Turn
Subject Turn
I want to apologize for not getting anything out today. I just spent the last 7 hours waiting for Roto Rooter to show up and I need to leave the phone line clear in case they called. I will get something out tomorrow.
Back on the road
Subject Back on the road
As the party examines the loot Allistair explains the problems with identifying the magical items. Mund is all for just trying them out and is a bit put out when everyone seems opposed to the idea. He tries swinging the greatclub a couple of times but gives up quickly. "How are we going to carry all of this?" Salix asks, more to himself then the others. "Allistair pipes up. "I can help with that. Lothnar's gift. It can carry a lot more than it looks like. There is some space constraints, but if you let me carry the denser stuff, we should be fine. Tonight at camp Kal and I will take a closer look at the items and we might be able to give you a better idea of what they are."
Salix nods and turns to Harp. "Can you ride? This little diversion has cost us time that we must make up." Harp nods even as he winces. "I have little choice. Let's get moving." The next few minutes see the party members loading things into Allistair's bag and strapping the rest on to the horses. When everything is stored, the party is off again.
They ride for the rest of the day and stop well after dark. The hard pace has not been kind to Harp or to Mund or Ran. As they make camp for the night Ragnar and Harp make the rounds healing one of the three wounded. Ragnar has Harp feeling like nothing had happened with only two healing prayers (CSW 29+CModW,16=45). The dwarf then goes to Mund and does the same (CSW 26+ CmodW 20=46). The barbarian is surprised to feel the crushed ribs and the headache fall way like they had never been there.
Harp then goes to see to Ran's needs. Laying hands on his friends wounds, he prays to the battle lord to heal Ranthir (CmodW, 12+CLW 5=17). When he is done the 1/2 elf has only a small bruise left. The party eats a quick dinner before Salix tells them about some changes for the night. "We need to adjust the guard schedule for this night. Brother Ragnar needs his full nights sleep, as does Allistair. We need the arcane power that Allistair can bring and we have all seen the powerful healing that Brother Ragnar can bring when rested. So the remaining five of us will split the watches, with Harp taking a double watch, through the middle of the night, when it is darkest."
"In the morning, Allistair and Ragnar will be allowed the time needed to prepare themselves for the day while the rest of us break camp. If nothing waylays us on the morrow, the rest of you who need to pray or prepare will be able to do so the morning after, as Allistair and Ragnar will be able to stand watch with Surin and Ranthir and Mund. Now we must start early tomorrow, so lets head to bed.
The next several days pass in a blur. The weather changes from hot to wet to windy and back. They are constantly in the saddle or making camp or sleeping. The horses keep going but it is obvious to Salix that the pace is taking its toll. Even Mund comments on it as he is picketing them one night. "I know, but our need is great. Once we get to the grove, there are other druids there who specialize in animal care. They can work wonders. The horses are in pain, but so are we. Luckily I think we only have another two days before we reach the grove. Then we can rest some."
OODM: Anything you guys want to do or say go ahead. I might write more tonight.
On to Lodo, baby
Subject On to Lodo
The next two days sees the party turn more north, taking a branching road, heading towards Lodo, the capitol of Eld. The druids of the Great North Woods have always had a good relationship with the Council of Eld, sometimes called the Elders. At the end of the 14 day the party comes with in sight of the city. The city is large by the standards of the area but still 1/3 the size of Gorn.
As they approach the southern gate the guards call out, asking them to identify themselves. Salix goes forward to explain who the party is. At the mention of the druids the guards tone take a change for the better. They pass the party through on Salix's word alone and give them directions to a good near by inn. As much as Salix wants to get to the grove, he knows that all of them need a good nights sleep.
While they are eating Allistair mentions that he hopes he can find a mage in town that can identify the magic stuff the party got off of the ogres. Salix cuts him short. "We will not have time to look for any mage. We must be gone with the first light. The main grove is still half a days journey east from here, but the going will be slower, since we must travel through woods a good portion of the way. We will be late as it is. Sorry." Allistair looks a bit disgruntled by this but goes along with it.
Salix makes good on his promise that they would be moving at first light. He has the party mounted and at the Druid gate just as the sun starts to peak over the forest to the east. This is the first good look many of the party has had of the Great North Woods. It looks like a wall of green and brown that stretches north and south east for as far as the eye can see. When the gate opens Salix leads the party off the main road and across the fields surrounding the city. With in an hour they are entering the outskirts of the woods. Even in his worn out condition, Salix is glad to be back home.
This part of the woods is surprisingly tame. Salix explains that 40-50 miles of the edge of the forest is more patrolled by the druids then the inner parts. The more dangerous inner woods are left more to themselves and people enter there at their own risk. The trees of the woods are all large and well kept. Oaks, elms, populars, ash groves, beech and dozens of species the others have never seen before.
As the morning goes on the path gets narrower and narrower. If Salix had not been with them they are sure that they would be at a stand still. About an hour before noon Surin rides up next to Salix and whispers "We're being watched." Salix laughs. "We've been watched for the past hour. The dryads have been keeping an eye on us and reporting back to the local druid, I would expect. We will be at the grove in an hour, so I expect we will meet an envoy from them before too long." Surin looks a bit shocked that they had been watched for the past hour and that he had not noticed it.
As Salix had predicted, within 10 minutes the party comes upon a single figure standing in the path ahead of them. He seemed to just appear, about 50 feet ahead of them. A large wooden staff in hand, he holds up a hand and calls "Who seeks entrance to the Great North Woods?"
OODM: Any roll play you want to do either for the trip of this is fine.
From: Derek
Subject Baby
OOC: My wife Ryoko gave birth to a baby girl this afternoon. We're naming her Eren. No complications, everything is fine. Porter can take over for Allistair for the next couple of days.
From: Mark
Subject Baby
Congrats. Send a pic when you get a chance.
Baby, Lantono
Subject Baby
Congratulations!!
Hope everyone is hale and happy!
From: Kevin
Subject Baby
Congratulations Derek.
Best wishes to you, your wife and to little Eren.
Glad all is well. maybe as a present you will get 7 pearls worth 100 g.p.
From: Karl
Subject Lantono
"I am Salix, Wealdward of the Great North Woods," Salix replies formally, then adds "and I am glad to be home." He motions for the others to stay put as he dismounts and approaches the figure in their path. "I come with a party of valiant companions assembled on orders of The Stormfather given to me by MountainSister Sephira." As he draws closer, he thinks he recognizes the figure in their path. "I know you, don't I? Wealdward Lantono isn't it?"
From: Mark
Subject Lantono
The man's face turns dark. "I am Gladebrother Lantono and I have heard nothing of this. What proof do you have of your words?"
From: Randy
Subject Baby
Congratulations!
From: Karl
Subject Lantono
Salix blushes. "I apologize. *Gladebrother* Lantono. I did not know you had been so honored. I've been away for many months. I have no proof other than my word - which has been sufficient in the past - but if you have reason to doubt me you can send word to the Council. They should be expecting our arrival."
(OOC - I almost said "send word to MtnS Sephira, but re-reading our scene with her, I'm not sure if she's meeting us here or where SFthr Acer was headed. At any rate, we *were* told to present ourselves to the council head.)
From: Porter
Subject Lantono
Mund brings his horse up beside Salix's horse in a move that could be considered friendly, supportive, or preparatory for a fight.
From: Mark
Subject Lantono
"I will send word, Wealward." The druid chants a prayer and a robin comes down from one of the trees. The man trills at it and then turns back to Salix. "Who are these with you?" As Salix repeats the party members names, the other druid trills and chirps at the bird some more. When the introductions are done the druid motions for the bird to go. "You and the others will wait here until the Council has sent a message back."
As the party waits Lantono wonders around the party's horses. He gives several disgusted looks at Salix's back when he sees the condition that the animals are in.
From: Porter
Subject Lantono
Mund leans over and quietly asks "Do you want to wait until this flunkie is satisfied, or do you want to go on ahead? I can keep him occupied if you want to get to the council as soon as possible."
From: Karl
Subject Lantono
Salix motions for the others to dismount. "May we attend to the horses at least while we wait? MntS Sephira felt that speed was critical and even gave us hurtloam to aid us, but even with that the horses have been taxed severely, such is the urgent nature of this mission."
From: Karl
Subject Lantono
Salix replies quietly, "No, this will be fine. I had heard Lantono can be a petty tyrant when he thinks he's in a position of authority, but he is well within protocol so far. We will wait for a return message."
From: Mark
Subject Lantono
A sharp comment dies in Lantono's mouth at Salix's comments. "Hurtloam? She gave you hurtloam? Yes, yes, by all means tend to your horses, but in my opinion, nothing would help them more than several weeks rest. Assuming the bird does not get lost, we should hear with in the hour." Lantono then takes up position several yards away, keeping an eye on the party.
From: Porter
Subject Lantono
Whatever. With how we've mistreated these beasts (and ourselves) to get there as soon as possible, I wouldn't even blink at continuing through and annoying a prick like that. But since we're not, I'll be take nap while you're playing nice with Lantonto."
From: Karl
SubjectLantono
"Is there any reason we need to wait *here*?" Salix asks. "I *am* a member of this order and these are my guests. I should be able to at least lead them to guest quarters. If we are to present ourselves to the council shortly, common courtesy dictates an opportunity to wash up from our travels."
From: Mark
Subject Lantono
"Oh you may go ahead, but these "outsiders" must stay here." The contempt in the druids voice is obvious to all. I have been given the duty to guard the way to the enclave, Wealward, and I plan on doing just that. Your companions may take their rest over by that tree." He points to an old oak tree that has seen better days. It looks like it has been hit by lightnening. There are burn marks and many dead branches.
From: Karl
Subject Lantono
Salix says quietly to Mund, "You can rest assured he is not the only barrier to save passage further in. If he truly has had no word of our coming, then I don't know who else might have. We wouldn't get 50 feet past this point if we were viewed as a threat."
From: Jason
Subject Lantono
Ragnar is glad when they finally reach the edge of the Great North Woods. Quite aside from the fact that it meant they were near their destination, it meant that they could no longer travel at the bone-jarring speed he had been suffering through the last two weeks. When the party slows to a walk on entering the woods, he immediately composes a heartfelt (if slightly incoherent) prayer of thanks. Unlike many dwarves he had met, he liked woodlands in a general way, whereas these horses must have been planted in their stables by Hextor himself.
Why the larger races never seemed to trust their own feet baffled Ragnar. First the ship, and now these galloping horses. While he does realize that the ship was far worse, it was also several weeks in the past and these last few days he hasn't been able to shake the feeling he's never been so miserable in his life.
When they finally meet someone, he appears so suddenly before them its as if he had teleported. Ragnar had seen a wizard teleport out of the chapterhouse one day after consulting with the head of their order. Now if you weren't going to walk, that was certainly the way to travel. None of this messing around with horses or boats.
From what he can tell though, this druid wasn't the one they'd been sent to meet. That was just as well, because Ragnar had taken an almost instant disliking to him, and that was not a common occurrence. From the way he seemed to take offense over such a trivial thing as a misused title to the way he seems almost contemptuous of Ragnar's friend Salix, everything about him grates on the dwarves sense of goodness. When Mund moves his horse in a partially supportive, yet vaguely threatening stance, Ragnar for once agrees with the impetuous human.
Still, if he wasn't who they were there to meet, he would be simple enough to deal with. There was no reason for Ragnar to talk to him, so he wouldn't unless asked a direct question.
OOC: Or maybe he'll do this: http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0352.html (Ragnar after 2 weeks on a galloping horse, on being confronted by an arrogant druid.)
From: Karl
Subject Lantono
(OOC - Mark, how far is the grove from where we are? How long does Salix think it would take to get to someone with more authority than Lantono and get back?)
Salix looks at the tired, irritated faces of his companions and doubts the wisdom of leaving them alone with Lantono even for a minute. "I will rest where my friends rest. Your hospitality will be duly noted when I speak with The Council," Salix replies. He leads the group toward the indicated tree. In truth, after the ride they had all had, the spotty shade of the old tree was a welcome site, despite the intended insult.
Once the horses have been watered and the group has retreated to the old tree, Salix says, "I appologize for my fellow druid. We are not all as unwelcoming as he seems to be."
From: Porter
Subject Lantono
Unbelieving, Mund says, "Well, if they're as tough as they are rude, you might be right."
With this, he lays out under the tree, puts his hat over his face, and takes a nap.
From: Mark
Subject Lantono
It would seem to be about 1/2 hour away as the robin flys.
From: Karl
Subject Lantono
Moot at this point. Salix is going to hang with the others until an answer comes.
From: Anthony
Subject Lantono
Ran watched the foul druid with the interest of someone sizing up a potential enemy. The man had an arrogant confidence aobut him. The arrogance, of course, might indicate a souce of weakness, though the confidence... he figured the man was quite strong, and this apart from the fact he appeared as if from nowhere in front of them.
Yes, he was tired from the long ride, but he was able enough to draw his sword if necessarry. He'd been watching to the best of his ability for most of the ride, and now he wasn't going to let his guard down just for this weasilly druid.
Ran ended up sitting under the tree next to Ragnar, and after allowing himself some relaxation by sitting down, glanced over to him and whispered to him.
"this guy's a member of Salix's order? I'll say one thing, he'd better not end up in a dark alley alone with me."
From: Jason
Subject Lantono
"No joke," mutters Ragnar, who appears slightly startled at his own words.
"Well, I'm sure he's just concerned about the woodlands," he says in a slightly more concilliatory voice. Then he snorts. "Not that we would dare try anything in the presence of a *Gladebrother*, who is such a "krouthu* that the council didn't even bother to let him know we were coming."
Waiting, MountainFather
Subject Waiting
"Yes, I know what you mean," ::he said, still whispering. "No need to cause trouble. It'd only make things worse, yes. But still... how I'd like to smash this schutzpah's skull in..." He laughed then, and grinned maliciously. "Yes... his job must be to scare people away by giving everyone a bad impression of the druids, huh?"
From: Porter
Subject Waiting
"I do declare, I think I'm rubbing off on y'all," Mund says with a smile.
From: Karl
Subject Waiting
If Salix hears this exchange, he gives no indication. He is far more preoccupied with worry over the Stormfather and disappointment in the way he is being received after two years away from home, serving The Council. He sits with his friends, his back against the dying oak. He closes his eyes and makes to nap, like Mund, but is for the most part unsuccessful.
From: Kevin
Subject Waiting
"Don't be too hard on the guy. I mean, he has to spend his whole day standing out here in the forest with no one to talk to and nothing really to do. I know I would probably get a little grumpy if I had to do that all day" Harp says to the others.
From: Porter
Subject Waiting
"Ha! You get grumpy anyway," Mund jokes to Harp as he rolls over and captures Harps ankle and performs a slow-motion trip.
From: Kevin
Subject Waiting
OOC: Mark, make a DEX check to see what happens to Harp. Since it was a slow motion trip, say a DC10 - if he fails, he falls. If he succeeds by more than 5, he can try to reverse the action on Mund?
From: Mark
Subject Randy and Anthony
Randy is now back and able to take over Ran. I want to thank Anthony for his effort and we might be seeing more of him in the future.
Thanks Anthony.
From: Porter
Subject Waiting
Mund isn't trying to do a real trip.
It's like when guys sometimes go up and "box" with each other, or "punch" each other in the stomach.
If Harp plays along, he'll either go down, or start a pseudo-grapple with Mund.
If he doesn't play along, he'll just step out of it and that will be that.
From: Kevin
Subject Waiting
OOC: I know it was meant in fun, but sometimes the fun can be turned the other way. I am just trying to see what happens and try to have some fun with it. Harp might not be able to trip Mund back, but IF he has a high enough roll, he might be able to do something "creative" with this mock trip attempt.
I am just trying to add some flavor here guys. Its called roll playing.
From: Mark
Subject MountainFather
Over the next 1/2 hour the party relaxes. Mund and Harp spend some time messing around, wrestling and part mock fighting. With out the burden of command, the 1/2 orc seems almost like a different person. Gladebrother Lantono watches with a look of disgust. Harp can hear a few muttered comments about orc and half breeds that the druid mutters under his breath but the 1/2 orc is having such a good time he ignores it.
Just as Harp and Mund are settling down from their rough housing, two more druids come walking down the path. When Lantono sees them he gets up quickly and brushes off his robes. He does his best to make sure everything is in order when the two walk up. The party all stands and moves a bit close, but are still 10 feet away when one of the two figures starts to talk.
"Gladebrother Lantono" the older man says. The tone of his voice seems harsh. Lantono's voice quivers a bit as he replies "Yes MountainFather?" "Did you not get the message squirrle that was sent out almost two weeks ago, telling you that we were expecting guest from outside our woods? Did you not see that the message was sent by the Council itself?" The man's voice becomes sterner and sterner as he speaks and Lantono seems to shrivel under his stare.
Lantono tries to mumble a reply, something about so many message squirrels and how they are not the most dependable messangers. The other druid holds up a hand siliencing the younger druid. "I am not interested in your excuses. These travellers have been asked here by Stormfather Acer and you waste time. Why don't you go watch over the mushroom farms in the caves. This acolyte will take over as guard here." Lantono looks like he is about to argue but the look on the MountainFathers face brooks no compromise. Shooting Salix and the others a dark look, Lantono stomps off to the north.
The older druid turns to Salix and the party. "Ah Salix, you return at last. It has been many years. But where are my manners." He turns to the others "I am MountainFather Flint. The council awaits. Come with me. We walk from here." He turns to the acolyte and instructs him to summon help and care for the horses.
OODM: Any role play you want to do go ahead.
From: Porter
Subject MountainFather
At the courteous reception from the mountain father and the rebuke of the twerp, Mund says to Salix with an elbow to the ribs, "Now this is just confusing. How am I supposed to keep up my dislike of godsfolk when some of them are nice to me?"
From: Karl
Subject Waiting
And see, Porter is "Role" playing. There's your disconnect. ;-)
From: Karl
Subject MountainFather
Salix, his mind set for an hour of waiting is actually caught by surprise to see the two figures walking down the path. He doesn't know the younger one, indeed he would probably have still been with the sprouts when Salix left the order under Quarion. But the older fellow was a welcome sight. It was all he could do to keep his silence while the MountainFather rebuked Lantono. Tending the mushroom farms indeed. Well, at least there the smell would justify the perpetual sour look on his face.
"Honored MountainFather," Salix begins formally once they are walking the path further into the forest, "It is good to see you again."
"You don't need to be so formal, young Salix," Flint replies. "At least not until we reach The Council Grove. My how you've grown up since you were in my class." Flint turns and nudges Mund, "Bright kid, this one, but such a one-track mind. Always wanted to learn about *trees* and *flowers* and the other plants of the Mountain. Couldn't get him interested in the Mountain *itself*. Rock. Metals. That's where the strength of a mountain comes from!" Salix looks down, blushing slightly.
"I've branched out a bit since your lessons," Salix responds. "In fact - "
"Oh, I'm only having fun. Of course we all know how versatile you've become. Some druids never leave the woods. You've already left the dimension, or so we hear. You'll have to tell me about it sometime."
The party walks on for what seems like half a mile when Ran asks, "When do we get to town?"
Surin, who hasn't stopped peering intently into the forest shadows ever since noticing they were being watched elbow Ran and points up to his right and again over to his left. "I think we're already there." Sure enough, the group looks up and after a minute can see that what looked like just somewhat thicker than average branch clusters in the trees were really cleverly hidden dwellings. At least they could see that in the closest ones, but the further they looked the harder it was to distinguish artificial structures from the natural growth of the forest itself. Salix and the MountainFather just exchange knowing smiles.
"Yes, Surin isn't it? You are right. Right now we're in one of the residence clusters. You've already seen the southern barracks - well, maybe you didn't, but you were practically under them when you were so warmly greeted by GladeBrother Lantono. A little further in we'll pass through one of the schooling areas before we get to The Grove - unless they've moved it. I've heard they might have, or will soon."
Salix explains, "The city is basically layed out in a very large circle around The Grove, with like structures clustered together in districts. There's normally a fair bit of space between each cluster, and we move them from time to time to minimize the impact on the forest. We have to let the trees heal and we don't want to shadow an area for more than a season or two. The Grove is in the center. It's on a hill and looking down from there it's easier to see the various districts.
Sure enough as the group progressed further into the city, the trees began to thin and town buildings were more obvious. The buildings seemed a bit closer together, and some were even on the forest floor. Still, it looked more like an encampment (albeit an enormous one) than a proper city. The buildings ended at the foot of a tall grassy hill - or very small mountain - which rose gently from this point but looked like it might drop off sharply on the other sides. Really it wasn't quite a mountain, but it did rise well above the tallest trees of this part of the forest. Way at the top the party could see what looked to be an ancient ring of stones, some upright and some stacked on top of others. MountainFather Flint motions the group to a stop.
"The word went out for The Council to assemble as soon as we heard you had arrived. The Council Grove is the most sacred place of the druids of the Great North Woods. We trust you will respect its sacred nature. Salix will show you how to prepare yourselves. I will wait here."
Salix nods and leads the group over to a tent at the edge of a thick grove of pine. Passing through the tent, they find themselves outside again, but in a small glen backed against a rocky face of the Grove hill, and surrounded by a thick copse of pine trees. "We must wash and change here. We can leave our gear in the tent over there, wash in the pool at the back and put on one of those robes." Salix points to several brilliantly white robes of various sizes, some tiny and some huge, but most medium sized all hanging from wooden pegs driven into a polished and ornately carved cross-beam hung from the branches of one of the pines. He leads them to the back of the glen where there is a large pool, apparently fed from a hot spring since steam was rising from its surface. "Take off your armor and clothes and leave them there, then wash up here," he says as he promptly disrobes and steps down into the pool. "We shouldn't take too long since MountainFather Flint and the Council will be waiting."
From: Mark
Subject MountainFather
I want Karl to write my game for me. :)
Great turn.
From: Jason
Subject MountainFather
I actually had to go back and check to see who that was from, when halfway through it I thought Mark might have been the author
From: Mark
Subject MountainFather
And Jason thought, wow, after almost a year, who would have thoght that Mark could learn to write over night. :)
From: Ashley
Subject Randy and Anthony
Way to go Anthony! With any luck you'll play Mark's upcoming supervillian!
The cleansing
Subject The cleansing
Harp watches in wonder as they move through the forest. He was used to cities and never thought that you could live in the wild this way. Why, it was like a small city.
Hearing Salix's instructions to get cleaned up, Harp snaps to it. He was used to having to get prepped in short order. He strips off his armor and gear, puts them where shown, and gets down to the business of getting cleaned up. He had had little opportunity to do so over the last 2 weeks, and it felt good to get the dirt and dust of the road off, if even for a little while. After washing, Harp gets out of the spring, dries off, and dons the robe that had been supplied. He felt kind of awkward wearing this - he had not worn anything like it since he had first entered the Order four years ago. Well, he was in a place of power for Salix's god now, and he would have to trust that his friend would not lead him astray.
Cleaned up and clothed, Harp looks at Salix and gives a nod that he is ready to go.
From: Mark
Subject Cleansing
If anyone else wants to write something before the party meets the council go ahead. I have to go to an open house at my oldest school and that will be from 7-9 or so. I will get a turn out tonight but it will be late.
From: Ashley
Subject Cleansing
Surin can't help looking around curiously at all the sights of the encampment, peeling his eyes to spot the hidden dwellings and lookout points. Once he got over seeing them the first time, he found their presence oddly reassuring, like he was safe for the moment. This place would be a nightmare to attack, Surin figured, with the defenses up so high, and barely able to see at that. The thought gets him thinking about the logistics of the place, and he didn't snap out of it until he realized nearly everyone else was all ready and waiting by the pool. He practically jumps out of the pool and into his halfling-sized white robe, looking apologetic and trying to fix his wet hair with his hands.
Forest defense, turn
Subject Forest defense
Mund wonders how easy it would be to attack this place. A good fire would wipe them out. I wonder what magicks they could use to stop that from happening.
From: Mark
Subject turn
Sorry I did not get a turn out last night. Things ran latter than we thought they would.
I will try and get something out at lunch today.
From: Ashley
Subject Forest defense
Yeah, like the place is completely devoid of a bucket brigade. Or clerics who can create water. *rolleyes* :
From: Kevin
Subject Forest defense
Or how about someone who can control weather and summon up a rainstorm to put out the flames?
Maybe someone can control the weather, make a huge lightning strike and the sound will hurt the trees?? Boo-ya!!!!
The Council
Subject The Council
After so long in the saddle many of the party want to luxuriate in the warm water and the clean feeling they get bathing. Soreness seems to flow out of aching bones and sore muscles like water flowing out of a pitcher. Even Ragnar, whose fondness for swimming is only second to his fondness of horse back riding, takes a turn washing in the shallow end of the pool. However, Salix keeps them from taking too long and with in the hour the last of them are drying off and putting on the white robes. Just as Ragnar, the last one to finish, is adjusting his robe the MountainFather steps into the tent. He speaks with out hesitation "The Council is assembled. We must go." Mund is a bit surprised at the druids timing "How did you know we were all done?" Salix answers "A little bird told him" and then the two druids burst out in a fit of laughter. The rest of the party look at each other, not comprehending.
After a few seconds the two druids get control of themselves and notice the others staring at them. Salix blushes a little "Old druid joke. Sorry about that." The older druid slap Salix on the back, and his arm across his shoulder guides him out of the tent, talking to the younger druid as they go. The others look at each other and quickly follow the two. The MountainFather leads the party to a path that winds its way around and up the hill before them. The trees start thinning out even more and they can see that the top of the hill is tree free. The huge stones at the top loom as they approach the top of the hill.
The path leads around and then up to the top, coming in from the north. The stones stand almost 25 feet high in a ring around the top of the hill. There are 12 standing stones and 6 sets of stones set across others, forming an door way of sorts. The ring is almost 100 feet across. Sitting in the center of the ring are 11 men. The MountainFather leads the group through one of the stone gateways and to the center of the ring. He points to a spot several feet in front of the seated men and goes to join them. Salix motions for the others to take a seat on the ground and assumes the position himself.
One of the other druids speaks first. "Wealward Salix, I welcome you to the Druid Council. I am ForestFather Bindle and by consensus of the others, head of this Council." The greeting is very formalized and Salix recognizes it. "ForestFather, and honored druids, I come to you as requested by MountainSister Sephira and StormFather Acer. With me, as requested, I bring companions who have come willingly." Several of the druids nod favorably at this comment but a few scowl." Bindle nods. "Yes we know. Acer left a long note with us before he left and Sephira" here the druid tone takes on an odd tone " told us you were on your way here when she reported in almost two weeks ago. Then she followed after Acer."
He pauses for effect before continuing. "And we have heard nothing from either of them since they left. Some of us" he gestures to the Council "feel that we must go investigate in force. Other feel that we should heed Acer's thoughts. Acer felt that there might be something preying on the druids we sent. So far we have lost almost a dozen druids investigating whatever is going on up there and I am loathe to risk more. Acer thought that a group made up of non druids might have a better chance. You, young Salix, have had experience working with those outside of the order, so Acer thought you, and your friends, might be what was needed. Reluctantly, the Council has agreed."
He continues. "In the northern part of the Woods, beyond where most maps show, there is a town, just outside of the fringe of the forest. This town, Bodentown, is the last refuge for scoundrels and low lifes who can get to it from the Wildlands or anyplace else. They eek out a living with some trade, they do some logging, but we have kept that mainly under control. We have lived in peace with them until about a year or so ago. A new "Mayor" had been elected, it seems, and the town was getting more aggressive in it's attempts to use the woods. The the local druid started finding bad things. Animals killed. And I mean large animals, but not used for anything. Not meat, not fur, just killed and left to rot."
The local Wealward sent message and went to investigate. When we did not hear anything for two months, we sent a group of Wealward's. We never heard back from them. When we did not hear anything back from them Acer decided to go. It has now been two weeks and nothing from him. Understand, this a man who can move from one end of the forest to the other in a few hours at most. He would have been at the town with in an hour of leaving this grove. We fear the worst. And then Sephira, against orders, followed him and there has been no word from her either."
"We would ask you, Salix, and your friends to find out what is happening at Bodentown. Find the druids, if they still live and return them to us. We would warn you though, Salix, to be very careful. More than a dozen druids have been sent and disappeared. There may be something hunting druids and I fear you may be the prime target." He sighs and looks at the others. "Do you have any questions?"
OODM: Now is the time to ask questions.
From: Derek
Subject The Council
Allistair raises his hand. "Yes, Forestfather. Has any sort of divination or scrying been used to determine the what happened to any of the druids or where they might be? Also, did any of these druids send a message of any kind, regarding even the most mundane thing, after they left to go investigate Bodentown?"
From: Mark
Subject The Council
"Yes we have. We have attempted to scry on the druids sent and we see nothing. Either they are dead or warded. We have sent scouting animlas. Those that have returned report only that the town has grow substantially and that the forest around it has been abused. Most of the animals have not returned. We have only gotten messages from the druids sent to investigate telling us that they have arrived and then nothing."
From: Porter
Subject Council
"Bodentown? Woah. I hear that's a tough place. If most of druids you sent were like that joker Lantonto, then it's no surprise that they never returned. Looking down on people there will probably get you kilt right quick."
From: Mark
Subject Council
"That is part of the problem. We would not expect any of our druids to enter the city. They would be out of thier power there. We would have expected them to stay in the woods and deal with the problem from there. You have travelled a while with a Wealward. Now imagine dealing with 5 of them, in the woods. Ask Salix about the powers that the StormFather had at his command. The woods itself would wake and do his bidding if he asked. There is some power thwarting us. Of all of you party, should they all decide to go, I fear for Salix the most."
From: Porter
Subject The Council
Mund realizes the implications of what the stormlord says and quiets immediately.
A Northern interlude
Subject A northern interlude
Acer sits in the cell. He can not tell if it is dark in the room. He can not tell if the ground is damp or cold. He can not sense anything living around him. His shackles have been pinned through his forearms. The manacles would not hold the normal way now, not with his hands gone. He tries to swallow but the swelling from where his tongue once was makes it almost impossible. He thinks he can see the image of an afterimage of the sun in his eyes but knows better. His eyes were the first thing they took. He tries to concentrate on changing from, but whatever potion they are giving him makes that impossible. He lifts a silent prayer to Obad-Hai that the Council would listen to his commands and send no more druids.
He hears a commotion outside the cell and the lock on the metal door bangs open. "Acer" cries an anguished voice. He recognizes Sephira and his despair only grows. "What have they done to you?" she asks and is answered by the voice he has come to dread. "Nothing we have not done to the rest of your type." The voice is cold and almost with out passion. A dead voice. A dead man. The voice continues.
"Nothing we will not do to you." This time a little passion escapes into the voice. Acer's ears fill with the horrifying sounds of Sephira's screams. Obad-Hai., Acer prays, please let the Council send Salix and his friends, or the Woods is lost.
Northern Interlude thoughts, Council talk
Subject Northern Interlude
(ooc - Lucky for Salix he's still in ignorance of this. *I* on the other hand am pretty scared for the party. I mean whatever this is must be pretty damn powerful if it can do *this* to the Stormfather.)
From: Karl
Subject During the Council
"What precautions, if any, were the other Wealdwards instructed to take in investigating this problem? Knowing this might help us anticipate the danger since apparently all precautions they *did* take were insufficient.
"Also, you mentioned that Stormfather Acer left a long note with you before he left. May we see the note? It could have some clue that could be useful."
From: Karl
Subject Northern Interlude
And who knew Mark has such a dark streak in him. That's a genuinely disturbing scene.
From: Kevin
Subject Northern Interlude
I knew.
I tried to warn you guys, but you did not listen.
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."
From: Mark
Subject Council talk
A different Father speaks. "They were told to use the usual precautions. Stay in the woods. Use the woods as your ally. They would have talked to the local animals, maybe contacted some of the local forest creatures, the like."
A third Father then takes over. "Acer's message was one of warning. He said that he felt something evil from that part of the forest. That it had been growing, like a cancer. We who follow Obad-Hai do not stand much on ceremony or rank, but acknowleged and respect ability. Acer was the best of us. He was the head of this council. His note covered many topics, most of which I will not discuss with outsiders. However, two parts concern you young Salix."
"First, he says that he has a premonition that the druids would not be able to defeat this incursion on their own. You do not know what an uproar that caused. The druids do not ask for help easily. The StormFather felt that this incursion was aimed at the power of the druids. He expressed his concern for sending you into this danger but also his confidence that with the help of these outsiders, you might succede where the others have failed."
"Second, he warned us about wanting revenge. Of reacting with anger. He reminded us that the forest can be vicious but it is not cruel in the way normal people think of it. The death of a young one to a predator is not cruel, but nature at work." The old man stops, looking at the party.
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
"If something has corrupted the woods to this degree, then communing with it is probably unwise," Salix muses out loud. "I believe I should avoid direct communion with the trees and animals there, but that would mean no way to contact this council. You would then have no way of knowing our status or progress. Knowing beforehand that we will not send word until/unless this problem is squelched, you should not assume from our silence that we have suffered the same fate as the others, at least not at first. Perhaps we should set a time by which you will expect to hear something, either of our success or at least our progress. If we are able, and have not yet fixed the problem, perhaps I could return far enough from Bodentown to be able to communicate without interference from the corruption.
"On the other hand, if you do not hear from me within that time, I strongly urge you to get in touch with Captain Angelwing. There are dark forces on the move in the world at large and I fear this problem may be related, though at this point I couldn't say how, exactly.
"I understand not wanting to speak of sacred things in front of those not of our circle. Is there something this Council would like to say to me in private? I want only to remove this threat and hopefully bring the Stormfather and the others back to us, but the task seems daunting. Any information, assistance or encouragement you could provide would be welcome."
From: Porter
Subject Northern Interlude
Ooh! There are all kinds of cool monsters to kill in Dante's Dungeon!
From: Porter
Subject Council talk
"No offense or nothin'," Mund says with uncharacteristic civility, "but this is an awful lot to ask us to do. It's eve more to ask when you're not telling us the whole story. Maybe you don't think that most of what Acer said concerns us, but you don't really know, cause-of you don't got no idea what's going on out there and what's concerning us."
"I figger that we need to know everything that was in Acer's message before we even think about going."
From: Mark
Subject Council talk
Howls of protest come from the assembled druids at Mund's request. ForestFather Bindle holds up his hands and faces the druids. "We are asking these to sacrifice for us, maybe even their lives. He does not ask too much." Another druid speaks up "It is forbidden to outsiders." Several others voice support for this view when MountainFather Flint speaks up. "Friend Mund, would you accept this compromise. We inform Salix of all of the content and we let him decide what is relavent to your needs. In his travells outside the woods he has come to know what concerns you might have."
From: Porter
Subject Council talk
"As long as you leave Salix free tell us whatever he thinks is important, whenever, then sure. Problem is, that boy is so gol-durn honerable," Mund spits out the bad-tasting word, "that if'n y'all tell him he can't tell, he probably won't, even if it might get him killed. You've gotta leave it free to his judgmentation. Are y'all willing to do that?"
From: Karl
Subject Northern Interlude
Yeah, you gotta kill a three-headed dog just to get in!
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
OOC - Salix's part about talking in private with the council can be taken as coming in response to Mund's comments.)
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
Salix cowers inwardly at the brusqueness Mund displays before The Council, and in The Grove of all places! But he says nothing and tries not to show his discomfort to Mund. He was what he was and The Council should be wise enough to see beyond the rough face of things. They've had badgers at the dinner table before, after all, and their manners are even less polished.
From: Derek
Subject Council talk
Allistair nods in agreement. "My brother is right. It shows bad faith to ask us to go where several of your most powerful members may have already been killed, and then withhold pertinent information from us, sacrosanct though it may be. If you cannot agree to divulge the information directly and completely, then you must also give us your word that you will give Salix no order or compulsion not to tell us whatever information he thinks is important. Surely you can trust the judgement of Salix, who has had much more experience in dealing with outsiders such as us."
From: Randy
Subject Council talk
Ranthir nods at Allistair and Mund's comments.
He and his companions were a formidable force but if the head of the Druid order had been unable to overcome the problems that were facing the North Woods then could this group have more hope? Possibly. The Stormfather suspected that the danger was focussed on the druids.
"If this danger is primarily affecting the druids then should Salix be accompanying us at all? Based on the events we have been told, he is taking on a very great risk by taking this mission. Salix is a true friend and a powerful companion and I should not like to lose him as either."
Ranthir hopes that Salix is not offended by his comment.
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
Salix quickly responds, "If the Stormfather asked for me, he would not have done so for a trivial reason. I cannot say why he thinks I have a hope of succeeding where others have failed, but I could not stay behind knowing he has requested my help." He says this, trying desperately to hide the skepticism he has at his own words. What was the Stormfather thinking? If *he* could not stand against this evil, how on Earth could Salix? But then again, they did not know that the Stormfather had fallen or been taken captive. Perhaps he sensed the evil influence on the woods around Bodentown and simple does not have a way to contact them. That was probably the case, of course. He is waiting for the aid from Salix and his friends and he will be with them when they confront this evil. "For what it's worth, he may even now be waiting for us. There are many reasons short of failure that he might not be able or willing to communicate directly with our circle."
From: Jason
Subject Council talk
Ragnar, after consulting briefly with Harp (and assuming he agrees with what follow), says "Our order has its own reasons for needing to contact Stormfather Acer, and we would do so despite any risk we may have to undertake. Whatever information you can give Salix will be appreciated. I do not speak for others, but those of us with duty to the Order of the Silver Sword will accompany Salix to seek out and assist the Stormfather, and any who are held with him, even if we must rely solely on the mercy of Heironeous to guide us."
From: Kevin
Subject Council talk
Harp does agree.
OOC: I will write more later today or early tonight.
Just got really busy here and cannot write more now.
From: Randy
Subject Council talk
"I will leave that decision to you my friend. I will, of course, be more than willing to continue with you on this journey."
From: Kevin
Subject Council talk
Harp sits quietly as he listens to the discussions of others. This he was used to. Harp had had his taste of command and he had not enjoyed it. He was content to listen, learn, and follow his friend, even if it was to his death.
Harp feels a tap on his shoulder and then Ragnar leans over and whispers a few short words in his ear. Harp nods, knowing that even if their quest was tied up with the Stormfather, he would have gone with Salix anyway, barring a direct order to the contrary. He was lucky that wasn't the case here. There was little he could add in the planning or discussions, but he could add his sword and his strength to the cause. With Heironious's support, he would not fail.
From: Ashley
Subject Council talk
Surin listens intently to the goings on, smiling at how well Salix was handling the situation. He had some good ideas, and wasn't afraid to stand up for them. The conversation winds down but Surin can't help feeling ansy about the situation. If he was expected to go into this freaky area, he at least wanted to be well armed with information. "Have your people ever had serious altercations with these people before? Do you have any idea what we might possibly expect if we make it to Bodentown, other than angsty townsfolk? Is there anything we should try to learn about the area before going in?"
From: Karl
Subject Council talk
"On that note, I hesitate to suggest this, but maybe if there's some way I could hide my druid allegiance I and the others might be able to make it into town without arousing suspicion of the true nature of our visit. Any suggestions on how to do that? I'm loath to hide like that, but in this case it might be best. Obad-Hai will know my heart."
From: Kevin
Subject Council talk
'If Mund and me can get into town, we might be able to pick up on any local gossip. This might be a case where my background works to our benefit - I bet no one will look twice at me up there, if I can learn some more orc from Mund on our way up there."
From: Porter
Subject Council talk
"From what I know of Bodentown, nobody will look twice at any of us less'n we don't got enough money to pay or iff'n we look like we've got enough money to rob. Hell -- they'll even let," Mund stops himself short of saying the word elves "well, anyway, the whole group should be as welcome as anybody else."