Wardens of Heroes Gate

In the Quarters of Teacher Solomvar

] You have been summoned to the quarters of Teacher Solomvar. You have heard that he has been teaching at Song Moon Temple ever since its founding just after the Spellplague over a hundred years ago. The two of you have been training at the temple in the Starspire Mountains for over a decade. You both began as wards of the monastery, but became novices when you reached an acceptable age. That was nearly 10 years ago now, and you have advanced through Novice ranks and both recently started wearing the colors of the Potential Adept. Potentials of the Song Moon Temple are sent on a series of assignments by the various teachers to test them and to further develop their skills and abilities. Most Novices begin their assignments with Adept-level teachers, with a final assignment from a Master-level teacher but you have been summoned for your first assignment by a Grandmaster in the monastery, which. The elderly half-elf is standing facing a shelf of books when you enter.

Yisi] Bowing my head I say – “Teacher Solomvar. We were pleased to recive a call from you. How can we serve?”

] Solomvar turns towards you and smiles. “Ah! Yisi and Valea! Just in time! I will soon be in need of more wine. I recently tapped my only remaining cask of Springtide Red and it will be a sad thing to see it dry without a resupply on the way. As our newest Potential Adepts, I think you two would be ideal candidates for the journey required to restock my favorite vintage.”

Valea] “This one would be glad for a journey. Sun is high and sky is blue, a journey for wine would seem just the thing to do yes?”

] Solomvar “Indeed! Just the thing! Your destination is the Treyvigg Monastery in the Small Teeth, nearly 150 miles away. It will require a half a tendays travel. Much of the distance is via the Trade Way… once you clear Tethirs Forest, turn East towards Brost. The monastary is about two  or three days travel from there as I recall. You will see the vineyards on the foothills. Should be difficult to miss… but if you arrive in Brost you went well too far… turn around and go back a day.
While you are there… I would like you to spend some time with a young friend of mine – Elder Arrodonn. He is among their very most proficient with defensive techniques… and if you know anything about Treyvigg Monastery – defensive tactics are what they are famous for… well… after their wine. I wish we could grow grapes here in the Starspires… something about elevation prevents it I’m told… but I that is not your concern.
I want you to plan on spending at least two months with Arrodonn. Given his talent for teaching and your talent for learning, that should give you proficiency as Keen Defenders. Then you can return and share your knowledge with the Adepts.”

Yisi] “We are eager to learn, and to teach, these techniques… but that means we will be away a long while. What about your wine?”

] Solomvar “I will just have to be patient then, won’t I? But trust me… the Summertide Red is worth waiting for. Now the journey north along the Trade Way is typically not too dangerous, but once you turn east on Tethir Road, your odds of encountering trouble will increase, and two is a small number compared to what may be waiting for you. If I were you, I would hire some extra blades when you pass through Mosstone.
Now… have any commitments you need to see through before you depart?”

Valea] “Only our daily tasks. We can be ready to leave at first light.”

] Solomvar “Perfect. I was hoping you had not already been called on by other teachers. They will get their turn… but you know Teacher Solomvar is getting old… I am glad to have your first service as Potentials.
Now go see Steward Faramond about getting the portal ready to open to the Trade Way. You will need some horses and a flatbed wagon. See Steward Kymma about provisions and some healing potions in case you need any.
Oh… and you will need some gold. I can attend to that chore right now.”

] He digs in a chest in the corner and drops a heavy bag in your hands. The contents are entirely gold coins. You estimate about 300 gp by the weight of it.

] Solomvar “The wine will cost 150gp, pay them 200gp instead. Use the rest as you need to. Treyvigg will provide your lodging while you are visiting students, but who knows what other expenses might confront you.”

Yisi] “Thank you Teacher Solomvar. And thank you for opportunity to increase our martial skill. To study with Elder Arrodonn promises to be a great privilege.”

] Solomvar “Oh indeed it is. We have had a long-standing agreement to cross train our Adepts, years now we have been discussing this actually, but I was waiting for the right Potetials to send. I am confident I have found them. Arrodonn may send others back with you to train here for a time. It would be ideal timing actually, so please offer the invite when the time comes.”

Valea] “We will be certain to do so. This one has not been beyond our mountain here, or anywhere near the Trade Way since she was very young. What kinds of dangers are we likely to meet with?”

] Solomvar “That is a long list… as long as your tail I am afraid… but you both have the skills to confront most of what you may find. I probably don’t need to say it… avoid the Dragons. There are a few known to live in the Small Teeth. You may encounters beasts or bandits – be smart about engaging. You could likely take twice your number in the average roadway bandit, but there are times when the best way to prove your courage is to run away and fight another day yes?”

Yisi] “Arise my battlefield! Unless you best sleep. Face me my foe! Unless you be certain of my woe.”

] Solomvar chuckles “Yes, something along those lines Yisi. Have you ever given thought to picking up a musical instrument?”

Yisi] “Thought? … yes… but while I enjoy the sound the music, it would seem I find little joy in the making of it. I have, however, been spending time with the temple scribes to learn how to work with ink.”

] Solomvar “Ink you say… yes, I suppose verse has a place on parchment as much as on a bards tongue. There is a certain wizard I know near Waterdeep who has perfected the art of enchanting her calligraphy. Nallasa Myst is her name. She is an accomplished poet… She is also a Firbolg and largely keeps herself to herself but I might be able to persuade her to spend some time with you. She would be difficult to learn from I expect, but I think truly… enchanting your verse could become the grand art of your life Yisi. I will try to reach Nallasa in the Ardeep Forest while you are gathering my wine.”

Valea] “This one prefers to hear the fancy words of my knife-ear, they are already magic to Valea.”

] Solomvar “Oh, he would still speak them. As I understand the enchantment, the reading aloud of words written with enchanted ink is like a wizards spell scroll, except that you do not need to be a trained wizard for the enchantment to work. Much depends on the ingredients within the ink itself, and the calligraphy skill of the inker.”

Yisi] “I would very much like to learn the skill Teacher Solomvar. I am grateful you would attempt to make it possible.”

] Solomvar “Nallanemys is the name some know her by. She introduced herself to me as simply Nallasa. She had been around a long time when I first met her – and that was before the spellplague. We have maintained correspondence because we share a love of good wine. In fact, that may be all that is needed to convince her to teach you… a cask of Summertide Red. Best order 8 casks from Treyviggs… just to be prepared.” He digs another 100 gp out of a pouch and hands it to you. “Here, this should do. Please be generous with the monks of Treyvigg – they are certainly generous themselves and deserve some returned upon them.”

Yisi] “Certainly. We will ensure it. Thank you Teacher Solomvar .”

] Solomvar “Now Valea… I have been thinking about you as well. Now that you are an Potential Adept, the world outside our walls are open to you. Yisi has been developing his art with poetry, but I have yet to learn where your art may be found.”

Valea] “Valea thinks martial prowess to be her art.”

] Solomvar, smiling… “So it is my feline friend, and you have certainly pursued it as such. I trust you will continue to as well – the power of an Adept is impressive, but you have the talent to move on to mastery – you both do. Your martial ability needs to be balanced however. This will become more apparent as you progress – in fact… without some art to provide this balance, mastery often hides from one seeking it. Yisi balances the physical with his verse, but there are many ways to accomplish this in our world. I want you to think on this while you journey Valea.”

Valea] “This one will do as her teacher enjoins. She is grateful for such wisdom.”

] Solomvar “Good good. You have a long journey calling you. Set things in order and sleep long tonight – it will be a long time before you have the peace of your chamber again – appreciate it, but do not cling to it. You venture into a time where gentle peace will be elusive. Even while you board with the monks at Treyvigg, you must not relax your guard until you return home. Now off with you before I teach you another lesson you did not ask for.”

Next scene >

North Along The Trade Way

] An hour ago, you arrived via portal in the foothills of The Starspire Mountains close to The Trade Way. One of your teachers in the Song Moon Temple has asked you to journey to the Treyvigg Monastery to replenish his supply of Summertide Wine. While you are there, a monk named Elder Arrodonn will spend time with you – teaching you martial defensive tactics, which the monastery is renowned for. You are riding in a flat bed wagon being pulled by two horses, one black, one khaki in color. The day is early still and this section of The Trade Way has seen little traffic. Summer is in full affect all around you and the blue sky cheers you as the sun warms your skin. About a league to your left you can see the coastline of Firedrake Bay and even large portions of the forested Dragon’s Neck Peninsula.

] The roadway has curved up and down and turned left and right for the past 10 miles. You are just reaching the crest of an upward slope and you can see the Trade Way starts a long and straight downward stretch. About a half mile ahead of you, you see a small caravan of 3 wagons being pulled by a team of what appear to be oxen. The lead wagon is a wide and tall box carriage. Off the left of the Trade Way, the hillside down to Firedrake Bay steepens – nearly to becoming cliffs. To the right of the roadway for as far as you can see, there is the thick forest of The Wealdath.

] Before you start on the download slope, you notice the caravan ahead has pulled to a stop about 2000 feet ahead of you. There are 4 bandits standing in the roadway in front of the lead wagon. Yisi – you can see that they are all half-orcs with crossbows in their hands.

Yisi] “Bandits!”

Valea] “Already? This one thought the trouble still a day or two away.”

Yisi] “I see 4 of them, but there may be more in the forest. The wagons surely have some guard right? Should we try to help or wait back?”

Valea] “If we don’t help, we will be the next in line to be victims. Better… Valea thinks… to join against bandits yes?”

Yisi] “Agreed” We urge the horses on towards the hold-up.

] As you close to the downhill distance to about half, the action starts up in front of the lead wagon. A large Bugbear has jumped down from the front of the wagon and two other fighters have joined him from the trailing wagons. One falls with two bolts in his chest before he can even engage, the other has drawn a longsword.

Yisi] I pull our horses in behind the last wagon and draw my weapons. “Watch for fire from the right – there should be more than four of them.”

Valea] I also ready weapons and run to join the combat along the left side of the stopped wagons.

[Initiatives]

] The female guard with the longsword attacks the first Bandit (01) which fired on the other guard [()] but she swings in anger and fails to get through the half-orcs defense. As you approach, you pass by the guard that was felled. He appears to be alive but has two bolts protruding from his chest.

Valea] I join the other guard in attacking the same bandit.

1d20 Attack 15 +7 = 22 [Hit] | Dmg 3 +5 = 8

1d20 unarmed Attack 8 +6 = 14 [Miss]

] You rush in and make solid contact with your Basto Stick, but the attempt to follow-up with a spin kick falls short. The other bandits both focus their crossbow fire on you and the guard. [()] You hear the mechanism of the crossbow and easily dodge the attack, but the guard took a hit, the bolt glancing off of her.

Yisi] I go after the second Bandit (2) on the left side and attack with my Trisula

1d20 Attack 11 +7 = 18 [Hit] |Dmg  4 +7 = 11

1d20 unarmed Attack 16 + 6 = 22 [Hit] | Dmg 3 +6 = 9

] You surprise the Bandit (2) with your speed of movement which puts the half-orc just slightly off balance – which is plenty enough for you to target vulnerable targets with your needle daggers. The tendon connecting his torso to his hips and legs is damaged, causing the huge enemy to double forward. You spring up with a knee to the falling forehead, snapping his neck backwards. The Bandit falls into his death.

] The 9 foot tall Bugbear from the lead wagon goes after one of the right-side bandits (3) [()] successfully drawing blood with an intimidating roar. Both Bandits (3&4) focus on the Bugbear [()] and successfully strike but the giant beast seems unhurt.

] The Guard again attacks the same Bandit (1) [()] dropping him to a knee.

Valea] I use a spinning heel kick to the Bandit (1)

2d20  unarmed Attack 12 +6 = 18 [Hit] | Dmg 4 +4 = 8

] Your heel makes a solid connection to the half-orc’s skull, shaking his brains beyond recovery.

Valea] I run to the other side and attack one of the Bandits engaged with the Bugbear, facing away from me.

2d20a Attack 15 +7 = 22 [Hit] | Dmg 4 +5 = 9

] You leap into the air and bring your Basto Sticks into the backside of the half-orcs neck, snapping it into several pieces. His head flops as his body drops.

] Bandit (4) sees he is now alone and turns to run into the forest, giving the Bugbear an attack of opportunity. [()] The remaining Bandit is hurt but manages to escape into the forest. From the dark foliage, you hear him shout out “Cyrics Cudgel shall be avenged!”

] The Bugbear shakes his warhammer into the sky and roars some frightening response into the wood, then turns back to the wagon.

] Tronk “Nim alive? Norli ok?”

] A three foot tall halfling sticks his head out of the wagon box and looks around.

] Nim “Are we good? Bad guys dead Tronk?”

] Tronk “Bad guys dead.”

] Nim “Oh good. Well done Tronk.”

] The halfling man is nearly naked, wearing just a white silken loin cloth. His hair is long and bleached to bright blonde color. His skin looks sun-baked brown.

] Nim “What have we here? An elf and a cat… Since Tronk is not pulling you apart, I assume you are not with the Bandits.”

] Guard Vedette “They came in from roadway behind us and lept to our aid in perfect time. Guard Varannt has been hurt, I must see to him.”

Yisi] “Well met. My name is Yisi and this is Valea. It is true, we were on the road behind you and saw what was happening.”

] Nim “We extend our thanks. Tronk would have probably crushed them all on his own, but your help made quick work of the fools.” He turns back inside the boxed wagon. “Norli. We have an injured guard, please see what you can do?”

] Another halfing exits from the wagon, a female dressed in blue satin robes. She puts a hand down on the wagon and somersaults off and lands deftly on her little feet. Without saying a word, she goes to the injured guard and covers his wounds with some woven cloth. Then she walks over to Valea and looks you up and down. She touches the Basto Stick in the holster on your outer thigh and then turns and leaps back into the carriage. She returns with two long strips of woven cloth, brown with green knot designs. She holds them out to you. You notice that each of the strips of cloth have an emblem stamped into them that looks like a small bird carrying a weavers knot.

] Nim “Norli would like to express her gratitude with a gift. Don’t be too grateful now Norli… those fetch a nice sum back in Calimport remember?”

] The female halfling hands you one of the strips of cloth and motions for you to raise your hands. She then wraps the long strip around your waist, being careful of your tail. Then she takes the other long strip and wraps it around your back to the front, crossing over your breasts. She a moment and straightens the cloth out. It seems to cling to itself so that it need not be tied down.

] The woven material is enchanted. The top strip grants you immunity to Force damage while you are wearing it (no attunement) and the bottom strip grants you a limited version of Freedom of Movement – while wearing this cloth, you have advantage and a bonus +4 on any saving throws to avoid or escape any sort of grappling, speed reduction, restraint or paralysis. Difficult terrain will not decrease your speed.

Valea] “Valea is very grateful for your gift. These are both beautiful and valuable beyond warrant, this moggie-girl is very pleased to be so graced. Thank you Norli.”

] The halfling then walks over to Yisi and same as before, looks you up and down and touches the weapons at your side. She takes longer than she did with Valea but then brightens and leaps into the wagon, returning with a black sash. She motions to drap it over your head across your chest.

] Nim “Now that one is really far too much Norli. I could have sold that for a thousand gold pieces. And probably a lot more in Baldurs Gate ”

Yisi] “Oh wow… well I agree with Nim, this is far too costly. I can more than be repaid with just a smile from you Norli.” I start to take the sash off.

] Norli smiles at you but stops your hand. She turns and shakes a fist at her brother Nim and then turns back to you, straightening the sash and admiring how it lays across you. This is a magical sash that grants you the Haste spell on yourself once per day while wearing it. (No attunement)

] Nim “Ok fine Norli. You are right… It is yours to do with as you please.” He looks to up you and explains. “Norli is a weaver with a special talent for creating enchanted cloth. I do hope you two feel sufficiently thanked. Norli does not usually interact with others but she seems to have taken some special liking to you. There are very few like her in this world – truly she is the most precious thing you helped to save today. Please forgive my grump?”

Valea] “Valea offers her friendship to the beautiful Norli… and to the grump Nim.”

Yisi] “Any friend of Valea’s is my friend as well. I do suggest we get moving however… the escaping Bandit said something that puzzles me and I think we should remain on high alert. Only four bandits attempted to stop you – I find it odd they would be so foolish to attempt a highjacking with such small numbers. There also seemed to be no leader with them, which tells me they were being brash in what they thought was an opportune moment. Surely this “Cyrics Cudgel” will have higher numbers…  and I expect they will be seeking to avenge the three we dropped today.”

] Tronk “Me throw bodies down hill?” he says looking back at Nim.

] Nim “Good thinking Tronk. First let’s gather their weapons and anything we can take to market.”

Yisi] I help loot the bodies, putting the spoils in their wagon, then start dragging the bodies off the cliff.

Valea] I go check on the injured guard.

] Guard Vedette and Guard Varannt are already back on the rear wagon. Varannt appears to be healed but a bit a sluggish.

Yisi] “We plan on making it to Mosstone by nightfall and then the rest of the way thru the Wealdath tomorrow. Can we join your caravan for as far as we share the path?”

] The halfling agrees, quoting some foreign proverb about safety in numbers. They are going all the way to Baldurs Gate. The caravan moves forward toward Mosstone.

One Night in Mosstone (is never enough)

[RECAP] You are on your way to Treyvigg Monastery to replenish a supply of Summertide Wine for one of your favorite teachers at Song Moon Temple, where you have lived since you were children. You will spend some extra time there to develop your martials skills with Elder Arrodon. At daybreak today you left temple grounds by way of a magic portal which put you, a couple of horses and a flatbed wagon in the foothills of Starspire Mountains near The Trade Way. As you were traveling North, you witnessed a caravan ahead of you on the roadway being stopped by bandits. You rushed to their aid and fended off the group of Half-Orc bandits calling themselves “Cyrics Cudgel”.

] You arrive in Mosstone later than planned. The lights of the town are already glowing against the night sky. You and the three other wagons you have been traveling with for a better part of the day head straight to Drovers Field – a large enclosed field where caravans can park their wagons – for a small fee of 2 gp a night. The caravan field is patrolled by three attendants, members of the town guard, to help prevent theft. As you arrive, you pay the 2 gp to a Half-Elf attendant and join the others on the far end of the fenced in field. Nim and Norli and Tronk are content to stay with their wagon. The two human female guards say they will go into town to restock some supplies.

Yisi] “We planned on hiring some extra guard here in Mosstone for our travel east along the Small Teeth. We hope to find a room in town for the night, but should that fail, we will camp here. Regardless, we shall see you at first light to continue North?”

] Nim Bragos agrees and wishes you a good night before vanishing within their wagon. As you walk into Mosstone you see many of the shops are closed for the day but Drovers Drink is lively. They have recently expanded the main tavern area… it used to be just little more than a narrow hallway with a bar and a few closet-sized rooms in the back. As you walk by, you see a large number of people within, 30… maybe 40.

Valea] “This one smells a fine mead she must surely try… but first, our business.”

Yisi] “Agreed. Oak Fathers may be a good option too. I could use a helping of Fathers ‘Boon Stew'”

] Because Mosstone is frequently travelled by caravans, much of this north-eastern side of town is setup to meet common needs. The main Mosstone market is on the west side of town, but there is a market square here with all the basic provisionings set close to Drovers Field. There are also booths setup of protection companies where you can hire guard from established groups rather than taking your chances in Drovers Drink. The first booth you happen upon which actually has someone to talk with is a protection guild called Titans Fist Protection Company. The human in the booth introduces himself as Tyneos.

Yisi] “Well met Tyneos. We are looking for two guards for the rest of our trip north and then east along the south side of The Small Teeth. We expect 3, maybe 4 nights to get there.”

] Tyneos “Certainly. We can meet your need. We have several sanctioned defenders available. Will you staying at your destination or will you need protection for your return as well?”

Yisi] “We will be staying at our destination. We need your service to help get us there only.”

] Tyneos “Understood. Standard cost is 10 gold per day per certified guard for active protection. They also need to be paid for their time returning which is half-cost.” He does a little math in his head… “4 days travel and let us say 2 days returning, times 2 guards, that will be 100 gold. Half now, half on your successful destination.”

Valea] “This one is surprised! Such cost?”

] Tyneos “It is standard pricing these days. You could spend more if you want specialized guards such as magic users or healers, but for guards that are handy with a sword or an axe, and are sanctioned, 10 gold per day is common. You might be able to find a lot cheaper mercenaries in Drovers Drink, but you have no guarantee they won’t rob you while you sleep and leave you alone in the wilderness. Titans Fist Protection Company ensures its guards are upstanding and guarantees your satisfaction.”

Yisi] “He does have a point Valea… we came to a business for this very reason. ”

Valea] “Of course pointy-ear… Moggy may want job here someday, that is all.” I smile at Tyneos. “Struck deal yes?”

] You pay Tyneos 50 gold and arrange to meet your guards at the gate into Drovers Field at first light. While in the market, you arrange for some extra basic provisioning, water and rations etc to be delivered as well.

Valea] “Drovers Drink? Or Oak Fathers Boon? This one thinks we are right here and so is Drovers Drink…”

Yisi] “Drovers it is.” I say smiling

] You cross the market square and enter Drovers Last Drink. The tavern is crowded and noisy. Many appear to be locals. Mostly humans but you notice some others as well, several half-elves and dwarves. There is a group of about 8 halflings gathered in the back playing some sort of game with small sticks on a table and there is a loud group across from the bar gambling in a game where they throw a handful of stones against the wall and bet on the result.

Valea] I go to the bar. “This one smells mead she would like to try.”

] Kliosa the Barmaid “That would be Ursa’s Bee Hive you smell. Local to the area. We keep it simmering here – it is best served warm.” She looks to Yisi, and her eyes seem to linger a bit as if attracted to you. “Two Ursa’s?”

Yisi] “Please.” I smile at her, but then turn to look over the room.

] Kliosa “We don’t often see folks with tails in Mosstone. You from across the sea? Maztica I think I’ve heard? Strange stories I’ve heard… like the whole land vanishing for a hundred years… is that really true? They say it just reappeared a few years back. I guess there are stranger things in the realms. Where did it go? Were you there when came back? Oh… And I love your wrap, is that a Calishite design?”

Valea] “This one does not know. Tethyr has been home since I can remember, but yes, I have been told that my kind came from jungle worlds far across sea. Someday Valea would like to…

] As you are speaking to the barmaid, a man runs into the tavern yelling “The attendant is has been killed! We need the guard!” He goes on to explain that he saw several half-orcs in the field and they had just killed one of the field attendants. They were heading towards the wagons, probably to loot them.

Yisi] “Quick! To Nim and Norli!”

] You race out into Drovers Field. Along the way to your own wagons, you witness several others that have been set on fire and groups of half-orcs killing man and beast. As you near your own wagon, you see Tronk trying to combat a group of 6 marauders which have not yet gotten to the wagons.

Valea] I rush in to help Tronk

Yisi] I attempt to cloak myself in shadow to gain some advantage against their numbers.

1d20 Stealth 17 +6 = 23

] You are hidden and can engage your Shadow Shroud

[Initiative]

] Tronk attacks one of the half-orc Bandits (5) with his hammer [()]

Valea] I attack one of the Bandits (6) which is behind Tronk to protect if I can.

1d20 Attack 17 +7 = 24 [Hit] | 2d4 Dmg 4 +5 = 9

1d20 Unarmed Attack 13 +6 = 19 [Hit] | 1d4 Dmg 3 + 4 = 7

] You barrage the half-orc with blows, pulling his attention away from Tronk and to you.

] One of the Bandits (4) attempts to smack Tronk with a maul [()] but misses critically and trips over some uneven surface, falling prone. Another (5) attempts to return Tronks damage [()] but also fails to connect with the giant bugbear. The bandit (6) facing Valea strikes [()] but fails to hit.

Yisi] I decide there is no better time to try my new magical sash – Haste. Then I use a bonus action to hamper a Bandit (1) with Serpents Hiss.

[()] Bandit (1) is deafened and poisoned for 3 rounds

] Bandit (1) looks confused as he lifts a crossbow and aims toward Valea [()] he misses critically, sinking a bolt into the Bandit (6) attacking Valea. Another Bandit (2) about 15 feet from Valea attempts to fire their crossbow at her as well [()] and is successful.

Valea] I use my reaction for Deflect Missiles.

1d10 Deflect Missiles 10 + 4 + 3 = 17

] The bolt is well aimed, but you are quick to expect it and bat it away, almost absent-mindedly, with your Basto Stick.

] Another Bandit (3) goes after Tronk with a maul [()] but the attack is blocked. Tronk tries to use the attack to his advantage [()] and drives his hammer into the off-balanced half-orc.

Valea] I attack the Bandit (5) flanking Tronk

1d20 Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] | 2d4 Dmg 7 + 5 = 12

Valea] and then attempt to kick the Bandit (4) who had fallen prone

2d20a unarmed attack 16 + 6 = 22 [Hit] | 1d4 Dmg 3 +4 = 7

2d20a flurry attack 19 +6 = 25 [Hit] | 1d4 Dmg 3 +4 = 7 bonus 3 +4 = 7 +7 = 14

] You repeatedly bash and smash the vulnerable half-orc lying on the ground until he stops struggling against you. As you look up from the bloody bandit, you see another group of Half-Orcs running towards you. They are yelling war cries of “Cyrics Cudgel!” as the charge forward.

Yisi] I circle in behind the Bandits (1 & 2) firing crossbow bolts at Valea and from the shadow, I attack with my Trisula

2d20a Attack 17 +7 = 24 [Hit] | 2d4 Dmg 7 +7 = 14

2d20a Haste Attack 19 +6 = 25 [Hit] | 2d4 Dmg 5 +4 = 9

2d20a Unarmed attack 16 +6 = 22 [Hit] | 1d4 Dmg 4 +4 = 8

] Out of a shadow, your hair-fine needles strike into the back of one of the Bandit and he drops in silence, not that the other half-orc would have heard anything anyhow as he was still deaf when you completed your shadow attack with a snapping side kick into his ear. His neck slams to one side and then bounces back to the other as if being held on only by skin and dead sinew. You see 5 more bandits (7-8-9-10-11) rushing to join the fight against you.

[Initiative Adds]

Bandits 7-10 5

Bandit Captain

] The Bugbear gets a running start at one of the charging Bandits (9) [()] and catches him solid in the hip, causing the Half-orcs body to twist unnaturally. He nearly loses his footing but manages to recover from the blow facing the opposite direction he was running.

Valea] Following Tronks charge, the Bandit he hit now has it’s back to me – I take advantage

2d20a Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] 2d4 Dmg 6 +4 = 10

] No sooner than the Bandit (9) recover his balance than Valea slams her Basto sticks into him, shattering his spine. Yisi, as you are watching the incoming group of Bandits, you notice one of them hangs back… and as Valea easily drops one of the chargers she begins yelling to others behind him in Orcish.

Yisi] When I see one of the Bandits calling what appear to be orders to the rest, I decide she must be carrying some authority over the marauding murderers… she becomes my next target of attack. Using the extra speed from Haste, I circle the battle area and attempt to use stealth to approach her from behind.

1d20 Stealth 14 +6 = 20 [Success]

2d20a Attack 11 +7 = 18 [Hit] 2d4 Dmg 6 +7 = 13

2d20a Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] 2d4 Dmg 7 +7 = 14

2d20a Flurry 18 +6 = 24 [Hit] 1d4 Dmg 4 +6 = 10

2d20a Flurry 15 +6 = 21 [Hit] 1d4 Dmg 1 +6 = 7

] You manage to approach the Bandit Captain from behind and gain surprise in the round. Your Trisula sink deep into the Half-Orcs flesh beneath or though her studded leather armor. Then you crouch expecting a retaliation swing of her large curved blade but she appears briefly stunned by the sudden pain so you spring up, driving a knee into her rib cage and then coming down with an elbow into the side of her neck. As you land on your feet and prepare for her return assault, you hear a new rush of battle yells – these do not sound orcish but largely human, but you do not turn your eyes away to better understand what is happening.

] A Bandit (7) swings a longsword at Tronk [()] hitting only his armor. Another (8) attempts to flank the Bugbear and gains an advantage [()] and Tronk yells with the pain of the blow. The third (10) confronts Valea with a wild but powerful swing of her maul [()] but you see the attack coming and step forward into the swing beyond where the weapon can even make contact with you. You use the half-orcs wild energy to your own advantage and spin around behind the attacker.

] The Bandit Captain has regained enough of her senses to launch an attack against you Yisi [()] Her scimitar slices through the air in three downward strikes, pushing you back. The first draws some blood as the orcish woman’s speed surprises but you are able to block the remaining attacks with the Trisula held over your forearms.

] Tronk is returning blows to his attacker (7) with his war hammer [()] and gains a critical hit on the bandit, smashing the attacker with a spouting of blood which sprays across the battle area.

Valea] Next Bandit up! (8)

1d20 Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] 2d4 Dmg 5 +5 = 10

1d20 Unarmed 9 + 6 = 15

] You engaged one of the remaining Bandits and deal enough damage to stagger the large Half-Orc. You notice that a large group has charged out of the town, many with weapons, some carrying water to put out the fires that are still burning. The Bandit Captain also sees the incoming surge of townsfolk and appears to panic, losing her focus on the current engagement. She yells something in Orcish and then turns to retreat from the combat with Yisi.

Yisi] I take my reaction for opportunity attack

2d20a Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] 2d4 Dmg 2 +7 = 9

] She realizes her mistake a second to late as your black needles slide between her ribs.

] Shaxt “You win. We are running.”

Yisi] I leave one dagger lodged in her ribcase and put the other to her throat. “I feel like at this moment… you are not going to run any farther than I decide to allow. Why did you attack Drovers Field so viciously?!?”

] Shaxt “Three of our fellows were killed today by merchants heading for Mosstone. We sought revenge.”

Yisi] “I killed the Bandits while protecting innocent travelers from your fellows blades. I feel like killing you now will protect even more innocent.”

] Meanwhile the two other bandits turned to run, only one of them successfully. The other has Tronks hammer is his head.

] Shaxt “Let us strike a deal. I can pay well in exchange for my life. Very well.”

Yisi] I force the Bandit Captain to her knees. “What think you Valea, is there a deal to be struck with evil?”

Valea] “Valea thinks not.” I jab my Basto Stick into her other side. “Golden-boy is right, if the innocent shall live, the evil should not.”

Yisi] “What is this Cyrics Cudgel you mongrels keep yelling? You would give The Church of Cyric back its power to torment the realms?”

] Shaxt “Cyric shall return! And Cyrics Cudgel paves his way.”

] Tronk “Tronk hear nuff.” and he swings his hammer like a miner plunging his pick deep into the ground. You are all sprayed with brains and blood. Tronk laughs mockingly in a way that only a Bugbear can.

Valea] “Ahhgg! This one needs a bath now! Moggy hates baths Tronk. She hates them. Look at the mess all over Norli’s beautiful weave. Arrghh!”

] Tronk “Me sorry. Tronk forget sometimes.” He turns towards the wagon “Me sorry Norli.”

Yisi] I pick through the corpse of the Bandit Captain to see what I can find or learn about Cyrics Cudgel.

] You find a pouch with coin totaling 174 gold and several small gems which may be worth twice that each. There is a note written in Orcish. You also find two exotic looking daggers in her belt. The markings on the hilts seem to match those of the scimitar she was wielding. The other Bandit corpses all had small amounts of coin – 143 in total. But not much else of interest.

] Nim “Is it over? Will we live another night Tronk?”

] Tronk “Nim Bragos live! Norli ok?”

] Nim “We are both ok. I would appear we owe you two some more gratitude. Were these the same group of thugs we met on the Trade Way this morning?”

Yisi] “Indeed they were. I had a feeling they would cause us more trouble, I just never expected they would attempt to ravage Drovers Field! It seems they are part of some cult wanting to bring back the Church of Cyric – I have read about them … cult heads will do some brash and stupid things… and cause a lot of death in the process. They used to be a feared and hated presence around Amn before the spellplague. Our First Teacher said that Cyric was actually involved in causing the spellplague and for that was banished from planes for a thousand years. I can’t believe we would even hear his name again, much less have to battle his fanatics.”

] Fires are put out and the bodies of men, Half-orcs, and livestock are moved to the far side of the field. Attendant Guards are doubled for the rest of the night. You sleep under a makeshift tent near your wagon.

Onward North with the Wwaldyr Siblings

[RECAP] You are traveling to the Treyvigg Monastery for some Summertide Wine. Along the way you met the halfling Bragos twins, Nim and Norli, along with Tronk, when there were held up by a group of bandits calling themselves Cyrics Cudgel. After defeating them on the road, they assaulted the entire camp at Drovers Field in Mosstone as vengeance. They were yet again defeated and the leader of their group destroyed by Tronks hammer. You hired two guards from Titans Fist Protection Company who are to meet you at the Drovers Field gate, along some with extra provisioning.

] The dark night has just begun to fade when you cross the field to the gate into town. Standing there are 3 half-elves, two female and one very young male.

Valea] “Bright Skies. Might these be from Titans Fist?”

] Arathen “Bright Skies to you. Yes, we are guard from Titans Fist. Are you the ones heading for The Small Teeth?”

Yisi] “Yes we are, but we hired only two guards.”

] Arathen “Ah yes. Special deal today, three for the price of two. This is actually our younger brother, Tovalthir. He will be sitting in and observing… mostly. We are training him for his sanctioning with Titans Fist. I am Arathen Dwaldyr and this is my sister Araola.”

Valea] I hold my clawed mitt to my breast and bow slightly “Valea is pleased to share the days with you. Gold-face here is called Yisi. ”

Yisi] “We could use the extra help I think… Given the events of last night the Trade Way may be molten with angry bandits today.”

Valea] “This one thinks bandits stay home, lick wounds today no?”

Yisi] “May ‘Tel Aes’tar so aim.”

] Araola “We were at Oak Fathers when we heard the field was being attacked. By the time we got here, the bandits had been run-off. We carried water for the fires and saw the death on the ground. We did not hear the truth of the terror however. It sounds like you may know why they attacked?”

Yisi] “Vengeance. At least their leader said so just before we saw her brains fly from her head. They were part of some cult… Cyrics Cudgel. All of them were Half-Orcs as well, which I cannot explain. We first encountered them on the Trade Way to the south. They attacked us with very few numbers and defeating them was easy. But one ran and obviously shared news of our victory over the fools, so they attacked Drovers Field just to avenge three nits. Cult-heads… I hope to never met with another…”

] A young human arrives with a cart carrying your provisions. You point him to your wagon and he goes to load it with your goods.

] Araola “We have our mounts waiting for us at the north stables. If you are all set to go, we shall meet you at your wagon shortly.”

Valea] “Valea is ready.”

Yisi] “Nim Bragos looks to be ready and waiting on us to get started. We will join their caravan as far north as Tethir Road. We shall head east to Treyvigg Monastery and they will continue on their way to Baldurs Gate.”

] Arathen “That will work for us. Many shall stand where few would fall.”

] The 5 of you join the caravan as it pulls out of Drovers Field and follows a pathway which circles back to the Trade Way. The Tethyr Forest on your right grows closer and thicker as you travel north.

Yisi] “The Forest King rules a deep dominion, and silent citizens praise his throne. From the shadows of life he bears one weight, the waking of wonder among his own.

Valea] “This Umber Cat would like to meet this king and have her wonder awakened too.”

Yisi] “I dare think we have become his citizens by passing so close to his kingdom.”

] Araola “The Wealdath will grow thicker and deeper yet. A few hours ahead, we must travel right through as it flows over into the Dragons Neck. We have often met with trouble where the Way North grows dark with wood.”

Valea] “This one has not been further than Mosstone… at least, not in memory. Do tell a story?”

] Araola “We have encountered Gnolls a few times. There are several gangs of them hunting these woods, and they do love the hunt. Our first encounter was fairly easy because their numbers were small, but they learned quickly not to overestimate travelers on the Way North. Last time, we were overpowered and had to flee to save the lives of our Defended. A shipment was lost but no lives. ”

] Arathen “It may be best to save these stories until after we have passed through the dark parts of Way North… ”

Yisi] “We are unwilling to be frightened, but I do appreciate the care. What else have you seen? ”

] Tolvathir “Tell them about the time the Ogre got crushed by the Treant!”

] Araola “We were ambushed on trip by an Ogre and a large band of goblins. We were holding our own but getting tired, and the Ogre was a heavy bully… over 11 foot tall and chaotic with his cudgel. It was sending strong fighters flying, along with his own goblins. Suddenly, roots snaked their way around its legs and pulled it back into the forest. We lost sight of it but heard the ground shaking with terrible blows. We were still fighting off the remaining goblins when the thousand pound corpse fell out of the canopy and splat! Right on top of several gobbies. The thing feed the birds and beasts of the forest for weeks. Last time we came through, its bones were still there.”

Valea] “A Treant did this?”

] Tolvathir “What else? There are rumors that they patrol the Wealdath. The Druids in this area all but worship them. I have heard other such stories too… merchants being protected by the very forest itself.”

] Arathen “I have heard just as many stories of merchants being killed by the forest itself… but it is true, Araola and I were saved by trees that day. And I give offerings to them in thanks. ”

] The half-elf guards share more stories from the 3 years they have been escorting clients up and down The Trade Way. Most of their contracts have such a story, they tell you. Arathen stops the talk with a warning to keep quiet and keep watch as the forest begins to grow on your left side as well. You are entering into what they called “The Dark” of the Way North. As the canopy overhead thickens, it begins to feel like nightime, even though Darkstar Sleeping is still hours away.

] Araola “We have made good time. We should be through the Dark in about 3 hours and then we can set up camp on the other side – before we get too close the Tethir Road. The crossroads there can present a different kind of danger. Bandits love the crossroad… and I would too if I were a road bandit. The Trade Way drops down into a sharp ravine. The Tethir Road crosses it in this ravine where the walls are steep and 20 foot high. It is an ideal pinch-point with lots of traffic.”

] The air within “The Dark” has a cold chill to it, even though it is a warm High Sun day. It has been dark as a moonless night for nearly an hour now. There is a stench in the air which is difficult to describe as it is unlike anything. It burns your nostrils and your eyes begin to water. Up ahead in the darkness you hear a horrifying screech.

] Arathen “Hold up! I recognize that sound. An owlbear is hunting… and it is close enough that we may be what it is hunting. Let us stand at the ready here. We will take the front. ”

Yisi] I follow Arathen, Araola and Tolvathir to the front of the caravan.

Valea] As do I.

] Tronk has already climbed down in front of their oxen and has his war hammer at the ready. There is no sign of Nim or Norli.  Guard Vedette and Guard Varannt Each take position on either side of the caravan near the back  to guard against other attacks. [()]

] As you all hold still and at the ready for attack, Valea notices off to the left side of the road, an odd grouping of dark foliage. Nothing apparent is moving, you just notice something about the dark shape of nature seeming unnatural.

Valea] I take a closer look to the left side. Basto Stick held strong in front of me

1d20 Perception 18 +4 = 22

] You see that the unnatural shape is not actually trees and moss and foliage but a creature. It unfolds and launches at you in aggression. [()] A misshapened claw at the end of an unnaturally long arm swipes out at you and rakes your furry flesh (10dmg). A second claw follows from the dark wood [()] but misses you. The face of the creature becomes clear as it lurches in to bite you. [()] Your Basto Stick successfully keeps the mangled teeth from reaching you.

] On the right side of the roadway, another earthy green creature leaps out at Yisi [()] You see the first claw coming but the speed of the second swipe is amazingly quick and draws blood (7dmg). It leaps out onto the roadway and you can see it is some sort of troll.

[Initiative Order]

] Valea has first attack

Valea] I use my Basto Stick to attack the hideous creature (Troll02). And follow up with a Flurry of Blows

1d20 Attack 18 +7 = 25 [Hit] Dmg 5 +5 = 10

1d20 Attack 7 +6 = 13 [Miss]

1d20 Attack 12 +6 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 5 +5 = 10

] You jab the butt-end of your staff into chest of the troll. It sinks in strangely but makes solid connection ultimately. You pull back as you turn and swing. Your first swing misses but you allow the momentum to sweep you around and strike the head of the thing solidly.

] Guard Argathen steps in to assist you with the troll (02). [()] He turns side to side, sweeping a scimitar gracefully until within range and the curved blade circles up, seperating troll flesh across its torso. A foul gas releases from the sliced warts on the troll.[Roll Con Save] [()]

Valea] “Nastiness!” I turn my head and hold my breath

1d20 Con Save 16 +7 = 23 [Save]

] Tronk yells something in Goblin as he stomps in with his maul raised overhead. [()] He brings it down on the skull of the troll (02) with a critical strike. The bones within the beasts head are heard cracking. The troll drops down, its long arms brace against the ground. It sinks and then springs up teeth first against Tronk [()] which misses. It makes unnerving growling sound as it swipes to slice Tronk with its claws. [()] The first attack rips open bugbear flesh but the second misses. Tronk’s face becomes grim with the pain.

] Guard Ariola has gone to the right of the roadway against the troll (01) that has leaped out of the forest. She appears to be dancing as she steps in to attack with her scimitar [()] but misses. Her younger brother follows her example in attack [()] and also misses.

Yisi] I use a bonus action to try and identify any potential vital points on this creature.

1d20 Medicine [Giant DC 18] 12 +3 = 15 [Fail]

] The troll towers over you, its arms so long it could scratch its toes while standing up straight. You see no indication of any vital points within your reach.

Yisi] I attack with a best guess. “Bend down here so I can poke out your eyes!”

1d20 Attack 20 [Crit] Dmg 8 +5 +7 = 20

] You plunge the long needles of your Trisula deep into it lower abdomen area. If feels like spearing a large wheel of cheese. The giant reacts with a growl of pain as you circle out and withdraw your weapons from the beasts belly. It swipes a giant claw at you [()] and gashes your shoulder [7dmg] and then brings the unnaturally long claws other unnaturally long arms against you [()] and misses as you duck and roll.

] Guard Varannt fires a crossbow at the same troll (01) from one of the caravan wagons [()] and the bolt buries itself into the chest of the giant. Guard Vedette has the same tactic, firing on the other side (troll02) [()] successfully.

] Top of Round

Valea] “Watch out for the stink sacs!” I yell over to Yisi and the others. I deploy another round of attacks, trying to be mindful of the scum spitting boils on the beast (troll 02).

1d20 Attack 11 +7 = 18 [Hit] Dmg 4 +5 = 9

1d20 Flurry 6 +6 = 12 [Miss]

1d20 Flurry 11 +6 = 17 [Hit] 2 +4 = 6

[Does Valea’s attack strike a muskwart boil? [()] no.]

] Your weapon batters the giants rib cage and you manage to avoid breaking open any boils.

] Guard Argathen continues his attack. [()] His blade is blocked by a claw but it scrapes up into a long finger, coating the sharp edge with troll blood.

] Tronk brings his Maul of Terror to bear once again (troll 02) [()] but fails critically, opening himself up for an opportunity attack. [()] The troll retaliates with bite attempt but misses.

] As the giant winds up to swing a claw at Tronk, a thin glowing net drops down on it from a tree above and drapes the troll in a green glow. Then a long thin dagger of bright light shoots down and spears through the torso of the troll and then dissipates as it exits its chest. The trolls face shows anguish and fear for a moment before the body drops to the roadway.

] “Its blood is mine!” You hear a gravelly voice say from trees.

] On the other side of the roadway, Ariola is attacking the other troll (01) [()] Her longsword lops off one of its long arms at the elbow. Tolvalthir flanks the giant [()] and gains a critical hit on it. His scimater opens up a huge chunk of troll flesh and noxious fumes spit out at everything within 10 feet. Roll Con Save. Tolvathir is poisoned. Ariola is poisoned.

Yisi]

1d20 Con Save Throw 11 +2 = 13 [Save]

Yisi] I step in beside Tolvathir and attempt to take advantage of the open wound.

2d20a Attack 20 [Crit] Dmg 8 +4 +7 = 19

] With the insides of the troll exposed, you gain a critical advantage with your needles. The giant falls dead but is still for only a second. The exposed insides gurgle and you can see the flesh starting to repair itself. From its prone position it strikes out with its remaining hand at [()] Tolvathir but misses. It lurches and attempt to bite [()] Ariola who manages to step back far enough. The hand she cut off just previously, however, is crawling towards her. [()] The claws wrap around her calf and clinch down on the armor but fails to draw blood.

] Guard Varannt yells “We need fire!” and he attempts to plunge his longsword down into the troll [()] successfully. A gnome dressed in green and brown forest colors jumps in and, seemingly from the palm of an empty hand, throws a thin green net over the corpse of the troll. The flesh sizzles for a moment before the net dissapates into a gel and then disappears. The troll remains still and silent. “Its blood is mine!” The gnome says. “I’ve been hunting these three for over a tenday now… I claim rights.” He looks down and sees the troll forearm clinging to Ariolas calf. “You got something on your leg there…. Hand me that torch. Quick like!” He burns the still squeezing hand and pulls it away.

Yisi] “You are welcomed to whatever you want from the corpse… I only desire some distance from it. Wait… you said three…” I step back into ready stance and search the forest for another.

] Gnome “Right, three is what I said.”

] Ariola “Where is the third then?”

] Gnome “Oh… right… it still needs killing. I will get to it as soon as I harvest these.” From the small satchel hanging at his hip, he pulls out a large tube shaped device. It is at least 4 feet long – taller than the gnome himself – and about a foot in diameter. Up the length of one side, there are several vials inserted into the device. One end has three needle sharp prongs which he plunges into the troll corpse. You see a green viscous liquid begin filling up the vials. As they fill, the gnome swaps them with empty vials, placing the full ones into the small pouch.

Valea] “This one is new in these parts… what could anyone want with the nasty’s blood?”

] Argathen “Poisons most likely.”

] Gnome “Yes, poisons. Also potions. Very good potions that heal very good.”

Yisi] “You have been hunting these trolls? Three of them? By yourself?”

] Gnome “Yes. Well I found them all together at first. That did not go well. Taking on three at a time is ill-advised. Lucky for me you came along.” He yanks the device out of the troll and then walks over to the other and plunges it in, filling up even more vials. “But the blood of three trolls is a huge payday for me. Rayni will smile at me for hours. She will also pay me some gold, but for the smile of Rayni I would go against 6 trolls! 7 Maybe!”

Valea] “Valea thinks she sees grand love in the little brave.”

] Gnome “Valea?”

Yisi] “Yes, her name is Valea. I am Yisi.” I introduce the others standing there. “Well met brave one.”

] Gnome “I am called Joloobo. I already forgot your names. You is a lot of people.” He yanks the device out of the second troll and somehow slips it back into the small pouch. “I should get after the other one.”

Valea] “How is Joloobo so sure there is another here?”

Joloobo] “I heard it. So did you… that Owlbear screech? That was the third troll. See they are not real smart, but they figured out that their prey was too often aware of them by smell long before sight. I have no idea how they came up with the idea but I’ve seen other troupes of forest trolls use the same tactic. The mimic’d Owlbear screech puts you on alert right at the time you start wondering what the awful smell is. The sound of danger far off distracts you from the danger right beside you. They keep their bellies full with the trick. Still… they must a learned it from something smarter than they are. Say… speaking of something smarter… which way are you heading?”

Yisi] “We travel North to Tethir Road and then East toward Brost.”

Joloobo] “Glad I asked then. There is a new dragon hunting along the Tethir road, a young green dragon. I’ve seen caravans your size wiped out recently. If you have anything shiny in your wagons, cover it up… I suspect it is just as concerned with building its hoard as it is with filling its belly. Watch the skies friends. And now… I away to finish of my own prey.”

] The gnome jumps off into the forest and disappears.

Valea] “Well that was exciting. Everyone okay?”

] Just as you ask the question, Tolvathir erupts with vomiting. His sister looks like she was just holding things together until that point, and turns towards the forest and begins vomitting herself.

Yisi] “We should rest a little while… but perhaps we can move ahead and get upwind of the troll smell eh?” I feel a brief inspiration strike. “Green nasties lie in wait, they trick my ears, my flesh to taste, but then a brave in forest style, bottles nasty blood  for the price of a smile.”

Valea] “Knife-ear should keep working on that one… but it was exciting, and strange. How, this one wonders, did he that large thing in and out of such a small bag?”

] Guard Vedette “I’ve seen such things in Calimshan. In fact, Norli might be able to make them. The are commonly calls ‘Bags of Holding’… something about pocket dimensions or some such thing. I don’t understand it, but I’ve seen it.”

] At the mention of Norli’s name, Tronk scrambles back to their wagon “Norli okay? Nim Okay?” you hear Nim confirm they are both fine.

Reaching Treyvigg Monastery

] You are traveling East along the Tethir Road to your destination – Treyvigg Monastery. Last night you slept among the caravan wagons in a field outside Trademeet. Early this morning, you parted ways with Nim and Norli Bragos and the rest of their caravan. They continue their way North to Baldurs Gate. The three Wwaldyr syblings accompany you to your destination, which you expect is only hours away now. The Forenoon hours were uneventful. You have not even seen another traveler along the way.

] Tolvathir stands in the back of the cart, watching the skies. Argathen and Ariola are walking alongside but occasionaly have rested by sitting on the back of the flatbed cart. Where are each of you?

Yisi] I am sitting in the drivers seat of the wagon, holding the reigns. I kept watch last night while other slept and my Trance period was not as peaceful as it usually is.

Valea] I sit alongside Yisi. I notice he looks a bit tired. I grab the reigns out of his hands. “This one will make horseys go a while. Rest now my black-eyed prince, Valea will watch for grape fields.”

Yisi] “So, after all, we may in this life, rest in a true friend”

Valea] “Knife-ear should keep this line – Valea thinks it is good and would like to hear it again.”

Yisi] I climb into the back of the wagon to lie down for a rest.

] As you turn, you see Joloobo standing on the wagon. He smiles awkwardly and waves.

Joloobo ] “Greetings ‘knife-ear’! Sorry, I forgot your name already. I think the human here was Ariola, and her brothers were.. Well brother names of some sort I suppose.”

Yisi] “Joloobo! I really I needed a surprise today, but how did you know?” I say with a bit of a snark in my voice.

Joloobo ] “Surprise? But I didn’t know… should I have known? But how would I have known? I don’t think I could have after all.”

Yisi] “I was making jest Joloobo. I am as pleased to see you as I am surprised. But I thought you had a troll to hunt?”

Joloobo] “Oh yes, that is done. Rayni was very please with the harvest! The blood of three Forest Trolls is enough to make a hundred healing potions. Oh, that reminds me…” I dig aroung in my satchel and pull out 5 potion vials. “These are for you. They are very powerful healing potions [Superior 8d4+8]. Rayni sells these for 500gp each! But since you helped bring down the Trolls, I told her you should share in the rewards. Drink them when its dire, or sell them if you need the gold instead.”

Yisi] “This is quite generous Joloobo. Our many thanks! ”

Joloobo] “I thought we might also meet that green dragon today. I would not dare hunt it on my own, but I got to thinking… you all just might encounter the beast today, and if you did, well… if you do and we can bring it down… well that would make us all wealthy beyond imagination. Even though it is a young dragon, I can harvest enough of its blood for several hundred potions – each worth a thousand gp apeice. ”

Valea] I turn and interject “Yes… or dragon gets a light snack in the afternoon.” I chuckle as I amuse myself.

Yisi] “I can see why you hunt trolls, but I agree with Valea, a dragon might be a thing to first run from. ”

Joloobo] “Oh, well yes, you are probably right. As I said… never would I think to take one on by myself. But just in case you need my help, can I ride along and watch the skies for you? I can be pretty handy whether we face dragons or orcs. Besides, Rayni will be travelling for a few Tendays. ‘What will you do with yourself while I’m gone?’ she asked me. I just didn’t know the answer so she gave me one… she told me to find my new friends. So here I am friends, if that is ok. I don’t take up much room after all, and like I said, I can be pretty handy in a scrap.”

Valea] “This one thinks Joloobo is welcomed.  Here and at grape farm.”

Yisi] “Indeed. Welcome friend. We have only a few hours of travel left until we reach our destination. I would suspect that the monks will have room for all of us.”

Joloobo] “Monks you say? Grapes?”

Yisi] “Yes, the monks at Treyvigg Monastery. That is our destination. We are going there to purchase some wine, and perhaps train with their martial teachers for a while. We ourselves call another monastery our home. We don’t see many visitors in our mountain temple, but I understand Treyvigg often entertains outsiders and provides lodging to them.”

Joloobo] “I don’t really need a room and bed… I can’t remember the last time I used one. Just give me a solid tree with a thick canopy and my comfort will be great.”

Valea] “The wee one sleeps in trees? Like a squirrel yes?”

Joloobo] “Most all my life. Never had much use for walls and doors. Doesn’t it just feel weird to step into a box where you cannot see the sky or the ground or anything?”

Yisi] “The soul has no need of box, the spirit no need of a cage, the breath lives in a light breeze and dies in a still coffret.”

Joloobo] “Uh… yea… I suppose you would be right, in some weird way… but who am I to say anything be weird. ”

] As you are traveling the roadway, you notice up ahead a small structure off the side of the way. It appears to be shrine. As you get closer, you see there is a walkway of paving stones from the roadway up to a rounded alter and a large table in front of it. The table is overflowing with coins and gems and other items of values. You estimate there must be near a thousand in gold pieces alone. The overall wealth just sitting out here must be ten times that.

Joloobo] “What’s this now? Who left all this gold just lying about?” I walk closer to inspect it further.

] You see markings around the arch-like surface of the shrine. They appear to be carvings of several different types of language, some are just pictograms.

Joloobo] “Looks like an alter of some kind? But who would let all this wealth go to waste. Look here, this gem must be worth several hundred gold.”

Valea] “Strange place for an altar yes? But this one thinks it is bad mojo to touch the offerings of another.”

] Argathen “I’ve seen these before, they are all over the wilderness places but occaisionally they are found roadside. Travelers Blessings they are called.”

] Ariola “I remember our nanny telling me stores of Travelers Blessings. Clerics of a long ago temple in Tethyr enchanted dozens of Shrine Stones with powerful magic. The presence of all this wealth is a fairly sure indicator of the power of the stone. Let us see.” Ariola walks over and tosses a single gold piece to the mound. There is a warm glow of light around the stone which rises and hovers for a moment before it zips towards Ariola and flows into her torso. She receives 9 Temporary HP and the Boon Guidance. “Ahh, that feels nice.” She says. “See, this one is still working.”

Yisi] “What a wonderful thing! I’ve never imagined such a marvel. Does it matter how large your offering?”

] Argathen “Just judging by the items left as offerings, I’d say that is a likely bet.”

Yisi] I dig out 20 gold pieces and offer them on the shrine

2d8 Temporary HP = 7

1d8 Blessing = 5

] Again, there is a warm glowing light that lifts from the Shrine Stone and plunges into your chest Yisi. Floating in front of you are 3 small stones. The hang there for a moment and then drop to the ground.

Yisi] “Curious. Look – it gave me three pebbles… I wonder what they do?” I reach down and pick them up.

] Upon contact, you instantly know what they do… These stones can be thrown up to 60ft as a ranged attack. It does not require much strength or accuracy. If you can see the target, the stone will hit it and deliver 2d6 Bludgeoning dmg. The magical charge of each stone renews daily.

Yisi] I explain aloud what suddenly and magically know about the stones.

Joloobo] “Wow! How much did you offer? I’m going to double that, no triple it… and see what happens!” I put 60 gold down at the altar.

2d8 Temporary HP 12

2d12 Blessing table 3  9 Magic Vestment) & 9 (Bears Endurance)

] Again the warm light floods you. You have advantage on Con checks for 24 hours and your AC is raised by +1 for 24 hours. A magical candle appears floating in front of you Joloobo. It hangs for a moment and then drops.

Joloobo] I try to catch it.

1d20 Slight of hand 11 +4 = 15 [Success]

] You catch the candle successfully. As soon as you touch it, you know it is a Candle of Invocation with 4 hours of burning time. It’s alignment is Lawful Good.

Joloobo] “Wow! What a boon! Remind me to light it if we get into a scrap.”

Valea] “This one shall see what the stone wishes her to have.” I put 50 gp on the altar.

2d8 Temporary HP 16

2d12 Blessing Table 6 (Sanctuary) & 12 (Owl’s Wisdom)

] A warm glowing light rises and fills you with vital energy Valea. In front of you, a golden shield appears and hovers for a moment.

Valea] I take hold of the shield.

] You instantly know this is a Spellguard Shield.  Its value is beyond anything you can imagine ever possessing (60k).

Valea] “A Shield! And a fancy one at that… Now Valea will just have to learn how to use it. Valea’s mind tells her it is a Spellguard Shield. Very fancy no?” I look over the youngest Wwaldur sybling. “Hey pup… have you had fighting practice with a shield?”

] Tolvathir “Well yes. I may not be a very good teacher, but I can try to show you what I know.”

Valea] “Later pup…  you show Valea later. For now, you carry heavy shield. If dragon attacks, I watch how pup fights with it yes”

] Tolvathir “I would be honored to carry it into battle.”

] Argathen “Well you should be Tolvathir. That Spellguard Shield is worth 50, maybe 60 thousand gold in any market. I imagine Valea would be able to sell it for 80 or 90 in Waterdeep.”

] Tolvathir “Oh! That is heavy. I dare not get a scratch on it then. Valea, I fear to carry such a valuable item for you. Perhaps it would be best if it stays with its owner.”

Valea] “This one agrees with you. Shield best stay with its new owner now…. Tolvathir. Valea will still watch you fight with it yes?”

] Tolvathir “You cannot be serious! You are just giving me this shield?”

Valea] “Valea did not even know she had a shield just minutes ago. She will not miss one now. But a pup who knows how to fight with a shield will fight better now yes? Fight well pup and you will deserve fancy shield.”

] Ariola “The Wwaldyrs will not forget your generosity. I hope you will not regret the gift.”

Valea] “Valea has not learned this thing… regret. Neither should she wish to learn. ”

] The six of you continue traveling East on the Tethir Road. After several hours you begin to see what looks like farmlands up in the hills. There are many sections of the land where you can see vines hanging on tressels. Before long, you come across a small turn-off and a sign which reads “Treyvigg Winery and Monastery”

Yisi] I halt the horses just after turning into the lane. “It appears we have arrived friends. ” I say to Argarthen, Ariola and Tolvathir. I give them the remaining 50 gold pieces.  “The remainder of your payment, as agreed. I expect you could likely stay at the monastery if you so desire, or however you wish to proceed. We consider the job done.”

] Argathen says “It seems silly taking another 50 gold after you gifted Tolvathir with so much.”

Valea] “Tolvathir was not included in the original agreement, and so the gift has nothing do with that no?”

Yisi] “Agreed. Tolvathir was a guest on the journey, not a paid guard. Paid guards should be paid for a job well done.”

] Ariola “Thank you. Whether we might have a roof tonight does not matter… we shall accompany you the rest of the way to the gates of the monastery. It would appear to be some distance still. ”

] You continue North through the Umar foothills. The sun is shining brightly on the peaks of Small Teeth just in front of you. The land you are crossing is varied. There are large sections of forest that appear to be well groomed with walking trails winding through them. There are also large areas of grassy fields. You notice that some of the areas have curious swaths of red grass among the green and browning. You begin to see more an more tressels supporting large grape vines and a number of workers among them.

Yisi] “A poet once wrote: ‘ I bring an unaccustomed wine    To lips long parching, next to mine,   And summon them to drink.”

Valea] “What kind of wine is that?”

Joloobo] “A very special kind I’m sure…”

Yisi] “yes, I suppose that would be right”

] You being to see a lot more workers in the field. Most are human or half-elves. There are a few elderly but mostly younger men and women. They are tending the vines, tilling soil and other such farming activities. Some of the notice you and give a wave or a nod – it seems no surprise to have strangers riding through. As you are passing near by a small group loading empty crates onto small cart, suddenly a huge shadow passes just overhead. Valea, you notice something odd about the shadow, something the others do not notice, but before you can place what is odd about it, a large winged creature lands talons first on one of the workers. It has immense wings still spread out as it drives it antlers into the chest of the human man it crashed down upon. It is goring him, apparently trying to open his rib cage.

Joloobo] I pull out my blowgun and rush to get within range behind the winged beast.

2d20a Attack 19 +6 = 25 [Hit] Dmg 3 +1 Force

] The Peryton seems to not notice the attack but keeps at the poor victims chest.

] Tolvathir runs behind you and attempts to attack the winged monstrosity with his scimitar [()] and is successful, doing 5 damage. The Peryton turns and attacks Tolvathir [()] He expertly blocks the slashing talon with the golden shield but leaves himself open to be struck with the birds antler. (9 /2 = 4 damage)

[Initiative]

Yisi] I use a bonus action to inspect the strange creature for any vital point vulnerabilities

1d20 Medicine (DC 18) 18 +3 = 21 [Success – you have advantage on your next attack]

Yisi] I think I see nice spot to slide my Trisula in and slow the beast down.

2d20a Attack 9 +7 = 16 [Hit] 5 +5 = 10

] The winged stag bellows with a piecing howl [()] it turns towards you Yisi but it does not take flight. Tolvathir circles to flank and attack. [()] and does another 4 damage. Argathen releases an arrow [()] and does 3 damage.

Joloobo] I use both of my psychic blades, throwing them from my current position

1d20 Attack 3 +4 = 7 [Miss]

1d20 Attack 16 +4 = 20 [Hit] Dmg 5

] Your first blade flies overhead but the second sinks into the feathered stag and then disappears.

Valea] I take the other flank and unleash every attack I’ve got

2d20a Attack 9 +7 = 16 [Hit] Dmg 5 +5 = 10

2d20a Attack (Flurry) 13 +7 = 20 [Hit] Dmg 6 +5 = 11

2d20a Attack (Flurry) 19 +7 = 26 [Hit] Dmg 6 +5 = 11 + flowing fury bonus 7 +5 = 12

] Your Basto stick blurs as you strike the Peryton over and over with graceful ease. It  crouches for a jump away but you bring your final blow down into its skull and it collapses to the ground in a spit of feathers.

Valea] “Help, over here!” I run over to the worker who was attacked. “Does he live? Yisi look, does he live?”

Yisi] I inspect the victim of the Peryton.

1d20 Medicine 6 +3 = 9 [Fail]

] There is a large amount of blood and the workers chest has been severly damaged. If he yet has any life in him, you cannot tell. The other workers have started to gather around.

Yisi] “I can find no life in him. I don’t know how to help him now.” I look to those around us.

] One of the workers says. “I know his brother. I will take his body to him.” Another thanks you all, especially the cat lady with the long tail and the deadly stick in her hands. A third also thanks you and mentions that this was the second victim this tenday. Just a couple of days ago, a woman was found dead with her chest ripped open and her heart missing but since no one saw the actual attack, there have been outrageous rumors flying around the farm about a vicious killer among them. “Now we know…” They say, “this beast must have taken her heart and her life from her.”

Joloobo] The event, and the mention of a missing heart sparks something in my memory [Nature Check DC 13]

1d20 Nature 13 +6 = 19 [Success]

Joloobo] “I recall something about a beast like this. When their mate is ready for, well, mating… the sire attempts to impress the female with a bloody heart. I suppose she turned down the first one, or maybe she liked it so much… the male thought to repeat the performance. I don’t know if their blood is of any value but I will harvest it anyway just in case.”

Valea] “Gnomey is saying this killing was just animal instinct then?”

Joloobo] “This here be ordinary animal… so probably no ordinary instinct.”

Yisi] “Joloobo is right, this is no beast and no bird, but some twisted concoction of both. Destruction is warranted. So Joloobo… do you think there is another close by then?”

Joloobo] “Likely yes. And if my memory is strong the females are the larger and stronger of the strange species.”

Valea] “This one is anxious to speak with Elder Arrodonn of these things.”

] You leave the workers and continue your way up the windings hills towards the monastery. A mile or two later you see a village on your right. It is made of six longhouses arranged in a circle. The longhouses are stone structures with thatched roofs and likely sleep about 40-50 people each. You see a few people among the long houses, all dressed in the same red and brown clothing as the workers you saw earlier. Another half mile uphill and you come to a cliff wall where the trail end. There is a large stable at the base of the wall. There are a few other wagons and half-a dozen horses being cared for by workers in red and white garments. One of them runs up to you as you halt your horses.

] It is a young looking half elf with black hair and brown skin. “Greetings visitors. I am Aide Skylen. Allow me to care for your horses? You can continue up the monastery just through there.” he points to a crevasse in cliff wall. “It’s a bit of a climb, but the way is safe.”

Yisi] “Before we go, can I ask about lodging for our friends here? We hired them as guards to protect us and I would see them sleep well tonight. Elder Arrodonn was only expecting two of us.”

] Aide Skylen “Of course. We have plenty of room in our village quarters for overnight guests. You can share our forenight meal and if you feel the need, there is a warmspring where you can wash off the road. Allow me to secure your horses and I will get you settled.”

] Argathen “We extend our thanks Skylen. I’m certain my sister here will delight in a bath, and she would probably be happier if I did as well.” He turns to you. “Yisi, Valea – it has been a pleasure to be your protectors. I hope your time here is well spent.”

Settling in at the Treyvigg Monastery

] You, Yisi and Valea, have spent the past 3 days traveling from your home Song Moon Temple to Treyvigg Monastery. Along the way you met some new fellows, including the Gnome Troll Hunter, Joloobo. You have arrived at Treyvigg Monastery and you are parting ways with the three guards from Titans Fist Protection Company – the Wwaldyr siblings, Argathen, Ariola and Tolvathir.

] Tolvathir “Thank you again Valea, for the astonishing gift. My feelings would not be hurt if you came to your senses and wanted it back.”

Valea] “Live long and fight strong pup. That is all Valea should want from you.”

] The sun is still glinting off of the peaks of Small Teeth, but the rest of the foothills are shadowless. You finish your goodbyes then the three of you begin the stairs leading up into the cliff wall. The elevation gain is a steep 1400 feet. The steps are carved into a narrow crevasse the entire way with the exception of 2 resting areas – larger openings in the rock where benches have been carved out the face of the cliff. The air is cool and even wet in parts as water seeps through cracks in the rock. Eventually the stair way opens out into a small valley between more steep cliffs. You see an open grassy area which is still getting sun though shadows are stretching. There is a high stone wall constructed between the two side cliffs and a small wooden gate at the center, about 200 feet straight ahead from where the steps finished. Carved into the gate is the symbol of two crossed hammers.

Joloobo] “Whew! Legs such as mine were not made for such a climb. I am near exhaustion.”

Valea] “This one feels energized by the step rocks. How lucky they must be – these monks can walk that everyday!”

Yisi] “I’m with Joloobo on this one longtail. That was exhausting…”

Valea] “Maybe Valea will run down in the morning and say another farewell to the Wwaldyrs… just to get the exercise yes?”

Yisi] “Give them a travel blessing for me then. Shall we go find Elder Arrodonn?”

] As you approach, they slowly open and a human woman walks through them towards you. “Welcome friends, to Treyvigg Winery. I am Aide Camarie. I am here to help make your visit pleasant. It is late for the tour and tasting, but we serve you a meal small if you are hungry. We have tour at noon tomorrow for you to join.”

Valea] “Greetings from Song Moon Temple. I am Valea, this is Yisi. Teacher Solomvar has sent us to meet with Elder Arrodon. Oh, and wine. We are to replenish his wine. What did he call it Goldie?”

Yisi] “Summertide Red.”

Valea] “Yes yes, Summertide Red.”

] Aide Camarie “Greetings to you. I was informed you would arrive this tenday. Oh, I belive you mean Summertide Rose. Elder Arrodon was looking forward to greeting you himself. Unfortunately, he has been called away on dire matters. I am to see to your comfort and connect you with one of our martial trainers. Please… follow me to the refectory.” She turns and walks inside.

Valea] We follow her.

Joloobo] “I like the carving on your gate. Is it just decoration or does it have meaning?”

] Aide Camarie “The Crossed Hammers is the symbol of Dunea. We have a temple to Dunea here if you are in need of services.”

Yisi] “Forgive my ignorance, but I’ve not heard of Dunea.”

] Aide Camarie “Easily forgiven… Not many in the realms have heard of the elemental deity Dunea. She is the goddess of the terra, that is, of the soil and ground. Her spirit is bright and her smile provides a beacon in dark times. Dunea, and her crossed hammers, informs our martial techniques as well. We believe in a strong defense as inspired by stories of Dunea. Strength comes from a strong stance and a strong stance comes from being rooted with the ground. But I am hardly qualified to teach these things. Guide Dawndra will surely be a better resource of such knowledge.”

Valea] “Guide Dawndra? That is who will teach martial skill?”

] Aide Camarie “Yes. She is one of many teachers here. She can be a little, well, initimidating… to new students… but I am certain you will like her… yes, you will see.”

Joloobo] “There was an… Uh… incident. Out in the fields as we were arriving here. A young man was killed. Is there someone we should inform?”

] Aide Camarie “Dreadful! Another murder?”

Joloobo] “Not exactly. He was killed by a flying beast. An oddity called a Peryton by most. We heard there were rumors about a previous death. I thought we should tell someone so the fear can stop.”

] Aide Camarie “Yes, I am aware of the rumors. You are confident the death of Vyralla was not nefarious then?”

Yisi] “We did not get her name. A young woman was found mutilated with her heart missing. If this was Vyralla, then yes… it was the doing of the beast. Apparently the male of the species likes to present hearts to his mate as a breeding ritual of some sort.”

] Aide Camarie “And these flying beasts have taken our mountains as their home? We must protect the workers from further attacks.”

Joloobo] “One of them is probably nesting nearby. The male, however, is joining the loam as we speak. The female remains dangerous, maybe more so now, but I expect their mating ritual has ceased.”

] Aide Camarie “I will inform our elders. It sounds like we owe you some appreciation.”

Valea] “This one certainly would not mind that meal… moggies paunch mumbles and grumbles.”

] Aide Camarie leads you through a large courtyard. The monastery is surrounded on two sides by towering cliff walls and behind it you see the small valley elevate further up into the peaks of Small Teeth. On three sides of the courtyard there are long buildings, similar to the ones you saw in the workers village below, but these are far more refined in appearance. The foundation structure is stone but instead of thatched roofing, there are roof tiles made of red clay. As she walks, she points out the training halls and the training courtyard behind it on the right. On the left are students quarters. On a ledge behind them is another line of longhouses which are the quarters for Aides and Guides. She points higher up to a single longhouse up on a cliff edge. “The Elders quarters are there” she says. The beauty of the place is almost overwhelming.

] Aide Camarie “On the far side of the courtyard is our temple to Dunea. Within you will find priests and healers should you have need. And if you are training with Guide Dawndra, you will be having need.” She smiles, apparently amused with her own comment.

] She takes you all the way to the far end of the courtyard and thru a stone paved walk. Behind the temple is the refectory. You are arriving in the middle of the forenight meal. You can smell the food  before you even enter the longhouse. As you, you see the room is filled with people all eating in silence. Everyone is dressed in similar clothing, simple red robes like you saw the workers wearing. Some are red and white like Aide Camarie’s, some are red with side lines of green or blue. You estimate there are maybe 100 people here. Many are human or half-elf but you see several other races as well. Valea – you notice there is another like you sitting in silence at a table, her long black tail swishing the floor behind her.

] Aide Camarie whispers to you as you enter “We eat our meals in silence here. Please do your best to observe our tradition while in the refectory?”

Valea] I nod, but I really want to go talk to the other tabaxi, even more than I want to eat. Still, I decide to wait.

] Aide Camarie leads you to a long table where there is room. Within moments, two others dressed in the same colors as Aide Camarie arrive with flagons of wine and clay goblets. They leave and return with large clay bowls full of a thick vegetable stew for each of you. No words are spoken by any the entire mealtime.

] After forenight meal, you are directed to one of the longhouses on the courtyard level. Inside there are many partitioned areas – not really individual rooms, but short walls around a simple bed and a table with a chair – enough to have just a small privacy. There is quiet chatter among others in the longhouse, but everyone generally speaks in whispers.

Yisi] “Rest well you two. I will not fully sleep tonight and will keep a light watch.” I whisper.

Joloobo] “I’ve heard elves don’t need sleep. Must be nice. I doubt I’m going to sleep much either. In fact, I saw some decent sized trees about behind the place… I will probably be more comfortable sleeping there. I will be back with first light.” I slip out of the longhouse and go find a tree to sleep in.

Valea] “Valea will sleep just fine. Right here and right now. See you at waking darkeyes.”

Yisi] I practice calligraphy at my table for a while, and then enter trance.

Yisi and Valea Meet Guide Dawndra

] You arrived yesterday in Last Shadow at the Treyvigg Monastery. A Grand Master of your order at Song Moon Temple sent you here to train with their teachers and learn their famous defensive tactics. Also… replenish his supply of Summertide Red wine. It is early waking and the stars are still visible in the sky.

] Joloobo – you continue to sleep in a tree on the back side of the monastery grounds. Yisi you are sitting in meditation on the small bed provided for you. You hear Valea shifting awake. Others in the longhouse are still sleeping around you. Valea – you open your eyes and consider doing as you said, sending off the Wwaldyr siblings

Yisi] “Good waking Valea” I whisper

Valea]  “Good waking. Valea will be back soon. Will see off the Wwaldyrs” I creep quietly out.

] Outside you cross the large courtyard to the gates. One side is open far enough to walk through. As you enter the large yard area to the stairs, you notice large person, nearly a small giant, with long white hair standing with her back to you looking out over the magnificent landscape of the Umar foothills below and into Tethyr. You see on the ground near her, red and blue robes and you realize she is quite naked. Her entire body is covered in a fine white fur. She shifts her stance to one you recognize as a Bow stance, and then she is still again, peaceful in the dim light of waking.

Valea] I recognize she must be doing her stance training. Rather than interupt or distract, I enter a stance to match hers.

] You didn’t realize it last night, but from here you can see over the entire Wealdath forest to the Starspire Mountains – where your own home at Song Moon Temple is hidden. You notice just the slightest portion of the peaks of the Starspires are glimmering with the new days sun. The white giant shifts into right bow stance, her head turning towards you. If she was not aware of you before, she likely is now… thought she makes no indication.

Valea] I shift into a right bow stance.

] The long haired woman is very still, almost like she has become part of the surrounding cliff walls. After a seemingly long time, she shifts again into horse stance, facing straight forward. Slowly her arms rise up in front of her and then drop from the elbows. Her hands circle a ball and then push it slowly down. She repeats these simple arm movements several times, moving more slowly with each iteration.

Valea] I try to copy her stance and her movements. It is not at all like the forms training I have learned. We learned punches and blocks, but these movements do not have any apparent martial application.

] The naked monk continues, her arm movements becoming more intricate and yet, even more graceful. You feel somewhat mesmerized by her flow. Something about her solid posture and the gentle stream of her movements connects very deep inside you. Your many years of martial training suddenly feels very basic, immature even. You feel like you are again just a beginner.

Valea] Awkward as it may look and feel, I try to keep up with the monk, imitating her movements, her pacing… the strength in her stance.

] You continue to practice until you notice your own shadow on the ground. The sun has fully appeared in the sky over the vast Wealdath forest and what felt like brief moments to you was actually over an hour of form practice. To your left, a figure steps out of the open gate. Aide Camarie smiles at you but sees you are in forms practice and steps backwards quietly. Dawndra must have noticed her because she steps into closing posture. She sweeps her long arms out to her sides and up over her head and then brings her hands down, slowly in front of her, pushing the breath out. Twice more she performs this closing breath movement and then places here hands together and bows forward, to no one in particular, or perhaps to everyone. She then turns and starts to walk towards you. With one of her feet she hooks her robes from the ground and in a slow sweeping forward kick, lifts them up into the air in front of her and she almost walks right into them.

] “Good waking Aide Camarie.” She says to the woman behind the gate door. “Is it time to get started?” As you walks closer, you get a better look at her features. She is over 7 feet tall, perhaps closer to 8. Her build is large and unnaturally muscular. Her face is very human in shape but like yours, is covered in fur, fine white fur.

Valea] As she approaches, I copy her earlier movements, placing hands together and then bowing.

] “It is rare for me to have a student I have never met.” She says softly, not exactly smiling.

] Aide Camarie “Guide Dawndra. Good waking to you as well. I was hoping to introduce you to our visitors after our meal. This is Valea Syh. She is visiting from Song Moon Temple along with two others who I will locate next.”

Valea] “This one is very pleased to be here and to greet the guide Dawndra. Valea is spellbound… never has she seen such flowing movement. To watch and try to follow your forms was greatly pleasurable. Valea thanks you for allowing it.”

] Guide Dawndra “Elder Arrodonn has asked me to share some defensive tactics with your and your school, but I don’t mind teaching flow forms if you have the interest.”

Valea] “Great interest has Valea. Teacher Solomvar has told Valea she must find a balance to martial skills. Valea did not know where to look but she has found.”

] Guide Dawndra “There is much more to flow forms than can be seen on the outside, much more. The practice requires years and mastery of it is forever ahead of the practioner… but I would be delighted to get you started. Most new students have no interest… ‘it is too slow’ they say… ‘it is too dull’… I would delight in a student hungry for the practice.”

] Aide Camarie “Waking meal is being served. Afterwards, I will bring our visiting students to your courtyard for lessons Guide Dawndra.”

] Guide Dawndra “Indeed. Good waking to you Valea. See you at lessons.”

] Aide Camarie walks you back to longhouse to gather Yisi. Meanwhile in the backyard of the monastery, Joloobo is awakening in a high branch of a tree. You smell the food from the refectory.

Joloobo] I climb down and go find the others.

] Yisi, Valea, and Aide Camarie are just exiting the visitor resident quarters as you arrive. They are walking your way, toward the waking meal.

Joloobo] “Whatever it is that’s cooking… it smells delicious!”

] Aide Camarie “Our meals here are simple and mostly the same everyday, but if you can get past that, they really are delicious. Waking meal is a porridge made from grains and roots and seeds. Everything served is from our own lands here. If you have a preference for eating meat, you can go hunt your own in the valley. The small forested area we call the “Backyard” behind the monastery will open out to a large valley that extends few miles into the Small Teeth. We call it the Vale of Caefri. I understand there is plenty of game out there because it is largely protected from hunters from the cities. Occasionally other creatures find there way into the valley so be on your guard. We had reports of a fire troll in the Vale just a tenday back. Terrible sight I’m told.”

Joloobo] “Fire Troll? I’ve not encountered such a troll before. What makes them be called ‘fire’ trolls?”

] Aide Camarie “You are asking the wrong person on that topic… but I was told they reside in molten caverns. We had believed the Small Teeth to be dormant… but apparently the sighting of a fire troll suggests otherwise.”

Joloobo] “I was wondering what I might do why you guys are doing your punch and kick thing… I just might explore the Vale of Caefri.”

] The three of you are led to the dining house. The entire place is silent except for the sound of stone spoons scraping the insides of clay bowls. After you have finished eating you have an hour before lessons.

Joloobo] “I will see you back here later, I’m going hunting for a fire troll!”

Yisi] “I would like to visit the Temple of Dunea.” I say. “Will you join me Valea?”

Valea] “Where goldie goes, so does Valea.”

] You cross the courtyard t the large temple structure. The front entrance is raised several high steps to a stone portico with tall square pillars. The pillar faces have carved images that appear to tell stories. The entire front of the temple is open, no doors or a front-facing wall. Stepping inside you notice the floor is made entirely of soft white sand. There is a small line of sandals along the outer edge and it seems apparent you must take your shoes off to enter. The main chamber of temple is fairly small as temples go. You estimate it is maybe 40 feet wide and 60 or 70 feet from front to back. In the back you see a simple clay statue of a female elf. She is standing in a front bow stance raising two hammers overhead. There are several others in the temple area. They are all sitting cross legged with a straight spine, in meditation. A barefoot elf in red and black robes approaches you.

] “Welcome visitors. May we offer you strength for the day?” The wood elf says quietly.

Yisi] “While we do not know what the day holds… surely a gift of strength would not go wasted.”

Valea] “What cradle-tongue here means is, yes…. We would appreciate temple services.”

] The monk slides softly down into a seated position on the sand. “Please, sit with me. Close that I may reach you. Quiet your spirits. Close your eyes and feel the pull of the ground stabalize you, center you. Breathe in… slowly… breathe out… again… breath in… and out… Now hold an empty chest.” Yisi, you feel his fingers cup the underside of your chin… “Slowly… breathe in…” There is a deep smell of copper coming off of his hands. You feel your body charge with the inhale. “Now hold a full chest… a moment longer… Now breathe out…” [Yisi recv’s 11 temporary hit points and +4 to Constition while any of those temporary hit points are available]

] The monk repeats the same, this time with his open palms under your chin Valea, you feel an internal surge in energy and strength [you recv 8 temporary hit points and +6 Con while the temporary hit points are available]

] “Go in strength friends.” the monk says

Yisi] “Much gratitude we return. I am Yisi and my favorite feline maiden here is Valea.”

Valea] “This one bows to you.”

] “I am Elder Ysthorn. You are the visiting students sent by Teacher Solomvar?”

Valea] “This is true. Teacher Solomvar did not prepare us for the beauty of the monastery here Elder Ysthorn. ”

] Elder Ysthorn “Treyvigg Monastery is indeed a beautiful place. It is also a good home to us. I hope it be so to you while you stay. I can offer additional services next waking, please come and see me. For now, I return to my duties. Go in strength.”

] Your hour is just about over and Aide Camarie arrives to attend you to the training courtyard. When you arrive, there are nearly twenty other students in the courtyard performing various warmup exercises. With one exception, they all wear the monastery student robes of red and green. The one without student robes is a male centaur who looks to be quite young. Many of the students are human or possibly half-elf. Valea – you notice the tabaxi woman you saw the night before in the dining hall. She is performing the same soft flow forms that Dawndra was doing this morning. Others are stretching or squatting or swinging their legs to loosen up. Yisi, you notice a very young dragonborn girl. Her scales and hide are entirely the purest white and she has a thick tail with a spike on the end. Your attention is captured because you have never seen such a creature. You have heard of the dragonborn, and thought you knew what they should look like, but this girls appearance is far from your expectations of what a Dragonborn would look like.

] Guide Dawndra arrives and calls out “Hearken students. Lesson begins.” Everyone turns to face her and they put their hands together in a salute and bow. There is no orderly formation, everyone just keeps a certain space around them.

Yisi] I follow as I see others doing.

Valea] I follow as well.

] Guide Dawndra runs the students through stance practice, kicking drills, jumping drills, punching drills. Hours go by and you have not learned anythign new, but you have had a good workout. Dawndra walks over to a small round arena marked by round stones. It is filled, like the temple interior floor, with a soft white sand. She sits cross-legged. Even seated on the ground, she seems incredibly tall.

] Guide Dawndra “Todays text… The Book  of the Heart… Passage one. When the heart is full of things, the body is constrained. When the heart is empty, the body is boundless.”

] All of the students repeat Passage One aloud and then there is a silence that lasts several minutes.

] Guide Dawndra “When the heart is full of things, the body is constrained. When the heart is empty, the body is boundless.”

] Again the students all repeat the passage. Without another silence, Guide Dawndra goes on. “Passage Two. When the heart is obessed with base lusts, principles are forgotten. When the heart is set on high desires, principles guide the way.” The students repeat Passage Two of the Book of the Heart and then are again silent for a period. Guide Dawndra repeats the passage, the students repeat the passage. This continues through a dozen more passages, and Guide Dawndra finishes with “Passage Fifteen. When the heart is full of illusion, reality becomes a cruel master. When the heart seeks reality, the world submits to the master of mind and body.”

] Afterwards, Guide Dawndra releases the students to their chores. She walks over to you Valea and gives you a respectful salute. “Shall I see you again on the overlook next waking?”

Valea] “Valea is eager to see you on the overlook.”

Joloobo Hunts a Fire Troll

] The past tenday has gone by pretty much as the first day did. Yisi and Valea, you have spent your days in training with Guide Dawndra. Joloobo, you have spent your time in the Valea of Soxolone searching for sign of a fire troll. A new month started yesterday and you anticipate continueing with the next 4-5 tendays just as this last one has past.

] Joloobo, you awake before first light. You are nestled comfortably on a high branch of a sturdy tree in the monastery’s “backyard”. As you stir, you hear soft voices below but cannot make out what is being said. As you look down, you see 3 very small people, possibly gnomes based on their stature and gait. You watch as the three of them open the door to a small shed that is built up against the base of the cliff wall on the western side of the yard. Several minutes go by and they never exit.

Joloobo] “Curious” I say to myself. Then I climb down to investigate further. I open the shed and look inside.

] You see various gardening tools and buckets of seed and fertilizer and other such things as you might expect in a shed. There is no sign of the 3 gnomes.

Joloobo] I am certain they did not come out… I look more closely

1d20 Investigation 17 +6 = 23 [Success]

] You spot a group of barrels which appear to be lashed together. The dirt beneath them shows indication that they have recently been moved out and back in against the corner of the wall.

Joloobo] I try to move the barrels out.

] The whole group of lashed-together barrels slides easily out, as if on a hinge. Behind them you see a dark leading down and into the face of the cliff wall.

Joloobo] “More curious… but perhaps none of my business. Certainly… none of my business.” I put the barrels back and go find Yisi and Valea for Waking meal.

] Yisi and Valea – the two of you are sitting at table with Rasi, the white Dragonborn student you saw on your first day. You have since often spent time with her and learned that her full name is Arrodonn Olilrasi. Elder Arrodonn found her as a nearly dead infant 16 years ago and saved her, bringing her back to Treyvigg Monastery as a ward and eventually… a student. She has no way of knowing her clan name, so she has taken Arrodonn as her clan name. You also learned that her bright pink eyes are sightless – though it was not apparent for several days that she is blind. Joloobo – you enter and see the others.

Jolobo] I am careful to observe silence, but I wave at Yisi, Valea and Rasi and join them for breakfast.

] After finishing, the four of you find a comfortable space on the grass of the backyard – behind the refectory and the Temple building.

] Rasi “I never get tired of porridge and tea. Others complain that it is always the same… but it so delicious I still look forward to it… Speaking of compaints… How are your legs Yisi? The first tenday of stance training with Guide Dawndra is sure to make anyone complain.”

Yisi] “Can any mortal mixture of clay and rock breathe such enchanting and divine strength as that born of disciplined pain.”

] Rasi “What?”

Valea] “Goldie waxes with enthusiastic words Rasi. I think he meant his legs hurt but it is good for him. That about right my knife-ear?”

Yisi] “Indeed. I find the quiet of stance training to help open my thoughts. I’ve written more lines this tenday than the month prior. Perhaps it also because no one has tasked us with chores as yet.”

] Rasi “Oh, visitors don’t have chores… but if you want some, mine are always available to you. Maybe you can teach me some fancy words that will help me like them better.”

Valea] I turn to Joloobo “Tell us Jobo, what news of this fire troll you have been hunting.”

Joloobo] “No clear sign, but I think I may be getting close. I have seen a lot of beasts. It is almost like the Vale of Soxolone was stocked with them to be a hunting ground. ”

Yisi] “I am the last one to be telling you how to hunt trolls… but do be careful friend. Perhaps you will find its haunt and allow another day before confronting it so we can help.”

] Rasi “A fire troll! It does sound downright terrifying… I can’t wait!”

Joloobo] “I don’t even know if Rayni can work with the blood of a fire troll… but I just know she will be excited to get some…”

Valea] “What kind of potion bottle will hold fire troll blood, I wonder…”

Joloobo] “Well that is a good thought… a thought I should have already had myself and didn’t…Perhaps I can ask an alchemist. Rasi – is there alchemist here at the monastery? Seems like a good place for one.”

] Rasi “If there is, I don’t know it. Ask Elder Ysthorn. If anyone can know, it is Elder Ysthorn.”

Joloobo] “I was going there next. I suppose… I am going there now… enjoy your lessons – I’m off to find a burning troll.” I go to the temple for a blessing and to find out how to procure potion vials which can withstand magma.

] Elder Ysthorn greets you and invites you to sit and breathe. He performs his blessing (2d8 tmp and 1d8 Con bonus – you recv 12 temporary hit points and +8 to your Con while the temporary hit points are available). He does not have a quick answer to your question about potion vials, but says he will investigate on your behalf.

[add more dialog here]

] Elder Ysthorn, after providing a physical blessing, he touches the crown of your head and offers a benediction: “Go in strength, friend of the forest.” He stands and goes over to attend others in the temple.

Joloobo] I return to the Vale of Soxolone and begin searching for sign of the fire troll [Survival]

1d20 Survival 13 +6 = 19 [Success]

] You search for several hours and eventually find some odd tracks. You recognize the clawed feet as similar to a troll and so you follow them. They lead you to a section of the far end of the vale to a small crevasse in the cliff wall. You notice there are two sets of tracks, the one leading out of the crevasse, which you have been following, and another set, likely from the same creature leading back into the crevasse. It is only about 2ft wide and leads straight into the mountain. Examining the sides of the crevasse, you observe that something large pushed its way though here recently.

Joloobo] Using my very best “quiet foot” technique, I explore further into the crevasse. [Stealth]

1d20 Stealth 17 +6 = 23 [Success]

] The crack in the cliff wall eventually opens up into a larger tunnel. You see debris in the corridor, some broken mining tools and a small pushcart with a missing wheel. The corridor goes to the left (N) and to the right (S). On the south side the corridor opens up into a larger area. On the north side, the tunnel turns deeper into the mountain. [MAP Crevasse into bottom left]

Jolobo] I explore to the south side, into the larger area.

] You see a high ceiling and wide round walls, all cut with pick and hammer. It looks as if mining efforts were extentisive here. There is more debris along with several corpses. They are just bones and hair.

Joloobo] I take a closer look at the corpses, curious who they were and maybe how they died. [Medical]

1d20 Medical 20 +4 [Success]

] From their sizes you guess these were once dwarves but cannot tell for certain. You notice some of the bones are broken and even crushed, but cannot know for certain if the damage happened before or after they died. If it happened before, it likely killed them. You find among the bodies the following:

110 gp (in various coins), an Iron Ring (25 gp), a Leather Belt with pure Silver Buckle (50 gp), an Iron Idol (of an Unknown God) (25 gp), Rabbit Fur Sash (?? gp),  Jasper (50 gp), 2x Onyx (50 gp), 2 x Star rose quartz (50 gp), Potion of Healing (common)

Joloobo] I gather the items I think might have value, especially the coins and gems and the silver buckle. I try the rabbit fur sash on to see if it fits me.

] The sash is in surprisingly good condition given the decay of the bodies and their clothes. It is perhaps a little big, hanging past your hip, but it fits you.

Joloobo] I dig around the rest of the debris in this room to see what I see.

1d20 Investigation 14 +6 = 20 [Success]

] There is more than was initially apparent. The ground of the room is cut away from all of the edges of the room, giving it a cicular feel, like being inside a ball. There are more bodies in the trench as well. You find 120 gp of coin, Pair of engraved bone dice (20gp),  Gold locket with a painted portrait inside(10gp), Small mirror set in a wooden frame (5gp), Black velvet mask stiched with silver thread (??), a wooden Staff (of the Python) (2k+gp)

] The wooden Staff looks to be a wizards staff. It is over 7 ft tall and appears to have scales carved into it.

Joloobo] I laugh out loud and say to myself… “Can you picture yourself carrying that thing around?”

[()]

] The moment the echo of your laugh stops bouncing around the room, you can hear them. Light scurrying feet can be heard from the corridor. And then the swarm is upon you. Spiders, black and shiny, shaped like reverse arrowheads, with a bright line of red up their backs ending in the point of their bodies.

[Initiative]

Joloobo] “Trollgum! I should have went the other direction!” I attack the swarm (1) with psychic blades

1d20 Attack 3 +6 = 9 [Miss]

1d20 Attack (Left) 9 +6 = 15 [Hit] Dmg 4 +4 = 8

] Your soul knives fly into the swarm of spiders and disapper. There is no indication of any damage. The swarm surrounds you. [()] you feel them crawling over your legs but you do not feel any pain yet.

Joloobo] I try my blowgun to see if it will do more damage

1d20 Attack 12 +6 = 18 [Hit] 7 dmg

] The swarm does not seem affected. It continues to surround you. [()] You remain unharmed but covered in odd arrow shaped spiders.

Joloobo] I try my pyschic knives again

1d20 Attack 13 +6 = 19 [hit] 4 +4 = 8

1d20 Attack 19 +6 = 25 [hit] 3 +4 = 7

] You finally appear to be having an impact on the numbers. [()] You still have not  been biten for some reason.

Joloobo] I strike again at the swarm (2)

1d20 Attack 19 +6 = 25 [hit] dmg 4+4 = 8

1d20 Attack 2 +6 [miss]

] [()] You remain in full health and strength, the spiders cannot seem to find a way at you.

Joloobo] I continue

1d20 Attack 20 [Crit] 6 +2 +6 = 14

1d20 Attack 09 +6 = 15 [Hit] 3 +6 = 9

] You slash at the remaining crawlers until none remain moving in the room.

Joloobo] I say, very very quietly to myself… “teach me to make noise won’t it…” I decide to explore further the other direction down the corridor.

] As you try to exit through the doorway, you run smack into an invisible force wall. The entire exit way appears warded.

Joloobo] “Ogrefart! Now what!” I exclaim… very very quietly. I look around the room for any other possible exists, a crack in the wall… something.

] There is no exit from the room.

Joloobo] I thinks to myself… “the room is a trap… the pile of bodies should have clued me in. If these were all caught in here like myself… I’m in trouble. I wonder if Yisi or Valea could track me? I suppose they will try, won’t they?”

] Hours pass

Joloobo] Out of boredom, I start looking through the debris again to see what else there is to find.

] You find a few empty potion bottles, 2 silver bracelets  (10gp), some useless weapons, and a journal written in gnomish, sort of. You recognize only some of the characters. Among those, you see the word for ball or sphere. You also find some passages about the spiders, or rather “the spider”. There are dates written in the journal as well. The author died here over 50 years ago.

] More hours pass

The Hunt for Joloobo

] Joloobo – you were exploring a crevasse in cliffs walls in the Vale of Soxolone. After entering a large carved out room, you found you could not exit it… an invisible wall has trapped you. Thankfully no further spiders have yet discovered your presence. Still, it has been a long night of sitting among desicated bones, resisting sleep and wondering if the others could ever find you.

] You, Yisi and Valea, are at waking meal. Valea, you have just come from another early flow-forms session with Guide Dawndra. Yisi, you have been spending the early hours in the temple writing verse in the sand with a stick. Last forenight, you both noticed Joloobo did not attend meal – as he has been eager to do this past tenday. You thought it odd, but knew he was in the Vale of Soxolone that day and expected he was just returning late. Now you are looking around the refectory for him during waking meal.

Yisi] “I don’t see him.”

Valea] “It is not like Low Pockets to miss a meal, much less two. Surely he found trouble yesterday no?”

Yisi] “Surely. I propose we tell Aide Camarie and Guide Dawndra of our concern, and then we set out into the vale to search.”

Valea] “This one agrees.” I finish my porridge in haste.

] You find Aide Camarie just outside and tell her your news. She says she wishes Elder Arrrodonn had already returned, he would be able to ask Soxolone what befell Joloobo.

Valea] “Soxolone is a real person? Valea thought it was just a name, or a legend…”

] Aide Camarie “Yes, Soxolone is real. He is a treant who has lived in the valley since before Elder Arrodonn and Elder Thaola arrived here and built this monastery. I think he somehow knows everything that happens in the vale. He is not likely to speak with any but Elder Arrodonn however. You must inform Guide Dawndra and then start the search for your friend. I will pack some meals for you.”

Yisi] “Thank you Aide Camarie.” We go to find Guide Dawndra.

] Guide Dawndra looks thoughtful for a moment when you tell her the news. “The Vale is a big place. Are either of you skilled in woodscraft?”

Valea] “This one would say no.”

Yisi] “As would this one… but I’ve always wanted to learn.”

] Guide Dawndra “We have several hunters in residence, but Fable may be just the right resource to assist.” She looks around the courtyard of students getting ready for the days lessons. “Fable!” she yells out. From the direction of the temple, a female Tabaxi with jet-black fur runs across the grounds with a surprising speed and grace. “Yes Guide Dawndra,  Fable is here.”

] Guide Dawndra “Our visiting students need your help today Fable. Their gnome of a friend has not returned from the Vale since a day before. You are quite familiar with the Vale of Soxolone as I recall. ”

] Fable “Indeed I am, and I am always glad to help find a friend. ”

Valea] “This one thanks Fable for her help.” I bow to the tabaxi.

] Guide Dawndra formally introduces the three of you and send you to grab packs (Explorer Packs) and be on your way.

] As you are walking across the backyard, Fable is already searching the ground. [()] She turns towards a large tree. “Here” she says. “Your friend has been sleeping in this tree. I see his foot prints go from the base over towards that shed.”

Valea] “Joloobo does say he prefers sleeping in trees. But what interest would he have in a shed?”

Yisi] “Worth a quick look inside.”

] Opening the shed, you see only what would be expected… gardening tools, crates and barrels of soil supplies, etc.

Valea] “Perhaps Small Toe needed a shovel?”

] Fable “Your friend was not the only small toe in here. Look – three other recent prints. Perhaps Halfling? Probably Gnome from the size. They all lead to those barrels over there.”

] You see three large barrels, nearly as tall as Jollobo, in the corner of the she. They are all lashed together.

Yisi] I look inside the barrels.

] The barrels are mostly empty. You see nothing inside them but small amounts of compost.

Yisi] “Curious… but Joloobo is surely not here. Shall we get to our hunting?”

] You walk to the back of the “backyard” and enter into a sparse wood. The trees here are old with massive trunks. They appear to prefer to maintain a distance, that is, none of the giant trees are really close together. There is very little undergrowth and the gloam is soft to walk on. Fable has lost the tracks and then found them again twice over the past couple of hours.

] Fable “Joloobo was himself tracking something, though I cannot tell what – I do not see the sign he did. Did he say what he was hunting for?”

Valea] “Fire Troll. Jobo likes hunting trolls. This is how Valea and Yisi met the gnome. We were attacked by trolls in the Wealdath and Joloobo appeared and helped finish them.”

Yisi] “He extracts their blood to make potions. Powerful potions he claims.”

] Fable “I have heard of such things. Never encountered a troll, but I’ve heard they can be formiable, and they won’t die unless you burn them right?”

Valea] “Even chopped off hands keep attacking! Valea saw this!”

] Fable “But how would a troll get into the Vale? Perhaps it came over a cliff wall? The fall would kill most creatures, but a troll might easily survive it.”

Yisi] “We don’t know what a “Fire” Troll is compared to any other, but Aide Camarie said something about them only being found near active volcanoes and Kossuth’s Eyes are long dormant.”

] Fable “So then… perhaps not over the wall, but up from beneath it. This may help our search. Joloobo may have been looking for open fissures in the ground, or in the cliff walls.”

] Two more hours pass. In addition to the sparse groves of giant trees, you encounter small fields of fine grass that appear to be tended. There are no weeds or flowers or shrubs within the greenswards, just perfect soft grass. There are, however, other areas which are full of flowers. These too appear to be cultivated to a flawless garden of beauty.

] Fable “This is my favorite spot in the entire world, here among the bloom fields… especially when the daystar is high and the warmth fills the vale.”

Yisi] “It is certainly its own kind of beauty. I should like to return under less dire circumstances.

] Fable “Of course. You worry for your friend, and beauty cannot be enjoyed from under a hairy cloud.”

Yisi] “I think you mean harried?”

] Fable “Perhaps. But would you not imagine a harried cloud as being quite hairy?”

Valea] I laugh out loud at Fable’s joke, perhaps a bit too much… I want, perhaps not fully consciously, to somehow endear Fable to me. She is, after all, the only other cat folk I’ve met. Sure I’ve seen a few others in passing, but never with an opportunity to get to know them at all. “Valea likes the words of Fable. She makes this one laugh. And so clever yes?”

Yisi] I smile at them both “Yes, a harried cloud should indeed appear quite hairy – the way of poetry just might demand it be so.”

] As you continue further, the earth slopes upward as you walk towards the cliff walls on the far side of the valley. You can see to your left, there is a large lake at the bottom of a gulley that is surrounded on the South and the West by cliff walls.

Valea] “Perhaps when we return, we go for a swim yes?”

] Fable “Oh, you don’t want to swim there. No one ever goes down to the lake. Well… no one who knows better. Especially no male who knows better.” She halts. “Oh! What if…. Sure, could be…” She seems to be saying to no one but herself. Then she snaps out of the thought and says to you, “It is my guess Joloobo did not know better! Perhaps there is still time… Rrellette has told me she likes to play with her catch a while.” and she starts running down hill towards the lake. She stops again and turns. “Yisi, you should stay here, or better… go back over the hill out of sight and out of ear range. Rrellette preys on men only, and she would surely take a liking to you. It will be safer where you cannot hear her song.”

Yisi] “Wait… What? But…”

Valea] “Valea thinks knife-ear should heed the Fable and turn back. This one will be okay. Fable she Rrellette thing only preys on men, which all can see Valea is not. ” I motion with my body in silly slinky way.

Yisi] “Fine. Be careful.” I go back back to the top of the rise, but I keep watch on the two cats.

] You see Valea and Fable reach the shores of the lake. They are perhaps a half-mile from where you stand. The surface of the lake is smooth and from your vantage you can see the detail of the cliff walls on the far side of the lake mirrored perfectly in its surface. Moments later there is a break in the surface far out in the middle of the lake, several hundred feet from the shore where Valea and Fable stand. You see a tall slender woman rise and begin walking towards them across the surface of the water. She has wild hair that seems to be blowing in a strong breeze, yet the air in the valley is calm. Even from the far distance, you experience a supernatural attraction to the creature gliding across the lake. She is just a few feet from Valea and Fable along the shoreline now and it appears to you that they are speaking. Soon, however, you catch the faint hint of a note  traveling up the hillside.

[()]

] Valea -roll a Wisdom saving throw

Valea]

1d20 Wisdom Saving 16 +3 = 19 [Save]

] Yisi – you see Fable begin to walk into the water and Valea appears to be trying to pull her back towards the shore. The water-walking woman is slowly backing away as if drawing Fable into the lake.

Yisi] I use the Haste spell in my sash and race down to the lake to help.

] As you are running down hill, you watch as Valea continues to struggle to pull Fable back to the shore. The water itself seems to have a grip on the black Tabaxi. When you are within 150 ft the song of the water spirit becomes clear. Roll a Wisdom saving throw

Yisi]

2d20a Wisdom Saving 12 +3 = 15 [Save]

] You resist being captured by the charming power of the womans song. She has been watching you run to the rescue, as if she had expected you to do just that. She rushes towards you Valea and tries to throw herself around you, her arms thin and watery. Valea – roll a Con Saving Throw

Valea]

1d20 Con Save 5 +1 = 6 [Fail]

] You feel the uncontrolable urge to laugh, as if being tickled mercilessly. Rrellette backs away into the lake about 15ft from the shore, still laughing with whimsy. Fable, released from your efforts to hold her back, plunges into the water after the water spirit.

[Initiative]

] Rrellette, still overly amused, says to Yisi “Welcome brave hero. My but you are a pretty sight for Rrellette’s eyes. We should spend some time together you and I. I know we could have a picnic on the beach! Why don’t you clear a nice spot for us along the shore.” She casts Suggestion. Roll a Wisdom Saving Throw

Yisi]

2d20 Wisdom Saving 17 +3 = 20 [Save]

Yisi] “Why don’t you go choke on your picnic!”

] Fable is still charmed and treading water at the feet of Rrellette, looking up at her lovingly. Valea is still laughing uncontrollably… Roll to save again.

Valea]

1d20 Con Save 13 +1 = 14 [Save]

] The overpowering sensation slowly leaves you.

Yisi] I try to determine where I might strike Rrellette for the most affect. (Bonus Action check)

1d20 Medicine Check 5 +3=8 [Fail] (Vital Point Expertise lowers to DC 15 against undead)

Yisi] Seeing no potential vulnerabilties, and seeing that the water spirit is out of reach and I’m no great swimmer, the only thing I can think to do is try to snap Fable from the charm. I use Serpents Hiss to try to deafen Fable temporarily.

1d20 Attack 16 +6 = 22 [Hit] Dmg 1

[()]

] Fable is deafened but remains charmed and enthralled with Rrellette. (She can attempt a save next round.)

Valea] “Laughing Bitch!” I dive in to try to save Fable again. [Strength Ath Check]

1d20 Athletics 16 +4 = 20 [Success]

] You swim underwater and successfully grab one of the kicking feet of Fable. You pull her back towards the shore. Fable continues to fight against you but you successfully return to the shallow water where you have footing.

Valea] “Yisi! Help Valea! We must carry Fable away.”

] As Yisi goes to help, Rrellette sweeps into the shore. “Kiss me Elf, I want to taste those sumputious gold lips.” [()] Her speed across the water is surprising and within a blink she has your face in her hands and she is kissing you Yisi. You feel the air leave your lungs and your feet lift up off the ground and you are pulled out over the lake.

[()]

] Fable stops struggling against you Valea, but she is confused about where she is and panic’d at not being able to hear anything.

Yisi] I fight to break free of Rrellettes grapple.

1d20 Str 6 +4 = 10 [Fail]

Valea] “Ugh! Now Yisi is in water!” I dive back in and swim to Help Yisi break free.

] Rrellette plunges Yisi underwater and tries to drag him down to the depths of the lake. Valea, with double speed, is able to catch up quickly. Fable sees you dive in after Yisi  and determines to assist. Using Violent Mobility, she bursts into the water and swims past Valea. She attacks the water spirit with an unarmed attack [()] that strikes critically, stunning Rrellette for a round. She loses her grip on Yisi.

Yisi] Realizing I am released, I am desperate for air and begin swimming back to the surface and shore.

Valea] I help Yisi get back to the land.

] Fable crawls out of the water on all fours right behind you. “Quickly, away from the water, out of her reach.”

] You are just a short distance away from the shore when you hear the ethereal laughter of Rrellette behind you. “Come back my pets. We had only begun to play.” She taunts you. “Boy, come and give me another kiss!” She casts suggestion. Roll Wis Saving

Yisi]

2d20 Wis Save 16 +3 [Save]

Yisi] “Go kiss Ogrebutt! You wicked wench!” I keep running uphill away from the lake, and awy from the sound of her voice.

Valea] “This one is dismayed… Laughing Bitch nearly had us all. Valea is not prepared to fight with water ghosts.”

Yisi] “Nor I. She instantly had me helpless.”

] Fable “She has never attacked me before. But I think she knew you were close Yisi, and she tricked us.”

Yisi] “And did we even learn anything of Joloobo?”

Valea] “Laughing Bitch teased us… making us think she had him. ‘Teatime games with him’ she said. She was only guessing that we were looking for another Tabaxi. That gave it away, and Laughing Bitch became Singing Bitch!”

] Fable “Elder Arrodonn has let her be. I think todays attack may change his thinking. She is dangerous and powerful… and a deceitful bitch.”

Valea] “Deceitful Laughing Singing Bitch!” I yell back at the lake. Then I crouch, raise my tail and spray an insult of urine at the water spirit. “I piss at Laughing Bitch!”

Yisi] “We should find a safe place to rest and calm down. I still feel like I have water in my lungs.”

] You continue until the lake is completely out of sight and take a short rest while the Noon hour passes. Afterwards you continue your search for Joloobo. Following the earlier line of thinking, that a Fire Troll might be tracked into the ground, Fable leads you to the cliff walls to the West end of the Vale of Soxolone where Rrellettes lake is once in again in view. She quickly turns to the right away from the lake, and follows North along the western walls. The ground gains in elevation as you go, but the wall of rock still towers at least 150ft over you. Almost an hour of brisk walking goes by before Fable sees something ahead.

] Fable “There! See the small opening in the wall ahead? And I think I see tracks coming from the North.” She races ahead and begins inspecting the ground. [()] “These are hard to make out.” She says. “But see the large burned areas? I think Joloobo might have been following these, and they lead right into that crevasse.” The small opening in the cliff wall is only 2ft in width and tapers upward into a fine crack in the face of the cliff.

Valea] “This one thinks only Joloobo might fit into such a space no? ”

Yisi] “It will be a tight squeeze, but lets take a look.” I try to crawl into the crevasse.

] You have to belly crawl to fit. The crevasse opening leads straight into black rock. After several minutes of inchinging forward with your elbows, you find yourselves in a tunnel. It appears to be an old mining tunnel based on the debris you see on the ground. The tunnel goes to the left where it appears to wrap around a corner and to the right where there is an opening marked by wooden frames.

Valea] “Ugh! The smell! What smell is that smell?”

Yisi] “Rot. Death and Rot. Friends of the end be death and rot, yet from their alliance springs forths the sweet smell of new life.”

Valea] “This one would wish they hurry about the new life part yes?”

] Fable says “I cannot tell much from the ground in here. I do not see a Gnomes feet go either direction, but it sort of looks like the dust has been recently scattered. Which way do you think…”

Joloobo] “Psst! Psst!” I whisper down the corridor.

Yisi] “There he is! Joloobo!” and move down towards the opening on the right

Joloobo] “Shhh… quiet! Stop! Stop stop! Don’t come in here, it is trapped.” I whisper.

Valea] “Jobo does not look trapped”

Joloobo] “There is an invisible force wall blocking the doorway. It allowed me to enter, but I cannot exit. Look see.” I grab the 8 foot staff I found and push it into the invisible wall.

] The end of the staff meets no resistance and goes right into the corridor.

Joloobo] “What!”

Valea] “Jobo does not look trapped at all… no?”

Joloobo] I slowly feel for the wall the was blocking me yesterday.

] The force wall appears to be gone, you walk through into in the corridor.

Joloobo] “I don’t understand… but lets not wait around. There is a spiders nest close by, a large one. And I need some fresh air.” I carry the staff and the other items I found in the room worth keeping down to the crevasse and hurry my way out.

] Minutes later, all four of you are outside once again.

Yisi] “So you spent the night in that room?”

Joloobo] “I swear, yesterday there was an invisible force wall blocking my exit. Either you all somehow disabled it by accident, or maybe it only lasts so longer after it is triggered. This I will tell you… there are many rotting bodies in that room, and they spend far longer than 24 hours trapped. The edges of the floor all the way around have been carved out, like the captives were trying to dig a way out. Some of them have been rotting there for over 50 years. But look see what they left behind.” I show them the items I found. “I’m sure this staff once belonged to a wizard. Is there a wizard at the winery?”

Valea] “This one does not know. Fable?”

] Fable “A good question for Elder Ysthorn. He may be a wizard himself, though I’ve never heard any call him that. Hi Joloobo, my name is Fable. Well met.” I extend an arm.

Valea] “Fable is the reason we found you. She as great tracking skills yes?”

Joloobo] “My thanks to you Fable. Well met indeed. Shall we make our way? I am hungry for a meal or two.”

] After providing something to eat from your packs, you all head back to the monastery.