"Ahto, Faerin, I don't suppose either of you has a healing spell handy?""I take it the soldiers cheering across the river are part of your army?" Faerin asks with a grin as she walks over to Katrine as she rises from the ground, drawing out a slender willow wand that she uses to heal the valiant ranger.
Healed you of 14pts of damage
"Interesting question." Faerin replies, looking at the owlbear carcass as she considers the possibility of harvesting it for meat.
"I've learned quite a few alchemical and herbal secrets. Though I've never dabbled in taxidermy, I'm certain I have a few concoctions that could pertain to it."
"Perhaps one of our friends has the spell available to restore its corpse?" Indicating those who were left back in the capitol who had not joined them. Clerics were the most likely.
She looked around them. "Do you think this was the summation of her attack? Perhaps scouts should be sent out." She will look to Ahto and to the guards massing.
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”She may be playing games with us,” Ahto replies. ”Sending out scouts and patrols might be the best course, just to make sure this isn’t a feint of some sort. We still need to get the spoils from the troll lair back to Horace, and to ultimately decide if this beast’s carcass will decorate a trophy room or a banquet table. I would prefer the former, but if the latter proves more practical, so be it.”
Katrine knows that one of the reasons that hunters avoid owlbears - as if another reason was needed to avoid even the regular-sized specimens - is because their meat is very gamy, and the fluids in their guts make cleaning the carcass a particularly tricky prospect.
Faerin, however, knows some recipes that can make owlbear meat much, much more palatable, and she knows ways to mitigate the challenge and risk of gutting such a beast. Stayven's knowledge would also come in handy in this endeavor.
While preserving a trophy of this size would also be a very daunting task, you know that you would have no shortage of hunters, woodsmen, naturalists, and fey who would be eager to lend their assistance.
As you examine the prospective trophy, you make a surprising discovery. A large set of studded leather barding, once very finely made but now tattered and molding - is still buckled upon the creature's frame. This strongly suggests that some foolhardy soul once thought to try taming the beast, leaving you wondering where it may have originated before setting out on this swathe of destruction.
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"This beast probably belonged to that accursed carnival barker that came through here some months ago," Ahto growls. "We dealt a blow to his profit margins, and for that, Abadar be praised. He is the type who give legitimate, conscientious merchants and traders a bad reputation with common folk. May his coffers remain empty and his debts weigh heavily on his mind!"
"You may be right. I wonder at its desire to head to Tamlyn though. It was as if purpose drove it this way. Perhaps it knew its master was there, or it indeed was the Fey Queen."
While the others go about finding out the way to harvest the meat for consumption, she will use her magister connections in the country to find someone to restore the corpse for Stayven's taxidermy. Being such a large task, she will also reach out to any other taxidermists or alchemists able to help in the endeavor.
Meanwhile, she takes measurements and artistic representations of the magnificent beast should Ahto wish the beast manifested in stone. Her earlier interest in the stone of Tamlyn seems to pay off as this might be a massive undertaking if commissioned.
If no one else coordinates it, she will also help Ahto by arranging transport and guards for the horde of goods back at the ex-troll hideout. With them gone, settlers and soldiers can now go there and fortify it. That is not her department though.
Katrine sighs with relief as the pain in her ribs fades. "Thank you, Faerin."
"And how did an owlbear grow this large in the first place? There must have been some kind of magic involved. Either a mage was experimenting, or it came from the First World." The ranger pulls off her bearskin poncho and gloves, setting them aside, then draws her skinning knife to begin the careful process of removing the owlbear's hide for taxidermy.
"This...this is...words fail me," your councilor stammers, surveying the slain beast.
"Besides dispatching a contingent to secure this cleared-out troll hole, should I also recruit some of our hunters and militia to trace this monster's trail back to its den? We may find some clues to this mystery there."
Pelipe breathes a sigh of relief as there seems to be a finality to the beast set in motion. They will uncover its secrets. She folds her hands in front of herself and looks to Ash.
"Has anything else happened while we were away?"
"Has anything else happened while we were away?"
"That depends on who you ask. Every pie that goes missing from a window sill, every sheep not in the paddock, every fishing line that snaps - it's all part of some scheme by the faerie queen, to hear our locals tell it.
"As you can guess, our citizens have been very jumpy, so we haven't told them about this owlbear just yet. In truth, nothing obviously wicked has happened around Tamlyn in your absence. We've been carrying on with business as usual.
"However, we have heard from travelers heading west from Restov mention that another of Rostland's chartered expeditions has settled a frontier settlement much like Horace. They've named it Varnhold, and it's located on the far side of the mountains to the east, across the Kamelands."
Pelipe considers her studying of the maps and rumors she heard before setting out for Tamlyn and whether there are roads heading toward where Varnhold is. If not, she will consider looking into having their foresters focus on harvesting along a path so they can eventually make one. To Ash, she answers:
"At least they are associating her actions with crime. And as for the owlbear, We were considering displaying it for all, so it does not do well to hide the truth of its existence any longer, I suppose."
Faerin takes in the conversation silently, thinking on the mentioned new settlement in the lands.
Faerin knows quite a bit about the area where Varnhold sits, a region of steppes and mountains called the Nomen Heights. It encompasses much of the Dunsward frontier, the northern Tors of Levenies mountain range and the several rivers flowing from its peaks, and other wildlands south of Restov.
Being a borderland that separates Brevoy from Iobaria, also separating Avistan from Casmaron, the Nomen Heights are a very wild, untamed region.
Tribes of centaurs make up the predominant inhabitants of the Nomen Heights, although there are also populations of spriggans, worgs, and cyclopes.
There is a mountain pass that leads directly to the settlement of Varnhold, sparing the need to travel around the mountains and through Rostland, taking the "long route" to this other settlement. This mountain pass is located roughly 72 miles northeast from Horace, located near where the Crooked River runs down from the mountains before it pours into the Shrike River at Crooked Falls.
As Pelipe discusses plans for the owlbear's carcass with Ash, Faerin speaks up, sharing her knowledge of the region Varnhold inhabits, it's populace and environment, as well as the little know mountain pass that would make it much easier to reach than the travel through the mountains and Rostland.
Faerin will find that Pelipe is all excitement when it comes to learning more information and knowledge. It is easy to picture her more easily with a book curled up on a noble couch in a luxurious room than out in the wilds digging to uncover information.
"If we intend to head that way, I am wondering if that pass is safe? If we can make it safe, that might be a good trade route for both of our fair cities."
She is not too keen to take so quickly to the road though and will be favoring her more comfortable and luxurious clothes since returning.
"I just had a thought...oh, between Addy and I, it must be my turn to be the worrier this week," Ash sighs. "If this Nymph Queen has strange designs upon the whole region, could Varnhold fall prey to her manipulations, too?
"Besides the potential for forging a partnership with our fellow settlers, it might be the decent thing to do to check on them and at least warn them to stay vigilant against fey mischief. At least, the harmful kind," she adds, casting an embarrassed look at one of your passing First Citizens.
"I don't have any information on their current situation, but it's possible that they don't have the manpower or resources to spare to send a delegation of their own. We might be uniquely able to dispatch a diplomatic mission.
"Of course, there's also the possibility that they are not as aware of us as we are of them, so the option of sending a representative may not have occurred to them.
"Either way, if we take the initiative to say hello and introduce ourselves as good neighbors, it may leave a better impression."
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Ahto nods, a look of resignation in his eyes.
"We will leave in two days," he replies. "That will give us enough time to rest and recover, and to get the treasure from the troll cave catalogued. If anyone wishes to stay behind, let it be known now, so that we can get a proper accounting of who will go on this visit."
"Perhaps this could be a good time to ensure an alliance by helping them establish themselves. Perhaps a convoy of building materials and resources might be useful, sort of like I intended to bring to your city...before it was robbed..."
Regardless of what they do, Pelipe will enjoy spending the two days off. If Ahto is willing, she will spend some time with him when he is not occupied with matters of state. Other than that, she will want to show Faerin the Crystal Grove they are making, as well as take her on a tour of town so she understands the city and nation better.
Faerin welcomes the opportunity to see more of the settlement and acquaint herself with the area and its people. The camaraderie of her new companions is returned in full, That's the true it has becomes acquainted with the burgeoning community.
"I would be happy to join you in venturing out towards this Varnhold settlement. If anything can be done to make it safer for those who choose to live out here in the Stolen Lands, I fully support making it so!" she says to Ahto, when the subject of the diplomatic envoy comes up.
"No way am I staying behind. I'm the Marshal, checking up on outlying settlements is my job. Two days should be plenty of time for Storm and I to rest up for a journey." Katrine could use a little downtime to meet the people of Horace and familiarize herself with the settlement. Ever since she and Pelipe joined the council, it's been one thing after another.
After two days of rest and preparations, you sally forth again, this time following the Shrike River upstream to the northwest, towards the Tors of the Levenies. On especially clear days, these mountains can be seen in the distant eastern horizon from Horace. On this morning, however, their outlines are obscured by an early mist cloaking the land.
The river runs high against its banks, fed by the spring thaw coming off the mountain peaks. As you pass through Tamlyn, you see your subjects repairing irrigation canals branching off the river and plowing fields whose softened soil have been freed from the grasp of frost.
Taking the following days to become acquainted with the settlement and its people, Faerin joins the expedition to explore the settlement of Varnhold, utterly enjoying the travel through the area, and learning more about the lands as they venture forth.
She rides alongside Katrine, asking the occasional question about Horace or her new companions and enjoying the trek through nature.
It has been a long while now since she's been in her homeland, and with the sight of the mountains in the distance, it reminds her of the north. As they enter into the region of the Shrike River, it further reminds her of the mountain-fed streams that later turned into raging rivers.
Pelipe packed warm clothing and snowshoes, just in case. Her masonry tools also are with her if there comes the opportunity to find quarries further near the border of Tamlyn or if trade can be done with Varnhold. Her eyes though are wary for other hazards and dangers along the way.
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Ahto embraces the comparatively simple life of the day-to-day business of Horace and Tamlyn, quietly savoring two days without travel, bloodshed, or an imminent threat to the people. He is quietly pleased and grateful to have Pelipe’s company as he supervises the treasury deposits, reviews the ledgers, and peeks in on the taxidermy of the massive owlbear.
All too soon, he finds himself packing his camping gear and strapping Burden to his back. It was time to be on the road again, in the service of this nascent nation. He tries to recall the proverb of the man who plants a tree in whose shade he will never rest.
The combined efforts of Faerin and Pelipe ensure that the party finds plenty of forage and helpful herbs to stave off fatigue, headaches, and other trail irritants that could make the trek more difficult.
Although not already marked on your maps, you are also able to locate and identify the two waterfalls that break up the course of the Shrike River, making it ill-suited for transport and trade between Tamlyn and Brevoy. The nearest is Shrike Cascade, a single waterfall that plunges 50 feet down a cliff and creates quite the breathtaking sight. The latter is Crooked Falls, where the Crooked River pours into the Shrike in a series of five waterfalls of varying sizes.
While you easily avoid the more mundane hazards along your path - wolves, hornets, toxic plants, unstable soil, and so forth - there is one particular danger that you are aware of that you must remain vigilant against.
Faerin knows of a landmark, about 12 miles south of the mountain pass, called Talon Peak. Here, the jagged ruins of an old tower rise like a sharp claw from the peak of a low but steep mountain on the near side of the mountain range.
There have been sightings of a giant black bird haunting the skies over this region, commanding a wide hunting ground centered upon Talon Peak. The approach to the mountain pass will bring you through this giant avian creature's territory, so remaining alert will be crucial.
It feels good to contribute to the overall safety of the group. When she left her home, she was all theory and book smarts. Now, she feels like application and months in the wild helped her grow accustom to it. She is no Faerin or Katrine, but she is also not just the studious library girl anymore.
As they come to the waterfalls, Pelipe takes note. Clean water. Beauty. Wide open areas. If a path can be created that scales the cliff or cuts into it, they can have a great shortcut for a road to Varnhold. Also, there will always be an abundance of water flow, perhaps even in winter, which is good for a mill's usage with a water wheel.
Twelve miles away though is Talon Peak. If the avian's hunting path doesn't include such a vast expanse, this may be a good place for a village. However, according to reports, it seems that it has been spotted in this region as well, dashing her hopes.
"It is a shame its hunting ground is so large. This would have been a perfect spot for an outpost, and maybe a quarry into some of this cliff side..." With a sigh, she defeatedly carries onward. As they make it to the pass, she attempts the best she can to remain alert and to have a retinue of spells capable of dealing with a flying creature, whatever it is.
With her knowledge of Talon peak and the stories of the massive black bird and its hunting grounds, Faerin is on high alert, eyes to the sky. "There is much risk entering this creature's hunting grounds."
Katrine readies her bow, motioning for Storm to stay under the cover of the trees. "There certainly is. I don't see a way to Varnhold that doesn't take us through the bird's territory, though. A raptor of this size is going to hunt over dozens, if not hundreds of square miles."
A shadow passes over you whilst examining the natural architecture of Shrike Cascade. Ahto and Pelipe notice straight away and hurry the party to the cover of the cliffs that cradle the waterfall. From this safety, you look up and behold the giant black bird from rumors.
Fortunately, the immense raptor soars onward, not noticing you beside the falls.
Faerin is almost speechless as she witnesses the powerful bird of prey go by. "That is a legend in the flesh, one of the ultimate apex predators...a roc. They hunt some of the largest creatures imaginable, often taking them to great heights and dropping them on rocks before descending to feed. This one is even more rare for its black coloring."
Katrine chuckles at Ahto's joke, inwardly marveling at his ability to keep a perfectly straight face. Note to self, don't play cards with Ahto. "Amazing, I never thought I'd see a roc in person. Here's hoping it finds a moose or something and leaves us alone."
"Though Ahto, perhaps through magic, someone can speak with the beast? It would be lovely if we could inspire it not to attack humans or fey-kind as it roams its territory. We could even give it a small bit of offering to make sure that doesn't happen, or even provide an aerie for it in Horace? What a thought!"
Faerin gives Pelipe an incredulous look, taking a moment to process the wild suggestion.
"They prefer mountains, so it is unlikely that an aerie set up anywhere else would be something it would want. I could...try communicating with it, though it is likely to see us as nothing more than a group of morsels...or a full meal if we approached on horseback." she adds, considering the danger in the approach. "What you're suggesting is convincing an apex predator to give up it's hunting grounds."
Katrine's expression mirrors Faerin's, with an added element of 'here we go again'. "Trying to talk to a predator big enough to carry away a horse in each claw is a spectacularly bad idea. Rocs will be rocs. It's not going to move for the likes of us." She shrugs. "The River Kingdoms are a dangerous place to travel, that's nothing new for any merchant working the area. Put up some warning signs on the road and call it a day."
Pelipe clearly made a grave misjudgment. She had seen giant beasts brought down by the party again and again, yet this time they seemed quite hesitant to her suggestions. Perhaps a roc in their mind is another matter altogether? She folds her hands patiently in front of her waist and responds:
"Well...I was considering perhaps we offer Candlemere Tower and lake as an aerie, so it could hunt the forest, waters, swamp, and regions there and beyond. Again, with an agreement on not hunting our people and animals. It is a massive tower. Quite tall. Granted, it is no mountain, but the land teems with life and perhaps the roc in thanks could help us in our struggles with the Queen." She waves a dismissive hand in agreement. "It was a silly idea, I'll admit. I know little of such beasts and such methods. I will defer to both of you and your expertise on the matter."
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Ahto gives Pelipe's hand a reassuring squeeze.
"If this journey to Varnhold succeeds, then we will need to secure this trade route. Neither country will long tolerate the losses such a creature would inflict, both in lives and in trade. It is true that we do not possess the means to defeat it now, but that does not mean we should tolerate its predations any longer than we must. If there exists some magic that could compel its service, I would prefer that to slaying such a magnificent creature. But, if it must be slain, I will see that it is done; by my own hand, if necessary.
Pelipe takes hold of Ahto's hand briefly and looks comforted, but something bothers her.
"I would rather it not die, especially if it is just for the sake of trade." In fact, her whole suggestion was to avoid bloodshed. "We will see how things pan out. Perhaps there is a simple solution where all parties involved can be appeased. In any case, I am glad it has moved on..."
She will continue onward with the party toward Varnhold but with a wary eye around their surroundings.
Once the massive roc has moved on, so do you press forward beyond its wake. You continue eastward, as the mountains grow ever closer and larger on the horizon. You trace the course of the Crooked River as it leads back up into mountains. The foothills become like walls, hemming in the trail in places with sheer cliff faces.
As night falls, you make camp in the sheltered lee of one of these cliffs, protecting you from a whipping windstorm that tears down the mountainside.
In the morning, the windstorm has abated slightly, but it provides a stinging impediment to your travels. Nevertheless, not long after striking camp and continuing your hike, you reach the foot of the Varnhold Pass.
The rugged Tors of Levenies dip low here, creating a natural pass from the east to the west. The Crooked River flows down to the west, cascading out of the mountains just under the pass’s highest elevation of 200 feet, leaving 150-foot-high sheer cliffs to the north and south.
Taking in the natural wonders around her, Faerin studies the increasingly challenging terrian, noting the change from plains and forest to foothills, quickly becoming far more harsh mountains and cliffs, accompanied by shifting weather and howling winds across the rocky regions.
Faerin and Ahto become aware that the party is being stalked by some sort of large beast as you approach the Varnhold Pass and enter the mountains proper. They catch glimpses of leathery wings and bits of fur pocked with spines as the creature slinks along the rocky crags overlooking the pass.
"We have company." Faerin says quietly to Katrine, noting Ahto also seeming to notice their stalker. "Stealthy...probably a flier from the wings."