Valda nods in satisfaction. "The way before us is clear. Onwards, to glory and legend!"
Before you leave Red Cat Cave, you regroup with the following and brief on the latest findings.
Warm light from the campfire gives Wipakoa’s face an amber glow. “So, Lost Mammoth Valley,” the head scout says with a smile, testing the words as if trying on a new cloak. “The name is a mystery to me. But I know, wherever we go, we will be in good hands with you leading the way.”
Absentmindedly rubbing the head of the newborn strapped across her chest, Wipakoa continues, “Along the way, we’d do well to disguise our route as best we can. Yes, hiding the tracks of an entire following is like shearing a mammoth, but the effort might be worth it. By fording rivers or planting false tracks, we might be able to delay them for a few days. Even if it seems like we’re already far ahead of them, we do not know this land. A single wrong move could cause our luck to turn.”
Wipakoa encourages the characters to devise ways to delay the Burning Mammoths, but she also offers a few suggestions: fording rivers to obscure tracks, laying traps for the Burning Mammoths to stumble into, and planting false tracks to throw off their trail completely.
Kadosh fully thinks through the problem, as usual. "We can invoke the land's spirits to hide our tracks. Wind and earth and animal spirits could all make it harder for the Burning Mammoths to find us," he suggests.
Strongjaw screams!
Invoke spirits! Dem sum un beetles bees owe mees coin fer dat bet 'bout if un tree falls in da house do its splits da grandma.
The White Rabbit smiles.
It did that one time when we thought that tree had gold in it. Oops.
The Witch thinks....
Mees un Songsinger! Ken sing to da trees! Wake da Ents!
As dawn breaks over the Realm of the Mammoth Lords, the scouts of the Broken Tusks gather, determined to mask their following's trail from the relentless pursuit of the Burning Mammoths.
Kadosh begins the day with a solemn ritual, reaching out to the land's spirits for assistance. Surrounded by nature, his chants rise and fall, harmonizing with the rustling leaves and flowing streams, seeking the goodwill of the unseen protectors of the land.
Strongjaw, with his deep connection to the ancient traditions of the Songsingers, weaves a captivating melody. His song, echoing through the trees, calls upon the Ents and forest guardians to rise and obscure the paths tread by the Broken Tusks.
Hakata lends his practical wisdom, guiding the scouts in natural camouflage techniques. He shows them how to walk lightly, leaving minimal traces, and use branches to brush away any remaining signs of their passage.
Valda's strength is instrumental in rearranging the landscape. She moves branches and stones with a careful hand, ensuring their new positions mimic the random artistry of nature itself.
The White Rabbit, with a mischievous glint in his eye, busies himself creating false trails. His cunning work leads any would-be followers astray, sending them on wild chases after phantom quarry.
Veshka moves with purpose through the camp, directing Catamoch to specific areas that need attention. Where footprints are too deep, Catamoch's presence helps to smooth them out, his form shifting the earth in subtle, natural ways. Where the trail is too obvious, Veshka's spells twist the landscape, making it appear undisturbed.
Kadosh smiles as the spirits help them once again. Truly, they are amazing and the Broken Tusks will survive as long as they have the spirits' favor -- no matter what the Burning Mammoths intend.
"Lost Mammoth Valley, then," he says, purpose in his voice.
"Yes, and hopefully we have shaken our pursuers." Hakata gazes back over the miles that separate them from the Red Cat Cave. "It's not healthy for the herds to always be hurrying so."
"Healthier than falling behind," Veshka rasps.
The scouts, vigilant and well-prepared for the journey ahead, approach a narrow, hilly pass. It's the only feasible way forward through the rugged terrain.
As they enter the region, the remnants of campfires catch their attention, indicating recent activity. The extinguished fires clearly indicate that someone was trying to mask their presence, likely only hours ahead of the Broken Tusks.
The hilly terrain slows their progress, requiring them to spend extra time navigating the difficult landscape. Despite the challenge, they keep a sharp lookout, scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. Their caution pays off; Hakata and Veshka find the presence of an ambush set by the Burning Mammoth scouts.
The Burning Mammoths' ambush squad consists of four hunters lying in wait, concealed behind the natural cover of bushes and boulders.
Valda grips her sword tightly, ready to try to sneak up on the Burning Mammoths and reverse the ambush.
Kadosh squints, trying to make out the ambushers before pulling out his trusty bell and his hatchet. He creeps closer with Valda.
Veshka anoints Catamoch for the coming slaughter, then they both trot forward to join Valda behind the scrub.
Strongjaw repeatedly wipes his perspiring brow with a handkerchief. The goblin's glassy blue eyes search for an end to this trudging up the hill. Reaching down to massage his aching legs, the Songsinger breaths heavily.
This pain is the worse!
The White Rabbit smacks the seated Witch across his dramatic face!
You are literally seated on Tanngrisnir's back. You're such an arse!
Tanngrisnir bleeps in agreement, as the goat easily traverses the inclines.
Strongjaw looks both shocked and giddy at the same time.
Viewing the still smothering camp fires, the goblin beg8ns stretching.
Amateurs. Just point me in the direction of who's assets I get to kick!
The White Rabbit breaks out in laughter.
Pointing toward the foliage that the dumb Burning Mammoths seem to be waiting, the trio proceed directly in that direction.
Strongjaw begins singing!
Goblin Song!
Kadosh looks back and wonders why Strongjaw's singing seems to be letting their enemies know they're coming while everyone else is sneaking. Considering this is the second time that's happened, he makes a note to himself to have a talk with the goblin.
In a "well-coordinated maneuver" the scouts of the Broken Tusks prepare to outmaneuver the Burning Mammoth ambushers. Their "plan" hinges on a clever use of diversion and stealth.
At least, that's how the story would be told in the days that followed.
Strongjaw takes the lead in creating a distraction. He strides confidently towards the area where the ambushers are likely concealed; his voice raised in a robust and distracting song. His antics quickly catch the attention of the Burning Mammoths.
Meanwhile, Valda leads the others to take advantage of the diversion. Moving silently as a ghost (actually just quieter than Tanngrisnir's bleats and hoofbeats), they circle behind the enemy.
As the party closes in, they spot six enemies. Four Burning Mammoth hunters that look similar to others they have fought, but two of them are different. Tall and lean, with their eyes smoldering with a ferocious intensity, set beneath a heavy brow like embers ready to ignite with the fury of battle. Their muscular torso are a tapestry of scars, set below a mantle of mammoth fur. Various bones adorn their bodies and they carry a battle-axe in their hand.
Veshka hangs back, channeling further furor to set Catamoch's tusks glimmering with wrath!
Catamoch hurtles forward into the lesser hunters, more in search of a massacre than a fair fight.
Hakata calls on the spirits of battle and lets two arrows fly.
and
and
Kadosh sizes up the reavers, trying to determine what he can about them. Closing in on the nearer of the two, he swings with his ax!
The gobl8n sings merrily and with much enthusiasm!
Valda strides up to the toughest looking foe and proceeds to wreck their day! Her gleaming sword tears the Burning Mammoth apart before the divine glow travels to her iconic mark.
Strongjaw, undisturbed by the chaos of battle, continues to sing with merry enthusiasm, his song uplifting the spirits of his companions amidst the fray.
Catamoch, with a swift and deadly assault, dispatches one of the Burning Mammoth hunters. As the hunter crumples to the ground, a reaver, fueled by a primal urge for revenge, steps forward to confront the victorious boar.
Hakata launches an arrow that narrowly misses its target. Undeterred, he recalibrates and releases a second shot, which finds its mark with a critical impact, wounding one of the foes.
Valda executes a powerful strike with her blade, decapitating one of the reavers in a single, fluid motion.
Kadosh, analyzing the battlefield, recognizes the psychological vulnerability of the reavers. He notes their tendency to surge forward at the fall of their comrades, their morale bolstered by a fierce battle cry and the menacing swing of their axes. Their willpower tends to be their weakest trait.
The Burning Mammoths, though taken by surprise, quickly rally and launch a counterattack. One reaver attempts a demoralizing howl, but Strongjaw's singing dilutes its effect, rendering it almost inaudible. In a fit of frustration, the reaver unleashes a mighty blow with his battle-axe on Catamoch, knocking the boar to the ground with a critical hit. Kadosh, seizing the moment, rings his bell that momentarily disorients the reaver. Despite this, the reaver's axe finds its target again, striking Catamoch with a brutal force.
A hunter then advances on Valda, thrusting its spear in a rapid sequence. The first attack misses, but the second lands with a critical precision, wounding her severely.
Another hunter engages Hakata, landing a critical blow with the initial thrust of its spear, inflicting significant damage.
The third hunter, focusing on Kadosh, lunges with its spear but fails to connect with either of its attempts.
Snorting through the blood steaming out of his snout, Catamoch keeps his feet!
While the dark blessing on Catamoch's tusks endures, Veshka continues to funnel her life force through to him, counting on him to wreak a bloody ruin of the hunters.
Catamoch's wounds clot over, even as stigmata open up across Veshka's face and he buries his tusks deep within the Reaver!
Strongjaw laughs as the stupid Burning Mammoths begin to fall! The Witch does see plenty of critical hits being parlayed by the remaining stupid Burning Mammoths.
Commanding Tanngrisnir to Stride to within 30' of brave (if scary) Catamoch, the Witch Hexes him!
Life Boost(2nd) Fast Healing 4 for 4 Rounds
The Goblin then Hexes the Reaver!
Valda keeps her immanence in her body ikon as she attacks the hunter that hit her. If he falls, she moves on to the reaver.
Hakata continues to concentrate on his spell. He takes a step away from the hunter and fires an arrow at close range.
for
HP 28/28
AC 18
Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +6
Hero points: 1
Effects:
Watching the Burning Mammoths nearly kill Catamoch, only to be cut down by Valda the Radiant, Kadosh turns his attention back to his own skin.
"Why are you trying to kill us?" he asks, chopping with his ax when his words fail to make any impression.
Catamoch unleashes a ferocious assault with his tusks, tearing into the reaver with such force that each strike is more devastating than the last, ensuring the reaver's demise is not just a death but an obliteration.
Amidst the chaos, Strongjaw's laughter echoes as he confidently rides Tanngrisnir into the fray. With a swift motion, he extends his healing touch towards Catamoch, mending some of the boar's wounds. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he curses the battleground beneath the reaver's feet, causing a sudden and unnaturally heavy snowfall to encase the area.
In a continued display of unmatched skill, Valda fells a wounded hunter with a single, clean strike. Without missing a beat, she spins gracefully and dispatches another hunter, her blade singing through the air to claim a second life seconds later.
As Kadosh raises his battleaxe for what seems to be the final blow, the last Burning Mammoth hunter's brain connects the dots on his fellow hunters being cut down by single, decisive blows. He quickly throws down his spear, hands raised in surrender, his stance a clear plea for mercy. The tension in the air shifts as the hunter begins to speak, his voice shaky but earnest, providing a glimpse into the motivations driving the attackers.
"We're just following orders!" the hunter explains, his eyes darting between the scouts, seeking some sign of understanding or perhaps leniency. "I don't know much, truthfully. The rest of our forces, the main body, they're far to the north and west, trailing your following."
He continues, revealing the strategic intent behind their ambush. "The reavers... they commanded us to slow your progress, to thin your numbers. It was all about delaying you, buying time for the rest."
Then, with a reluctant tone, the hunter divulges information on Pakano, "He's a figure of significant importance within the Burning Mammoths! Ivarsa made him a lieutenant! Pakano... he's set on a mission, something he and Lady Ivarsa concocted. He's passionate about her cause, whatever it is." The hunter looks down, his expression one of resignation. "I don't know where he's headed exactly, but he's out there, ahead of you all, likely lying in wait."
Hakata looks over the gear from the Burning Mammoths. Poorly cared for, but it should be useful for the following when cleaned up.
"How do you feel about Ivarsa? Is your following simply going to chase us all season?"
The surrendered hunter shifts uncomfortably under Hakata's scrutiny, his gaze falling to the poorly maintained gear scattered around the aftermath of the skirmish. He seems to weigh his words carefully before responding, an underlying tension in his voice hinting at the complex feelings he harbors towards Ivarsa and the orders driving the Burning Mammoths' relentless pursuit.
"Ivarsa... she's fierce, driven. Unrelenting." he starts, a hint of respect—or perhaps fear—coloring his tone. "But not all of us are as devoted to her cause, or as... passionate about the chase as she is. There's grumbling in the ranks, doubts about this endless pursuit."
He glances around at his fallen comrades, then continues, "Many of us are tired, hungry for something more than conflict and the cold trail of a foe always just out of reach. But as long as Ivarsa commands, the following will chase. She has a way of... igniting fervor, of making you believe in the hunt, in the glory she promises."
"So we kill her. Or we make the trail so cold her words can't warm your hunters."
Did somesones say da cold!
The icy Goblin Witch grins, rubbing his hands in anticipation.
He stares at the talkative Burning Asshat.
How many more Burning asshats be in yous stupid followings?
"We're not going to be able to do that easily," Kadosh says to Veshka. "She has her whole tribe around her."
He thinks for a few moments.
"Are there more of you out there, trying to slow us down? And if we let you go, what will you do?" he asks the Burning Mammoth.
"Ivarsa set out numerous squads under Pakano's guidance. I don't know how many. More than one for sure."
"What will I do... I.." the hunter trails off, thinking about this for the first time. He shakes his head, unsure, as shame washes over his face "Talking to you like this makes me a traitor. I've seen what happens to traitors and cowards. They tie you down and burn you to death. That is not something I would prefer. I can't go back with you alive, that is for certain."
Looking at the ground, he sighs and raises his head to expose his neck "Take me now, quickly, please."
"Nothing in life worth doing is easy," Veshka retorts.
She stirs at the hunter's offer, too familiar impulses swirling within her. "Any words you would have us carry?" Looking up at the other scouts she pauses for a moment, gnawing on her lips. "I can't be the one to do it. We can't- I wouldn't do it clean."
Strongjaw shrugs.
King be death by ice?
The hunter's eyes glint with a mix of resolve and resignation under the heavy weight of his inevitable fate. "Tell my brother Aklep," he starts, his voice steady but low, "-that I died a good death. Tell him I stood my ground and fought well." A small, sad smile creases his lips for a fleeting moment, a glimpse of the man who once was, before the harsh life under Ivarsa's command.
"And if you find my wife and child," he continues, his voice breaking ever so slightly as he mentions his family, "My wife, her name is Syla... and our daughter, she is named Lira-please, spare them. They have no part in this... in any of this madness." He swallows hard, the mention of his loved ones bringing a brief shimmer of tears to his eyes that he quickly blinks away.
He straightens up then, presenting his neck to the scouts, a final gesture of acceptance of his fate. His eyes close, a silent prayer perhaps for a swift end, or maybe forgiveness for the path his life had taken.
"Wait, no!" Kadosh exclaims. "This is stupid. You don't have to die, especially if you have a daughter, and a wife! Join the Broken Tusks. You can make up for any wrongs you've done! Er ... what's your name?"
The hunter, visibly taken aback by the offer, hesitates. His gaze drifts between the scouts, searching their faces for signs of deceit or mockery, but finding none, his shoulders slump in relief, a burden lifted. "My name is Jorek." he finally says. "You would take me? After all I've done... against you?" Jorek's eyes widen in disbelief, a spark of hope flickering to life within them.
"I don't think you actually hurt any of us," Kadosh reassures him. Though it's perhaps slightly embarrassing comfort.
He glances back at Valda's blood-spattered form. "I think most of that is from your people."
"Many in our following probably felt the same before joining. If you are willing to renounce your violent ways and work for the good of the following, I'm sure people will appreciate your skills." Hakata is not one to hold a grudge, particularly when the population of the following is so sparse.
Strongjaw looks like he is about to speak, but, fortunately The White Rabbit has muffled him by stuffing a ball of yarn into the goblin's mouth!
The goat is seen with yarn needles.
Veshka rolls her eyes, but doesn't argue the point.
Valda extends a hand to the man. "It is never too late for a second chance. Come with us if you want to live."
The White Rabbit is seen giving Valda a crisp thumbs up, while wearing terminator glasses.
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Jorek hesitantly reaches out, taking Valda's hand with a firm grip that belies his initial hesitance. "I swear it, then. I'll renounce the path of violence I've walked as a Burning Mammoth. From this day forward, I fight for the Broken Tusks, for peace, and for the safety of my family—and yours."
Jorek, now part of this band, feels the weight of his new allegiance with every step. He's aware of the eyes on him, the trust being extended. "I won't let you down." he vows, more to himself than to his companions.
With the knowledge that Ivarsa is not only chasing you, but sending advance teams to ambush you from all sides now presenting your mind, you redouble your efforts to ensure the path ahead of the following is safe.
The next two days pass quickly without incident, but the third presents something new. The vista commands their attention as the stark silhouette of the barrows looms over the valley below, a natural monument that seems to watch over the land with a somber, timeless gaze. Two ancient barrows flank a series of standing stones, creating a visage that is both eerie and awe-inspiring, a testament to the long history of this place.
Strongjaw recalls hearing a song of The High Barrows once:
The High Barrows is known as a nexus of ley lines and ancient magic, particularly revered for its divination apaku that enhances magical foresight. It holds tales of historic battles where victors erected standing stones as monuments to their power and warnings to foes. The area is marked by the tragic tale of Hiajor, an Irriseni sorcerer cursed by the seers she defeated, highlighting the barrows' fierce guardianship. Cairn wights, the transformed spirits of the seers Akarta Willoweave and Uchuli the Wise, now guard the site, adding a layer of supernatural peril. The barrows also serve as a cultural repository, with cave paintings that record the encounters, beliefs, and reverence of ancient nomadic tribes.
The air is cooler here, the breeze carrying whispers of the past, of battles fought and lives lost. The ground beneath their feet is muddy, softened by recent rains, making their steps cautious as they navigate between the stones that rise like the teeth of some great behemoth from the earth.
Kadosh notes the alignment of the stones with the celestial patterns, a clear indication of their purpose for divination or ritual. Veshka senses the pull of residual magic that clings to the area, drawing her to the boulder between the barrows, where she senses a divination apaku is likely to reside.
But it's not the arcane that catches their attention first; it's the presence of a massive, armored creature resting among the standing stones. A glyptodon, its shell as rugged and weathered as the stones it guards, regards the party with a wary eye. Its size and the formidable shield of its back suggest it is not an adversary to be taken lightly.
Hakata recognizes the creature's protective stance. He knows that it considers these stones its territory.
Hakata holds up a cautioning hand, though it takes him a moment to speak. He can barely hear his own thoughts over the spirits of ancient battle that dwell throughout the site.
"It may be worthwhile to commune with the spirits here, but that glyptodon considers the stones his home, and they are territorial. Very territorial." He looks over the sturdy creature.
"We should deal with it first. Some of you have learned quite the way with animals from our friend Imek."