The horse dips his head towards the small gnome, and inside his head, Vernon can hear the following throughs that emanate from the steeds mind.
Vernon
It pleases me to come to you, Vernon. I am called Misniúl. It means "courageous." I come from a long line of brave warhorses, and I hope to serve you as well as my ancestors served their masters in battle."
"Bloody 'ells mates! Ye lot sure know how ta' make a gran' entrance don' ye? One's turning ta' a fine steed only fer anotha' ta summon one outa' tha thin bloody airs! Now if'n ye lot can do tha' fer everyone else than we'll be travlin' in style all 'cross tha coast."
“I am amazed and impressed with such displays of magic!” Arisa says. ”And what a magnificent steed, Vernon. Truly we are blessed by the gods! I have no need to ride at this time, but thank you for the offer. We will make a grand entrance for sure!” She walks along quietly, observing the sounds and sights of the road.
Zyllith remains her normal cheerful high-spirited self as the group continues on their travels. Once they reach a rest point, however, she takes the opportunity to approach Siobhan.
"So whot's yer story mate?" She begins, "Donnae mean anythin' unkind by it, mind. Jus' curious 'bout ye' an' yer lot. Neva' met a rioght propa' druid before. Much less one o' yer kin, ta boot. Would be kind ta' get ta' know ye' then. And by tha 'course, yer welcome ta' ask me anythin' ye' mind in return!"
Zyllith's cheerfulness puts Siobhan at ease. The firbolg finds a good spot on the ground to sit and gestures to the tiefling to do the same.
"A story for a story? Agreed."
Siobhan arranges herself on the ground. She sits cross legged, with her back straight and hands resting palm up on each knee.
"I am firbolg and the firbolg are of the Forest."
She lifts one hand and the whisper of rustling leaves in a dense wood fills the air.
"I never expected to know more than the Forest. Our scouts would tell tales of the world Beyond and the fierce small folk who lived there. They were tree cutters and metal workers and prone to warfare. I could not imagine anything more unnatural.
I was wrong.
It was two summers ago at least when I went foraging that I stumbled into a Mist."
Siobhan lifts her other hand and a slight breeze brushes past, carrying with it a cold and rotting scent.
"When the Mist was gone, I found myself in a forest that was nothing like my Forest. The trees were twisted and had few leaves, yet formed a canopy that blocked the sky. The ground was choked with brambles and fallen trees. I was attacked by a wolf pack and was forced to kill them when neither my beast speech or shift to a fellow wolf could calm them."
She makes another gesture and the low growl of a wolf is heard.
"I do not know how long I survived there. Everything that makes a forest a true Forest was there but twisted and vicious. There was never any sunlight, just a lighter darkness. But still there were vines reaching for the sky. Nature adapts and so did I. I used my gifts to shift between predator and prey as I needed. I eventually managed some communion with forest beasts and learned where I could find two-legged folk."
Siobhan makes another gesture; this one brings the scent of wood smoke and hearthfires.
"My first encounters with small folk were ... not good. That story is not for now. I did learn I was in a place called Barovia, where even outside the twisted forest there was never any sunlight, and that the source was an undead Abomination who made himself the ruler of these people. I met other outsiders and journeyed with them for a time. We killed vampires and I learned more about small folk ways. Small folk do not choose their rulers; the rulers choose themselves by showing how many they can kill. That is how one of my outsider friends, Groningen, became a baron. We had to kill the old baron because all his killing was of his people and not his people's enemies, which was not just evil but made him a bad ruler. Groningen taught me that."
Siobhan pauses her story a moment. Instead of another burst of druidcraft, she launches into a rant about how Groningen had told her that the most powerful taking power was natural and wasn't that how wolf packs chose the alpha and she had to tell him it was just a small folk thing because wolf packs are simply families where the parents are in charge until one of the offspring . She is about to continue with an explanation of firbolg governance but manages to stop herself.
"Apologies. That was only a few days ago for me and I found myself here before we could finish that conversation."
Siobhan returns to the formal, straight-backed position she had when her story began, hands once again resting on her knees, palms up.
"I came to this place when we were called to search for a missing child in Groningen's domain. I was seeking a scent trail when another Mist came upon me."
Another formal gesture brings a soft breeze carrying the clean scent of pine and fresh air. "
I had hoped the Mist would return me to my Forest, but instead I am here. But there are still unnatural things and I have the power to fight them. I will never know that child's fate and I fear I may never see Forest again but I know my actions will make my people proud as long as I act against that which defiles nature."
Siobhan ends her story by bringing her palms together. As they touch, white clover blooms in the grassy patch in front of her.
"That is my story. What is yours, Zyllith? Your speech and your appearance makes me think you understand what it is to be in foreign lands."
As Zyllith sat down to hear Siobhan's tale, she perched herself against a nearby tree. Her hands held up behind her head in a relaxed pose. When Siobahn's story concluded and she asked the tiefling for her story, Zyllith was happy to share. With a mystical glint flashing from her eye, the nearby campfire shifted color into a golden-reddish hue and Zyllith began to speak.
"Aye, I dun traveled far ta' get 'ere. Not sure whot this Barovia place is like, or where it may be. I can tell ye' I had no funny mist ta' bring me 'ere, just a ship, a coach, an me own two legs ta' carry me." She grinned cheerfully back at the druid as she continued her tale, "I donnae have a story nearly as excitin' as ye' might. Left me home soon as I was able to. Eager for adventure and tha' like. Soon found meself in tha' Sea o' Fallen Stars and rioght luv'd it there. Particularly about tha' Pirate Isles. Spent many a season traversing 'board one ship or 'nother. Learned much in tha' time. Had occasion ta' learn how things work among some o' the organizations that work there, not tha' they were particularly organized folk ta' begin with, mind ye'. Still, many exciting times, though none quite so as meeting rampagin' giants an' clumsy dragons in yer midst. Indeed, t'was the call of adventure whot eventually inspired me ta' head west. An' reckon by tha' adventure we find ourselves in today, t'was a call well answered."
"A sea of falling stars? That sounds like a wonder of its own. Such a place must be full of excitement." Siobhan responds, in awe of Zyllith's description of such a strange and exotic place.
You push on through your second day of travel, passing the time by sharing stories and getting to know each other a little bit better. Throughout the day, you pass a handful of merchant carts that you guess are headed to Goldenfields to pick up foodstuffs to bring back to Waterdeep, but aside from quick waves and cordial greetings, you have little interaction with anyone during this time. At one point during the late afternoon, Siobhan catches sight of a large black bear and a trio of cubs wandering through the grasslands about 200 feet to your left. The mama bear appears to be foraging the land and looking for treats, while the cubs frolic and play with each other nearby, and they pay little attention to you, although they do seem to be moving in the same general direction as you keep moving south.
Crowley scouts ahead of the party, while Belkas walks along the dusty road. For a time he uses his magic to play a marching song, but then grows tired of it and retreats into his own thoughts, lulled by the warm weather and the rhythmic sounds of feet and hooves.
Vernon sees the cubs frolicking and is tempted to join them. He resists because he only just got a mount and they might run off, but then gets a better idea. He directs Misniúl towards the bears, calling out "Rezinkhroni!" and raising his hands to the wind. (Casting Speak with Animals)
To the bears: "Friend bears, have you seen any giants or other monsters lately?"
Siobhan had been content to allow the bears to be let alone as she saw no reason to disturb either mother or cubs. But seeing her companion has chosen to speak to the bears, she whispers a word, taps her lips with her right hand and then her ear, so she can take part in the conversation as needed. The firbolg moves slowly towards the bears and makes sure to keep her approach steady and unthreatening.
The mama bear looks over in surprise at you, while the three cubs continue to play, seemingly oblivious to your presence. She makes no aggressive motion when Siobhan approaches, but it's obvious that's she's keenly aware of your numbers and she moves a bit closer to her cubs.
Then, Siobhan and Vernon both hear her voice in their ears.
"One sunlight past, I smelled and saw two of the fat big men, tromping through fields. Carrying sheep. They loud and smell like rotten things, but did not see me or my cubs. We hid in the grass and ran away."
Siobhan is a bit surprised and tries to control her reaction. She had not thought Vernon's question would yield such intelligence. The imbalance in this land was spread wider than she thought.
"You are a good mother," Siobhan praises. "Where have you come from? My companions and I might hunt such threats if we know where to find the trail."
Vernon is slightly surprised, both that this worked and at its elegance. "I am Vernon. Do you have a name I can use?" He bows.
The horse dips his head towards the small gnome, and inside his head, Vernon can hear the following throughs that emanate from the steeds mind.
Vernon
It pleases me to come to you, Vernon. I am called Misniúl. It means "courageous." I come from a long line of brave warhorses, and I hope to serve you as well as my ancestors served their masters in battle."
"I hope so too, Misniúl." Vernon mounts.
"Bloody 'ells mates! Ye lot sure know how ta' make a gran' entrance don' ye? One's turning ta' a fine steed only fer anotha' ta summon one outa' tha thin bloody airs! Now if'n ye lot can do tha' fer everyone else than we'll be travlin' in style all 'cross tha coast."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
“I am amazed and impressed with such displays of magic!” Arisa says. ”And what a magnificent steed, Vernon. Truly we are blessed by the gods! I have no need to ride at this time, but thank you for the offer. We will make a grand entrance for sure!” She walks along quietly, observing the sounds and sights of the road.
Zyllith remains her normal cheerful high-spirited self as the group continues on their travels. Once they reach a rest point, however, she takes the opportunity to approach Siobhan.
"So whot's yer story mate?" She begins, "Donnae mean anythin' unkind by it, mind. Jus' curious 'bout ye' an' yer lot. Neva' met a rioght propa' druid before. Much less one o' yer kin, ta boot. Would be kind ta' get ta' know ye' then. And by tha 'course, yer welcome ta' ask me anythin' ye' mind in return!"
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
Zyllith's cheerfulness puts Siobhan at ease. The firbolg finds a good spot on the ground to sit and gestures to the tiefling to do the same.
"A story for a story? Agreed."
Siobhan arranges herself on the ground. She sits cross legged, with her back straight and hands resting palm up on each knee.
"I am firbolg and the firbolg are of the Forest."
She lifts one hand and the whisper of rustling leaves in a dense wood fills the air.
"I never expected to know more than the Forest. Our scouts would tell tales of the world Beyond and the fierce small folk who lived there. They were tree cutters and metal workers and prone to warfare. I could not imagine anything more unnatural.
I was wrong.
It was two summers ago at least when I went foraging that I stumbled into a Mist."
Siobhan lifts her other hand and a slight breeze brushes past, carrying with it a cold and rotting scent.
"When the Mist was gone, I found myself in a forest that was nothing like my Forest. The trees were twisted and had few leaves, yet formed a canopy that blocked the sky. The ground was choked with brambles and fallen trees. I was attacked by a wolf pack and was forced to kill them when neither my beast speech or shift to a fellow wolf could calm them."
She makes another gesture and the low growl of a wolf is heard.
"I do not know how long I survived there. Everything that makes a forest a true Forest was there but twisted and vicious. There was never any sunlight, just a lighter darkness. But still there were vines reaching for the sky. Nature adapts and so did I. I used my gifts to shift between predator and prey as I needed. I eventually managed some communion with forest beasts and learned where I could find two-legged folk."
Siobhan makes another gesture; this one brings the scent of wood smoke and hearthfires.
"My first encounters with small folk were ... not good. That story is not for now. I did learn I was in a place called Barovia, where even outside the twisted forest there was never any sunlight, and that the source was an undead Abomination who made himself the ruler of these people. I met other outsiders and journeyed with them for a time. We killed vampires and I learned more about small folk ways. Small folk do not choose their rulers; the rulers choose themselves by showing how many they can kill. That is how one of my outsider friends, Groningen, became a baron. We had to kill the old baron because all his killing was of his people and not his people's enemies, which was not just evil but made him a bad ruler. Groningen taught me that."
Siobhan pauses her story a moment. Instead of another burst of druidcraft, she launches into a rant about how Groningen had told her that the most powerful taking power was natural and wasn't that how wolf packs chose the alpha and she had to tell him it was just a small folk thing because wolf packs are simply families where the parents are in charge until one of the offspring . She is about to continue with an explanation of firbolg governance but manages to stop herself.
"Apologies. That was only a few days ago for me and I found myself here before we could finish that conversation."
Siobhan returns to the formal, straight-backed position she had when her story began, hands once again resting on her knees, palms up.
"I came to this place when we were called to search for a missing child in Groningen's domain. I was seeking a scent trail when another Mist came upon me."
Another formal gesture brings a soft breeze carrying the clean scent of pine and fresh air. "
I had hoped the Mist would return me to my Forest, but instead I am here. But there are still unnatural things and I have the power to fight them. I will never know that child's fate and I fear I may never see Forest again but I know my actions will make my people proud as long as I act against that which defiles nature."
Siobhan ends her story by bringing her palms together. As they touch, white clover blooms in the grassy patch in front of her.
"That is my story. What is yours, Zyllith? Your speech and your appearance makes me think you understand what it is to be in foreign lands."
As Zyllith sat down to hear Siobhan's tale, she perched herself against a nearby tree. Her hands held up behind her head in a relaxed pose. When Siobahn's story concluded and she asked the tiefling for her story, Zyllith was happy to share. With a mystical glint flashing from her eye, the nearby campfire shifted color into a golden-reddish hue and Zyllith began to speak.
"Aye, I dun traveled far ta' get 'ere. Not sure whot this Barovia place is like, or where it may be. I can tell ye' I had no funny mist ta' bring me 'ere, just a ship, a coach, an me own two legs ta' carry me." She grinned cheerfully back at the druid as she continued her tale, "I donnae have a story nearly as excitin' as ye' might. Left me home soon as I was able to. Eager for adventure and tha' like. Soon found meself in tha' Sea o' Fallen Stars and rioght luv'd it there. Particularly about tha' Pirate Isles. Spent many a season traversing 'board one ship or 'nother. Learned much in tha' time. Had occasion ta' learn how things work among some o' the organizations that work there, not tha' they were particularly organized folk ta' begin with, mind ye'. Still, many exciting times, though none quite so as meeting rampagin' giants an' clumsy dragons in yer midst. Indeed, t'was the call of adventure whot eventually inspired me ta' head west. An' reckon by tha' adventure we find ourselves in today, t'was a call well answered."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn
"A sea of falling stars? That sounds like a wonder of its own. Such a place must be full of excitement." Siobhan responds, in awe of Zyllith's description of such a strange and exotic place.
You push on through your second day of travel, passing the time by sharing stories and getting to know each other a little bit better. Throughout the day, you pass a handful of merchant carts that you guess are headed to Goldenfields to pick up foodstuffs to bring back to Waterdeep, but aside from quick waves and cordial greetings, you have little interaction with anyone during this time. At one point during the late afternoon, Siobhan catches sight of a large black bear and a trio of cubs wandering through the grasslands about 200 feet to your left. The mama bear appears to be foraging the land and looking for treats, while the cubs frolic and play with each other nearby, and they pay little attention to you, although they do seem to be moving in the same general direction as you keep moving south.
Crowley scouts ahead of the party, while Belkas walks along the dusty road. For a time he uses his magic to play a marching song, but then grows tired of it and retreats into his own thoughts, lulled by the warm weather and the rhythmic sounds of feet and hooves.
Vernon sees the cubs frolicking and is tempted to join them. He resists because he only just got a mount and they might run off, but then gets a better idea. He directs Misniúl towards the bears, calling out "Rezinkhroni!" and raising his hands to the wind. (Casting Speak with Animals)
To the bears: "Friend bears, have you seen any giants or other monsters lately?"
Siobhan had been content to allow the bears to be let alone as she saw no reason to disturb either mother or cubs. But seeing her companion has chosen to speak to the bears, she whispers a word, taps her lips with her right hand and then her ear, so she can take part in the conversation as needed. The firbolg moves slowly towards the bears and makes sure to keep her approach steady and unthreatening.
The mama bear looks over in surprise at you, while the three cubs continue to play, seemingly oblivious to your presence. She makes no aggressive motion when Siobhan approaches, but it's obvious that's she's keenly aware of your numbers and she moves a bit closer to her cubs.
Then, Siobhan and Vernon both hear her voice in their ears.
"One sunlight past, I smelled and saw two of the fat big men, tromping through fields. Carrying sheep. They loud and smell like rotten things, but did not see me or my cubs. We hid in the grass and ran away."
Siobhan is a bit surprised and tries to control her reaction. She had not thought Vernon's question would yield such intelligence. The imbalance in this land was spread wider than she thought.
"You are a good mother," Siobhan praises. "Where have you come from? My companions and I might hunt such threats if we know where to find the trail."
The bear answers Siobhan and Vernon.
"Being mother is all I know now. Come from river, eat fish, come to fields, eat tasty grass."
You know that the River Dessarin parallels the Northfurrow Trail. From where you are right now, the river would be roughly 10-15 miles to the south.
Belkas watches bemused as Vernon and Siobhan seem to be talking to the bear. He slowly moves farther down the road so as not to alarm it.
Vernon calls to the group, "The bear saw giants near the river south of us. Does anyone want to take a detour?"
“Ahh, Giants.. maybe we should check them out?” Arisa says
"Seems we'd best be givin a look thar while we're here, ya? Let's have a go then."
Sylnache Ashrain - 7th Sojourn