Pulling at the Root of Evil

[Magnus]

Date: Autumn, 432 ca., Campaign Day 4
Time: 00:30
Weather: 41 degrees, drizzling
Location: Perimeter of the Steading
********************************************

The party continues to debate whether to enter the lower level of the Steading through the upper level's ruins, perhaps exploring the door through which Luna disappeared, or explore the stream, which the party knows indeed leads to caverns under the Steading, but does not know whether it would be worthwhile to compromise a large part of their magical arsenal with water breathing spells...or even if such spells would be sufficient to get them all of the way into the caverns.

The Druid copies the map and stores the copy in his haversack.

Midnight passes. Their priest retires, knowing his value to the party will be much higher if he recovers his spells.

[Zhym]

The entire party (save whoever is on watch) probably retires; we aren't going to sit up all night arguing strategy.

[Magnus]

Date: Autumn, 432 ca., Campaign Day 4
Time: 06:30
Weather: 41 degrees, drizzling
Location: Perimeter of the Steading
********************************************

The party awakens rested at first light after an uneventful night.

The Steading beckons...

Last warning to get your spells and new items on your character sheets

[NJWilliam]

Antheris, Druid

Antheris wakes early and will cast Call Woodland Beings.

[Computer +1]

Vorsyin wakes and dresses himself as a brother of the watch. Before bed he spent some time in studying a new spell or two and packing his bag for the trip.

[Zhym]

If the party is going to pick through the remains of the above-ground steading, Gaerys would start at the southern guard courtyard again, if the door is open. Otherwise, he would enter through the hole in the west wall or the first open door the party comes to.

[sulldawga]

Hollis would remind the party to move slowly and pause before engaging enemies, if possible, so he can utter a prayer to the Old Gods beforehand.

[Magnus]

Date: Autumn, 432 ca., Campaign Day 4
Time: 08:00
Weather: 43 degrees, cloudy
Location: Outside the Steading
********************************************

The party arises, stretches out, and eats a quick but hearty breakfast. The casters memorize their spells.

Vorsyin begins the first day of his Watch by donning the trademark black clothing provided by the Lord Commander.

Antheris, wisely recalling the powerful allies that were called prior to the party's last foray, again lays out a circle of mistletoe and softly chants a call to the Beings of the Woodland. Thirty minutes pass, and the leaves on the ground begin to rustle softly. In a blink of an eye, a diminutive humanoid creature comes suddenly into view. He is dark and beautiful, with skin spotted like a fawn, and stands no larger than an human child. He wears a feathered headdress, loin cloth and tribal jewelry. He carries a small staff. It nods at the druid and introduces himself as Crowseye the Greenseer.

Child of the forest called.

Crowseye's voice that resonates like the quiet whisper of wind through a forest canopy.

I come to offer you vision into which you cannot see ....

I see ...

Beneath this place lies unholy halls as old as the forest itself. Should you follow in his foosteps down through the Steading, Nosra lies in wait for you with a small army of Hornfeet, the remaining giantfilth, and a few creatures even more terrible. That string on the web of fate is stained deep red with blood but whose, I cannot see ...

As you have learned, the stream indeed runs under the Steading...but that path is cold and as dark as a moonless night...the tunnels of the underground twist and turn, creatures of the subterrain lurk beneath...you may lose your mission...and face a foe for whom you may not be ready...

I can offer you another path...it will still not be easy, but you will face your foes on your own terms.

My words are only counsel ... you must choose...

[Zhym]

Gaerys offers a suggestion, which will probably be taken as an "order" again, to the druid: "Ask if he knows whether there are any prisoners, slaves, or other innocents down there. Our strategy may depend on the answer." For some reason, it doesn't occur to Gaerys to ask the creature himself. Perhaps Gaerys is poorly socialized.

"I would also hear more of this other path. If we're to take on an army, even a small one, I would prefer to do it from their rear or flank, not with a frontal assault on a prepared and waiting enemy. If sneaking in through the stream is not realistic, this other path might be just what we need."

[NJWilliam]

Antheris, Druid

Antheris bows his head in respect to the Child of the Forest, "Crowseye, Greenseer, my deepest thanks for answering my call. I am Antheris.
"We seek not only to rid the forest of this evil and restore balance, but to save the lives of others captured by Nosra and his lackeys and compatriots.
"Before we choose, can you advise us of what you can see about the fates of prisoners depending on the path we take?
"And if you can answer the questions of Ranger Gaerys, I would be most obliged.
"Though I understand that not all that can be foreseen can - or should - be disclosed."

[Computer +1]

Vorsyin is intrigued to see a Child of the Forest in the flesh. He had heard tales about them but had not seen one first hand until today.

The path Crowseye speaks of may be the entrance we were looking for. The reward may outweigh the risk.

[drpete]

Ethan looks on skeptically at the woodland creature. This fey spirit offers us what we want, but faeries are known to play tricks on the unwary. We should be cautious. Is this a trickster, Antheris, or can we trust it to lead us right?

[sulldawga]

Hollis' brow furrows. I almost wish there were none to be rescued below. Then we could scour the entire place with fire and make it clean once again.

[Magnus]

Crowseye listens to the party's questions. The fey creature closes his eyes, inhales deeply and loudly, and seems to fall into a trance.

As his voice flows out, it is clear that the words are coming not from, but rather through, the Child.

The Giants of the hills have long taken men to serve in their kitchens and to stock their larders...

The Sleeper has now awoken...slaves have become sacrifices...many have fled from the fire...more have been taken...some cower in cells...a group cowers in the darkness..

I see Freefolk...traders of the north...and one who wears the black...

They must be TAKEN back...there is no easy way out.

[sulldawga]

Hollis stiffens as he hears the news of more slaves trapped beneath the earth.

Let us not waste any more time. We should follow Crowseye's path and be on our way now.

[Computer +1]

Vorsyin nods his head at Hollis's words. Agreed, let us take the offered path and keep our wits about us.

[Zhym]

Gaerys signals for the party to wait. "I would hear of this path before we take it. It is probably our best choice, but how can we evaluate an option we know nothing about?"

[NJWilliam]

Antheris

To his companions, "I believe Good Crowseye has told us what he can and what is prudent. We must stop further slaughter by these forces of chaos and evil."

To Crowseye: "Greenseer, we would take this path that you offer. Can you can tell us what we should be prepared for before we depart? But if we must leave immediately, we will!"

[Zhym]

"Crowseye has told us of the people held captive by the giants and other evil forces under the steading. They must be rescued; on that, I presume, we agree."

"But he has said nothing at all about the path we would take, other than that it is dangerous. I would know at least a little more about this path. What is its nature? A secret passage? Fey transportation? All I seek is some clue about this dangerous path before we commit ourselves to it."

[drpete]

Ethan nods, satisfied. Assaulting Nosra's dungeon will be difficult, but we should clean this place. If this is our best path, so be it. Let us prepare, and follow the greenseer's counsel.