Visions of sugar plums and magic items dance in Sturdy's head
"Maybe. I did wonder if we are all dead and don't know it. How could we tell if we were?"
Deimos chuckles at Rin's comment, giving him a fond smile, as he motions for several animals to come to him. Two black bears, various birds, some wolves, and Rutzgurr make their way to you; while in their hands, strapped to their backs, or clutched in feet are many different items. "Some compensation is in order, my friends. You did well to restore the shrine, although I must say I wasn't quite sure you'd be able to do it. Never-the-less, you are ready to face Karuu. Here are some trinkets that will help you overcome the witch. Treat them well and they in turn will return the favor."
Rutzgurr approaches Sturdy with an impressively massive maul and rough-looking Hide armor slung over his shoulder, while in his grasp are some fairly plain looking sandles.
One of the black bears approaches Ouda, with leather armbands with elven runes across them, a strange goblin skulled necklace, and a interesting tribal belt of some kind.
The group of birds fly forth, approaching Rin with a strange gray bag and a cloak, while a wolf carries a sack that contains a beautiful, crystaline orb.
Several of the wolves approach Ottarr, one bearing a beautifully crafted longsword in its maw, while another holds an amulet by its chain. As they approach Ottarr, a bird comes flying forward with a very fragile looking wand clutched carefully with its feet.
Last but certainly not least, one of the black bears steps carefully towards Ordagg, a strange mask placed on top of its head, while it carries a sack containing a pair of rune covered gloves and some soft, black boots.
Ordagg snaps out of his morose mood at the presentation of the gifts. A quick moment of concentration shows them all to be magical. "Where do these come from?" he asks, not to be rude, but so surprised at the nature of the gifts. "Kord knows we'll need every advantage, but this much treasure would make dragons weep."
He proceeds to pull off his goggles and boots to replace them wth the new items.
Rin is rendered speechless, but his face looks like a child given every birthday present he ever wished for at once.
As you look upon your gifts, Deimos looks at you all questioningly. "Make haste toward the witches lair, my heroes. You will know that you draw near when you see the ruins of a white spire. Use this as your guide and you will find her and her minions."
Ouda nods at Deimos.
Rin goes to Deimos. "We'll try. We can't do more. Believe me, seeing the devastation at the tree was a pretty big incentive."
You set off in a north-westerly direction towards the lair of Karuu, ever watchful of the "ruins of the white tower" that Deimos mentioned. As you travel deeper into the woods, the light of the sun begins to become obscured by the tall trees, cloaking the forest floor around you with shadow...
Ordagg tries to help with directions from the back of the line.
Sturdy takes the lead and uses what Deimos told them about the way to the ruins of the white tower as well as his intimate relationship with trees to guide their path.
"Agni, go see if you can see any better from above." The raven flies up above the treeline.
Rin walks slowly, contemplating Deimos and wondering how the old coot knew just so much about his secret wishes.
Due to the thickness of the trees, Sturdy is unable to see any signs of the ruins of the white tower, but manages to learn some information from the trees, of all things...
Agni flies up high into the sky, above the treetops, cawing several times as she spies what appears to be a tower of some kind in the distance, northwest of your location, although it is very far away...
You continue on deeper into the woods, traveling for several hours...
Rin fails to perceive the woods for the trees.
Page 159: Replace the Attack, Hit, and Special
entries with the Effect and Special entries in the
power below. This update reflects an effort to restore
the power to its classical form.
Magic Missile Wizard Attack 1
You launch a silvery bolt of force at an enemy.
At-Will ! Arcane, Force, Implement
Standard Action Ranged 20
Target: One creature
Effect: 2 + Intelligence modifier force damage.
Level 11: 3 + Intelligence modifier force damage.
Level 21: 5 + Intelligence modifier force damage.
Special: If the implement used with this power has an
enhancement bonus, add that bonus to the damage. In
addition, you can use this power as a ranged basic attack.
Rin fails to perceive the woods for the trees.
** spoiler omitted **
Sturdy spots an injured centaur ahead in the wood.
"Ho there, friend of the wood, you look injured, do you need help?"
"Centaur? Where?"
"There, about 20 feet ahead in the wood" Sturdy points the centaur out to Rin.
With Sturdy's help, you all are able to make out what appears to be a centaur, who appears to be wounded and seeking some cover by a fairly larget tree. He doesn't seem to notice you...
"Hello? Can we help you?"
The centaur raises his head, startled by the sound of Rin's voice, he looks wildly about as he grabs his spear, but does not move. You can't tell if its because of injury or decision.
Sturdy stows his maul and shows the centaur his empty hands, "we mean you no harm centaur, we are friends of this wood and enemies of Karuu the evil witch"
"Don't worry, we are willing to help you. Just lay down your spear and we will help tend your wounds. Alright?"
At first the centaur seems as if he is ready to flee...or attack, but as Ottarr speaks, something seems to change his mind and he slowly, cautiously lowers his spear, but keeps a guarded stance. "I have never seen outsiders this deep into our realm...what brings you here? You say you are the enemies of Karuu?", asks the centaur.
"Yes. Speaking of which, it isn't a good idea to say that name out loud."
Ouda glances about keeping his eyes on his surroundings as his more diplomatic fellows ease the worried mind of the wounded centaur all the while trying to recall any centaur customs or manners that would give away a "glamored" creature.
"I have never seen outsiders this deep into our realm...what brings you here? You say you are the enemies of Karuu?"
"We are on a quest to put an end to her existence. Could you point us to her white tower?"
"Yes. Speaking of which, it isn't a good idea to say that name out loud."
"I have never seen outsiders this deep into our realm...what brings you here? You say you are the enemies of Karuu?""We are on a quest to put an end to her existence. Could you point us to her white tower?"
"Yes. Speaking of which, it isn't a good idea to say that name out loud."
The centaur looks somewhat frightened, but nods his head slowly at Sturdy. "I was ambushed by some of her minions...I made the foolish mistake of hunting too close to her lands...the swamps. If you wish to seek her out, her lands lie there", says the centaur as he points in a north-westerly direction. From what you all can tell, you seem to be traveling in the right direction. "I would not go there, not if you value your lives."
Ordagg says offhandedly, "The value of our lives is open for dabate lately."
"I'm still not sure we are alive, so the value may be moot."