Welby continues to keep Bláinn alive animate while the rest of the party races to the flames. Getting there first Clebsch and Hallow manage to start corralling and smothering the fire, and While it still tries to crackle and spread, with their help and Jaldan's continued conjuring of liquids together you all extinguish the flames.
Jaldan looks up at you as the last embers die. Her coat is covered in soot and she seems to have been caught in at least one of the posison bursts but is otherwise ecstatic. the centaur rushes to hug any of you that come near.
"Thank the spirits! that could have been a real doozy. One of the most important things to learn living in the Finadar is to be careful of handling fire. I'll make you all honorary Redpines for showing you stuff and helping with that!"
Her gaze finally seems to take in the heavily-hurt Clebsch, a pron Bláinn with his companion missing, and the general less-than-excited vibe. "Oh, oh no. Are you all ok?"
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Thunderroot sways over towards Clebsch. "You don't look so good. Hold still." They extend a vine towards Clebsch's shoulder, causing it to glow with energy.
Then they turn to the centaur. "So these must've been the mutated forest spirits you spoke of earlier. Poor things, yet wretched all the same. Somehow, their explosions did not seem to affect me or Hallow."
"Really? That's strange. Well, good" Jaldan backtracks slightly "since it means you two didn't get hurt. But I guess it does make some sense: the nature spirits are acting odd for some reason and making their own bodies and acting aggressive. But they are still nature spirits and you two are 'normally' bodied ones. I mean, well not 'normal' just, oh, hoof in my mouth. I hope you know what I mean," she seems flustered.
"So maybe whatever's happening wouldn't affect you? Or...parts might affect you more? Oh, I wish I had paid some more attention to Cenenviel's tips on leshies!"
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The gears in Hallow's metallic exoskeleton begin to slow to their usual clicking as they put their warhammer back on their back. They draw a healing vial from their satchel and pour it into the open compartment on their head, before putting their shield back in it and closing the lid.
"Really? That's strange. Well, good" Jaldan backtracks slightly "since it means you two didn't get hurt. But I guess it does make some sense: the nature spirits are acting odd for some reason and making their own bodies and acting aggressive. But they are still nature spirits and you two are 'normally' bodied ones. I mean, well not 'normal' just, oh, hoof in my mouth. I hope you know what I mean," she seems flustered.
"So maybe whatever's happening wouldn't affect you? Or...parts might affect you more? Oh, I wish I had paid some more attention to Cenenviel's tips on leshies!"
"Odd. I largely was expecting that my armor was protecting me, so that is interesting to know. I'm not particularly knowledgeable about nature spirits, though."
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Welby reaches into a belt pouch and pulls out a special muffin and tosses it to Clebsch. "Eat that while I tend to Bláinn. It'll make you feel a bit better.
The baker pulls out his healer's tools and begins to work on the skeleton. "At least I won't have to worry about crooked stitches."
Jaldan looks around the nearby trees while Welby is knitting some flesh together and Clebsch can eat some food. "We should get moving, and get to the camp before anything else goes wrong. My clan might better know what's happening right now, and I don't think dealing with any more of these in the dark would end well."
The centaur sets a hard pace as she leads you through the Finadar Forest once more. Hours pass before finally you stumble into the Redpine encampment as the sun is beginning to set.
The Redpine camp is located at a bend in a small forest stream. Hides stretch from branch to branch, making for a cluster of oddly shaped but surprisingly large dwellings. A few trenches have been dug to reroute part of the stream and form a kind of moat or firebreak around the camp, and several decorated banners hang from spears driven into the ground. The smell of roasting meat wafts over the camp, and you see several rabbits cooking over a fire.
Jaldan hails a sentry as you approach. "Lavonis! It's me! And these are the Pathfinders Urwal called for. Sorry, we ran into a bit of trouble and had to handle some more of those strange manifested spirits, but they made sure another fire wasn't started!" The sentry looks over you in turn, then nods and welcomes you into the camp. You are all brought in and allocated for the moment a patch of ground and given some roast rabbit and wild greens to munch on. Jaldan steals one of the rabbit legs from you and says "Mmm, hits the spot. I'll go and report to the camp leaders. Be back in just a bit!"
As she trots off, you can look around and see dozens of other centaurs milling about the encampment eating and talking. Many eye you curiously, and Hallow and Thunderroot particularly notice they are getting some hard and somewhat unwelcoming stares.
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Welby reaches into a belt pouch and pulls out a special muffin and tosses it to Clebsch. "Eat that while I tend to Bláinn. It'll make you feel a bit better.
The baker pulls out his healer's tools and begins to work on the skeleton. "At least I won't have to worry about crooked stitches."
[dice=medicine-treat wounds vs Bláinn]1d20+5
[dice=healing]2d8
Clebsch eats the muffin and thanks everyone for the healing.
He keeps pace without complaining. His service in the local Andoran militia included lots of marches and hikes to build stamina.
When he gets to the centaur camp, he smiles and/or waves at any who look his way and politely thanks any who give him food and water. He gratefully sits awkwardly on the ground, his long legs akimbo. He focuses on eating and regaining his stamina.
Clebshc stretches and munches only for a short bit before words seem to pop out from right behind him.
Stars move more easily than minds.”
Appearing out of nowhere a golden-eyed iruxi with coppery scales has somehow sidled up beside you to sit on a log. I am Urwal. he says, though he focuses on no one in particular. Nor does he wait to gauge any of your reactions before continuing Jaldan spoke to us. You have seen Finadar’s problem in flower and flesh. Tell me what you have seen.
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"We saw the glory of nature, but it was... tainted," Thunderroot sighs deeply. "Their insides were even flammable. Even just a few drops of sap lit up the forest. In your missive, you had written, Soon, the Child shall pass beneath the aegis of the Mother." They look up at the sky. "Is tonight the right time for us to help, and how do we help?"
Urwal listens to Thunderroot's report with intense focus. When the leshy finishes speaking, the iruxi responds:
Let me tell you a story. Urwal says, giving no sign of changing the subject abruptly. North of here, there is a valley. Dragons died there, and their bones linger. For centuries, goblins dwelled among the bones. They made rituals of fire and worship. Such
a life is not for me, but the goblins were happy.
Beneath the dragons’ graves lay a monolith. I have heard tale of it. Carven rock, six handspans tall, covered in the markings of the one-eyed shapers. For years past number, the stone slumbered, until even the stars changed above it.
Then, as the Sun blessed the Newlyweds, the goblins’ rituals awoke the stone. It remembered its shapers. It remembered its purpose. And it remembered its powers. It called living fire into the dragons’ bones. Finadar burned. Pathfinders came to help. The stone was found, broken. All seemed well.
But now the spirits grow strange and furious. Cenenviel and Kaana seek to guard their peoples’ lives. This is well. But I think it wise that someone seek out that stone. The stars agree.
Urwal is quiet for a long moment, and then nods briskly. This is an auspicious night. The Dreamer is bright. Walk the camp, see where you may be of aid. Brighten the name of the Pathfinders.
You will leave in the morning. For the valley. For the stone.
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When asked, Hallow opens up their armor, revealing an intricate array of clockwork interwoven with plant flesh. Luckily, Hallow is intimately familiar with the system, and readily points out what is supposed to be there and what is not.
Urwal listens to Thunderroot's report with intense focus. When the leshy finishes speaking, the iruxi responds:
Let me tell you a story. Urwal says, giving no sign of changing the subject abruptly. North of here, there is a valley. Dragons died there, and their bones linger. For centuries, goblins dwelled among the bones. They made rituals of fire and worship. Such
a life is not for me, but the goblins were happy.Beneath the dragons’ graves lay a monolith. I have heard tale of it. Carven rock, six handspans tall, covered in the markings of the one-eyed shapers. For years past number, the stone slumbered, until even the stars changed above it.
Then, as the Sun blessed the Newlyweds, the goblins’ rituals awoke the stone. It remembered its shapers. It remembered its purpose. And it remembered its powers. It called living fire into the dragons’ bones. Finadar burned. Pathfinders came to help. The stone was found, broken. All seemed well.
But now the spirits grow strange and furious. Cenenviel and Kaana seek to guard their peoples’ lives. This is well. But I think it wise that someone seek out that stone. The stars agree.
Urwal is quiet for a long moment, and then nods briskly. This is an auspicious night. The Dreamer is bright. Walk the camp, see where you may be of aid. Brighten the name of the Pathfinders.
You will leave in the morning. For the valley. For the stone.
Hallow listens intently, appreciating the clear instructions when compared to the initial note.
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"While I have spent many a night marveling at the stars and learning a few of the constellations that my father could name, I confess I know nothing of messages seen there. Nor do I understand any of the magic that other use in battle and in peace. My sword is sharp, however, my quiver full, and I will do battle where needed and aid in whatever chores will help us be prepared for this challenge."
True to his word, Clebsch goes about trying to be useful.
Urawl shakes his head, more in sadness than in anger. I have pleaded with the Ten to include astrology in all agents' basic training. They keep saying it would take away from coursework in reporting and combat skills, but such a waste... He explains to Clebsch. When the Sun blessed the Newlyweds - when the constellation of the Newlyweds lay behind the sun. Late Calistril, by Inner Sea markings. About one year past the goblins did something to the stone amidst the dead dragons. At the time it seemed broken after. But I see omens that rock may be connected to the strange spirits abounding.
With Bláinn asking about the stone, the iruxi tries to explain more clearly. The 'Dragonskull' tribe. Now moved on to Sarkoris old now new. But before they lived amidst a dragon graveyard. Many moons back they played with a strange obelisk amongst the bones - a remnant of the cyclopes who used to live amongst this part of the world. The Dragonskull's activated the relic and it brought out great fires that threatened to burn the whole forest. Goblins and Pathfinders alike^ stopped the stone and dimmed the flames. Urwal pauses for a moment, then shrugs Perhaps it remains nothing still. Perhaps just an old stone, easily smashed. Or perhaps something far more dangerous. The stars are silent, but I think caution will not be wasted.
Urwal seems pleased at Clebsch's initiative. Ah, a cautious man. Watching not only the stars above, but the area around you is good practice. But have no fear: our Redpine hosts have many scouts as well, though they may appreciate the help.
The iruxi cocks his head. In fact, perhaps help could be appreciated. Pathfinders alliance with the Redpine is still fledgling, a foal. If before you rest you can make yourselves of use to them, our Society's value will shine stronger in their eyes.
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Thunderroot makes their way over to Jaldan. "We're Pathfinders, and we hope to do everything we can to help you with what's happening here in the forest. Thank you for entrusting us to do so. Our poor trees..." The nature spirit casts a long, thoughtful look through the woods, before turning back to Jaldan. "Tell us, what does shaman training usually consist of?"
Moseying on over, Thunderroot and Bláinn find Jaldan standing amongst a small group of even younger centaurs. As you approach, you can hear her describing to the youths:
"and worse - when one of the corrupted spirits was taken down it didn't just fade away but erupted. WHOOSH! A huge wave of bad energy. But the 'Finders shook it off. They smashed the skulls and carcasses Bam Wham Kazow barely taking a scratch. And then the human Shwooped out the fire with a big mighty heave of the dirt."
Noticing you when you near she pauses her (you notice somewhat embellished) tale about your travels to exclaim "Ah, and these are the Pathfinders themselves. Come on, tell the young ones how we had to take care of some of the rampaging spirits!"
The centaur children look at you quizzically and expectantly. Them seem especially suspicious of Thunderroot, giving the leshy some hard looks.
The centaur youths seem a bit surprised to hear Bláinn back up Jaldan's story, but seem taken in with rapt attention at his and even Thunderroot's tales.
Woah, the fire was that big?
I heard Jaldan could barely conjure up a trickle. You've gotten that much better. Cool!
---
While that is going on, Welby and Clebsh ask around looking for the tribe's current shaman. They're directed to Cenenviel easily enough, but are a bit surprised to find that he is not a centaur but an elf, the only non-centaur other than yourselves and Urwal you've seen in the camp.
The druid is in his tent when you reach him, poring over a motley - and rather fire-damaged - collection of books, scrolls, and scribbled notes. Oh, a pleasant evening to you. May the breeze cool your hair as the waves lap at you feet. he says with a nod as an introduction.
"I've heard we will be investigating a once powerful stone of some sort that was originally created by Cyclopsean - if that's the word - civilization. It seems we ought to know whatever you know about that time when cyclopes ruled. What can you tell us?"
The elf listens to the fighter's question and responds. Not as much as you may hope I am afraid. Those creatures had an empire of sorts here once - the 'Koloran' empire I believe its called - but it died out millenia ago. Another casualty of Earthfall and the devastations that followed as best people can tell. We still don't know too much about them: best thing I could say is that as they seem to have been refugees from the Ghol-Gan out of Garund then they were possibly less brutal than that bloodthirsty group. Berry-Eater please don't bother the guests if they don't want to be. That last statement Cenenviel directs not at you but at a large wolverine that has padded over from one corner of the tent up to Welby with a leather cord in her mouth. As the animal looks up at the gnome expectantly, the elf warns with a smile: Careful: if you play with her she'll likely follow you around all night. Doesn't tire easily that one.
The elf looks back down to the sprawling texts around him. I heard your friend Urwal's theory, and I've been trying myself to see if there's any related precedent to the spirits' current anger and behavior. It would be easier if my notes and reports hadn't been damaged in one of the recent fires…[/b] he frowns.
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Thunderroot is relieved when they notice the group accepting Blainn's story, and so they decide to double down, taking out their guitar. "Gather around. I'll tell you the tale of Jaldan's bravery, if you'll give me but a minute with your ears." They're sensitive to the obvious hard looks, but hope to continue to win them over anyway.
"In the heart of the woods, where the flames once raged,
Stood a hero, steadfast - unafraid
Jaldan, the centaur with strength and might,
Saved your home from the fire's blight
Her courage unmatched, her spirit strong,
Let her name be praised in this woodland song"
The centaur kids are at first surprised, and then delighted by the powerful poetry flowing out from Thunderrot's fungal...whatever the fungal equivalent of 'lips' are!
--
In another part of the camp, Clebsch's experiences prove helpful as the man is able to start piecing together relevant bits of text. Cenenviel is still frazzled but nods appreciatively.
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Welby lets out a low whistle. "You're not kidding. Your papers are a mess aren't they? Maybe Manny I can lend a hand or four. In the meantime, have a muffin. This one has strawberries." The halfling hands Cenenviel a strawberry muffin before rolling up his sleeves and digging into the pile of burnt papers.
"Manny, give me some help, will you?"
Welby sees the gingerbread man engaged in a spirited game of tug-of-war with the wolverine and shakes his head. "Nevermind."
Manny is far too busy playing with Berry-eater to help with any papers.
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With others helping the druid, Clebsch excuses himself and seeks out the Redpine chief, Kaana Korag. After respectfully introducing himself, Clebsch asks, "The Pathfinders are honored to be able to help. I am young and don't know the story of what the Pathfinders did when they helped the last time this magic stone was causing trouble. Can you explain what happened? We might need to do it again."
Thunderroot moves on to the elven druid's tent, takes stock of the situation, and begins helping. Unlike the centaur's Cenenviel doesn't seem phased by the leshy's approach and thanks them for their help.
Welby leans in too, but the elf's written thoughts on magic and the texts he found useful is from a quite alien perspective to that of the witch's take. The halfling's befuddled. Berry-Eater in contrast is delighted by the strange food-thing's engagement with her. As the wolverine and gingerbread man playfully struggle, Cenenviel chuckles. Well, I see you've got a companion of your own. We'll need to keep a half-eye to make sure BE doesn't nibble on him, but luckily she doesn't have much of a sweet tooth.
With the wolverine distracted (and thus not distracting Cenenviel), the elf doubles down of searching through the records with you. Hmm he says poring over a buried reference book you were able to uncover. there have always been finds of ancient cyclopean ruins around this part of the world. One explorer noted one somewhere nearby that was an old cyclops grave surrounded by standing cairns. He scratches his head. Relics placed in gravesites were often meant to gather evil energies - whether for good or for ill often depended on who was placing them. If this is a similar situation that could be the cause of why the spirits are so changed lately. Perhaps by destroying, or at least disabling, the relic the nature spirits of the forest might return to normal. the elf theorizes as he explains what little he knows about ancient cyclopean magics.
--
Celbsch and Bláinn are able to find Kaana Korag near the edge of the camp. The cheftain is overseeing the return of a trio of patrolling scouts, and the imposing woman turns to you as you approach. Urwal's reinforcements? Greetings. she says in a tone that sounds both polite and skeptical. Still, Clebsch's keen manners and appropriate methods of address while introducing himself cause Kaana to smirk as she nods. It was not too long ago, though as your group is new to this corner of the world I'm not surprised you are in the dark of it. Almost a year ago or tribe was threatened by wildfires raging out of control. We discovered that the flames had been caused by a goblin tribe in the woods, but when - still fighting back the flames - we pursued them they took refuse in Mishkar who refused to yield them up. Amid growing tensions open battle almost broke out, but others of your Society managed to defuse the coming fight. The raging fire elements it turned out were due to an accident, and those Pathfinders bravely pushed through to seal back the monument that was summoning the arsonic elementals.
Of course they were strong warriors and deft scholars, she says looking down at the human and 'dwarf'. While your leader Urwal is curious he does not always seem direct. I can only hope those he chose to send for may be less erratic than him, in light of the dangers rising in the forest.
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Welby doesn't have a lot of luck sorting the various notes and scrolls as he keeps getting bumped by the rambunctous play taking place nearby. Eventually he gives up and manages to pry Manny and Berry-Eater apart long enough to make a quick exit. He and the gingerbread man wander around the camp for a bit until they run into Jaldan and her friends.
Welby flashes a contagious smile at the group. "Well, well, if it isn't the hero of the hour. I really should thank you once again for literally pulling our butts out of the fire on our trip here, Jaldan. Are these your friends? I think I might have just enough muffins left for everyone." He reaches into his bag and pulls out several muffins which Manny distributes to the group.
"I suppose Jaldan is too modest to tell you all the full story. It was pretty intense..." He goes on to recount the tale, omitting the naughty children and placing Jaldan at the center of the action.
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Eventually the cook and his assistant take their leave of the youths and eventually find themselves in the presence of Kaana Korag.
"Aha! You must be the chieftain. I am Welby Boffin and this is my sous-chef, Manny." The gingerbread man gives the centaur an irreverent salute.
After listening to the chieftain speak of Urwal and his choice of pathfinders, the halfling immediately begins to reassure Kaana of their bona-fides.
"Well, I'm sure Urwal has some sort of master plan for us to brave this firestorm. After all, Manny and I are no strangers to the heat of a kitchen." He looks around and smiles. "Still, it can be nice to get outside for a change. I'm really hoping to find some wild mushrooms or herbs on this mission. Unless I miss my guess we should be able to find..." He goes on to list several varieties of wild mushrooms and herbs that might be found in the region and the best places to find them.
Welby doesn't have a lot of luck sorting the various notes and scrolls as he keeps getting bumped by the rambunctous play taking place nearby. Eventually he gives up and manages to pry Manny and Berry-Eater apart long enough to make a quick exit. He and the gingerbread man wander around the camp for a bit until they run into Jaldan and her friends.
Welby flashes a contagious smile at the group. "Well, well, if it isn't the hero of the hour. I really should thank you once again for literally pulling our butts out of the fire on our trip here, Jaldan. Are these your friends? I think I might have just enough muffins left for everyone." He reaches into his bag and pulls out several muffins which Manny distributes to the group.
"I suppose Jaldan is too modest to tell you all the full story. It was pretty intense..." He goes on to recount the tale, omitting the naughty children and placing Jaldan at the center of the action.
All of the children are kept rapt by Welby's tale while Jaldan looks surprised and delighted at the halfling's stories. When Welby finishes, Jaldan stands up straight and goes "I couldn't have put it better. Now come on kids: its late and well-past time for you to bed down for the night."
The young centaurs begrudgingly rise and wander off. When their out of sight, Jaldana leans down and hugs Welby! then she dashes off to a nearby tent, returning a minute later with a leather cord-looped token in her hand. "Thank you for that, and for being so kind in town and in the woods. Here: I made this myself. Think of it as a token of a great adventure together"
--
"Well, I'm sure Urwal has some sort of master plan for us to brave this firestorm. After all, Manny and I are no strangers to the heat of a kitchen." He looks around and smiles. "Still, it can be nice to get outside for a change. I'm really hoping to find some wild mushrooms or herbs on this mission. Unless I miss my guess we should be able to find..." He goes on to list several varieties of wild mushrooms and herbs that might be found in the region and the best places to find them.
Kaana seems a bit skeptical of the halfling at first when he starts chatting about foodstuffs, but as Welby's ingredient list goes on her expression softens as the chef's comments reveal a surprising understanding of the local flora. Droproot mushrooms would not be growing this time of year she breaks the news to Welby. But those other items perhaps a skilled forager like you [i]cloud discover. Of course you must still be on your guard against the forest's denizens and not just its plants. Once I was ambushed by a hill giant when out on my own; it took two full quivers of arrows to down it, and the giant looked like a porcupine when it finally fell. The chieftain gestures for you to sit and offers you all some drinks. And with these nature spirits about things are strange. I don't know why they are taking these forms, but if the wrongly-bodied spirits act similar to leshies, then strategies against them could be....
Kaana opens up to you about her own stories and some combat strategies. And before too long you'r joined by another: Berry-Eater, who has somehow gotten out of his tent to find and nudge Manny again
Kaana opens up to you about her own stories and some combat strategies. And before too long you're joined by another: Berry-Eater, who has somehow gotten out of his tent to find and nudge Manny again.
Manny pretends to be surprised and begins running in circles, encouraging the wolverine to chase him.
The next morning you all wake up refreshed and whole. While you're packing your kits and preparing to head out Urwal comes up to sepak with you. The iruxi is beaming.
I have heard the Repdines speak highly of you as the sun rises he says. And I have cast horoscopes for your mission.[/i] Urwal sets a pair of satchels full of traveling supplies by your campsite. The omens are favorable enough, although the stars carry warning.
The spirits of Finadar Forest are sick. Perhaps this is an abscess in nature, and must be lanced with sword and flame. But such a cure is to be mourned, not celebrated, the lizardfolk says, emphasizing each word. Better for all if a safer salve is found. Yes? You understand?
In the satchels themselves you find bread, foraged mushrooms, and smoked meat, along with 4 gp and 45 sp. There is also a silver pendant in the shape of a crescent moon, and a single hunter's bane
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The spirits of Finadar Forest are sick. Perhaps this is an abscess in nature, and must be lanced with sword and flame. But such a cure is to be mourned, not celebrated, the lizardfolk says, emphasizing each word. Better for all if a safer salve is found. Yes? You understand?
"Not really, but I'm sure we'll figure it out." Welby flashes a cheerful grin.
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"Better for all if a safer salve is found. Yes? You understand?"
"It would be my hope that we don't have to needlessly destroy any more creatures of nature," Thunderroot nods. "If at all possible."
Afterwards, they pack up their things, strap their electric guitar to their back, and decline any bread, mushrooms, or smoked meat. The sun provides enough nourishment.
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The spirits of Finadar Forest are sick. Perhaps this is an abscess in nature, and must be lanced with sword and flame. But such a cure is to be mourned, not celebrated, the lizardfolk says, emphasizing each word. Better for all if a safer salve is found. Yes? You understand?
Clebsch nods at the question. "An Andorian always considers violence the last resort when more peaceful means are exhausted."
Clebsch asks about the function of the Hunter's Bane and asks the others if they mind if he affixes it to his armor?
Clebsch has some rations he purchased earlier, but he offers to help carry the food, being one of the stronger in the group.
Urwal cocks his head at Welby's grinning admission but is deligthed and points to Thunderroot at their response. Yes, you speak the plain truth of it. Violence may be what must befall, but it is a fate best to be undertaken only last.
You head out early in the morning following Urwal's directions to the old dragon graveyard. As the hours pass each of you slowly notice that the forest is becoming gradually quieter the more you head away from the camp. You pass by more burnt areas as well, both old scars from earlier fires and the remnants of more recent blazes sparked by the corrupted leshys. While animals are still seen here and there they too are becoming a rarer sight - just the occasional squirrel scrambling about on a high branch or a pair of birds flying in the distance.
