Gostar seems incredulous and looks at Aidwyn, suspicious, trying to understand where the catch is (apparently, Roxana's reaction seems more normal to him, as she expressed compassion with her words, but without going further...): "You are very kind and generous, for a foreigner who I have never met before and who knows nothing about me - while everyone who knows me or, even worse, those who had ties of friendship or blood with me, chased me away. So I hope you will understand that, even if I am not ungrateful, I am a little suspicious. Your offer is interesting, but I would like to know what you gain from it. And no, don't tell me you really need my help - you and your friends are half an army, surely my help won't make the difference. Tell me the truth".
"The truth, Gostar," Dawnborn speaks up "is that Aidwyn is a good, sensitive, generous person - and when she finds someone who needs help she feels kind of compelled to try to help them. He did that to me too. When we met, I too was an incredibly lonely person, burdened by the injustice of life and incredibly angry because of it. Just like you. Aidwyn gave me my life back - a life worth living. She will do it for you too. If you let her, of course" she raises an eyebrow questioningly.
The teenager barbarian looks now at one and then at the other of the two women... perhaps at Dawnbarn's solid-gold eyes even more than Aidwyn's, which should seem less alien to him... and in the end, he must see... something in those scleraless eyes... something that makes him nod his head: "Oh, well... then... I accept, I guess. And thank you. I will come with you - and I will try to help you in every way I can".
"As for those who I considered as my friends and family," his gaze darkens "f*ck them! If they had been worried about me they would not have reported me instead of paying me for the bet and they would not have kicked me out instead of forgiving me. I don't think they are terribly worried! And if they are, all the better! I wish them to feel really bad about it - and for a long time".
'Ah,'Roxana thinks. 'Offering the boy a job. A generous offer. But why not just ask him what skills he has?' With the others clearly having the situation in hand, she heads back over to her horse. "We probably ought to continue on our way," she calls out to the others. "You can get to know Gostar on the road."
Lol! Someone got inspiration for writing, ir seems 😀... Since WIP, I'll wait a moment to see how this goes on
*actually, that mainly seems to be shorthand for "Words Went Poof". And the fact I thought that was an acronym for wip shows about how competent my brain is to write anything at all tonight. but i mostly only meant to catch Spira up to present anyway ... don't thinkthere s been anything else
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
So you set off again... and in fact before evening you reach Grunwald, the small, yet civilized Uthgardt village. From a distance, it had given you the impression of a jumble of burial mounds overgrown with bushes and scrub. But during the trip, Gostar tried to make himself useful by providing a large amount of information to anyone interested. You had therefore been warned that the homes in Grunwald are family halls, long and ovaloid mounds, constructed of heaped stone, topped with timber roofs spread by mud, which often had grass and moss growing atop them. For this reason, when you finally get to see them, you understand that what might have seemed like 'burial mounds' to you are in fact the houses of the village.
You have also been told that Grunwald is the headquarters of the Thunderbeast tribe of Uthgardt barbarians and that it represents an exception in several respects. For example, compared to other Uthgardt tribes, the people of Grunwald were fairly welcoming to outsiders. However, the barbarians did not appreciate people who loitered for too long without any clear reason... so much so that those who do so are often imprisoned, run out of town, or killed on the grounds - if the slightest suspicion arises that they could be a spy for orcs or rival tribes.
Long integrated into the village are priests of Tyr, the maimed god of justice. These often go out on patrols with the Thunderbeasts and helped to maintain overall peace in the village. And there is also a community of druids of Silvanus who are very well regarded because they heal the townsfolk for no cost (but any outsiders must pay instead, if they need their services). This community is based in the Sacred Grove of Silvanus, a grove that is in the forest east of the village, beneath the shadows of the King's Lodge. The King's Lodge is a crumbling keep with a throne room, a feast hall, and a dungeon in the lower levels. The stairs leading up to the lodge notably lacked any handrail. Above the steps were hung on iron hooks the heads of slain village foes.
Gostar recommends that you spend the night at the 'Stone Bow', a large inn, nearly as big as the King's Lodge, on the southwestern edge of the village; but he explains that, having been banished, he will not be able to enter or stay overnight... He will ask for hospitality for the night from the cultists of the Sacred Grove of Silvanus, since this is located outside the actual inhabited center, and will meet to you the following morning, once you have left Grunwald again.
What will our heroes decide? Will they actually stay overnight at Stone Bow to reunite with Gostar the next day? Or will they prefer a different solution?
In the meantime, Balfby, realizing that the sun has now almost completely set and that he will therefore soon be able to take the satisfaction of wandering free, emits a satisfied but mournful howl... upon hearing which Gostar (who has not yet known the story) Yeth Hound) turns pale and begins to tremble, stammering: "The spirits of the tunnels! They are the spirits of the tunnels beneath the village! I awakened them when I went down there, just as the legends said it would have happened... and now they are reacting to my return!"
Spira puts her hand on Gostar's shoulder soothingly. "That's no tunnel spirit. Listen again to where the sound comes from." Balfby whines at that moment, eager for the coming hunt. "See, it's coming from the wagon we have with us. A fearsome beast, I grant, but you have no need for terror. Our Dawnknight, Aidwyn, has touched his spirit with the brightness of hers, though he hunts in darkness. He's waking up now, and eager to stretch his legs; but he won't hunt till Aidwyngives him leave. His name is Balfby."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Roxana hears the frightening call from Balfby, but says nothing about it. 'I do hope this does not cause problems with the Uthgardt.'
"Gostar, it is a shame that you would not be allowed to accompany us to the inn," she says to the group. "I am not about to argue against their ways though. The Stone Bow inn seems the best bet for the group. But I will accompany you to ask for hospitality from those at the Sacred Grove if no one else will."
"I ought to go there anyway.," Spira says simply. "As a priestess of Angharradh, I ought to pay the druids of Silvanus a courtesy visit. And also the priests of Tyr, if you think they might receive me, Gostar. And perhaps ... if you think they would hear ... I might say a few words about the justice of punishing the bravado of a teenage boy goaded by a dare as if it were intentional sacrilege." The irony in her voice as she pronounces the word 'justice' would be far too dense for even the mightiest smith to forge into steel.
"And if you don't think they'd hear, I'll tell them you tried to stop me but were overpowered by force of numbers as my friends grappled you and wouldn't let you throw yourself before me with nothing but a hand axe in your repentant and heroic zeal to block my path to them."
“Balfby?” Gostar takes courage and even dares to stick his head under the awning of the wagon to see... and immediately draws his head back with a cry, when the beast growls and makes a leap as if to bite his face off.
The teenager looks at you first terrified... then embarrassed by his own fear. "Dawnknight Aidwyn, has touched her spirit..." he repeats, more to himself to gain courage than to you, and tries again to move the curtain aside a little and look, this time without leaning too much inside... and he succeeds to support the feral gaze of the she-Yeth Hound, who continues to growl at him (even if she seems more amused by the fact of managing to disturb him, than actually intending to eat him).
"All Uthgardt barbarians" Gostar then warns you "are very suspicious of magic and the supernatural - and the Thunderbeast tribe is no exception. It is certainly better that no one knows about Balfby and her connection with you".
Spira and Roxana offer to accompany Gostar to the Sacred Grove, Gaer, promptly showing at the Girl of Longsaddle's side, is ready to add to the number: "I will gladly come with you to the Sacred Grove too. It will probably be more interesting than the village itself!"
The teenager gratefully thanks, but when the tiefling cleric suggests a visit to the clerics of Tyr he admits: "Do as you think best, Holy Lady, but I will not be able to accompany you there... Their headquarters is the 'Hand of Justice ', a pavilion shrine to Tyr in the eastern section of the village. You can't miss that sign with the upright gauntlet of a giant... but it is inside the f*cking village, so I can't come. And the practice of banishing anyone who dares enter the f*cking Tunnels is ancient and well-established... I really have no faith in them changing it for you - but I honestly don't know the extent of your influence, Holy Lady, so I certainly won't dare I'll give you some advice".
Finding the Sacred Grove is quick and easy, considering that Gostar guides you and that it is very close to the village - and once you get close, indeed, the majestic trees that compose it immediately catch your eye. You already knew that sequoias can become majestic plants; but you have never seen sequoias with such a massive trunk (none is less than 20' thick - and some reach 25'-30') and such a great height (none is less than 100 yards tall - and some reach 110 - 115 yards)... As if the vegetal giants offered reassuring protection, the atmosphere is calm, serene and soothing. Even the banned teenager seems to have lost part of his bitter acrimony and relaxes his features into a hint of a smile.
From behind a plant emerges a half-elf with long brown curls, tanner, shorter and plumper than the average of her race, who looks at you with curiosity and greets you: "The forest embraces you, visitors. Even those" she raises an eyebrow , staring at Gostar "which the village certainly wouldn't embrace. But you know that it wouldn't be safe for you to stay here for a long time, don't you?"
“I won't stay long, Trana” the teen replies. "Tomorrow I will head north with the members of this expedition. You will probably never hear of me again, neither here at the grove nor in the village".
"My heart is more peaceful, knowing that you have found someone to share your steps with, Gostar" Trana beckons him to come closer. "Tonight you will be a guest of the Primordials. And so will you" she looks, one by one, at Spira, Aedion, Roxana, Gaer... and Rubybreeze. "The Lurkwood can be as fascinating as it is mysterious, as generous as it is ruthless, but within the Sacred Grove nothing will disturb your rest tonight".
As Spira speaks about how she is going to chastise the priest of Tyr, Roxana speaks up to her. "Please, leave me out of any tales if you are going to insult the servants of Tyr! I may not agree with their strict ruling here, but this is their village. And I feel like they are ultimately on the side of good."
She is happy to accompany the lad to followers of Silvanus. And glad Gaer is with her as well. Once she gets there, she is quite happy with her decision. "This place is more beautiful than I had imagined," she tells Trana after her conversation with Gostar. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"Indeed, Roxana..." Gaer reaches for her hand "This place is so welcoming that perhaps we will be better off here than in an inn in the village... I certainly prefer it. If the others wanted to join us too, we wouldn't even have need to separate... we would all already be together and ready to leave tomorrow morning".
The tiefling ranger inquires. "We have several other friends traveling with us... Four more people, plus a celestial creature from the Blessed Fields of Elysium and..." he hesitates a bit on this last point "a supernatural ferocious beast. The welcome Would the Primordials' hospitality extend to them too, Trana?"
"Your deep and intimate connection with nature is very welcome to the Primordials!" the half-elf host smiles, unable to take her eyes off Rubybreeze "You and your friends will all be welcomed, especially a creature native to the wondrous nature of Elysium, but gladly including the 'supernatural ferocious beast'; I can't wait" her curious brown eyes light up with interest "to get to know it!"
Gaer turns to Roxana: "I'm going back to warn the others of this possibility. With or without them, I'll be back soon".
"Would you be so kind as to leave your friend with me in the meantime?" It's obvious that Trana is referring to Ruby, who she is slowly bringing her fingers closer to caress her feathers. "I'd like to get to know her better..."
The tiefling ranger accepts and, without her, returns to Rash, Anita, Aidwyn, Dawnborn, Zentromya (and Balfby) to announce the new overnight opportunity. What will our heroes choose?
As Spira speaks about how she is going to chastise the priest of Tyr, Roxana speaks up to her. "Please, leave me out of any tales if you are going to insult the servants of Tyr! I may not agree with their strict ruling here, but this is their village. And I feel like they are ultimately on the side of good."
She is happy to accompany the lad to followers of Silvanus. And glad Gaer is with her as well. Once she gets there, she is quite happy with her decision. "This place is more beautiful than I had imagined," she tells Trana after her conversation with Gostar. "Thank you for your hospitality."
"Oh, don't worry, I won't scold them too fiercely.," Spira laughs. "You're right: rating and scolding at the priests in their own village probably wouldn't go over all that well. But I wonder if they'd be willing to work together to find some compromise that would honor the spirit of what both sides ... " She trails off thoughtully and says no more. Except, her brother could swear he hears a murmur as she turns away: "He's already taboo. If he offered to go in again and cleanse the tunnels ... maybe with our help ... ?"
[[ OOC: Given the lack of posts from the rest of the players, assuming the Party decides to spend the night in the Sacred Grove - post and correct me if anyone prefers otherwise! ]]
When Gaer returns, the sun has disappeared entirely below the horizon, Balfby then proceeds openly between Aidwyn and Dawnborn. The party has accepted the hospitality of the faithful of Silvanus and Trana, who in the meantime seems to have become great friends with Ruby, she studies the she-Yeth Hound with admiration and caution in equal measure.
"Truly a superb hunter" she finally murmurs. She then raises her brown eyes to Aidwyn "She seems to have truly accepted you as her Mistress, so you will have nothing to fear from her... as long as you give her the opportunity to hunt regularly. You know, though, don't you, that if you denied her for a long time this pleasure could she decide to 'revise' your role... and consider you a prey instead of a mistress? It's her nature... She lives for the excitement of the hunt and for the terror that she manages to instill in her prey before killing them. She is possibly capable of loyalty - but not of mercy. I think it is important for you to know this".
Balfby seems to take the speech as a compliment and stands proudly, before wandering off to hunt with a howl of chillingly wild joy.
Your host then leads you into the heart of the Sacred Grove, introducing you to the rest of Silvanus's faithful - humans, for the most part, but with also a few half-elves, elves or gnomes. The typical 'dwelling' here has a Spartan appearance to say the least: it is a narrow space created inside a hollow trunk, containing little more than a bed of grass and leaves - and yet, the first of you who take possession of the shelter assigned to them discover that the inside is unexpectedly comfortable, isolated from the rigors (and worries) of the outside in a probably supernatural way.
As Spira prepares to go meet the clerics of Tyr, Gaer (who has Rubybreeze perched on his shoulder again by now) murmurs to Roxana "I will not let her go with Aedion alone for company... I will go with her. But I will return to you soon".
[[ OOC: If anyone else wants to join Spira, please post ]]
In fact, it's as Gostar had said: it is hard to miss that sign with the upright gauntlet of a giant... Then you start approaching the 'Hand of Justice', a pavilion shrine representing the headquarters of the priests of Tyr. However, you are intercepted shortly before by a group of five warriors dressed in skins and armed with spears and slings, who arrange themselves in a semicircle around you (although with expressions that are more curious than hostile). A young man with a face marred by an ugly scar on his cheek inquires: "Welcome, strangers! The hour is late... and you come from the woods rather than the road. I presume you have passed through the Lurkwood and intend to seek refuge and rest in Grunwald?"
Roxana had been quick to try out the offered lodgings, expecting their simplicity to be more than enough for her needs. She is pleasantly surprised though to find out just how comfortable and secluded the spots are. As she emerges back out, she again is thanking Trana. "These are absolutely lovely accommodations. Many thanks again for having us here."
With Gaer accompanying Spira to visit the priests of Tyr, she is torn about going. 'As much as I want to see things resolved for Gostar, I'm not sure that confronting these people is a good idea,' she thinks. Eventually she decides to stay at the grove. "It is good that you want to accompany your sister. And if you think I'm needed at your side, then I will of course come. But I think you'll be safe here. And I'm just not sure I'd be of any help in this discussion."
"Stay and take a moment to rest" Gaer seeks out the Girl from Longsaddle's lips for a tender kiss. "It should be quick... I just want to make sure" he winks "that Quspira doesn't go too far with Tyr's clerics to the point of getting arrested. It could be a shock for poor Aedion if that were to happen, right?"
Then everything happens as narrated...
To the young man with a face marred by an ugly scar on his cheek the tiefling ranger replies: "We are just a group traveling north... Silvanus' druids of the Sacred Grove were like this kind enough to offer us hospitality for the night, which is why we come from the woods; thank you for your interest. We have come here to ask to speak with the clerics of Tyr, if possible".
"As guests of the druids of SIlvanus, you are welcome here" the boy seems to relax further, as he looks you up and down and nods his head. "My name is Malcer. The fact that you wish to turn to the authority of the church of Tyr for advice on a matter does you honor. Come with me, there is always one of them available, for any needs, at any time of day or night... they have a strong sense of duty, as you surely know".
Malcer therefore accompanies the two tieflings, with their baby-couatl and blood hawk (the latter two, from how they are looking at each other, are probably currently engaged in an interesting telepathic communication), up to the pavilion of the 'Hand of Justice'. He speaks briefly to a group of solemn guards in chain mail, on whose shields stands the scales symbol of their god.
The two tiefling visitors are seated after a respectful greeting and, inside, a woman in armor on whose breastplate stands, once again, the divine symbol of the maimed god of law and justice. She is sitting behind a desk with a few chairs in front of it; a face framed by a bob of black hair scans the visitors with attentive brown eyes: "Good evening strangers. Westra, at your service. What can this unworthy hand of the Even-Handed do for you?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
I know I have no more place in this than to speak for a chance companion befriended on the road," Spira begins, looking the priest of Tyr openly in the eye, "but as such, I would askthat justice be tempered with mercy, as the hot steel must be cooled by water to make a good blade. Surely there is room for mercy for the heedless bravado of a boy who never meant to deliberately blaspheme by trespass, but was only goaded by his friend's dares to a foolish, even a foolhardy act as many of us are goaded to do in our foolish youth? And some succumb, and then repent, and that is the way some need to learn. Is there no cleansing deed Gostar could do that could be set against his offense in entering the dwarf tunnels, so that his banishment could be at least softened in some way even if it could not set aside altogether. Perhaps coming within a certain distance and at least speaking from afar with his friends and family."
===========================
Persuasion 10
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"Ah, I see" Westra holds her gaze, stiffening. "Gostar. I remember him well. His case allowed no alternatives. Whoever enters the Tunnels is banned. It's the law. Look, check with me, benevolent foreigner..."
The priestess of Tyr recovers some ancient scrolls and carefully unfolds them, inviting the Sergeant of Arvandor to a long joint reading in the light of the candles that illuminate the interior of the pavilion. The woman insists on pedantically and patiently explaining to Spira the exact wording of the law on that subject, the interpretation accepted by all, the history of the related discussions on that passage of the law and the reasons that led to its introduction. Time passes, but Westra continues with enthusiasm (an enthusiasm that she is convinced that Spira and Gaer share) to explain how Grunwald was built upon the ruins of a dwarfhold - the Tunnels, in fact. The dwarves have been wiped out by an invasion of horrors from underground. Some of these horrors still remain. And also remain the tormented spirits of those dwarves who were unable to find eternal rest. Only divine providence and the intricate complexity of the Tunnels' labyrinth prevented the evil buried there from reaching the surface and the village. But woe betide if a spirit or other evil creature, perhaps following tracks, voices, or identifying the soul of a trespasser, discovered the way to the surface. There is no way to tell how serious the tragedy would be.
"...And it is for this reason," Westra finally detaches the brown eyes from the parchments and brings them back to the newcomers "that the law has been introduced. The law that provides for the ban on those who dare to enter the Tunnels. And the law is the law. The hot steel makes a good blade when cooled by water, because this is the law of the forge. If the forge made exceptions, we would not have a certain and reliable way to produce good blades. Gostar cannot return here".
"But it does you great honor, stranger," the cleric of Tyr seems impressed "that you spent so much on a young man you met by chance. And it wouldn't be right to despise your gesture. Or leave out what you point out about to the importance of learning from mistakes. The law," she checks to be sure one more time "requires banishment... from the village. Usually, that means the offender is drastically sent far away... but Gostar... if he wanted live in the Lurkwood, not too far from the village... or maybe work for the druids of Silvanus, who live in the Sacred Grove, also not far from the village... he could do it. And, even if this is not usual, that's for sure, it is not forbidden by the law, so I will defend his right to do so, if so he will".
“But mind me – it could be painful for him” Westra is keen to point out. "Being close to Grunwald, where the community where he was born and raised lives, but never being able to enter the village. His family or friends could come out of the village to visit him. They could" the gaze of those brown eyes becomes intense, for underline the importance of what she is saying. "But they could, on the contrary, choose not to do it. And this too would certainly hurt Gostar. Who in any case would have a harder life than the others, far from the protection of the village and the community".
"On the other hand, in doing so, he would also be a continuous warning to others..." the cleric of Tyr concludes "Whoever is permanently sent away, after a while is remembered only by family and closest friends. Gostar, if he decides to live in the woods, he would be more easily remembered by everyone... He could act as a deterrent against other too impetuous boys. Also for this reason, I gladly accept to offer him this possibility - if he wants to take it, I am convinced that Tyr will not be displeased and that, on the contrary, this could be according to his will and useful for maintaining law and order in the community. You can even tell the druids of Silvanus that, if they found it useful to give work (and consequently hospitality) to Gostar, we clerics of Tyr would not be against it, we would not see it as an affront. They can do it freely".
Upon their return to the Sacred Grove, the two tieflings, despite having arrived later than they had expected, are once again intercepted by Trana, who almost seems to emerge from the solid trunk of a large tree. The half-elf welcomes the two adventurers again and, once informed of the opportunity offered to Gostar, seems pleased: "Gostar has always been a boy... different from the others. Courageous, curious... mysteries and prohibitions have always represented more of a challenge than a dissuasion for him. If he decided with conviction to embrace the Path of the Druids, I am convinced that he could become one of us - probably a precious element, helping us to make the Lurkwood no less wild, but less dangerous".
"I thank you for what you have done, strangers" her brown eyes light up with gratitude, against the backdrop of the late winter night. "I proclaim you friends of Silvanus" she touches the two with an oak branch, like a lord conferring investiture on two knights. "A friendship that could be useful to you..." she smiles "The Lurkwood today hides many dangers and many threats - more than I know of. It's a wild region, filled with ruins and monsters. But if, while you wander through the forest, you happen to see a Horned Hunter who silently points you in a given direction and then vanishes... trust me, follow the directions".
On the new day, when you emerge, after a good rest night, from the shelter of the hollow trunks in which you have been hosted, you discover that the sky has clouded significantly. It is very likely that it will start to rain or snow during the day... but the Lurkwood forest, if on the one hand it will slow you down as you proceed, on the other will help you defend yourself from the bad weather.
Balfby has already returned to the awning of your vehicle and is ready to go.
The druids have decided to offer Gostar the chance to try to become one of them and he, with his eyes frequently darting to Trana, agrees. Is something perhaps developing? Be that as it may, he thanks you all profusely before you leave: "I won't forget what you've done for me. If you ever need my help, come find me... and I'll be f*cked if I don't help you!"
Thus begins your day of travel in the heart of the Lurkwood... a mixed forest of completely bare branches covered with a coating of frost and other evergreen branches, in which the bright green of the needle-like leaves supports small depths of snow. The gray sky and the shadow that the vegetation, dense even when bare, still manages to produce, give a dark and mysterious tone to the atmosphere. Sometimes you are forced to deviate briefly from the direction you would like to follow, to look for a path that the horses and cart can follow without too much difficulty; but considering how many of you are quite accustomed to life in the open air and that you also have a Blood Hawk and a Couatl that can, when necessary, fly above the height of the plants to check where you are going, you manage not to get lost and travel essentially in the desired direction.
Around mid-morning, while sparse snowflakes occasionally filter through the vegetation above without disturbing you too much, Roxana, Gaer and Aidwyn all notice the movements of large, furtive predators. They are clearly maneuvering to ambush the group from two opposite sides! They are large canids, maybe hyenas, maybe wolves... but as big as horses!
[[ OOC: Whoever noticed them can decide if and how to warn others of the possible threat. Or at least he can act. For now, a fight has not yet broken out - but the intentions of the large predators are unmistakable ]]
Gaer tries to move and speak as naturally as possible, but warns everyone of the lurking predators. The imposing canids realize they have been noticed and seem ready to pounce at any moment...
[[ OOC: You are now all aware of the presence of the five large predators. If anyone wants to attempt some non-combat action, they can post and we will determine the effects... otherwise, just post your Initiative]]
Gostar seems incredulous and looks at Aidwyn, suspicious, trying to understand where the catch is (apparently, Roxana's reaction seems more normal to him, as she expressed compassion with her words, but without going further...): "You are very kind and generous, for a foreigner who I have never met before and who knows nothing about me - while everyone who knows me or, even worse, those who had ties of friendship or blood with me, chased me away. So I hope you will understand that, even if I am not ungrateful, I am a little suspicious. Your offer is interesting, but I would like to know what you gain from it. And no, don't tell me you really need my help - you and your friends are half an army, surely my help won't make the difference. Tell me the truth".
"The truth, Gostar," Dawnborn speaks up "is that Aidwyn is a good, sensitive, generous person - and when she finds someone who needs help she feels kind of compelled to try to help them. He did that to me too. When we met, I too was an incredibly lonely person, burdened by the injustice of life and incredibly angry because of it. Just like you. Aidwyn gave me my life back - a life worth living. She will do it for you too. If you let her, of course" she raises an eyebrow questioningly.
The teenager barbarian looks now at one and then at the other of the two women... perhaps at Dawnbarn's solid-gold eyes even more than Aidwyn's, which should seem less alien to him... and in the end, he must see... something in those scleraless eyes... something that makes him nod his head: "Oh, well... then... I accept, I guess. And thank you. I will come with you - and I will try to help you in every way I can".
"As for those who I considered as my friends and family," his gaze darkens "f*ck them! If they had been worried about me they would not have reported me instead of paying me for the bet and they would not have kicked me out instead of forgiving me. I don't think they are terribly worried! And if they are, all the better! I wish them to feel really bad about it - and for a long time".
'Ah,' Roxana thinks. 'Offering the boy a job. A generous offer. But why not just ask him what skills he has?' With the others clearly having the situation in hand, she heads back over to her horse. "We probably ought to continue on our way," she calls out to the others. "You can get to know Gostar on the road."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
*actually, that mainly seems to be shorthand for "Words Went Poof". And the fact I thought that was an acronym for wip shows about how competent my brain is to write anything at all tonight. but i mostly only meant to catch Spira up to present anyway ... don't thinkthere s been anything else
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
So you set off again... and in fact before evening you reach Grunwald, the small, yet civilized Uthgardt village. From a distance, it had given you the impression of a jumble of burial mounds overgrown with bushes and scrub. But during the trip, Gostar tried to make himself useful by providing a large amount of information to anyone interested. You had therefore been warned that the homes in Grunwald are family halls, long and ovaloid mounds, constructed of heaped stone, topped with timber roofs spread by mud, which often had grass and moss growing atop them. For this reason, when you finally get to see them, you understand that what might have seemed like 'burial mounds' to you are in fact the houses of the village.
You have also been told that Grunwald is the headquarters of the Thunderbeast tribe of Uthgardt barbarians and that it represents an exception in several respects. For example, compared to other Uthgardt tribes, the people of Grunwald were fairly welcoming to outsiders. However, the barbarians did not appreciate people who loitered for too long without any clear reason... so much so that those who do so are often imprisoned, run out of town, or killed on the grounds - if the slightest suspicion arises that they could be a spy for orcs or rival tribes.
Long integrated into the village are priests of Tyr, the maimed god of justice. These often go out on patrols with the Thunderbeasts and helped to maintain overall peace in the village. And there is also a community of druids of Silvanus who are very well regarded because they heal the townsfolk for no cost (but any outsiders must pay instead, if they need their services). This community is based in the Sacred Grove of Silvanus, a grove that is in the forest east of the village, beneath the shadows of the King's Lodge. The King's Lodge is a crumbling keep with a throne room, a feast hall, and a dungeon in the lower levels. The stairs leading up to the lodge notably lacked any handrail. Above the steps were hung on iron hooks the heads of slain village foes.
Gostar recommends that you spend the night at the 'Stone Bow', a large inn, nearly as big as the King's Lodge, on the southwestern edge of the village; but he explains that, having been banished, he will not be able to enter or stay overnight... He will ask for hospitality for the night from the cultists of the Sacred Grove of Silvanus, since this is located outside the actual inhabited center, and will meet to you the following morning, once you have left Grunwald again.
What will our heroes decide? Will they actually stay overnight at Stone Bow to reunite with Gostar the next day? Or will they prefer a different solution?
In the meantime, Balfby, realizing that the sun has now almost completely set and that he will therefore soon be able to take the satisfaction of wandering free, emits a satisfied but mournful howl... upon hearing which Gostar (who has not yet known the story) Yeth Hound) turns pale and begins to tremble, stammering: "The spirits of the tunnels! They are the spirits of the tunnels beneath the village! I awakened them when I went down there, just as the legends said it would have happened... and now they are reacting to my return!"
Spira puts her hand on Gostar's shoulder soothingly. "That's no tunnel spirit. Listen again to where the sound comes from." Balfby whines at that moment, eager for the coming hunt. "See, it's coming from the wagon we have with us. A fearsome beast, I grant, but you have no need for terror. Our Dawnknight, Aidwyn, has touched his spirit with the brightness of hers, though he hunts in darkness. He's waking up now, and eager to stretch his legs; but he won't hunt till Aidwyn gives him leave. His name is Balfby."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
Roxana hears the frightening call from Balfby, but says nothing about it. 'I do hope this does not cause problems with the Uthgardt.'
"Gostar, it is a shame that you would not be allowed to accompany us to the inn," she says to the group. "I am not about to argue against their ways though. The Stone Bow inn seems the best bet for the group. But I will accompany you to ask for hospitality from those at the Sacred Grove if no one else will."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
"I ought to go there anyway.," Spira says simply. "As a priestess of Angharradh, I ought to pay the druids of Silvanus a courtesy visit. And also the priests of Tyr, if you think they might receive me, Gostar. And perhaps ... if you think they would hear ... I might say a few words about the justice of punishing the bravado of a teenage boy goaded by a dare as if it were intentional sacrilege." The irony in her voice as she pronounces the word 'justice' would be far too dense for even the mightiest smith to forge into steel.
"And if you don't think they'd hear, I'll tell them you tried to stop me but were overpowered by force of numbers as my friends grappled you and wouldn't let you throw yourself before me with nothing but a hand axe in your repentant and heroic zeal to block my path to them."
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
“Balfby?” Gostar takes courage and even dares to stick his head under the awning of the wagon to see... and immediately draws his head back with a cry, when the beast growls and makes a leap as if to bite his face off.
The teenager looks at you first terrified... then embarrassed by his own fear. "Dawnknight Aidwyn, has touched her spirit..." he repeats, more to himself to gain courage than to you, and tries again to move the curtain aside a little and look, this time without leaning too much inside... and he succeeds to support the feral gaze of the she-Yeth Hound, who continues to growl at him (even if she seems more amused by the fact of managing to disturb him, than actually intending to eat him).
"All Uthgardt barbarians" Gostar then warns you "are very suspicious of magic and the supernatural - and the Thunderbeast tribe is no exception. It is certainly better that no one knows about Balfby and her connection with you".
Spira and Roxana offer to accompany Gostar to the Sacred Grove, Gaer, promptly showing at the Girl of Longsaddle's side, is ready to add to the number: "I will gladly come with you to the Sacred Grove too. It will probably be more interesting than the village itself!"
The teenager gratefully thanks, but when the tiefling cleric suggests a visit to the clerics of Tyr he admits: "Do as you think best, Holy Lady, but I will not be able to accompany you there... Their headquarters is the 'Hand of Justice ', a pavilion shrine to Tyr in the eastern section of the village. You can't miss that sign with the upright gauntlet of a giant... but it is inside the f*cking village, so I can't come. And the practice of banishing anyone who dares enter the f*cking Tunnels is ancient and well-established... I really have no faith in them changing it for you - but I honestly don't know the extent of your influence, Holy Lady, so I certainly won't dare I'll give you some advice".
Finding the Sacred Grove is quick and easy, considering that Gostar guides you and that it is very close to the village - and once you get close, indeed, the majestic trees that compose it immediately catch your eye. You already knew that sequoias can become majestic plants; but you have never seen sequoias with such a massive trunk (none is less than 20' thick - and some reach 25'-30') and such a great height (none is less than 100 yards tall - and some reach 110 - 115 yards)... As if the vegetal giants offered reassuring protection, the atmosphere is calm, serene and soothing. Even the banned teenager seems to have lost part of his bitter acrimony and relaxes his features into a hint of a smile.
From behind a plant emerges a half-elf with long brown curls, tanner, shorter and plumper than the average of her race, who looks at you with curiosity and greets you: "The forest embraces you, visitors. Even those" she raises an eyebrow , staring at Gostar "which the village certainly wouldn't embrace. But you know that it wouldn't be safe for you to stay here for a long time, don't you?"
“I won't stay long, Trana” the teen replies. "Tomorrow I will head north with the members of this expedition. You will probably never hear of me again, neither here at the grove nor in the village".
"My heart is more peaceful, knowing that you have found someone to share your steps with, Gostar" Trana beckons him to come closer. "Tonight you will be a guest of the Primordials. And so will you" she looks, one by one, at Spira, Aedion, Roxana, Gaer... and Rubybreeze. "The Lurkwood can be as fascinating as it is mysterious, as generous as it is ruthless, but within the Sacred Grove nothing will disturb your rest tonight".
As Spira speaks about how she is going to chastise the priest of Tyr, Roxana speaks up to her. "Please, leave me out of any tales if you are going to insult the servants of Tyr! I may not agree with their strict ruling here, but this is their village. And I feel like they are ultimately on the side of good."
She is happy to accompany the lad to followers of Silvanus. And glad Gaer is with her as well. Once she gets there, she is quite happy with her decision. "This place is more beautiful than I had imagined," she tells Trana after her conversation with Gostar. "Thank you for your hospitality."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
"Indeed, Roxana..." Gaer reaches for her hand "This place is so welcoming that perhaps we will be better off here than in an inn in the village... I certainly prefer it. If the others wanted to join us too, we wouldn't even have need to separate... we would all already be together and ready to leave tomorrow morning".
The tiefling ranger inquires. "We have several other friends traveling with us... Four more people, plus a celestial creature from the Blessed Fields of Elysium and..." he hesitates a bit on this last point "a supernatural ferocious beast. The welcome Would the Primordials' hospitality extend to them too, Trana?"
"Your deep and intimate connection with nature is very welcome to the Primordials!" the half-elf host smiles, unable to take her eyes off Rubybreeze "You and your friends will all be welcomed, especially a creature native to the wondrous nature of Elysium, but gladly including the 'supernatural ferocious beast'; I can't wait" her curious brown eyes light up with interest "to get to know it!"
Gaer turns to Roxana: "I'm going back to warn the others of this possibility. With or without them, I'll be back soon".
"Would you be so kind as to leave your friend with me in the meantime?" It's obvious that Trana is referring to Ruby, who she is slowly bringing her fingers closer to caress her feathers. "I'd like to get to know her better..."
The tiefling ranger accepts and, without her, returns to Rash, Anita, Aidwyn, Dawnborn, Zentromya (and Balfby) to announce the new overnight opportunity. What will our heroes choose?
"Oh, don't worry, I won't scold them too fiercely.," Spira laughs. "You're right: rating and scolding at the priests in their own village probably wouldn't go over all that well. But I wonder if they'd be willing to work together to find some compromise that would honor the spirit of what both sides ... " She trails off thoughtully and says no more. Except, her brother could swear he hears a murmur as she turns away: "He's already taboo. If he offered to go in again and cleanse the tunnels ... maybe with our help ... ?"
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
[[ OOC: Given the lack of posts from the rest of the players, assuming the Party decides to spend the night in the Sacred Grove - post and correct me if anyone prefers otherwise! ]]
When Gaer returns, the sun has disappeared entirely below the horizon, Balfby then proceeds openly between Aidwyn and Dawnborn. The party has accepted the hospitality of the faithful of Silvanus and Trana, who in the meantime seems to have become great friends with Ruby, she studies the she-Yeth Hound with admiration and caution in equal measure.
"Truly a superb hunter" she finally murmurs. She then raises her brown eyes to Aidwyn "She seems to have truly accepted you as her Mistress, so you will have nothing to fear from her... as long as you give her the opportunity to hunt regularly. You know, though, don't you, that if you denied her for a long time this pleasure could she decide to 'revise' your role... and consider you a prey instead of a mistress? It's her nature... She lives for the excitement of the hunt and for the terror that she manages to instill in her prey before killing them. She is possibly capable of loyalty - but not of mercy. I think it is important for you to know this".
Balfby seems to take the speech as a compliment and stands proudly, before wandering off to hunt with a howl of chillingly wild joy.
Your host then leads you into the heart of the Sacred Grove, introducing you to the rest of Silvanus's faithful - humans, for the most part, but with also a few half-elves, elves or gnomes. The typical 'dwelling' here has a Spartan appearance to say the least: it is a narrow space created inside a hollow trunk, containing little more than a bed of grass and leaves - and yet, the first of you who take possession of the shelter assigned to them discover that the inside is unexpectedly comfortable, isolated from the rigors (and worries) of the outside in a probably supernatural way.
As Spira prepares to go meet the clerics of Tyr, Gaer (who has Rubybreeze perched on his shoulder again by now) murmurs to Roxana "I will not let her go with Aedion alone for company... I will go with her. But I will return to you soon".
[[ OOC: If anyone else wants to join Spira, please post ]]
In fact, it's as Gostar had said: it is hard to miss that sign with the upright gauntlet of a giant... Then you start approaching the 'Hand of Justice', a pavilion shrine representing the headquarters of the priests of Tyr. However, you are intercepted shortly before by a group of five warriors dressed in skins and armed with spears and slings, who arrange themselves in a semicircle around you (although with expressions that are more curious than hostile). A young man with a face marred by an ugly scar on his cheek inquires: "Welcome, strangers! The hour is late... and you come from the woods rather than the road. I presume you have passed through the Lurkwood and intend to seek refuge and rest in Grunwald?"
Roxana had been quick to try out the offered lodgings, expecting their simplicity to be more than enough for her needs. She is pleasantly surprised though to find out just how comfortable and secluded the spots are. As she emerges back out, she again is thanking Trana. "These are absolutely lovely accommodations. Many thanks again for having us here."
With Gaer accompanying Spira to visit the priests of Tyr, she is torn about going. 'As much as I want to see things resolved for Gostar, I'm not sure that confronting these people is a good idea,' she thinks. Eventually she decides to stay at the grove. "It is good that you want to accompany your sister. And if you think I'm needed at your side, then I will of course come. But I think you'll be safe here. And I'm just not sure I'd be of any help in this discussion."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
Before Gaer leaves, in response to Roxana:
"Stay and take a moment to rest" Gaer seeks out the Girl from Longsaddle's lips for a tender kiss. "It should be quick... I just want to make sure" he winks "that Quspira doesn't go too far with Tyr's clerics to the point of getting arrested. It could be a shock for poor Aedion if that were to happen, right?"
Then everything happens as narrated...
To the young man with a face marred by an ugly scar on his cheek the tiefling ranger replies: "We are just a group traveling north... Silvanus' druids of the Sacred Grove were like this kind enough to offer us hospitality for the night, which is why we come from the woods; thank you for your interest. We have come here to ask to speak with the clerics of Tyr, if possible".
"As guests of the druids of SIlvanus, you are welcome here" the boy seems to relax further, as he looks you up and down and nods his head. "My name is Malcer. The fact that you wish to turn to the authority of the church of Tyr for advice on a matter does you honor. Come with me, there is always one of them available, for any needs, at any time of day or night... they have a strong sense of duty, as you surely know".
Malcer therefore accompanies the two tieflings, with their baby-couatl and blood hawk (the latter two, from how they are looking at each other, are probably currently engaged in an interesting telepathic communication), up to the pavilion of the 'Hand of Justice'. He speaks briefly to a group of solemn guards in chain mail, on whose shields stands the scales symbol of their god.
The two tiefling visitors are seated after a respectful greeting and, inside, a woman in armor on whose breastplate stands, once again, the divine symbol of the maimed god of law and justice. She is sitting behind a desk with a few chairs in front of it; a face framed by a bob of black hair scans the visitors with attentive brown eyes: "Good evening strangers. Westra, at your service. What can this unworthy hand of the Even-Handed do for you?"
I know I have no more place in this than to speak for a chance companion befriended on the road," Spira begins, looking the priest of Tyr openly in the eye, "but as such, I would askthat justice be tempered with mercy, as the hot steel must be cooled by water to make a good blade. Surely there is room for mercy for the heedless bravado of a boy who never meant to deliberately blaspheme by trespass, but was only goaded by his friend's dares to a foolish, even a foolhardy act as many of us are goaded to do in our foolish youth? And some succumb, and then repent, and that is the way some need to learn. Is there no cleansing deed Gostar could do that could be set against his offense in entering the dwarf tunnels, so that his banishment could be at least softened in some way even if it could not set aside altogether. Perhaps coming within a certain distance and at least speaking from afar with his friends and family."
===========================
Persuasion 10
Famh Thrawn Fiadhaich - 'half elven' sorcerer (wild magic) 2, Sleeping Gods - A Dragon Warriors campaign in the Lands of Legend
Quspira Inirali - tiefling cleric (Life domain) 4, Painted's "He'll be the father of my child"
---RETIRED HEROES' REST HOME---
Sae Ivui Nailo - wood elf rogue (inquisitive) 5 , Sea of Death: Captain Hailstorm's Lost Treasure
Ryshraxea "Shra" Naranthi - tabaxi artificer 1, Nyx's Tomb of Annihilation - Group 1
"Ah, I see" Westra holds her gaze, stiffening. "Gostar. I remember him well. His case allowed no alternatives. Whoever enters the Tunnels is banned. It's the law. Look, check with me, benevolent foreigner..."
The priestess of Tyr recovers some ancient scrolls and carefully unfolds them, inviting the Sergeant of Arvandor to a long joint reading in the light of the candles that illuminate the interior of the pavilion. The woman insists on pedantically and patiently explaining to Spira the exact wording of the law on that subject, the interpretation accepted by all, the history of the related discussions on that passage of the law and the reasons that led to its introduction. Time passes, but Westra continues with enthusiasm (an enthusiasm that she is convinced that Spira and Gaer share) to explain how Grunwald was built upon the ruins of a dwarfhold - the Tunnels, in fact. The dwarves have been wiped out by an invasion of horrors from underground. Some of these horrors still remain. And also remain the tormented spirits of those dwarves who were unable to find eternal rest. Only divine providence and the intricate complexity of the Tunnels' labyrinth prevented the evil buried there from reaching the surface and the village. But woe betide if a spirit or other evil creature, perhaps following tracks, voices, or identifying the soul of a trespasser, discovered the way to the surface. There is no way to tell how serious the tragedy would be.
"...And it is for this reason," Westra finally detaches the brown eyes from the parchments and brings them back to the newcomers "that the law has been introduced. The law that provides for the ban on those who dare to enter the Tunnels. And the law is the law. The hot steel makes a good blade when cooled by water, because this is the law of the forge. If the forge made exceptions, we would not have a certain and reliable way to produce good blades. Gostar cannot return here".
"But it does you great honor, stranger," the cleric of Tyr seems impressed "that you spent so much on a young man you met by chance. And it wouldn't be right to despise your gesture. Or leave out what you point out about to the importance of learning from mistakes. The law," she checks to be sure one more time "requires banishment... from the village. Usually, that means the offender is drastically sent far away... but Gostar... if he wanted live in the Lurkwood, not too far from the village... or maybe work for the druids of Silvanus, who live in the Sacred Grove, also not far from the village... he could do it. And, even if this is not usual, that's for sure, it is not forbidden by the law, so I will defend his right to do so, if so he will".
“But mind me – it could be painful for him” Westra is keen to point out. "Being close to Grunwald, where the community where he was born and raised lives, but never being able to enter the village. His family or friends could come out of the village to visit him. They could" the gaze of those brown eyes becomes intense, for underline the importance of what she is saying. "But they could, on the contrary, choose not to do it. And this too would certainly hurt Gostar. Who in any case would have a harder life than the others, far from the protection of the village and the community".
"On the other hand, in doing so, he would also be a continuous warning to others..." the cleric of Tyr concludes "Whoever is permanently sent away, after a while is remembered only by family and closest friends. Gostar, if he decides to live in the woods, he would be more easily remembered by everyone... He could act as a deterrent against other too impetuous boys. Also for this reason, I gladly accept to offer him this possibility - if he wants to take it, I am convinced that Tyr will not be displeased and that, on the contrary, this could be according to his will and useful for maintaining law and order in the community. You can even tell the druids of Silvanus that, if they found it useful to give work (and consequently hospitality) to Gostar, we clerics of Tyr would not be against it, we would not see it as an affront. They can do it freely".
Upon their return to the Sacred Grove, the two tieflings, despite having arrived later than they had expected, are once again intercepted by Trana, who almost seems to emerge from the solid trunk of a large tree. The half-elf welcomes the two adventurers again and, once informed of the opportunity offered to Gostar, seems pleased: "Gostar has always been a boy... different from the others. Courageous, curious... mysteries and prohibitions have always represented more of a challenge than a dissuasion for him. If he decided with conviction to embrace the Path of the Druids, I am convinced that he could become one of us - probably a precious element, helping us to make the Lurkwood no less wild, but less dangerous".
"I thank you for what you have done, strangers" her brown eyes light up with gratitude, against the backdrop of the late winter night. "I proclaim you friends of Silvanus" she touches the two with an oak branch, like a lord conferring investiture on two knights. "A friendship that could be useful to you..." she smiles "The Lurkwood today hides many dangers and many threats - more than I know of. It's a wild region, filled with ruins and monsters. But if, while you wander through the forest, you happen to see a Horned Hunter who silently points you in a given direction and then vanishes... trust me, follow the directions".
On the new day, when you emerge, after a good rest night, from the shelter of the hollow trunks in which you have been hosted, you discover that the sky has clouded significantly. It is very likely that it will start to rain or snow during the day... but the Lurkwood forest, if on the one hand it will slow you down as you proceed, on the other will help you defend yourself from the bad weather.
Balfby has already returned to the awning of your vehicle and is ready to go.
The druids have decided to offer Gostar the chance to try to become one of them and he, with his eyes frequently darting to Trana, agrees. Is something perhaps developing? Be that as it may, he thanks you all profusely before you leave: "I won't forget what you've done for me. If you ever need my help, come find me... and I'll be f*cked if I don't help you!"
Thus begins your day of travel in the heart of the Lurkwood... a mixed forest of completely bare branches covered with a coating of frost and other evergreen branches, in which the bright green of the needle-like leaves supports small depths of snow. The gray sky and the shadow that the vegetation, dense even when bare, still manages to produce, give a dark and mysterious tone to the atmosphere. Sometimes you are forced to deviate briefly from the direction you would like to follow, to look for a path that the horses and cart can follow without too much difficulty; but considering how many of you are quite accustomed to life in the open air and that you also have a Blood Hawk and a Couatl that can, when necessary, fly above the height of the plants to check where you are going, you manage not to get lost and travel essentially in the desired direction.
2 6 15 20 14 8 10 11
Around mid-morning, while sparse snowflakes occasionally filter through the vegetation above without disturbing you too much, Roxana, Gaer and Aidwyn all notice the movements of large, furtive predators. They are clearly maneuvering to ambush the group from two opposite sides! They are large canids, maybe hyenas, maybe wolves... but as big as horses!
[[ OOC: Whoever noticed them can decide if and how to warn others of the possible threat. Or at least he can act. For now, a fight has not yet broken out - but the intentions of the large predators are unmistakable ]]
Gaer tries to move and speak as naturally as possible, but warns everyone of the lurking predators. The imposing canids realize they have been noticed and seem ready to pounce at any moment...
[[ OOC: You are now all aware of the presence of the five large predators. If anyone wants to attempt some non-combat action, they can post and we will determine the effects... otherwise, just post your Initiative]]
Situation map: