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

The group doesn't notice anything of intetest here and may continue on into the forest if desired. (Additional +1 for total +3 now to Survival rolls.) 

Elyria nods to Flynt and moves on, heeding his advice to not go out in the open.
Survival: 20

(6, 11)

After a couple more hour's travel, the trees break to reveal a twenty-foot-tall hill upon which a circle of vine-covered menhirs stand. A crumbling flight of steps offers access to the top of the mound. Although the width varies for each standing stone, they all stand thirteen feet high. The stones surround a large natural rock marked with druidic symbols.

(Perception check from everyone.)  (22, 14)

Aurelius Perception 4

As the hill comes into view Elyria falls back with the others, trying to discern the meaning of the druidic symbols. "Be ready, this might be the goal of our journey and it will likely have guardians of some sort." She says in a lowered voice, following Aurelius cautiously towards the steps.

Perception with help from Aelric sitting on her shoulder: 26

Perception: 14

Flynt stays low and cautious as they approach.

Flynt seems to notice some rustling coming from the trees on the other side of the hill. Acorn and Sozi seem to note something as well.  

Elyria notices a couple of shapes in the trees - wolves.  And at least two humanoids.  

Obvious to all of you however is the centaur which steps from behind one of the wider stones.  He seems to be an older male, his hair long and wild and he carries a large staff.  "Travelers!" he calls out in a booming voice. "I am Zol'nard, one of the guardians of Gwyllinwald. This place is not for you, turn back and be spared its dangers.

Elyria steps forward. "We mean you no disrespect Zol'nard, gurdian of Gwyllinwald, but we cannot go back until we find what we seek to be able to save our friend." She says, looking to Aurelius to continue. (Help action on persuasion if helpful.)

"Greetings, guardians of the forest.  We mean no harm to you, nor to your holy places.  We also regard the wild lands as sacred.  We would not intrude, except in the most extreme of circumstances, where we now find ourselves.  Our friend and comrade, one Rahkeshi, a druid, has been kidnapped by the Eladrin.  We seek certain items from the Gwyllinwald that might aid us in rescuing her from the dark fortress of stone where she is imprisoned, walled off from the green growing things she loves.  Would you assist us in our quest?  Perhaps there is some service we might render you in exchange?  In fact, we have already rid your land of a den of noxious trolls."

Persuasion (with help) 20

"Something else in the trees." Whispers Flynt. "He's not alone."

Zol'nard:

"Well, thank you for dispatching the trolls. They continue to be a bane to this forest, though we try to thin their numbers," Zol'nard says. "But while your deed is appreciated, it will not grant you passage.  Our lands are not to be trampled by your likes. We shall not let you steal the bounties of our wood." 

Map (for reference, the figures Elyria spotted are around A3 and C(-1) and this is about the direction Flynt sees some rustling in the trees. Acorn and Sozi are just behind you off the map.)  

"Let us come together and discuss the matter. Perhaps there is a way for us to get what we need without crossing you. But know this, and I only say this to define the gravity of our situation, we are resolute in our resolve to obtain what we need. We will not be turned away so an agreement of some type will be reached." 

 Flynts tenses almost imperceptibly, his voice hardens a bit and takes on an slight icy tone. He puts just enough intensity in his manner as to not threaten outright but to persuade the centaur into giving them a meeting.

Persuasion: 12

"I think you should know that you have other visitors as well Zol'nard." Elyria interjects and nods at the treeline where she spotted the wolves and the humanoids. "Not sure if they are friend or foe."

"We have no desire to steal nor trample.  Surely there is enough bounty in the Gwyllinwald to share.  What service can we offer you to convince you of our friendship?"

"Come and join me Kelhorn and Ravamys," Zol'nard says. Two Firbolgs, a man and woman, come from the foliage and approach the centaur. "Fellow guardians of Gwyllinwald." 

The pair each has a rough wooden staff in hand and you see four wolves emerge from the trees as well, though they hang back.

Zol'nard continues, "The Gwyllinwald is preserved as a refuge to the wild and natural Fey world. We do not allow intruders here, no matter how sincerely they believe in their mission. I do not see what compromise might be made. But we can talk if you so wish."

(Did Elyria discern the meaning of the druidic symbols?)

"Perhaps if we wait here, you could retrieve the items we require, and thus we would not intrude on your preserve.  In return, perhaps there is something of the outside world, or even another world that we could bring here to you.
We are no strangers to the woodland.  The lady here, herself of fey descent, is a druid, dedicated to the forest and its denizens.  I myself have some fey ancestry, and have sworn the Oath of the Ancients, dedicating myself to the preservation of light and life."

Quote from Oberon99 >>

(Did Elyria discern the meaning of the druidic symbols?)

The symbols are somewhat familiar to you as they denote a meeting circle for a group of druids. There are a few symbols you don't recognize - likely something specific to the local area. 

Kelhorn and Ravamys:

Zol'nard looks at Aurelius as the two Firbolgs walk over. "I doubt there is anything of the outside world or even another world that would entice us.  But I am willing to listen if you have something to offer.  I cannot imagine anything you might help us with." 

It is then you hear another voice speak up.  "Surely you are not forgetting about the ruined tower Zol'nard?"  To your right you now see motion, almost as though a piece of the tree has split off.  But on a closer look you see that the shape was never actually a part of the tree, just standing next to it.  It seems to be a young woman, her features rather sharp.  Her hair seems to be brown leaves, while much of her skin appears to be bark.

"Triserla, you were supposed to remain hidden," Zol'nard says. 

"Well, I couldn't let you chase these folk away when they might help.  Do you not see the one must be a druid like us?" Triserla argues with the centaur. 

Triserla: 

Elyria nods at Kelhorn and Ravamys as they approach. Then she smiles warmly at the absolute cuteness of Triserla.
"Thank you Triserla, it is true Zol'nard, I am a druid, and I do revere the forest and the creatures who seek refuge there. I can assure you we will be most respectful to Gwyllinwald during our stay." Elyria says to Zol'nard. "Now please tell us of this ruined tower, we are certainly prepared to show ourselves worthy of your help and hospitality."
(Another help action given if persuasion is needed to hear more about the ruined tower.)