Naya Fieldmoss

513TuNaFi

The party had a knack for finding problems and the sound of raised voices and cries of alarm brought them towards a large round amphitheatre where people were talking quickly. ‘Its been over a month now and we still haven’t found the successor to his farm. If we don’t act immediately it will be too late to harvest the cocoons.’ one man was saying passionately. ‘All those trees, all that silk and all that moon broth gone to waste.’

‘The wishes of Tamaya was that only his descendants would inherit the farm and its harvest. He had issued a letter to be delivered to his next of kin but,’ the elder paused for a moment, ‘it’s harder than expected. It seems many of them left the village quite some time ago and the historian is looking for the next in line.’

As the debate continued Naya came storming forward, briefly catching the eye of the party, before kneeling before those arguing. ‘Elders.’ she began and waited to be addressed. With a not the oldest of them asked her to make her report.

‘A creature has been spotted in the village. It has a shell as red as blood and it stormed towards the trees on the second level and snatched several cocoons in its claws before darting into the forest to the east. But none of my scouts reported seeing it enter the village only as it left.’ she said as another similarly dressed man knelt beside her.

‘Elders.’ he added before they asked him to report in turn. ‘A creature with many legs has attacked some of our farmers to the north on the lowest farm before stealing their cocoons from their baskets and fleeing into the forest to the north. The weird thing…’ he began

‘None of the scouts reported seeing the creature enter?’ the elder finished for him. The man nodded looking over at Naya. A moment later a third scout knelt before them, ‘Elder.’ he addressed the group. ‘Let me guess. A creature with several legs and blood red skin stole cocoons and fled into the village with none seeing the creature enter?’ the man looked bewildered but nodded.

‘There is a legend.’ the elder continued as he sat in front of the scouts, the party noticed Naya roll her eyes. ‘That the red harvesters will appear as intervention of the gods when the village becomes to greedy. When we seek to take more than we give to the forest. They appear out of the forest air itself, take what they want and leave a trail of destruction in their wake.’ he finished looking towards the forest.

‘Naya, you and the other scouts are to track them down, study them but to not attack them as they are the will of the gods.’ the elder ordered. Naya nodded and turned to leave before looking back to the elder.

‘Elder. These travellers have come from far away to see this village. I request that they be allowed to join as they may have encountered these creatures before and may be able to save lives with their knowledge, that is if they are also willing.’ she looked towards the party.

The elder nodded. ‘You have my approval. Protect lives and find where they went.’

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Sunraya Whittle

512TuSuWh

The party looked at Sunraya, the girl that they found stumbling through the streets, and were shocked at her fight to stay awake. From what they could tell there was no sign of poison, curse or magic that was cast upon the girl to cause her to fear going to sleep. While they examined her parents and the other villagers they all appeared, on the majority, in fine health except for their slow heart beat, slow shallow breaths and dead-like appearance.

Sunraya’s biggest complaint was the hunger. She said that she had been waiting for the merchants to come back so she could trade fish for food that she would eat. Unlike everyone else in the village who had feasted on the freshly caught Laun fish she hated everything about the delicate meat.

So as she didn’t like the fish that the village caught she had been resolute in her belief that the merchant folk would return and she would trade the fish for something edible. However, by time she changed her resolve and decided that even if she hated it she needed to eat the fish – it was all gone. Gobbled up by gulls, cats and other creatures.

So she had survived of what little food stuffs she could find around the village but that was running low. It wasn’t until the party had seen a fish trap bobbing in the water that their luck turned around. Hauling out the twisted reed basket they found it had a few fish and a crab within. Sunraya, while she dislike the taste of fish, was appalled at the though of eating the crab and decided to eat the fish once grilled.

Mild and flaky was the flavour with a touch of natural saltiness which highlighted its appeal with the broader market of people. Yet after their meagre meal the party let Sunraya fall asleep, exhausted but now – watched over by them. That was until they detected the faint magical presence descend upon her as her colour drained, her breathing shallowed and her heart started to beat slower and slower.

With that the only lead that the party had drifted into a dead like sleep. Except for the meagre scraps of the fish that she had consumed as her last meal.

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Colter Danier

511TuCoDa

The party retired to the inn that night after sourcing all but one of the alchemical ingredients they required from Morrowell. The last one, they were in luck, was from a plant that happened to be an entry for this year but only once it flowered – which would be any day now. So doomed to wait until the plant finally flowered they decided to enjoy the show while they waited.

However an interaction between entrants into the Festival Botanica troubled the party. A hot and fiery halfling had accused a man called Colter Danier of cheating which was passionately denied. But the interaction only declined once one of the judges declared Colter free from foul play. However as the halfling man, Jiggo Greenthumb, had stormed past the party he had been heard muttering ‘I’ll prove it that he is cheating.’

Despite that interaction once the druids had declared him free from unsportsmanlike behaviour his plant was more popular than ever. This caused a the crowd of discontents and those who agreed with Jiggo to move along but more visitors came to marvel at what Colter had managed to grow.

The party decided to check on the Altimus flower shortly after breakfast to see if their reagents were ready yet and their path to check on the grower, and the druids, took them past Colter’s own flower. They were stopped in their tracks as the plant had nearly doubled in size, a large swollen flower bud greeted them as the pioneering vines from the plant now hung over the edge. More than that the bud hung down nearly touching the soil of the barrel it was threatening to break free of as another two smaller buds had appeared and were reaching towards the skies.

‘I don’t know what happened, I came out with the druids this morning to find that Deakon, I named the plant,’ he muttered embarrassed ‘had grown to this size.’ the druids had again checked for sign of magic or tampering but the only sign of something unusual was the swollen flower bud. If it was to bloom it may likely be the size of a adult.

‘You!’ a voice roared from behind the party. ‘Jiggo didn’t come back last night. What did you do with him!’ an older halfling man stormed to threaten Colter with a wicked looking sickle.

‘Jiggo…’ Colter stuttered. ‘I haven’t seen the man since yesterday. I was staying with the druids last night as my previous arrangements had fallen through. ‘he glanced towards the halfling run Inn The Twisted Kettle and the disgust from the owners who stood near the angry mob that was forming behind the irate halfling. ‘So if he was looking to apologise I don’t know where he…’

‘Apologise! Pah! He was going to prove you cheated, confront you and get a confession. But when he didn’t come back we knew you did something.’ the man yelled again. At this point vines erupted from the earth to wrap around the halflings wrists to stop him from attacking the man. The vines separated Colter and the party and herded them to the edges of the streets near the plants in barrels and crates.

The druids rushed forward and with stern words disarmed the mob that had rallied against Colter. As the party looked around where they were they felt a tug at the back of their clothes. Looking backwards the only thing that lay there was Colters plant and the man himself was also a few feet away separated by the druids vines. Looking back at the plant the questing vines it produced now touching the earth at the sides of the barrels – but surely that was just their imagination.

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The Delvers Guild

510TuDeGu

Although they had seen many different people from many different backgrounds and species the person in front of them stood out as potentially the most memorable, ever. Large runic scars covered all exposed skin and hinted that they ran deeper than what the loose tunic showed. With a great deal of symmetry the tattoo-like scars ended in key points where a silver, gold or bronze circular relic was embedded into the flesh of the man and had been for some time.

The head of the Delvers guild was Eulric Darkstone, a man who was the last living descendant of the original heroes that defeated the three evils around Khumric. As he listened to reports of the members of the guild submitting their reports the party could feel the magical energies from the relics that were embedded in his flesh activating.

When he spoke there is a faint metallic whine to his voice that unnerved the parties. ‘There is nothing in the crypts with this power, nor at the demongate. The wyrms are large, yes, and we haven’t seen their species for quite some years now but they are not the cause either.’ as he spoke the magic from the runes receded. He had shoulder length silver hair and when he looked to the party he frowned. ‘I did not sense any of you enter this town.’ he murmured as he moved forward. ‘For someone who’s body was sacrificed to ensure the prosperity of this town, imbued with the malevolent energies that make up this land, I can every living thing in these lands. Yet I could not sense you.’ he mused.

While the other members of the guild looked puzzled and some outright concerned he smiled and a faint pulse from somewhere on his back signified the activation of a rune. ‘That’s it. They are concealed. The evil is not in the Windhollow peaks nor the crypts of the Marsh of Despair or even at the Demongate. No, its within Khumric and living amongst us, likely concealed by some ancient power.’ the other members of the guild instantly started scribing on parchment taking down notes as he addressed them and the next move.

As they ran off to deliver the message to the several boards around the town he looked back toward them. ‘If I may be so bold, now that I have said what everyone needed to hear. The source of the trouble will likely be tied to the energies of this place like I am. But like I, it, they, whoever or whatever it is may not be able to sense you. Can I ask you to also investigate, look for oddities in the town. Evil rarely stays dormant for long and you are our best chance of getting out of this without further loss of life.’ the man sat down, still hulking above the desk between them and waited for their response.

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Joe Smith

509TuJoSm

The party watched the man as he nervously ate, his eyes darting around the room as if he could be attacked at any moment. As the last of the porridge was gobbled up he continued with the conversation that they were having.

‘Look. All I can remember is that my name is Joe Smith and that when ever I take off this ruddy shirt I get attacked by a demon. Horns, big hog-like nose and tusks and claws would slice through dragon scale. I have tried to find help since discovering my plight but no one can or will help me.’ he finished, his voice betraying his frustration.

The party had tried to detect any curse that was on the man but had failed, the only thing that could be found is a faint trace of magic but they had been unable to determine what kind. They had even tried to remove the curse on his clothes but the same thing happened. As the shirt raised from his body he was attacked, without anyone else sensing or seeing the demon, which left him bruised, bloodied and his shirt more torn than before.

So they left the man in the care of Goya who nodded to them strongly as they went out to find the identity of the man. As they moved about the markets of Nevarl they found no sign of a Joe Smith. Try as they might no market stall, merchant or craftsman had heard of Joe – not even the smiths themselves! – and the more they pried the more they began to think that he simply didn’t exist.

However they happened to witness a group of guardsmen ripping off some sketches from a notice board and throwing them in a fire. As the paper burned the party witnessed the parchment unravel and very briefly, Joe’s face appeared on a man that we much better dressed. Just as swiftly as the image had presented itself to them the paper turned to ash and was lost.

Those collecting and burning the parchment had already left but they were the parties only lead. To burn these sketches was an expensive exercise as the cost to create them without magic was quite high. Whoever was searching for Joe was either exceedingly rich, or Joe was worth a lot of money.

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Welk Tanner

508TuWeTa

The party were interrupted as they rushed back to Jotund’s boot by a young teen running towards them. The boy shielded his eyes from the rain, sleet and hail that had started once more. ‘Adventurers!’ he called trying to be heard over the roar of the storm. ‘Welk Tanner has woken up. The Elder has called for you to visit him before he rests again.’ the boy said.

As the party hurried to the leatherworking hut of the village the smell overpowered the smell that the storm brought with it. Ignoring the stench the party passed a healer of the village as they were shown inside. Welk lay breathing shallowly but awake. His rugged face bore the marks of a fight and the flight from the creature and its lair. His eyes were wide with lingering fear as his lips moved wordlessly, muttering nonsense to no one. The party gathered around his bedside, eager to hear what he had to say as they took in the wounds he had suffered.

Welk focused on the party as they introduced themselves and prompted his attention onto them. Welk’s voice was hoarse as he began to recount his encounter. ‘I was out hunting,’ he started, ‘the storm had let up for a bit, so I thought I’d take the chance to get some food and pelts for the village. The forest was eerily quiet, like even the animals knew something wasn’t right. And then…I felt it. I wasn’t the hunter anymore, I was the prey.’

He shivered as he continued, his eyes darting to the windows as if expecting the creature to materialize. ‘It moved like a wolf, but it was much larger, with eyes that glowed like the embers of hell. And the worst part…’ he paused swallowing down his obvious fear. ‘It spoke. In a human voice, it taunted me, called me by name, said things that no one would know.’

The party exchanged worried glances, their minds racing trying to pull apart the story with the possibilities of what the creature could be. A creature that could speak and knew intimate details about its victims was no ordinary beast. Welk’s voice grew more urgent as he described the attacks. ‘It came at me with claws as sharp as my hinting knives. I tried to fight back, but it was too fast. The more it attacked, the dizzier I got, like there was something in its claws, maybe poison, maybe it was the cold as the storm was back. As the sleet and rain pelted down my arms grew numb and everything became heavy.’

Welk’s voice faltered for a moment as he relived the terror of that night. ‘The storm hit again, and I lost consciousness as the creature stalked closer again. It’s limbs were too long but everything was blurry. When I came to, I heard the sound of bones crunching. The creature was feasting on the deer I had been hunting. It had piled the carcass on top of me, as if to mark me for later.’ he paused as he shook with fear from reliving the experience. ‘I guess I wanted to live and that feeling took over, and I grabbed a splintered bone from the pile and stabbed it in the eye as it reached for the next part from the pile. It howled in pain, and I ran. I didn’t stop running until I was back here.’

The party asked some follow up questions and he tried his best to answer but he had little more. As the party turned to leave he called out once more. ‘Wait! It’s eyes.’ he paused as he stared out the window. ‘I saw its eyes. They were not of a beast but human, intelligent eyes. The eyes of something that could think, feel and knew exactly what it was doing.’

His story left the party with more questions but also with some answers. The creature was obviously intelligent, malicious, and seemed to have a personal tie to the villagers. They knew they had to act fast, but charging blindly into the creature’s lair could lead to disaster. The village elder spoke up, from outside the door as they passed him, his voice grim but resolute. ‘Welk’s information gives us a chance, but we must tread carefully. This creature is not what it seems, and we cannot underestimate it. But I need not explain that to you I suppose’

The party nodded in agreement. They would ideally need more time to seek out more information, perhaps even seek out old tomes or speak to sages who might know more about such creatures. But with the day beginning its slow descent into night their journey was just beginning and it would be dangerous to leave now. The path ahead would be dangerous but they were determined to protect Askir and uncover the truth.

As they left Welk’s hut a sense of unease settled over them. The storm outside was nothing compared to the storm brewing within the village.

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The Royal Fillet

507TuRoFi

The party sat down after their encounter with the prince and tried to shake off the feeling of unease that he crept unwelcomed into their minds. The meal that they were enjoying was famous, a choice fillet of meat form the local farms.

As they were getting stuck into their meal a woman came and sat near them. ‘I heard that there was a group of adventurers from outside of town that may be able to help out. I am Em and I need some help. I fear that there is something dark at play. If you’re willing to help I can help you make a start.

The woman was well dressed but not over dressed. Clad in a red dress with brown tunic that sinched her waist she looked comely enough and she looked at the party as if they were indeed the people she was looking for. ‘I was told by my friend Tuille and she said that the prince has created a new tithe to fuel the progress of the kingdom. Rest assured that this isn’t the policy of the kingdom and there are investigations ongoing into this.’

However as she continued to talk to the party they understood more. With a sigh she revealed that she was indeed Queen Amera. ‘My son has recently been hanging around the princess from a neighbouring kingdom. I thought it was a good match at the time but I am doubting my decision now. Since they have been spending most of their spare time together my son has begun to,’ she paused ‘make questionable decisions. I believe that she, Ramiera, is the cause of the influence. I need someone to investigate her but do it subtle. Sadly myself and my servants can’t be seen to do it but adventurers from outside of the kingdom can.’

She paused as they considered her ask. ‘It’s not without its risk but I will provide you what protection I can and ensure that you are handsomely rewarded. I fear that this is an action that must be made for the betterment of the kingdom.’

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Heartfelt Hunters

506TuHeHu

The party had a bit of time while Olly and Pete rushed back through the forest to retrieve the guard. The party took this time to look around the area for anything that might indicate what happen. A few footprints near by led to a single blow-dart a dozen feet away. Laced with a poison that relaxes the muscles and dulls the senses of those struck it was small enough that in a heated pursuit it could feel like a bug bite.

The experienced hunter and his apprentice would have been no match for even a pack of goblins let alone a larger goblinoid or worse. Within an hour the hunters Olly and Pete returned with several other proven hunters and then the real work began. Suspecting foul play and not wanting to scare off the potential murderer the party concealed the dart and waited until they could speak with the council alone.

It did not take long until their presence was requested by the council. A group of experienced hunters, elders and business folk all of them they all quickly understood what the party has suspected. ‘Foul play, a murder perhaps. I know that Linden and Rake were the favourites in this years ladder, a competition to crown the master hunter, but I wouldn’t expect that the competition and their rivalry would get this fierce.’ Aaron, the master hunter of Omelga stated. A few nods around the room indicated that they also suspected the same.

‘I fear that Linden had many rivals, potentials who were vying for the title this year. It won’t be an easy job to find out who they are.’ Wisteria, an elder and herbalist added as she inspected the dart, ‘this poison is common amongst hunters as it can make dangerous foes easier to take down.’

‘When we are hunting more intelligent beasts we use a bait.’ Olly added.

‘I am sure that there are dozens of hunters out there that we could ask to help us out.’ Pete added. The council considered it and spoke in hushed voices as they looked between Olly, Pete and the Party. After a minute of deliberating they looked back, Wisteria addressing the group.

‘We fear that if the hunt has already produced this level of foul play that we can not trust any of the other hunters out side of this room. I have a favour, a change in the job parameters if you will.’ she paused looking at the party knowing what she was about to ask. ‘If we declare that Olly and Pete are our favourites and that they are tracking the beast that killed Linden and Rake will you adventures be able to defend them. These young hunters being our bait and you the hunters of the most deadly of creatures, monster hunters?’

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Darkened Doorways

505TuDaDo

The party approached the City Watch headquarters set to complete the next job for Tyson. As they prepare themselves to gather any leads on the third thief that escaped being captured they push through the large double doors. The headquarters for the city guard was a bustling hub of activity, with guards coming and going, discussing recent crimes and patrol routes.

As they entered, they were greeted by Captain Elara Stote, a seasoned and stern-looking guard captain known for her sharp mind and unwavering dedication to her job. Captain Elara listened intently to the party’s description of the thieves and looked at a wall covered in squares of parchment. ‘We’ve had reports of suspicious activity in the old warehouse district. It’s a known hideout for criminals and other rough types,’ she said.

Within a few minutes, Captain Elara assigned a small squad of guards to accompany the party to the warehouse district. She said it was because she wanted to ensure they had backup in case things got dangerous but the party suspected other reasons. They had managed to glance at one of the squares of parchment and saw that it had orders for her to send a group toe the warehouse to investigate stolen goods. Captain Elara may be a woman of dedication and honor but she wasn’t above using the party to aid her cause.

The squad was composed of mainly seasoned guards with a single new recruit who was more bravado than brain. As they moved through the street the guard pulled long brown cloaks over their tunic so they could attempt to blend into the crowd on their approach.

Navigating the cramped streets, the party and their new companions questioned locals and gathered more information as they went. They learned about a recent sighting of a cloaked figure entering an abandoned warehouse, a building that had long been a haven for illicit activities. They were warned about staying too long in the warehouse unless they wanted trouble. Bands of thieves and thugs roughed up ordinary folk for their coins or goods before sending them scurrying out of the area with bruises and cuts as the only evidence that they once had money.

The party and guards approached the warehouse cautiously, noting signs of recent traffic near its doors. Scattered footprints and faint light seeping through boarded-up windows hinted that there may be people within. With a silent signal, they prepared to enter, weapons at the ready.

Inside, they found evidence of a larger and darker presence. Dark symbols painted on the walls and an altar set up in the centre of the room caused it to feel darker than what it was. As the party shook off the shivers that travelled down their spines they noticed a slight movement of a scrap of cloth hung next to a wall. A breeze flowed from the wall into the room revealing a hidden passage that led to a series of underground crudely dug tunnels.

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The Path of Lies

504TuPaLi

As the sun sets after the next day of travel the shadows lengthen and stretch from the several patches of trees that grow on the side of the road. The attempted forest causes the wind to dissipate and after the fire is extinguished down to a few fundamental coals an uneasy silence falls over the camp. The party remains vigilant with their watch after being followed the night before and aware that there is the risk of the other pursuers from Kestel. Suddenly, the silence is shattered by savage growls and yipping calls as the sound of heavy paws thudding against the ground as the owner of the footprints charges into the camp with crude weapons. Gnolls, grotesque humanoid hyena creatures, accompanied by their ferocious hyenas, burst into the clearing and rush towards the party and their horses.

The party quickly springs into action weapons drawn as the gnolls close in. The fiendish eyes of the gnolls gleam with bloodlust and madness as their wicked laughter echoes through the forest. The hyenas, driven by primal hunger, leap at the party’s horses, bringing them down with brutal efficiency despite the parties best attempt to save the creatures. Chaos ensues as the party fights valiantly against the onslaught, but they are initially outnumbered and overwhelmed.

In the midst of the fray, Feli vanishes into the darkness, her absence going unnoticed amidst the chaos. The battle rages on, with the party desperately trying to fend off their attackers. Eventually, the gnolls, bloodied and broken, collapse into twitching masses near the lifeless bodies of the horses and the wounded party members.

As the dust settles and the adrenaline fades, the party realizes that Feli is missing. Just as panic sets in, she reappears from the shadows, unharmed and seemingly unperturbed. Her sudden disappearance and reappearance is odd but she explains she ran away and watched by a nearby tree until she knew it was safe. However, something doesn’t add up and the party’s suspicion grows around their ward.

The following morning, the party encounters a group of guards patrolling the road. Before the guards can spot her, Feli slips away once again without anyone noticing, leaving the party to face the guards’ scrutiny alone. The guards, wary and suspicious, demand to know the party’s intentions. Without Feli to vouch for them, the party’s explanation seems feeble and unconvincing.

The guards, not satisfied with the party’s answers, insist on escorting them to Mouler’s Peak. As they make their way to the keep, the party is left to wonder about Feli’s true nature and the secrets she harbors and where she went.

They get the sense more than once as they travel towards the keep that they are being followed and watched but no one is able to catch their follower, but the party assume its Feli keeping pace with the guarded escort of the party.

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