"Sure! That sounds nice!" He heads towards the door, eager to for whatever strange variety of beers the Forgotten One brews. He pauses when he sees the scratches. "Oh, look, look! I have some of those too!" Albern pulls up his leather lamellar to show his own mixture of recently healed werebat scratches and goblin dogslicer wounds. "You should talk to Mr. Professor Belle..fran, uh, Bela...fond... uh, Mr. Professor. He makes things like those scratches feel a lot better!"
The house is very small, only 2 feet tall, and the balcony/porch is only a few inches wide. Looking in through the door, Albern sees that the house is much larger inside than out. There is a large kitchen with a wooden table and all manner of foods and utensils hanging from the ceiling. In addition, there is a sideboard with nice china. The forgotten one is collecting cups from the sideboard and pouring beer from a pitcher into them.
He sighs dejectedly as he does so. "Not the same, not the same," he mutters to himself. He soon brings a tray of small cups filled with beer out onto the porch and offers them to you.
From his perch on the balcony he responds to Albern's comment. [b]"Who is Professor Bellefranuhbellafrond? Could he really help me? I'm not feeling well since that brute sicced the nasty goblins on me. They took my jug!"
The forgotten one pulls a chair out onto the balcony, takes a cup of beer himself, and dunks his gyngerbread into it. "Oh my, that is good. Not as good as the brew from my jug, but good indeed!"
"You were saying something about the ettin, and danger to the plants?" he prompts.
|
"You should talk to Mr. Professor Belle..fran, uh, Bela...fond... uh, Mr. Professor. He makes things like those scratches feel a lot better!"
Knowing a cue when he hears one, Professor Bellerophon steps right up to the little house.
"Hello, oh forgotten one. Do you have a name by which I may address you? It is always good to know how to properly talk with somebody, don't you think? And, yes, Albern is one hundred and twenty percent correct. I am a chirurgeon, or a doctor of anatomy and medicine, as well as a priest of Pharasma (though it doesn't appear as if you'll be needing any of Her Last Rites anytime soon). Those scratches look painful. May I assist?"
Knowing a cue when he hears one, Professor Bellerophon steps right up to the little house.
"Hello, oh forgotten one. Do you have a name by which I may address you? It is always good to know how to properly talk with somebody, don't you think? And, yes, Albern is one hundred and twenty percent correct. I am a chirurgeon, or a doctor of anatomy and medicine, as well as a priest of Pharasma (though it doesn't appear as if you'll be needing any of Her Last Rites anytime soon). Those scratches look painful. May I assist?"
"Name? Names are for mortals. I'm a faerie. I don't have a name. I'm a forgotten one. If I had a name and told you, you'd just forget it anyway. It's kind of you to ask, but it's too much of a bother to worry about one. You may call me....Franuhfonduh today. I'll borrow part of your name!"
"Yes, they're cuts, and I've been making poultrices, but I'm out of potions. Please do heal them, if you can! Nasty goblins!"
"Why this is delicious, thank you." as he samples the beer, "Perhaps if you help us by providing information such as their location, numbers, and lay of the land we can worst these foes and return your jug to you?" suggests Rafaelis.
Franudfonduh's expression brightens at the idea that it might get its jug back. "Really? You'd do that? For me? You have to promise not to forget to do it! I'll tell you, but you'll probably forget everything. Still, it would be nice to have my jug back."
"Okay, so there's this ettin. She has a name. It's Jebline. She's pretty young. She's a medium. She enchants things. Like the goblins. And those werebats that started working for her. They have nice ears."
"There's just the one ettin, the two werebats, and a lot of goblins and their goblin dogs. Ever since the ettin came, the goblins tramp back and forth a lot. They ruined a whole field of orange and yellow poppies last week! Thefield was very displeased about that, I tell you!"
"The earth's not too happy about the ettin stomping around, either. She's young, but she's big, and she really packs down the soil when she walks. The towpath has been complaining about it for weeks!"
"I haven't counted the goblins, but the fieldstones near the deep cave claim there are between 10 and 12 of them and 4 goblin dogs. The dogs pee on the fieldstones, which don't like it one bit."
"Just the other day, I went to the deep cave to check on Lell. That's dell with an 'l', but it's not L'dell. Anyhow, the Wildwood Lodge says I should check on her every couple of weeks. I don't like going in there, but I do. It was time to visit Lell. But Lell wasn't there. I guess the werebats wanted the cave, 'cause the limestone says they were there and that Lell hadn't been up for at least a week. That's odd for Lell. She likes to roam about. Anyhow, I was telling the limestone about this bunion..." Franudfonduh holds up a foot for inspection, "...I got from trying to wear shoes. The limestone was upset that the goblins and goblin dogs don't wipe their feet. Jebline does though."
"Where was I? Oh, yeah, my bunion. So I'm telling the limestone about it when Jebline came in. She's very intimidating. She told the goblins to cook me on a spit! I told her the Wildwood Lodge would get her if she did. And I told her she'd never get my jug if she did, either. Well, that was a mistake. Never tell anyone about the jug."
"But now I've gone and told you. I'm sorry, there's nothing for it, I'm going to have to erase your memories!" The forgotten one abruptly stands up and moves to the railing above you.
|
|
"Wait, wait, wait! Franudfonduh, shouldn't you wait until after we return your jug, then erase our memories?"
"If you erase our memories now, then we will forget to retrieve your jug for you!"
"Hmm, by the way this beer is really good!
"Also what type of creature is Lell?"
"Did I ever tell you, once I had a bunion, nasty things, I feel for you."
"Wait, wait, wait! Franudfonduh, shouldn't you wait until after we return your jug, then erase our memories? If you erase our memories now, then we will forget to retrieve your jug for you!"
"I could, couldn't I? Okay!"
"Hmm, by the way this beer is really good!
"Thank you!""
"Also what type of creature is Lell?"
"Why an owlbear, of course. Do keep up."
"Did I ever tell you, once I had a bunion, nasty things, I feel for you."
"So I was telling the limestone about my bunion when Jebline caught me. I thought she was Lell as she came up on me. I offered her the jug to let me go. She agreed, but she had the goblins flay me first. I hate her."
"The druids will be very upset to learn that they killed Lell. When they do, they'll probably get the ettin. But in the meantime, I don't have my jug."
"If you could get it for me, I will give you a reward. I'll give you a magic bag that is bigger inside than out, like my house!"
Franudfonduh reaches into a pouch at his side and pulls out a small honey pot, which is clearly larger than the bag itself. "See!" He hands the pot over the fence to Albern.
"I make this from bee and spider venom! Put this on your weapons before you fight Jebline and the goblins, and they won't fight as well. Be careful when you're putting it on. Please bring back the pot when you're done. A nice druid from Belhaim gave it to me."
"I can help you put it on if you want," the forgotten one offers.
"Sure! That's so nice of you, and I'm so happy to help you. Second Mom always said help nice people in need, and that seems like you."
Albern pulls out two swords for the nice Forgotten One.
The fogotten one dips Albern's swords in the poison.
"Second mom? I didn't know that gnomes had more than one mom. How many did you have?"
"Oh just two. And she isn't a gnome, she's a flumph. I'm adopted!"
Albern leans over. "Between you and me, it's really fun being adopted. You should try it!"
"That sounds great! What do I do? I don't know any flumphs."
"Oh, well I could introduce you my family, but they all went to the Sodden Lands, near some place called Hyrantam. But there are lots of nice folks in the world who could adopt you - a Unicorn would be a good Second Mom, or maybe a pretty tree faerie. Or maybe an elf! I saw an elf once who adopted a brownie - boy was that brownie happy! And elves make good food, too."
"Now, when I got adopted I just got lost, and then someone found me! But I bet you could just go and ask someone, and they would adopt you."
Albern looks smug, having just suggested his best idea, ever. Having a nice person to watch out for him would definitely make the forgotten one happier.
|
Rafaelis pulls out five quarrels and passes them up to be coated with poison by the forgotten one. Tallying briefly he says,"We slew six goblins and two were-bats yesterday. By my reckoning, there should be four to six goblins, some of whom are mounted spell casters of some sort, four goblin dogs, and one juvenile ettin remaining. He pauses to consider before speaking to the forgotten one,"We are on our way to Belahaim. Would you have news of the surrounding lands? Rumor has it that there be a dragon lurking in the fens nearby. We do not wish to run afoul of it if it is wicked. Also, we plan to meet with the druid Amzar of the Wildwood Lodge as we desire news of the road from Belhaim to Wispil. Would you like for us to pass on a message to him from you?"
"Oh, well I could introduce you my family, but they all went to the Sodden Lands, near some place called Hyrantam. But there are lots of nice folks in the world who could adopt you - a Unicorn would be a good Second Mom, or maybe a pretty tree faerie. Or maybe an elf! I saw an elf once who adopted a brownie - boy was that brownie happy! And elves make good food, too."
"Now, when I got adopted I just got lost, and then someone found me! But I bet you could just go and ask someone, and they would adopt you."
Albern looks smug, having just suggested his best idea, ever. Having a nice person to watch out for him would definitely make the forgotten one happier.
"Ooh, that sounds lovely," the forgotten one says. Seeing that Rafaelis wants his quarrels poisoned, he stands, wincing in pain as he does, moves to the edge of the balcony, dips them in the pot, and hands them back.
Tallying briefly he says,"We slew six goblins and two were-bats yesterday. By my reckoning, there should be four to six goblins, some of whom are mounted spell casters of some sort, four goblin dogs, and one juvenile ettin remaining."[/b]
"Yes, according to the stones, that's right."
"We are on our way to Belhaim. Would you have news of the surrounding lands? Rumor has it that there be a dragon lurking in the fens nearby. We do not wish to run afoul of it if it is wicked. Also, we plan to meet with the druid Amzar of the Wildwood Lodge as we desire news of the road from Belhaim to Wispil. Would you like for us to pass on a message to him from you?"[/b]
The forgotten one smiles and hops up and down gleefully, "Would you? Put in a good word for me! Maybe he will adopt me! He's very powerful! I like his big bushy beard! Or maybe Bassy, she's a sweetheart and the oldest person anywhere. She knows lots of stuff and has hoopy green eyebrows. She never comes into the forest anymore, though."
"Yes, I've heard the rumors. The fearsome black dragon Aeteperax has moved his lair to the Dragonfen near Belhaim. He's got the local kobolds, the Blood Vow tribe, under his claw. The Amzur Kell and the other druids of the Wildwood Lodge are quite concerned. I'm supposed to keep an eye out for him and report on him, but he hasn't been up this way, except to fly over once."
"And then there's the wolves. They've been attacking livestock around Belhaim lately. They're led by a giant wolf."
"Does anybody else want some of my poison now? You can take the pot with you, but be careful with it!"
Franudfonduh starts collecting up the cups and brings them back into his house. Then he moves his chair back into the house.
|
|
When he sees Franudfonduh wince in pain he'll say, "Will someone not heal this poor creature please?
Rafaelis raises an eyebrow, "I don't recall much dragon lore currently. Any idea of why Aeteperax moved close to Belhaim? Who and what is Bassy by the way? We may need to chat her up too." Green hoopy eye brows? Sounds like a gnome. Perhaps he knows somethong about Brethon's father-in law?
"Pardon me, this may seem like a random question, but would you happen to know anything about a man who went by the name of 'Jack Were-son?' He would have been actively adventuring about fifty or so years ago.
|
|
"Well, i guess I should have my cane sword treated, oh forgotten one," says Professor Bellerophon. "And maybe my bolts for my crossbow. Pharasma willing, I won't be suing the cane in close quarters anytime soon."
Professor Bellerophon offers both his canesword and his crossbow bolts to the fey for treatment.
Not realizing how carefully an adventuring healer must hoard his abilities, Taldus immediately summons aid from Pharasma and her court of angels, healing the Forgotten One.
Glowing warmth bursts forth from Professor Bellerophon. When it reaches the forgotten one, all of its wounds vanish. "Hey, I feel great now! Thank you!"
"Well, i guess I should have my cane sword treated, oh forgotten one," says Professor Bellerophon. "And maybe my bolts for my crossbow. Pharasma willing, I won't be suing the cane in close quarters anytime soon."
Professor Bellerophon offers both his canesword and his crossbow bolts to the fey for treatment.
The forgotten one gladly dips both the sword cane and the crossbow bolts.
Rafaelis raises an eyebrow, "I don't recall much dragon lore currently. Any idea of why Aeteperax moved close to Belhaim? Who and what is Bassy by the way? We may need to chat her up too." Green hoopy eye brows? Sounds like a gnome. Perhaps he knows something about Brethon's father-in law?
Rafaelis does indeed not recall much of anything about black dragons, beyond the fact that they are dragons that are black and that they like to live in swampy areas.
"Pardon me, this may seem like a random question, but would you happen to know anything about a man who went by the name of 'Jack Were-son?' He would have been actively adventuring about fifty or so years ago.
"Sure, I know him. I know everybody around here. It's my job. Did he change his name? I haven't seen him in a while."
With a quizzical look on his face, "Um Brethon, your father-in-law passed away, right?"
"Indeed, many years ago, but the forgotten one is quite a bit older than any of us."
To the forgotten one he says,"Well. He seems to have been a very accomplished spellcaster and extrordinarily tight lipped about it. Any information about him you could impart would be of help."
"I suppose he may have cast spells. He came around from time to time, and we discussed what was going on in the woods. He said his father, Dern, was a were-bear and a lumberjack. Jack didn't like working much. He preferred to cast spells to explore the woods. He'd climb trees and glide down. Sometimes he'd take me along. He was a lot of fun. Is he around?"
In the Verduran Forest, Taldor - Oathday, 2 Gozran, 4715 A.R.
Upon hearing that Jack Were-son has died, the forgotten one frowns. "Hmmmm...well, that explains why I haven't seen him in a while. You mortals sure don't live long." He quickly brightens up. "Bassy? She's swell! She's a gnome who lives in Belhaim. She has pink hair and big green eyebrows! Or at least she did, last time I saw her. Maybe she's dead now, too? She is really, really old. She knows stuff and tells good stories and jokes."
"Nice to meet you!" Albern cheerily waves as the group readies to depart for a little giant slaying.
|
|
Professor Bellerophon is quiet along the road to the ettin's hideout. He quietly mutters to himself occasionally, shakes his head, and obsessively strokes his chirurgeon's pouch.
Anybody watching him would likely think he is concerned about the upcoming fight with a giant. He exhibits nervousness, mixed with excitement.
After nearly an hour of walking, the Professor moves up close to Rafaelis and asks him, "Do you think we will be able to bring the ettin's corpse back to the wagons? I've never had the chance to dissect one and it is a HUGE opportunity for anatomical science."
|
|
Rafaelis ponders a moment, Probably not. You will have to perform the disection on site. I have been working on a spell, though it isn't quite ready, to allow us at least take the bones. I feel that I am close to a breakthrough. Perhaps if we rest after our battles, should we survive, I can make the finishing touches upon it.
|
|
Denge looks at Penelope with concern on his face.
"Penelope, I know things seem odd at the moment, like time has stopped for us, but be steady. Sometimes there are temporal stasis pools which can affect the time stream, I am confident this will pass."
He places a reassuring hand on her shoulder and looks off into the horizon, a mask of determination on on his face.
Penelope is startled by Denge's words after such a long time of silence. Both relieved that he feels the odd flow of time also, and disturbed from her lulling peace.
She nods in what she hopes is perceived as understanding. So much of this place seems familiar and yet so strange.
"As always Denge, I will follow your lead."
She too looks off into the distance, clenching her jaw muscles(does she even have jaw muscles she wonders) to help maintain her focus on the tasks at hand. Her face a poor imitation of Denge's older and weathered face.
I will not let him down, she thinks.
In the Verduran Forest, Taldor - Oathday, 2 Gozran, 4715 A.R.
The hike from the Forgotten One's home through the Verduran Forest to the deep cave takes about three hours. You all seem to be able to recall all the details of your encounter with the strange fey, so it does not seem to have erased any memories.
You occasionally catch glimpses of it as you travel through the forest. Apparently it is keeping tabs on you.
The forest climbs up the slope of somewhat steep hill, nearly a bluff. Ahead, through the undergrowth, you see a clearing. On the far side is a cleared cave mouth with what may well be a commanding view of the canal for several miles in either direction.
All is quiet.
Well, until the Forgotten One speaks up, "That it. That's the deep cave where Lell lived. The bushes say they're all inside."
The earth in the clearing has clearly been disturbed by many tracks.
The late-afternoon air is still and pleasantly warm. A slight, cool draft comes from the cave.
Brethon looks nervously about. "What now?" he whispers.
|
|
"I say we prepare, quickly. And then investigate. Carefully."
With not a little trepidation, Professor Bellerophon draws his crossbow and fits a bolt to it. He then blesses himself and all his colleagues, calling up the sometimes unnerving attention of Pharasma and her psychopomp ushers.
Let us survive, oh Grey Lady.
Albern starts whispering to himself. "What do you think, Mr. Fee? I think it will be grand, just like when Captain Vorrin fought off the sahuagin in the western seas" He seems to have found his bravery in his little speech, and begins to try to sneak slightly ahead of the others, his new halberd in hand.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rafaelis says in a low voice holding up a hand to forestall Taldus and Albern from proceeding, "No my friends. Now is the time when secret ourselves, we wait, and we watch. Patience is our ally. They will send out a force to set an ambush. Once that happens their forces will be divided. Then we decide either to go into the cave to attack the ettin or we follow whatever force is sent out and in turn ambush them. It is not advisable to attack the enemy in their lair when they are at full strength."
He glances around,"Brethon, Bear'f, where might we hide where we can watch the cave mouth and not get caught or sniffed out by our enemies?"
|
|
Rafaelis says in a low voice holding up a hand to forestall Taldus and Albern from proceeding, "No my friends. It is not advisable to attack the enemy in their lair when they are at full strength."
Professor Bellerophon considers this, nodding his head in understanding. A scholar at heart, he realizes he has precious little actual experience assaulting, well... anything, and thus takes mental notes as he listens to Rafaelis.
Yes, yes, makes sense. 'Don't attack enemy on home ground.' Got it.
Penelope looks at Denge for reassurance, and he nods slightly to her.
In a low whisper with her hands clasped before her, she says "I can get in there and be unseen, I can become incorporeal "
"It would be a good if we knew how many there are, right?"
Unless someone protests. Denge and Penelope will confer, she will wink out and reappear a moment later incorporeal. She will sink into the floor and head out toward the cave and head in. Doing a full reconnoiter of the cave and it's inhabitants.