A Matter of Taste - In the Dryad's Grove
Log Info
- Title: A Matter of Taste - In the Dryad's Grove
- Emitter: Elleandra
- Characters: Cryosanthia Level 4, Acedia Level 4, Masamya Level 4
- Place: City of Alexandria, Explorer's Guild and Dryad's Forest Northeast of Sendor
- Time: Sunday, March 15, 2020, 4:18 PM
- Summary: The party was assembled by the Guild of Explorer's and tasked with finding a Dryad and convincing her to provide them with three of her hairs. The Dryad, as it turned-out, needed help herself and the party agreed to clear her grove of kobolds in exchange for her assistance.
- APL: 4
- Encounter 1: 1 Dryad, CR 3
- Encounter 2: 5 Kobolds, CR 1/4, 1 Kobold Leader (Level 2 warrior), CR 1/2
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Appearing, in Order =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'7" 245 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, lithe white lizardgirl with tattoos. Acedia 3'4" 39 Lb Goblin Female An ebon-skinned Goblin in leather armor. Masamya 5'10" 150 Lb Eaglefolk Female Brown-feathered Egalrin w/Blue eyes -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= As the GM =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Elleandra 5'4" 108 Lb Wild Elf Female Blue-haired, green-eyes, Sylvanori in green leather. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
The first anyone hears of this particular job is when the following is posted:
Explorer's Guild Notice: A local chef has been challenged to make an exotic dish for a southern king. Many ingredients are required, each of which is progressively more dangerous to get! Those who are interested, please inquire within for assignments.
There are several people milling about, peering at the notice. Judging from the various fine print details, it is clearly meant for those who are still int he lower rungs of their adventuring careers.
A white-scaled sith-makar in white leather armour slinks into the guild hall. It's not a place she's fully comfortable in, even though she's visited before. Potentially, it's the wizards and sorcerers lounging about. Moving quickly to the notice board, she looks over the new entries, concentrating on the 'newbie' ones. She's tall enough she can peer over most milling about at the board.
"Ingredients for food, Interesting." She says, hoping to generate some commentary and see what the others are thinking.
Acedia has had a break from the Guild for some time, earning her keep through violin, storytelling and cuteness. But her curiosity is piqued when she sees a gathering about the fresh postings. She peers at the one, her eyes squinting at the small print to the point of her finding an empty wooden box to stand on.. "Hmmph. We're looking for a fine selection of fruits and vegetables... it sounds like they don't know how a market works." The Gobbo hops down and pauses to offer Cryosanthia a wave. "Are you going to participate in their scavenger hunt?"
"It is more than likely they're looking for ingredients that are not part of the local marketplace....Normal rabble wouldn't be able to get a hold of these ingredients." An egalrin says from the side.
A rather mousy looking boy of perhaps 10 summers waits near the notice, listening to the buzz of conversation. As many of the crowd move on to other notices, he turns his attention towards those still gathered. "If any of you are interested!" he begins in a booming voice, which he then hastily lowers, "Sorry! Please follow me." He steps away from the board at that point, waiting just long enough to ensure someone is following before leading the way.
"Yes, I was thinking of participating," Cryo answers Acedia, looking over and smiling down at her. Then she's repeating the action, with the mousey boy, "Yes, this one is interested, I'm coming!"
The white-scale sith starts after him, checking to see if Acedia, and that eglarin she vaguely recognizes are coming.
The Gobbo makes a face at the Egalrin. "Then they obviously don't know where to look. Gobbotown probably has what you want if the big market in Alexandria doesn't.." She crosses her arms and eyes the mouse-boy, and when he makes to lead the way, she follows along. Acedia falls silent as they head towards ... where ever the boy is leading them.
It's the mousey boy (likely the MOUSE part) that draws the egalrin's attention. It head SNAPS towards him and gives him a predatory gaze that could, very easily, make him uncomfortable. However, the Egalrin clicks it's beak at the gobber before following the mousey boy......at a respectable distance...
The boy leads the adventures through a few hallways and eventually into a waiting room. "He'll be with you in a moment!" the boy blurts, then rushes out, slamming the door behind him. It opens a moment later and the boy peeks in sheepishly, "Sorry about that! He'll be with you shortly!" And then he leaves, again slamming the door, if a bit softer than the first time. A remarkable curse follows. The boy seems to have a talent for that. Perhaps a minute later, the door is opening once more.
While most jobs quickly pair the client and those going on the adventure, the crew for this particular job are met by Geoffrey, a well established guild member in his own right. The man's appearance is incredibly tidy, his silver hair cut short and squared off at the edges. It matches well with his face, which is all hard angles and severity. Judging by Geoffrey's massive frame, his hobbies include juggling wagons and beating ogres senseless. Possibly at the same time.
"I imagine you have many questions," he begins in a shockingly high, falsetto voice. "As the posting said, the Guild's Client wishes to gather ingredients for a special dish. It's something to do with a great competition taking place in the south somewhere. It matters little." At this, he waves his hand dismissively and lets out a shrill laugh that goes on a bit too long for comfort.
"So....I'll state the obvious question. Why not go after the ingredients yourself? Or is that part of the competition? To find some of the more....rare ingredients?" Masamya states rather....buntly.
Acedia's ears pop up at the slam of the door, and she attempts to get a word in, and her ears stand up again at the second doorslam. "Hmmph.", she says, crossing her arms. She paces back and forth in the room, and stops to stare at the large man who arrives. "Uh, begging your pardon but it matters quite a bit." The Gobbo gestures to the Egalrin as they state a very obvious question. "For example, what she said."
"I think he's one of the Guild's brokers," Cryosanthia observes. She's looking at the man with some confusion, likely over the mis-match between his size and voice, and that drawn out laugh. She glances at the gobbo and the eglarin. They don't seem to be laughing, this likely isn't a joke, it is hard to tell sometimes. Ceinara knows hers don't always go over.
The white-scale sith lets the other two stand in front, and grins awkwardly, "I'm thinking of questions, theirs is good." Geoffrey laughs to himself. As one encounters the laugh more, its various features become more prominent. There's a nasally rattle in it, in addition to its strangely high pitch. "Well, I don't need it, and this one is a bit below my pay grade, my friends," Geoffrey explains. "As for the client's reason for not seeking ingredients, well.. that's not really our concern, is it? The reward was offered, we deem it in accordance with reasonable pay for the mission. But perhaps you will understand if I provide some detail."
Getting to the specifics, he goes on, "Some legwork is being done for these missions, so we are only releasing them as they are prepared. For the first, you are to seek help from a Dryad who dwells north of Sendor. You are to persuade her to provide you with three hairs from her head. Such as they are. They must be cut with a blessed silver blade, provided by the client for this express purpose. I must stress that she must provide these hairs of her own free will." He presents the blade so all can see it, sheathes it, and then sets it on a table. "Do not lose it. It must be returned." Geoffrey also sets a map down next to the blade, "This will lead you to the location of a Dryad known to the Guild. From there, it is up to you. Apparently this may be a rather.. touchy matter. Any further questions?"
Masamya grabs the hand that holds the blade....but she is GLARING at Geoffry. "What is this ingredient for?" By now..the Egalrin has fluffed up....an egalrin's way of looking more intimidating. "And do not lie...."
The Gobbo stares at Geoffrey while he speaks, his laughter causing her eyebrows to raise up. "You want us to what? And the dryad has to do it willingly? Are you sure this is BELOW your pay grade?" Acedia huffs and crosses her arms. "Some ingredient..."
There's something about that laugh which makes her scales itch. Cryosanthia finds herself wearing an awkward grimace, which fortunately enough for her, isn't far from her normal terrifying smile. She attempts to disguise it as much, a grin with far too many sharp, wicked teeth. Her tail ticks from side to side behind her as she reviews the information. "It wouldn't be a cooking competition in the south of Veyshan, would it?"
"Also, um... aren't dryads a little unfriendly and not out while it's cold." Since the blade has already been taken up, she leans to examine the map. She also mumbles, "Scales, some softskin recipes are weird, hair? They eat hair? Makes as much sense as baking cloth into cakes I guess."
Geoffrey shrugs, "A chef who is competing for a prize is unlikely to tell me his recipe, nor provide me with locations of the competition, even if I was inclined to ask. We don't want to cause harm to the Dryad, and we have reason to believe that those with the right set of skills will be able to make progress on this task. Any attempt to take by force what the client has requested will be known to us, so please don't consider that an option. You won't get paid." The large man seems more bored than concerned. "Our intentions are that you get to her, get her permission, cut the hair, and return. Since she was recently seen out of her tree, we have every reason to expect she still will be when you arrive."
Masamya holds her gaze on the man for a few more seconds...before yanking the silver knife out of his hand. "Pray to Ceiwan and Ciernan...that this will not cause harm to the dryad......or you will be meeting them." She lets the threat hang in the air before she puts the knife into a pack....not letting anyone else touch it...before stalking her way out. She's still fluffed up.
Acedia lets out a loooong huff of breath and looks away. "Fiiiiine. We will at least try to talk to her and see what we can do." The Gobbo hmmphs and eyes Masamya and Cryosanthia. "Oi.", she says, lowering her voice. "You ain't the only one on the journey... who says you get t'have that?", she asks of the Egalrin. "At least let us look it over."
Masamya says, "No.""
Cryosanthia nods slowly, watching Gregory and looking at the others. "It sounds like a magical ingredient, must be harvested under certain circumstances, so it wouldn't be useful if it was taken the wrong way."
Her head turns, "And there goes the knife... Well This One is interested in talking to a Tree Person, so I'm in. I'll take the map I guess, unless you want it Acedia." She picks it up and examines it a little closer.
The Guild Map is quite detailed, in no small part this is due to the close proximity to the city. As Geoffrey explained, the Dryad's forest lies to the north of Sendor, not all that far from Khazad Duin's western-most side. The indicated forest is not large, exactly, being perhaps three miles at its widest point and twice that distance long.
Acedia's eyes narrow, and she stares at the Egalrin for a few moments, before looking to Cryosanthia. "No, you can carry that. You're taller, and it might be safer and dryer up there."
"Hmm... small forest. I think it will be hard to get lost in that but I'm sure I'm up to it!" Cryosanthia says with enthusiasm. She nods at Geoffry, giving him an awkward smile that is still somewhat a suppressed grimace. "Okay."
"I can carry you too if you want, I'll have to drop you if there's a fight. You can read over my shoulder. Once we're out of the city and the ground gets squishy." The white-scale offers, heading out of the room.
"No, it's alright... I am good to walk.", the Gobbo says quietly, following alongside the Sith. She glances up at Cryo. "I just don't like getting wet when it's up to my neck in depth."
Masamya stares at Geoffry as he leaves the room. "Dryad's hair. Something is not right." She listens to Cryosanthia for a moment before saying 'Small forests...and large forests. Each have their own wonders. Elves know them better than we....as our domain is the sky. Some of the children have training....so we shall get by."
Cryo nods, walking with Acedia, following the fluffy egalrin and adding to her observation. "If it was simple it wouldn't be a guild mission, so there is something up. Usually there isn't very deep snow between the trees, so hopefully you won't be in a depth, Acedia. Given the choice, I think I'd like an airship drop, even if it means a walk back. I haven't ridden in one before, and perhaps we'll see something useful as we fly there. Sound good?"
The sith examines the map now, while they're inside and the air is calm, she'll fold it up and tuck it away when a breeze might be a concern.
The provided travel via airship is far from luxurious. The adventures are given two options. They can stand on deck, away from other passengers, or huddle in one of the lower decks, near a cargo hold. Considering the biting winds and the early spring rains being as cold as they are, it's not a great choice. In short, the travel is cramped, damp, and there is a draft. Fortunately, the voyage is not a long one.
In a clearing not more than a short hike from the forest, the airship lowers itself and the adventures are invited to use a rope to get themselves down. The moment they clear of the ship, it starts taking off once more, with the promise to return for them in two days time.
In the hold or on the deck, neither were great choices for the Sith-Makar. She made an effort to go inside, to be a team player, except she's oversized for the cramped conditions. Also it would appear, not all of the team wanted to huddle beside the cargo.
Instead, she found a spot on deck where she could serve as a wind break, and parked herself there. Considering the wind, she kept the map tucked away and endured whatever weather came her way. At least there was a nice view, but it was not the glorious, luxurious adventure she imagined. The ladder is welcome, and she's swiftly down it. As the airship lifts away, she says with a little surprise. "Oh, I hope I brought enough food for two days."
The Gobbo chose to stay with the larger Sith woman, taking advantage of the wind break. She didn't say much during the journey, though seemed pleased to be flying. When they disembark, and the ship leaves, Acedia simply shrugs. "I have some food, we will be alright. We can catch what we need if we must."
Masamya stays out in the wind's full force. She even has her wings open a bit, despite the mist hitting her feathers. It's is obvious this is definitely this Egalrin's element.
Cryosanthia takes out the map, unfolds it. She examines it carefully, looks around, turns the map upside down and looks again. She crouches down so it's easier for Acedia to examine it with her. "So, I think this is that mountain over there, and we came this way, so the city should be behind us like this, and we should go that way, sorta."
The sith looks over at the egalrin, "and we've got the map, so hopefully she isn't going to run off."
Louder, she calls to her, "Masamya, right? We met at the market a few weeks ago? Is everything ok? Did I do something to upset you? Did the ride make you feel better? This one has not interacted with many egalrin before, you're being..." don't say flighty, don't say flighty, "... prickly."
Acedia peers at the map curiously, and in the end agrees with the Sith's assessment. "I think you have the right of it." She eyes Masamya when Cryo addresses her, and the Gobbo reaches up to tug on Cryo's arm. "Remember that she has the knife."
"Yes...I am Masamya, Guardian of the skies...and the forests. Those that are familiar with such....I am a druid, or...to the Sith-makar....a Shaman." She then looks to Cryosanthia. "I watched from the Aerie when your ceremony happened...."
The area where the party has been left is a nearly circular clearning, roughly 300 feet across. To the northeast is mostly open landscape dotted with trees and covered with grasses that had been quite long before the cold took their strength and the wind flattened them. Hills can be seen here and there in that direction, as well, and it appears that the sparse dotting of trees increases along the way.
"Aaaaaahhhhhh...." Cryo says quietly, the word drawn out and neutral, her eyes widening. Her legs tense and she's taller in her crouching. She's suddenly very eager to end the conversation, "Well let's get going then! I think it's northeast, this way."
She strides off, out of the clearing and into the thickening trees. "Just a ways farther."
The Gobbo looks around the clearing, and spends a few moments to pull her violin from its case. She spends a little time testing it and turns one of the lugnuts slightly, before starting to play a whimsical song commonly heard in taverns and pubs in Alexandria.
Masamya looks to Cryosanthia before they start to walk off the ship. "I still wish to know why he wants dryad's hair."
The forest lies in a very hilly region, full of dells and thickets. At the southern tip there is one of these dells and that is where the party has arrived. The land rises slowly and steadily to the north. The edges of the forest here are defined by smaller, thicker undergrowth, with all the things one might expect, including trip weeds, various thorny brambles, and many stubborn juvenile trees trying to grow. Further inside, where the trees are well-established, the ground is carpeted by the discarded leaves of last fall, their gray and brown shapes almost dry after a recent rainfall. The wind here has grown to a soft breeze, and with the passing of the rain, the sun is shining brightly, bringing some true warmth to the land.
As they get closer and closer to where they should be, the Gobbo sticks very closer to Cryosanthia, becoming a second shadow to the Sith. But she continues to play happy, upbeat music, travelling songs and those found in pubs. She even manages a wee dance.
"This is a really good map. Everything we've seen in this forest is lining up perfectly with what is indicated. I wonder how you get a map this good." Cryosanthia observes after the trek. The travelling music definitely helped and would hum or occasinally stomp some of the beats to the song. She's relaxed again. The gobbo's dance got a grin, but the sith resisted, for now.
"Maybe the dryad would know what can be done with her hair, though I'll admit I've not parts myself out and wouldn't want to know. I think we're right on top of her grove. So... how should we approach?" Cryo looks at the others.
Masamya easily steps into the bambles without getting a snag. Almost like the very plants are clearing a path for the Egalrin. "if this is her grove....weapons get put away. Nothing dies unless it physically threatens us. She likely already knows we're here."
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls perception: (15)+5: 20 GAME: Masamya rolls perception: (9)+14: 23 GAME: Acedia rolls perception: (11)+9: 20
Masamya's entrance into the forest proper has apparently drawn some attention. The party, perhaps drawn to greater attention by Masamya's suggestion, does notice that they are not alone. A cardinal has taken wing and is flying about them. It seems far too convenient that it started singing in excitement just now. It flies around them twice, and then darts off to the north and east, but only a short ways, where it lands on a tree branch.
"And we are already being watched." Masamya says as she starts to whistle up to the cardinal....in the same sing-song way it was singing. Something in Auran... as it were.
The song that the Gobbo plays changes, becoming more birdlike, echoing the cardinal as it whistles and sings. Acedia continues to dance, circling about the other two in a wide orbit.
Cryosanthia is sure she can't push through brambles that easily, and she saw the cardinal. She nods, saying, "Well, it wouldn't hurt to let her know for sure we're here."
The white-scale sith sings some scales, matching the bird-like tune the gobbo is playing, making some chirps and squeaks. After keeping this up for a little she calls out, "Greetings! I am Cryosanthia, a Speaker of the Sith-Makar, would you converse with us?"
The cardinal answers in the only way it can, with more chirping and music. It then flies a little farther, and then farther again, each time landing, stopping, and waiting as the party makes their way to the north and east.
The forest grows older and the trees taller as the journey continues. The cardinal, now satisfied that the party is going to follow, risks flying more, and faster. It's song changes, faster, almost urgent. Finally, it lands on the low branch of a tree and remains there, waiting one last time for the party to arrive.
As the party approaches the cardinal, the form of a lovely female steps out from behind the trunk of the vast tree. She stands about five feet tall. Her nature becomes clear as the party draws near. Her skin is like wood, and her hair a mix of bright red and orange leaves, mingled with a kiss of small blue and white flowers. She watches them warily, and moves haltingly, yet her words sound friendly enough. "I am Pallene, strangers. What brings you to this place?" When she sees Masamya, she nods her head slightly, "It is a pleasure to meet you, friend of the wilds."
Acedia continues to play until the wooden woman speaks, and then she stops, offering Pallene a curtsey. She looks to Cryosanthia then, leaving her to speak to the dryad.
When Pallene greets her, Masamya opens her wings, then lowers her head slightly to her. "It is a pleasure to meet you as well, and I thank you for allowing us into your grove." However, she is watching the dryad's movements. "Are you well?" She asks simply.
"This one is Cryosanthia, I have so many questions!" The sith-makar says eagerly, her sapphire eyes glittering. She executes a small curtsey, bowing her head. Straightening up she gestures towards the goblin, then the egalrin, "My companions are Acedia, a bard, and Masamya, a protector. We were sent to speak with you."
"Before we get to that, I would echo my companion's question. Are you well? Is there some way we might assist you?" Cryo is relaxed in her stance, her tail flowing back and forth behind her, her hands visible and expressive. Her attempt to look friendly and non-threatening.
Pallene looks at the group, meeting each visitor's eyes and holding them for some time. She does nothing to disguise the sadness and pain she is feeling. "My grove has been defiled by foul invaders and I have no means to remove them," she explains. "But I doubt that is why you came here," she says, sounding less wary, and more curious. She manages a smile at Acedia and says, "Your music is a welcome sound to the forest. I normally do not welcome your kind, but I think you are worthy exception." Her attention then shifts to take in the entire group, "Perhaps, though.. whatever you came here for is something I can help with, in return for your help?"
The Gobbo cants her head, and looks to the dryad, while putting her violin safely into its case. "Why do you not welcome my kind here? You still judge us from our past?" She hops from foot to foot for a few moments, before gesturing to Cryosanthia, once more deferring to the Sith.
"I am willing to help if I am able." Masamya says before looking to Acedia. "It is because your kid works with fire, and fire is bad to anyone in the woods, when fire can engulf a forest very easily. Take it as a compliment that she has welcomed you into her grove, and not simply thrown you out." She then lets out a bit of a whistle. "Egalrin are still judged by what has happened by our past...as are the oruch by the dwarves. One mind at a time."
She then looks to Pallene. "What do you need?"
"I would have come out for invaders alone," the sith says, very firm in her voice, "I would assist you with that. If we are successful, we could discuss how you might help us. Please tell us about the invaders, if we can't assist with that, we should not ask you a favour."
Cryo nods at Masamya's question, and looks down at Acedia with an expression the sith hopes is supportive, before observing the dryad again. She inhales strongly, in case there is a scent hint lingering.
Pallene shakes her head slightly, sending a little bounce through her strange, leaflike hair. "As your friend has said, Goblins are usually working with fires or seeking to cut down my friends rather than enjoy their beauty. But then, to be fair, other races do the same. Trust takes time."
"What I need is to have my grove back. I cannot get near it anymore, and I fear.. in any case, it is held by Kobold. I do not know what they intend, but they are not leaving my home and I cannot drive them out safely." She sighs gently, "Can you get rid of them for me?"
"Done." Masamya says without hesitation. "They will move or be driven out....."
"Hmmph. You should let go of the past.", the Gobbo says, crossing her arms, nary a fire to be seen. "There is a bargain to be struck here. We require three of your hairs. Cut by the ceremonial knife possessed by the druid there." She gestures to Masamya. "In exchange, we shall try to convince the Kobold to leave your home."
Elleandra pages: I hope you are having fun, anyway! I'm learning my lesson. It's just not possible to get everything in two hours. The Dryad seems startled by the request, but she doesn't barter. "I accept this offer. It is definitely a strange one, I must admit." She takes a few steps, turning to look back at the group, "I will guide you along the best path, and ensure you come upon them downwind. I will warn you, they are a nasty lot, and they have slain one of the khazad. I know not where they found him, but I saw the remains last night."
"Kobolds?" Cryosanthia is instantly excited, eager tones in her voice. Her cold sapphire eyes glitter. She is practically dancing in place. No, she is dancing in place, hopping from foot to foot, her tail waving, "I've been so curious to meet some! Ah! Yes. That's what we want. We'll, uh, we'll go ask them to leave nicely."
"I wonder if they speak draconic, I wonder if it's degenerated. Their accent must be terrible, wait. I'd have the accent, wouldn't I? Since I'm foreign. You know what, I've got just the thiiinnnngg... um..." She looks at Acedia, she looks at the Dryad, she weighs Masamya's words, "... it would be a no... then.. on the Goblin Fire as a pretend breath weapon? Let me think what else I've got... Oh... that sounds less friendly. Hrm, well, please show us."
"I would not have asked until the task was complete." Masamya says looking to Acedia. "To show good faith." She then looks to the Dryad. "If they have already killed one, they might not wish to be bargained with." She looks to Cryosanthia. "You may try, however. If they attack....."
"I will." Cryosanthia says, touching the rapier on her belt, withdrawing her hand, touching it again. "It might depend how they were approached. I'll take that risk. They... my understanding is they fight together, at range and from cover, and use a lot of traps. They dislike engaging larger folk. Please Pallene, lead us, and we will do what we can. It may be worth letting them know we're coming Acedia, since I'm going to parlay first. Something friendly, with a good beat I can thump to?"
The suggestion of goblin fire actually draws a soft laugh from Pallene. "It would be a no. The wind is drying the land, and even if the need were desperate, you'd like as not set the entire forest ablaze."
The path is winding, and it becomes apparent that Pallene is being extremely careful in picking it. Even so, the party comes upon a surprise, recent evidence of further brutality. A fox lies in the path, struck by slingstones. Further, it has been slashed and its eyes have been put out. The skin is whole and no meat was taken.
Such pointless waste," murmurs Pallene. She is moved to tears over it, setting her hand on the head of the fox gently and whispering faintly in Sylvan. She rises, and despite the slight hitch in her motions forces herself to greater speed.
Masamya gently puts a hand on Pallene's shoulder. "It will be recovered in time, Pallene. Let's do away with their wastefulness."
Cryosanthia follows, shaking her arms, moving her head from side to side, taking a couple long, lunging steps. She's limbering up, getting ready, and tightens the buckles down on her gear. The mutilated fox dampens her spirits, it doesn't bode well. It's okay Cryo this is your job, she tells herself, negotiate under threat. She inhales deeply, tries to focus on Acedia's music and follows the dryad's lead.
The Gobbo does seem saddened by the fox's death, and she looks to Cryosanthia. Nodding, the Gobbo begins muttering something under her breath, in Goblin-talk. A somber beat begins to sound, deep and somewhere nearby. Pulling free her violin, Acedia begins to play a dirge, an even and slow paced tune. She begins to sing, something harsh and gutteral in Goblin-talk, a promise of something dire, it seems.
Pallene nods gratefully to Masamya and focuses on her task. Finally she stops and points ahead. "I will stop here. I am of little use in what is to come, whatever may happen. The path is straight ahead, now." Indeed, the edge of the Dryad's Grove is in sight.
Even those who care little for trees can notice the difference between the grove and the rest of the forest. There is a shift in beauty not unlike going from a roughly hewn cave to an ornate cathedral. It is as if every branch has grown to complement those around it. The trees here all are towering examples of loveliness of their various kinds. They do not compete, but at the furthest expanse of their branches touch leaves, almost like friends holding hands. Yet not all is well here, for under the nearest tree the remains of a crude camp have been left behind. A wide area has been charred and the bole of the tree even scorched. On its neighbors ugly marks have been carved into the bark, and slashes have been made, biting into tree flesh. Just as this is being taken in, the distant sound of harsh voices can be heard.
Masamya nods her head to Pallene and makes her way forward. She notices the grove even before the others do...and she notices the scratch marks. "They don't even know..." She says before looking to Cryosanthia. "Go. We will be with you."
The Gobbo carries on with her dirge, leading the way for Cryosanthia.
Even from this distance, the careful choice of directions is helping you as the wind carries the voices. The sith-makar can make out four creatures speaking draconic. It seems they are talking about starting a 'big fire'
"I will go, please... don't be too far behind." Cryosanthia focuses on Masamya. Her eyes are expressionless, cold as always with thin slits. The emotion is in her voice, hesitant and worried. "You should conceal yourselves. I hear four, they are talking about starting a big fire. I'll go interrupt them now."
One more deep inhale, the show is on. The white-scale sith-makar strides forward with strong steps. Loud steps. She approaches the voices she can hear carried by the wind. When she thinks she's close enough, she stops and thumps her tail in greeting, loud as she can and calls out in draconic. The others should be able to hear the rough, reptilian sounds. The party won't understand, the kobolds, might.
"Peace upon your Nests! This one is Cryosanthia. This one speaks for the Dryad of this Grove. This forest is her protected domain. You must leave. This one wants to discuss the leaving." <draconic>
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls perception: (17)+5: 22 GAME: Masamya rolls perception: (1)+14: 15 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Acedia rolls perception: (10)+9: 19 GAME: Kobold Slinger rolls Stealth: 1d20+6: (6)+6: 12 GAME: Kobold Slinger rolls Stelath: 1d20+6: (12)+6: 18
The dirge will stop as soon as Cryo begins to speak, putting her violin away once again, and drawing her dragonspitter.
Cryosanthia and Acedia can detect two more kobolds, lurking behind trees and armed with slings. They can also hear that the kobolds are already starting to ready their slings with a building spin. They haven't shot, but could any second.
In response to Cryosanthia's greeting, the voices fall silent. Moments later, a tall kobold steps forth, followed immediately by three more. This leader bears a sword, and his small companions following behind are holding spears. His replies in the same language as Cryosanthia, but cruder, "This our nest now. Peace when you leave or die. Go! Tell wooden one her trees gone now." He raises his sword, pointing it at Cryosanthia. <draconic>
Four kobolds on the ground, about 40' away, standing there. Two more lurking back, one on either side, probably another 30 feet away and failing to be stealthy.
Masamya keeps far enough back, but is watching around to make sure none sneak up on them. She doesn't understand the glableglable speak.
The Gobbo huffs and carefully pulls out her dragonspitter, waiting to see how Cryosanthia deals with the ultimatum of the kobolds.
Cryosanthia stands her ground, watching as the leader and three spear carriers approach, listening to their words. She huffs an exhale. "This one does not desire your death. That message will not be told. There is no peace for your nest here. Your nest will be removed. This one will remove it. Another one will remove it. The attacks will continue. You will die. This one will find another nest for you. Choose, to move or to die. Sheath Sword or Attack. This one has spoken." <draconic>
The sith-makar's posture shifts, nothing overtly hostile, but she's ready to move, her tail rising in case she needs to suddenly dodge.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls diplomacy: (14)+8: 22 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls bluff: (1)+7: 8 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls intimidate: (8)+3: 11
The leader waits just a moment and lowers his sword. A strange expression is on his face. There's a mocking croak from the kobold on his right. The sword then comes up, and the kobold's with slings come into clear view as they open fire.
The path ahead looks clear. There's no sign of traps. The ground bears only a light turf, with no signs of disturbance.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls intimidate: (18)+3: 21
When the chief raises his sword again, Cryosanthia Roars!
She charges, a controlled charge that closes the distance, her rapier flashing into her hand. She whips the thin blade around in defensive circles, so fast it's impossible to see. Until she stops it, with the point focused on his eye.
"THIS ONE IS WARNING! She will Not go Easy Down! Lay your weapon or taste mine, All of you!" <draconic>
Acedia stuffs her dragonspitter back in her pack and starts strumming on her lute, singing inspirational things.
Kobold Slingers attack Cryo GAME: Kobold Slinger rolls 1d20+1: (13)+1: 14 GAME: Kobold Slinger rolls 1d20+1: (5)+1: 6
In the distance, both kobold slingers let their shot fly. And while Cryo is likely to realize they are targetting her, it's not certain, considering the lack of accuracy.
Masamya, moving up to about 30 feet, using lightning arc on the leader, +2 from Acedia's Inspire GAME: Masamya rolls ranged: (5)+6+2: 13 GAME: Masamya rolls 1d6+4: (5)+4: 9
When the sling bullet flies, Masamya beak click in annoyance as she moves up. Electricity arcs over her hands before she arcs one out at the kobold leader....and it leaves a serious burn mark on his chest. "We came to negotiate your leaving. You will leave as a corpse!"
Leader attacks Cryo GAME: Kobold Leader rolls 1d20+1: (13)+1: 14 Cryosanthia OP&R it GAME: Cryosanthia spends a point of PANACHE (4 Remaining) Cryosanthia - fighting defensively, attacking non-lethally GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2-4: (13)+7+-4: 16 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2-8: (6)+7+-8: 5
The Kobold leader is badly burned by Masamya's attack. His own attack is directed at Cryosanthia, and he growls in wrath as he swings with his full power at his enemy.
Cryosanthia jumps a little when the lightning comes out of nowhere. She wasn't expecting that. A sword swing, she was, and she wriggles out of the way sweeping it past with her rapier. Her counter-attack is pulled, she's trying to punch with the hand guard, something that wouldn't be fatal, and her trickyness is her undoing as she doesn't even come close.
"Please," she says, a word that isn't in original draconic, followed up by one that is, "Stop." <draconic>
The two kobold spearman are moving into melee range with Cryo, while the third is going to rush towards Masamya. He goes wide around Cryo, ending 10' away from Masamya.
The spearmen will attack Cryo. All are intimidated. GAME: Kobold Spearman rolls 1d20-1: (12)+-1: 11 GAME: Kobold Spearman rolls 1d20-1: (18)+-1: 17
The three spear-wielding kobolds break up, with two moving to either side of their leader and the other breaking towards Masamya in a rush. While that one draws near the druid, the others find Cryosanthia a target simply too difficult to hit.
Cryosanthia, Non lethal attack on the leader GAME: Cryosanthia rolls weapon2-4: (14)+7+-4: 17 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls damage2+3: aliased to 1D6+2+3: (5)+2+3: 10 menacing swordplay GAME: Cryosanthia rolls intimidate: (16)+3: 19
"This is not how I wanted to meet my scale-cousins!" Cryosanthia cries, her voice cracking. They look too much like younglings. Deformed younglings, but close enough. "This one wanted to share food, to speak of the Blood, to understand, to forge ties. This one doesn't want this." <draconic>
As broken as her words are sounding, her fencing is impeccable, her blade flashes, the tip menacing and focusing on openings, keeping the three at bay, until finally, she strikes home.
Cryo belts the kobold leader in the throat with her hand guard, when she easily could have put the blade through his spine. A rising punch that shocks the base of his skull, knocking him out.
"Stop! Drop! Live. This one will kill you. Don't make me." <draconic>
Acedia keeps playing, a lively and aggressive tune.
Elleandra, One slinger will attack Cryo, the other Masamya. GAME: Kobold Slinger rolls 1d20+1: (10)+1: 11 GAME: Kobold Slinger rolls 1d20+1: (2)+1: 3
The kobolds fire once more with their slings, screaming in rage at the fall of their leader. For all that, though, they are taking steps backward. Around Cryosanthia, the two spearmen take one look at their leader and run, thinking no more of fighting. Their remaining comrade has his attention utterly on Masamya, has not noticed this and looks to be the last one in the fight.
Masamya is gonna 5' step back and zap him then. GAME: Masamya rolls ranged+2: (4)+6+2: 12 GAME: Masamya rolls 1d6+2+2: (6)+2+2: 10
Moving back from the spear that the kobold present, Masamya sees that his comrades are running, but she fluffs up, to look bigger, as birds are wont to do. "You should've left this place willingly." And her hand points to the kobold....electricity arcing from her hand....and stopping his heart in the most painful way possible. "Now you shall rot...like that fox you left."
At this point, those kobolds who are still on their feet are flying as fast as they can. No thought is given of gear or comrades at this point. In a short time, their harsh voices fade in the distance, leaving behind their leader and their dead cousin.
Cryosanthia is breathing harder than she should be. She looks around, seeing the spearmen flee, hearing the slingers retreat as well, then at the two on the ground, one near, one far, one dead, one not. She bends and takes the sword from the leader, sticking it through her belt, then picks him up.
She gestures ahead, "We should see that's going on with the fire they were setting. They said something about Pellene's tree being destroyed. I need some rope to tie this one up, and we can see to his wounds once we've checked out their nest."
The sith-makar starts up the trail.
Fortunately, the trees are not in danger, now. Many bits of bramble have been stacked up and a crude flint set is laying nearby, clearly discarded when they were interrupted. The grove, it seems, is safe.
Masamya makes it a point to give water to the trees and lower plants as she moves around them.
Cryosanthia walks over to where the bramble is piled, and sits on the ground. She lays the kobold leader out, straightens his body, does what she can but it's clear she doesn't know first aid or any healing techniques.
She gets the rope, she ties him up. Ankles together, hands behind his back, anchors them around his tail and ties it off on the ankles again.
"I don't know what to do. They murdered that Khazad and the fox, and tried to destroy the dryad's tree. They weren't listening to reason. Almost all of them ran off so they're still a threat. They aren't younglings and I know life has made them mean, but... I don't know what to do."
The sith-makar looks at Masamya, Acedia, Pallene, shaking her head slowly. "Was this a war-band or a small tribe. Did they make a proper Nest? Are there eggs?"
Pallene, for her part, is shaking her head. "I would generally not let them escape if I could avoid it," she begins cautiously. "But then, I cannot talk to them, either. I don't see much you could do, unless you take this one far away. But in his condition, how is that different than killing him?"
"These are kobolds. They rarely move in larger than small packs, since many wish to be leaders, and they're very combative." Masamya says before looking to Pallene. "There are ways to set up defenses. I could speak to some to come out and help you set up defenses that would compliment your protected area, rather than make them look ugly."
The white-scale sith-makar nods to Pallene, "I was trying to scare them into backing down, not running away, and they're kind of fast. It would be hard to chase them if they went in separate directions, which I think they would."
"Defenses would be a good thing to have, even if these are taken care of, you might face other threats. They're likely to come back, even without their leader."
Cryo takes out the map they were given, and starts looking it over, "Maybe there is some place better for them, on this. Out of the forest."
"There used to be a nest to the south of here. From what my friends told me, adventurers such as yourselves went there in numbers. I thought that all of the kobolds were destroyed," says Pallene. "But it must have set these adrift. Likely they are among the last of their people."
"Perhaps you might consider making peace with them. Perhaps they can change, like my people did." The Gobbo offers another curtsey. "I am glad things have worked out as well as they have."
"We offered him peace......and he decided against it." Masamya lets electricity arc between her fingers, before she looks at the kobold leader. "Perhaps you'll be smarter.....in your next life." She says rather darkly before she points her fingers at the kobold....and makes him die rather painfully.
"I was not a part of that. I would not be a part of that." Cryosanthia stares at the prone kobold, forcing a grin, "Well on the bright side, now I know how my ancestors felt."
She stands, still staring down, "I wish that were possible Acedia."
Her tail ticks slowly from side to side, "Their old nest isn't viable, it was broached. They were chased out for a reason. Likely bothering caravans. I don't know that will be possible to convince them not to. Adventurer's would still come, it's location is known. I guess that was necessary."
It wasn't pretty, but as far as Pallene is concerned, that settles that. "Hopefully the next time around, that one will be blessed with kindness and wisdom and a gentle life," she says simply. With the Kobolds removed, Pallene is able to divert her full attention to her grove. While her touch reveals a love of all the trees, there is one--the tallest of all that stands in the center of the grove--that is clearly of special importance to her. She embraces it and lets out a sigh, whispering something softly to it.
Stepping away from her tree, she smiles gratefully at the party. "What you have returned is worth everything to me, my friends. I am most grateful for your help. As promised, you shall have what you ask, which I give full-willing." Pallene takes hold of three of her strange locks of hair, offering an easy place to cut through them near her scalp. "An unusual trade, to be sure, and I wonder what might come of it. But as it has started in righteousness, I believe it shall be blessed in the end."
"Before I cut them, Pellene, I must ask if you know of any sort of.....food....that would call for three dryads hairs." Masamya says holding her hand over the pouch the knife is in....
Pallene shakes her head, "Not food, certainly. I can't imagine my hair tastes very good, but I imagine something like this could be used in potions or perhaps in some new work of the arcane." She eyes the knife curiously, "A strange choice to cut it with, as well, isn't it?"
"I have no idea if it will hurt you and the one who offered us this task was suspicious." Cryosanthia says, still staring at the electrocuted leader, then over at the brambles. "Where is a safe place to burn them?"
"It's the same reason why I asked. The one who hired us said that the hairs had to be taken willingly, and be cut with this knife. They would not tell us what it was for.....and pretty much ignored my question. So I'm highly suspicious.....and unfortunately for Cryosanthia here, I will refuse if giving them to whomever these are going to...means to harm you."
Pallene laughs softly, "I will not be hurt. You need not worry of that. I've lost hair before." She turns to look at the brambles, considering them thoughtfully. "We need not burn these. In a short time wind and wilds will make these into fine nesting material for my friends, and in the meantime they look like a great place for a wary creature to avoid the eyes and ears of predators. The beauty and strength of my home accepts these additions and in time, will make them into its own."
Masamya says, "All right then." Masamya says as she moves to take the three hairs. "Might I visit from time to time? I will not tell anyone that it is here...except other friends of nature. This place is lovely.""
The white-scale sith-makar nods. The brambles will be fine where they are. She picks up the flint so it won't cause problems, then sets about re-arranging the ropes on the dead kobold turning the bindings into a handle on his chest and lashing his limbs down so they don't flop about. She picks up the bundle experimentally, slinging the load to carry over one shoulder. "This one will remove the bodies for you."
"It is lovely here, and I had some questions, but my mind has become empty."
Cryosanthia moves down the trail to the other corpse, and repeats her efforts to make it easy to carry, finally slinging it over the other shoulder and waiting for the others.
Pallene purses her lips as Masamya moves to take the hair. "Certainly. You and your friends are welcome here. Just remind everyone to light no fires and harm no root or bough. My friends will find you and guide you, should you return. I ask you to bring no others here, and to keep no record of this place." When the cutting is done, it is easy and draws no reaction from the Dryad. Clearly it turns out to be painless, as she said.
She follows Cryosanthia to the other body, and goes no farther. "I must admit, I've never been as far as I was from my tree before. I have no interest in repeating the experience. The one who guided you here will help see you out, when you are ready. This time along a route that will let you sleep with a roof over your head, should you wish to tarry on the way. Rains will come tomorrow, but this time they will be warm. For this night you are welcome to sleep in the grove, if you wish."
"We do apologize for shedding blood on your home, Pellene. I do hope we can make up for it." Masamya says as she puts the hairs someplace safe, and the knife back into a pouch. "I hope we can see you again." Her feathers spread....and for those who are familiar with birds....it's shows she's happy. "As soon as these bodies are out of the grove, I would enjoy staying here the night...if Cryosanthia does not mind."
"This one does not mind." Cryosanthia says neutrally, "Tell me how far away you need these to be."
Once a limit is defined, she carries the corpses to it. It's cold, but she doesn't want to be dealing with putrefaction, so after she drops them on the ground she spends some time with her Ray of Frost cantrip, and freezes both of them solid. This takes a little while, and at the end of it her arms a somewhat shakey from the repeated motion. Even doing a little dance in the middle didn't help so much.
She returns to the grove and gazes around, her eyes unblinking cyphers.
The trip back to the city is uneventful. The airship arrives on schedule, picks up the passengers, grumbles about extra cargo, but eventually is forced to accept the situation. They put the group in an cabin vacated by a passenger who had issues holding their food down in flight. That it is the best cabin matters not at all, so long as the adventurers promise to stay out of sight.
The sith-makar's two bundles aren't questionned.
The trip back to the city is uneventful. The airship arrives on schedule, picks up the passengers, grumbles about extra cargo, but eventually is forced to accept the situation. They put the group in an cabin vacated by a passenger who had issues holding their food down in flight. That it is the best cabin matters not at all, so long as the adventurers promise to stay out of sight.
Back in the Guild Hall, Geoffrey awaits them with indifference. Only after the story is told (in brief) and when the blade is presented is he satisfied. "You have done very well," he says, "And rendered us a great service. Rendered /me/ a great service, as well." He frowns as he explains, "You see, about a week ago a job was put out to clear out a Kobold Nest near that forest. They had been harassing traders and well, doing worse than that. But the team didn't do it right. The leader got away with some of his people." The man has a strange expression and sighs, "It's a relief that Pallene and her grove are safe." But he was never told her name..
The successful mission is recorded and the usual payment process initiated. "When we are ready for the next job, we will inform you prior to posting. For your work, you deserve the first shot at it," explains Geoffrey. "For now, rest and recover. You have done well."
The sith-makar nods, having little to say, in the grove, during the walk back through the forest and the ride back on the airship. She seems content to let Masamya and Acedia provide what details they want. She remembers to blink now and then, softskins appreciate that sort of thing, it makes her seem less monstrous. She listens through Geoffrey's explanation, and her reactions to his odd mannerisms are minimal this time. She has no particular reaction to his praise or the notice that they'll hear about the next ingredient before the others, simply a nod at the end of his explanations.
Dismissed, they exit the room. The party splits and leave their separate ways. The sith-makar would wave, to the gobbo at least, but her hands are full and she trudges away under the weight of the two bundles.
Combat
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
21 Cryosanthia 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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14 Acedia 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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9 Kobold Slings
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9 Masamya 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
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8 Kobold Leader
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2 Kobold Spearmen
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Dramatis Personae
Masamya Standing 5'10" tall, this is definitely one of the noble Egalrin race. With brown feathers covering most of it's body, there's also very light brown feathers upon it's chest. Both it's arms and legs have the traditional bird-like lower part, with the fingers being three and a thumb. the wings are the same color as the body as well.
Cryosanthia
Cryosanthia is a tall, lithe lizardgirl with flamboyant mannerisms and a flashy style. Her scales are a bright, snow white, complimented by her frills and keratin-scale 'hair' which are the pale blue found in glacial ice. This gleaming tapestry is marred by dark tattoos gouged in her hide, green-black in colouration, which at times have a dark glow. Her snout is long and tapers elegantly. Her legs and tail are likewise graceful, despite being a significant portion of her size and mass. She seems light on her talons and energetic, head glancing quick from side to side. Her eyes are bright and like her frills, the palest of blues with a dramatic slit pupil.
Cryosanthia's clothes are a simple kit of kilted leather armour in white. It is close fitting enough to seem a part of her, but it lacks the lustre of her scales having instead a dull finish. She has sandals that leave her talons free, as well as a hat that is hanging to the back as often as it is on her head. A long blue feather is tucked into the woven band. Finally, she wears a cloak, likewise fashioned from white leather but with a satin interior that matches her eyes. It gleams when the light catches it right. Belted to her hip she has a rapier, a couple of pouches, and a tiny bag on a thong around her long neck.