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Braden nods as Ran sets a course. He considers if he knows what might lie to the northeast.
Braden bids his farewells to the elf. "This hobgoblin invasion is a danger to us all, Vardalel. If you can bring word to Elven lands and rally defenders, it would be a benefit to us all." When Ran talks about next steps, Braden is troubled. "If we can find the hobgoblins who did these attacks, that might be best. So many Rangers have died to these ambushes."
"You're absolutely right, Varadalel." Braden first scans the area for traps just in case. If it seems fine, he checks to see if he knew any of the fallen rangers and tries to remember the funerary rites he learned as an Erastilian acolyte.
Braden reacts uncertainly to the story, which confirms to Braden that the elf has a far away home. "It's good to meet you, Vardalel. I am Braden, a follower of Erastil and son to a Ranger." He feels the need to say this--it seems Braden isn't so quick to forgive this elf, though he doesn't directly voice his displeasure. "What do you want to do now? I will be honest with you and say that we're trying to keep our own camp hidden from these hobgoblins. We have been taking in survivors, but I imagine you want to return to your home rather than try to make a new home with us."
I'm entering a busy period at work that may keep me tied up until February 12 (Super Bowl Sunday). I'll still try to check in and post, but I can't guarantee I'll make a consistent appearance. Please feel free to bot me.
Braden realizes he held his breath for a moment until the elf's fall slowed. "You can thank Erastil--it's he who provides!" He offers some magical healing to supplement Ran's more practical offer of water and food. Though he wasn't sure if his magics could really help that broken hand heal so quickly.
"Oh, that does look bad," Braden notes, seeing the awful-looking hand. "But we can help." He holds out the holy censer that he often channels for his magics. "I hold powerful relics of the god Erastil. With this censer, I can make your fall as gentle as a feather. You just have to put your faith in Erastil, and let go." . Braden speaks with absolute faith and conviction that this will work. If the elf is brave enough to let go, Braden casts Feather Fall on him.
Like the others, Braden is pretty confused by the concept of an Elven lumberjack, though he's ready to take what he sees at face value. "I thought lumberjacks cut trees rather than climbing them!"
Understood, Spazmodeus. What do you think about an "owlbear" animal companion? Doesn't actually exist, but we could just reflavor a legal grizzly bear animal companion to be an owlbear instead? I imagine an owlbear might be controversial in town, but that's what makes it interesting. It would help that the "owlbear" starts off young (i.e., medium sized, before the 7th level advancement). Given that we just had a chat with the treant sender of owlbears, maybe a young owlbear makes its appearance now? Really hope you'll allow the reflavoring! If you don't like the idea, I'm fine being patient and waiting for another plot hook for an AC.
Looks like our group is ready!
Sounds like a crazy time. I'm so glad you got some time off at the end of the year to recover. And hopeful and excited to see you return!
New year, new start, perhaps?
I remain ever hopeful about our supreme overlord's return.
As Braden wanders the forest, he continues to prayerfully seek out an animal companion.
Braden nods. "Right, the patrol. We've certainly gotten sidetracked a bit on that part," says the holy man. He looks to the scout team of Vraxis and Fang and begins following their lead once more. He considers all that he's learned so far. "The hobgoblins are riling up everyone in the forest. Maybe that's part of how we free our village. Gather enough allies, and maybe we can really take the fight to the hobgoblins."
Braden is not quite so sure that they could totally stop cutting down trees, but certainly doesn't plan on quarreling about that in the glade. "So, anything else we need to do while we're out here, or is it time to head back?"
Braden looks pretty confused, too. "I . . . I think so?" he says, uncertainly. He then calls out to the indistinguishable set of trees. "Thank you, Longfrond. If you need help against the bad two-legs, let us know!"
"I assume you are Longfrond?" interjects Braden, not wanting to offend the tree by overlooking its presumed authority. "Yes, we of the cave are careful in how we manage the forest's bounty. We have cultivated the forest near our home for generations, and live in balance with the forest, as the god Erastil teaches. The hobgoblins that have overtaken our town are also despoiling the forest to fuel their invasion--burning recklessly, chopping relentlessly. They are our sworn enemy!"
Braden tries not to be startled as two large cherry trees come to life. "Oh yes, we really like your glade," he confirms. "Not all two legs are the same, any more than a willow tree is the same as a cherry tree." He looks to his diverse companions, realizing just how true that was. "Should we talk? Perhaps take a nice stroll together?"
Braden walks very slowly through the knots of wood to avoid stepping on them in a painful manner. Eventually, he catches up to Govrina and tries some words of his own. "Your cherry blossoms are incredibly beautiful--you're an exceptional gardener. Please, will you speak with us? We come in peace and goodwill."
"Farewell, Herge!" chimes Braden. He looks to Amice. "I'm glad you came out of the shadows," he mentions. "Not that shadows are bad, but saying hello there was better." Turning toward the path north, he moves to follow the path blazed by Vraxis and Fang, knowing he couldn't keep up but that he could shorten the time of the pair's return trip. "We might still find the trail of the Rangers as we go. We could certainly use their help."
Though not as expert as Vraxis, Braden catches sight of some tracks and follows them to a ridge. He finds several arrows and sees there's a clear line of sight between the burned tree and the arrows location. It is easier to identify the tracks and arrows as belonging to Iron Fang soldiers. Braden beckons the party over (including Vraxis if he hasn't left yet). "See these arrows and tracks? Definitely Iron Fang. Looks like they captured the Rangers and did an execution. Probably shot fire arrows from here." Braden sees if there are signs of tracks continuing on into the forest.
Braden bows in gratitude to the wood giant's trust. "Thank you, Herge. The Ironfangs are not likely to be friends of the forest. I'd be wary of them. They're causing some real chaos in these lands." He spends a little time looking around the burn area for more clues.
"Oh, Herge--you mentioned you might know the walking tree, Longfrond? Do you know how we could find her? Maybe you could come with us? Seems like there might've been a misunderstanding there, and we want Longfrond to know that we're allies of the forest, not enemies."
Braden returns his focus to the burned tree and the gray and green fabric--and starts to have a faraway look as he reminisces about the past. "My father was a Chernasadro Ranger back in the day. He wanted me to be one too, but I was too timid. With the attack by these hobgoblins, kind of feel like I've become a ranger of sorts now, with Erastil's blessing."
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Braden feels a wave of sleep come over him, but manages to stay up on his feet. He recognizes that he's been attacked, but not lethally, and holds back from any retribution--for now. "Noble wood giant--we respect the forest and would never do something like this. We follow the ways of Erastil!" Braden hopes that's explanation enough in the short time they had before the next attack.
Braden nods, and approaches the oak tree and bodies cautiously.
"Some sort of punishment or execution?" he speculates. "Feels like the oak tree was used like a pyre."
Braden is definitely troubled as he approaches the fire-charred forest. "This is definitely odd. Maybe we should explore the charred forest for some clues as to the cause? Would be good to know if the cause was unnatural."
Braden shrugs. "The pixies do whatever they want. But they like gifts. And they don't like the hobgoblins. That's good news for us. Let's hope walking trees feel the same way."
Suddenly, the owlbears he thought weren't that dangerous have turned out to be a sign of a greater threat--hostile trees! "I didn't know trees could walk. Is it possible to talk to trees? I'd prefer a peaceful co-existence; we already proved it could work by negotiating with troglodytes."
Braden calmly follows Vraxis's lead. "I have to admit, fighting owlbears seems a lot less dangerous than fighting those hobgoblins--at least the owlbears aren't smart enough to send a whole army at us if they found us."
"Could be more adults too. If so, we should wipe them out, so they won't threaten us again!" Braden nods in understanding of Aubrin's command to rest up for the next day. But even if he needed to be elsewhere, his first instinct was to approach the family of the fallen man. He looks to see if anyone seems hurt--if so, he offers healing. He tries to simply be present with the others, offering his condolences and what little comfort he could manage. And he prays to Erastil for the man's spirit to be guided well in the afterlife.
Great to see you again, Ran! Hope we can help brighten your days in a small way.
Having a target date always helps. Hope you have a good break at the cottage!
Thanks, GM Spazmodeus!
Emboldened by his first two arrows hitting home, Braden takes another step forward and continues the onslaught!
Braden takes a step forward and fires off a pair of arrows at the farther away owlbear! ;
Braden gasps in surprise as one of the owlbears rips into one of their own. He hurries forward and holds aloft his holy censer. "In the name of Erastil, you will stop!" A burst of glitter envelops the owlbears! Will DC17 or blinded, new save each round.
Aye, happy to continue on!
Thanks. Hoping all is well.
"Easy to talk about keeping up when you're riding a wolf, Vraxis!" Braden trudges along, his armor keeping his pace more modest.
Oh no, that's terrible! I'm glad you're feeling better and hope you and the family are all okay.
Belated happy new year!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Hi Harg--sorry to hear that you're going, but totally understand. I've done it before to make sure that other games can keep chugging along. Appreciate that you came back to announce the decision. It's been fun gaming with you, and I hope do so again someday!
"You look better, Amice," says Braden, seeing that their new guest is well-rested and perhaps not as emaciated as he first suspected. "You must not be from here, though," he adds, wondering about her pale skin. "We can talk as we travel--many hours ahead for us to become acquainted." He gathers his things and some provisions for the journey ahead.
"The lies?" says Braden a bit confused. "I guess I do want to see what lies under your mask, but maybe I'd regret it like you say. I'm sorry for your loss, though. Family is everything--and that's not just Erastil talking." His thoughts turn for a moment to his own father, but it seems gauche to mention that now. "It looks like you've recovered your strength to fight, though. Did you ever take your vengeance on those bandits?"
"Good, glad to hear it, Ran. We had a big victory against a hobgoblin scouting encampment recently, but there's no telling if they'll try to re-establish themselves. Here's hoping their attentions are elsewhere so we can secure ourselves and build our strength." Braden then decides to ask the obvious question. "So I have to ask, why do you wear a mask?"
After leading morning prayers and checking on their herdanimals, Braden is ready to meet the challenges ahead. "Sounds like a plan to me. The newcomers are sneaky and quiet. A lot better at that than I am at that, to be honest, but I'll do my best."
"The angry one is Govrina. And she's pretty amazing--she can move huge boulders with her mind. I'd probably be pretty grumpy too if I had to do that all day." He shrugs, thinking the whole experience was pretty normal.
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