Forrest hits the stunned woman on the head with the pommel of his sword, knocking her out, and Danicka gives her an extra whack just to be sure she stays unconscious for a the rest of the night. Yaiho then drags Rhiannon over to the murdered noble and starts to do some questionable things to the bodies in a misguided attempt to frame her for the murder she actually did commit. He then climbs to the top of the Sarvio family's tomb and gets to work knocking down the spire. After less than a minute of constant bashing, the top of the spire breaks free and topples to the floor.
As soon as the light from the setting sun strikes the bust, the door to the Tullivor family's tomb swings open with a tortured squeak. The mausoleum contains five sarcophagi bearing the names of the Tullivors interred within. Above Laban's casket, a gleaming tapestry depicts the Tullivor crest and the family motto: "Never in Shadow." The tapestry, woven with gold and silver thread, is clearly the treasure you have come to liberate.
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"Yaiho! Leave the bard tales and undressing for another time. Plus I get a feeling she may have enjoyed my company more." Sin disparingly intervenes as he tries to undress the two. She helps him set it up as proper as she can but thinks how are they going to explain the hole in her shoulder...oh well...we need to bolt soon.
Once she helps alleviate the odd tactic she goes into the vaults with the others and spots the treasure. She still eyes around for anything else of use the dead won't need.
She thinks for a moment on their next move..."If we want to make scarce what better place than the mists of the Cannibal's Grove" she attempts the suggestion in a menacing voice.
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Umbru could only stand helplessly to one side, staring in confusion at the antics of the various members. Attacking the horse? Stripping her of her clothes? He resist the urge to shake his head in disapproval, and almost sprain his neck in the process.
Eventually though, he convinces himself that strange as their methods might be, their goals are the same - justice for the poor murdered man. And despite it being the easy route, none of made any attempts to end the life of the unconscious woman. Still finding the grave-robbing somewhat distasteful, he leaves the task to the rest of the team.
Mistaking her intervention for distaste over Yaiho's act, Umbru goes over to Sinaryn, and softly suggests, "Dusk is falling and she might very well wake and flee before the morning sun arises. Before we leave, if we create some commotion, perhaps a small fire, to draw attention for someone to investigate, we might still get justice for her vile deed."
Danicka helps set Rhiannon up beside the man she murdered, smearing a little extra blood all over her clothes and hands for good measure, as Umbru sets about making something to draw attention to the scene when the Pathfinders are gone. Meanwhile, both Brock and Sinaryn work together to retrieve the tapestry while keeping an eye out for any other valuables, but to their disappointment, everything else must just be there for sentimental reasons. All the while Forrest stands just outside the mausoleum, contemplating the group's next move, and a trip all the way to Ustalav.
By the time Yaiho makes his way off the roof of the neighbouring tomb and joins the rest of the team, they are ready to move out. Umbru starts the fire, using a little of his alchemical knowledge to make sure it gets the attention of passing guards, and everyone legs it for safety. Just before the crime scene goes out of view completely, some of you may have noticed that a small hawk had flown from it's hiding place somewhere within the cemetery and landed on Rhiannon's shoulder.
The river ways prove to be next to useless for this leg of your tour of the River Kingdoms, and most of the journey has been by carriage and it takes nearly four weeks to get to Varno. Fortunately half way, you were able to stop in at Daggermark to see if there has been any word on Ulisha's situation, but things are still quiet on that front. On the plus side you get to stay another night at the Harvest Moon Inn, and enjoy another exceptional breakfast.
The journey through Varno has proved uneventful, some might even say boring. Very few travellers seem to go through this part of the region, and the few peasants that you see seem to keep to themselves and stay well out of your way. Ulisha’s journal has led you this far, but from here on the road ends and her directions become a bit vague. Luckily, at the end of the road stands a crumbling, moss-choked inn. Looming over its squat frame, a dense curtain of foliage marks the border of the Forest of Veils. The sign above the door reads "The Restless Bear," and it seems to refer to a stuffed bear’s head that lolls upon a flagpole near the eaves.
Following Ulisha’s advice, you decide to enter the inn and ask for directions. The plain walls, simple wooden doors, shuttered windows, and smoky tallow fat candles give the interior a claustrophobic ambience. The dimly lit common room feels like a cave, its sagging rafters clogged with yarn, shabby ribbons, and odd miniature knick-knacks that reinforce its claustrophobic atmosphere.
A spindly old woman wearing a plain black dress and fingerless woollen gloves, sits at one of the tables knitting a blanket, most of which is draped over the table itself. Her eyes light up when you enter the room and she exclaims "Ahh visitors! Come in dearies, come in and rest ye bones." She sets down her needles and slowly gets up, grabbing hold of the table for balance "What can ol' Birdy do fer ye? Rooms is it, or will ye be wantin' some good ol' fashioned 'ome cooked meals?" She looks disapprovingly at Umbrutani and tuts, "Ye certainly will be wantin' some food... Yer all bones, dear! And pale to boot. 'Ere let me get you some stew, 'twill only take a few minutes, I always 'ave a pot a stewin'." Birdy continues to fuss over Umbru, trying to get him to sit down at an empty table.
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When most of the trip shows itself to be uneventful, Yaiho winds up sleeping most of the trip, especially on the carriage.
Spotting the bear's head, "Young bear. Not even adult. Easy kill. Old too."
Yaiho steps into the inn and glances around, when the woman mentions food, Yaiho grins. "Food. Yes." Yaiho then sits down.
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Forrest, thankful for a place to sit and dry off after weeks on the road, takes a seat at the table. As he is absentmindedly stroking the blanket he asks a question of the old woman. " ma'am,we are but humble travelers and we need some direction. Do you happen to know of a place called Cannibals Grove? "
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Brock spends another weeks relaxing on the travels, eating away the long hours with games of chance or sharpening his blades.
Reaching the tavern he smiles approvingly at the dingyness and generally dive like quality of the inn.
My kind of place
Hearing the proprietoress fuss and offer food he readily agrees to stew and ale.
Hearing his companions ask directions to the grove he simply sits back and observes the inn's common room, listening and watching.
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C-c-c-cannibal's Grove?" Danicka stutters nervously when the group decides on our next quest. "Oh, my."
This sounds terrifying.
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Danicka sighs in relief at the sight of the little inn.
Danicka crinkles her nose at the stuffed bear's head, but voices no complaint. She heads inside and looks up curiously at the strange collection of knick-knacks in the rafters.
"Th-thank you, ma'am," Danicka mutters distractedly.
Eventually, Danicka tears her eyes from the ceiling. Seeing the woman handing out food, she remarks. "Oh, yes please."
Danicka scurries over to a seat at a table and sits down.
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"It really is dreary being in the Riverlands and doing so little travel on the water. Such is life." Sin says growing restless and missing her crew but but the company of her new companions eases it somewhat as they play games of chance and laugh about their antics.
I wouldn't mind taking on a few new crew members at this rate.
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When they arrive at the inn she doesn't seem to displeased mostly because she can get out of the carriage.
After entering she can't help but to let our her signature deep laugh as Umbru gets nagged like a little child.
"Yes, little umbru, you must eat your veggies if you want to grow big like Yaiho." she says while helping herself to the offered food.
While eating and after everyone settles in she asks the really important question.
"Miss Birdy! After the directions I am DYING to know how that place got it's name!" having had some of the ale available.
Birdy grins a big toothless grin as everyone sits down for some stew, "Good good, just sit right there an' let ol' Birdy take care of yas!" She shuffles off to the back, and after a few meandering trips she has supplied everyone with bowls of stew and mugs of murky weak ale. Chuckling as Yaiho pushes some of his food towards Umbru, she says, "Ye are a sweet one, aren't ye, dear!"
When Forrest asks about Cannibal's Grove, Birdy's smile fades, she leans closer, and whispers, "Cannibal's grove? What would yas be a wantin' with that place? I’m not keen ta put my own soul in peril, steerin’ yas to such unhallowed spots." She's quiet for a few moments, a concerned expression etched on her face, but she smiles again and chuckles softly when she notices Danicka staring at the rafters. "They're fer good luck, dear. Travellers like yas hang ribbons or offer knick-knacks to the house spirit afore they leave fer the forest... The yarn's my doin'" She adds with a smile, "Fer my own luck. Jus' hung some new yarn this mornin' and look what it's brought me!" She says, glancing at the large group eating her stew. She sees Forrest absently stroke her half-finished blanket and sighs, "Alright, but if I'm gonna give yas directions to that awful place, yas should stay the night an' hang some charms ye'selves. Fer protection!"
Birdy sits down at the adjoining table, and takes up her knitting again, asking Forrest to help her untangle some yarn while she reluctantly gives him directions to Cannibal's Grove, "...And then ye take a left an' ye'll see the stone circle." Her eyes go wide when Sinaryn emphasises the word 'dying' in her question about the grove, "Ye best be careful what you say, deary! 'Tis an unholy place, an' ye soul could be at risk jus' sayin' things like that." She leans in and whispers conspiratorially, "’Twas where the old Famished Shaman worked his blasphemies. I’ll not speak his name; the dead rest ill. He was a druid. Spent so much time as a beast, he lost his soul to hungerin’ for flesh... Human flesh..."
Birdy nods as she settles back into her chair, "Terrible place, ye would do better to just stay here, I say. Plenty o' stew here, an' only good spirits can come in 'cause o' the charms up there!" She points at the cluttered rafters with a knitting needle and gives a reassuring smile.
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Umbru simply raises one eyebrow when everyone suddenly everyone seems concern about his eating habits. He sticks, however, to his usual bread and water. He glances up briefly at the bear head, wrinkles his nose slightly but does not comment.
When the conversation turns to the Cannibal Point, he slides closer and listens attentively. He frowns in concern at what she shared, but knowing too little of the Riverlands, decides he would just have to wait and see. His teammates seem more than able to handle themselves, and he is not particularly worried. For now.
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Danicka looks nervous and goes pale at the old woman's terrifying tales. Her hands shake and she splatters stew all over herself as she tries to eat it.
"Oh, dear!" she exclaims, blushing deeply in embarrassment.
After Forrest speaks, she goes wide eyed. "Do we have to go... now?" she whimpers quietly. Realizing she'd rather be at the grove in the daylight than at night she nods. "Y-y-yes, best to go now." she agrees.
Stop your stuttering! Be brave!
"Are ye sure yas wants to go now, dearies?" Birdy asks, setting down her knitting, and sounding a little sad, "It's true yas don't want to be wanderin' around at night in the forest, full o' bad spirits it is, but it's always safe in 'ere, day or night!" She nods knowingly, then smiles and holds her knitting aloft, "Stay a while, an' let ol' Birdy take care of ye. Do any o' yas need a new scarf? I can make yas a scarf... Or a hat maybe?"
"Ye might be strong," Birdy concedes as Yaiho's big hand lands on her head, but she points a knitting needle at Umbru and says, "but what about bread n water over there? No, ye should stay, me soul won't rest if ye come to your ends out th- Oh, he's gone... Take ye eyes of 'em for a second and..." She trails off, and looks at the rest of the Pathfinders "Well off with yas then! The only thing worse than all o' yas going to that unhallowed place, is jus' one o' yas going."
The weather has taken a turn since you entered the inn, and tendrils of mist have started to rise up from the ground. As you head south-west, following Birdy’s direction, the mist continues to thicken, and by the time you reach the clearing at Cannibal’s Grove, it has become hard to see anything farther than a few feet away. You can hear the sounds of a babbling stream to the east, which must be the one Ulisha mentioned in her journal. However, crimson thistles have overtaken this clearing, punctuated by a ring of mossy standing stones. The only way forward is through the centre of the ring, where a neglected stone slab bears ancient stains and gouges.
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When Sin walks outside the inn after filling her stomach she looks up and a puzzled grimace rises on her face. The bear head is gone.
"AYE, look up. Something has been messing around out here. The bear's head didn't just decide to walk away..." she questions the group. She shakes her head and makes sure her pistol is loaded and ready to go.
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She nods to Brock with her pistol still ready.
"Yeah, smells terrible. Definitely like raw meat..."
With the group to her back she watches the flank so nothing can sneak up on Danicka or herself.
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"Oh, my!" Danicka exclaims, rushing off after Yaiho. "T-t-thank you!" she stutters in embarrassment as she leaves the mess at the table.
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"I don't smell anything," Danicka replies nervously. Seeing Brock prepare for battle, Danicka holds her broom out warily in front of her, slender hands shaking slightly.
"A p-p-predator?" Danicka stutters in fear.
As the Pathfinders prepares themselves to fight off some kind of large predator, the stench of raw meat grows more and more potent. In fact, the smell has become so strong now that everyone easily smells it, only now it's kind of... delicious. At the same time, you realise that despite having just eaten at the inn, you are still very, very hungry. You can't remember a time when you have ever felt a pang of hunger quite like it. Then it finally clicks. That delicious smell isn't coming from some fresh kill out in the forest, it's emanating from your own bodies.
With her broom held out in front of her, Danicka's eyes are drawn to her trembling hands, so slender, so... One little bite couldn't hurt, could it? The strange thought pops into her head unbidden, but her hunger just keeps growing and growing, before she knows it her teeth are ready to sink into the base of her thumb. Thankfully, the proximity of her head to her new silver bracelet makes her face tingle and her hair go wild, snapping her out of her trance, "W-w-what was that?" She asks nervously as she quickly snaps her hands back out in front of her, the hunger suddenly gone.
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Yaiho looks down at his arms, "Yaiho smells and looks delicious. Yaiho taste Yaiho." Yaiho them takes a bite into his arm and pulls back with some flesh as he begins to chew he suddenly becomes sick and projectile vomits his flesh and the meal he ate at the inn. Thankfully no one was in front of him.
"Yaiho doesn't feel well."
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Forrest turns at the sound of Yaiho's gnashing teeth. "Dude! What is wrong with you? " Horrified, he drops the rapier and prepares to jump on his friend. Thankfully he was interrupted by the projectile vomiting before he leapt.
Shaken, he picks up his rapier. "Let's get out of here. This place gives me the heebee-jeebees. "
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Brock stares longingly at his own thigh for a minute, later he could swear it took on the aspect of a wonderfully cooked, perfectly browned turkey thigh. Eventually his will took hold and he managed to quash his overwhelming desire to nosh his own leg with abandon.
Shaking his head to clear his mind he stammers, "What in the unholy hells was that?!?", looking about the grove he continues "lets grab the unholy trinket and skedadle."
Thoroughly shaken by the experience he is ready to flee this cursed place at the first chance.
Yaiho isn't the only one to succumb to the hunger, and while everyone is distracted by the half-orc's impressive display of nausea, Umbru quietly takes a bite out of his own arm. More used to bread and water than any real sustenance, the urge to eat hits him particularly hard and he tears a huge chunk of flesh free before he realises what came over him.
With everyone left a little shaken by their strange urges, and a couple of you sore and sickened, Forrest's suggestion to move on is quickly is met with no resistance. If this sort of thing happens whenever someone enters Cannibal's Grove, it's no wonder Ulisha thought the lantern would be safe around here, and why Birdy was so fearful of the place. Still, you are all Pathfinders, and there is a job to do. Continuing on downhill from the stone circle, you head through a copse of trees and reach a shallow but swift stream flowing past a 10-by-15-foot islet, mostly formed from boulders.
Brock, always on the lookout for loot, quickly spots a faint orange glow emanating from beneath the rocks and heads off to investigate. It doesn't take long to move the boulders around and retrieve the lantern you have been sent to find, apparently the location was more important to Ulisha than the actual hiding of the lantern. However, while you are moving boulders around to reach the treasure underneath, the forest comes alive with a cacophonous and threatening ruckus, with all sorts of animals growling and hissing. Furthermore, through the mist and back where you came from, blobs of light can be seen floating and slowly bobbing up and down.
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Brock steps from the island upon seeing the lights and heavy mists rolling in. Knowing his crossbow to be of little use in the thick fog, he stows it and draws his sword, prepared to defend the party should things get violent.
"Quick, somebody with a spare hand grab the lantern in case we need to run for it."
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Umbru is feeling sick and feverish from the self-inflicted wound. He berates himself internally for failing to have the willpower to resist strange manifestation, and gets more groggy through the forest. He holds off healing himself as a form of self-punishment, but eventually, recognising the burden he would be if he falls, he drinks an extract, healing most of his wounds.
Feeling mostly better, he soldiers on with the group, trying his best to keep up with his short legs and weak constitution and it is with relief that they eventually find the lantern. His relief is short-lived though when the cacophony starts. He quickly whips out some concoctions and downs them in rapid succession.
In his quiet and serious voice, Umbru pipes up, "If necessary, I can hold it as well, Forrest. I need but one hand to prepare and throw my bombs."
As the Pathfinders spread out through the mists, the sounds of hissing and growling animals intensifies. However, as soon as Forrest picks up the lantern, which turns out to be a humanoid skull hung at the end of a chain, the lights at the stone circle suddenly wink out. Moments later lights appear within the trees just south of the islet, and a glowing humanoid with the head of a bear emerges from the forest, walking swiftly through the mist and heading straight for Forrest. You hear no splashing, just the sounds of ghostly laughter. The hissing sounds intensify further, reaching a crescendo that is punctuated by a high pitched scream *EEEEEeeeeeugh!* The sound comes from the trees behind Yaiho, and he turns around to come face to face with an Elk.
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Umbru stares in wonderment at the bear with the glowing man-body, never expecting to encounter such an unusual sight. Knowing, however, that this is not the time, he moves in for the attack. He steps closer to get a clear shot between Danicka and Forrest, and lobs at bomb at the bear-thing, trusting that Yaiho can handle the elk.
Umbru's bomb flies towards the bear-thing with incredible accuracy, especially given the misty conditions, and crashes on it's chest... At least that's what should have happened. Instead the bomb flies harmlessly through the glowing body of the creature and explodes on the bank behind. This prompts a fresh round of snickering laughter to erupt from the bear-thing, although it does sound surprisingly small and high-pitched for such a large creature.
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As the lights flicker and the trees sway, Danicka clutches her broom in shaking, sweaty hands. "Oh, dear, oh dear, oh dear," she whimpers.
As the bear beast appears before her she screams in terror. "Eeeek!"
Seeing Umbru's bombs fly right though it she cocks her head funny and examines it closely.
Danicka suddenly stops screaming. "That glow isn't it's body! She exclaims bravely. "It's a dancing lights spell!"
Danicka examines the bear head above the glowing body.
The laughing suddenly stops, "Spoil sport!" A little voice yells disapprovingly as the bear-thing's body winks out of existence, leaving just the floating head. The head then hurtles towards Forrest's own head at speed, and he briefly gets a very good view of the mangy stuffed head that he had so recently seen lolling on a flagpole. Fortunately, due to a trick of the mists, the head flies over Forrest and bounces into the water behind.
A diminutive green-skinned fey, materialises just above where the bear's head was moments before it flew at Forrest, she has her hands firmly rested on her hips and is scowling at the Danicka. However, it doesn't take long for the fey to start laughing again, "Ha ha, you should have seen your faces though! It was soo funny!" Beating her little dragonfly wings, she shoots up into the air in a tight spin and hovers right over Forrest's head "Now give me that..." She pauses and frowns, suddenly realising that she has no idea what the lantern is, "That shiny thing. It's shiny and I want it! If you don't hand it over all my forest friends will come and gobble you up! Won't they Mister Elk... Mister Elk?"
While all of this is going on, Yaiho and a ferocious Elk meet face to face. Surprised by the sudden appearance, Yaiho acts first, swinging his massive hammer and questioning if the beast would like to die this day. He hits the side of the Elk with a resounding thud, and apparently the answer is an emphatic no, since the Elk immediately turns around and stumbles away, dazed and confused. The rest of the growling and hissing animals remain, however, threatening from their hiding places somewhere in the forest.
Danicka recognises the fey as being an Atomie, and like most fey, it is resistant to damage from sources other than cold iron.
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