Anton jumps at the talking bush then laughs. "OK, first time I've had a bush talk to me." He rummages through his backpack and brings out the bottles of fine wine he bought as gifts for the Fae. He sets them down on a flat rock some steps away from the others, then steps back and gives a courtly bow. "Anton Lebeda and friends, offers these guesting gifts to our enigmatic and charming hosts. May we know our gracious people of the forest as we pass through your lovely lands?" These court phrases are rough but I'm not the Master of Protocol at the court! What a hard job! A bead of sweat breaks out on Anton's head as he tries to be a courtier rather than a warrior.
Diplomacy
"Wahoo!" Comes a free cry from the nests above, and from the birdlike nest comes a streak of colors that moves like a comet, slamming down onto the wine and suddenly solidifying into a housecat sized dragon with multicolored, luminescent butterfly wings, tugging with his jaws at the cork, which comes free after a moment, just long enough for another figure to emerge from the waxy nest, a creature with the lower body of a multicolored cricket and the upper body of a pretty elven female, to come down from her own nest and fly near enough to catch some of the wine that spilled out. The creatures guzzle the liquor until the entire bottle is gone, the dragon having far more than the other, then lay back on the rock, obviously very contented.
After a minute or so the little cricket woman rises. "Pleased ta meetcha!" She greets, her nervous, cricketlike hopping making her miniature bow and quiver almost come dislodged from her body. "I'm Tyg-Tygger-Tut and this 'ere is Perlivash!" She states in a rough accent. "We knows who ye be, been followin' yeh ever since we changed yer harses!" She grins and points to the amazing technicolor horses, still looking as fabulous as ever. "Glad you bigginses has a sense a' humor, some people are just rubbish about pranks." She stamps her crickety legs in what is presumably anger.
The dragon behind her rouses and looks around. "I'm Perlivash! Fiercest dragon of aaaallll the forestes!" He says in a comical attempt at a deep, intimidating voice.
Kata giggles, a high-pitched titter like the ringing of a bell, "Well Tyg-Tygger-Tut and Perlivash. It is indeed an honor to meet you both. I don't suppose any of those with bad manners about pranks might be the unpleasant bandits we have run into in your forests."
Kheldor chuckles at the Fae's introduction "Wileldalinlae morethtar, forrelistievnaedilsar. Minyis curosmirpalarthnelistonnaysir artanardae Isa arthurelest tynraeartavalestlorethrinsat artanardae hinunenargolestril farolren nirestawynsil"
Marcus listens to Kheldor speak to the fae but as they also speak Common he decides not to impede upon the wizard's conversation.
"I have yet to thank you for the extra hair growth," Marcus says with a smile, "I believe it makes me look far more dashing."
"Very Dashing!" Tyg answers, her elven half coloring prettily. "Ooohhh, that cloaked bloke talks old tongue. Tis ok Shadowmage, we can talk common so everybody gets it, it'd be so rude to babble away while no one understood."
Perlivash shows his tiny, needle-sharp teeth in a grin and looks up at Kheldor and spouts off a stream of sounds like a dear leaping over a babbling brook.
"PERLIVASH!" Tyg says with a jump toward him and a few entirely ignored punches to his scaly hide. "Stop bein' rude to the biggenses!" Kata's question immediately distracts her. "Ooohhh them nasty banditses! We hates them. Theys ugly and mean ta everyone."
Kata grins and speaks with the sound of a summer wind blowing through the wood.
Of course, perhaps it isn't so secret when more then two speak the tongue.
When Tyg changes gears to speak of the bandits, Kata frowns and agrees, "Yes, we've found them to be that way too. I don't suppose you all have seen any more of their camps besides the one by the river and the big building near the big water?"
Anton seems bemused by the antics of the Fae. At Perlivash's proclamation Anton says, "Of course, you're the mightiest dragon, at least I hope so, I hate to see one tougher." Looks around comically at the thought of a big dragon but comes of a bit insincere. Anton Dragonslayer, that has a nice ring to it - Focus, idiot, focus!
Anton looks Kheldor's way as he talks to the Fae in another language they seem to understand but says nothing. His train of thought broken, Anton misses the rest of the conversation until the Fae talk about hating bandits. With a more serious demeanor Anton was about to ask, - I see your fondness for bandits equals mine, are there any about?" Any problems they have caused you and yours?- but doesn't as Kata beats him to it.
I hope Mother was telling the truth in her old stories, Arkady thinks desperately to himself. And I hope they are not malicious!
"I have little to offer to you two, fair and flying egg-born, mightiest dragon I have ever met, and gracious lady, quick with words, yet may I offer greeting? May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the trees shelter you from storm and snow. May you find this horn a joy to blow in times of peace, and a signal of friendship in times of war. What is closer to the heart than the breath of one's life?" Carefully he unhooks his horn from his side, and lifts it to his lips, blowing lightly to signal its use, then hangs it from a branch above them. Gifts to the fey must be one's best; I hope I won't regret this.
"The fort and the camp are all we know about. They tried to take the big stag ruins but the bear killed one and they left." The grig says, then listens raptly to Arkady's speech. "The shining knight talks so pretty." She says quietly, then the horn is hung up and she jumps towards it. "Ooohhh...." She skitters over it, hanging upside down at one point, as Perlivash rouses himself from the rock and flies over to it as well. "Lemme try!" Tyg says, perching near the mouth hole, but unable to get her mouth around it well enough. "Dragon Poo!" She says, annoyed, and Perlivash sits on the horn and rears to bring his lips to the edge, blowing a mighty note for the whole forest to hear. "Hooray!" Tyg says, her iridescent wings fluttering. "Thank you Shiny Knight."
Anton enjoys the silly antics of the Fae, while still knowing they are wild creatures and more dangerous then they appear; of course, the same can be said of any other people.
When Tyg-Tygger-Tut speaks Anton replies, "Big Stag ruins guarded by a bear? We're looking for that. Do you know where it is?" Anton restrains his eagerness as to not upset the Fae. He winces a bit as the Fae creatures announce to everyone within miles their presence. "And while we're at it, are there any other problems around?"Anton asks.
This should be very helpful. These two seem to have a wealth of information about the area. A good pair to stay on the good side of.
Arkady waits, so as not to crowd the fey with answers, but after they reply to Anton's question, he asks "Have you heard of other interesting places within the forest? We might find it fun to visit them together... if that is your will, O fair ones more colorful than the leaves of autumn or the springtime flowers."
They are exceedingly annoying, but Father always said 'never scold the scouts for anything but bad scouting.' Arkady
"He does talk pretty." Perlivash says, flying over to perch on Arkady's shoulder, heavy but not overwhelming. "We know about the Big Stag ruins. And there's the trappys, set up by the mean trapper biggin." Perlivash squints in thought for a second and then points Northwest "That way. And the Stag ruins are that way." He points to the south west. "We could go with the biggenses if they wants." He offers eagerly.
Kheldor smiles at the offer "I would be most honored if you would accompany us. You two could definitely help liven the mood and keep things interesting. Tyg, is that ok with you?"
"Sorry for your troubles with a trapper, clever ones, does he not appreciate your amusing high-jinks?" Anton still trying to sweet talk the creatures. After the exchange with Kheldor and the Fae, Anton interjects, "As would I, and thanks for sharing your council."
"Still going with the plan Sir Arkady? Check unexplored areas to the west and those known to our new friends, then to the Temple, the moon radish patch, and home. Or is straight to the temple better for you?" Anton seems a bit unsure of the situation.
Arkady nods consent as well, then turns to Anton.
"We had planned to search the woods systematically, not having any better information," he says thoughtfully, "but by meeting these we speak with now, we have a better guide than we had before. Let us deal with this trapper, if we may, as a favor to the fair folk, and then proceed to the place of the bear, which was our main quest. Though we do have two others.". He describes the tatzylwyrms that Oleg seeks, and the rumors of a large and dangerous boar in the deep forests. "Have you seen or heard of such creatures, O bright-winged son of the shell and fair lady of the leaves? Can you tell where they might be found?"
"Lotsa boars in the woods. Don't know any that big but it wouldn't be a shock. Not any dragons up here though, maybe down towards the middle?" Tyg points towards the south with one tiny arm. "Don't need no helps with the trapper though. Big, ugly brute isn't as smart as he thinks, me and Perlivash know how to stay away from his traps." Perlivash chimes in with, "'Sides, we dunno where he is, haven't seen him around in a bit."
Tyg flutters over to sit on Marcus's shoulder, blushing furiously she asks "Do you mind if I ride witcha, sir?" Perlivash takes off from Arkady's shoulder and flaps around the group. "Which way?" He asks eagerly.
"If you need no help with the trapper, then let first proceed to the place of the bear," Arkady suggests, "if all the company are in agreement."
Sense motive: try again 1 d 2 doesn't work.
Anton's ears flick as he reads the mood of the small dragon.
He says nothing about it though.
"Only a fool would bother a King of Dancing Air, a Queen of Fawn and Forest." Anton says agreeably. I'll go mad from silly talk soon, hope some others can take the slack.
"Excellent then, to bears, boars, and sadly no lions, oh my!"Anton grins and sets off toward the temple.
After hours of riding, you near the area Tyg and Perlivash insist the temple is. Finally, a thick tangle of brambles gives way to a large clearing in the woods, it's edges defined by ruined stone pillars. The western face of the clearing is dominated by a looming, upthrust ridge of rock, nearly 300 feet across and rising to a moss-topped height of 100 feet at the center. The side of this towering boulder facing the clearing hasbeen carved in the likeness of an immense elk, its antlers drooping down from its weathered face to frame a 50 foot wide cave entrance. A flight of stone steps leads up to this cave entrance from the forest clearing. Both the steps and elk face feel quite old and are thickly encrusted with layers of moss. A 50 foot long oval pool sits in the middle of the clearing, its waters thick with algae.
"Big bear is in there." Perlivash says with a whispered voice. "Slow, but nasty... and very angry." He motions and Tyg and him both fly to a nearby column and perch. "We'll wait here." Tyg says firmly. As if to punctuate their nervousness, a rolling roar comes from the temple, echoing through the forest and making the horses jump and skitter nervously.
"Ai! The bear comes. Arkady, Anton, do either of you want to be made larger for this battle?
"I have recently unlocked a new spell that will cause a weapon to strike truer and deal slightly more damage. I have it memorized, and can bless one weapon with said spell. Who shall receive it?" Kheldor says as he looks over the ruined temple.
"Grace my lance with it, if you please," says Arkady. "Cousin, enlarge Anton. I shall ride my trusty steed into this fight, and Gildas cannot bear a giant's weight.". He draws his lance from its stirrup cup and couches it, ready to charge. "Let us try to draw the bear out into the open. I do not wish to face it in tight corners amid rubble and wreckage."
Arkady looks around, and edges Gildas toward the side of the clearing, positioning his steed to charge down the side of the pool at anything coming down the steps. His left hand grasps for his horn, then clenched as he remembers where he left it.
"Come forth, honey-eater!" he bellows in a loud voice. "Come forth and fight, or yield this place to be a dwelling of men!"
Kheldor passes his hand over Arkday's lance, which then glows a light blue. "It'll last a couple of minutes. Hopefully, the fight will not last longer than that"
"That will save a moment of time, I'll call for Gorum's Blessing." Anton takes his holy symbol in hand an prays to Gorum.
A fine rain of blood falls on the group, vague sights and sounds of endless battles fill their minds, examples of courage most prominent. The rain and all the blood vanishes as quick as it came, leaving no trace.
"Thanks for the spell, Kata." Anton says after she casts the spell. Anton draws his blade and makes ready for a charge, if the ground is suitable.
The bear comes lumbering forward toward the mouth of the cave, his roar once again shaking the tree branches. It is the biggest bear any of you have ever seen, at least 10 feet tall at the shoulder and with the bulk of a horse when on all fours. Arkady feels a strange, instant hatred for it, even though he sees no reason to. After a moment, the bear spots the challengers in it's territory and begins to climb ponderously over the stairs, his claws ready and bellowing another challenge every few seconds.
Arkady:
Anton:
Kehldor:
Kata:
Marcus:
Marcus First, then the bear.
Kata watches the bear emerge in horror. Lantern King! Never have I seen such a terrible creature. Give me strength to stand by my friends and not flee in terror.
Arkady whispers a prayer to Erastil, Guide my steel this day! and spurs Gildas forward, his lance coming down in a perfect arc. The thundering avalanche of a charging lancer meets with the bear and falls across it, lance and horseshoe in perfect coordination.
Marcus, perhaps unnerved by the beasts mighty roar, misses with his opening bolt and the bear rushes down the steps toward Anton, who is the largest threat, as Marcus begins to reload.
The massive claws scrape jarringly across Anton's armor as he throws himself away from the bear's attack. Directly after, the bear is nearly thrown off it's feet by Arkady's lance, striking a thundering blow that seems to flash with a green and white energy as the bear snarls in hatred.
Kheldor summons forth the power of the shadows around him and fires a blast of darkness at the bear
Status: Beginning of Round one
Base AC: 16 in Breastplate
Stance: Standing
Move: 20'
Current AC: 14 melee, 14 Ranged -1 dex -1 size
Max Hit Points:16
Current Hit Points: 16
Round 1 of 20 rounds - Bless on party.
As Kata finishes her spell, Anton's size doubles, larger than the Bear and his weight exceeds a ton.
A towering titan of rage stands tall (I'm not knocked prone am I?) starts his swing at the bear, the rage flooding from countless battlefields.
Attack with Size Large, Ferocious Strike
Attack w/ Greatsword attack mods str: +4, +1 Masterwork Sword, +1 BAB , -1 size penalty, total 5 I think this is correct.
Damage Greatsword on Hit large greatsword to 3d6 base damage str 4 x1.5 to 6 plus 1 for Ferocious strike, I think this is correct.
On Critical w/Greatsword to Confirm Threat
Critical Damage
Only use Critical if threat is made.
"Waaargh! He's not trying for elegance in speech today.
Status: End of Round one
Base AC: 16 in Breastplate
Stance: Standing
Move: 20'
Current AC: 14 melee, 14 Ranged -1 dex -1 size
Max Hit Points:16
Current Hit Points: 16
Round 2 of 20 rounds - Bless on party.
Used 1 of 6 Ferocious Strikes.
Thrown off by the bears charge Anton mighty blow goes wild barely (bearly?) missing Arkady.
Kata moves up to be within 30 feet of the bear, but makes sure she keeps the warriors in front of her. Her eyes narrow as she fixes the bear with a dark glare.
Marcus attempts another strike with his crossbow, attempting to keep away from the bear's bulk.
"Damn thing really needs to be calibrated." You hear as the bear is struck by Kheldor's shadow bolt and Kata's hex she throws cackling. The bear turns, hatred in his eyes to strike out at Arkady, who feels almost guided out of the way of it's blows.
"Thank you, Old Deadeye!" Arkady whispers as he drops halfway to the ground, holding onto his saddle horn with one hand as the bear's paw passes through the space where his lungs were a second before. His joy turns to a gasp of shock as the bear's paw continues onward to rip at Gildas's neck and pull the horse to the ground in a splash of blood and crunch of bones. Arkady rolls in the fallen horse drill, dropping his lance and pulling out his sword as he comes to his feet. Then he steps forward, coming up on the other side of the bear from Anton's towering form, hoping to split the terrible beast's attention.
Arkady lashes out in a furious two-handed swing, attacking with all his strength and yelling to Anton to strike while the bear is distracted and tangled by Kheldor's shadow cords. Not a lariat, but it may help.
Gildas, not quite dead yet, screams in pain, but kicks like the trained warhorse he is, plunging desperately to evade the bear or break bones before the ursine embrace crushes the life from him.
.
One steel-shod hoof smashes the bears throat...
. Still a valiant effort, and Arkady yells encouragement to his steed.
Status: Beginning of Round two
Base AC: 16 in Breastplate
Stance: Standing
Move: 20'
Current AC: 14 melee, 14 Ranged -1 dex -1 size
Max Hit Points:16
Current Hit Points: 16
Round 2 of 20 rounds - Bless on party.
Used 1 of 6 Ferocious Strikes.
Anton's shocked at the near miss of Arkady but recovers Gilas is mauled by the bear. Stepping behind the bear in a flanking position, Anton carefully bring his blade overhead. Standing 10' behind the bear (using his 10' reach) Anton calls for Gorum's Fury as he strikes.
Attack with Size Large, Ferocious Strike
Attack w/ Greatsword attack mods str: +4, +1 Masterwork Sword, +1 BAB ,+1 Bless, -1 size penalty, total 6 plus what I get for flanking if allowed.
Damage Greatsword on Hit large greatsword to 3d6 base damage str 4 x1.5 to 6 plus 1 for Ferocious strike,
On Critical w/Greatsword to Confirm Threat
Critical Damage
Only use Critical if threat is made.
Status: End of Round two
Base AC: 16 in Breastplate
Stance: Standing
Move: 20'
Current AC: 14 melee, 14 Ranged -1 dex -1 size
Max Hit Points:16
Current Hit Points: 16
Round 3 of 20 rounds - Bless on party.
Used 2 of 6 Ferocious Strikes.
No great luck still, it might hit with flank bonus.
Between Gildas' flailing hooves and Arkady's blade finding it's mark, the bear staggers, and begins attempting to strike out again, only to be struck by the huge blade of Anton's sword, taking it's torso nearly in two pieces.
The bear lets out an almost human sounding piteous whine and begins to fall. As it falls towards the ground it collapses in on itself, shrinking and changing into an incredibly old human man, covered in his own blood. He mouths, though cannot seem to say Thank You... before continuing to change, dissolving into a skeleton, and eventually, to only dust. "Go with Erastil, Priest. Thy mistakes are forgiven, and thy sin cleansed. Go now to thy rest." The words come unbidden to Arkady's lips, as though spoken by another through him.
In a moment, the shrine seems to grow more vibrant and colorful, as though throwing off a shroud noticed only by it's absence. The crawling vines and crumbling effigy now seem more a celebration of nature holding the place of men than an encroachment of the wild on civilization and the pond suddenly clears, seeming to emit it's own light as it becomes the clearest, bluest water any of you have ever seen.
Arkady kneels and says a quiet prayer for the repose of the unknown man, wondering if he will ever know what sin caused Erastil to transform him into a bear. Then he rises to inspect Gildas, and quickly calls for a healer's aid.
"Well swung, Anton!!" he calls. "Let us tend my noble steed, and then see what lies within this rock. I doubt not that Jhod will desire a full report."
Anton's blow lands as the bear topples. Did I do that? Anton wonders after Arkady's battle, if he really did the final blow or not. The transformation of the area fills Anton with awe at the power of the gods revealed again, even if not his. "Hail, Father of Forest, I honor your blessing as a liege-man of your ally and rival, Our Lord in Iron." Anton is reluctant to use Gorum's power at a holy site of a respected rival.
When Arkady calls for him to aid his horse, Anton bends over and looks at Gildas's wounds.
Heal How hurt is the brave charger?
"Sir Arkady, please bring some water for Gildas, while I determine the extent of his injuries. Is anyone else hurt?" Anton continues checking over Gildas and anyone else who's hurt.
And Arkady is very effusive about Anton saving his life. Trust me, Anton's blow was decisive.
Heal Tried again with real dice :)
Hope so, got the impression Gildas is the hero of the hour...
As Arkady brings water from the fountain for Gildas a miraculous things happens. The horse laps weakly at the water, and then more quickly. His wounds begin to shine with magical light, and one can see the effect of days or weeks of healing in moments.
Gildas stands, shaking and stamping. His wounds are not entirely closed, but it would have taken at least a week of bed rest to get to their current severity.
The furious clash of Arkady, Anton and the bear leaves Kata's heart hammering and as the bear falls, she approaches the men, shaking with sadness over the bravery shown by Gildas and stunned by the strange transformation of the bear. "Anton, that was a mighty blow. There is no doubt the Lord in Iron favors you this day." She puts her hand to the horse, stroking it gently as Arkady goes to bring the water. "Easy Gildas, you've shown yourself to be a loyal and true companion today. Thank you." She watches as the horse laps the water and its wounds heal. By the gods, what miracles I witness today.
"A day of rest should see him well," Arkady says, awed and relieved. Thank you for your hand and help, Old Deadeye. I shall strive to be worthy of your aid again. He helps Devlin unfasten Gildas's tack and urges the horse to a shady spot on the verge where plenty of grass is within easy grazing reach. He turns to the spellcasters. "I am very grateful. I doubt Gildas or I could have struck so hard without your aid, and we would likely have fared worse but for your craft hindering the bear. Shall we see what lies within? I wonder who built this place, and why it was abandoned. We might see what could be made of it, if men returned and settled here. Marcus, might you know something of such things? And afterwards, we should probably camp here tonight. The day is growing late."
Unwounded himself, Arkady does not drink from the pool. Erastil's gifts are given at need, but are never to be wasted or treated lightly.
As he rises to stride within, Arkady remembers their guides, and waves to the faerie folk. "Good guidance from you has blessed this day. Will you stay and share our meal this eve, egg-child and cricket-girl? We might tell you tales of the world beyond the forest in exchange for some of yours of the world within it."