"I appreciate the gesture Agghh but I think we should follow Reuben on this one. Just be ready." Torgar says as he gestures for Agghh to keep going and trudges forward himself.
Ghosts. That should turn his blood cold, but in their present situation, Kadmos takes it in stride. He gives a polite bow to each/any ghost that gets close to him, but he will also start sliding closer to the stag who seems to be guiding them somewhere.
Seeing the spectral visions approaching Mariel will boldly proclaim We are here by invitation of the White Stag, the stag who led Huma by blessing of Paladine to the dragonlances. We come bearing a long forgotten item, an item blessed and beloved to Quen Illumini, a blue crystal staff.
Seeing the spectral visions approaching Mariel will boldly proclaim We are here by invitation of the White Stag, the stag who led Huma by blessing of Paladine to the dragonlances. We come bearing a long forgotten item, an item blessed and beloved to Quen Illumini, a blue crystal staff.
The ghosts stop their approach. Some of them are bearing ghostly swords.
Kadmos will let out the breath he was holding, "That they've stopped is a good thing right?"
Reuben pauses in the complex ward he's tracing in the air and smiles,
"Most likely, friend Kadmos, but we should let Goldmoon speak her mind to them. She is the bearer of the staff, and they seem to be respecting it at least."
He then resumes tracing the ward.
Augier shuffles his feet and keeps one hand in his pouch of salt.
The deer leads you along a path through the forest. While the ghosts form a defensive line behind you.
You enter a clearing that has a pristine lake, grass, and a large rock. On top of the rock is an Unicorn, the master of the wood. The Unicorn speaks with good intent.
"Welcome, fair travelers, to Darken Wood," she says in a majestic voice. The ghosts (spectral minions) leave your presence. She speaks again, "Please sit down at the table we have prepared for you."
Reuben bows to the great creature,
"Hail, Forestmaster. Allow us to humble ourselves before thee. I am sent by Archmagus Par Salian, and my companions and I are tasked with furthering the cause of good. We thank you for your offer of food."
Reuben brushes his dusty robes and sits down at the grand banquet table, grunting as previously unfelt knots unwind themselves. He nods politely to great creature and picks up a choice piece of lamb, fried in butter and spiced with ground pepper and salt. He tastes it tentatively, then, if it is wholesome, he bites into it slowly, wiping his beard afterwards.
Augier still looks warily at the unicorn but sits down at the table. Sniffing the food, he grabs some in his hand and starts eating. Mm...good. He grunts and eats some more, not really bothering with wiping his face.
Reuben bows to the great creature,
"Hail, Forestmaster. Allow us to humble ourselves before thee. I am sent by Archmagus Par Salian, and my companions and I are tasked with furthering the cause of good. We thank you for your offer of food."
Reuben brushes his dusty robes and sits down at the grand banquet table, grunting as previously unfelt knots unwind themselves. He nods politely to great creature and picks up a choice piece of lamb, fried in butter and spiced with ground pepper and salt. He tastes it tentatively, then, if it is wholesome, he bites into it slowly, wiping his beard afterwards.
The food consists of roasted deer, lettuce, some tomatoes, and assorted berries for desert.
"Thank you, hmmm, ma'am," Torgar says before sitting at the provided table. "What news of the forest?"
The Solamnic half elf sees the unicorn abd hears her speak to them With tears in her eyes, tears of joy and of hope, she thanks the Forestmaster for her genetosity and hospitalitu
"Thank you, hmmm, ma'am," Torgar says before sitting at the provided table. "What news of the forest?"
A trio of Centaurs bring you some wild grape wine.
"We had visitors come in," the Forestmaster explains. "They were reptilian, but they described themselves as of the order of draco."
Hearing what the centaurs have related, she raises an eyebrow as she thinks back to see if she has ever heard anything about this Order of the Draco.
history
nobility
religion
"You're welcome, traveler!" the Forestmaster states.
Hearing what the centaurs have related, she raises an eyebrow as she thinks back to see if she has ever heard anything about this Order of the Draco.
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 history
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24 nobility
1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23 religion
Reuben pauses in his meal, and sets his food down, making a soft tap as it is set carefully down on the table. He addresses the Forestmaster.
"The Order of Draco? Does the name Galan Dracos mean anything to you?"
"I would like to thank you for your hospitality Mistress of the Wood but I'm sure this is uncommon. Do you need assistance or is there some other reason you have honored us with your presence?" Torgar asks.
Big lizards doing bad stuff? We met some on road, right?
"Galan Dracos?" asked the Forestmaster. "That does ring a bell. My Grandmother knew that name."
As she recognizes the name from her studies she takes a deep breath in. This makes perfect sense. The Dark Queen, the Queen of Dragons, has returned and these repitilian creatures must be her devotees. Her constellation is gone from the heavens. This is most dire, but hope remains. We have with us the power of healing from Quen Illumini, Mishakel. But the Platinum Father must also be here. His constellation is also gone. Hope is here, somewhere/
Fully stuffed, Augh.....falls asleep!
As she recognizes the name from her studies she takes a deep breath in. This makes perfect sense. The Dark Queen, the Queen of Dragons, has returned and these repitilian creatures must be her devotees. Her constellation is gone from the heavens. This is most dire, but hope remains. We have with us the power of healing from Quen Illumini, Mishakel. But the Platinum Father must also be here. His constellation is also gone. Hope is here, somewhere/
"There is always hope, child," the Forestmaster said.
Fully stuffed, Augh.....falls asleep!
The Forestmaster says, "I see one of you has fallen asleep. You may rest here until the daytime."
Reuben smiles at the majestic creature,
"Thank you, your grace. Do you have any advice for us on our coming journey?"
Reuben listens for an answer while drawing his bedroll from his pack. He places it beneath Augier's head and pulls out a sheet of parchment and an inkpen, just in case there's any written information.
Reuben smiles at the majestic creature,
"Thank you, your grace. Do you have any advice for us on our coming journey?"
Reuben listens for an answer while drawing his bedroll from his pack. He places it beneath Augier's head and pulls out a sheet of parchment and an inkpen, just in case there's any written information.
"The dragonmen are everywhere in Abassinia, so be careful," she says. "The centaurs will escort you out."
"Why the royal welcome if I may ask?" Torgar presses from his earlier question.
"Why the royal welcome if I may ask?" Torgar presses from his earlier question.
"Your group bears the blue crystal staff," says the Forestmaster. "That is why you are being treated cordially."
”That is the most impressive that ng i’ve seen from the staff yet. Thank you Forest Master.” Torgar then eats his fill of the offered bounty.
She looks up at the unicorn before they leave. Forest Master. forgive my question for its boldness but may I, may I have the honor of touching your face? There is no guile in her voice or her action, only a motive to touch a creature as honored and pure as a unicorn/
She looks up at the unicorn before they leave. Forest Master. forgive my question for its boldness but may I, may I have the honor of touching your face? There is no guile in her voice or her action, only a motive to touch a creature as honored and pure as a unicorn/
"Yes, you may," she says.
As he eats Torgar says, Aaggh obviously feels at home and crashed. I trust our hostess but if the staff is as special as events would have it, evil may find a way to find us even here. I suggest a watch. I prefer to rise early and will take last watch. Anyone else interested in maintaining a watch?
She will approach the Forestmaster and reverently and softly stroke her mane and her nose.
Thank you for this honor.
You all sleep in the forest. On the next day, you awoke and the Centaurs of Darken Wood are ready to guide you to Haven. Then you can meet with one of Reuben's order and find out what is going on in the heavens.
The sun is up, and it's partly cloudy. Except for a few crepuscular rays shining through the forest. The birds are chirping, and you can hear the rustle of small mammals of the wood.
Reuben awakens with a start, the remnants of a vivid dream slipping away like mist in the morning sun. He sits up slowly, his white robes rustling softly against the forest floor. The air is cool and fresh, filled with the scent of pine and the distant melody of birdsong. He takes a moment to center himself, drawing in a deep breath and letting it out slowly, feeling the familiar weight of his spellbook at his side.
The Centaurs of Darken Wood are already stirring, their powerful forms moving gracefully among the trees. Reuben watches them with a mixture of awe and curiosity. He has always admired their strength and wisdom, and he feels a deep sense of gratitude for their guidance.
As he rises to his feet, Reuben’s mind turns to the task ahead. The journey to Haven is fraught with uncertainty, but he is determined to uncover the mysteries that lay in the heavens. He adjusts his robes and checks his belongings, ensuring that everything is in order. His staff, a finely crafted piece of white ash, is a comforting presence in his hand.
Reuben approaches the group, his eyes scanning the faces of his companions. He offers a nod of greeting to each of them, his expression calm and composed.
“Good morning,”
he says, his voice soft but clear.
“I trust you all slept well. The Centaurs are ready to guide us to Haven. Let us make the most of this day.”
As they set off, Reuben walks with a measured pace, his staff tapping lightly against the ground. He keeps his senses alert, attuned to the subtle sounds of the forest. The crepuscular rays filtering through the trees cast a dappled light on the path ahead, creating an almost magical atmosphere.
Reuben’s thoughts drift to the spells he has prepared for the day. He mentally reviews the incantations and gestures, feeling the familiar tingle of arcane energy at his fingertips. Today, he has chosen spells that will aid in their journey and protect his companions. He feels a sense of anticipation, eager to see how his magic will unfold in the events to come.
The rustle of small mammals and the occasional flutter of wings remind him of the delicate balance of nature. He finds solace in the harmony of the forest, drawing strength from its tranquility. The magic of the natural world is a constant source of inspiration for him, and he feels a deep connection to the forces that shape their reality.
As they near the edge of the woods, Reuben’s thoughts turn to the meeting with his order. He wonders what revelations await them in Haven, and what role he will play in the unfolding events. He feels a surge of determination, his resolve strengthened by the journey thus far.
Turning to his companions, Reuben speaks with quiet conviction.
“We are on the cusp of something significant. Let us remain vigilant and support one another. Together, we will uncover the truths that lie ahead.”
With that, Reuben continues forward, his heart and mind focused on the path to Haven and the mysteries that await them. He whistles a jovial tune, and hums, seeming in exceptionally good spirits. He looks at the world as if it is all a new and invigorating thing, filled with something to be enjoyed everywhere. He smiles at everyone and everything.
"Yep, let's get moving." Torgar says to Reuben's comment in the morning. The barbarian has already rolled up his bedroll and is prepared to depart.
Later...
"Hopefully we can keep you folks alive and destroy at least a small portion of evil in this world." Torgar says flatly.
Nariel walks along, pondering the group's experience over the last several days and thinking of what these things could actually mean.
Augghh spies something tasty.
Nariel walks along, pondering the group's experience over the last several days and thinking of what these things could actually mean.
Pondering over what happened requires a wisdom roll to gain any insight. DC 15.
wisdom check
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23 wisdom check
Long time until we get to big city?
Long time until we get to big city?
One of the Centaurs responds to Augh, "Going with us cuts your time to Haven in half. After you leave Darkenwood, the city will only take you ten minutes to get to on your horse. If you are walking, fifteen minutes."
"Excellent, I love having a good guide." Torgar says as they walk along briskly.
Augh is confused. Fifteen seems a lot higher than two so he thinks they will be traveling for a looongggg time.
When we get to Haven, we can discuss what has happened with Elistan, he is one of the leaders of my order. Elistan is a good man. she offers as they make their way towards Haven.
Reuben nods in agreement, and follows the centaurs, nodding to them respectfully.
"Hopefully I can meet up with the member of my Order stationed in Haven as well. Maybe with our resources combined we can shed some light on this situation."