the intent of intercepting and destroying it before it reaches Horace or its outlying settlements. We will do our utmost, but do not rely on our success. We do not know the full extent of the beast's might.
For Tamlyn,
First Councilor Ahto Ulrych
Ahto fans to parchment to dry the ink, then holds it out to the others for their perusal and consent.
"Will this suffice?" he asks.
Pelipe can shapeshift into animals or creatures that will help, but the duration will not last long enough to help, so she keeps silent and is thankful Katrine has a messenger at the least. Besides, if she does shift and fly there herself, it will leave her weakened if she isn't careful. The hard ride alone will jostle her enough as they hope beyond hope to catch up. Thankfully, her horse is fast and light on its feet and has been raised for that purpose. It truly is a beautiful beast.
Before they send the animal messenger away, she doesn't hesitate to quickly read the letter and nod her approval.
"I think a quick notation of it being as large as the previous beast we felled might be a good thing to note as a postscript."
They had all felled a massive beast in the farmlands not long ago and he would well remember that (assuming the Owlbear seems that size).
Katrine nods as she reads Ahto's letter. "Yeah, maybe give them an estimate of how big 'enormous size' is. Other than that it looks good."
Once Ahto is done making any postscripts, the ranger pulls a piece of meat from last night's dinner out of her game bag and begins to read the scroll. After a few minutes, a large goshawk, probably female from the size, swoops down through the trees and lands on a nearby branch. Katrine gives her the meat and carefully ties the scroll to the bird's leg. "Off you go now." The goshawk takes off, turning in the direction of Horace.
"Here's hoping she gets there in time." Katrine mounts her horse, checks to make sure that the lead rein to her mule is secure, and whistles for Storm. "Let's go!"
With a nod, Faering nudges Azalea into gear, getting her going with the rest of the group before gradually picking up speed.
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"Good luck," Ahto says to each of his companions, as they speed off in the direction of the owlbear.
Knowing he will likely be the last to reach it, Ahto nevertheless does his best to pick up his pace, and move with purpose. He places no expectation on Pelipe (or anyone else) to wait for him, though he would most certainly not be averse to her company.
Faerin rides like she's never ridden before, following the past of destruction and calling to her new companions to follow whatever massive beast was laying waste to anything in it's path.
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Katrine expertly guides her horse through the forest at a gallop, Storm running at full speed alongside her.
The owlbear is leaving such a large and obvious trail, Katrine could have followed it as a child. She and her faithful wolfdog are on the hunt!
Pelipe rides as hard as she can.
Stayven tires himself out keeping up on horseback while feeding advice drawn from his cartography knowledge to supplement everyone else's wilderness experience. Thus, you gallop along the most expedient paths among the hills and scrubland to catch up to the rampaging monster. The torn up ground and the killed prey become fresher, signifying that you are closing the distance.
Finally, you crest a hill and the beast comes into view.
It has begun to wade into the waters of the Guldrin River to make the crossing northward. The distance and the depth make an exact size assessment difficult, but it is undeniably big. If it reaches the borders of Tamlyn, which are currently about eight miles from the river, you imagine it could smash apart farmhouses like it was uprooting trees.
The animal messenger must have reached Horace, for in the distance beyond the river you can see some members of the militia on horseback racing towards the Guldrin. Flashes of light alongside them suggest that they are being accompanied by some of your fey First Citizens.