Having triumphed over the gorgas and joined by their new companion, Thunder Rolling, the party cautiously advances towards the clearing's edge, where an ominous sight awaits them.
About halfway from the edge of the clearing to the Seven Arches, roughly 100 feet in either direction, they encounter a wall of shadowy magic, a stark and unsettling manifestation of the druids’ ritual. A distinct line of shadows bisects the clearing, beyond which the tall grasses lose their vibrant hues, appearing instead as dark, colorless silhouettes, like charcoal sketches devoid of life.
This unsettling phenomenon is a result of the rebel Oakstewards' ritual, which is flooding the forest clearing with shadowy magic drawn from the First World. The intensity of this magic suggests that their actions, if left unchecked, could potentially create a catastrophic planar breach.
As they survey this scene, the party becomes aware of the hazard lying before them. The ritual has torn open numerous micro-portals between the planes, each no larger than a pinprick. However, the sheer number of these tiny planar wounds creates a significant threat to any living creature that dares to traverse this area. The entire clearing is a field of unstable reality, pulsating with the potential to unleash harmful effects.
Noticing the air and plants wavering and shifting subtly, the party realizes the complexity of this conjuration magic. To disable this shadowshift field, they would need a skilled Arcana check to restore the Material Plane's hold on the area, or dispel magic to end the effect permanently. Should they fail to neutralize this hazard, any character entering the affected area risks the surge of planar warping, which could cause microscopic tears inside their body, leading to severe force damage.
Critical Success: The creature is unaffected and immune for 24 hours. The land is healed 1d6 points by the primal magic.
Success: The creature is unaffected and immune to the effect for 24 hours.
Failure: The creature takes 1d6+3 force damage.
Critical Failure: The creature takes 2d6+6 force damage.
All the color drains from his face and Onyinyo suddenly vomits blood all over the ground.
Thunder Rolling felt the warping magics and resisted them as best he could, looking around for a means to fix the planar tears. He hadn't felt this type of energy since...
His mind spun away from that thought, not wanting to relive that fateful night. Instead, he looked around for something to do. He spotted the gnome wincing from the massive wounds that appeared all over his body, and moved to assist.
Seeing to Enyo spit blood, He gets into stance and concentrates on the exorcising the magic.
”It should be safe now; are you okay, Enyo?”
As Enyo staggers, spitting blood from the toll of the shadowy magic, the inventor Osiris understands the situation's urgency. He quickly steps forward, his expression one of deep concentration. Recognizing the dire need to counteract the destabilizing magic, he assumes a stance expressing his intent to intervene.
With a focused determination, Osiris begins the intricate process of exorcising the magic that permeates the area. He reaches out with his mind, seeking to reconnect the fragmented reality caused by the Oakstewards' ritual. His knowledge of the Material Plane becomes his guiding force, as he wills its essence to reassert its hold on the destabilized area.
The air around him seems to quiver with the intensity of his focus. Slowly, the wavering and shifting of the environment begins to subside, the shadowy line that bisected the clearing starts to fade, and the colorless grasses gradually regain their natural hues. Osiris' efforts are visibly taking effect, the fabric of reality knitting back together under his skilled guidance.
Finally, with a deep exhale, Osiris completes the task. The shadowshift field has been neutralized, and its effect on the clearing held at bay for the next hour. His success brings a moment of respite to the party, allowing them to proceed without the immediate threat of the hazardous planar warping. The tension in the air eases slightly, but the awareness of the limited time and the mission remains at the forefront of their minds.
"My friends, it would be good to rest and heal before pressing on, though I am not sure doing so in this place is wise. Many effects like this can be healed or turned aside, but only for a short time. Perhaps it would be best to heal quickly and then either press on to continue our healing or step back and leave this place behind for a few hours. I am able to provide some small benefits every ten minutes or so, as the energies of the Pulawami continually refresh my spirit."
Edra walks into the mess of portals completely unphased. . Edra is completely dumbfounded by Osiris's performance, his eyes wide and mouth open with disbelief. He soon shakes off his impressed look and responds to Thunder. That was incredible Mr. Darby, but I agree with Thunder, we should take a small rest to regain our strength. Especially incase we come across anymore oddities like this. Edra then realizes that Enyo didn't so as well at handling the warps as he had. Speaking of which, let me patch you up Enyo. He notices that Osiris also took a bit of a hit. Let me lend you a hand there Mr. Darby.
Leiko perks her ears up and looks towards the newcomer. "You know Lemmers? Well I suppose that's good enough for me. You seem like you hold yourself together well. Welcome to the party. Enyen snores."
Leiko's resilience seems to help yet again as she shrugs off this unusual effect. "It is as if the shadows themselves are against us. Be careful"
She watches, her eyes widen with wonder as Osiris appears to hold back the unusual shadows for some time. "I agree with Falling Lightning. We should take time to rest up , but we shouldn't stay in one spot for too long. Who knows how long we have. If anyone has anymore of that feel good juice, I could use some."
Looking towards Rolling Thunder and Jank for support, before moving onward.
Onyinyo nods his appreciation to Thunder Rolling and Edra as he cleans bile off his mirror. "good point, we don't know how long we have until whatever that was happens again. It ... was ... unpleasant.
Osiris walks to the others and offers to heal them.
”As Thunder had stated, I think we need to rest. It would greatly benefit me if I had some time to renew and refresh my stock of potions, as I had run out of prepared vials earlier. Then, we can advance further. “ Something had been keeping jank on edge, be it the beasts they encountered earlier, the new ally that stood before him, or something unknown brewing in his mind. ”Down worry leiko, I can prepare another potion for you but its only good for a very short amount of time, and Im running low on supplies. I suppose we should set up camp?” Jank suggests to the group, before using up what seems to be the last of his visible supplies to make another elixir of life. Handing it to leiko, he speaks one more time. ”If we are to take a rest, I am going out to collect materials for my potions if thats alright with you all. Is there anything else you’d like me to gather, or would you suggest I stay here for now?”
With the party healed up they decide it's time to press onward in search of their missing Oaksteward Bolan.
As the party continues their journey, they soon come upon a sight that is both mystical and unsettling in the heart of the forest clearing. Before them stand seven arches, crafted from gray-brown basalt, forming a solemn and imposing circle. The presence of these structures gives the clearing an air of ancient significance.
In the center of this circle lies a crude wooden altar, its surface intricately carved with designs of intertwining vines. Upon this altar, a scene of distress unfolds: a hogtied unicorn, its eyes wide with fear and confusion, bleats deliriously.
Despite the illumination provided by two lines of lit torches encircling the altar, shadows hang heavy in the area, creating an eerie and oppressive atmosphere. It becomes clear that these shadows are not mere byproducts of the torchlight but are instead a manifestation of the sinister magic at play.
Guarding this macabre setup are three rebel Oakstewards, followers of Bolan's cause, as evidenced by the leaf-shaped masks they wear in addition to their typical leather armor and green cloaks. Their intent is ominous: to perform a grim ritual using the unicorn, intending to slaughter it with its own horn and then anoint each arch with the creature's blood.
The injured and bound unicorn is out of its mind. It thrashes about violently, clearly agitated and unwell.
Edra quickly assess the situation as Fire and Water begin to swirl around him faster and faster. He pulls a piece of fire off of his aura and launches it at the Oaksteward in pink. ◈◈
"I have seen things in my day, but this, this is true evil." Leiko clearly angry with the sight before her. She wastes no time executing her trained rhythm. She lines up her Mithral Tree at the oaksteward before her and takes a shot. She then swiftly reloads her weapon and moves to a forward position.
◈
◈
◈
Jank springs into action, eager to be of use to the team! Dawning a new ability, he shows what he's gained from his experience with the portal. Reaching into his bag, he pulls out more ingredients. Concocting the same glowing vivid blue liquid as in the fake sevenarches.
With potion in hand, he extends his arm, where distinct marks begin to glow. The blue vial begins to float out into the battlefield, through the fighting oakstewards and party members. Just above the unicorn. Yet it lowers itself, hovering above the ropes of the unicorn. As if an invisible hand grasps the vial. The bottle tilts, the liquid pours out. in a careful stream as to douse the ropes.
Jank shouts to the group; "THE ROPES ARE FROZEN SOLID, IF SOMEONE CAN HIT THEM, THEY SHOULD BREAK EASILY! FREE THE UNICORN THEN WE CAN DEAL WITH THESE GUYS, THE UNICORN COULD GET CAUGHT UP IN THE CROSSFIRE AND IT'S ALREADY INJURED!" He gasps for breath, relieved from the concertation of holding up the bottle. That was a mouthful... now... if they can break the ropes!
"Defilers!" roared Rolling Thunder, lifting his stone-studded club in the air as he charged the nearest of the tainted druids.
"At them, brothers! If they intend slaughter, then let it be their own!"
With focused intent, Edra extracts a fiery projectile from his aura and hurls it towards the Oaksteward dressed in pink. Despite his precision, the shot goes wide, missing its intended target.
Meanwhile, Enyo, seeking to glean any helpful information from his repeated encounters with the Oakstewards, recalls that they have no known weaknesses. As he steps forward, his attention shifts to the unicorn. He notes the creature's natural abilities, including its flight capability and immunity to poison.
Jank, always prepared, rummages through his bag and quickly mixes a potion. The concoction begins to emit a blue glow, signaling its readiness. He dashes towards the unicorn, extending an invisible arm - a manifestation of his deviant ability - to carefully apply the potion to the ropes binding the distressed animal. The ropes start to freeze under the potion's effect. However, Jank realizes that the unicorn, far from being grateful for the impending freedom, remains in a state of wild fury, its behavior erratic and dangerous.
Leiko, taking a calculated position, readies her Mithral Tree firearm and takes aim at the nearest Oaksteward. With a practiced pull of the trigger, she fires, her shot finding its mark and striking the enemy.
Thunder Rolling, driven by a daring spirit reminiscent of the legendary circus performer Drok "The Dork", Barbarian extraordinaire, throws himself into the heart of the battle. Gripping his stone-studded club with both hands, he delivers a crushing blow to the already wounded Oaksteward targeted by Leiko. The force of the impact is so immense that the rebel's knees buckle, sending him collapsing to the ground.
Osiris runs to the nearest druid and thrusts his sword.
”Just like last time!”
Osiris, having observed the Oakstewards' combat style, discerns a pattern in their movements. With this newfound understanding, he springs into action. Dashing forward, he expertly navigates the battlefield, closing in on one of the druids. In a swift motion, he unleashes a strike with his blade, landing a solid hit on his target. Poised and ready, he prepares himself for the next opportunity to strike.
Meanwhile, Thunder Rolling faces off against the druids, whose staves appear to be imbued with magical energy. Displaying remarkable agility, Thunder Rolling nimbly evades three successive strikes aimed at him, each swing missing its mark as he moves like a shadow on the battlefield.
Osiris, however, isn't as fortunate in evading the druids' attacks. An Oaksteward's staff swings with precision, catching him unexpectedly across the chin with a solid thwack. The impact is jarring, a reminder of the potency of their adversaries.
In the midst of this chaos, the unicorn continues its frantic struggle against the ropes that bind it. The creature's movements are wild and erratic, a clear sign of its desperate attempt to break free from its restraints.
2
"Keep up formation! We have the upperhand!" Seeing the team swarm into action, together, unified, as one, bring a rush of positive energy to Leiko. She rushes up to and takes a shot at him point blank range. Repeating her practiced motion of shoving the oaksteward away while reloading to prepare for the next volley.
She gets too emotional from the solid team coordination that she ends up missing her shot very wide. she quickly refocuses and digs down her heals to shove the oaksteward back while she reloads.
Rolling Thunder moved to put one of the druids between himself and Leiko, bringing his club around in a horizontal arc. He slipped on something, and his feet nearly went out from under him and he flung his arms wide to maintain his balance.
Edra angered by his first shot missing takes a different approach and dashes up further. He pulls water from his aura and condenses it into a small orb about the size of a marble and flicks it at the Oaksteward infront of Osiris. Eat this, damned tree lover. ◈◈
Osiris continues his onslaught, clenching his teeth to push past the pain.
Osiris releases his blade’s explosive attack, making sure not to hit Thunder.
In a display of tactical coordination, Edra and Osiris execute a perfectly timed combination attack on one of the Oakstewards. Edra, harnessing his control over elemental forces, unleashes a burst of freezing energy, encapsulating the Oaksteward in a layer of frost.
Seizing this opportunity, Osiris follows up with a powerful explosion. The force of his explosive strike reverberates through the frozen Oaksteward, shaking him to the core. The impact is so intense that it sends the Oaksteward crashing to the ground.
Meanwhile, Thunder Rolling and Leiko find themselves struggling to adapt to the rapidly evolving battle. Despite their best efforts, they're unable to deliver a substantial blow during this exchange.
Enyo, on the other hand, manages to find an opening amid the chaos. With a well-timed strike from his heartbreaker, he lands a significant blow on another Oaksteward. The enemy, though visibly affected by the attack, remains on his feet, ready to continue the fight.
Jank clenches his teeth, hearing that poison wont work. I've got nothing to hurt them, might as well foil their plans then! Seeing the ice freeze over the ropes, he prepares to take action. Aware it's risky yet moving as if he doesn't care for his own safety, He dashes through the clashing and fighting, jumping through the brush and landing next to the unicorn. "Time to get you outa here..." he turns back, shouting towards the party; "EVERYBODY, WATCH OUT!!!!" before taking out a knife, holding it backwards as if to strike with a blunt end. Raising his fist, he slams down on the iced ropes to shatter them, in attempt to release the unicorn from it's bindings.
She's always said she wanted to see a real unicorn...
Onyinyo tilts his mirror toward the Oaksteward and suddenly ◈ appears behind him, swinging twice
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◈
Onyinyo watches the unicorn destroy the Oaksteward and curses. He ◈ apparates away before makes a paltry attempt to ◈ calm it down [Nature +3 = 6]. Cursing again, he moves again, on his feet this time.
Jank's quickly switches gears, focusing on disrupting the enemy's plans instead. Jank leaps over the underbrush, agile and focused, and lands next to the hogtied unicorn. He strikes down with a forceful and decisive blow, shattering the frozen bonds and freeing the panicked creature.
The unicorn, now released, instantly springs to its feet, consumed by fear and confusion. It whirls around, its eyes wild as it seeks a target for its distress and pain.
Spotting one of the Oakstewards first, the unicorn charges with a burst of frantic energy. Its horn finds its mark, impaling the Oaksteward with a devastating thrust. Without missing a beat, the unicorn follows up with a powerful barrage of hoof strikes, knocking the Oaksteward off his feet and sending him crashing to the ground with a thud.
Edra seeing Jank free the unicorn quickly lights up his face. His expression drops when he sees the unicorn end the Oaksteward in a matter of seconds. Oh jeez I didn’t even think about it but I guess it doesn’t know we are friendly. Edra takes a Quick Look around at his compatriots, thinking about how none of them had clarified their skills involving nature. Edra yells out to the unicorn and attempts to calm it down.
Amidst the chaos and confusion of the raging unicorn, Leiko's instincts kicked in. With a blend of determination and empathy, she approached the magnificent beast, her Mithral Tree held loosely at her side. Her rugged exterior gave way to a moment of grace as she focused on the task at hand.
With steady steps, Leiko moved closer, her movements deliberate yet cautious. She locked eyes with the wild unicorn, her green gaze radiating calm and understanding. As she drew near, her voice carried a soothing tone, a stark contrast to the earlier chaos.
"Easy there, friend," Leiko murmured, her words a gentle reassurance. "We're not here to harm you. You're safe now." Her heart beat in harmony with the creature's, and she offered an outstretched hand, her palm open and inviting.
Edra nearly calms the magnificent beast himself, but the creature is too shaken for his efforts. Leiko's added words do the trick and the unicorn seems to regain its senses, realizing you are not here to hurt it.
The unicorn, still reeling from its recent ordeal, pauses at her approach, its eyes reflecting a mix of fear and confusion. Sensing the sincerity in Leiko's voice and the safety in her gesture, it begins to relax. Its breathing steadies and the wild look in its eyes soften. For a moment, they share a connection, a mutual understanding that transcends words.
With a nod that seems almost grateful, the unicorn acknowledges Leiko and her companions' role in its rescue. It then turns gracefully and, with a newfound sense of freedom, gallops off into the forest, disappearing among the trees.
As the unicorn makes its way off into the woods, one of the fallen Oakstewards coughs violently as they attempt to crawl away from the battleground. It appears one of them is barely still alive. When she realizes she can't get away she croaks out "I. S-surrender."
When the unicorn bolts, Onyinyo makes his way back to the team. When he hears movement from one of the dead Oakstewards, he whirls around, ready to attack. And when he hears the words, "I surrender," he's wary. "Toss your weapons away and roll onto your back."
Jank, standing where the unicorn was freed, watches the chaos it omits. Seeing it rage through the oakstewards only before being calmed by the combined efforts of leiko and edra. I’ve never seen one before… a real unicorn. I hope, I hope your seeing this. He turns back to the fallen oakstewards, getting told off by enyo. ”okay, so now that the problems been solved, were being faced with another challenge.” He walks over to one of the oakstewards, crouching down next to him. ”You work for Bolan… correct? You’ve surrendered… tell us what you know. What were you planning to do with the unicorn, and where is Bolan?”
Janks voice cracks.
As the Oaksteward complies with Enyo's cautious instruction, she tosses her weapons aside and deliberately rolls onto her back, signaling her surrender. There's a certain resignation in her actions, yet her demeanor remains composed, reflecting a blend of pragmatism and acceptance of her current predicament.
Addressing Jank and Onyinyo, she introduces herself, "I'm Korimona," she says, her voice carrying a tinge of weariness. "I serve Bolan, and yes, I was part of the plan with the unicorn. It was to be a sacrifice for a ritual – a necessary, albeit regrettable, act for a cause we believed in." Her expression briefly softens as she glances towards where the unicorn had been, indicating a hint of conflict within her.
She then shifts her focus back to the matter at hand, continuing with vital information. "Bolan is in our hideout – an old gnome forest house in the trees. We were to inform him when the site was ready for him to bring the key." Her tone is informative, laced with a subtle undercurrent of loyalty to Bolan's cause.
Korimona adds with a mix of caution and pride, "But be warned, he's well-prepared and not alone. He's surrounded by allies – fey, leshys, and more. And he'll be expecting you."
"Who is Bolan? And what is this cause that is worth the sacrifice of such a beautiful creature? Unicorns are supposed to be sacred to your kind. This act. It was...your language has not the words...horrible. Please, help me to understand."
When she mentions the hideout and her boss, he frowned.
"Expecting us, is he? Well, then you can help even the odds. Please tell us the layout of this hideout, and the locations of any sentries."
Leshys your say? Edra says coating his hand in flame, Ive heard they burn quite nicely. Edra refocuses and wipes away his smirk, pointing his hand out open palmed toward the Oaksteward. Now, answer my friend over here’s question or we will finish what we started, I don’t play games, Oaksteward.
Leiko takes a knee while listening in to the rest of the party question Korimona. Hearing her remarks thus far, Leiko's eyes widen, as if small ideas begin to merge into a welcome plan.
"I would like to understand exactly how he can be expecting us. Who would have even informed him we are coming?"
While waiting for a response to her first question, she continues. "What I think is going to happen." she grips her weapon tightly, as if a form of intimidation. "What I think is going to happen, is you are going to lead us back to Bolan, and you are going to tell him that the site is ready for him to bring the key. If he asks about us, you can tell him that we have been taken care of. I'd say you have a choice, but you really don't"
Korimona listens intently to each member of the party, her expression a mix of resignation and contemplation. She seems to weigh her words carefully, understanding the gravity of the situation and her role in it.
To the question about Bolan and the cause, Korimona replies with a hint of defensiveness in her voice, "Bolan is a leader who sees the bigger picture. The sacrifice, as horrific as it may seem, is a means to restore balance. To him, and to us, the return of the obnubilate curse is a way to reset the natural order. It's about more than just a single creature, sacred or not. It's about the entire ecosystem."
Upon being asked about the hideout's layout and sentries, Korimona's expression turns more cautious. "The hideout is an old gnome forest house, adapted by us. It's fortified and camouflaged. Sentries are positioned at strategic points, but their exact locations can change. I can describe the general layout, but Bolan is always altering the defenses."
Edra's fiery threat causes Korimona to stiffen, but she maintains her composure. "Threats aren't necessary. I understand my position. As for the leshys, yes, they burn, just like you would if I set you on fire, but don't underestimate them or Bolan. He's resourceful and has the loyalty of his followers."
Leiko's strategic approach catches Korimona's attention, and she listens carefully to the plan. "Leading you there under false pretenses is risky, but I see few options left for me," she admits. "I can try to convince Bolan that the ritual site is ready, and that you've been dealt with, but he's not easily fooled. As for who might inform him of your approach, Bolan has his ways. He's always been cautious, and now more than ever, he's alert to any threats."
Osiris takes his time to think about the situation, observing his companion’s actions as well as the oaksteward’s.
”You are well composed for your one in your predicament; would you really help us gain an advantage against Bolan if he has your loyalty? How are we to know you aren’t deceiving us at this very moment?”
Osiris turns to the party-
”Regardless of whether she is trustworthy or not, it’s still possible she is being lied to by Bolan. We cannot be too heavily influenced by the word of our enemy.”
Korimona, still maintaining her composed demeanor despite the precariousness of her situation, turns her attention to Osiris as he voices his skepticism. There's a moment of contemplation in her eyes as she considers her response, fully aware of the distrust her position naturally incites.
"You're right to question my intentions," she begins, her tone even. "In truth, my loyalty to Bolan and our cause does run deep. However, I am also pragmatic. My capture has put me in a situation where I must reassess my options. Bolan's vision is something I believe in, but I am no zealot blind to the reality of my situation."
She pauses, looking directly at Osiris, ensuring her sincerity is conveyed. "I am offering information because it's the sensible thing to do for my survival. As for deceiving you, you have little reason to trust me, I admit. But consider this – if I wanted to deceive you, would I not offer you more enticing lies rather than inconvenient truths?"
Her gaze shifts slightly to the rest of the party, encompassing them in her next statement. "Helping you against Bolan, even indirectly, is not something I do lightly. But in this moment, it's a choice between potential survival and certain demise. I choose the former. And while my cooperation may not come easily, it is genuine – out of necessity, if nothing else."
"Well, this one seems to have a heightened sense of self-preservation at least. Let's do something with her, then go pay this Bolan a little visit."
As the party, with the bound Korimona in tow, nears Bolan's hideout, the dense forest gradually gives way to a strikingly whimsical sight. High above, nestled amidst the treetops, is a vibrant network of wooden houses, their bright paints standing out against the natural backdrop. These structures, each several stories tall, are interconnected by swaying rope bridges that add to the almost fantastical appearance of the enclave.
Dominating the scene in the southeastern corner is a wooden staircase that spirals upward from the forest floor, leading to a gazebo that has been transformed into a fortified lookout point. The gazebo’s windows are boarded up, save for a few strategically placed murder holes. In the north, a tower with a small, canvas-sailed windmill creaks slowly, adding a quaint touch to the otherwise militaristic modifications.
However, this whimsical charm is starkly contrasted by recent fortifications. The lower branches of the trees have been cleanly sheared off, and the trunks are coated with grease, making them difficult to climb. Wooden spikes, pointing downwards, stud the trunks, deterring any potential intruders.
As the party surveys the area, they note the gazebo-turned-pillbox twenty feet above the forest floor, with rope bridges leading to larger buildings to the east and west. The strategic positioning of the structures suggests a well-thought-out defense system.
"Rifon and Menelium will be on guard duty, so you should be prepared." she whispers, as you approach.
Upon spotting the party approaching with the bound Korimona, a hidden voice rings out from above "Intruders approaching! And they've got Korimona!"
There is some hurried scuffling from the western bridge and another voice calls out from above "Release Korimona and leave this place immediately!" he yells, echoing the other's sentiment but with a clear edge of urgency in his voice.
Despite their demand for the party to release Korimona and retreat, neither Rifon nor Menelimus shows any sign of lowering their weapons or ceasing their defensive posture.
Edra grins and walks up to the front of the party. Enticing offer but I'm afraid it's not going to be that simple. How about you open up the gate and then we can negotiate Korimona's release. Edra then lights a tiny flame on his finger and flips it into the air as it molds into the shape of a coin. He catches it and begins rolling it along his fingers. Or we can do this the hard way and your whole base will turn to ash, your choice. Edra flips the coin once again but when he catches it, it disappears into thin air. He looks back toward the party and winks.
Thunder Rolling wondered how they got so close to the tree fort without seeing it, even as they were being guided by their prisoner. He would have liked to have the opportunity to sneak in closer, but he knew the futility of dealing with things as you wished they wee, rather than as they really were.
"I am afraid that you are not in the right, here. We captured Miss Korimona in the act of sacrificing a drugged up unicorn. As druids and rangers, you should know the hideousness of that act. We are here to talk with Bolan, and to arrange a peace in the area."
Onyinyo sidles up next to Thunder Rolling, "Friends, Oakstewards, countrymen, lend me your ear. We come to trade Korimona, not to harm him. The evil that men do lives after them, the unicorn has fled to the woods. So let it be with Koriama. The noble Bolan hath told you the path is righteous. If it were so, it was a grievous fault, and grievously hath Bolan uttered it. He pauses to catch his breath, "So let us in and we can have a palaver!"
Thunder Rolling realizes he should probably speak his thoughts of sneaking aloud before he finds himself arriving at the destination he would have liked to sneak to. Perhaps it was Korimona's words that Bolan's entire group was on high alert and that sneaking would have likely failed, or maybe he was just hungry and got distracted.
The Oakstewards react with a mixture of wariness and stubborn resolve to the party's words and display of power. They maintain their defensive positions, unwilling to lower their guard or open the way.
Peering through the murder hole, one keeps his crossbow trained on the party. His voice carries a hint of tension as he responds to Edra's fiery threat. "You think a few flames can scare us? We're Oakstewards! We protect these lands, and we don't bow to threats. Bolan's orders are clear – no one enters, especially not with threats of violence!"
Speaking to Enyo, he says "Your words are fancy, but they change nothing," he responds, though his voice lacks its earlier conviction. "Bolan's orders are clear, and we cannot simply ignore them for a well-spoken plea. Our duty is to this land and to the cause."
The other one, standing by on the bridge, nods in agreement with his companion but seems slightly more contemplative after hearing Thunder Rolling's words. "Sacrificing a unicorn is a grave act," he admits, his tone betraying a flicker of doubt. "But our mission is bigger than any one creature. We can't just abandon our post on your say-so. Bolan has his reasons, and we trust his judgment. You are a stranger. There will be no trades. Leave now, before it's too late."
Onyinyo shrugs and turns to the others, "well, we tried. Let's go home. I have some shelves for Korimona to put together."
Edra turns slightly surprised to Enyo, then gives an un caring expression and shrugs his shoulders. Ah, I see, "Fair enough, we tried. Lets go home." Edra begins walking on into the forest flickering a small flame on and off, then stops. "Oh that reminds me, Mr. Darby, I believe Ritalson said you made some pretty good pancakes, I'd like to try them." Edra then continues to walk off into the woods.
”This seems obvious but we don’t have much choice…”
”Yes, I suppose we ought to head back- of course, Vatan, do you like blueberries or plain?”
Osiris follows Enyo’s lead.