Stormraider Keep (A M.E.T.A.L. Campaign)

"Yes we should go and see what they know. A little time spent here may produce a lead that could more than payback the time spent to acquire it. Besides after that last encounter a bit of rest would do us good and better to do it in relative safety than out here in the open." votes Flynt.

You have arrived at the Gwyllinwald. Or at least, based on what you were told this forest that you are on the edge of should be it.

The village is about an hour off. You could make easily make it there and back by the time you need to rest for the day.  Depending on how long you stayed of course. 

"Alright, let's take that detour, we could do with some more information on what we're getting into." Elyria responds and sets off towards the harengon settlement.
Perception: 20 Aelric perception: 8
As they have arrived at Gwyllinwald Elyria tries to figure out, based on the information she got, where in Gwyllinwald they should go to find the mushrooms and the amulet.

When they reach the settlement Flynt casts Comprehend languages on himself so an interpreter won't be needed.

(18, 11)

The party alters course to make for the village they see in the distance.  About a half-mile from the village you see a group of 3 Harengon approaching you across the grasslands.  One calls out to the group in rough Common. "Hello! Where are you from?" 

As they near the Harengon village Elyria falls back a bit deferring to Aurelius social skills to navigate this social encounter. "Remember, we need information about the mushrooms and the amulet when you find the time between your self-glorifying stories." Elyria says with a smirk as they approach the 3 Harengon.

The paladin approaches with empty hands outstretched, a smile on his face.

"Greetings, mes amies.  We three are strangers to your world, having arrived here through a portal from our own.  I am Aurelius Degas, knight extraordinaire.  My companions are Elyria of the woodland people, and Flynt McGraw, the renowned sheriff. We mean you no harm, but would ask a small favor.  We quest into the Gwyllinwald searching for a certain species of mushroom, and also for a legendary enchanted amulet.  We seek these things not for our own enrichment, but to aid us in locating and rescuing our friend, one Rahkeshi, who was kidnapped by a villain, and is held captive in a dark fortress.  Is there any assistance you could render us?"

Flynt gives his typical hat tip and nod at the mention of his name. From a pocket on the underside of his poncho he retrieves and done a pair of glasses. The lightly blue tinted glasses intensifies and compliments his own steely blue.eyes.

The three Harengon look at each other a moment and the same one responds. "Well met strangers.  I do believe the wood there is called Geyllinwald, but we just refer to it as the Old Forest.  Our village does collect wood from there but nobody travels very deep inside.  We've all heard tales of those that try to navigate that place, but only find themselves back where they began.  Or..."  Here he pauses as he looks at the others.  "A very few never seem to come out again."   

The group comes a bit closer, seeming to relax a bit as they watch your group. "Mushrooms are certain common in various places around here.  Perhaps if you speak to one of our herbalists they could help you find what you seek.  I've never heard of any amulet, but maybe one of our elders will know of some tale?"  He sounds skeptical.  "But come, would you take a brief bit of rest with us?  Perhaps you can tell us of your world beyond the portal.  And your friend Rahkeshi and this villain. We do love a good tale." 

(Elyria - from what you recall, the amulet was supposed to be generally in the same area as the mushrooms. And those were supposed to be somewhere in the 'heart of the forest'.  Not terribly helpful, but you were told the mushrooms would be very very distinctive.) 

Elyria tugs at Aurelius' leg as they follow the Harengon back to their village. "Remember, we're still in a hurry."

(OOC: Ooops ;-)

(Aurelius dismounted a while back, so tugging his leg is a little weird, but whatever LOL)

Aurelius smiles broadly at the rabbit-folk, and thanks them for their kindness.  As they walk back to their village, he tries to observe, as before, the condition and mood of the villagers, the presence or absence of warriors, etc.

"We appreciate your warning.  We do not fear the Old Forest, but would be grateful for any guidance or advice that might be offered."

As they walk a little further, the paladin says, "We encountered some stray gnolls not far from here.  We want to warn your people that more may be in the area.  Have you any defense against such attacks?"

"Oh yes, we have encountered a few gnolls around here of late. We drove off a group just a couple of days ago.  Two very fierce ones in that group," one of the Harengon reports.  "We do have defenses, though we are hardly much of a militant society." He makes a motion and from about 200 ft. behind you two more Harengon emerge, with crossbows in their hands.

The trip to their village goes fairly quickly.  The village seems to have been built into a bit of a depression and the homes and other buildings seem to be very short with the roofline starting at about 2 ft.  You soon realize though that this is simply because most of the buildings are dug into the earth a bit.  The atmosphere seems relaxed - people are busy with various tasks but you sense little anxiety.  You get a number of looks but they seem to be more curiosity at having visitors.  The town is surrounded by a simple palisade of wood.  It seems sturdy enough to repel attackers, though not siege equipment.  A few Harengon that look like guards seem to have spears but most folk seem equipped with clubs.  Many though have light armor.  

Once you walk into the village you are met by a trio of Harengon, two with spears and one appearing to be much older. He speaks to the group. "Visitors.  We have not had any friends visit for some time. Welcome and how might we help you?" 

Aurelius will bow to the elder Harengon, and repeat his introduction of the party from earlier.  He briefly describes their quest, but avoids mentioning Sylmare or Leilatha by name.

"In order to breach this fortress and rescue our friend, we have heard of an amulet located in the 'heart' of the Old Forest.  Do you know anything of this?  There are also some particular mushrooms, which I will allow my companion, Elyria, to describe in more detail, that may be located in the same area.  Other than this information, we do not wish to disturb your village, save perhaps if there is an apothecary with healing draughts for sale."

The wizened Harengon nods. "Amulet you say? Hmm, let me think."  He pauses for a moment, scratching the fur atop his head, between his ears.  "Hmm... yes, yes... Perhaps there was a story about something like this. It seems like there was a tale of some Lady of the Winter Court fashioning some magical amulet out of the strange fey magics of the Court.  Something about hospitality rules or something. On a whim she had given the amulet to some mortal woman.  And after many troubles she brought it to Gwyllinwald and was never seen again."  He pauses again, before continuing. "Or something like that.  It's an old, old, old story!  Does that help?" 

He then changes the subject. "Mushrooms.  Now that is something we might know about.  Well, not me! I know nothing of mushrooms. But out herbalist will likely know something. AND!  That obtaining some healing draughts is certainly possible.  If you have anything of value with you."  

Flynt simply takes it all in, in his usual quiet unassuming manner.

"Thank you for your hospitality, we would very much like to see your herbalist then." Elyria says with a slight bow, an urgency in her voice.

"Might any of your foragers or hunters be able to guide us at least part-ways towards the Heart of the Old Forest?" asks Aurelius, while inwardly rolling his eyes at the mention of hospitality rules and the Winter Court.

"As to things of value, beyond gold and silver we have only a few songs and tales of the outside world to share.  Do those things hold any interest to your people?"

 The older Hatengon shakes his head.  "No, nobody from our village goes into the forest.  At least, never far enough to lose sight of the grasslands. I'm sorry."  

He seems genuinely disappointed that he cannot help you,  but brightens a bit as he continues.  "Songs and tales are certainly valued more than gold to us.  Though it might not pay for your dinner!"  He laughs. "For you though,  if the tales are good it would be well worth dinner for you all. And we could spare you each a healing portion. For more than that I'm afraid we would need trade for something of more practical value."

He then motions for everyone to follow. "Come though,  let us find our herbalist. We can talk more of dinner after!"

(My apologies, thought I had posted this yesterday!)

"Don't be sorry, your hospitality and guidance are most generous." Elyria interjects as they follow the Harengon to their herbalist.