@Garrath:
At a private moment, Shalelu gives Garrath a warm and uncharacteristically gentle embrace. They kiss.
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"I will stay with my Step-father. He will need archers should trouble return," Shalelu adds. [ooc]The party can use Day Seventy-three to fully rest up, write scrolls, etc.[/oocy Day Seventy-Four The rain is relentless. Jakardros will note he had never seen such a volume of water over the falls.
Shalelu smiles, "A walk outside sounds good." Shalelu tries not to throw up.
"Unnaturally unrelenting," Shalelu responds to Stone. "I could use a hot bath. But this place stinks."
"I will guard the horses," Shalelu offers.
Shalelu takes out a pint of oil and pours it over the junk in one of the rooms. As the party makes their way up, Shalelu sets the room ablaze. By the time the party gives the three Black Arrows their gear, smoke begins to billow from the Graul house. As the party leaves the stench of the barn, the party sets it ablaze as well. The Graul house is fully developed. The blaze is powerful and amazing as if the heavens themselves want to cleanse the region of the Graul's persistance stain. The party, along with the three Black Arrows, finds a place along the Skull River and near the trail heading north to Fort Rannick to make camp.
Shalelu from the doorway fires arrows. Seeing the big barbarian work on the more normal looking Graul, the Ranger sends a pair of arrows toward the wide-mouthed Ogrekin. The dainty Elf curses as the first arrow glances off the creature's jerkin. And is especially foul in language when the second arrow sails over head.
Shalelu moves into Mammy Graul's room, shaking off the powerful stench. She stows her bow and draws her longsword. She moves about poking and prodding. "The obese creature is not in this room. Powerful magic! She could be anywhere."
The now Hasted Shalelu takes a step up and gets an extra arrow shot off against the many versions of Mammy. Her first arrow strikes true. But the Ranger was just two quick and anxious with her second shot. It sticks into the bed's headboard. The one arrow that strikes dissipates a Mirror Image.
One additional piece of information, in addition to the three doors to the North, there are stairs heading up. Shalelu will look back at Flynn, "Good idea. If we don't find any other Black Arrows or hostages we can torch it from the inside. That should work." Shalelu looks left and searches the hallway. She moves about 15 feet ahead of the party.
At the west door she checks and listens.
The Ranger backs up to the party and whispers, "There is something talking behind that door. It sounded like a female. What do you want to do?"
"The animal pens do smell better," Shalelu agrees with Garrath. She then looks at Flynn, "With all the rain, the structure will likely not burn very well. We need to move in. I will take the point."
Shalelu detects a trap, "The floor is unstable in front of that hideous excuse for a sofa. Keep to the right and follow me." The Ranger heads to the door, well right of the sofa, and checks it.
Shalelu opens the door and sees a hallway. There is a door at the end of a hallway to the left (West), and three doors in the hall straight ahead (North). Shalelu looks over her shoulder, "Which way?
Shalelu looks at Garrath and smiles at the big barbarian through tears, "Thank you Garrath. Jakardos was married to my mother. He is my step-father."
"Thanks for your help," Shalelu looks back at Brandark. "You are good with animal, can you hold back this big cat? These two are getting antsy." She glances toward Shorty and Handsome.
Shalelu holds back the Firepelt while keeping an eye on the two Graul brothers.
Shalelu will look at Flynn and glance over at Stone, "Oil and fire sounds like a good idea if there is a spider. But looking at this old barn, I would think any fire will likely set this whole building ablaze."
Shalelu ties up Ogrekins, "I will watch these two. We need to find out what is making this Firepelt so anxious."
After the Firepelt finishes off Pumkinhead, the Cougar moves to the blocked double doors on the other side of the room. Shalelu looks at the Ogrekin, "What is behind those doors? We are here because of this big cat. Crying Handsome looks over at Shorty. Shorty looks toward Shalelu, "It is where we store meat. You can't enter from below. Only from above." Shorty points to the catwalks on either side of the room.
Shalelu knocks an arrow and fires at Pumkinhead. She sticks fugly solidly.
Shalelu knocks another arrow, carefully watching the farmhouse and barn for other creatures that may come out and attack. Shalelu glances back at the Deformed Humanoid, "I've seen many things." She shakes her head, "But nothing like these." Each Deformed Humanoid had different abnormalities.
After Garrath's strike, Shalelu takes a step, then a deep breath and launches two arrows. Both arrows stick into the hideous mass of flesh. One sticks in the creature's throat. The Deformed Humanoid drops its wicked hook, grabbing the arrow at its throat. Its eyes rolls to the back of its head. The second Mr. Ugly swoons over and tumbles backwards to the ground. It doesn't live much longer.
Victory! Shadowmist moves back and away, a motionless Stone on its back.
Shalelu knocks an arrow and draws her bow. She was about to fire at the nearest Deformed Humanoid when Garrath bloodies his Greatsword in a mass of gore. As the first Deformed Humanoid falls, the Elf Ranger changes target. But her arrow shot miss as the archer was unable to get clear aim.
Shalelu attempts to quickly dismount her steed. She smoothly lands on her feet, firing two arrows at the first Deformed Humanoid. Even though the humanoid is hideously deformed, it is agile and ducked the first arrow. Shalelu's aim was simply way off on her second shot.
Shalelu senses movement in the trees above, and steers her mount away from the threat.
Brandark will notice that the now dead deformed humanoid's spear is of high quality, and its belt is intriguing. It was carrying a blanket with patches sown into it. When Shalelu sees this she will exclaim, "These are Black Arrow patches. The Black Arrows would not give a way their patches. They are hard earned. I fear this thing had them as trophies." The Firepelt starts acting frantically, as if it wants to tell you something, or lead you somewhere.
Shalelu will look at Flynn, "You're correct. I must remember that I am currently not alone, in contrast to my usual disposition." Shalelu then looks at Stone, "This big cat is tame, but injured. Could you offer assistance?"
Shalelu quickly determines that the big cat is tamed. She works to free the Firepelt from the trap.
Shalelu asks the Mayor concerning the best route to Fort Rannick. Afterwards, the Elf Ranger looks at the party, "Let's go." Shalelu heads to the stables to retrieve her horse and get going. The party follows along. The party heads out on this rainy morning, north, along the east banks of the Skull River. Three miles north of Turtleback Ferry the trail crosses over the raging Skull River, nearly over its banks from the excessive rain. The old wooden bridge is sturdy; but is beginning to strain from the extra force from the river's elevated waters. The party is careful to cross one rider at a time. As the party continues north along the west bank:
Shalelu hears a yowl of pain in the woods nearby, as if a large cat were wounded, "A big cat is in trouble." The Ranger takes a detour into the woods.
Shalelu fidgets impatiently.
Shalelu mostly looks down at the table. When the Halfling waitress brings her a bottle of wine and the food, the Ranger leaves 3 gold pieces on the table, packs the food in her pouch belt, and grabs the bottle of wine, "If you will excuse me, I am going to go take a bath."
Shalelu looks at Garrath, "I don't want to talk about it." Shalelu goes into the Bottoms Up. It is crowded with patrons. But there is one last empty table. Shalelu goes and takes a chair at the table. A middle-aged Halfling woman come by the table, "You are all new to Turtleback Ferry. Our house speciality is the Turtle Soup. Also, tonight we have a fresh Black Bear Stew. We serve everything with a pickled onion, a pair of olives and a wheat roll. Three Silvers. Beer is a silver piece. The Dwarven Ale is two silvers. And a glass of Elven White wine is 5 silvers." Shalelu asks about a bottle of the wine, and finds out it is two gold pieces. She gives the Halfling Woman 2 golds and 3 silvers, "Just the onion, olives and roll, please." The Halfling Woman smiles, "I will give you a double portion." She looks at the other party members, "What do you have?" DC 30 Perception:
You notice a man at the bar. He moved his leg to barely reveal that he has a tattoo of a familiar seven pointed star on his left ankle, partially covered by a sock.
Shalelu gets a bit agitated when the details about the Black Arrows are mentioned, "I am going to stable my horse and head over to the tavern. " The party would have noticed the tavern as the next building over.
Shalelu thinks about a bath fed by warm spring water and shells out the five coins. She looks at Elektra, "Hold your coin. We can share a room."
Shalelu gives Elektra a quizzical look, and then stops the Wizard from shelling out her coin, "Five gold pieces seems too high to me." The Ranger looks sternly at the man.
Shalelu looks at the Gnomes with a curious eye, "They are a strange lot. But they do seem to be more fidgety than normal. They are probably working on some strange contraption that could potentially blow up the forest. Right now, I really don't care what these Gnomes are up to. I just want to get to Fort Rannick as quickly as possible without getting everyone killed." Now Shalelu seems a bit fidgety.
You take what is known as the Old Sanos Trail. Exotic vegetation and exceptionally tall trees are prime features in this sylvan forest. It is an Alchemist's dream. Small wagons and carts have travelled this trail. The first day in Sanos goes without incident. Only a few drops of rain pass through the vast forest canopy to the moist fern covered floor below. Even when it is not raining, this forest is continually damp. The party stops to camp at a location that is often used as a rest stop. It has a stone fire place for cooking, and a moss covered wooden shelter.
The night goes without incident. There were many strange noises coming from the woods that made for a somewhat restless nights sleep. Day Sixty-Five
Shalelu will comment on the party's good fortune. She had heard many stories of abduction and other horrors in the Sanos. So far, the forest has been tranquil and at times stunning to see with its colorful vegetation. There is no encounter on this day's travel. Again the party stops at a location that has often been used by travelers along the Old Sanos Trail.
This night was quiet and more restful. Day Sixty-Six
The day was again uneventful.
As night approaches, Shalelu stops suddenly and moves back toward the party, "We are being watched. They are good too, for there are about a dozen of them."
Day Sixty-Four Though the party was up later than intended to please the local crowds, the rest was comfortable. Neji brings coffee and corn grittle cakes for breakfast to the rooms. She prepared a double portion so you can take some on the road. The grittle cakes have a slight sweetness. A couple of the cakes satisfies for a meal. For two silvers per horse, the party takes a barge across a narrow portion of Lake Ember to the Sanos Forest. The barge ride was more choppy than normal due to the raised water levels on the lake. Across the lake, Shalelu offers a choice, "The Sanos Forest has its dangers. There is a forest trail that will take us northeast to Turtleback Ferry. That route is about five to six days through the heart of the forest. Or we can head due east to Whistledown. That is about two days ride in the forest, then two days on open plains. From Whistledown we can take a ship to Ilsurian on Lake Syrantula. From Ilsurian we can then take the Ferry to Turtleback Ferry. That route is about eight days from here. It is the safer route."
Shalelu will look at Brandark, "Getting the wagon over to the fort could prove difficult."
Shalelu offers a bashful smiles back at Garrath. Shalelu knows how to pick'em. The night goes without incidence. Day Fifty-Eight The wagon became stuck in muddy ruts several times through the rainy day. The party was large and noisy. Everything kept its distance. You had no encounters. By nightfall, you make it back to the Lost Coast Road. There you make camp at one of the many places caravan stops to camp.
The night was quiet. Day Fifty-Nine After only a couple of hours your reach the arched stone bridge over the Thistle River. But there is a problem. The unrelenting rain has swollen the river. Only the top of the arch of the bridge barely can be seen around the now swirling fast current if the Thistle River. Your wagon, not to mention your horses, could easily get swept away. Shalelu will note that the bridge was passable three days ago. She will note though that, even then, the Thistle River was higher than normal.
The rest of day fifty-six goes without an incident; the night too. Day Fifty-Seven It is Oathday on the 21st of Neth. The rain is becoming annoyingly steady. Ironically, day fifty-seven is the same way. It is like the trees and the plants have warned all living creatures to stay away from this location. Stone maintains his Gentle Repose on the carcass of the Sandpoint Devil. Around nightfall, the party can hear from a quarter of a mile away (400m) the rumbling of a wagon and many horses. The party will take a defensive stance, but will soon find Shalelu leading a sizable contingent from Sandpoint that includes Sheriff Hemlock, Father Zantus and Orik Vancaskerkin driving the wagon. "We brought a wagon," Shalelu states the obvious. She then sniffs the air and looks around, "Have you had another fight?" This is far less obvious.
Shalelu will look at Brandark and Stone, "No one knows where it laired." She will then look at Elektra and Garrath and nod her head, "It is a big carcass. I can ride back to Sandpoint and have them bring a wagon." She will think about that, "I could be back in about three days."
"The Sheriff will want to see the whole thing. We could construct a sled from timbers. Then use two horses to drag it back to Sandpoint. It may take an extra day," Shalelu spoke far more than normal. Having plied these woods for many years, and knowing the destruction it has wreaked, she knows the significance of being able to fully demonstrate to everyone that the threat has been dealt with.
Retcon Round Three and Four With Cold Iron arrows, Brandark hits deeply. The shaft of one burying into the demon horse's flesh. Flynn hits with one of his arrows. It was enough to do the deed. The Sandpoint Devil whinnies one last time, and falls from the sky. The great terror of Sandpoint dies in the fall. Garrath had to jump out of the way as the massive creature crashed into ground. Shalelu runs up to the fallen demon horse to confirm its demise, "We must take the remains to Sheriff Hemlock."
Shalelu's horse is unfazed by the bay of the Sandpoint Devil. It scares the poop out Shalelu. She attempts to push her horse away as fast as she can drive her mount. But the attempt fails. Shalelu's horse moves forward along the trail as normal.
This is now the third time Shalelu has come across this ferocious outsider from some abominable plane.
Day Fifty-Two Ameiko ended the celebration early to allow the party a chance to get to bed early and leave early. Shalelu leads the party north along the Lost Coast road. It bends due east north of the Devil's Platter and Ravenroost.
The road is busy. By the time you reach the area between the Shankwood and Tickwood forest, you will have met two caravans and several other travellers. One never saw a crowded highway during a time when Goblin clans raided along this stretch of the Lost Coast road. But now with one clan destroyed and others in fear, the road is safer to travel. But that doesn't mean the road is safe.
After crossing the Thistle River, not far from Thistletop, the Lost Coast Road turns north heading toward Windsong Abbey and Riddleport well beyond. But Shalelu turns the party off the Lost Coast road due east, "This is the Mosswood trail. Be on your guard."
The trek is slower through this winding forest trail. By evening Shalelu leads the party to a small grove, "This place is safe. It is protected by a Treant friend of mine." The party will have an uneventful evening.
Shalelu will give Garrath a bashful smile. She will look at Stone whe he speaks, then look at Flynn, giving the Inquisitor a positive head nod. She then looks at Elektra, "When will we be leaving for Fort Rannick?"
Day Forty-Nine A familiar face to all except Flynn arrives at the Kaijitsu Villa, an elf named Shalelu Andosana. "I heard through my sources in Magnimar that you are heading to Fort Rannick. I would like to accompany you on this journey," the elf says plainly.
Raise Level: Ranger 3
+1 HP instead of +1 Skill Favored Terrain: Forest Skills: Acrobatics, Know (Geog and Nature), Perception, Stealth, Survival, Swim Feat: Skill Focus - Acrobatics
Shalelu, after her ordeal, spends most of Day Twenty-Eighth in a tub.
Shalelu moves up and fires an arrow into the same area of the swarm as Kelvin fired into, scattering some of the Swarm.
As Stone talks, and holding on to Garrath, Shalelu goes back briefly into a trance, "It was Kasanda, Vorel's wife. She managed to make it down to Vorel's sanctum in the Caverns. It was she that destroyed the puzzle box, causing Vorel to turn into that hideous growth. Vorel in his rage reached out to attack the only thing that mattered to Kasanda, their daughter Lorey. In the end, the fungal growth overtook both mother and daughter." Shalelu comes out of the trance breathing heavily. "There was so much tragedy in the place. She buries her head into Garrath's shoulders.
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