INTRODUCTION:
This is the worst part, Adarion thought to himself.
The Grey elf was saddled on the back of a silver dragon with two other elves huddled together, shoulder to shoulder with Adarion in front. He can feel their bodies behind them in a rather uncomfortable position. The saddle was meant for bringing three people as riders; comfort was not part of the design. This made the hours-long ride a bit unpleasant for the passengers who were nothing more than that, along for the one-way trip.
Adarion looked to his right. Just past the giant wings of the reptilian beast was another silver dragon carrying three others. The dragons flew so close, one could throw a knife at each other if there were any real chance of hitting. Most flying creatures preferred more distance in flight, but there was a reason for such tight formation: defense. With the riders, the dragons were vulnerable to air attack. This was why Adarion hated this part the most, he and his companions were practically helpless to defend themselves in case of battle in the skies. To provide cover were six griffon riders, the best air champions the elves had to offer. These creatures had the upper body of an eagle, and the lower body of a lion with feathered wings. Though not as large as the two dragons, their fierce temperament and equally fierce fighting prowess made them feared air combatants. Each had only one rider armed with a lance and shield, they are known as the duethilean or the Crescent Windriders. Adarion scanned everywhere to spot one of the winged beasts above him, one to each to his flanks, rear, and two in the lead. It was quite an impressive flying battle force, but combat was not the mission this time. The goal was to get to a location and back without drawing attention.
They flew at night, high above the low clouds. Despite the bitter cold of the night and the high altitudes, magical protections cast before the flight made the journey far more tolerable. They chose the night to avoid any potential encounters, as very few creatures fly this high at night. Nor would a majority of sentient creatures be out in the open at such times. The partial moon shone bright here, but at ground level, the light would be minimal, just as Adarion and his higher-ranking leaders wanted.
Adarion Lyrondreth, leader of this group, had his mind focused on about five dozen things, when his keen eyes alerted his attention to the griffon directly in front of him in the second leading position. The rider produced a hooded light that only beings flying behind him would see. That was the warning signal. Adarion turned around best he could in the restrictive multiple saddle and produced a waving motion to his buddies. Kethis Moonwhisper, and Fiavia Stargazer, reached into a sealed compartment in the large saddle and each pulled out fully enclosed helmets with clear eye pieces. Adarion looked to the other dragon and saw the others, Daelynn Ferwarden, Amuel Dreamstrider, and Claeledar Duskdancer, begin donning helmets as well. Adarion felt confident, there was no need for verbal or magical communication to ensure they were staying alert. After securing their gear and helmets, each gave a thumbs up signal, five in all while Adarion donned his head gear and submitted his own signal. Nobody was above permission and safety checks, not even the leader. The next move was to unbuckle their straps and position themselves on the edge of the dragon’s shoulders. Now comes the next part, the signal from the forward rider to jump.
Adarion looked down and saw a small break in the clouds. He looked back and saw the light flicker on a second time. At that moment, the two dragons stopped flapping their wings and glided upon the wind and their own momentum. It was time. Adarion made a downward slashing motion, and all six riders jumped off from the dragons.
The sudden rush of wind was incredible, as the six flattened out and outstretched their arms and legs for balance as they fell to the ground at frightening speeds. The clouds were rushing up fast, any attempt to judge distances were nearly impossible. Instead of panicking or spending any amount of time to think, training took over almost instantly. They used their arms and bodies to close within ranks during their descent. In seconds each member had linked up with another until all six were holding hands in a circular formation. This only took a matter of seconds, as seconds counts in performing such a dangerous maneuver. Very few beings, if any, had ever done something like this before. One false move, one miscalculation, could mean death for one or for all. By linking up together, survival through teamwork increased dramatically. In less than ten seconds after forming up, they hit the clouds. If the onrush of the fall was bad enough, the clouds were worse. The blast of vapor almost felt like a solid force. Had they not possessed the special magic and equipment to protect them at this height as falling speeds, someone may have been hurt. The clouds were thick, vision was practically impossible any further than their feet. The ground was not visible yet, the night didn’t help matters at all. All they could do is keep their hands locked together with the person on each side and rely on their training.
Suddenly, they broke past the clouds. The land was now visible, and major features were now recognizable. Below were forests, rivers, lakes, hills, mountains, and a few settlements spanning over dozens of miles in every direction. Because of the low clouds, the ground was coming up very fast the moment they were able to see. Adarion estimated through training and preparations that the team had about ten to fifteen seconds before impact once clearing the low-lying clouds in the dark hours of the night. He released his left hand and made a sweeping motion for all to see. At once, he and the others reached for their right wrists and managed to hook onto a finger on their left gloved hands a ring that was securely fastened just under the base of their thumb. When all six managed to secure a ring, the falling motion slowed down instantly. The sudden break in their freefall nearly jolted their inner organs, but the change in velocity was gentle enough not the cause injury, just surprise and perhaps a loss of breath of one wasn’t prepared for it. Instead of a free fall, the six were gently floating to the ground, rings now glowed a faint bluish tinge. Now the team slowly swung upright into crouched positions and spun around facing away from each other. Within moments, each of the members safely touched ground with no sound made except for perhaps their breathing forced from the free fall. As each team member’s feet made contact with the grassy field, they immediately removed their enclosed helmets and drew bows from their quivers.
They waited. They searched. They listened. They hid. Such tactics were necessary to ensure any trap or an ambush would not occur in their landing area within unfriendly terrain. Jumping into enemy territory was always risky, particularly in an open area. But this maneuver was best conducted in open areas for safest navigation and for security. Despite the darkness that comes with the night and the low-lying clouds, one can never be assured that any detection by someone…or SOMETHING, didn’t see their descent. The field grass, which is roughly stood almost to the hips of the short statured elves, provided an adequate form of concealment, but no cover would be available. Best tactic was to sit and wait for a few minutes to be safe.
The air cadre was not to be seen. There was no need to confirm their departure. Once the team had jumped off, the air troop would turn back to their home base, their primary mission of delivery was complete. The ground team’s mission has now begun. Only in dire consequences, such as an immediate attack, would the air troop offer any assistance. But all went according to plan. They were on their own, and it would be this way for a very long time.
Once Adarion felt their position to be secure, he began to slowly, silently, bring out each a scroll case of maps and a compass. The other five kept a stern watch for any approaching dangers. He studied their bearings and the lay of the land. This took perhaps a minute of expertise examination until their eyes met a second time. It was confirmed: they are almost precisely where they are supposed to be. From the southwest to northeast was the forest called the Narlmarches, perhaps four miles out from the nearest wall of trees directly to the south. The Narlmarches is a combination of forest and wooded swamp, considered by most to be a dangerous environment. Not seen on the ground but visible to the west during their descent was Lake Hooktongue. A few scattered groves of trees were dispersed in an otherwise grassy field with gradually short changes in elevation, good for hiding or for things that wish to be hidden. Once the navigational task was completed, Adarion tapped each of the five members and made a pyramid shape with his hands from fingertips to his thumbs as the base. At once, they formed a diamond shaped formation. Amuel Dreamstrider was at the point and began to move directly east. He is a Sylvan elf who specializes in tapping into the four basic elements of nature and harnesses the powers he tunes himself with. About thirty feet behind him diagonally was Adarion to his left, and a Grey elf, Kethelis Moonwhisper, cleric of Ketephys to his right. Behind Adarion was Fiavia Stargazer, a strong wizard who can cast several spells intuitively and consistently without additional study; while positioned behind Kethelis was Daelynn Fernwarden, another Sylvan Elf, each also about thirty feet away. Bringing up the rear was Claeledar Duskdancer, a talented Highborn Bladesinger. Six well armed, well trained and highly skilled elven warriors. There was no senseless chatter or small talk among them. They needed to be silent and stealthy, as sound could travel far distances here in the open, as the Narlmarches are untamed and dangerous.
These elves belong to a military force that represent the best the elves have to offer. The training was extreme, the selection was volunteer. Many have tried, few have passed the process and selection. These six were hand picked from a core of veterans who begged for the honor of membership to an elite group of soldiers.
All six were members of the ranks in the elven armies. Each were basic soldiers who specialize in the bow and ranger tactics. Each had to serve several years in the military and show exceptional aptitude in their skills, their leadership, and in their demeanor. Between the six of them are warriors with over two hundred years of experience. They are professionals, one of the best teams of warriors the elves of Kyonin has to offer.
These elite warriors, one team of several, are known only among themselves as the Elonalryl (Green Far-Hunters). They are on the move to conduct a highly classified mission. They are here in the Stolen Lands of the River Kingdoms to destabilize and potentially halt the human incursions into the areas. They are allowed to use whatever materials, creatures, and tactics necessary to get the job done. In addition, they are to destroy any evil beings in the area if possible. Finally, they are to find and recover any lost artifacts of elven craft to be of use to them. Almost every creature are potential enemies, and they bring ill intentions to any who are deemed an enemy. Those who stand in their way better have plenty of blessings by their gods, because the Elonalryl do not give much in the way of mercy.
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE.
Claeledar scans the rear sector of our formation for any threats from behind, while maintaining formation.
I scan the area once again for potential threats both near and far.
TIME: The evening hour of 9.
WEATHER: Cold, winds of about 8 mph with clouds.
VISIBILITY: With your elf eyes, 3 miles.
TERRAIN: tall grass, about two to three feet in height with a few scattered bushes.
You estimate that the treeline to the western side of the Narlmarches is about two miles out.
@Claedar and Adarion: the area is secure and you spot no dangers.
@Kethelis: correct.
Presses on at 1/2 speed (25) with bow ready.
Same here, keeping formation.
Ditto
It takes the party less than one hour to reach the treeline. Plenty of wildlife sounds fills your ears, most of them are recognizable by your experiences. Oh yeah, the wind is to your backs from West to East. It does not look as though precipitation will occur. Thanks to your Endure Elements spells and winter clothing, none of you are suffering any cold effects. So far, no contact with anything.
I stop just before entering the forest. Turning around, I signal the party to form a single file line, then wait for the command by Adarion to proceed.
Ok. Without having to check with everyone, the column formation goes as follows due to your extensive training:
1, Amual Dreamstrider
2, Adarion Lyrondreth
3, Kethelis Moonwhisper
4, Daelynn Fernwarden
5, Fiavia Stargazer
6, Claeledar Duskdancer
Once I have confirmed the formation, I give Amual the go-ahead. Each person will be 15 feet distance apart, as I anticipate the LOS being limited.
When the party enters the Narlmarches, you notice that the undergrowth is of medium density. With the night and the vegetation, LOS is roughly 50-100 feet at best. The canopy above however, seems to be a single to double type, with the tops of trees roughly about 100 feet or higher. The ground has plenty of roots, bushes, downed branches and trees, which restricts your base movement on the ground to 20 feet per round. In addition, the ground also has a low blanket of snow of about three inches or so. The trees are made up of oak, beech, rustleaf, and smaller scrub in your immediate location; the oaks being the tallest trees. From what you have spotted, wildlife is typical stuff of squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and birds, though this is still considered end of winter so many animals are probably still hibernating. Game trails have already been spotted, looks like deer and other game, but nothing that says monsters or worse. After one hour of traveling into the forest, the vegetation gets thicker: medium to dense. You estimate that you are one mile inside the Narlmarches until you come across a very large oak tree.
Time: evening hour of 11.
Weather: cold, winds W to E at 5 kts, no precipitation.
Visibility: 100 feet +/-.
.
I inspect the tree from our current position while signalling a stop to the team.
@Amual: The tree is larger than any that you have seen so far inside the forest. You estimate that it stands 100 feet in height and has branches that extend above and throughout the single canopy. The nearest branch is about 40 feet up, with many others about 20 feet further up. The canopy under this tree is about 140 feet in diameter. Not surprisingly, the undergrowth is sparse under this impressive tree. You do not spot any animals or birds nesting on it. It appears to be a hybrid red oak. The width of the trunk is about 12 feet in diameter. You also spot a small creek just to the north of it about 80 feet away which is about only one to two feet in width. Beyond the area of this great tree, the vegetation goes back to medium to dense from what you can tell.
I back up slowly to Adarion and crouch next to him.
"This looks like a good spot for the night or perhaps a bit longer," I say to him barely above a whisper. "The area is clear from what I can tell, we have water nearby, and good observation of the perimeter if we stay above the undergrowth."
I motion the team to center around me. Once everyone does so, I give my commands.
"alright, we are going to recon this place. Should things turn out well, we will camp up in that tree for the night. Claeledar and Daelynn will circle to the left, Amual and Fiavia to the right. From there, meet on the far end of the tree, inspect the tree briefly, then return. Kethelis and myself will provide cover. Go."
I will position myself 20 feet to the left from my current spot and keep eyes on the direction of teams, while Kethelis does so but 20 feet right of our position.
.
Moving at 20 feet per round, distance from tree about 40 feet until either we meet the other scout team or something happens.
Same, but moving 10 feet behind Claeledar.
Does likewise with our right flanking maneuver, Amual is in the lead for me.
Concur
Nobody spots any sort of danger during your sweeping reconnaissance. Because of the slow and deliberate movement, the undergrowth and ground, the distances covered and listening halts, this takes you 8 rounds to complete. On your return, you didn't notice anything peculiar with the tree from base to the top. Looks solid, strong, and very climbable for elves. Assuming you four have given a clear to Adarion. What do you do?
We shall climb up to the second tier of large branches and set up camp for the night. No fires (obviously). IF there are no knot holes inside the trunk, I'll have us set up tarps to shield us from the wind and for concealment. Two hour watches:
1, Fiavia and Amual
2, Claeledar and Daelynn
3, Kethelis and myself
Going through the random encounters, none have occurred. All of you are now rested.
DATE: Wealday, 1st day of Gozran, 4714.
Time: The morning hour of 6.
Weather: NW 3 knots, heavy fog.
Temperature: 30-degrees F.
Sunrise: About 2 more hours.
Visibility: Still dark, about 40 feet.
Precipitation: none
I wake up everyone up.
"Alright everyone," I whisper to the troops who are sleeping securely to the branches. "Let's get started. Eat, get your spells ready, check out your gear, and start getting down to business. Our first night here was the perhaps the most stressful because we are in hostile territory for the first time. We will use this place for perhaps the next few days unless situation changes. You know what to do."
I will now prepare my spells for the day: The standard four Forester spells as always: Cure Light Wounds, Endure Elements, Gravity Bow, True Strike.
For my Wizard spells:
0-level:
Acid Splash
Daze
Detect Magic
Detect Undead
Flare
Light
Mage Hand
Open/Close
Read Magic
Spark
1st level:
Blend
Expeditious Retreat
Feather Fall
Floating Disk
Grease
Jump
Shield
True Strike
2nd level:
Darkness
Flaming Sphere
Invisibility
Web
As always, these are my bonded spells:
Cat's Grace *
Magic Missile *
"Well, let's see what I can see from atop our bird's nest."
I attempt to climb up to as far up this magnificent tree as possible to scout the area, get perhaps some unhindered air, and meditate.
"Wonder if my Elven trail rations are still good." Digs into my handy haversack and produce my first rations. Adding salt. "I can't imagine eating anything the humans produce for rations! Kethelis once worked with humans a few years back on a spying mission. That had to be hell," I reflect back while looking teasingly at the stoic Highborn.
Spells for the day: Standard Forester spells plus:
0-level:
Detect Magic
Detect Poison
Read Magic
Spark
Disrupt Undead
Mage Hand
Message
Acid Splash
Daze
Flare
Ray of Frost
1st-level:
Shield
Identify
Floating Disc
Vanish
Feather Fall
Jump
Ray of Enfeeblement
2nd-level:
Summon Monster II
See Invisibility
Defoliate
Web
I must ignore the heathen Sylvan woman
My spells for this day are: Standard Forester spells plus:
Domain: Good. Bonus spell: Protection from Evil.
0-level:
Guidiance, Mending, Stabilize, Resistance.
1st-level:
Diagnose Disease
Detect Chaos/Evil
Remove Fear
Remove Sickness
Shield of Faith
Summon Monster I
2nd-level:
Burst of Radiance
Consecrate
Hold Person
Leans gently over to Claeledar, "Kethelis is ignoring me...heheh. I think he needs to get laid more."
@Kethelis: Don't forget that you have a 2nd-level spell, Align Weapon, from your Good domain.
"Oh for Ketephys' sake," riles the silly Fiavia. "Give the man some slack for roughly a few hours," I suggest with as much of a hidden smile as possible.
It's not like she's lying
Spells for the day: Standard Forester spells plus:
0-level:
Acid Splash
Daze
Detect Magic
Detect Undead
Light
Mage Hand
Open/Close
Read Magic
Spark
1st-level:
Blend
Expeditious Retreat
Feather Fall
Jump
Magic Missile
Shield
True Strike
2nd-level:
Cat's Grace
Darkness
Flaming Sphere
Invisibility
Also eats 1 meal of rations.
Spells: Standard four Foresters plus:
Plant Domain spells: Entangle, Barkskin
0-level:
Create Water
Guidiance
Purify Food & Drink
Spark
Detect Poison (W)
Disrupt Undead (W)
Message (W)
1st-level:
Feather Fall (W)
Shield (W)
Bless Water
Embrace Destiny
Hide From Undead
Know the Enemy
Protection from Evil
Touch of Truth Telling
2nd-level:
Ancestral Communion
Cure Moderate Wounds
Cat's Grace (W)
Hold Person
@Amual:
When you reach the top of this tree that can hold you up, you see the dawn to the East, but sunrise has not begun yet. The land seems just a bit uneven but no major changes in elevation other than several trees standing a bit taller than others. Nothing about the trees seems abmormal. You do notice that the canopy is not as dense where you are at and perhaps a bit north of you. But go into the forest as expected and things bunch up quick. Birds are about, nothing large such as Rocs or Giant Eagles.
As you commune with the Water domain, you sense the presence of a larger body of water just a few miles north and east of you.
0-level:
Detect Magic
Detect Poison
Guidance
Stabilize
Mage Hand
Open/Close
Message
Resistance
1st-level:
Shield (W)
Grease (W)
Forest Domain: Glide
Water Domain: Obscuring Mist
Entangle
Hide from Animals
Produce Flame
Read Weather
Speak with Animals
Whispering Lore
2nd-level:
Campfire Wall
Cat's Grace
Defoliate
Lay of the Land
Tree Shape
Water Domain: Fog Cloud
Forest Domain: Tar Ball
After about two hours of spell preparations, equipment checks and eating 1 portion of Elven Trail Rations, the time is on the morning hour of 8. No encounters. Dawn has now broke but has very little effect on the ground level fog other than brightening things up a bit. The light through the canopy reveals that high branches are not quite so intertwined as you once thought. Any branch travel may be a bit difficult for long distances.
What does the team do now?
"I'm in command of a bunch of goofballs, but couldn't choose a better team,"
I retrieve my map case, survey our position and decide where we are before I make a decision on our next course of action.
"Amual, please come down and meet me so we can nail down our position. The rest of you keep watch. This should only take a moment."
Using my compass and maps for added bonus.
Climbs down and crouches next to my fearless leader.
"Wondering where we are? Let's see..." Examines map. Also uses compass.
"Sarcasm. I recognize it, jackass," I say to Amual.
According to your calculations, you are positioned about a mile into the Narlmarches between the Skunk and Thorn rivers. From what the map reveals, the vegetation and tree cover here is not consistent compared to going deeper into the Narlmarches. You can barely smell something foul in the air, coming from the south.
@Amual."So, we are right about here," pointing on the map." We have the Kingdom of Kinneth to our east about two days travel from here. According to our information, there is an abandoned temple east by south-east from here a day's journey deep in the middle of the Narlmarches. There is supposed to be a statue of unknown lineage to the southwest somewhere here," I draw a circling motion with my finger on a different part of the map."There is also supposedly an abandoned elven keep way over here that we must find and clear."
@Amual: Adarion is almost correct.
With a sheepish grin, I add in my input.
"Actually my lord, we are right here," pointing at a spot only a half-inch away from where he thought we were."You were off by about 100 yards or so."
Giggling over the conversation that can be clearly heard by our superior hearing...
Posting watch, standing by.
Looks at the map intently.
"Right. Everyone, listen up. We are supposed to find an ancient elven keep to the south and set up as our permanent base. To get there, we can travel southwest, then south until we find it. Once there, we scout out the location, then clean it out of any nasties that may reside there. Hoping we can use it. We can't use this old temple here as a permanent base because it's too close to the enemy kingdom. We head out in 5 minutes or less. We shall use as much of the trees as our means of travel until we can no longer do so. By no means are we going to move out in the open plains to our west unless necessary. We move slowly and silently. You know what to do. Contacts are to be avoided unless we can either destroy it easily or it's in our best interests to destroy it. Get ready."
Time: morning hour of 9.
Date: Wealday, 1st day of Gozran, 4714.
Weather: NW 3 knots, light fog.
Temperature: 32-degrees F.
Visibility: It is dawn, ground LOS is about 40-70 feet, tree level LOS is 100-200 feet.
Precipitation: none
The Narlmarches is coming to life. Animal sounds are normal in volume and quantity. A fair amount of small game has been spotted: rabbits and such. Most of the fog has burned off but there's still enough to barely cover the very top of the underbrush at ground level. The fog isn't so thick above 40 feet. No hostile contacts.
We shall head southwest until we can clear over the Skunk River. From there, we turn due south until we either make a contact or until dusk. Travel by branchiation until we can't do it anymore. Column formation as follows:
Amual Dreamstrider
Adarion Lyrondreth
Fiavia Stargazer
Kethelis Moonwhisper
Claeledar Duskdancer
Daelynn Fernwarden
Everyone will have bows out and ready. Spells ready remain unchanged.
Speed will be at 25 feet per round or slower in order to maximize stealth and detection of contacts. We have time, going to be here for a very long tour.
I will make this simple in order to avoid three hundred posts for just one day's travel. Everyone roll once on acrobatics to avoid falling, I'll use this for the day until you can't tree hop or there's contact. Adarion and Amual roll for survival to stay on course.