Difference between revisions of "Into the Woods"

Revision as of 14:47, 29 February 2024

This adventure followed the retreat of the group led by Shale, Head Priestess of Perasin, and Solidus Proudfoot, Chief Priest of Varice from the area below Promise Junction following their defeat at the hands of the Dark Elven forces of Kiaransalee.

Troubles afoot

Just before dawn, Klaven and Siege, two members of the village guard, were out on patrol when they heard a disturbance in the woods north of the compound. Klaven went to chase whatever it was out, but it took to the air, and Siege saw that it appeared to be a flying pig-cat -- except it had two heads, one porcine and one feline. They attempted to follow it, but it attacked and killed a kobold before flying off into the hill country south of the village. Despite the efforts of the patrol, the village's head of security Quaithan and his blink dog companions, the creature could not be located. After reporting to Bramus at the Red Dragon Inn, the guard captain suggested Tula, who was in the village to have a look a giant green weasel captured by the village, ask Rodney, the local ranger, to accompany the druid Tara Goldmoon into town to further examine the giant weasel.

After breakfast, Bramus and his lieutenant Toshiro were headed out on morning patrol when they spotted two of the village adolescents, Lenin and Fern, running toward them from the farms. It seemed that they had found a wristband in the eastern forest that had been the source of several of the unusual creatures in the village, and Fern had put it on and could not get it off. Bardo attempted to read the writing without success, although Alvin detected strong magic emanating from it. Emi fetched Gilbert, who recognizes the writing, and Bardo then attempted to read it. She read out "Ocsiban, Temple of Demeter".

The town's librarian, Shirella, arrived and attempted to dispel the band's magic, but was unsuccessful. Having Isu reduce or enlarge either Fern's hand or the wristband was considered too dangerous. While Emi, the village messenger, prepared to go to Imor to report the finding of an item related to Ocsiban as requested by Lt. Barberry during her previous visit, Bardo went to inform Fern's mother of her situation. She was accompanied by Emwun, a mercenary who happened to be in the common room. While examining Fern, Toshiro discovered an oddly-shaped mole on her throat, which Rin identified as being similar to the symbol of Raskill.

While Gilbert prepared to attempt to identify the purpose of the wristband, Solidus and Rin conferred over how to proceed with questioning the hedge witch Tammra, who had been killed in the tunnels by a Drow's fireball. Learning that she desired revenge on her murderer, and that she had only what was on her person and her peddler's cart to use in aiding her raising, Solidus asked what might have happened to her dog, about which she denied knowing anything.

First foray to the castle

After lunch, Bramus asked Lenin to show him where he found the wristband. Accompanied by Toshiro, Solidus, Ishmakha and Makoto -- who, as a kitsune, had some tracking ability -- they proceeded into the woods east of town. Makoto detected a number of scents, mostly humanoid but one that was wolf-like which seemed to disturb her. Just then, Bramus spotted a small blue creature, which Toshiro recognized as a frost. First hiding from Solidus threatening her with a sling, she then came to Toshiro and introduced herself as Blui. The fairy warned them of the evil in the building ahead, and that she had seen and heard activity there.

The explorers soon came upon the building in question, which appeared to be a small castle or perhaps a large fort, complete with parapets and a moat. Lenin pointed out where he'd found the wristband, and they set out to return to the RDI. Makoto secretly confided to Bramus regarding the odd scent, speculating that it might be a werewolf. Solidus suggested that he attempt to learn the history of the building.

Planning commences

When Gilbert failed to learn anything about the wristband, Siege suggested waiting for Lt. Barberry's arrival before proceeding further. Alvin suggested bringing more powerful magic to bear, and Sinjimin agreed to inquire about AutumnRose's availability. Meanwhile, as Shale was patrolling the marketplace, Rakeor told her that Embrodak, the head of the Dwarven crew building the road south of town, would come later that evening to examine the hole in the floor of the temple of Perasin.

Nyla came down for lunch, and Gilbert warned her of the impending arrival of Tara Goldmoon, who believed Nyla was dead and might notify her former lord, Turgan Khan. The warrior brushed off concerns. Duper, the Orcish bard, also came downstairs to ask Gilbert and Lily if they would aid in her planned repair in the basement of the temple of Gruumsh that evening. She expressed concern that demon roaches might interfere, causing Fern some consternation.

When Bramus and his team returned, Ishmakha went to check Tammra's cart, only to find that everything had been taken from it. The Karis informed Shale, then checked with Oashelf, the Gnomish trinket seller. Learning nothing, he proceeded to the RDI and informed Toshiro, who immediately questioned the two likeliest suspects: Makoto and Lily, who both denied involvement. Solidus mentioned that he might be able to find something from the cart, and the Gnomish tumbler quietly slipped out. Makoto spotted her and tried to convince her to put the stuff back, but the Gnome refused, choosing instead to hide her booty behind the shops.

Duper went to visit Stom, who convinced her to use her special skill to build an arena like the Ring of Brute Force. After Sato described it, she was convinced by the half-Orc's charms, and decided she would put off both High Priest Shazbot of Gruumsh and Mukmuk the kobold, with both of whom she'd already contracted for the following day...

Cast of characters

This adventure is being run by Shelley Proulx. Characters involved are still to be determined.

Adventure timeline