NostalgiaCon 2021 - GM Valen's Pathfinder Society Scenario #10-16: What the Helms Hide (Inactive)

Game Master Lysle

Phatty heads toward the sounds as well. She finds herself between Holy and Hagathe, readying her axe for combat. "Why don't you come show yourself you coward!"

intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

As they approach the other Pathfinders with the exception of the blind Holy each momentarily gaze upon the face of the jack-o'-lantern before the fog refills the space burned off by its fiery breath.
Hagathe, Will save (DC 15): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15
Phatty, Will save (DC 15): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14
Gaius, Will save (DC 15), protection from evil: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 2 = 17
Rounds?: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 5) = 11

The horrid plant creature then swings its long, tendril-like vines towards Mina!
Melee (slam attack), reach: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage (B) + entangling snare): 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

INTO THE THICKET - Round Two Cont'd/Round Three Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Hagathe
Mina -2 HP fire damage (shaken for 9 rounds)
Cith (fast healing 1)
Phatty (enlarged; shaken for 11 rounds)
Holy
Round Three
Gaius (protection from evil)
Advanced Jack-O’-Lantern (-2 save from stare; -2 save for 7 rounds)

Terrain Modifiers: The ground in the area is covered in plant life, which makes the squares count as difficult terrain; succeeding at a DC 13 Acrobatics check at the start of their turn allows a creature to move at normal speed. Also, the fog obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. A creature 5 feet away has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker cannot use sight to locate the target). A moderate wind (11+ mph), such as from a gust of wind spell, disperses the fog in 4 rounds. A strong wind (21+ mph) disperses the fog in 1 round. Fire-based spells burn away the fog in the explosive or fiery spell’s area for 1 round before the fog pours back in.

“Well, this fog makes the spear useless!” Cith exclaims in disgust as he drops it and gets out his silver light mace.

He sniffs the area and let’s people know what direction the evil plant is.
Perception, Scent: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Guys I'm gonna try something, if this works we run to the lumber yard Gaius mentioned earlier. Hagathe treks slowly through the debris 15ft forward and centers her spell 10ft radius towards where she last saw the creature. The end of the radius just in front of her keeping all friendlies safe. Casts Sleep DC: 18 will save

"Oh no ... this is scary!"

Mina casts grease beneath the creature.

DC 15 reflex save.

If the enemy are within 30’, Cith should be able to tell Hagathe and Mina where to target the spell.

That is assuming they would listen to some pretty-boy tomcat. :)

He sniffs the area and let’s people know what direction the evil plant is.

Cith's sniff confirms the fiery creature is still within 30 feet.

Guys I'm gonna try something, if this works we run to the lumber yard Gaius mentioned earlier.

It does not work. The plant's immunities supplants the witch's plan.

"Oh no ... this is scary!"

Mina casts grease beneath the creature.

DC 15 reflex save.

Jack-O’-Lantern, Reflex (DC 15), w/hex and stare: 1d20 + 0 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 0 - 2 - 2 = 3

Through the fog, the party can hears a sloshy *THUD* indicating that the creature has (dare I say?) squashed against the ground.

INTO THE THICKET - Round Two Cont'd/Round Three Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Hagathe
Mina -2 HP fire damage (shaken for 8 rounds)
Cith (fast healing 1)
Phatty (enlarged; shaken for 11 rounds)
Holy
Round Three
Gaius (protection from evil)
Advanced Jack-O’-Lantern (-2 save from stare; -2 save for 7 rounds)

Terrain Modifiers: The ground in the area is covered in plant life, which makes the squares count as difficult terrain; succeeding at a DC 13 Acrobatics check at the start of their turn allows a creature to move at normal speed. Also, the fog obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. A creature 5 feet away has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker cannot use sight to locate the target). A moderate wind (11+ mph), such as from a gust of wind spell, disperses the fog in 4 rounds. A strong wind (21+ mph) disperses the fog in 1 round. Fire-based spells burn away the fog in the explosive or fiery spell’s area for 1 round before the fog pours back in.

Cith’s ears twitch, then he says “Think it fell, Mina! Good job!”

I didn't feel my magic take hold, do we run or keep fighting?

Holy will move up and cast Infernal Healing in Mina

“Can we run? All these plants are sort of in the way!”

acrobatics: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
Phatty double moves to get closer to the enemy for attack.

Gaius has his bow drawn, waiting for an opportunity to fire at the foe.

The creature crawls out of the greasy area, unfettered by the thick growth around it. From its prone position, it lashes out with its vine-like appendages against Mina, relying upon senses other than sight to find his target through the fog!

Melee (slam attack), reach: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage (B) + entangling snare): 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
The jack-o’-lantern’s slam attack entangles the target in its vines for 2d4 rounds unless the target succeeds at a DC 16 Reflex save. The target can attempt to burst these entangling vines before the duration expires with a successful DC 12 Strength check as a fullround action. While the target is entangled, its vines also grasp at the target’s mouth. The target cannot speak or cast spells with verbal components while it is entangled by the jack-o’-lantern. When a creature is entangled by this ability, the jack-o’-lantern loses its slam attack, but it can end this ability as a free action.

INTO THE THICKET - Round Three Cont'd/Round Four Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Hagathe
Mina -8 HP (Reflex v. entangled; shaken for 7 rounds)
Cith (fast healing 1)
Phatty (enlarged; shaken for 10 rounds)
Holy
Round Four
Gaius (protection from evil)
Advanced Jack-O’-Lantern (-2 save from stare; -2 save for 6 rounds)

Terrain Modifiers: The ground in the area is covered in plant life, which makes the squares count as difficult terrain; succeeding at a DC 13 Acrobatics check at the start of their turn allows a creature to move at normal speed. Also, the fog obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. A creature 5 feet away has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker cannot use sight to locate the target). A moderate wind (11+ mph), such as from a gust of wind spell, disperses the fog in 4 rounds. A strong wind (21+ mph) disperses the fog in 1 round. Fire-based spells burn away the fog in the explosive or fiery spell’s area for 1 round before the fog pours back in.

reflex: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

"Oh no ... do not grab me!"

Mina casts grease beneath the creature again.

Concentration casting defensively DC 17: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

DC 15 reflex save.

The creature crawls out of the greasy area, unfettered by the thick growth around it. From its prone position, it lashes out with its vine-like appendages against Mina, relying upon senses other than sight to find his target through the fog!

My apologies, but I forgot to add the -4 modifier for attacking while prone, so the slam attack missed Mina.

The enemy is already prone. If the above changes Mina's action this round, then I am fine with retroactively altering Mina's action this round, if you so wish.

INTO THE THICKET - Round Three Cont'd/Round Four Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Hagathe
Mina (shaken for 7 rounds)
Cith (fast healing 1)
Phatty (enlarged; shaken for 10 rounds)
Holy
Round Four
Gaius (protection from evil)
Advanced Jack-O’-Lantern (prone; -2 save from stare; -2 save for 6 rounds)

Terrain Modifiers: The ground in the area is covered in plant life, which makes the squares count as difficult terrain; succeeding at a DC 13 Acrobatics check at the start of their turn allows a creature to move at normal speed. Also, the fog obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. A creature 5 feet away has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker cannot use sight to locate the target).

Following the stench of pumpkin, Cith steps up to Jack, stares at it for a moment, then tries to hit it with his mace.
Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 33
silver light mace, prone target: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 4 = 12
bludgeoning damage, painful stare: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 + 1 = 6

I am guessing that will miss. If someone else attacks and damages it this round, the painful stare would cause one extra damage.

“Found it again!”

Seeing the creature's tendrils lash out at Mina, Gaius fires an arrow at what he hopes is the center of the monster.

Shortbow: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d6 ⇒ 5

In the unlikely event that's high enough to hit, rolling for concealment; low is good for me.

Concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 36

Holy will move half speed and then aid another on the attack from Phatty

aid another attack: 1d20 ⇒ 8

and fail

Hagathe will draw her crossbow, shoot, and 5ft step away to make room for Phatty.
Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 3
miss chance High=good: 1d100 ⇒ 23

concealment: 1d100 ⇒ 95 high is good
attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
damage: 3d6 + 7 ⇒ (2, 6, 1) + 7 = 16
"Take this you overgrown pumpkin pie!"
Phatty swings at the creature.

Cith amplifies the pain the creature feels from the hit.

+1 damage, painful stare

Gaius pierces the pumpkin with an arrow.

"Take this you overgrown pumpkin pie!"

Phatty swings at the creature.

Phatty pummels the pumpkin-headed plant-creature. It appears to remain lifeless.

Remaining in Rounds for Reasons

INTO THE THICKET - Round Four Cont'd/Round Five Begins!

PCs in bold may act

Hagathe
Mina (shaken for 7 rounds)
Cith (fast healing 1)
Phatty (enlarged; shaken for 10 rounds)
Holy
Round Five
Gaius (protection from evil)
Advanced Jack-O’-Lantern -22 HP

Terrain Modifiers: The ground in the area is covered in plant life, which makes the squares count as difficult terrain; succeeding at a DC 13 Acrobatics check at the start of their turn allows a creature to move at normal speed. Also, the fog obscures all sight, including darkvision, beyond 5 feet. A creature 5 feet away has concealment (attacks have a 20% miss chance). Creatures farther away have total concealment (50% miss chance, and the attacker cannot use sight to locate the target).

Cith moves forward, ears and nose searching for any signs of other potential enemies hiding in the fog.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

Cith moves forward, ears and nose searching for any signs of other potential enemies hiding in the fog.

[dice=Perception]d20+4

Gaius watches Cith for any sign of him finding another opponent to target...

Mina takes out her crossbow and loads it!

“I do hope this fog lifts at some point. I’ve lost track of where I dropped my spear….”

“I do hope this fog lifts at some point. I’ve lost track of where I dropped my spear….”

Gaius offers with a chuckle, "Doesn't it smell like you?"

Follow me old man, to the lumber mill, I think it's this way. Hagathe will double move for a total of 30ft. and will tug on Holy's arm as she walks by to indicate the direction she's going.

Phatty follows Hagathe and Holy to the lumber mill.

Gaius will cover the group and follow, ready with bow and arrow, while scanning the area as much as the fog allows.

Suddenly, the remains of the jack-o’-lantern explode in a burst of flaming spores.
Creatures within 10 feet of the exploding jack-o’-lantern must succeed at a DC 14 Reflex save or take fire damage and be stunned for 1 round. A successful save halves the damage and negates the stun.

All PCs may attempt a Reflex save.
Fire damage and stun, Reflex save DC 14 for half and negate stun.: 2d6 ⇒ (2, 4) = 6

OUT OF ROUNDS

A timely shift in the wind draws the remaining fog away, revealing a crumbling lumber mill nearby. It is unremarkable except for the large wooden statue protruding from the front, stands to the north. A pile, appearing to consist of six ripe, delicious looking berries and three sizeable pumpkins, stands at the base of the statue, which itself looks nearly identical to that previously seen by the Pathfinders within the thicket.

Carved alongside the wooden statue is an inscription that reads, “Like the Lord of Seasons, our hoods illuminate truth, while their masks shelter deceit. Let this be the sign of our covenant. -E”.

Beyond the statue stands the ruined mill. Its door, ravaged by time and the elements, lies agape.

Reflex: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 5 + 2 = 19

Appraise: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Gaius will inform the party of what he knows so please read the spoiler tags for which he reached the DC. There isn't a DC listed for the Appraise check but I'm guessing a 4 isn't going to make it heh. What does the 19 tell Gaius about a huldra?

Gaius will inform the others quietly, "We have company."
He will try to meet the gaze of the huldra and bow slightly to her and smile.
"Greetings milady, I am Gaius Marius of Taldor, whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

Gaius will inform the party of what he knows so please read the spoiler tags for which he reached the DC. There isn't a DC listed for the Appraise check but I'm guessing a 4 isn't going to make it heh. What does the 19 tell Gaius about a huldra?

The DC for the Appraise check is 12.

Gaius knows that huldras are fey creatures that legend claims were originally created by troll witches to lure humans into their clutches. Every huldra is aware of this tale, finds it insulting, and denies it at length—yet the legend persists. Though huldras are not ashamed of their status as fey, they react rather negatively when someone points out their tails. So long as humanoids are respectful, however, huldras tend to be curious about other races. If provoked, a huldra can be quite deadly.
The huldra is a CR 4 creature.

of the huldra and bow slightly to her and smile.

"Greetings milady, I am Gaius Marius of Taldor, whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

“Take ye not a step further into Ng’s sacred realm," the huldra calls out from the mill’s doorway. " I am the Crocus Knight, sworn protector of the Thicket of Endless Fall and rightful successor to Ng’s chosen, Zaul Blystone. Are you here to join in the grove’s protection, or defile its splendor? Speak now, lest I add you to the great harvest."

Reflex: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21 I am guessing that the unholy healing took care of the 3 damage

Stepping forward, Cith immediately says “We are protectors!” As he steps up, he pulls the hood of his cloak over his head.

With a twitch of his whiskers and a raised brow, he adds “Ng? I thought that god liked druids.”

Making a show of being perplexed by what the huldra said, he says “We were told by Adelyn that this grove was blighted by the senseless massacre of druids centuries ago. She identified herself as a member of the Greenfire Circle.”

Gesturing to others in the group, he then says “We have multiple people here who came to help.”

“Are you sure it is Ng that ordered this? It seems there is some sort of misunderstanding here!”

Let me know if you want a Diplomacy or Bluff check for that.

Stepping forward, Cith immediately says “We are protectors!” As he steps up, he pulls the hood of his cloak over his head.

With a twitch of his whiskers and a raised brow, he adds “Ng? I thought that god liked druids.”

"Protectors? 'Tis most fortunate, if ye be truthful," the huldra replies. "As for Ng's blessed 'likes', they be no more known t'mortal beings than either Ng's plans or ends."

Making a show of being perplexed by what the huldra said, he says “We were told by Adelyn that this grove was blighted by the senseless massacre of druids centuries ago. She identified herself as a member of the Greenfire Circle.”

Gesturing to others in the group, he then says “We have multiple people here who came to help.”

“Are you sure it is Ng that ordered this? It seems there is some sort of misunderstanding here!”

"The lack of understanding t'would seem to lie with you, for I knoweth my purpose here," declares the Crocus Knight.

"As for this Adelyn of whom you spake, I know her not, but this sacred temple be no blight. Indeed, it is the Thicket of Endless Fall. " the huldra replies indignantly. "For I hath been told by this the prior guardian of this temple, one of Ng's chosen. It was he who have me this cowl for that very purpose!" The huldra speaks to the colorful, leaf-like cowl upon her head for emphasis.

"If ye truly be protectors and hath come to render aid, as you hath said, then you doth need to protect this grove as it indeed serves a most sacred purpose. Yet, I knoweth not what rests within ye hearts." notes the Crocus Knight aloud, unsure what to make of the newcomers. "Your presence and words here both stir uncertainty within my being. How mayst I know thy intentions are pure? And that thou truly mean no harm to this thicket?"

The party as a whole must attempt a total of five skill checks to improve the Crocus Knight's attitude, choosing from Bluff, Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge (arcana, nature, or religion), or Sense Motive. Anyone can attempt one of the skill checks, but each skill check can be attempted only once. Allies may use the aid another action on these checks.

Mina smiles to create a good atmosphere.

diplomacy aid : 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

When Cith once again steps forward he spins tales of a dragon who trusts him, preserving a town from a half-demon who threatened children, sneaking aboard a ship to get criminal information without getting noticed, and stopping the selling of addictive drugs throughout the inner sea.

“Being a knight yourself, surely you can see how all these actions are things a hero and protector should do!”

When another tries to assess the mood of the Crocus Knight, Cith gives his own insights.
Aid Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

When another steps forward to show good manners, Cith stands a respectful distance behind and gentle supports the effort.
Aid Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (2) + 10 = 12

Know Nature: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26 Hagathe first brings up how she was orphaned at a young age and was taken from her home in the outskirts of town and forced to an orphanage in the city, and that she misses the natural beauty of the groves.
Know Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 She then talks of her magic, where it derives from, and how her familiar Yuki gives her strength.
Diplomacy Aid: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (17) - 2 = 15 Knowing how she sometimes comes across she limits herself to just agreeing when the silver-tongued agents talk of only wanting to help.
Sense Motive Aid: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15 She pays close attention of the words the Crocus Knoght chooses to express his feelings and tries to insight the others of what she picks up on.

“Being a knight yourself, surely you can see how all these actions are things a hero and protector should do!”

One Success!

"Aye, I understand the need to oppose such threats," the Crocus Knight concedes, tentatively.

Hagathe first brings up how she was orphaned at a young age and was taken from her home in the outskirts of town and forced to an orphanage in the city, and that she misses the natural beauty of the groves.

She then talks of her magic, where it derives from, and how her familiar Yuki gives her strength.

Two more successes! Three out of the five is all you need.

"Most interesting tales, ye have lived," the huldra says in replace. "Perhaps, ye would garner some insight from mine own?"

"Not long after I had wandered into this thicket, a Pathfinder name Zaul Blystone appeared to me." she recites. "Much as you have now appeared here. I had concluded before I met him that this place was a message from Ng the Hooded. The Hooded One is among the powerful fey deities known as the Eldest. It was Zaul Blystone, who confirmed my beliefs."

"When I confided within him my suspicions, he commended me for my insight and for the revelations that I had received. He declared that he, too, was a follower of Ng and that he had been the one initially chosen to be the guardian of this--the Thicket of Endless Fall.” she continues. "He explained to me the horrors posed by the encroachment of lumberjacks in this area and how they were conspiring to decimate Ng’s sacred temple. It was Zaul Blystone who urged me to help him keep the thicket safe. And twas he who bestowed upon me the title of 'the Crocus Knight'. I took a vow at that time to protect the thicket. Since that day, I have kept that vow.. Together, Zaul Blystone and I created many of the wards within this thicket in order to deter intruders."

"Before his departure, Zaul Blystone entrusted this magical cowl to me," she notes, pointing to the cowl upon her head. "It serves as the mantle of whoever protects this place, the Thicket of Endless Fall."

"Yet, if that be not the case, then I shall remain here at my post and 'tis upon my head that the cowl shall remain." The Crocus Knight grows pensive, then asks, "As ye be trustworthy protectors and it has been so long since I have spoken with others beyond this thicket, a confession I must make to you. Though I remain a devoted follower of Ng, it is my wish to someday be able to leave this thicket and start a new journey. Still, I shall remain here as protector until such time that a new protector arrives to take my stead."

"Do ye know if any is soon coming to relieve me of my mantle?"? asks the Crocus Knight, her tone hopeful.

Gaius looks uncertainly at his fellow party members before speaking to the Crocus Knight, "Unfortunately we were not told if anyone is coming to relieve you of your mantle. Our mission was to locate and learn about the item known as 'Autumn's Cowl.' Your Thicket of Endless Fall is now in what's become a blighted area that the Greenfire Circle is trying to heal. We were hoping to learn how to repair the damage to the area; plants wither and travelers become lost. We can ask our superiors if they know of anyone coming to relieve you."

Sorry GM I missed that I needed to make a reflex save, I assume my familiar needs to as well since she's typically perched on my shoulder.
Reflex Save Hagathe: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Reflex Save Yuki: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 Thanks to Improved Evasion Yuki takes no damage and Hagathe is at 6/9 HP.
Oh that must be the cowl, hmm I wonder...
Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Hagathe whispers to the group:That Cowl she has I think it's the Autumn's cowl, I wonder if one of you guys could convince her that the Druid we met can protect this place and relieve her of her duties? I dunno just a thought...

reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Phatty says to the fey, "What if we told you someone may be able to replace you?"

Sorry GM I missed that I needed to make a reflex save, I assume my familiar needs to as well since she's typically perched on my shoulder.

[dice=Reflex Save Hagathe]1d20+2
[dice=Reflex Save Yuki]1d20+5 Thanks to Improved Evasion Yuki takes no damage and Hagathe is at 6/9 HP.
Oh that must be the cowl, hmm I wonder...
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+9
Hagathe whispers to the group:That Cowl she has I think it's the Autumn's cowl, I wonder if one of you guys could convince her that the Druid we met can protect this place and relieve her of her duties? I dunno just a thought...

"The thought had occurred to me. Both of the guardians seem weary of their tasks but I don't know if the Crocus Knight can solve the blight problem Adelyn wanted us to fix."

Phatty says to the fey, "What if we told you someone may be able to replace you?"

"T'were that indeed the case, most pleased I would be," concedes the Crocus Knight. "For my duties in guarding this sacred place would then be fulfilled and free I would be to leave the thicket and start a new journey."

Its the cowl that's causing the blight, not anything else, so if we can convince the night to part with the cowl and convince the Druid to protect this sight as well, all will be solved. Hagathe whispers back.Sorry I forgot to say that in my first post lol

Cith says to the knight “Well then, it seems the path is clear. We will see that a new protector is put in place and you will be able to resume your travels.”

“Thank you for your dedication and service.”

reflex: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"Surely you know we can help you"

"May I borrow your cowl young one. I am but frail and cold"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Cith says to the knight “Well then, it seems the path is clear. We will see that a new protector is put in place and you will be able to resume your travels.”

“Thank you for your dedication and service.”

“If that then be ye wish-then I hereby pass the task of deigning a new protector onto you--to find a new guardian of Ng’s sacred realm and rightful successor to Ng’s chosen, the Crocus Knight, and Zaul Blystone before her! May your strength and that of your companions remain with you until your season comes to an end,” declares the huldra.

"Surely you know we can help you"

"May I borrow your cowl young one. I am but frail and cold"

"Most certainly," responds the Crocus Knight. She removes the cowl. Then, after offering it to the gnome oracle, the huldra beats her arm against her armored chest in a gesture resembling a salute. She then bows and heads into the wood, where she quickly disappears.

Removing the Autumn’s Cowl from the thicket ends the permanent season phenomena allowing the natural cycle to resume. As you travel you find that some of the protective wards and illusionary magic that had made navigation through the thicket have now been dispersed, perhaps due to the actions of the former Crocus Knight.

As you emerge from the forest, you find that Adelyn Rhinon has remained near the thorn wall, though this time she is on the opposite side as before. While she looks even more tired than earlier, she has a smile upon her face as she bends down and examines the ground. "This land was sorrowful, yet there are now signs that it will one day bloom again! Tell me, what have you found inside the wall?"

The Greenfire druid listens carefully to your response, appreciative that the curse upon this portion of forest has apparently been lifted. She adds, "My order is indebted to you and, I personally, am most grateful that this barrier will no longer be needed."

"Farewell, and safe travels." says the woman as she seems to melt into the forest.

End of Second Quest

Moving quickly to the next quest as we are only now half-way through the quests.

Not long after you leave the forest, another missive from Master Shane makes it way to your hands.

Missive for next quest, "Dust", is available on Handouts.

A map of the Five Kings Mountains has been revealed as well.