Mcgarnagle: Last time we left off, Taurus, Hawkeye, and Brig were in the town of Solace. Taurus had found two plainsmen, Goldmoon and Riverwind, who claimed that he was the protector of the Blue Crystal Staff. Upon arriving in Solace, the companions came to realize that the Seeker guards as well as hobgoblin mercenaries were searching for the staff. Talk of an army forming to the north seems to hang over all of the townsfolk's heads. Goldmoon and riverwind have suggested taking the staff to Haven where the Seeker council can determine what is to be done with the staff while the others are interested in finding the hobgoblin leader, Fewmaster Todee.
Taurus tends to the wounds of his two comrades throughout the night. Stitching up the wounds they suffered at the hands of the creatures that ambushed them on the road.
Mcgarnagle: Tauras, Hawkeye, and Brig all make Listen checks please.
You wake to find the room filled with the golden glow of autumn sunrise pouring through the drapped window.
Riverwind: w/ haw as you wake from your sleep, you hear faintly off in the distance a bell ringing out. It rings once every 10 seconds or so.
Riverwind: oops
Hawkeye awakens, looking about the room as he stands, wondering if they had slept in by accident.
Hawkeye: Do you hear that?
Taurus stretches as he rises from his cot setting about washing his face before donning his armor; which takes several minutes.
Taurus: Hear what?
Brigalth wakes with a mighty yawn and stretch, rubbing his eyes
Hawkeye: It sounds like a bell...
Mcgarnagle: listen check again please.
Hawkeye begins to strap his weapons belt on, having slept in his armor
Taurus: Mmm... breakfast?
Brigalth yawns [1d20 = 15]
Brigalth: that it does
Straining to hear, Taurus can only make up the chirps of the birds. Brig hears the bell now
Brigalth: Yeah, thats a bell alright
Hawkeye: WHat is that sound?
Hawkeye walks over to the window to look outside
Mcgarnagle: anyone with local knowledge can roll it now.
Brigalth dons his armor, knowing there may be bloody work today
Taurus: You've been so long from Solace you can nae remember the song of its morning birds?
Hawkeye: The bell, Tarus, the bell. Come here and listen. Faintly, in the distance
Taurus approaches the window, straining to hear it.
Brigalth moves to Hawkeye and Taurus
Hawkeye pulls back the curtains and looks out the window. He can't make much out but the sound is certainly coming from the center of town and from the ground.
Brigalth: Hmm, I wonder what it means?
Taurus: Whatever it means, it might serve as a distraction for us to slip away unnoticed...
Hawkeye: I don't know, but I think we'd best not stick around for it. Let's get Goldmoon and Riverwind and be on our way
Taurus nods in agreeance.
Hawkeye finishes cinching his belt and heads towards the door, opening it
Hawkeye: you guys ready?
Taurus: Aye.
Brigalth grabs his backpack and scythe
Brigalth: That I am!
Brigalth cracks nexk
Hawkeye (laughing): You guys wouldn't last a week in the wild, having to don your armor like that
As you open the door and enter the hallway, you see Riverwind, fully geared up, exiting his room, Goldmoon close behind.
Taurus tightens the final buckle and picks up his pack and the mass of cloth that covers the hidden staff.
Goldmoon (startled): What is that noise?
Taurus (quietly): Its somewhat... uncomfortable... to sleep in.
Hawkeye (shrugging): I don't know, but we'd best move on
Goldmoon nods
Brigalth yawns again
Hawkeye (to Taurus): you get used to it...
Riverwind and Goldmoon follow the others down stairs.
Taurus strides proudly down the stairs, looking about the common room of the inn breifly.
Otik: Good Morning!
Otik waves to the group
Hawkeye: Good MOrning, Otik. WHat's with the bell?
Taurus: Otik! A good morn to you also.
Otik: oh, is that going off right now? Can't realy hear it in here.
Hawkeye: I heard it faintly upstairs
Otik: Hederick had it installed in the town square. He uses it to call for town meetings.
Otik rolls his eyes
Hawkeye looks towards Brigalth and Taurus at the mention of the Seeker.
Taurus: I see... are these meetings of great importance?
Otik: Not ussually. But with all this talk about this staff, I would reckon it has something to do with that.
Taurus: No doubt.
Taurus adjusts his pack.
Brigalth: Hm, It sounds like a good distraction, seeing as how many people would be there...but...
Hawkeye (whispering): maybe one of us should go check it out while the others leave town
Brigalth: If thats what this meetings about, it may be worth to try and listen in...
Taurus: We'd best head out, I dare not miss this meeting. Good day Otik. Give Tika my best.
Otik: certainly. good luck, lads.
Taurus heads for the door, humming a humble little Solamnic marching tune to himself. Shooting a slight glance in the direction of Brig and Hawk with a faint nod.
Hawkeye nods towards Otik as he follows Taurus out the door
Brigalth follows the group out
Taurus: We'll meet you both five hundred feet down the road, north 100 of the path?
Taurus looks between Brig and Hawk. Knowing he'll stand out like a sore thumb in a town crowd.
Zhage and Vexin, not having met yet, find themselves in the town of Solace. Zhage has made his return to Solace after completing his test. Vexin just happens to be passing through. both find themselves making their way up the long winding stairs to the Inn of the Last Home, only slightly disturbed by the constant ringing of the bell.
Hawkeye: Aye, it sounds good to me.
Brigalth: Yes, a good plan
The long trek down the stairs is empty of all vistors this early in the morning except halfway down you see a young man in robes making his way up the stairs and a Kender not far behind.
Vexin: Excuse me sir... sir mage...
Otik: For simplicity, we'll say that Vexin asked Zhage where he could get some fresh water. Zhage told him about the Inn.
Vexin: You dropped this!
Mcgarnagle: For simplicity, we'll say that Vexin asked Zhage where he could get some fresh water. Zhage told him about the Inn.
Vexin holds up Zhage's spell component pouch
Taurus smiles to Goldmoon and her companion before turning his attention to the path; not wishing to slip in his heavy armor. Spotting the two strangers some distance ahead he slows his pace; walking closer to his charges.
ZtB: turns to face the voice
ZtB: I could have swarn that was on my belt...
Vexin: You should really take better care of your things!
Vexin whistles and bounds up the stairs
ZtB: It appears so..
Hawkeye steps aside to let the kender pass
Taurus: Greetings strangers.
Taurus offers to both Zhage and Vexin.
Vexin: I am NOT a stranger!
Vexin: Vexin Sixtoes
Vexin holds out his hand
Hawkeye: Sixtoes?
Brigalth turns to look at those on the path
Taurus: Those bells which chime are calling a town meeting, incase you did not know.
ZtB: /act
Vexin: Ya! wanna see?
Vexin pulls off his shoe
Hawkeye: Um.. no.. that's quite alright...
Taurus pauses to take Vexin's han before he begins to pull his shoe off.
ZtB: Greetings to you sir.
Vexin: Pleased to meet you
Brigalth: Haha!, That is a little strange, Sixtoes, has your path been bright thus far?
Vexin: bright like your shiny armor!
Taurus: I am Taurus Regulus, these are my companions.
Taurus gestures to the four others.
Vexin: Hullo
Hawkeye (extending his ahnd): Hawkeye
Brigalth: Good, Good Indeed! I am Brigalth Pospros!
Vexin shakes Hawkeye's hand vigorously
Hawkeye: So, to the town meeting?
Vexin: I think I have a ringing in my eatrs again!
Hawkeye looks at Taurus a little anxiously
Taurus gives Zhage a close look over for a moment before he leans closer to Hawkeye to whisper.
Taurus (whispered): A mage might be able to shed some light on our unique situation.
Vexin: Do they always ring your ears for a meeting? How do they do that? Is it magic?
Hawkeye (whispered): Aye, but I don't like the idea of disclosing informaiton to strangrs, especially after last night and the Seeker calling a town meeting like this
ZtB: finishes reattaching his compent pouch.
Brigalth: No, it is only a bell, quite annoying it is...
ZtB: Yes... do any of you know what is going on?
Vexin: Oh. How unexciting.
Brigalth: Hmm, not really, but that bells been ringing all morning...
Hawkeye (whispered): Will do
Hawkeye: Say, why don't you guys join us at the town meeting?
Taurus: It was a pleasure meeting you all, but we must depart.
Taurus gestures to Goldmoon and Riverwind.
Vexin: Don't mind if I do!
Vexin Follows Hawkeye
Hawkeye (looking at Zhage): I hear it's about some sort of magic staff
The bell stops at this point. you all notice that many townsfolk are making their way towards the town square
ZtB: I don't see why not. I just I will have to say hello to an old friend later.
Taurus continues down the stairs but parts ways with the rest of the group to go to the stables, a heavy saddle over his shoulder.
Hawkeye heads towards the town square, trying to catch up to the crowd to blend in
Goldmoon Follows along with Riverwind.
Brigalth heads to the rendezvous point to wait for the others
ZtB: /act
Vexin whispers to Hawkeye "Hey! I didn't even realize I owned a dagger! Look at this!"
Hawkeye: Where'd you get that from?
Hawkeye raises an eyebrow questioningly
Vexin: I found it!
ZtB follows the group
Hawkeye (to Vexin): I have a feeling you find stuff a lot like that
Hawkeye (to Zhage): So, what's a red wizard doing in Solace?
Vexin: I find all sorts of interesting things!
Hawkeye, Vexin and Zhage make their way towards the town square with the rest of the townsfolk. Upon arriving, they see a small stage with a heavy set man waiting for the crowd to settle. With him are many seeker guards. At the back of the stage stands a stout and pudgy hobgoblin also accompanied by other hobgoblin guards.
ZtB: I just finished my trials and I wanted to see a few old friends.
Hawkeye looks suspiciously at the hobgoblin in the back...
Hawkeye: Grew up here?
ZtB: Was born here, spent most of my life in Haven though.
High Theocrat Hederick: Please, everyone... may I have your attention please! Scilence please!
Hawkeye recognizes the fat one from yesterday, and seems a little anxious as he speaks.
Hawkeye: Haven you say?
ZtB: Yes.
High Theocrat Hederick: Last night, there was an incident. An incident at the Inn of the Last Home.
Hawkeye (whispering): do you know anything about magic items?
the crowd mummurs at this.
Hawkeye sparks up at the mention of the incident
High Theocrat Hederick: As you all know, we are looking for a Blue Crystal Staff. Word has reached me that this staff was seen at the Inn last night. It is imperative that for the safety of our town that we recover this item.
High Theocrat Hederick: Fear not, for if you know about this staff, you will not be charged!
ZtB (lowered voice): I know some.
The crowd talks in muffled tones for a moment to one another.
At this point, the stout hobgoblin steps forward and addresses the crowd.
Hawkeye nods to Zhage, listening to the Theocrat's words
Fewmaster Toede: Citizens of Solace! My name is Fewmaster Toede!
Fewmaster Toede bows to the crowd in a humble manner
Hawkeye (uncontroled whisper): bastard hobgoblin...
Taurus saddles the large Mare before offering Goldmoon a hand up onto the horses back. Quietly leading the small group out of town to meet up with Brigs.
Fewmaster Toede: your great leader, Theocrat Hederick, has hired me and my troop to assist you in finding this Blue Crystal Staff. It is very important that it is found, for I am sure you all have heard of the armies that grow in the north!
Hawkeye (looking at Zhage): As you can tell, Solace is not the same as when you left it, I'm sure...
Fewmaster Toede: The armies leaders have spoken to me, and have assured me of this towns safety as well as all the Seeker lands if the staff is returned to them. Yes, that is right! It was Stolen from them!!
Fewmaster Toede waits a moment to let the crowd gasp.
Vexin: I'm sure they just lost it...
Hawkeye (nodding): People lose stuff all the time, my kender friend...
ZtB (whispered): I can see that. What is going on?
citizen (shouts): I was at the inn last night!
Fewmaster Toede looks to the man in the crowd with eagerness.
Hawkeye (whispering to Zhage and Vexin): Perhaps you would like to join my companions out of town and we can fill you in?
Hawkeye looks at the man shouting
citizen: There was a barbarian lady there. She ssung a song that spoke of this staff! She traveled with others...
Vexin: Sure!
ZtB (whispered): I would like to know what is going on.
Hawkeye: I think the sooner we leave the better, right now...
Fewmaster Toede: Who were they? You need not fear. we will protect you from these thieves!
citizen: A knight! Two barbarian men. and another! He Pushed old Zek down the stairs!
Hawkeye starts to try to slip away from the crowd towards some nearby buildings, trying to be as untocieable as possible
The crowd is now in a real stir. Many begin to talk at once. some shouts of heading to the Inn can clearly be heard.
Mcgarnagle: the 3 of you roll move silently
ZtB lingers for moment to listen, then begins to disappear
The three of you manage to slip away from the crowds, seemingly unnoticed.
Hawkeye: Let's go meet up with my companions
Vexin bounces along behind Hawkeye
ZtB: I'm guess the crowd was talking about you and your companions
ZtB follows Hawkeye
After about a 20 minute walk, you all arrive at where the hobgoblin attack occured from the day before.
Hawkeye: It's not that hard of a guess to make...
Tuarus and Brig see the others approach in a hurried fashion
Hawkeye waves to Taurus and Brig, motioning to them
Goldmoon (concerned): What happened?
Taurus shields his eyes from the rising morning sun as he peers in the distance at the figures approaching. When motioned to he lets out a wave, beconing them over to the small camp.
Brigalth expresses concern on face
Hawkeye: Not only is that fat hobgoblin working with the Seekers, they've riled the whole town against us.
Taurus: Have they brought out the pitchforks and torches yet?
Taurus jests.
Hawkeye (looking at Goldmoon): they say the staf was stolen from the northern armies
Goldmoon: They lie!
Riverwind scowls
ZtB (Overhearing): Staff?
Taurus: I see...
Riverwind (scowling): The staff was given to me. By a lady of light...
Taurus looks towards Goldmoon and Riverwind, trying to gauge their reactions.
Vexin "Pretty Lady..." gasps as he bows to Goldmoon
Hawkeye: The bastard Fewmaster Toede said that the northern armies would destory Solace unless the staff was returned to them form the "thieves"
Taurus: Now you remember how you came to be in possession of it? I believe you told us last night you could not remember.
Riverwind: I don't know what I remember.... It is all like a dream.
Hawkeye looks at Taurus then Riverwind, having not even picked up on that at all
Taurus looks to both Vexin and Zhage, removing what is obviously a staff wrapped in cloth from the saddle of his horse.
Hawkeye: Where did you go for the staff?
ZtB looks around for a rock to sit down on.
Taurus: I apoligise for involving you in this friends and the trouble it might cause.
Taurus: However...
Taurus looks towards Zhage, slowly unwrapping the cloth to reveal a plain wooden staff.
Taurus: You might be of some assistance to us...
ZtB stops mid sit and stands again.
Vexin: See, that's not even the staff they seek!
Riverwind (to Hawkeye): I was sent East from our village.
Vexin: they said BLUE CRYSTAL!
Riverwind (Stoic): I remember little of what happened to me after I reached the forsaken lands. Everything seems as if a dark dream: a black swamp, a well, a shining lady, and a leather-winged creature of pure evil. How much of this is real and how much is madness, I cannot say.
Taurus smiles at Vexin.
Taurus: I believe the staff has the power of illusion.
ZtB (walking to Taurus): Illusion you say?
Vexin: Ooh! Can it turn me into a newt?
Brigalth: If it is indeed magical, it has some scary power, to be sure...
Hawkeye: Look, I don't know about you, but it's enough for me to believe a Plainsmen warrior over a hobgoblin absard who attacks traveller son the road any day. But I don't like hanigng aorund in the same spot they ambushed us last time
Hawkeye: Let's sort this out far from Solace right now
Goldmoon nods
Hawkeye: .ooc wow, can't type, hobgoblin bastard not absard
Taurus: You've always been very wise Hawkeye, this trait has not left you in your time from Solace. Lets head out.
Vexin whistles for Skitter
Hawkeye (trying to jest): I guess we don't need to track the Fewmaster down at least
Taurus: Mage friend, would you study this staff as we walk? I can offer little but a some of 20 gold for your services.
Goldmoon: I still think we should head towards Haven. I know that this Seeker hederik is working with the hobgoblin, but the seekers in Haven are wise men. They can help us and your town.
Taurus nods to Hawkeye.
Hawkeye (looks at Zhage): you said you came form Haven?
ZtB: I'll take a look, but don't worry about payment yet..
ZtB (to Hawkeye): Yes
Taurus: Haven is as good as a direction as any other, for the moment. But there is a road block up ahead, we should head off-road to circumvent it.
Brigalth nods head in agreement
Hawkeye (nodding): you lead the way, I'll attempt to cover our tracks
Vexin: Have you met my pet Skitter? He's a Dire Weasel! He took down a wooly mammoth alone!
Taurus looks around for this Dire Weasel.
ZtB (starts walking in the wrong direction): I think it is this way
Taurus: A wooly mammoth?
Hawkeye turns to look for the weasel that took out this "wooly mammoth"
Vexin: Yes! Just like the one my Uncle Trapspringer met!
Taurus: I see...
Hawkeye: What's a wooly mammoth?
Brigalth: Hmm, even I have not heard of that one...
Vexin: Well it's woolly...
Vexin: And uhh...
Taurus coughs, looking at Zhage and subtly motioning him the -other- direction. Offering a warm smile in doing so to soften the blow.
Brigalth: and its mammoth?
Vexin: Yes
Mcgarnagle: Okay, real quick. This map shows the surrounding area. You are the green dot near solace. The road to haven lies to the west of solace.
Vexin: Exactly! Have you met one too?
Mcgarnagle: 1 hex = 1 mile
Brigalth laughs bellow
ZtB: Erm, yes. I ment to go that direction.
Brigalth: No afraid I haven't
Hawkeye: To cover tracks: [1d20+7 = 16]
Taurus: Lets cut across the plains to avoid going through Solace. Hawkeye, we might need your experience here.
Vexin beckons to the shady woods as a Weasel bigger than himself comes bounding towards him
Taurus reflexivly steps back a bit, hand drawing to rest on the pommel of his sword.
Taurus: So thats... skitish?
Vexin: Skitter
Vexin: He won't bite you
Taurus: Oh, my apologies, Skitter.
Brigalth turns to skitter
Brigalth: Nice to meet you skitter!
Hawkeye: A kender with a pet? Or a mount?
Vexin ruffles Skitter's fur and leaps up onto him
Taurus (quietly to Hawkeye): I bet it makes livestock skitish...
Hawkeye laughes quietly
Vexin: ONWARD SKITTER!
ZtB (looking at the badger): Cute pet.
Hawkeye looks up at the sky to ensure Talon is following above, the heads towards the plains
Vexin: He's fierce and Vicious!
Brigalth (quietly): One of these days, I'm getting a horse...
Hawkeye (to Brigalth): Should've bought one in Solace myself...
Taurus grins at Brigs before helping Goldmoon up onto the horse; more a gentlemanly gesture rather than actual assistance as he's quite aware she's more than skilled in the saddle.
You all plunge into the bushes and make your way around Solace.
Hawkeye: Are we going to go around the lake?
Taurus guides the large Mare carefully through the bushes allowing Zhage careful access to the staff for study as they walk.
After travelling about a mile, you see off in the distance Crystalmir Lake
The blue of the autumn sky darkens on the deep stillness of the lake. The soft forests of giant vallenwood border the serene waters on the eastern, southern, and western shores. To the north, a patchwork of fields stretches toward the distant purple mountains.
Taurus hums a pleasant Solamnic tune for the nice autumn day.
ZtB (quietly): How I missed that view..
Hawkeye: A rather nice day considering all that's going on...
Brigalth (noticing lake): Hmm, now that is a beautiful sight...
Hawkeye: It's a shame to leave Solace so soon after returning
Taurus: Tell me Hawkeye, have you yet taught Talon how to scout ahead and warn of other travellers on the road?
Taurus: They may be further road blocks.
a road block indeed, but this on is a river. A stone bridge on the road can be seen
The Solace Stream sparkles beneath an ancient stone bridge. Water tumbles out of the forest, over the rocks, and toward the Southpass that lies between the southern Sentinel Peaks. West of the bridge, the road splits in two, branching to the south and the west. Both roads wind among the great vallenwoods, whose boughs form a brilliant canopy over the roadway.
Hawkeye: Sadly, not that advanced yet. He comes when I call, but that is all
Taurus: Might you return the staff to me Mage, so we can return it to its coverings. I have a suspicion the bridge over the Solace Stream will be guarded and searching for it.
ZtB: That does sound like a good plan.
Taurus: I'd hate for us to have to resolve an unnessary confrontation.
ZtB returns the staff to Taurus
Brigalth: So Taurus, whats our story this time?
Taurus wraps the staff up in material and secures it to the saddle at the flank of his horse, gently stroking its mane.
Taurus: We were already searched entering town, there is no reason to repeat the effort. After all, rumour had it the staff was discovered already at the Inn, no?
Hawkeye: Sadly, yes
Hawkeye: It appears our confrontation last night didn't go unnoticed by anyone in town
Hawkeye (turning to Zhage and Vexin): I'm sorry to have drug you both into this
Goldmoon: And we are sorry for dragging ALL of you into this...
ZtB (to Hawkeye): May I ask, what am I being dragged into?
Hawkeye looks at Goldmoon
Hawkeye: I think that's a good question that we still don't have all the answers to
Taurus: It appears the Seekers have mistaken the plain wooden staff we possess for this blue crystal staff they seek.
Taurus nods to Vexin, liking his observation.,
ZtB: From what I have gathered, this staff is of some importance. People in town claim it's stolen, the women over there seems to say it was given to her.
ZtB: You are all going to some length to keep it hidden.
Riverwind (scornful): It was given to us, mage. it is no claim.
Goldmoon (scolding): Riverwind!
Taurus: I have given my word to the Lady to assist her and her burden.
Brigalth: Precautionary measure, of course. Just because it's a staff, there is no reason to have it draw attention or investigation...
Riverwind falls silent and turns away
ZtB: I am sorry if you take offence, I am just stating what I know.
ZtB: Perhaps if some of the blanks were filled in, I would not cause undue problems.
Goldmoon: It is okay. It is a story that many may find hard to believe. We appreicate that you trust us enough to come with us this far.
Taurus: Additionally. Hobgoblins have been hired to attack on site any travellars regardless of being in possession of this item or not.
Riverwind Turns back.
Brigalth: Well, whatever the case, there is something amiss in this affair...
Taurus gestures to the already wounded Brigs and Hawkeye.
Riverwind: that is hobgoblin nature...
Hawkeye: It's not so much Itrust you, it's that I don't trustr hobgoblins more than you
Vexin rides a bit forward of the party, looking for anything interesting or exciting... completely forgetting the discussion
Mcgarnagle: Spot check, vexin
Brigalth: If what you said the seekers said in town, then doesn't it seem strange that the armies would go to such lengths to get a staff back to satiate their pride? If it truly is the armies, then, they most have had some likely scary use for it already...
Coming down the east road from Solace, you see three Seeker guards, one with a fierce dog on a chain, making their way towards the bridge.
Brigalth holds his head, as if in pain
Hawkeye: Magic is not to be trusted either way, be it in the hands of mysertious armires that right now are only rumors, or the hands of a plainsman princess
Hawkeye: especially plainsmen magic...
Vexin rides back to Brigs and says...
Taurus pats Brigs shoulder. "Its alright friend, I packed the left-over taters for lunch."
Vexin: Sir Knight... there are people looking for the staff right?
Vexin: Those Seeker Guard guys?
ZtB (hangs head): Not trusting magic...
Hawkeye looks at Zhage
Brigalth: Ha!, Taters! Good Thinking, Vexy!
Hawkeye: I mean no offense, friend wizard...
Brigalth: well, in my experience, when someone plans to use it, it's usually not for a nice reason...
Vexin points at the 3 seeker guards and vicious dog
Vexin: Think we found them first
Taurus looks off into the distance that Vexin gestures.
ZtB: It's a great help when cooking..
Hawkeye turns around at Vexins comment, hands on his weapons
the three guards don't seem to be in any hurry. probably going to go and set up another road block
Taurus: It might be wise that none of us mention the staff in our possession unless some confusion might ensue.
Brigalth 's face turns more serious
Taurus looks between the group to make sure they get the idea.
Brigalth nods
Hawkeye: How likely do you think it is that our description has left Solace already?
ZtB: Hopefully they don't draw attention to my walking stick here.
ZtB points to his staff
Vexin: Ooh mine either, mage...
Vexin holds out his little Hoopak
Taurus chuckles.
Hawkeye can'ts help but laugh
Vexin: What's funny?
Hawkeye: Nothing... nothing at all...
Vexin: Crazy humans
Taurus swallows his laugh and just grins approaching the bridge with the group.
Hawkeye follows behind Taurus, dropping his hands form his weapons to not appear suspicious
Vexin whispers just as they approach "I hope they like Skitter!"
Taurus: I don't see why they wouldn't.
You head out onto the road, the guards have stopped moments before on the bridge. One leans over the stone rail while the other two chat. The dog begins to growl at your approach.
ZtB (in Kinder): How can they not?
Brigalth: I know I like Skitter!
Vexin gasps "you know Kenderspeak!"
Brigalth flashes a bright grin
ZtB smiles
Hawkeye is lost, not knowing anyhting other than common and his native tongue
Brigalth: Hmm, their dog may not like him much, though...
Vexin tries to quiet Skitter's 'growling' at the dog
guard stands up straight and looks towards the group.
guard: halt!
Vexin: Hullo!
Taurus: Hail Guardsman.
guard: Where are you going, travellers?
Taurus draws his approach to a slow halt.
Hawkeye follows Taurus's lead, letting him speak
ZtB slows to a stop.
Taurus: Haven, Guardsman.
Brigalth scratches his head for a moment, then looks at Taurus expectantly
guard: do you travel from Solace, then?
Taurus smiles, steping forward to meet the Guard.
Taurus: Indeed. We were stopped on our way in from the east already.
the dog growls when the knight begins to approach.
Taurus: You're searching for the Staff they discovered at the Inn, correct?
Taurus does his best to ignore the dog.
Vexin: Nice doggie
guard: you were at the town meeting then?
Brigalth approaches the dog
Taurus glances towards Hawkeye to answer that question.
guard (to Brig): Woah! Just stay back a bit.
Hawkeye: Aye, we were there this morning
Taurus smiles, looks back to the guard.
Brigalth: Ah, no problem!
guard: You don't know anything of this staff?
Brigalth attempts to share some trail rations with the dog
Taurus: It appears you might be getting off earlier than you thought.
Taurus: Yes, we know of the staff.
Taurus: A plainsman woman sang of it at the Inn last night.
the dog stops growling and licks its chops. The guard yanks on it's chain when it trys to move toward the food.
Taurus: And last we heard, the Seekers were retrieving it this morning.
guard: this plainswoman here?
guard looks to Goldmoon.
Taurus nods.
Taurus: Indeed.
Vexin: Wild Empathy (towards dog) [1d20+7 = 13]
the two guards standing back fumble to draw their swords.
Taurus looks at the guards surprised.
guard raises hand to the other two.
guard: just a minute, idiots!
Brigalth is a bit taken aback by their reaction
the guards stop, but keep their hands on their hilts.
Taurus relaxes, chuckling and looking towards the guard who seems to be in charge. Commenting quietly to him; "Recruits?"
Hawkeye tries to remain as calm looking as possible, watching the guards movements
guard: Would you all mind coming back to town with us? Hederick would like to speak with you.
Brigalth standis in an open posture, with a wide grin, hoping to ease the tension
Hawkeye (whispering to Brigalth): I hope Taurus has a plan...
Taurus: Ofcourse, we wouldn't want you to get in trouble. Although, I feel obligated to warn you that Hedrick has already recieved the location of the staff.
Taurus leans forward to whisper.
Brigalth (whispering back): So do I
Mcgarnagle: roll me a bluff
Taurus (whispered): And leaving your post might upset him, I heard he was grumpy this morning.
ZtB (quietly in Kenderspeak): Oh god..
Vexin whispers in Kenderspeak "I thought the gods were gone?"
ZtB (quietly in Kender): Mine aren't..
Vexin mumbles under his breath about Hederick smelling bad
Hawkeye wonders what the two new guys are talking about
Vexin sticks his tongue out at Zhage
Brigalth cocks head to the side, trying to think of his own plan perhaps?
ZtB chuckles quietly at Vexin
Hawkeye (whispered to Brig): Killing hobgoblins is one thing, killing Seeker guards is something completly different..
Brigalth (whisper): Im thinking about acting sick, maybe they'll help me to town and I can catch up later or something...
Hawkeye (to Brig): They know who you are, they rbought you up in the meeting in town
guard: Well, he did send us out here to try and find those who had the staff...
Brigalth (whisper): curses
guard: Mabe we should just search you. if you don't have it, then you can go. If you do, then you come with us. okay?
Taurus: Sure.
Taurus: It appears you Seeker Guardsmen are as thorough as your reputation suggests.
Vexin proudly holds out his dozen bulging pouches
guard points to Zhage's staff and sends another guard to retrieve it.
Hawkeye laughes quietly
Hawkeye: I think you should start with the Kender
Brigalth drops his backpack and shows that he only has traveling equipment
guard #2 walks towards the mage and hesitates as he reaches for the staff.
Vexin whirls his hoopak in the air, causing it to make a singing, whirring sound
Vexin: Is this it?
guard looks annoyed at the kender.
Taurus grins, removing the staff that is wrapped in cloth attached to his horses saddle. Willingly offering it to the guard in charge as he chats with him.
ZtB (hesistantly): If you wish. As long as I get this back it was a gift.
Brigalth retrieves his pack, and asks if he may go relieve himself in the woods
guard #2: uh... yeah...
guard #2 takes the staff from the mage.
Taurus (to): the guard As you can see, there is very little blue or crystal about the staves we have in our possession.
Brigalth goes off to do so
Vexin: Psst.... he has to pee
Taurus (to the guard): As you can see, there is very little blue or crystal about the staves we have in our possession.
guard: hmmm... yeah. They said that is what it would look like...
Vexin: A blue crystal staff would be very exciting though! I hope I find one!
guard taps staff with his knuckle.
Hawkeye: Aye, I imagine it'd be worth quiet a bit...
Vexin: Worth?
Taurus: Enough to blockade Solace, at least.
Vexin: Why would you sell a blue crystalstaff if you had one?
Hawkeye: I guess sometimes you just don't make enough as a high theocrat..
guard takes the staff over to the side of the stone bridge. He suddenly swings it down hard against the side of the bridge. The staff doesn't splinter at all.
Brigalth finishes, but stays in the woods, pretending to struggle with his armor
Hawkeye: Vallenwood is a tough wood, isn't it?
Vexin: Hey! don't try to destroy our things!
Taurus frowns slightly.
guard: well, it ain't painted to look this way. The paint would have chipped.
Vexin: That's not very nice Mr. Seeker!
guard throws staff back to Taurus
guard: here, let me see that other staff...
Taurus catches it, wrapping it back in cloth and placing it on the horse once more.
ZtB: Please don't manhandle my staff like that..
Vexin offers his Hoopak
guard #2 looks to Zhage and then to the other guard.
Vexin: But don't bang it up!
Brigalth continually looks back to see how the situation is progressing
guard walks forward and grabs the staff from the other guard.
Hawkeye looks between Zhage and the guard, sensing trouble brewing
guard: What will happen if I do, mage?
Vexin: You aren't very nice sir
guard: quiet, kender!
Vexin waggles his finger
Taurus: You might be mistaken for brigandes in the guise of Guardsmen.
ZtB: I will have to report the abuse to the High Wizard who gave me that staff..
Mcgarnagle: Zhage, roll intimidate.
Taurus steps forward, for the first time his hand lowering to rest on the pommel of his sword - eyes leveling on the loud guardsman.
ZtB: And something tells be he will not like the knowledge of it being bashed on a stone bridge,
Vexin: It might be exciting to be turned into a newt though...
Hawkeye: What do you think a newt's life is like, Vexin?
Vexin: He does... newtly things
Hawkeye: Think you'd still have six toes as a newt?
Vexin: If I was turned into one... not you! Ha!
Mcgarnagle glances nervously towards the mage. He then scraps his nail against the staff. Satisfied, he hands it back to Zhage.
Hawkeye laughs
guard glances nervously towards the mage. He then scraps his nail against the staff. Satisfied, he hands it back to Zhage.
ZtB: Thank you for you restraint.
Taurus relaxes, hand straying from the pommel of his sword.
Vexin: You haven't checked mine1
ZtB takes his staff back.
Hawkeye: Please, just check it for him
guard: Alright, get going. Get the Kender out of my sight before I change my mind.
Vexin: Maybe it's blue crystal! that would be great!
Vexin: aww... no fun.
Brigalth returns after noticing the situation has died down
Taurus: Perhaps next time Vexin.
Hawkeye nods graciously to the guard and beigns walking
Vexin: ONWARD SKITTER!
Hawkeye (to Vexin): I'll check it for you when we camp tonight
Taurus smiles at the kender before following him across the bridge.
Vexin: Promise?
Hawkeye: Promise
Vexin smiles
ZtB begins walking again.
Vexin: Good Skitter... the dog would have tasted yucky anyways
Brigalth follows the group
Brigalth: Keep up the good work, gaurdsman!
Taurus comments to himself, mostly, after leaving earshot of the guards.
Goldmoon Follows with Riverwind across the bridge.
Taurus: It appears law in these parts has changed some....
Vexin: law?
ZtB curses the guards in various languages.
Hawkeye: Aye. Perhaps t'd be best to steer clear of the roads
Vexin: pfft
ZtB: I'm glad that staff did not break.
Hawkeye: Stopping every twenty minutes for an inspection isn't going to work too well
Hawkeye: Aye, I agree
Taurus: Hopefully there are no further inspections as we'd make much better time sticking to the roads.
Vexin: They're rude
Brigalth: Hmm, I don
Taurus: When the guards realise that perhaps their staff has left Solace they might come looking.
Vexin: whacking our stuff on bridges...
Brigalth: 't mind either way...
Hawkeye: That's three road blocks already, if you count the roads in and out of Soalce, and we're heading for the Seeker capital
Goldmoon: But the Seekers in Haven must be better than this one in Solace. they must!
Taurus: I would hope so m'Lady.
Hawkeye looks at Goldmoon, and decides to let her believe what she wants to
Hawkeye: I suppose Zhage would anser that best
Brigalth: If we travel through forest, are you confident we can even get to Haven Hawkeye?
Darken Wood is an ancient forest that covers nearly all the land between Haven and Solace, from the White-Rage Cut north to Haven Road. The woods are bordered by mountains, except for the open maw of the south, and comprised mostly of aspens and oaks. The moment anyone steps into the forest, they become aware of an aweinspiring power that seems neither good nor evil. There is anger and despair, and there is hope. Most living creatures avoid the area or, if they must enter, do so with caution. Darken Wood has a reputation in the surrounding lands for being haunted.
Taurus: So, either follow the road at the treeline or... cut through the forest.
Vexin: Ooh! Darkenwood!
Hawkeye: Aye, but we'd have to travel through Darkenwood, which only a madman would want to do
Vexin: I'm not a madman!
Hawkeye: Or a kender
Hawkeye: Brave the forest or brave the Seekers?
Hawkeye: At this rate I'd rather take the forest
Taurus: I would rather the threat we know.
Taurus chuckles.
Vexin: Seekers - rude... forest - exciting!
Hawkeye: (POLL) Darkenwood?
Brigalth: Hah, and im up for any threat!
ZtB: I personally don't want my staff being destroyed nor the other one.
Taurus: The woods it is, assuming you can cut us a path through old friend?
Taurus: (POLL) test
Hawkeye: As long as the spirits don't steal our souls, I've yet to meet a forest I couldn't navigate. And I'm sure our Kender firned could help
Vexin boldly rides into the forest, leaving no trace of his passage
Taurus: ... speaking of kender.
Taurus: ... where is he?
Taurus looks around.
Vexin shouts back "last one there is a troll!"
ZtB: To answer your question, politics seems to be the rule in Haven nowadays. They may be better than those in Solace, but not my much.
Brigalth laughs, and follows the kender into the forest
Hawkeye: Over the mountains we go, there's bound to be a trail somwhere
ZtB follows the others.
Hawkeye follows, looking for a trail
You make your way up to the base of the mountain. It seems like it will be difficult to cross, especially for Taurus' steed.
Taurus looks somewhat uncomfortable, not sure he is going to enjoy the hike in full plate - taking it cautious with the mare.
Hawkeye looks at Taurus' horse
Hawkeye: DO you think she'll make it?
Taurus: If it gets much worse, I doubt it...
Hawkeye: Perhaps it'd be best to let her lose now, before we get to the woods
Brigalth: perhaps there is an easier way into the woods?
Hawkeye: I doubt Darkenwoods is any place for a horse
Brigalth: ah, that is likely true...
Taurus pats the horses side with an almost sad look.
Hawkeye: I'll be sure to find you a new one, my friend
Taurus: Perhaps you are right, and I gave my word.
Taurus looks at Goldmoon before he begins to unsaddle his horse to free her.
Goldmoon looks to the ground ashamed.
Goldmoon: Taurus... Please. We don't need to go this way. We can take the road.
ZtB: Perhaps she will follow you, even when she is freed.
Taurus: It is fine. She is getting on in years I'm afraid to admit, the plains will be a fitting place for her to graze.
Hawkeye places a hand on Taurus' shoulder, knowing it's a difficult decision
Taurus takes a moment with the proud Mare, Thunder, running his hands through her mane before whispering something quietly in her ear - a prayer. Then with a sharp slap to the flank he attempts to send her bolting.
Brigalth catches up to the excited kender
Taurus: Lets go, we need to catch that kender.
Taurus: Lest we are marked trolls.
Goldmoon: If this staff is blessed by the gods, then may they make your galent steed safe.
Hawkeye nods, grabbing some of the gear that was on the horse and starting off
ZtB tries to catch up with the Kender
Vexin shouts out "Trolls Trolls Trolls!"
Taurus nods to Goldmoon but says nothing, leaving the worn in saddle sitting on a rock before heading off.
Brigalth as he had done in the past, he lifts the kender up and puts him onto his shoulders
Vexin: Wee!
The early going is slow as the mountain is steep. The trees thin and the terrain is rough with boulders and rocks.
Brigalth: haha, that'll slow ya down a bit, how do you like your new mount, eh?
Vexin: Giddyup!
Looking back, you see the road, not a soul to be seen except for the three tiny specks on the bridge. Solace sways gracefully in the Vallenwoods of the valley below.
Brigalth after a while, he sets the kender back onto skitter
Hawkeye glances back at Solace one last time, pausing briefly
You reach a very steep part of the mountain after about 45 minutes of travel. The mountain rises in almost a near verticle slope.
Taurus takes the hiking well dispite the metal he wears glancing only once back at Solace but otherwise quiet; his thoughts on all the journies he had been on with Thunder.
ZtB (glancing back ): It was a fun hour or so.. I guess I'll have to come back a different day.
Mcgarnagle: climb checks everyone.
Taurus, in his full plate, along with Goldmoon and Riverwind manage to climb the wall with skill. The others struggle more, but eventually make it up with a few scraps.
Brigalth breathes heavily, a bit exhausted
Taurus leans over the edge, offering help to the others as they climb.
Hawkeye: Did I mention I'm a PLAINS men
Vexin berates his Hoopak for not assisting better
Vexin: 14
Hawkeye looks around to see if there is any easier way.
Hawkeye manages to find a ledge that seems to work its way up over the mountain, at least for a short while
Hawkeye: Looks like this way is a little easier guys
Hawkeye points to the ledge
ZtB: I hope so.. I'm not used to traveling like this.
Hawkeye: It appears our knightly friend is quite adept at it
Taurus chuckles between pants.
Brigalth: Yeah, this is pretty tough...
Brigalth takes a swig from the waterskin at his waist
The ledge is narrow, but with some time, the party manages to skirt along it. They reach a portion of the mountains that crests over to the other side. a peaceful forest is spread out below. The mountain looks treacherous to climb down. The sun shines high over head, indicating that it is near mid day. your bellies begin to growl.
Hawkeye: Perhaps we should rest a bit before continuing?
Taurus: A good choice.
ZtB looks down.
ZtB: How far to the bottom you think?
Brigalth: Yeah, I agree...
Hawkeye sits down, pulling some rations out and his waterskin
Vexin searches for food
Hawkeye: about as far as it was to the top.
Taurus collapses onto a stone, catching his breath. Peering out over the forest below he pulls out some of the spiced taters from the night before and offers them around.
Brigalth offers whats left of his trail rations that he gave to the dog earlier to everyone
Brigalth: So, Vexy, how about those tates?
Vexin manages to find some mushrooms that appear to be edible. There is enough to feed 4 people.
Hawkeye: How are you holding up, Taurus?
ZtB: I'm good... I don't really like the taste of mushrooms..
Taurus grins.
Vexin: mmm... shrooms. not as good as Otik's taters, but yummy anyways
Taurus: Good, good. A bit more of a climb than I was expecting but I'm not an old man yet.
Brigalth: Hmm, I could use whatever extra mushrooms are left
Hawkeye: I should hope not
Vexin: Plenty enough for us 4 sine Zhage isn't interested in shrooms
Hawkeye: Well, let me see if there's an easier way down
Hawkeye stands and starts searching
ZtB beings a chanting and muttering a few words.
Brigalth after finishing, joins hawkeye in looking for a path down
Vexin: What are you guys doing? huh?
Hawkeye: Trying to find a way off this rock
Vexin: Ooh let me help!
After the group eats up their lunch, Hawkeye searaches for an easier way down, but has no luck, even with Brig's help.
Vexin quickly locates an easier way down. It still will require some skill but it is certainly less dangerous.
Mcgarnagle: roll climb everyone.
Hawkeye: Kender keeps showing me up.. something odd about that...
Vexin grins
Taurus takes a few good slugs from his waterskin before continueing, careful to conserve; not knowing the area well.
ZtB: About how long would it take to reach the bottom from here?
Vexin: Not when it comes to climbing... OUCH!
From Hawkeye's calculations, it would take about 2 hours.
Brigalth: phew, going down is much easier, isn't it?
Hawkeye: Maybe next time we should all just jump
ZtB: How about straight down?
Taurus: Thats... one way of.. putting it.
Hawkeye: Save ourselves the trouble
Brigalth notices the rest of the party's struggles, shuts up
Vexin nursing a bruise "falling down you mean"
Vexin: Finding the path is easier than staying on it...
Hawkeye laughes softly, still hurting a bit
Vexin: Look! the path just moved! No wonder I couldn't stay on it
Hawkeye: I think it's you that moved, not the path
Vexin: pfft
Brigalth: I think the mushrooms are getting to you, Sixtoes
Vexin burps
Vexin: yum
Brigalth shakes head
Easier or not, Brig seems to be the only one who reatches the bottom uninjured. (except for Zhage, who is deciding on his best method to climb the mountain.)
Mcgarnagle: 2 damage to all but Brig.
Hawkeye: I hate to ask this, but you think you could patch me up again Taurus when we camp?
ZtB chants, makes a few motions and then walks down the cliff.
Taurus: Ofcourse friend.
Hawkeye: A ranger.. being beat up by the wilderness. Now I'm embarassed.
Brigalth: Well, you did say you were a plainsmen
Brigalth chuckles
Hawkeye: And I'm sticking to that!
Taurus rubs several of the bruises on his arms, his fullplate having some well placed dents in it also.
Zhage crawls down the mountain, faster than anyone and with no difficulty at all.
Taurus looks at Zhage curiously.
Hawkeye (looking at Taurus): at least you don't have chain links digging in
Taurus: He makes it look a lot easier than it is.
Hawkeye shakes his head..
ZtB: Please... no more mountains..
Hawkeye: mages...
Brigalth: doesn't pose a problem for me...
Taurus smirks at Hawkeye.
Ahead of you lies a forest. Perhaps it is Darken Wood?
Brigalth looks at his chain mail, which adjusts remarkably fluidly to his movements
Taurus: Lets get a move, I want to break a few miles before sun down.
Vexin: Ooh... I hear it's a spooky forest!
Vexin: Maybe we'll see aghost or something!
Hawkeye: Aye. The faster the better
Taurus: Ghosts?
Hawkeye looks for a path through the forest as he moves forward
Taurus laughs.
Brigalth: Haha, it poses no problem for a Grim Reaper like me!
Vexin: Wonder what death is like...
Hawkeye manages to find a small path. It looks as tho it may be a game trail, as this was not made by any man.
Brigalth relays to vexin and Zhage the story of the drunk in the inn last night
Hawkeye: Le'ts not find out today, Vex
Vexin: You sure? Well... ok
The canopy of leaves thickens; the sunlight dapples, dims, then fades altogether. The trunks of the trees are gnarled and knotted, their bark almost black. Ahead lie deeper and deeper shadows.
Hawkeye: I guess we know why it's called Darkenwood...
Vexin giggles
Taurus takes a moment to light a torch to help with the light problem, peering around quietly as he steps loudly through the forest; clumsily.
Hawkeye moves his hand to rest on his weapon's hilts, searching the forst for anything...
Brigalth wields his scythe rather than carrying on back, just in case
Hawkeye turns to look at Taurus, thinking of saying something, but merely shurgging as he looks over his full plate knowing he's doing the best he can
Taurus: I would like to apologise before hand for the smell that I might take on, should we not find a body of water traversing these forests.
Hawkeye: My friend, I think that's the least of our worries
ZtB chants and touches the tip of his staff. It begins to glow like a torch.
Brigalth: Well, I hope we find some water anyway...
Brigalth looks at his waterskin
Hawkeye: Perhaps our kender frined could help find some?
Vexin rides a bit forawrd, looking for something exciting
Only a few hundred yards into the forest, you all are suddenly aware that you are not alone.
Taurus seems somewhat interested in Zhages abilities to produce light without flame but tries to mask his interest.
Taurus: Did... any of you hear that?
Mcgarnagle: Because of the dark conditions, all spot checks are at a -5 check.
Hawkeye draws his scimitar and axe
Vexin: 22-5 = 17
Mcgarnagle: even with the torch...
You are all alert, keeping a close eye out. You see nothing unsual but the feeling of being watched still lingers.
ZtB: Hear what?
Hawkeye: Let's keep moving
Taurus (whispered): Keep close... I think we're being watched.
Vexin: Ooh spooky...
Brigalth clutches his scythe tighter
Taurus tries to be a little quieter but not achieving much. *clank clunk clunk clank*
Vexin rides point, very excited and on the lookout
Hawkeye sighes aas he listens to the knight behind him
Brigalth: It feels like pure malice is forcing pressure around us, this doesn't seem right...
Between the twisted shapes of the trees, strange shapes flit nearby. It is hard to see their shape or sizethrough the dense woods.
Vexin searches for water, rememebering what he was asked earlier
Hawkeye: It's just the forest playing tricks on his.. the light, the shadows..
Brigalth: probably
Hawkeye: There's nothing wrong abut this woods
Hawkeye doesn't sound convincing
ZtB (worriedI): don't like this..
Brigalth: but i'd like to be careful anyway...
Vexin squints to see what it is flitting around
Hawkeye stops walking, trying to make out the forms ahead
Brigalth looks around anxiously...
Vexin: Hullo?
Vexin: Pleased to meet you, flitty things1
Taurus (whispered): Elves, likely.
Hawkeye (whispered): I hope so. We are on the order of Qualinesti
You can't make out detail, but it seems like they are humanoid.
Brigalth (whisper): I hope it is merely elves, just keeping watch on us, just in case...
Taurus clears his throat, attempting to speak in Elven.
ZtB (Talking in Loudly Elvish): Is there anyone out there?
Taurus (Elven): We come in peace.
Vexin: It' not kender... we don't avoid people like that
Taurus doesn't look so confident.
The only answer you hear is the echo of chains rattling. They echo all around, the sound bouncing from side to side.
Taurus frowns.
Vexin: GHOSTS! I KNEW IT!
Hawkeye grips his weapons tighter
Taurus: Not elves then, lets double pace.
Taurus speeds up a little.
Brigalth follows suit
Vexin: Ya we gotta catch up to them! I've never seen ghosts!
ZtB quickens his pace
ZtB: I
Brigalth (nervously): Well, this is quite unsettling
Hawkeye looks around, not sure where to go, following his companions
ZtB: I'd rather not, Vexin.
Vexin urges Skitter to leap through the underbrush
Taurus (to Brigs): I can see why many folk don't traverse these parts often.
AS you pick up the pace, suddenly in front of you, a tall figure clad in armor, shimmers in a spectral light. He suddenly disappears, just as quickly as he appears.
Vexin: Ghost!
Brigalth: Guwha?!
ZtB: Did you just see that?
Hawkeye: Move! Keep moving!
Brigalth: Aye!
Vexin: Hullo ghost!
Taurus startles, quickly changing direction.
Taurus: Vixen, keep moving friend!
ZtB follows Taurus
Vexin: But the ghost is that way... uh ok
Vexin: My uncle Trapspringer met a ghost once...
Taurus holds his torch aloft high above him, waving it about to scare off looming shadows. Eyes narrowing in forced concentration as he cuts a fairly brutal path through the forest in his heavy armor.
Taurus: Was it a friendly ghost?
Hawkeye: Aye, and if we stay here I'll meet about 6 more too
You make your way through the forest some more. You crash through the bush when again, standing in front of you is a warrior who shimmers in a pale light. You can clearly see through him. this time he does not disappear.
Hawkeye: Are their friendly ghosts????
Hawkeye reels backwards, his hand ready to let his axe fly
Brigalth peers at the spectral figure
Vexin: Hullo!
ZtB (whispering): Keep your voice down Hawkeye
Vexin struts forward to greet the ghost
Brigalth: careful vexin...
Taurus quickly reaches to Vexin's shoulder to halt him, whispering "Careful...."
emerging from the trees themselves, ten more warriors encircle the group. The stand, each holding a sword in their hands, the tip wedged into the ground.
Brigalth: Ghost...Knights?
Hawkeye begins turning in a circle, looking about him, slightly panicky
Vexin: Hullo! I'm vexin Sixtoes and these are my new friends!
ZtB (Hesitiant): This is not good.
Taurus eyes the warriors closely searching for any insignias that might suggest as to who they served in life.
spectre captain (hallow voice): What business do you have in Darken Wood?
Mcgarnagle: knowledge nobility please
Brigalth (to himself): So spirits do exist, and they have intelligence...
They do have insignia's on their shields, but they are so ancient that you cannot recognize them.
Hawkeye remains silent, not believing himself to be able to speak
Taurus seems calmed by this somewhat and takes a step forward and offers the warriors a Solamnic salute, bowing his head respectfully to them.
Vexin: We're on our way to Haven!
Brigalth Moving to appeal himself to the warrior, and speaks thusly "We are merely passing through these woods, Sir, To reach our destination"
the minions do not move at the knights greeting.
Taurus: What my companions say is true.
Mcgarnagle (booming): THERE ARE ROADS FOR THAT, TRAVELERS!!
spectre captain (booming): THERE ARE ROADS FOR THAT, TRAVELERS!!
Hawkeye: The seekers own the roads
Brigalth: Forgive us Sir
Vexin: But I wanted to see Darkenwood
Brigalth kneels
Hawkeye surprises himself by actually speaking to the spectre
ZtB faints.
Brigalth: But there are circumstances that prevent us from using the roads
spectre captain: That is the problem of mortals. And mortals are not welcome in this wood!
Taurus blinks and moves to Zhage's side, kneeling to assist him; concerned he has come under some influence from the ghosts.
Hawkeye (looking at the mage): The one time magic could help us..
Taurus looks up towards the captain.
Vexin: Say, how did you become ghosts?
Taurus: Assist our passage and it will be short.
spectre captain: Return the way you came! that is your only way out. The only other option is death. (looks at the kender as he says death)
Brigalth: Forgive me for asking sir, but, are you then, the ruler of this wood?
Vexin: I always wondered what it would be like to be dead
Mcgarnagle: roll diplomacy
ZtB comes to.
spectre captain (angry): We are not!
Vexin: Who is the ruler?
ZtB (Whispering while Attempting to hide his fear): Maybe we should go now.
Hawkeye nods to Zhage, completely agreeing
spectre captain: Leave Now or you will feel the cold pain of death!
Taurus (Whispered): Im not sure I could handle the mountains twice this day.
Taurus rises and steps forward, drawing his sword slowly from its sheath and sets its tip down into the earth in similiar fashion.
Hawkeye (whispering) I hope you know how t fight a ghost
Brigalth: One last thing, sir, We did not mean to desecrate this place, Is there some favor we could do to afford us passage through this wood. Although our affair is not yours, there is little alternative to our plight.
The ghosts do not react
Brigalth kneels in a begging reaction, pleading
Taurus: If you will not assist us, Spectres, then step aside. We shall not be scared so easily.
Hawkeye readies his axe, wondering if the shaman's magic is powerful enough to slay something already slain
spectre captain raises his sword so the blade bisects his face.
Taurus brow lifts, impressive.
ZtB: What are you doing?
spectre captain: you will regret this day, mortal.
Taurus: May oblivion rest your soul.
Mcgarnagle: brig, roll another diplomacy for you previous question.
Vexin: His name is Taurus
Hawkeye: Better to die here than let the Seekers get the staff
spectre captain head turns slowly towards the ranger.
spectre captain: Staff...?
Taurus looks at Hawkeye.
ZtB looks around and grabs the staff
Hawkeye (confused): Yes...
Vexin: Ooh yes it's supposed to be all pretty blue, but I don't see it
spectre captain shoots his cold eyes towards the kender.
spectre captain: A blue staff? Made of crystal?
Vexin rolls his eyes at the ghost and points at the staff
Vexin: What else? silly ghost
Hawkeye: Is everyone looking for this thing?
Brigalth realizes that the spectre will not react to his pleas, he stands up, and holds his ground in an intimidating fashion
ZtB: It appears so..
Brigalth: it would seems so Hawkeye
ZtB: Even the dead
spectre captain: Show us the Blue Crystal Staff now!
Vexin: Is bein rude a prerequisite for being a ghost?
Vexin pokes Zhage show it the staff!
Taurus glances towards Goldmoon then towards the captain.
ZtB (Nevously): Here it is
Hawkeye (whispers to Taurus): do you think it wise we barter our lives on the staff we are sworn to protect?
Taurus (whispers): I'm not sure we have much choice, at the moment.
Hawkeye (whispered): So either the Seekers, The Dead, or the Armies get the staff.. why does this not sound good...
the ghost steps forward with purpose towards the young mage. He holds his hand above the offered staff, his fingers spread apart. He closes his dark eyes and grimices. The staff slowly sheds it's plain brown disguise and begins to shine in a briliant blue crystal!
ZtB (quietly to himself): What did I get myself into..
Vexin: OOH! It IS pretty!
Hawkeye gazes in awe at the transformed staff
Brigalth is awestruck
Taurus eyes widen watching the staff reveal its true nature.
ZtB is Wowed.
spectre captain: Come with us, the Master has need of you. You will not be harmed.
Brigalth (whispered to Taurus): Now thats more like it...
Vexin: Ghosts aren't so cranky after all!
Vexin rides forward
spectre captain turns on his heel and marches into the forest, pausing briefly to turn back to the party to see if you follow.
Taurus nods slightly unsure to Brigs.
ZtB Follows the spectre
Hawkeye follows cautiously, not sure what's happening
Taurus reluctantly follows the ghost.
Brigalth follow the group, in a strange, prideful fashion
Vexin: If these are just minions, I wonder what the Master looks like!
Taurus mood whispers You know, never fought a ghost before, that could have been bloody.
Taurus (whispers): You know, never fought a ghost before, that could have been bloody.
Vexin bounces in excitement on top of Skitter
Hawkeye (whispers back): Depends upon who gets the hits in...
ZtB tries to study the now crystal staff while walking..
You follow the troop of Spectral Warriors through the forest. You notice that there is no sound of life. No birds chirp, no insects buzz. nothing. But there are signs that the forest is inhabited. All the creatures near by seem to hide from your ghostly escorts.
After you travel for some distance, the group stop suddenly.
spectre captain: stop.
ZtB stops.
Hawkeye stops, looking around
spectre captain raises hand
Taurus trapses loudly through the forest still with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword incase civilities should take a turn for the worse. Almost running into Hawkeye at the abrupt halt.
spectre captain Turns to face the party.
Hawkeye feels Taurus brush up against me
The Ghosts all slowly disappate like smoke until they vanish entirely
Vexin: neat trick!
Hawkeye breathes a soft sigh of relief
Taurus: Why am I suddenly reminded of a childhood story. I hope someone left a trial of crumbs...
Vexin: come back and show me how to do that!
Hawkeye: I don't think I want to go back that way
Mcgarnagle: roll a survival and maybe I'll tell you. ;)
Mcgarnagle: I moved the marker.
Taurus: Lets make a move before their 'master' shows up.
Vexin: Didn't the ghosts say something about taking us to the Master?
Taurus: I'd like to be in this forest for as short a time as possible.
Brigalth: Maybe we have to wait here?
Hawkeye: Aye, let's keep pressing forward
Taurus: You know the way Hawkeye?
Mcgarnagle: You know think you know which way is north.
Mcgarnagle: barely, but you can make them out.
Hawkeye: I think we can head off this way and we'll be fine...
Hawkeye points down a path
Taurus: Lets get moving then, I want to put a few hours behind us befpre we're forced to make camp...
Vexin shouts "Hullo! Master! Your ghosts brought us here to see you!"
Brigalth (whisper): I have a bad feeling about this...
Hawkeye quickly moves to try and quiet the kender
Taurus grimaces.
As you begin to move forward...
Eight giant horse-men seem to materialize from the very forest itself. They are enormous, eight feet tall at the head, with amazingly muscular torsos and shoulders that seem able to rip one of the forests trees right from the ground. Their horse bodies seem equally powerful; their skill at woodland stealth seems incongruous with the raw strength they seem to exude. It takes you a moment to realize that they are flesh and blood, not figments of your imagination; these must be the centaurs youve heard about from childrens tales and old myths. All are armed, some with great bows, others with swords. the leader speaks in an archaically accented common.
Centaur Leader: Halt, prisoners, Ye be trapped. Ye will be taken to the Master to be judged. Ye will not be harmed unless ye attempt to escape, so cometh peacefully.
Hawkeye: Prisoners?
Centaur Leader: Aye.
Vexin: Ooh Centaurs!
Centaur Leader smiles to the kender
Vexin: You're REAL!
Taurus: You are allied with the warrior spectres?
Centaur Leader: aye, little one! as are you.
Hawkeye: First ghosts, now centaurs, Darkenwood is like the land of make belief... and now we're prisoners
Vexin pinches himself
Brigalth: Perhaps the creatures of Darkenwood all belong to their own society?
ZtB (To himself): First guards, then mountatins, then ghosts, not centaurs.. Why did I follow them again..
Taurus (whispered): At least centaurs are rumoured to bleed. Things are looking up...
Vexin urges Skitter to bound forth after the Centaurs
Centaur Leader: The spectral warriors are the guardians of the forest borders. We protect the inner forest.
Taurus offers a slight bow of his head.
Brigalth: I think we should follow them as such, I see little alternative in our situation
Hawkeye gives Zhage a sympathetic look as he sheathes his weapons
Taurus: I am Taurus Regulus, and these are my companions. We will be honored to meet your Leader, should you deem it fit.
Centaur Leader: Yee speak wise words!
Brigalth respectfully bows
Centaur Leader: Aye, the Master does indeed!
Hawkeye: Aye, I trust a creature of the forest far more than a spectral being. We will follow
Taurus: Lead on, Captor.
Taurus smiles despite himself.
ZtB (shruggs): Lead the way..
Hawkeye (to himself): Someday I'll have to remind myself why I came back to Solace
Centaur Leader: Ye will travel far too slow. Where we travel to, we go in haste! Climb atop our backs.
Brigalth: I get the feeling we should feel honored to have even made it into this forest without meeting immiment death...
Brigalth follows their command
Taurus: ...are you... sure?
Vexin: Skitter won't mind!
Hawkeye: Climb a top you?
Taurus looks somewhat anxious about climbing on another mans back.
Centaur Leader (to Vexin): Do not worry little one. I shall carry your pet.
Vexin hops onto one of the Centaurs
Vexin: Thak you sir!
Taurus reluctantly climbs atop one of the larger Centaurs, after all he is clad in full plate.
Hawkeye Looks aroudn and picks one of the remaining centaurs to ride, apologizing for his weight
ZtB climbs on one of the centaurs. Asking himself "What else can happen?"
Centaur Leader (to Taurus): Do not dottle! I am capable of holding thy weight.
Vexin: Be god, Skitter
Brigalth: Well, the way they seem to operate, with spectral warriors as gaurdians, and the attitude they governed toward us...
Taurus resists the urge to guide the horse-man with his knees like a horse.
Hawkeye wonders where to hold on
Brigalth tries to adjust to the odd angle he must sit at to stay on the centaur
Once you are all on the centaur's backs, they bound off through the forest. The branches scrap against your arms and legs and the horsemen seem like they might crash into a tree before bounding around it at the last moment.
Vexin: WEE!
Hawkeye (to Taurus): Not quite what I meant by finding you a new ride!
Taurus loses most of his reservations quickly and leans close to the centaur to hang on for dear life. Ducking his head several times to avoid a low hanging branch he shoots a look in the direction of Hawkeye.
You ride through the forest at remarkable speeds, the ride seems like it will never end.
ZtB: I think I'm going to be sick..
Hawkeye holds on for dear life, occasionally grabbing the centaurs hair for lack of anyhting else to hold onto
Vexin: You don't find this fun Zhage? (in between giggles)
ZtB (turning a pale color): Not in the least.
The Centaurs eventualy slow and come to a stop. They indicate for you all to dismount and the leader puts down Skitter.
Hawkeye gets off shakenly, apologizing for his behavoir while riding
ZtB dismounts and falls to the ground.
Taurus quickly dismounts almost falling over before he gets his balance, the experience certainly a unique one.
Brigalth falls off the centaur, lies on the ground a moment, dizzy
Taurus: I.. thank you, horse-man.
Vexin hops back onto Skitter and whispers in Skitter's ear "wasn't that fun?"
Centaur Leader: This way. it is not far now.
Brigalth stands and composes himself, thanking the centaur and apologizing
ZtB stands, leans heavily on his staff attempting the get his bearings.
Taurus gets his bearings and sets in to follow, walking beside Hawkeye whispering, "Keeping track on where we are?"
Mcgarnagle: sure
Hawkeye: I did my best, Taurus
Taurus nods trusting in his friends abilities, himself absolutely lost.
Hawkeye (whispering): I think we're near the center of the forest
Taurus whispers Already?!
Brigalth looks around himself, admiring the forest
You figure the ride took you well into the night. You covered close to 10 miles.
Hawkeye (whispered): Aye. We must have travelled at least ten miles already...
The dense oak forest suddenly opens into a forest glade. Soft green grasses carpet the ground up a hillside. At the top of the hillside, an outcropping of granite has been pushed through the topsoil by forces even more ancient than the forest itself. Atop this majestic natural dais stands a magnificent unicorn, its head raised high and proud but with a strange sadness in its eyes. The centaurs bow reverently and motion for the heroes to approach the hill.
Hawkeye (awed): the wonders never cease...
Vexin: Oooooooooh
Brigalth: So magnificent
Vexin: I wonder if it'll let me touch it's horn?
ZtB (still pale): What a place..
Brigalth: I wouldn't be so bold, Sixtoes...
Taurus peers up the open ground to the stone formation and the beast atop it. Slowly approaching as his eyes adjust he takes in the unicorns horn. His eyes widen, quietly whispering to Vexin.
Hawkeye approaches the hill, bow respectfully before the unicorn
Taurus (whisper): "it" is likely wiser than all of us, you might wish to be careful how you address "it".
As you appeoach, the Unicorn speaks.
Forestmaster: I am the Forestmaster. You have entered my Great Forest, and I grant you safe passage and the aid of all creatures while you remain within our borders.
Vexin offers his hand boldly, then realizes how silly it is to shake hands with a Unicorn
Taurus blinks never having expected the creature to speak, catching himself he closes his mouth. Bowing his head respectfully.
Vexin: Thank you!
Taurus: Greetings to you, Forestmaster. It is both a pleasure and an honor to meet whom commands these great forests.
Hawkeye decides to let Taurus speak, remaining silent with his head bowed
Brigalth stays kneeled and bowed in the same fashion one would address a King
Mcgarnagle: nope it happened 350 yrs ago
ZtB drops to his knee.
Forestmaster bows his head to you.
Taurus: I cannot say we were not concerned that our presence would be as well recieved as it has, Forestmaster. You then know of our burden, and our task?
Forestmaster: You have had quite the experience here in Darkenwood. no human has set foot in these parts of the wood for hundreds of years...
Vexin: I bet Kender have!
Forestmaster: Yes, brave knight. Word has reached me that you carry the Blue Crystal Staff.
Vexin: Why is this pretty staff so important?
Forestmaster: It is an item of great power, a relic of days most have long forgotten. Its secrets can be found in Xak Tsaroth and within the hearts of those who remember.
Vexin visibly strains to remember
Taurus: Xak Tsaroth?
Forestmaster: It is an ancient ruined city far to the east.
Hawkeye: In a swamp perhaps??
Forestmaster nods
Hawkeye looks at Riverwind
Vexin: Everyone wants this staff... you'd think a God made it or something! Ha!
Taurus cuts a look at the Kender.
Riverwind Does not seem to make any recognition of the place or name.
Forestmaster smiles sadly to the kender
Vexin: I pryed like the old druids did and nothing happened!
Vexin: Must be a myth..
Hawkeye looks at the kender when he mentions druids
Forestmaster: Do not fear, little one. The gods did not leave men, but it was men who left the gods.
Vexin: What? You're not a druid?
Hawkeye: No.. I'm not...
Brigalth almost stumbles over as his kneeling stance is beginning to wear on his legs
Hawkeye turns his attention back to the unicorn
Vexin: Men left the gods? what about Kender?
Taurus nods slowly as he listens.
Hawkeye: How can man leave a god?
Taurus: With Arrogance, my friend.
ZtB (Quietly): My gods are still here..
Vexin sticks his tongue out at Zhage
Forestmaster: Men, Kender... all races of Krynn left. They lost their faith. The plainsmen began to worship their ancestors... Others worship false gods such as the seekers do.
Hawkeye: Did we not seek out the old gods? Do not people still pray to them? Did they not send thier beasts to destroy my home for ancestor worship?
Hawkeye: Not all of mankind could have lost faith so easily.
Hawkeye: or kenderkinnd
Vexin: False Gods? How do we know which ones are real if nothing happens when we pray?
ZtB is shocked from what Hawkeye said.
Forestmaster (sadden): Do not blame the gods for what happened.
Vexin: Who do YOU pray to?
Brigalth shoots hawkeye a look that says "compose yourself"
Forestmaster Smiles to the kender.
Hawkeye catches Brigalth's look, and tries to control the bitterness some
Forestmaster: You will soon learn, my little friend.
Vexin: I want to worship gods like a master of forests!
Vexin: Ok...
Taurus: As over-bearing parents the Gods saw that their influence forced their childrens growth to early. So, they stepped back to allow us to develope on our own.
Taurus: They never left.
Vexin looks around for the Gods
Forestmaster: Wise and noble...
ZtB glances up, checking to see the moons
Brigalth is obviously thinking hardly to himself
Vexin: So where is this Tak Stasroth?
Hawkeye wants to say something again, but wisely controls himself, remaining silent, waiting for another time
Only a sliver of the red moon can be seen, it's waning in the night sky soon to end.
ZtB smiles to himself.
Forestmaster: Xak Tsaroth lies far to the east, across the plains and over the Eastwall Mountains.
Taurus takes in a slow breath and looks to Goldmoon and Riverwind. "Is this now your path? Xak Tsaroth?"
Vexin: But we were going West!
Vexin: Well, South...
Vexin: SouthWest to be exact...
Vexin: Why don' t they call it WestSouth?
Goldmoon: I... I do not know. If the forestmaster says that our answers lie there, than maybe...
Hawkeye: It all dpends upon which way you start first,,,
Brigalth: We were going to have the staff examined, however, the kind forestmaster here has shed more light than what we've known at all.
Vexin: ooh
Taurus: As Briggs has said, I doubt we will find more answers in Haven than we have here today.
Vexin: Is Tax Tsbroth exciting?
Brigalth: I wonder what it is we should do with it though. It seems neither man nor monster outside this forest wants it for nothing but Ill Gain...
Hawkeye: Perhaps it should be returned to this place..
Forestmaster: All I know is this: You must go to Xak Tsaroth. There, if you prove worthy, you shall receive the greatest gift given to the world.
Vexin: ooh!
Vexin hops back on Skitter and starts heading East
ZtB: What do you know of this staff?
Hawkeye: That's several days travel. We'll need to resupply
Vexin: Last one there is an Ogre with Rabies!
Forestmaster: Not much. all the answers to your questions will be answered in the ruined city.
Vexin turns and stops, looks back...
ZtB: Very well
Vexin: You're all rabid Ogres!
Hawkeye: We're not there yet, my friend. We could still beat you
Vexin: Oh! I almost forgot!
Brigalth: If we are heading east, we can likely supply in Gateway, we will have to be careful of the seekers, of course, but Im sure their influence there is not as strong as it was in Solace...
Vexin runs back to the Forestmaster and lays a blue feather at her feet "It's magic, for you! Goodbye!"
Forestmaster: Young, mage... look to your companions... some bare wounds from their travels as you had before...
Taurus takes in all that he has heard, glancing between his companions thoughtfully before slowly rising from his kneel before the unicorn.
Hawkeye: I suppose Gateway is as good a place as any for supplies...
Taurus: I had not expected this journey to turn to the East, nor at such a distance, however I am willing continue.
Brigalth: I have traveled through it many a time, Im sure we could find all we need.
Taurus: There is obviously more to this than simply Seeker interest.
Hawkeye: I will go where you go, Taurus, and I know you have made a vow.
ZtB: How? The spectre cause the staff to change. I do not know how to activate it.
Taurus smiles to Hawkeye, nodding to him respectfully.
ZtB: I haven't had the time to examine it closely
Forestmaster: One of faith need only apply himself... Try if you must.
Taurus: It will be an honor to travel at your side.
Hawkeye nods, still thoughtful
Brigalth: Taurus, You know where I stand, of course, I will continue to travel with you as well
Brigalth smiles
Taurus: Thank you Briggs, you company is most welcome.
Brigalth: Besides, there's nothing more exciting to do at the moment anyway!
Taurus laughs
Goldmoon: And we have no reason not to go with you. We got you all into this mess.
Hawkeye smiles softly at Brigalth's comment
Brigalth turns to the plainswoman
Taurus: You stand before a unicorn, bore on the backs of centaurs at the wishes of spectres -- and you talk of no excitement?
Taurus looks towards the staff thoughtfully.
ZtB stands thinking about what the unicorn said.
Taurus: Faith? -- Perhaps this is the first test of the Old Gods, to see if their children are ready...
Brigalth: stop apologizing already, we're in this by choice partly, no worries.
Goldmoon purses lips and nods
Hawkeye says nothing at Taurus's comment about the old gods, a flash of bitterness in his eyes
Forestmaster nods slowly to Taurus
Brigalth eases up and looks at the party at large
Vexin: To Zak Ssrot then?
ZtB wields the crystal staff and points it at Brigalth hoping his injuries disappear.
Taurus thoughts are interupted by the Kender, looking at him with an odd smile.
Taurus: Indeed, before we forget the name intirely?
Vexin: I haven't forgot! I said it just right!
Brigalth: Ack, don't point it at me! It worked some nasty magic over Riverwind, despite it
Brigalth: s potential...
Hawkeye can't help but laugh
Zhage points the staff at the warrior. The staff remains in its dorment state of plain brown wood.
Taurus looks to the unicorn.
Hawkeye: Give it to someone with a bit of faith in them
Hawkeye gestures to Taurus
Vexin: Aren't you supposed to say Abra Cadabra or something?
Taurus: Great master of the forests, might we use your glade for respite this night on the promise of departure on the morn?
ZtB walks close to Taurus and waits for him to notice him.
Taurus shoots a loot towards Hawkeye somewhat confused then looks towards Zhage.
ZtB: I think you should keep a hold of this.
ZtB: I have a feeling it will suit you.
Forestmaster: Of course. You may take rest here. Fresh food and water will be brought to you as well. In the morn, the Centaurs will take you to the forest edge.
Hawkeye: You taught me of the Gods, Taurus. Who better to try this out "one of faith" the FOrestmaster said.
Vexin: Oh... sleep... right. I guess we should sleep
Vexin: I have faith! I just... don't know who to pray to.
Hawkeye (to Vexin): That's alright, little one. I don't think many of us do anymore
Taurus nods slowly to what each say, taking the staff gently from mage. He turns it slowly over in his hands, studying it. Looking once more to the centaur and bowing his head in thanks as he grips the staff; his stomach quietly growling in aggreeance.
Taurus: Thank you, great master of the forests.
Brigalth: I would sing praises of your hospitality, great forestmaster, if your forest was more inclined to visitors.
Brigalth: your help is very much appreciated
the staff sheds it's brown skin and begins to glow within the knights hands.
Taurus gasps almost dropping the staff, peering at it as he gets his balance.
Brigalth noticing the staff -
Vexin: ooh... it' pretty again!
Brigalth: well would you look at that?
Hawkeye nods, not all too surprised by what's happening
Forestmaster: I value your kindness, but I fear that the forest will fall in time.
Forestmaster: Shortly, a terrible evil will descend upon us and destroy my domain. I have seen it.
Vexin: That's so sad... This is a wonderful place!
Brigalth: It is...No offense, but is that the reason your gaurdsmen are so defensive at this time?
Taurus (whispers): By Kiri....*trails off*
Vexin: Whose Kiri, Taurus?
Taurus looks at his hands, touching his cheek as a curious frown creases his brow. He approaches Briggs slowly, cautiously, reaching out to touch his shoulder. Closing his eyes, concentrating - lips moving silently.
Forestmaster: They are taking extra percautions. However, they are always vigilant against trespassers, no matter their intentions.
The staff shines brightly once more, and Brigalth's wounds slowly seal shut.
Brigalth: In that case, should we return before this cataclysm...
Brigalth: whoa!
Taurus looks as surprised as Briggs.
Brigalth: wow, thats amazing...
Hawkeye looks at Brigatlh and Taurus in shock
Taurus (gasped): Surely the Gods are with us!
Brigalth (back to the forestmaster): is there some proper way to announce a friendly presence?
Taurus: I.. have never seen... felt... anything... like this...
Forestmaster: If you have need to return to the forest, you will not be harmed, so long as you do not bring eveil with you.
ZtB (to Taurus): It makes you feel at peace. Pushes away your fear.
Taurus rather curious now moves towards Hawkeye, looking to his eyes for permission before he once more reaches out to take anothers shoulder and share the warmth of the Gods embrace with his old friend.
Taurus: It does Zhage...
Forestmaster (turns to Taurus): The staff holds great powers, but it is not without limitations. Use it wisely and all shall be fine.
Taurus: Limitations...
Hawkeye looks at Taurus, not sure what to do. After hearing the Forestmaster speak, he shakes his head.
Forestmaster: use it carelessly...
Hawkeye: Save it for when we need it, a few wounds won't slow me down
Taurus repeats the word as its meaning sinks in, nodding slowly he releases his tight grip on the staff.
Forestmaster smiles.
Taurus: I know now why the Seekers wish this staff.
Hawkeye is relieved to have found a way out of the situation
ZtB: If they did want it, do their beliefs allow for it use?
Hawkeye: Does it matter?
Taurus: Its very existance would destroy their hold over the peoples minds... The Gods, True Gods, return.
Hawkeye: If somene else can use it, it will shatter their beliefs and followers
Taurus nods to Hawkeye.
Taurus: They would destroy it, and any who know if it.
Forestmaster: I will leave you now in peace... Rest well tonight, for your journey has only just begun.
Taurus looks towards Goldmoon and Riverwind briefly, then back to the Forestmaster.
Taurus: I apologise for my ignorance, thank you greatly once more master of the forest.
Forestmaster nods
Vexin bows towards the Forestmaster, then lays down next to Skitter, fluffing his fur for a pillow
Taurus: May you ever find yourself in need, my honor will serve as yours.
Forestmaster: you will have no need for guard tonight. No harm will come to you this night.
Hawkeye prepares to make camp, leting forth a sharp whistle to summon Talon to his side
Vexin snores softly... already deeply asleep
Taurus glimpses at Vexin, smiles, and helps Hawkeye make camp.
Forestmaster bows gracefully with his long slender neck and slowly walks away into the shadows of the forest.
Hawkeye (whipsers to Taurus): If you don't mind, I'd like ot speak with you tonight when the others go to sleep
Taurus (Whisper to Hawkeye): Ofcourse friend. But rejoice, for tomorrow marks the dawn of a new era.
Hawkeye (to Taurus): Which is what I must speak to you about..
Taurus smiles and nods.
Brigalth makes his bed preparations
ZtB finds a small tree to rest his back on, cracks open an old tome and begins to read.