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To Lt Yveon
Shortly after we left you to find the princess, our path was blocked by a hobgoblin and his attack wolves, complaining that this was their land and ‘we’ had been going back and forth in recent weeks, causing trouble. It quickly became clear he was unwilling to discuss his complaints in good faith as he set his wolves upon us. Once downed, we were able to determine from his holy symbol (enclosed) and questioning one of the wolves that he was almost certainly a dark druid.
A little further along we met a second group of three hobgoblins, who were more talkative but still unwilling to compromise. When we made it clear we would be continuing along our route, they used dark druidic castings against us and therefore were killed. Of particular note however was their contention that the keep we were heading towards, and its grounds, hadn’t always been there.
Beyond this, what I recount may come from an incomplete understanding of the dreamworld based on the limited information able to be provided in the circumstances and time available.
As we crossed the road towards the keep, we felt an increase in miraculous energy and I was advised this apparently felt similar to the dreamworld (Selenia). It was unclear if we had fully entered the dreamworld as we didn’t encounter any known locations though we did later find some remnants of dreamworld denizens (tin soldiers). Lance-Corporal Eliza tried to call out to their commander, “the Count” and found it unusual to receive no answer, so it seems either we were in some walled off section within the dreamworld or else some part had been separated off, perhaps functioning closer to a demi-plane.
The drawbridge to the keep opened to a knock and we were greeted by animated furniture which, despite initially friendly greetings, attempted to poison us and then attacked when it became clear we would be able to mitigate the poison’s effects.
Over the course of the day, we fought animated furniture, coal shovelers, a boiler, garden equipment and more all of which attacked us physically and often magically too.
The most notable feature of the whole place, especially the gardens, was the strength of the principle of life pervading the area. I am certainly no expert on gardening but the gardens felt alive in a somewhat unnatural way.
Aside from being attacked, we saw physic imprints of a cloaked faceless figure berating the Princess for her alleged failures, which made those who knew her more determined that she needed assistance. Many of the patrol were also forced to face their own fears from a series of mirrors capable of compelling those not fortified of mind to look into them.
The store room we used to pray was filled with woodcuts, children’s artworks and momentos which seemed to have been gifted to the princess in gratitude for her assistance but which were now abandoned and covered in dust.
Disturbingly, as we left this room we found effigies of ourselves created in plant-form and then varyingly stabbed, beheaded or otherwise bored through by magic. It was very clear that we were unwelcome in this place.
When we finally met the Princess it was clear she was having some kind of mental breakdown apparently due to the pressure of the role. She attacked us with castings which appeared as though they should be from the path of death but felt more life-aligned. After defeating the topiary protecting her, we were able to talk her down, with Marshal Thatcher offering to take the task from her, and balance was restored.
I am unclear on the long-term outcome of this resolution but believe the mission to have been a success, with no patrol losses.
Regards
L-Cpl Oglun Ironbeard
Shortly after we left you to find the princess, our path was blocked by a hobgoblin and his attack wolves, complaining that this was their land and ‘we’ had been going back and forth in recent weeks, causing trouble. It quickly became clear he was unwilling to discuss his complaints in good faith as he set his wolves upon us. Once downed, we were able to determine from his holy symbol (enclosed) and questioning one of the wolves that he was almost certainly a dark druid.
A little further along we met a second group of three hobgoblins, who were more talkative but still unwilling to compromise. When we made it clear we would be continuing along our route, they used dark druidic castings against us and therefore were killed. Of particular note however was their contention that the keep we were heading towards, and its grounds, hadn’t always been there.
Beyond this, what I recount may come from an incomplete understanding of the dreamworld based on the limited information able to be provided in the circumstances and time available.
As we crossed the road towards the keep, we felt an increase in miraculous energy and I was advised this apparently felt similar to the dreamworld (Selenia). It was unclear if we had fully entered the dreamworld as we didn’t encounter any known locations though we did later find some remnants of dreamworld denizens (tin soldiers). Lance-Corporal Eliza tried to call out to their commander, “the Count” and found it unusual to receive no answer, so it seems either we were in some walled off section within the dreamworld or else some part had been separated off, perhaps functioning closer to a demi-plane.
The drawbridge to the keep opened to a knock and we were greeted by animated furniture which, despite initially friendly greetings, attempted to poison us and then attacked when it became clear we would be able to mitigate the poison’s effects.
Over the course of the day, we fought animated furniture, coal shovelers, a boiler, garden equipment and more all of which attacked us physically and often magically too.
The most notable feature of the whole place, especially the gardens, was the strength of the principle of life pervading the area. I am certainly no expert on gardening but the gardens felt alive in a somewhat unnatural way.
Aside from being attacked, we saw physic imprints of a cloaked faceless figure berating the Princess for her alleged failures, which made those who knew her more determined that she needed assistance. Many of the patrol were also forced to face their own fears from a series of mirrors capable of compelling those not fortified of mind to look into them.
The store room we used to pray was filled with woodcuts, children’s artworks and momentos which seemed to have been gifted to the princess in gratitude for her assistance but which were now abandoned and covered in dust.
Disturbingly, as we left this room we found effigies of ourselves created in plant-form and then varyingly stabbed, beheaded or otherwise bored through by magic. It was very clear that we were unwelcome in this place.
When we finally met the Princess it was clear she was having some kind of mental breakdown apparently due to the pressure of the role. She attacked us with castings which appeared as though they should be from the path of death but felt more life-aligned. After defeating the topiary protecting her, we were able to talk her down, with Marshal Thatcher offering to take the task from her, and balance was restored.
I am unclear on the long-term outcome of this resolution but believe the mission to have been a success, with no patrol losses.
Regards
L-Cpl Oglun Ironbeard
To Captain Tiller
I report that our mission to investigate the problems reported by the local druids was completed successfully, with no patrol losses. We have arrested 11 suspected dark druids in connection with this and I provide the evidence against them below as well as some other matters of note.
On the outskirts of town, we defended the apple orchard from a pair of gryphons, which attacked unprovoked. The apple farmers told us the gryphons came from the mountains and had become more bold since the Mayor's disappearance, though they had no real idea why this might be related and in fact were not entirely certain when the Mayor had left / gone missing. We killed one of the chimeras and forced the other off but the farmers believed more would come. We noted that their apples had a magical aura to them, which could be related to the attacks.
On our route to the druids, we encountered large bunnies, which were highly territorial but we avoided fighting as much as possible. We observed them trying to attack a snail which was passing through, to no apparent effect. We followed this snail to the druids, while Druid Hazel attempted to converse with it. There appeared to be some miraculous effect upon it, possibly rising to the level of a spiritual influence or charm, but it was not dispellable nor was the snail diseased or poisoned. The snail's trail was observed to be highly sticky, slightly magical, and somewhat flammable, burning away when exposed to Radiate castings.
We were unable to avoid being attacked by giant centipedes, some of which struck with the powers of lightning, which is mainly notable due to later observations of the dark druids. Druid Hazel was unfamiliar with these creatures so could not confirm if it was a natural ability or (related to my previous point) possibly they had also ingested the snail slime. The druid hypothesized that the movement of so many gastropods from out of the area had caused a corresponding shift in other creatures trying to claim their preferred cave territories.
Furthermore, after we had left the local druids and before we reached the temple, we encountered two large goblinoids (suspected to be trolls) demanding a toll to use the road. They claimed that they would use the income to improve the road conditions but the price requested was "a mana, a standing and a shiny." Guardian Trader Joe negotiated for us - it was unclear how they were able to remove mana and standing from him, nor if this was a permanent or temporary reduction, but he was certain it had been successful.
We then came across "Nosh's Monster Grill" being manned by a skeleton (which, since it was able to speak, we suspect may have been a death knight, or some other higher order of undead). I was uncertain we had the capacity to defeat a death knight, especially if the other beings present (another probable troll, a dryad, a goblin, and at least two other unidentified creatures) had taken its side. We decided not to draw attention to our identities or mission - in fact some patrol members tried the food and surprisingly were not poisoned (though it had other strange effects which lasted around 15 minutes) - and passed by as quickly as possible.
I note, the goblin told me come from Dragon Town but she had felt uncomfortable living there and had left before the recent troubles started due to feeling watched at all times, a sentiment shared by others of the patrol who had spent time there.
We reached the ruined temple to find an intact front door and individuals encouraging snails to enter in apparent genuine welcome. We were turned away with one individual heading within and barring the door behind them, leaving one outside, who High Wizard Unelias promptly Comaed.
High Pyromancer Prosit Destroyed the door bar and we progressed into the temple. We found a large hall full of gastropods feasting on some kind of broth, watched over by a number of humans, with one other - identified as the Temple Master on a high balcony, from which he refused to accept his arrest and ordered the others to attack us. Shaman Bryntag had seen an alleged dark druid in town on a previous patrol but was unable to positively identify any of those we encountered as being that individual.
Some of them were specifically observed casting death/dark druidic miracles, while others may only be guilty by association. At least one was adamant she was not a member of the Dark Druid guild but she was still present while a local druid (probably a Kingdom citizen) was being held as a prisoner with some threats about using him for their slime plans, so at the very least was complicit in kidnapping or false imprisonment. Some of the druids were more aggressive than others in resisting arrest - where possible we Comaed or subdued them but in some cases were forced to incapacitate them and, in one case, an individual was killed.
The ringleader was certainly a dark druid by his own admission and the evidence of the enclosed letter. This letter shows he was working with a mysterious M - he also had either summoned planar creatures (suspected to be dark elementals) or been provided them and ordered them to attack us when we tried to arrest him.
It remains unclear exactly what was being done to the slugs and snails and if this was a crime. We observed them being fed to encourage the production of their slime trails but also found many of them starving in a cell. Also in a cell we found a further group of planar creatures - even if a follow-up patrol is sent to investigate, it seems likely they will have disappeared by then.
The leader of the group clearly had some nefarious plans for the use of the slug and snail slime - and in fact ingested it to some effect when it was clear he was cornered - but how much the other individuals knew about the larger plan is debatable. To what purpose "M" intended to use the slime is also uncertain.
I will be shortly returning to Woodshire but would be happy to return to give evidence in court if required.
Regards
L-Cpl Oglun Ironbeard
Letter reads:
To Temple Grand Master
We know you are dark druids and as such we have a proposition for you.
Boulder snails and Flail snails leave behind a magical trail that when concentrated and collected in large quantities provide a very effective source of mana. We want you to use your dark Druid powers to gather this substance and deliver it to us. No questions asked, but in return we will protect you when the time comes.
We have seen the signs and we know you have too. We know you value your followers and do not want harm to come to them. Do this and you will have our protection.
- contact M.
I report that our mission to investigate the problems reported by the local druids was completed successfully, with no patrol losses. We have arrested 11 suspected dark druids in connection with this and I provide the evidence against them below as well as some other matters of note.
On the outskirts of town, we defended the apple orchard from a pair of gryphons, which attacked unprovoked. The apple farmers told us the gryphons came from the mountains and had become more bold since the Mayor's disappearance, though they had no real idea why this might be related and in fact were not entirely certain when the Mayor had left / gone missing. We killed one of the chimeras and forced the other off but the farmers believed more would come. We noted that their apples had a magical aura to them, which could be related to the attacks.
On our route to the druids, we encountered large bunnies, which were highly territorial but we avoided fighting as much as possible. We observed them trying to attack a snail which was passing through, to no apparent effect. We followed this snail to the druids, while Druid Hazel attempted to converse with it. There appeared to be some miraculous effect upon it, possibly rising to the level of a spiritual influence or charm, but it was not dispellable nor was the snail diseased or poisoned. The snail's trail was observed to be highly sticky, slightly magical, and somewhat flammable, burning away when exposed to Radiate castings.
We were unable to avoid being attacked by giant centipedes, some of which struck with the powers of lightning, which is mainly notable due to later observations of the dark druids. Druid Hazel was unfamiliar with these creatures so could not confirm if it was a natural ability or (related to my previous point) possibly they had also ingested the snail slime. The druid hypothesized that the movement of so many gastropods from out of the area had caused a corresponding shift in other creatures trying to claim their preferred cave territories.
Furthermore, after we had left the local druids and before we reached the temple, we encountered two large goblinoids (suspected to be trolls) demanding a toll to use the road. They claimed that they would use the income to improve the road conditions but the price requested was "a mana, a standing and a shiny." Guardian Trader Joe negotiated for us - it was unclear how they were able to remove mana and standing from him, nor if this was a permanent or temporary reduction, but he was certain it had been successful.
We then came across "Nosh's Monster Grill" being manned by a skeleton (which, since it was able to speak, we suspect may have been a death knight, or some other higher order of undead). I was uncertain we had the capacity to defeat a death knight, especially if the other beings present (another probable troll, a dryad, a goblin, and at least two other unidentified creatures) had taken its side. We decided not to draw attention to our identities or mission - in fact some patrol members tried the food and surprisingly were not poisoned (though it had other strange effects which lasted around 15 minutes) - and passed by as quickly as possible.
I note, the goblin told me come from Dragon Town but she had felt uncomfortable living there and had left before the recent troubles started due to feeling watched at all times, a sentiment shared by others of the patrol who had spent time there.
We reached the ruined temple to find an intact front door and individuals encouraging snails to enter in apparent genuine welcome. We were turned away with one individual heading within and barring the door behind them, leaving one outside, who High Wizard Unelias promptly Comaed.
High Pyromancer Prosit Destroyed the door bar and we progressed into the temple. We found a large hall full of gastropods feasting on some kind of broth, watched over by a number of humans, with one other - identified as the Temple Master on a high balcony, from which he refused to accept his arrest and ordered the others to attack us. Shaman Bryntag had seen an alleged dark druid in town on a previous patrol but was unable to positively identify any of those we encountered as being that individual.
Some of them were specifically observed casting death/dark druidic miracles, while others may only be guilty by association. At least one was adamant she was not a member of the Dark Druid guild but she was still present while a local druid (probably a Kingdom citizen) was being held as a prisoner with some threats about using him for their slime plans, so at the very least was complicit in kidnapping or false imprisonment. Some of the druids were more aggressive than others in resisting arrest - where possible we Comaed or subdued them but in some cases were forced to incapacitate them and, in one case, an individual was killed.
The ringleader was certainly a dark druid by his own admission and the evidence of the enclosed letter. This letter shows he was working with a mysterious M - he also had either summoned planar creatures (suspected to be dark elementals) or been provided them and ordered them to attack us when we tried to arrest him.
It remains unclear exactly what was being done to the slugs and snails and if this was a crime. We observed them being fed to encourage the production of their slime trails but also found many of them starving in a cell. Also in a cell we found a further group of planar creatures - even if a follow-up patrol is sent to investigate, it seems likely they will have disappeared by then.
The leader of the group clearly had some nefarious plans for the use of the slug and snail slime - and in fact ingested it to some effect when it was clear he was cornered - but how much the other individuals knew about the larger plan is debatable. To what purpose "M" intended to use the slime is also uncertain.
I will be shortly returning to Woodshire but would be happy to return to give evidence in court if required.
Regards
L-Cpl Oglun Ironbeard
Letter reads:
To Temple Grand Master
We know you are dark druids and as such we have a proposition for you.
Boulder snails and Flail snails leave behind a magical trail that when concentrated and collected in large quantities provide a very effective source of mana. We want you to use your dark Druid powers to gather this substance and deliver it to us. No questions asked, but in return we will protect you when the time comes.
We have seen the signs and we know you have too. We know you value your followers and do not want harm to come to them. Do this and you will have our protection.
- contact M.
To Woodshire Defender Command
The situation at the druid grove has been resolved. It remains unclear if the cause was purely accidental on the part of the druids, or whether there was deliberate external sabotage from a void entity which we encountered within the grove.
Druid Nikon briefed us on how the ceremony had gone awry and a black sphere had spread out from the previously corrupted heartwood (though it wasn’t clear if this was the primary issue or was somehow keeping the corruption contained). We were told there were three druids known to have been caught within this sphere as it initially expanded and five others unaccounted for since the ceremony.
We fought our way through undead (mainly skeletons and zombies) being created by corrupted spring and winter elementals. They were joined by wood ghouls and at least one shadow in the darkest part of the woods. There were also many corrupted shambling mounds, which produced necromantic effects in additional to their usual abilities.
We soon learned that casting seasonal miracles had negative effects either on the casters or in an aura around them, including those resembling the powers of death, darkness, and even necromancy. On at least one occasion, an undead was observed to rise with no other source but, without attempting resurrection we couldn’t prove this was necromancy and not powers of death). Certainly Humact Cecil was unimpressed and has insisted on placing Druid Mohsar under arrest for further investigation upon completion of our mission.
Over the course of the day we experienced visions of pasts and futures of Woodshire, which seemed to increase in frequency as we approached the grove. Similarities were noted in some patrolees prior experience with the mirror found last year. If this is true, the druids’ ceremony may have been deliberately sabotaged to this end. Whether the visions were sent to guide or taunt us is unclear.
Hammer Devět fell in battle but regretfully I am uncertain exactly how it happened. We were fighting side by side when one of the shambling mounds struck such fear into me I was unable to move. Then I was struck again by a mound and found myself able to run but urgently trying to find someone to staunch my bleeding wound. By the time I had been healed and the fear-inducing mound destroyed, allowing me to return to the combat, Hammer was not only dead but had had the flesh rotted from him, making it impossible to determine his cause of death. Some of the patrol took his back to the Summer Grove where they were able to restore him to life.
When we reached the sphere around the grove, Forester Bryce and Corporal Kregg identified the tracks of the remaining wight, Don, leading up to the barrier but not crossing it. Druid Talia observed markings warning us this was a crossroads with a potential dangerous outcome and of fae origin. It is unclear if or how Don was connected to this event directly.
Inside it was noted that priests and mages alike felt distant from their powers, as though we had planar travelled. We found three druids – two living, one dead – who Talia recognised as having taken part in the ceremony but who apparently didn’t recognise her: this became relevant later.
We were attacked by more undead and elementals so I didn’t see what event triggered fighting between the druids of the patrol and those we found in the area. As I reached them, I watched Forester Iona attempting to heal the heartwood, which struck out at them, severing their chest. Having seen that response to healing, I instead attempted to consecrate the tree, which held back the corruption long enough for Humact Cecil to intervene.
Once the fighting druids had been separated, it was determined that they needed to re-attempt the spring ceremony. As this was decided, energy came out from the heart-tree, knitting Forester Iona’s wounds back together and they stood up, apparently fully restored. Although there was clearly something unusual happening – their eyes were white, as those of the druids found – they were not undead and there was no time to question the source of their restoration.
I went to reinforce those defending the area when I suddenly heard the voice of Abadar clear in my mind, warning me that the ceremony would fail if the corrupted were allowed to take part. This was found to mean the druids who we had found as well as Forester Iona, who were possessed / influenced by the void. Fortunately we were able to remove them from the ceremony without violence.
The lessons from the visions became clear and we realised that all people of Woodshire needed to be involved for it to be a complete success. Unfortunately, we also needed to defend ourselves from the undead, elementals while prevented the corrupted from rejoining. Abadar offered a deal – to protect the ceremony in return for a year’s service – and I accepted. The ceremony was completed successfully but the druids and Forester Iona collapsed as the unnatural energy which had restored them to life was banished.
I commend all patrolees for their efforts in a difficult situation.
The situation at the druid grove has been resolved. It remains unclear if the cause was purely accidental on the part of the druids, or whether there was deliberate external sabotage from a void entity which we encountered within the grove.
Druid Nikon briefed us on how the ceremony had gone awry and a black sphere had spread out from the previously corrupted heartwood (though it wasn’t clear if this was the primary issue or was somehow keeping the corruption contained). We were told there were three druids known to have been caught within this sphere as it initially expanded and five others unaccounted for since the ceremony.
We fought our way through undead (mainly skeletons and zombies) being created by corrupted spring and winter elementals. They were joined by wood ghouls and at least one shadow in the darkest part of the woods. There were also many corrupted shambling mounds, which produced necromantic effects in additional to their usual abilities.
We soon learned that casting seasonal miracles had negative effects either on the casters or in an aura around them, including those resembling the powers of death, darkness, and even necromancy. On at least one occasion, an undead was observed to rise with no other source but, without attempting resurrection we couldn’t prove this was necromancy and not powers of death). Certainly Humact Cecil was unimpressed and has insisted on placing Druid Mohsar under arrest for further investigation upon completion of our mission.
Over the course of the day we experienced visions of pasts and futures of Woodshire, which seemed to increase in frequency as we approached the grove. Similarities were noted in some patrolees prior experience with the mirror found last year. If this is true, the druids’ ceremony may have been deliberately sabotaged to this end. Whether the visions were sent to guide or taunt us is unclear.
Hammer Devět fell in battle but regretfully I am uncertain exactly how it happened. We were fighting side by side when one of the shambling mounds struck such fear into me I was unable to move. Then I was struck again by a mound and found myself able to run but urgently trying to find someone to staunch my bleeding wound. By the time I had been healed and the fear-inducing mound destroyed, allowing me to return to the combat, Hammer was not only dead but had had the flesh rotted from him, making it impossible to determine his cause of death. Some of the patrol took his back to the Summer Grove where they were able to restore him to life.
When we reached the sphere around the grove, Forester Bryce and Corporal Kregg identified the tracks of the remaining wight, Don, leading up to the barrier but not crossing it. Druid Talia observed markings warning us this was a crossroads with a potential dangerous outcome and of fae origin. It is unclear if or how Don was connected to this event directly.
Inside it was noted that priests and mages alike felt distant from their powers, as though we had planar travelled. We found three druids – two living, one dead – who Talia recognised as having taken part in the ceremony but who apparently didn’t recognise her: this became relevant later.
We were attacked by more undead and elementals so I didn’t see what event triggered fighting between the druids of the patrol and those we found in the area. As I reached them, I watched Forester Iona attempting to heal the heartwood, which struck out at them, severing their chest. Having seen that response to healing, I instead attempted to consecrate the tree, which held back the corruption long enough for Humact Cecil to intervene.
Once the fighting druids had been separated, it was determined that they needed to re-attempt the spring ceremony. As this was decided, energy came out from the heart-tree, knitting Forester Iona’s wounds back together and they stood up, apparently fully restored. Although there was clearly something unusual happening – their eyes were white, as those of the druids found – they were not undead and there was no time to question the source of their restoration.
I went to reinforce those defending the area when I suddenly heard the voice of Abadar clear in my mind, warning me that the ceremony would fail if the corrupted were allowed to take part. This was found to mean the druids who we had found as well as Forester Iona, who were possessed / influenced by the void. Fortunately we were able to remove them from the ceremony without violence.
The lessons from the visions became clear and we realised that all people of Woodshire needed to be involved for it to be a complete success. Unfortunately, we also needed to defend ourselves from the undead, elementals while prevented the corrupted from rejoining. Abadar offered a deal – to protect the ceremony in return for a year’s service – and I accepted. The ceremony was completed successfully but the druids and Forester Iona collapsed as the unnatural energy which had restored them to life was banished.
I commend all patrolees for their efforts in a difficult situation.
Eilwen letter 07.01.2024
Jan. 12th, 2024 01:15 amDear High Druid Skywise
I had a strange dream, again repeating over a number of nights and, as always, welcome your guidance. I climbed a tree and found myself walking on clouds towards a castle. Then a harpy flew over and I followed it to a wooded area where I found bears fighting zombies. The final night, I was able to act on my own desires rather than seeming to follow a script and choose to help the bears alongside another druid (I think the local, Thunder Claw). Once the zombies were destroyed, the bears invited us to join their picnic.
Obviously dream interpretation could take this many ways except, a couple of days later and with the grove settled, I attended my first full patrol here and began to understand the strange conversations I've overheard around here.
We were assigned to escort the local Lieutenant to a council meeting of the tree-ents. I don’t think she really needed our help but maybe more things would’ve tried to attack her if she’d been on her own. There were a handful of people I’d previously met and a couple of strangers but everyone was really friendly (maybe a little too friendly in the case of the half-orc, whose as high-pitched as the local sprites - at least she wasn’t one who leant their metal axes against the tree I was healing from though Pathfinder Undsee did apologise after I pointed it out).
We encountered one of the anarchy storms, this one with mostly mud woses, presumably because it’s been too wet for anything else but that was a minor nuisance before the main proceedings.
In order for the Lieutenant to reach the council in good time, we had to travel into the dreamworld (which I’m told isn’t fae, but it definitely has a lot in the common with Cethlan’s island). We did this by taking the cat 'bus' as I described to you from my previous dreams.
In the dreamworld it was already spring and we found ourselves in the middle of a desert area. We were attacked by sand sharks, which were constructs not natural animals (inasmuch as any of the creatures of the dream realm are strictly natural).
Moving on, apparently more through applied will than actual fixed paths, we encountered - yes, bears being attacked by zombies. They didn't look exactly like the ones from my dream, but close enough that I couldn't discount the whole thing having really happened.
We fought more undead, some more constructs, and a castle with moving walls, to reach the magic mirror which took us to the tree-ents’ council place. (I didn't have a chance to speak to them but they certainly were impressive).
We were directed to rest in a nearby area, which had a little farmhouse in it, which turned out to be connected to the dreamworld and a tornado of dreamstuff picked it up and carried us back into its realm, back into the sands.
We found a strange market, (of course I didn't eat or drink anything), fought several more groups of undead - including at least two harpies, ended up playing some strange game in order to destroy some shadows. I think I missed the explanation for how we knew where to find them but it seemed we were assisting allies previously made by other patrols and then were finally guided to a portal back to near the Coach House.
Assuming the others are correct and that none of this is fee-related, do you have any advice on handling it?
Yours in nature
Eilwen
I had a strange dream, again repeating over a number of nights and, as always, welcome your guidance. I climbed a tree and found myself walking on clouds towards a castle. Then a harpy flew over and I followed it to a wooded area where I found bears fighting zombies. The final night, I was able to act on my own desires rather than seeming to follow a script and choose to help the bears alongside another druid (I think the local, Thunder Claw). Once the zombies were destroyed, the bears invited us to join their picnic.
Obviously dream interpretation could take this many ways except, a couple of days later and with the grove settled, I attended my first full patrol here and began to understand the strange conversations I've overheard around here.
We were assigned to escort the local Lieutenant to a council meeting of the tree-ents. I don’t think she really needed our help but maybe more things would’ve tried to attack her if she’d been on her own. There were a handful of people I’d previously met and a couple of strangers but everyone was really friendly (maybe a little too friendly in the case of the half-orc, whose as high-pitched as the local sprites - at least she wasn’t one who leant their metal axes against the tree I was healing from though Pathfinder Undsee did apologise after I pointed it out).
We encountered one of the anarchy storms, this one with mostly mud woses, presumably because it’s been too wet for anything else but that was a minor nuisance before the main proceedings.
In order for the Lieutenant to reach the council in good time, we had to travel into the dreamworld (which I’m told isn’t fae, but it definitely has a lot in the common with Cethlan’s island). We did this by taking the cat 'bus' as I described to you from my previous dreams.
In the dreamworld it was already spring and we found ourselves in the middle of a desert area. We were attacked by sand sharks, which were constructs not natural animals (inasmuch as any of the creatures of the dream realm are strictly natural).
Moving on, apparently more through applied will than actual fixed paths, we encountered - yes, bears being attacked by zombies. They didn't look exactly like the ones from my dream, but close enough that I couldn't discount the whole thing having really happened.
We fought more undead, some more constructs, and a castle with moving walls, to reach the magic mirror which took us to the tree-ents’ council place. (I didn't have a chance to speak to them but they certainly were impressive).
We were directed to rest in a nearby area, which had a little farmhouse in it, which turned out to be connected to the dreamworld and a tornado of dreamstuff picked it up and carried us back into its realm, back into the sands.
We found a strange market, (of course I didn't eat or drink anything), fought several more groups of undead - including at least two harpies, ended up playing some strange game in order to destroy some shadows. I think I missed the explanation for how we knew where to find them but it seemed we were assisting allies previously made by other patrols and then were finally guided to a portal back to near the Coach House.
Assuming the others are correct and that none of this is fee-related, do you have any advice on handling it?
Yours in nature
Eilwen
Lexi report & letter
Oct. 4th, 2023 11:03 pmFAO Humacti Central
I am happy to report the demonic necromancer Versayce has been destroyed and the souls he had stolen were restored to their original owners.
The enemy being mostly demons, only a small number of undead were encountered in the area. We found one necromancer and a death knight in the "ilken factory", both were swiftly destroyed.
We also found (and destroyed) a mixed group of undead (zombies, skeletons and shadows) around a small farmstead just outside the abandoned village. We were unable to uncover a specific cause for these undead, although at least one shadow appeared to be 'naturally' occurring as it called out the barony for sending them into danger and not coming to rescue them.
I also regret to inform you of the passing of Humact Rook. With the assistance of Paladin Vertonius, I was able to permanently consecrate his soul and ensure he passed on to his deities. I believe this should be done for all the souls which had been corrupted into the demon engines - a process which seems to have been closely aligned to necromancy
Yours
Alexandra Huntingdon
xxx
To Freddie
Well, I made it through the battles against Versayce and am alive and well. I’ll be on my way to visit shortly (assuming you do all stay safely where you were and not try to get to Van Heusen’s lands) but hopefully this letter gets to you first to ease your worries.
I'll be honest with you and say we saw some pretty unpleasant things (others more so than me and the fact they won’t tell me how bad is pretty telling in itself). I usually relish the opportunity to consecrate souls permanently but I've never had to do it for a friend before and, even with Cadrus at my side, that one hurt.
If you’re willing not to dwell too much on the how, I’d love to share with you some of my recently meetings with the Seven. I’m a little disappointed I didn’t get to see Rhaeteth’s Tower but it’s probably for the best. And everytime I see the effects of Cadrus’ or Caerule’s tears, I am overawed again.
There’s going to be a fair amount of clean-up here - the Temples will be carrying out resurrection ceremonies for days and, if the Humacti don’t turn up to help with permanent consecrations, I know some Paladins who might be willing.
On the other hand, Eorith is avoiding me so I’m pretty sure something about what they did to finish off Versayce was necromantic and she knows she wouldn’t be able to lie about it. The fact part of it was called a soulforge was a pretty big clue. I might be oathbound to hunt down and destroy necromancers, but I think Humact would forgive me for not looking too closely at weird magical artefacts. Cadrus would/did do the same.
Hevish willing, I’ll be heading to you in a week or so, once all the post-battle debriefing is over and I'm not needed any further.
Love
Lexi
I am happy to report the demonic necromancer Versayce has been destroyed and the souls he had stolen were restored to their original owners.
The enemy being mostly demons, only a small number of undead were encountered in the area. We found one necromancer and a death knight in the "ilken factory", both were swiftly destroyed.
We also found (and destroyed) a mixed group of undead (zombies, skeletons and shadows) around a small farmstead just outside the abandoned village. We were unable to uncover a specific cause for these undead, although at least one shadow appeared to be 'naturally' occurring as it called out the barony for sending them into danger and not coming to rescue them.
I also regret to inform you of the passing of Humact Rook. With the assistance of Paladin Vertonius, I was able to permanently consecrate his soul and ensure he passed on to his deities. I believe this should be done for all the souls which had been corrupted into the demon engines - a process which seems to have been closely aligned to necromancy
Yours
Alexandra Huntingdon
xxx
To Freddie
Well, I made it through the battles against Versayce and am alive and well. I’ll be on my way to visit shortly (assuming you do all stay safely where you were and not try to get to Van Heusen’s lands) but hopefully this letter gets to you first to ease your worries.
I'll be honest with you and say we saw some pretty unpleasant things (others more so than me and the fact they won’t tell me how bad is pretty telling in itself). I usually relish the opportunity to consecrate souls permanently but I've never had to do it for a friend before and, even with Cadrus at my side, that one hurt.
If you’re willing not to dwell too much on the how, I’d love to share with you some of my recently meetings with the Seven. I’m a little disappointed I didn’t get to see Rhaeteth’s Tower but it’s probably for the best. And everytime I see the effects of Cadrus’ or Caerule’s tears, I am overawed again.
There’s going to be a fair amount of clean-up here - the Temples will be carrying out resurrection ceremonies for days and, if the Humacti don’t turn up to help with permanent consecrations, I know some Paladins who might be willing.
On the other hand, Eorith is avoiding me so I’m pretty sure something about what they did to finish off Versayce was necromantic and she knows she wouldn’t be able to lie about it. The fact part of it was called a soulforge was a pretty big clue. I might be oathbound to hunt down and destroy necromancers, but I think Humact would forgive me for not looking too closely at weird magical artefacts. Cadrus would/did do the same.
Hevish willing, I’ll be heading to you in a week or so, once all the post-battle debriefing is over and I'm not needed any further.
Love
Lexi
Eilwen notes 24.02.2020
Feb. 24th, 2020 08:57 pmAt the village of Brean, we were able to clarify the report, which was actually about an unidentified individual attacking one of the gert dogs.
We headed towards the chaos shrine and encountered undead animals, with a masked man who proved to be a necromancer.
The small shard guided us to the Kelston's house, where we found a portal in the cellar.
This took us to a plane of darkness, where we met Rhonech's sibling, Afiriel. They asked us to help find the pieces of Rhonech's heart.
We first went to the sisters who, after some bargaining by Trader Joe, were convinced to allow us to use their dark elemental to gain darksight.
We then battled dark goblins for another piece of the heart and then Warden DeFort played a game of strategy against the shadow sphinx for another.
After this the masked man returned but we were able to drive him off through his portal.
Our next portal took us to the location of a dead Amazon warband, then two of the Kelston family.
They lead us to a small group of Jackals trapped by a circle of shadow portals. Gladiator Dagna was able to figure out how to get out, once we had claimed another piece from the Jackals.
We were then taken to a group of trolls with an orc champion. They tried to ambush us but Warden DeFort was able to kill their leader and demand their surrender.
Our final portal took us to a cave, where several small gert dogs were guarding a shard of Rhonech's heart. We restored the other pieces we had collected and Joe tried healing it.
Rhonech was restored and the somehow expanded and I found myself transported back to grove in Ludshire.
We headed towards the chaos shrine and encountered undead animals, with a masked man who proved to be a necromancer.
The small shard guided us to the Kelston's house, where we found a portal in the cellar.
This took us to a plane of darkness, where we met Rhonech's sibling, Afiriel. They asked us to help find the pieces of Rhonech's heart.
We first went to the sisters who, after some bargaining by Trader Joe, were convinced to allow us to use their dark elemental to gain darksight.
We then battled dark goblins for another piece of the heart and then Warden DeFort played a game of strategy against the shadow sphinx for another.
After this the masked man returned but we were able to drive him off through his portal.
Our next portal took us to the location of a dead Amazon warband, then two of the Kelston family.
They lead us to a small group of Jackals trapped by a circle of shadow portals. Gladiator Dagna was able to figure out how to get out, once we had claimed another piece from the Jackals.
We were then taken to a group of trolls with an orc champion. They tried to ambush us but Warden DeFort was able to kill their leader and demand their surrender.
Our final portal took us to a cave, where several small gert dogs were guarding a shard of Rhonech's heart. We restored the other pieces we had collected and Joe tried healing it.
Rhonech was restored and the somehow expanded and I found myself transported back to grove in Ludshire.
Eilwen letter 26.11.2019
Nov. 26th, 2019 12:31 amArch Druid Skywise
I am happy to say our efforts have been successful and the mysteriously appearing islands are now one.
Sent out to collect components for the balance ceremony required to restore the balance of nature, we fought past shadows and elementals taking form with bones. The strength of the animals aided me in this.
Later, finding ourselves in rat- and spider-infested tunnels, I was able to use my empathy to determine the animals were merely hungry. The Arborian Emissary was again present and wanted to control them, trying to persuade the freedom followers amongst us that this enslavement was preferable to killing them, without any attempt at driving them off first (which did later work). I pointed out that his suggestion was not only immoral but also illegal but didn’t find much support.
As we prepared for the ceremony the Emissary again conversing with the creature, Rhonech, this time about learning dark magic. Several other patrollees also seemed strangely fascinated by this school, having no apparent understanding of its danger.
The ceremony to merge the islands involved us all taking on aspects of the three islands. I was assigned to the original island, with myself and my companions being somewhat disconcertingly veiled in shadow and the form of Rhonech’s dog-elementals. We fought off elementals, empowered the circle and performed the necessary rites.
The ceremony was a success, with the three groups drawn back together.
It seems the entity Rhonech is likely dead (or returned to its own plane) and with the issue resolved, it appears they will be dissolving this patrol group.
I hope to return before the solstice.
Yours
Acolyte Eilwen
I am happy to say our efforts have been successful and the mysteriously appearing islands are now one.
Sent out to collect components for the balance ceremony required to restore the balance of nature, we fought past shadows and elementals taking form with bones. The strength of the animals aided me in this.
Later, finding ourselves in rat- and spider-infested tunnels, I was able to use my empathy to determine the animals were merely hungry. The Arborian Emissary was again present and wanted to control them, trying to persuade the freedom followers amongst us that this enslavement was preferable to killing them, without any attempt at driving them off first (which did later work). I pointed out that his suggestion was not only immoral but also illegal but didn’t find much support.
As we prepared for the ceremony the Emissary again conversing with the creature, Rhonech, this time about learning dark magic. Several other patrollees also seemed strangely fascinated by this school, having no apparent understanding of its danger.
The ceremony to merge the islands involved us all taking on aspects of the three islands. I was assigned to the original island, with myself and my companions being somewhat disconcertingly veiled in shadow and the form of Rhonech’s dog-elementals. We fought off elementals, empowered the circle and performed the necessary rites.
The ceremony was a success, with the three groups drawn back together.
It seems the entity Rhonech is likely dead (or returned to its own plane) and with the issue resolved, it appears they will be dissolving this patrol group.
I hope to return before the solstice.
Yours
Acolyte Eilwen
Eilwen letter 05.11.2019
Nov. 5th, 2019 12:27 amArch Druid Skywise
Following my last letter, I returned to the island with others and spoke with the entity Rhonech who is insistent that other island is disrupting reality. It suggested a ritual/ceremony would be required to merge islands together. It seemed prepare to accept death in order to restore the balance, which is something at least.
I’m not sure if this is being progressed as we were then sent out on an unrelated mission to investigate who is behind smuggling of weapons and leathers/furs into Arboria. The Emissary was absent – presumably due to a conflict of interest or perhaps his ‘diplomatic powers’ don’t extend to interrogating Kingdom citizens.
Although we were unclear on exactly what we would looking for, the journey gave me the opportunity to speak with some locals about the wildlife in the area, though they didn’t seem very observant. There were suggestions of a ‘sea monster’ near the village of Brean but this appears to be either a con or a cover for their smuggling operation.
Though I appreciate wanting to support our allies in Arboria, it doesn’t seem that the potential smugglers we encountered are acting with any malice and they are equally involved in legitimate local trade. We decided to try and follow the trail back to their suppliers.
While checking for tracks, there was a substantial earthquake across a wider area and extreme waves in the estuary. Later we discovered the probable cause as a third island has now appeared, seemingly identical to the other two. The implications of this on the natural environment has yet to be determined.
In the meantime, we checked out an old watchtower similar to those on Rhonech, and got to watch the elementals (woses) taking form. The ones in this area took on form from laundry, sticks and fallen apples.
We had to cut short our investigations into smuggling as two boats of undead left the newest island and we had to head them off. The groups included skeletons, zombies, and some sort of fast, casting zombie that none of us were able to identify – have you ever heard of anything like that?
There was less tension in our group with the absence of the Emissary, along with the barbarian. I had the chance to explain to our Seeker (and the eastern paladin) why dark druidism is so dangerous – thank Raethan for the comparison to the path of Might.
I still have one concern amongst my fellow patrolees, the half-ogre Dagna. I always understood that half-ogres had similar destructive tendencies to greenskins and her initial appearance bore this out – metal armour and a greatsword – but her actions don’t. She has offered me assistance on several occasions and it feels churlish to refuse simply on grounds of her race. Equally, is it wrong of me to assist her in combat when it helps protect our fellows? Is there anything you can advise me?
I look forward to hearing news from the grove.
Yours
Acolyte Eilwen
Following my last letter, I returned to the island with others and spoke with the entity Rhonech who is insistent that other island is disrupting reality. It suggested a ritual/ceremony would be required to merge islands together. It seemed prepare to accept death in order to restore the balance, which is something at least.
I’m not sure if this is being progressed as we were then sent out on an unrelated mission to investigate who is behind smuggling of weapons and leathers/furs into Arboria. The Emissary was absent – presumably due to a conflict of interest or perhaps his ‘diplomatic powers’ don’t extend to interrogating Kingdom citizens.
Although we were unclear on exactly what we would looking for, the journey gave me the opportunity to speak with some locals about the wildlife in the area, though they didn’t seem very observant. There were suggestions of a ‘sea monster’ near the village of Brean but this appears to be either a con or a cover for their smuggling operation.
Though I appreciate wanting to support our allies in Arboria, it doesn’t seem that the potential smugglers we encountered are acting with any malice and they are equally involved in legitimate local trade. We decided to try and follow the trail back to their suppliers.
While checking for tracks, there was a substantial earthquake across a wider area and extreme waves in the estuary. Later we discovered the probable cause as a third island has now appeared, seemingly identical to the other two. The implications of this on the natural environment has yet to be determined.
In the meantime, we checked out an old watchtower similar to those on Rhonech, and got to watch the elementals (woses) taking form. The ones in this area took on form from laundry, sticks and fallen apples.
We had to cut short our investigations into smuggling as two boats of undead left the newest island and we had to head them off. The groups included skeletons, zombies, and some sort of fast, casting zombie that none of us were able to identify – have you ever heard of anything like that?
There was less tension in our group with the absence of the Emissary, along with the barbarian. I had the chance to explain to our Seeker (and the eastern paladin) why dark druidism is so dangerous – thank Raethan for the comparison to the path of Might.
I still have one concern amongst my fellow patrolees, the half-ogre Dagna. I always understood that half-ogres had similar destructive tendencies to greenskins and her initial appearance bore this out – metal armour and a greatsword – but her actions don’t. She has offered me assistance on several occasions and it feels churlish to refuse simply on grounds of her race. Equally, is it wrong of me to assist her in combat when it helps protect our fellows? Is there anything you can advise me?
I look forward to hearing news from the grove.
Yours
Acolyte Eilwen
Eilwen letter 17.10.2019
Oct. 17th, 2019 12:23 amArch Druid Skywise
The Green Wood
Ludshire
I attended another patrol, again joined by the Arborian emissary and the eastern Paladin. Another druid has arrived at our camp but she didn’t join us so I haven’t yet had the chance to spend any time with her.
I forgot to mention a couple of things about the island in my last letter. Firstly there are standing stones on it – don’t worry, they’re not magical or miraculous like the Shire stones but are apparently records of agreements between different groups previously living here. One of them mentions a treaty between Amazons and orcs – perhaps you could ask Tempest if she’s ever heard any legends of this place?
Also, we found a box with flint arrow heads which are apparently part of why the Arborian emissary is /here/ because they are being smuggled into/out of Arboria (I’m not sure which and I didn’t want to ask him too many questions).
So, we ended up inside the island with the elemental beasts – but for their coloration I could have thought them cwn Annwn – who could understand us, if not easily communicate.
They led us to the entity called Rhonech. It (he?) isn’t a deity exactly but probably close enough. They can grant miracles from the four principles along with Balance (or so they claim, but we saw evidence of Life and Order castings at least). More disturbing they also cast from the school of darkness. Some of our patrol, including the Arborian emissary, appeared to see no problem with this but I was cautious.
Rhonech claimed the wood- and sand-woses were unnatural and came from the new island which is damaging reality. They wanted to make bargains with us to deal with it for him. Although I’m not completely sure he can be trusted, it certainly bore investigating so I I volunteered to join the group which went though I didn’t agree to any deals.
We defeated a number of goblins, a hobgoblin demonologist and several probable-demons, allowing the local Defenders to reach the island and wipe out the rest of the goblins.
I continue to observe the Arborian emissary. This time I saw him cast actual dark druidism to control animals – rats and spiders attacking us in the dark tunnels between islands. I can’t deny it was in reasonable self-defence and he sent them away after, but it left me uneasy, especially after he had also spoken privately and at length to Rhonech. He also spoke to the soul of the dead hobgoblin demonologist who apparently said the new island had been dead for many years. I’m sure we’ll be investigating this in more detail in the coming weeks.
As always, I welcome your advice.
Yours
Acolyte Eilwen
**
Orc/Amazon Stone
Me, Rutzik Icebite, King of Icebite clan, leader of all orcs, goblins, half-bloods and whole bloods, declare that the land between the big rivers to the south of our lands belong to the so-called Mother of Mothers and her women until 100 years pass and a new orc champion challenges the women’s champion and wins. We will not raid these lands again until that day.
_____
[Missing – a similar declaration made in good faith by representatives of the Mother of Mothers.]
Greenfolk/Gnome Stone
Ancient boughs agree
To raise no anger
At the underhill
As long as they raise none in kind
While the Sun or Moon
or stars cast shadow.
_____
Whilst Sun or Moon or Stars cast Shadow, we, the high court of the Prince-tinker of the Gnomes
Shall ne’er cast or make war upon the green Folk of the Forest
Or their descendants and their kin
And leave the overhill to them and theirs
Hassani Jackal/Ram Stone
Jackal people, be it known that from this day forth, we are to not attack, harass nor harry the people of the Hassani Rams. They, in return, will no longer attack, harass nor harry our people. On Rhonech, we swear.
_____
People of the Hassani Rams, by order of the General, we are to bear no arms against the people of the Jackals at this time. On Rhonech, we swear.
Fae/Ogre Stone
We, the forest folk of the mountain of sparrows hereby put our differences aside with the oldest of the magi, the ogrekin of the sky city. Should the followers of the star gods, practicers of necromancy and other arts find us in breach of this truce, in word or spirit, they may appear to Rhonech for arbitration and we will accept the decision.
_____
We, the chosen of the stars, blessed with the strength of body and of mind, do accept the folk of sparrow mountain’s peace and truce, and we will take no further direct or indirect actions against them. The sky city shall never go within fifty leagues of the peak of the mountain. If the satyrs and nereids find us in breach of this truce, in word or in spirit, they may appeal to Rhonech for arbitration and we will accept the decision.
The Green Wood
Ludshire
I attended another patrol, again joined by the Arborian emissary and the eastern Paladin. Another druid has arrived at our camp but she didn’t join us so I haven’t yet had the chance to spend any time with her.
I forgot to mention a couple of things about the island in my last letter. Firstly there are standing stones on it – don’t worry, they’re not magical or miraculous like the Shire stones but are apparently records of agreements between different groups previously living here. One of them mentions a treaty between Amazons and orcs – perhaps you could ask Tempest if she’s ever heard any legends of this place?
Also, we found a box with flint arrow heads which are apparently part of why the Arborian emissary is /here/ because they are being smuggled into/out of Arboria (I’m not sure which and I didn’t want to ask him too many questions).
So, we ended up inside the island with the elemental beasts – but for their coloration I could have thought them cwn Annwn – who could understand us, if not easily communicate.
They led us to the entity called Rhonech. It (he?) isn’t a deity exactly but probably close enough. They can grant miracles from the four principles along with Balance (or so they claim, but we saw evidence of Life and Order castings at least). More disturbing they also cast from the school of darkness. Some of our patrol, including the Arborian emissary, appeared to see no problem with this but I was cautious.
Rhonech claimed the wood- and sand-woses were unnatural and came from the new island which is damaging reality. They wanted to make bargains with us to deal with it for him. Although I’m not completely sure he can be trusted, it certainly bore investigating so I I volunteered to join the group which went though I didn’t agree to any deals.
We defeated a number of goblins, a hobgoblin demonologist and several probable-demons, allowing the local Defenders to reach the island and wipe out the rest of the goblins.
I continue to observe the Arborian emissary. This time I saw him cast actual dark druidism to control animals – rats and spiders attacking us in the dark tunnels between islands. I can’t deny it was in reasonable self-defence and he sent them away after, but it left me uneasy, especially after he had also spoken privately and at length to Rhonech. He also spoke to the soul of the dead hobgoblin demonologist who apparently said the new island had been dead for many years. I’m sure we’ll be investigating this in more detail in the coming weeks.
As always, I welcome your advice.
Yours
Acolyte Eilwen
**
Orc/Amazon Stone
Me, Rutzik Icebite, King of Icebite clan, leader of all orcs, goblins, half-bloods and whole bloods, declare that the land between the big rivers to the south of our lands belong to the so-called Mother of Mothers and her women until 100 years pass and a new orc champion challenges the women’s champion and wins. We will not raid these lands again until that day.
_____
[Missing – a similar declaration made in good faith by representatives of the Mother of Mothers.]
Greenfolk/Gnome Stone
Ancient boughs agree
To raise no anger
At the underhill
As long as they raise none in kind
While the Sun or Moon
or stars cast shadow.
_____
Whilst Sun or Moon or Stars cast Shadow, we, the high court of the Prince-tinker of the Gnomes
Shall ne’er cast or make war upon the green Folk of the Forest
Or their descendants and their kin
And leave the overhill to them and theirs
Hassani Jackal/Ram Stone
Jackal people, be it known that from this day forth, we are to not attack, harass nor harry the people of the Hassani Rams. They, in return, will no longer attack, harass nor harry our people. On Rhonech, we swear.
_____
People of the Hassani Rams, by order of the General, we are to bear no arms against the people of the Jackals at this time. On Rhonech, we swear.
Fae/Ogre Stone
We, the forest folk of the mountain of sparrows hereby put our differences aside with the oldest of the magi, the ogrekin of the sky city. Should the followers of the star gods, practicers of necromancy and other arts find us in breach of this truce, in word or spirit, they may appear to Rhonech for arbitration and we will accept the decision.
_____
We, the chosen of the stars, blessed with the strength of body and of mind, do accept the folk of sparrow mountain’s peace and truce, and we will take no further direct or indirect actions against them. The sky city shall never go within fifty leagues of the peak of the mountain. If the satyrs and nereids find us in breach of this truce, in word or in spirit, they may appeal to Rhonech for arbitration and we will accept the decision.
Eilwen letter 09.10.2019
Oct. 9th, 2019 12:21 amArch Druid Skywise
The Green Wood
Ludshire
I have arrived safely at the village of Worlebury on the Avon Estuary where the Royal Internal Survey Corps have set up a base camp.
Surveyor Angstrom told me there might be up to be seven Nature followers amongst our numbers, including an emissary from Arboria, which seemed exciting but apparently Arboria have chosen to send a Dark Druid to patrol alongside us! His name is Bone Crow and he openly admits his goal to soften our attitudes towards his sect. He has a letter of diplomatic immunity, allowing him to cast from the path of Death and to use his dark druidic abilities for reasonable self-defence. I observed him on our initial patrol and did not witness any use of dark druidic miracles but I will keep a close eye on him. I value your guidance and wisdom and would welcome any advice on how to interact with him?
It doesn’t help matters that we also have a member of the ‘Paladins of the East’ who claims to be a paladin of Nature and appears determined to support all sects of nature equally. I’m not certain I can count on him to defend Nature itself if it should come to that. I will await the arrival of the other druids and see where their sympathies lie.
The patrol were called in because a new island appeared suddenly in the middle of the lake. Unlike ours, this one doesn’t seem to be fae-related but was infested by goblins, who attacked the local village/s. We were sent to survey the original island of Rhonech, which contains Hassani structures but was apparently uninhabited, whilst Pathfinders investigated the new (unnamed) island.
One of our Balance followers spoke to a being in their prayer claiming to be Rhonech itself, so it may either be a deity or the resting place of one. I didn’t get a chance to try making contact myself but will try to find out more information.
On Rhonech we encountered elemental creatures which reminded me of tales of wood-woses, constructs of plant-matter which laughed as they attacked. They also had a fading miraculous aura after being destroyed. Later we met a lone beast of a similar nature, who retreated on being spotted but continued to observe us from a distance. Finally on the beach we found others made of sand. Both wood and sand creatures were able to strike with lightning by touch. Although they are clearly magical creatures, they reminded me a lot of our sprites so I will be careful in dealing with them.
Obviously we destroyed all the goblins we found and the planar creatures with them (especially the one leaving a scorched trail). I wonder if the island created the elementals to defend itself from the goblins and their allies? Perhaps they would be friendlier if they realised we were on the same side?
Anyway, I look forward to hearing back. Please pass on my greetings to everyone at the grove.
Yours
Acolyte Eilwen
The Green Wood
Ludshire
I have arrived safely at the village of Worlebury on the Avon Estuary where the Royal Internal Survey Corps have set up a base camp.
Surveyor Angstrom told me there might be up to be seven Nature followers amongst our numbers, including an emissary from Arboria, which seemed exciting but apparently Arboria have chosen to send a Dark Druid to patrol alongside us! His name is Bone Crow and he openly admits his goal to soften our attitudes towards his sect. He has a letter of diplomatic immunity, allowing him to cast from the path of Death and to use his dark druidic abilities for reasonable self-defence. I observed him on our initial patrol and did not witness any use of dark druidic miracles but I will keep a close eye on him. I value your guidance and wisdom and would welcome any advice on how to interact with him?
It doesn’t help matters that we also have a member of the ‘Paladins of the East’ who claims to be a paladin of Nature and appears determined to support all sects of nature equally. I’m not certain I can count on him to defend Nature itself if it should come to that. I will await the arrival of the other druids and see where their sympathies lie.
The patrol were called in because a new island appeared suddenly in the middle of the lake. Unlike ours, this one doesn’t seem to be fae-related but was infested by goblins, who attacked the local village/s. We were sent to survey the original island of Rhonech, which contains Hassani structures but was apparently uninhabited, whilst Pathfinders investigated the new (unnamed) island.
One of our Balance followers spoke to a being in their prayer claiming to be Rhonech itself, so it may either be a deity or the resting place of one. I didn’t get a chance to try making contact myself but will try to find out more information.
On Rhonech we encountered elemental creatures which reminded me of tales of wood-woses, constructs of plant-matter which laughed as they attacked. They also had a fading miraculous aura after being destroyed. Later we met a lone beast of a similar nature, who retreated on being spotted but continued to observe us from a distance. Finally on the beach we found others made of sand. Both wood and sand creatures were able to strike with lightning by touch. Although they are clearly magical creatures, they reminded me a lot of our sprites so I will be careful in dealing with them.
Obviously we destroyed all the goblins we found and the planar creatures with them (especially the one leaving a scorched trail). I wonder if the island created the elementals to defend itself from the goblins and their allies? Perhaps they would be friendlier if they realised we were on the same side?
Anyway, I look forward to hearing back. Please pass on my greetings to everyone at the grove.
Yours
Acolyte Eilwen
