When able. Vin will go over to the folks on the edge of the clearing and check in with them. Make sure they are all doing okay and answer questions about the giant bugs they just defeated.
Seeing Neferox sniffing around, Sam thinks of his own mastiff and his goat. He stands up and looks around until he catches sight of them. He considers calling them over, the mastiff at least should be able to help Neferox sniff around... But perhaps that is not the best idea. Sam lets them continue on playing with the kids. Let them tucker one another out, he figures.
"So it could be the soils fault?" Sam asks, liking that more than blaming the acorns. "Maybe the Feywild messed with the soil and the tress I did further away from the portal are fine. The first one, at the site of the lone fairy... I think Shionne said that little guy had strayed too far from the portal and that was why he died. So maybe the tree there is free of the influence and just fine."
(Basically Sam will be grasping at straws with the hope that the golden acorns are not some monster summoning device...)
"I think they make little portals. Just a theory but I think for some reason the trees you make are similar to the portal in the big tree. might mean we can use them to visit other worlds. Something to figure out later I suppose. Nef says this one doesn't have any of the smells of the feywild though. They suggested it might be a different plane all together. Like one of rocks, earth and stone. She does confirm there was only two different smells that came out of it though. So, seems we got all of them." Vin is ready to continue on after checking in with the townsfolk and telling them it's safe to pass once they are rested. If the others are not quite ready yet vin will play with the kids a bit and check in with the souless until everyone is good to continue on.
As the group settles in for a quick rest after the fight, a few grateful clerics and druids offer to heal those with wounds and injuries before the group begin moving again.
Vin plays some games with the kids and even gets the soulless into it. Having taught them before he once again sees to having them play the game but not giving directions beyond "Feel free to play how you like." Hoping to get them to be able to play with the other kids a bit even if it is only with a simple game of dots, lines and boxes. Once everyone is rested and ready to continue Vin looks up at Elthana's question and says "I am. Let's get going. Lets get a head start on the others and scout ahead like before." He'll nod to the others then take part as being a scout with Elthana again. Neferox in the meantime sulks a bit. She definitely got plenty of attention from Vin during the break but she seems forlorn letting him go off with Elthana again and without her. She relegates herself to brooding on the edges of the caravan of folks watching for danger and protecting those within. All the while looking in the direction that Vin and Elthana headed off to.
Sam takes the healing with a grumble and soft complaint about being poked at but is obviously happy to be taken care of. He’s still hesitant to leave the tree here unwatched, still standing and capable of who knows what.., but as everyone else seems to think it’s no longer a danger, Sam let’s it go.
Sam will go back to traveling with the children though it’s lost a bit of its joy for him what with Boris gone and the concerns of the trees and acorns rattling through his head. Still, no choice but to carry on…
The caravan of townspeople, clerics, druids, a few guards and the party make for Hokum. The trail is slow, much slower than when the party first made for Hokum proper the day before their fight with Rynwell, it is difficult at times for the scouts in front not to stealth off too far, getting carried away with the focus on their task and remaining alert means sometimes having to hang back for ten or fifteen minutes just to make sure the caravan is still following.
Elthana and Vin see some wolves out near the base of the mountain, but the ruckus from the caravan makes the wolves disinterested in fighting such a large group of people. They also spot a few trees dotted sporadically through out the forest trail, with blood stains and splintered bark, some of them with the remnants of redcaps in their canopy betray the telltale signs that these trees are Old thickets children, making a hike in the forest, unmoving, simply letting the people past.
Muir spots a couple of familiar bears at one point, far off in the trees, hidden in the underbrush, cowed and resting they pay close attention to the distant rumbling of footfall from the caravan of peoples, but pay no mind when it appears the group is not approaching.
It appears that Sam's animals are still being assailed by children for a good chunk of the journey, and it's safe to say that the animals patience wears thin way before the children's energy subsided, though they do not act aggressively at all, it isn't long before the mastiff and the goat keep close to Sam's side, their dissatisfaction and exhaustion evident.
Gewyn for the most part is occupied by a few of the travellers asking questions and following up on his grand tale from the previous night, they seem to focus on Gewyn as one of the more charismatic and approachable members of the party and he even gets some sing requests every so often.
All in all it takes nearly the whole day, roughly 9hours, with regular stops and breaks, for the townspeople and the group to make it out toward the treeline separating the forest from Hokum town. The sun begins lowering off into the horizon, making streaks of light pierce the canopy over head at a striking angle. Breaching through the treeline Elthana and Vin spot several fires in the town, lighting up the streets already, there is movement almost everywhere, the most prominent and visible being on the roof of the trade post building where it appears several humanoids are gathered overlooking the town.
Sam rescues the animals as best he can and takes his turn entertaining the kids as well. Though it does grow wearisome eventually... No wonder he chose the bachelor life. When the end of the long walk is in sight Sam sighs a breath of relief. Soon enough mothers and fathers are gathering up the offspring and preparing for whatever comes with their return to their homes. If indeed they still have them. Sam doesn't envy them their uncertainty and anxiety. The less you have the less you have to lose...
Sam noted the sentient trees and reminded himself to remind whoever ends up in charge of Hokum about them as well. Sam is unsure how vehemently he'll talk against the feykind but very little about them makes Sam think they are a good idea... Present companions notwithstanding, but then again they were born here. Perhaps that settles the nature/nurture debate, eh? But the Hokumites need be as aware of the sentient trees as the rest of the Fey. The trees are staying behind and who knows what agenda they may have. And who knows if they will reproduce... Or how. Eew, that is a weird mental image.
But Sam is glad to be back in "civilization" even such as this is... He'll likely still be sleeping rough tonight but at least it'll be within a city's limits.
Gewyn extricates himself graciously from his new fans and joins the others. "What do you think the chances are of finding a clean blanket and a large bottle of strong spirits in this place?"
Vin and Elthana seem to find no other dangers for the folks that survived this ordeal. Their scouting successfully finding them all through the forest with the only sign of danger being it's removal by the treants and fleeing of wolves sensing so many passing by. The walls of Hokum once a scary sight are now a welcomed sight of safety to get behind now they have retaken the town. Spotting several figures up high on the very tower they first secured and keeping watch Vin smiles at seeing lights and fires illuminating the town once again. The clerics will probably be far more help for the soulless then him and now the people will be safe.
Vin goes up to the trade tower and hails the people above. "Hail Hokum! We return with many survivors. Open the walls as they will be behind us soon."
When they open the walls Vin will smile to the group and tell them "I'm going to go check in with the clerics and let them know what to expect with everyone arriving." With that Vin will head in to try and find whoever is in charge to let them know the other survivors are here. Vin will give a court of the numbers as well as any ailments or injuries they still need taken care of. He will ask for shelter for them but also mention that they will likely want to meet up with the rest of the residents of Hokum that survived first.
-------------------------
During the journey with the others Nef continues to brood and watch over the caravan of survivors. She seems to smile when they pass trees bloodsoaked with the enemy and looks in the direction of the howling wolves. She glances back at the animals playing with the kids and gives a disdainful sneeze towards them when they finish but otherwise she keeps to herself as she circles the refugees insuring their safety.
Muir follows Vin in and pulls him aside before finding the clerics "Young Vin, don't say too much yet to the clerics....they may be a little....well let's see how they are doing yes?" Muir follows Vin while keeping his eye opened for Gore and Hirsi.
"Huh? Don't say too much? What do you mean? I was mainly going to give them the information they need to take care of folks. Aliments, numbers, I mean... don't they need that?" Vin look genuinely confused.
Muir nods "Yes, Yes indeed that's a good idea. We will need to speak to their leader, find Gore and Hirsi to have them accompany us in this discussion as well as Godlsheaf."
"I'd also like to find Iver. Pretty sure his sister might stab me if I don't bring him back with us to Trundlesten. Which reminds me. What are your plans after this? I don't think I ever asked." Vin looks curiously up to the loxodon. They weren't originally part of their group but Vin found their presence assuring. Curious if they want to journey back with them or if they will stay here and repair the damage done with the other druids.
Muir smiles "Well to rule the world of course"he looks at Vin and laughs " I kid of course but you all have mentioned Marblestead a few times.....I have never been and I thought perhaps I could tag along? Gore, Hirsi and some of the younglings will help with the rebuilding efforts here, so there's no need for me."
"I think you'd make a good king of the world." He kids back as nef woofs in disagreement. "Nef says you'd make a better jester." As Muir mentions visiting Marblestead vin pipes up "I'd like that. Marblestead is a great city. I mean, it's got problems just like any other city but they try their best. There are places worse off then others, but... kind folks too. Like professor Wooswin. He took me and Nef in and funded my schooling when I was just a street rat. We will probably stop by in Trundlesten for awhile first though. I have no idea what will happen when we get back to the city proper. I'm hopeful they keep us together as an adventuring group though."
Muir laughs at Nef "Ah so Nefferfox enjoys my sense of humor! Perhaps I will tell them more jokes then." Muir knowing Nef would hate that makes the joke anyways before asking Vin "They? Who are they? I never did get the story of you all ended up together and came her to Hokum."
Neferox totally sulks in annoyance as Muir twists her insult into a compliment. Just as Muir predicted it makes her grumpy but she seems to accept it for now. Vin smiles at her restraint and then looks back to the loxodon as they ask their question, "Well... I guess since we succeeded it shouldn't hurt to tell a couple people we trust. It's a bit on the downlow though so please don't tell others. We were picked by the leaders of the major factions as like... an elite adventuring group. However, there is a lot of history between the groups. They weren't sure how well we'd work together. I don't get all the details but this was like a trial to see if the groups could work together more before officially recognizing us." Nef woofs warningly. Vin seems to get a bit uncomfortable and adds on "I probably shouldn't say much more till we get back but I'm definitely going to recommend they keep us together...and maybe add a new member."
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When able. Vin will go over to the folks on the edge of the clearing and check in with them. Make sure they are all doing okay and answer questions about the giant bugs they just defeated.
Seeing Neferox sniffing around, Sam thinks of his own mastiff and his goat. He stands up and looks around until he catches sight of them. He considers calling them over, the mastiff at least should be able to help Neferox sniff around... But perhaps that is not the best idea. Sam lets them continue on playing with the kids. Let them tucker one another out, he figures.
"So it could be the soils fault?" Sam asks, liking that more than blaming the acorns. "Maybe the Feywild messed with the soil and the tress I did further away from the portal are fine. The first one, at the site of the lone fairy... I think Shionne said that little guy had strayed too far from the portal and that was why he died. So maybe the tree there is free of the influence and just fine."
(Basically Sam will be grasping at straws with the hope that the golden acorns are not some monster summoning device...)
"I think they make little portals. Just a theory but I think for some reason the trees you make are similar to the portal in the big tree. might mean we can use them to visit other worlds. Something to figure out later I suppose. Nef says this one doesn't have any of the smells of the feywild though. They suggested it might be a different plane all together. Like one of rocks, earth and stone. She does confirm there was only two different smells that came out of it though. So, seems we got all of them." Vin is ready to continue on after checking in with the townsfolk and telling them it's safe to pass once they are rested. If the others are not quite ready yet vin will play with the kids a bit and check in with the souless until everyone is good to continue on.
As the group settles in for a quick rest after the fight, a few grateful clerics and druids offer to heal those with wounds and injuries before the group begin moving again.
Feeling much better after the rest and the help from the clerics, Elthana is itching to get moving. "Shall we continue on to Hokum?"
Baring no objections, Elthana starts scouting ahead, ready for others to follow.
Muir will help lead the caravan of people and get moving to Hokum
Vin plays some games with the kids and even gets the soulless into it. Having taught them before he once again sees to having them play the game but not giving directions beyond "Feel free to play how you like." Hoping to get them to be able to play with the other kids a bit even if it is only with a simple game of dots, lines and boxes. Once everyone is rested and ready to continue Vin looks up at Elthana's question and says "I am. Let's get going. Lets get a head start on the others and scout ahead like before." He'll nod to the others then take part as being a scout with Elthana again. Neferox in the meantime sulks a bit. She definitely got plenty of attention from Vin during the break but she seems forlorn letting him go off with Elthana again and without her. She relegates herself to brooding on the edges of the caravan of folks watching for danger and protecting those within. All the while looking in the direction that Vin and Elthana headed off to.
Sam takes the healing with a grumble and soft complaint about being poked at but is obviously happy to be taken care of. He’s still hesitant to leave the tree here unwatched, still standing and capable of who knows what.., but as everyone else seems to think it’s no longer a danger, Sam let’s it go.
Sam will go back to traveling with the children though it’s lost a bit of its joy for him what with Boris gone and the concerns of the trees and acorns rattling through his head. Still, no choice but to carry on…
The caravan of townspeople, clerics, druids, a few guards and the party make for Hokum. The trail is slow, much slower than when the party first made for Hokum proper the day before their fight with Rynwell, it is difficult at times for the scouts in front not to stealth off too far, getting carried away with the focus on their task and remaining alert means sometimes having to hang back for ten or fifteen minutes just to make sure the caravan is still following.
Elthana and Vin see some wolves out near the base of the mountain, but the ruckus from the caravan makes the wolves disinterested in fighting such a large group of people. They also spot a few trees dotted sporadically through out the forest trail, with blood stains and splintered bark, some of them with the remnants of redcaps in their canopy betray the telltale signs that these trees are Old thickets children, making a hike in the forest, unmoving, simply letting the people past.
Muir spots a couple of familiar bears at one point, far off in the trees, hidden in the underbrush, cowed and resting they pay close attention to the distant rumbling of footfall from the caravan of peoples, but pay no mind when it appears the group is not approaching.
It appears that Sam's animals are still being assailed by children for a good chunk of the journey, and it's safe to say that the animals patience wears thin way before the children's energy subsided, though they do not act aggressively at all, it isn't long before the mastiff and the goat keep close to Sam's side, their dissatisfaction and exhaustion evident.
Gewyn for the most part is occupied by a few of the travellers asking questions and following up on his grand tale from the previous night, they seem to focus on Gewyn as one of the more charismatic and approachable members of the party and he even gets some sing requests every so often.
All in all it takes nearly the whole day, roughly 9hours, with regular stops and breaks, for the townspeople and the group to make it out toward the treeline separating the forest from Hokum town. The sun begins lowering off into the horizon, making streaks of light pierce the canopy over head at a striking angle. Breaching through the treeline Elthana and Vin spot several fires in the town, lighting up the streets already, there is movement almost everywhere, the most prominent and visible being on the roof of the trade post building where it appears several humanoids are gathered overlooking the town.
Sam rescues the animals as best he can and takes his turn entertaining the kids as well. Though it does grow wearisome eventually... No wonder he chose the bachelor life. When the end of the long walk is in sight Sam sighs a breath of relief. Soon enough mothers and fathers are gathering up the offspring and preparing for whatever comes with their return to their homes. If indeed they still have them. Sam doesn't envy them their uncertainty and anxiety. The less you have the less you have to lose...
Sam noted the sentient trees and reminded himself to remind whoever ends up in charge of Hokum about them as well. Sam is unsure how vehemently he'll talk against the feykind but very little about them makes Sam think they are a good idea... Present companions notwithstanding, but then again they were born here. Perhaps that settles the nature/nurture debate, eh? But the Hokumites need be as aware of the sentient trees as the rest of the Fey. The trees are staying behind and who knows what agenda they may have. And who knows if they will reproduce... Or how. Eew, that is a weird mental image.
But Sam is glad to be back in "civilization" even such as this is... He'll likely still be sleeping rough tonight but at least it'll be within a city's limits.
Gewyn extricates himself graciously from his new fans and joins the others. "What do you think the chances are of finding a clean blanket and a large bottle of strong spirits in this place?"
Vin and Elthana seem to find no other dangers for the folks that survived this ordeal. Their scouting successfully finding them all through the forest with the only sign of danger being it's removal by the treants and fleeing of wolves sensing so many passing by. The walls of Hokum once a scary sight are now a welcomed sight of safety to get behind now they have retaken the town. Spotting several figures up high on the very tower they first secured and keeping watch Vin smiles at seeing lights and fires illuminating the town once again. The clerics will probably be far more help for the soulless then him and now the people will be safe.
Vin goes up to the trade tower and hails the people above. "Hail Hokum! We return with many survivors. Open the walls as they will be behind us soon."
When they open the walls Vin will smile to the group and tell them "I'm going to go check in with the clerics and let them know what to expect with everyone arriving." With that Vin will head in to try and find whoever is in charge to let them know the other survivors are here. Vin will give a court of the numbers as well as any ailments or injuries they still need taken care of. He will ask for shelter for them but also mention that they will likely want to meet up with the rest of the residents of Hokum that survived first.
-------------------------
During the journey with the others Nef continues to brood and watch over the caravan of survivors. She seems to smile when they pass trees bloodsoaked with the enemy and looks in the direction of the howling wolves. She glances back at the animals playing with the kids and gives a disdainful sneeze towards them when they finish but otherwise she keeps to herself as she circles the refugees insuring their safety.
Muir follows Vin in and pulls him aside before finding the clerics "Young Vin, don't say too much yet to the clerics....they may be a little....well let's see how they are doing yes?" Muir follows Vin while keeping his eye opened for Gore and Hirsi.
"Huh? Don't say too much? What do you mean? I was mainly going to give them the information they need to take care of folks. Aliments, numbers, I mean... don't they need that?" Vin look genuinely confused.
Muir nods "Yes, Yes indeed that's a good idea. We will need to speak to their leader, find Gore and Hirsi to have them accompany us in this discussion as well as Godlsheaf."
"I'd also like to find Iver. Pretty sure his sister might stab me if I don't bring him back with us to Trundlesten. Which reminds me. What are your plans after this? I don't think I ever asked." Vin looks curiously up to the loxodon. They weren't originally part of their group but Vin found their presence assuring. Curious if they want to journey back with them or if they will stay here and repair the damage done with the other druids.
Muir smiles "Well to rule the world of course" he looks at Vin and laughs " I kid of course but you all have mentioned Marblestead a few times.....I have never been and I thought perhaps I could tag along? Gore, Hirsi and some of the younglings will help with the rebuilding efforts here, so there's no need for me."
"I think you'd make a good king of the world." He kids back as nef woofs in disagreement. "Nef says you'd make a better jester." As Muir mentions visiting Marblestead vin pipes up "I'd like that. Marblestead is a great city. I mean, it's got problems just like any other city but they try their best. There are places worse off then others, but... kind folks too. Like professor Wooswin. He took me and Nef in and funded my schooling when I was just a street rat. We will probably stop by in Trundlesten for awhile first though. I have no idea what will happen when we get back to the city proper. I'm hopeful they keep us together as an adventuring group though."
Muir laughs at Nef "Ah so Nefferfox enjoys my sense of humor! Perhaps I will tell them more jokes then." Muir knowing Nef would hate that makes the joke anyways before asking Vin "They? Who are they? I never did get the story of you all ended up together and came her to Hokum."
Neferox totally sulks in annoyance as Muir twists her insult into a compliment. Just as Muir predicted it makes her grumpy but she seems to accept it for now. Vin smiles at her restraint and then looks back to the loxodon as they ask their question, "Well... I guess since we succeeded it shouldn't hurt to tell a couple people we trust. It's a bit on the downlow though so please don't tell others. We were picked by the leaders of the major factions as like... an elite adventuring group. However, there is a lot of history between the groups. They weren't sure how well we'd work together. I don't get all the details but this was like a trial to see if the groups could work together more before officially recognizing us." Nef woofs warningly. Vin seems to get a bit uncomfortable and adds on "I probably shouldn't say much more till we get back but I'm definitely going to recommend they keep us together...and maybe add a new member."