The Sylvan Realm #25 (#69)

[GM Mad]

Sylvan Realm #25 (#69)

December 3rd, CR 571 or Deepnight 25th, 20,519 AP

The Rainbow Bridge has come and gone and in its wake some 1300 elves have returned. Now these settlers are traveling across to the Sylvan Realm to reach their ancient Clan Holds.

Elfin Palace:

To the south, Clan Long Runner was given a ride to their home on the Sunflower, all part of a stress test to see just how many the flying ship could carry. The Sunflower passed this test as it carried around 150 to Pinit, the Long Runner Clan Hold along side the Satheas River. Across from Pinit out on a small island in the river sits the Elfin Palace. It is currently entwined with the thorny growth for protection. After making sure that Pinit is safe, Queen Lilia and those traveling with her, Speaker Allurien, Andlin Alastra, Kylie, Lia and Talen go to explore the palace.

Lilia reveals that the box she had Andlin carrying holds a variety of wooden pendants that are used to open up the tree portals that allow movement across the palace. Rather than being just one large structure, the Elfin Palace is actually multiple small areas connected by way of tree portals. The pendants sort out who can go to what area.

While exploring, the group located a Speaker's level area and believe it to be living area for the Head of the Clan Council. While in this area, Talen could sense something Elder in nature within the palace! Trying to reach this ancient artifact, the group passed through several other sections before finally reaching the target area. This area was a research section of the mage school that is part of the eastern end of the Elfin Palace complex. Down on the ground, an Elder Pillar teleporter was found!

Even more Talen was able to make use of it, rather he could if he could reach it and stand on it. From a distance he could only learn information from it. But what he did learn was valuable. The pillars were not designed to be powered by magic. Rather the Elders simple were able to concentrate and by force of their will use the artifact to travel to any other artifact. The use of magic to facilitate travel was causing them to become unstable. Even worse, someone had made the artifacts around Cynalon to create six duplicates of the travelers. This someone is believed to be from Shelvestra, another Elder City to the south of Elcadan back in Cynalon. Lilia believes this to be the base of operations for the Hive and that they caused this duplication affect to gather more hosts to infect with their larva.

“Are there any of these Elder Artifacts in the Elfholds?” Andlin will ask Talen. “If there are and if they can be safely be used, they could bring more settlers and defenders to the Sylvan Realm in our time of need.”

“What about portals near major cities?” Allurien will add. “Those could be a way to rapidly move supplies here.”

With the day growing long, the explorers are retracing their steps and are traveling back to Pinit for the evening. They stop long enough to fully take in the Speaker's Residence. Like all the areas of the Elfin Palace, the arrival area is part of a large ring that surrounds this part. Exit portals are located here.

The true purpose of an area is inside this outer ring. Four walkways all lead to the inner area of the Speaker's Residence. There is a central area that looks like a small meeting area and offices. Stairs lead up from this area, past a guard point and eventually reach a large central area. This new area seems like a common living room type of arrangement. More stairs lead up and away from this area. One set of stairs goes up to a large suite of rooms for the Speaker and their spouse. The others lead up to other, smaller quarters. There are three of these smaller quarters.

While looking around the private office of the Speaker, Allurien will note that there are three small chests left on the desk. Opening them it reveals more of the wooden pendents that reveal the tree portals. One chest holds Speaker level pendants for the Speaker, their family, their staff and their guards. The other chest holds pendants for the Clan Masters and their staff. Finally the third chest holds more of the most common pendants that are used by guests and the griffon riders.

The Speaker's Area is left behind and the explorers return to Pinit. Many of the Long Runner Clan are gathered around the town square near the treant. But the treant's eyes are closed this time. The cooshee's are about and a few of the elfin cats are present as well.

No other surprises were found during the reclamation of Pinit. The priests for The One and The Three along with the priests for Corellon all safely returned from their excursion to the Angharradh Temple. No dangers were found and the reclamation of the Temple has started.

“Were you able to find the All-Father's Temple,” High Priest Mclandrach will ask.

The rest of the night passes peacefully.

December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Next morning, the group is up and ready to go. Going to continue your explorations of the Elfin Palace or do something else instead?

[GM Mad]

Clan Grunalf:

December 3rd, CR 571 or Deepnight 25th, 20,519 AP

Clan Grunalf has reached the griffon stable near the geyser fields. They will spend the night here before continuing their trek to the Clan Hold Einsun. Elder Treelife is bringing Laucian up to date on their first day of travel including the encounter with the cath shee.

“I don’t know if my lap could handle Onyx that size.”Laucian jests knowing the cat’s tendency to lounge in warm places, “let alone finding enough mice for him to eat.” He says with a laugh as he pets Onyx lovingly.

“I suspect that such a large cat would hunt something bigger than mice,” Elder Treelife suggests. “Perhaps rabbit or squirrel? Maybe even deer.”

“It would appear so. We are now allying with two tribes, They do not come together often though, but they do know of one another.” Laucian adds. “It would seem your lessons in diplomacy were not lost on a young elf that mostly sought to excel with a bow.”he says with a slight smirk. “Centaurs would be a welcomed guest at our fires. We could only be that lucky, if it were true. I look forward to seeing our ancestral lands and what dwells about it.”

“Centaurs share our view on how to live with nature,” Elder Treelife states. “They only take what they need, restore what they can, and not try to conquer it.”


Elsewhere in the griffon stable, the Silver Maidens and their potentials have gathered. During the meeting, Sergeant Jorzana Silversword of the Forest Riders approaches and wonders what the requirements are to join the Silver Maidens.

“Yes, Join us Jorzana,” Valena adds. “As I have told the other potentials, the process is very simple. Tomorrow we shall travel to the Silver Maidens Order Hall. The only requirement to join is that you must be accepted by a unicorn and they only will accept those are dedicated to the cause of good and are pure of heart.”

“Do you wish to accompany us in the morning?”

“While I would like to join with you, I cannot,” Sergeant Silversword states. “I have a duty to perform and that takes precedence. I have been charged to command the Forest Riders who are accompanying the Grunalf's on their journey to their clan hold. I will not abandon my post. Perhaps at a later time?”


December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Next morning the Grunalf's are off once again. Today's journey will take them along the edge of the geyser field until it picks up the road heading east. This road leads back into the forest and eventually will lead to Einsun in two days. It is expected that the clan will have to camp out on the road this evening as there are no known stops along the way.

The Silver Maidens and their potentials all 'blink' away with the unicorns. The Silver Maiden Annelwin says she will travel to Einsun once her business at the Order Hall is complete. Annelwin is a member of Clan Grunalf and also a ranger in the service of Ehlonna.

Dorotha Kenig, a known scout and one of the newest griffon riders asks to scout ahead as the clan no longer has so many protectors. Traveling with the clan are more new griffon riders. These ones are all members of Clan Grunalf, but none are well known to Laucian.

“It makes sense.”

“I'll be back,” Dorotha answers with a nod. She takes off on her griffon and is soon lost from sight.

”Are there any other rangers in our ranks?” knowing as he asks it it is a silly question, as many of his clan are known to be the best when it comes to rangers.

“A few,” Elder Treelife notes. “The followers of Solonor Thelandira are traveling with us. There forest temple lies about a day past Einsun, so they decided to travel with us.”

Elder Treelife will introduce Laucian to Solonor's followers. Solonor is the elfin deity of archery, hunting and wilderness survival. Pretty much any elfin ranger will serve either Ehlonna or Solonor. The High Priestess of Solonor is one Tisha Tunua. Also present is Tanyl Strongbow, a Priest of Solonor. Laucian will recall that Solonor was who Nariya followed as a ranger.

The day drags on as Clan Grunalf walks to their Clan Hold. Sergeant Silversword keeps a position near the front of the procession while the other Forest Riders are spread out among the travelers. The geyser field is soon passed and now they are making their way down the road through the forest. It is now when an owl is seen flying overhead as if it is watching the procession.

Laucian notices the Owl above flying back and forth in the sky, For a moment he thinks to knock an arrow to his bow but holds off for a moment. “Aren’t owls nocturnal?”

“That they are,” the elder notes. “However it can get as dark as night deep within the forest.”

The elder studies the owl for a time and after a while it flies off before Laucian can investigate closer on Aura.

“Shame Valena was not with us. Perhaps it is confused.”

“Or perhaps it is more than just an owl,” the Elder theorizes. “There are myths of owls who can talk and warn travelers of nearby danger. But this one just seems to be curious. Perhaps he has never seen an elf before?”

Not long after that, Dorotha returns on her griffon to report her findings.

“The road seems clear of danger,” the scout reports. “I did find what looks to be a small abandoned village. Perhaps another Grunalf settlement? I reckon we should reach it tonight, so it can be used for shelter.”

“It makes sense,” the Elder notes. “Having a safe haven one days travel apart is a good idea. It will be a good place to stop for the night.”

“It will make a fine defensible position as well,” Sergeant Silversword notes. “And shelter from the rain.”

The travel continues as Clan Grunalf walks down the road. The forest is alive with the usual sounds and sights. Squirrels can be seen and heard chattering among themselves. Small groups of them chase each other around and across the trees to the delight of the onlookers. Rabbits are noticed, along with a few deer as well.

Near days end, the village that Dorotha discovered is reached. The village looks big enough to be home for around 300 elves. The Clan Holds can be as much as ten times as large. The area is quickly explored and found to be safe. Many normal forest creatures live in this village as well. A small herd of deer is noted, along with many squirrels, rabbits and even a few skunks.

The clan settles in for the evening while Sergeant Silversword sets up a guard rotation. The night passes on in quiet conversation. At one point it is noticed that an owl is seated overhead on a branch. It seems like the one spotted earlier, but no one can be sure.

“Danger,” the owl calls out surprising everyone close to it.

A moment later, two unicorns blink into existence in the camp! One of the two riders is known to all as it is Annelwin, while the other is unknown. Perhaps she was one of the potential Silver Maidens? Both women look alarmed and as if they were in a fight.

“The Clan Hold is infested with spiders!” Annelwin cries out. “We barely managed to escape capture!”

[GM Mad]

Clan Red Arrow:

December 3rd, CR 571 or Deepnight 25th, 20,519 AP

Clan Mealidil has reached their Clan Hold accompanied by Clan Red Arrow. The Red Arrow Clan Hold is still a day away. A group of manticores were found in town fighting cooshees. The elves intervened and three of the four manticores were slain. Commander Niles of the Griffon Riders works to skin the beasts. He reveals that the pelts of the creatures are worth much gold in the hands of the right buyer.

"Ah, the value of ego," Onas chuckles softly. "Not that I have any objection to letting others pay us so they can feel good about themselves. Seems like a very human trait."

“Agreed,” Niles says as he works. “These otherwise worthless pelts will bring us much goods and supplies.”

Several of the cooshees try to 'help' Niles, much to his chagrin. The elfin dogs will tear into the manticore remains and its clear that Niles will not end up with three good pelts by the time they are done.

Elsewhere, Elora and the High Priest of Labelas Enoreth, Kyo Delphinus, work to heal the wounded cooshees. Onas joins in healing several of the elfin dogs. Those healed given him a big lick on the face!

As he works, Elora introduces him to another priest of Labelas Enoreth. "Hello, father Delphinus. A pleasure to meet you. Elora mentioned that you will be traveling to your patron's temple tomorrow. I can provide an escort, if you like."

“Well met, Onas of the Forest Riders,” Kyo says in greeting. “I would feel safer with an escort. With those flying monsters about and all.”

The rest of the evening passes quietly.


December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Soon, it is time to start the day's journey. If Elora and Kyo requested an escort, then Onas will let Sergeant Starglow know to provide one of the Riders for that purpose. One should be sufficient, since there will be several Golden Griffons patrolling the area.

“Of course, sir!”, Sergeant Starglow calls out. “There may be more manticores in the area.”

Clan Red Arrow starts out on their journey to Walltree, their own Clan Hold to the south and west. They take the road west from Mealiel and then the south fork when the road intersects. It is along this road where a group of centaurs are spotted approaching. The centaur village the Chosen encountered during their quest to restore the Mother Tree is in this region, so finding centaurs is not a surprise. Clan Master Argus wonders if any can speak the centaurs tongue.

Onas shakes his head in response to Argus' question. "I'm afraid I cannot help you there, Clan Master." He keeps his eyes on the centaur herd to make sure they pose no threat.

“I can Clan Master,” Elder Evenlance announces as he comes forth. He is the other Clan Elder traveling to the Red Arrow Clan Hold along with Elder Lunawind.

Elder Evenlance steps towards the centaurs in a non-threatening manner. He calls out to them when close enough. The two groups converse for a time before the Clan Elder steps back.

“These centaurs are from the Galelus Tribe,” Elder Evenlance reports. “They are not surprised to see us as they dealt encountered the chosen weeks ago. They welcome us and look forward to trading with us.”

“However, they come with a warning,” the Elder continues. “They say that they have seen wyvern riders at our Clan Hold. That even now, these humans are stationed there!”


Now what?

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“Agreed,” Niles says as he works. “These otherwise worthless pelts will bring us much goods and supplies.”

"Excellent," Onas says approvingly. "Please continue." As he goes about his other activities, Onas notices that the cooshees are trying to 'help' Commander Niles. 'Can't be helped.'

Healing cooshees pays off in its own way, as the canines lick his face enthusiastically in thanks causing Onas to chuckle merrily.

“Well met, Onas of the Forest Riders,” Kyo says in greeting. “I would feel safer with an escort. With those flying monsters about and all.”

Onas nods his acquiescence. "As you wish. I will make the arrangements."

===

The next morning, Sergeant Starglow agrees to provide Kyo Delphinus with an appropriate escort. The priest should reach his patron's shrine safely.

As they travel toward Walltree, the Red Arrow Clan settlers encounter a group of centaurs. This provides no real surprise, as the Chosen are said to have encountered them in this area. While Onas cannot help with translation, Elder Evenlance volunteers his services. The elder walks forward and converses with the centaur leaders before returning.

“These centaurs are from the Galelus Tribe,” Elder Evenlance reports. “They are not surprised to see us as they dealt encountered the chosen weeks ago. They welcome us and look forward to trading with us.”

“However, they come with a warning,” the Elder continues. “They say that they have seen wyvern riders at our Clan Hold. That even now, these humans are stationed there!”

It seems these centaurs are from the same tribe that the Chosen encountered. All the better, as they are already predisposed to be friendly.

The news of wyvern riders in Walltree is concerning, though. "Did they give any indication of how many of these humans are present? Were they able to provide any idea of the layout of the town?" Onas asks, already thinking through what resources his own people can bring to bear.

______________________________________________________________________________
As I understand it, Clan Red Arrow are strongly steeped in a military tradition. How many of the travelers are capable of taking part in a significant battle? Can you give some idea of the resources available in terms of archers and melee fighters? If there are a significant number of these wyvern riders, it would be good to construct a strategic plan that gives us an edge.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Dorotha Kenig, a known scout and one of the newest griffon riders asks to scout ahead as the clan no longer has so many protectors. Traveling with the clan are more new griffon riders. These ones are all members of Clan Grunalf, but none are well known to Laucian.

Laucian will make note of the new griffon riders and learn their names accordingly. He will make it a point to get to know them, their skills and backgrounds.

“I'll be back,” Dorotha answers with a nod. She takes off on her griffon and is soon lost from sight.

“Safe travels.” Laucian says as Dorotha departs upon her griffon. Laucian watches for a few moments as the Griffon disappears above the trees.

Elder Treelife will introduce Laucian to Solonor's followers. Solonor is the elfin deity of archery, hunting and wilderness survival. Pretty much any elfin ranger will serve either Ehlonna or Solonor. The High Priestess of Solonor is one Tisha Tunua. Also present is Tanyl Strongbow, a Priest of Solonor. Laucian will recall that Solonor was who Nariya followed as a ranger.

Laucian will greet each of the Followers of Solonar in turn, Grasping their arms in the warrior grip or bowing slightly in the need is apparent. “It is a pleasure to meet you,High Priestess Tisha Tunua and Tanyl Strongbow. I thank you for traveling with Clan Grundalf. Is there anythingWe may have need of your services if you see fit.”He says simply, “I wish to have our rangers, flank the main group north east and west by 50 to 100 yards.

“That they are,” the elder notes. “However it can get as dark as night deep within the forest.”

The elder studies the owl for a time and after a while it flies off before Laucian can investigate closer on Aura.

Laucian is about to take t the air as the owl disappears from site, making the point mute. “Perhaps it is merely hunting?”Laucian says rhetorically.

“Or perhaps it is more than just an owl,” the Elder theorizes. “There are myths of owls who can talk and warn travelers of nearby danger. But this one just seems to be curious. Perhaps he has never seen an elf before?”

“Like Klovar?” Laucian asks, but then Elder Treelife explains of a myth he once heard. “An owl that can speak? I have seen many things in my short life, that would be a interesting and confusing moment to behold.” He says simply a look of awe upon his face as what maybe. “If he is a messenger, perhaps we should set up watch. Just to be safe.” He adds.

“The road seems clear of danger,” the scout reports. “I did find what looks to be a small abandoned village. Perhaps another Grunalf settlement? I reckon we should reach it tonight, so it can be used for shelter.”

“It makes sense,” the Elder notes. “Having a safe haven one days travel apart is a good idea. It will be a good place to stop for the night.”

“It will make a fine defensible position as well,” Sergeant Silversword notes. “And shelter from the rain.”

“There is no reason to lower our defences just yet. We are not within the safety of Enisun yet. Sgt, Would you mind setting a watch with your men? I’ll have my riders join your men shortly.

The clan settles in for the evening while Sergeant Silversword sets up a guard rotation. The night passes on in quiet conversation. At one point it is noticed that an owl is seated overhead on a branch. It seems like the one spotted earlier, but no one can be sure

.
Sitting by a campfire, Laucian talks to anyone whom is present. He will ask them of their hopes for their lives here in the Slyvian realm as well as what made them leave the Elfholds. As he is poking a stick of the fire a presence is soon felt as if eyes are upon them. He looks about the floor then to the trees and sees intelligent eyes gazing them on, taking them in. Laucian looks at the owl for a moment his brow furled as the owl calls out! It is not a normal owl at all! Elder Treelife’s myth was true!

“Danger,” the owl calls out surprising everyone close to it.

“Who are you?”Laucian calls out as the shock of an owl talking subsides, “What danger?”he asks as his bow is in his hand.
Before the words are finished two Unicorns Blink into existence, causing the Ranger to step back in surprise as two elf maidens stand before us dishevelled from apparent battle!

A moment later, two unicorns blink into existence in the camp! One of the two riders is known to all as it is Annelwin, while the other is unknown. Perhaps she was one of the potential Silver Maidens? Both women look alarmed and as if they were in a fight.

“The Clan Hold is infested with spiders!” Annelwin cries out. “We barely managed to escape capture!”

“Annelwin? Are either of you hurt?” seeing the alarm upon her face. Laucian recalls they were supposed to meet us with Enisun.. It would seem there business was done. “Spiders? What kind?Were any others captured? Take a moment and tell us what happened from the beginning.” Hoping that the Elf maiden can paint them a picture as what is occupying their homes.
Turning to Elder Treelife, “Was there any word of Clan Grundalf abandoning their Homestead in our histories?”
Knowing that their will be a fight infornt of them, “Whom here will help reclaim our home?” Knowing that not all of his clan are fighters. “We will need spells of free action so that we are not caught within the webs of these spiders. Sadly our Griffons maybe of little use against a spider’s web, unless we cast Free Action upon them.”
Laucian will end up praying to Ehlonna and adjusting his spells to take on this new fight.

[Lia]

Lia

“Are there any of these Elder Artifacts in the Elfholds?” Andlin will ask Talen. “If there are and if they can be safely be used, they could bring more settlers and defenders to the Sylvan Realm in our time of need.”

“What about portals near major cities?” Allurien will add. “Those could be a way to rapidly move supplies here.”

Lia listens to the other elves ask about areas that may contain elder artifacts and the possibility to use them to reinforce the Slyvian realms, whether it be by men or supplies.
“Pardon me if this was asked, but can you turn off the portal to the north, the one we buried and the one that Lilia believes that the hive used? Perhaps if we are able to close it and then bury the insects in they will consume themselves or suffocate themselves.” A thought does come to Lia and she can’t help to voice it to Lilia. “When Charda and the Scro were turned they acquired a lot of information about use and the scro. If the Queen is lost perhaps the information gained is also lost?” she puts forward the theory hopefully, though knowing full well that there is not way to test her theory. Lia follows Allurien and Kylie through the Speaker’s portal and looks about.
“Servants, guards? It makes me wonder if you are so well guarded then the monarch’s room must be a fortress!” she adds looking about as she sheathes her sword and absently pats Umbra beside her.
Later on at night, Lia ponders what she wishes to do and something still nags the back of her mind. A thought comes to her and she shares her thoughts with Lilia.
“Perhaps I am wrong but this Moorkroft was a mage of no small power. If he had heard of the mage school would he as a mage covet the secrets within? Maybe we should look about the Mage’s quarter and the surrounding area?

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“Are there any of these Elder Artifacts in the Elfholds?” Andlin will ask Talen. “If there are and if they can be safely be used, they could bring more settlers and defenders to the Sylvan Realm in our time of need.”

“What about portals near major cities?” Allurien will add. “Those could be a way to rapidly move supplies here.”

With a growing understanding of the portals comes a better insight into the possibilities for their use. So, too, comes comprehension of their dangers. "I have no doubt that the Elders used them in all of those ways and more. Unfortunately, they also represent a fast way to move a strike force, or even an entire army, almost anywhere for an attack. Until we can eliminate the Hive, the pillars are a grave threat to every decent being living anywhere in the world!"

Lia asks some other questions regarding the pillars and their use. Kylie is interested in the answers as well; she has some guesses, but will wait for Talen and Lilia to answer.

Kylie enjoys the time spent exploring what will be her and Allurien's new home. The Speaker's quarters are the largest and most luxurious, but there are three smaller quarters that are each substantially larger and nicer than what she grew up in. Kylie notes that one of the three seems to have a more attractive arrangement of floral life than the other two. "Okay if I take this one, Mom?"

“Servants, guards? It makes me wonder if you are so well guarded then the monarch’s room must be a fortress!” she adds looking about as she sheathes her sword and absently pats Umbra beside her.

Lia's comment brings a chuckle from Kylie. "In a sense, I think the whole place is a fortress. It's just a very leafy fortress. It would be very hard for an enemy army to assault."

Chests full of more pendents are found in her mothers quarters. These will certainly help with getting the palace staffed properly when the time comes. However, evening is quickly approaching, and the group decides to return to Pinit for the night.

Crossing the bridge back into town, they find that the cooshees and elfin cats have adjusted well to the influx of elves. Everyone appears to be safe and happy, indicating that no threats materialized while they were in the palace.

“Were you able to find the All-Father's Temple,” High Priest Mclandrach will ask.

"Not yet," Kylie replies with a shrug. "The palace is much larger than I had expected. We did find the Speaker's quarters and part of the school, though."

Kylie does her best to get a good night's sleep despite her excitement over the exploration of the palace. When morning comes, the subject of what to do next arises. "We still need to find Corellon's temple, as High Priest Mclandrach pointed out last night. And we should definitely take a better look around the mage school areas. We also need to make sure that there are no more dangers lurking anywhere in the palace - including any remnants of Moorkroft's presence."

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena has been approached by Sergeant Jorzana Silversword about joining the Silver Maidens.

“While I would like to join with you, I cannot,” Sergeant Silversword states. “I have a duty to perform and that takes precedence. I have been charged to command the Forest Riders who are accompanying the Grunalf's on their journey to their clan hold. I will not abandon my post. Perhaps at a later time?”

“I understand,” Valena easily answers to the Forest Rider. “Just let me know when you are able to make the trip to the Order Hall.”

“I wonder what Onas will think of this,” Valena silently wonders. “Still the chance to upgrade from a horse to a unicorn has to have its appeal!”

Valena will chat with the potentials for as long as they wish. Later she'll retire for the evening. Next morning she does her daily devotions and bow maintenance before heading out to the shrine to see what the unicorns think or our recruits.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Talen tries to report how the Elder Artifact works.

“I don't know how to describe it...” Talen says while thinking. “It's not a narrow hallway filled with doors and if one is blocked you're stuck. It's a giant room and all the doors are along the edge. When you go through this portal, you appear in this room. From there I can pick which door to exit from. If one is close, another one that is opened is used instead. That one artifact is just, temporarily, cut off from the giant spiders web.”

“I think I understand what you are saying,” Lilia answers. “Its like this portal is connected to every other portal that is open on the 'web'. You just have to choose the destination.”

“These artifacts are unsafe now because they are being misused,” Talen says to Lia. “I can tell if the arrival point is safe or not. If it is buried, or underwater or even in a volcano. The way I can do it is perfectly safe.”

“That does make me feel safer,” Lilia agrees.

Kylie's hand goes to cover her mouth as tears well in the corners of her eyes. "Oh Argent..." Despite her feelings, her mind is still whirring through the information. "So that doesn't account for the Hive Queen Argent... Unless... she was one of those that went to Shelvestra. Which means the hive were from this Shelvestra."

“We have four Argents accounted for,” Lilia states. “Three are back in Cynalon and one was drowned. That just leaves two others and it has to be the ones who appeared in the Hive controlled city. One obviously became the Hive Queen we buried in the ruins to the north. So what became of the last one? Another Hive Queen is a possibility. It depends if they have more than one or not. Unfortunately, we just don't know. I doubt any Hive member will just sit and answer our questions.”

Lilia goes silent for a moment as an inspiration strikes her, but it is sort of gruesome idea that she does not share.

And there's the piece that reveals the hideous danger behind everything that has happened. "And it must be controlled by the Hive! Gods, all of Cynalon is in danger!" Kylie spins and looks at Lilia. "We have to do something about this!"

“And we will, once we have the thorny growth removed,” Lilia answers. “Or you can just teleport back to Cynalon if you want to report this as soon as possible.”

Kylie chuckles for a moment at Lilia's comment. "And yet, that is pretty much what adventurers - like us - do on a regular basis to some extent."

“I have never leaped before I looked,” Lilia will counter. “We elves tend to be more cautious. After all, it is harder to restore life to an elf than to a human or even half-elf.”

"You did say earlier that you could use them properly." Kylie gives him a steady, confident look. "If you say that you can use them safely, then I believe you. We should also try to stop other people from using them incorrectly, as that will put them at great risk."

“I concur,” Lilia adds with a nod. “I doubt any others realize the danger that they are in from using these devices.”

Lilia proposes that they return to Pinit, as the day is getting late. Not surprisingly, Talen is thinking with his stomach and agrees. "Very well. We should have plenty of time to explore further tomorrow."

“Agreed,” Lilia says, “but time is not on our side. In just five days we need to travel to the Elfholds so that we can bring back additional defenders to counter the slavers will arrive in just seven days. Much to do.”

Lilia's comment about splitting up when they return tomorrow is concerning. "I recommend that we don't split into groups that are too small. There still may be dangers here. Also, we need all six pendents to properly test all of the portals."

“I agree that there may be danger here, but the Elfin Palace is simply too large for us to explore on our own,” Lilia counters. “And as I said before, our time is limited. My thought was to have a different group of elves explore the lower level areas, such as the mage school and the guest quarters.”

A thought does come to Lia and she can’t help to voice it to Lilia. “When Chandra and the Scro were turned they acquired a lot of information about us and the scro. If the Queen is lost perhaps the information gained is also lost?” she puts forward the theory hopefully, though knowing full well that there is not way to test her theory.

“That is an intriguing notion,” Lilia admits. “We do not know how the Hive shares information, so what you suggest is a possibility. If it is then everything they learned was lost and the Hive knows nothing about us. That would give us an advantage over them.”

“Servants, guards? It makes me wonder if you are so well guarded then the monarch’s room must be a fortress!” she adds looking about as she sheathes her sword and absently pats Umbra beside her.

Lia's comment brings a chuckle from Kylie. "In a sense, I think the whole place is a fortress. It's just a very leafy fortress. It would be very hard for an enemy army to assault."

“In a sense, yes, “ Lilia agrees. “Plus back in the day there were probably patrols of griffons flying overhead all the time. It was probably a very safe place. The Speaker's Residence is very nice. I would imagine that my area is similar to this one.”

“Were you able to find the All-Father's Temple,” High Priest Mclandrach will ask.

"Not yet," Kylie replies with a shrug. "The palace is much larger than I had expected. We did find the Speaker's quarters and part of the school, though."

“Kylie speaks the truth, High Priest,” Lilia agrees. “We are considering additional search groups as there is so much to search. I think we just scratched the surface of what is here today.”

Later on at night, Lia ponders what she wishes to do and something still nags the back of her mind. A thought comes to her and she shares her thoughts with Lilia.

“Perhaps I am wrong but this Moorkroft was a mage of no small power. If he had heard of the mage school would he as a mage covet the secrets within? Maybe we should look about the Mage’s quarter and the surrounding area?”

“That's the key question right there,” Lilia says. “Did Moorkroft know that there even was a mage school or not? We have no way of knowing for sure, but the Sylvan Realm was mostly devoid of elves for thousands of years before Moorkroft became a threat. While he may have heard about it, he may also have been completely unaware of its existence.”

Kylie does her best to get a good night's sleep despite her excitement over the exploration of the palace. When morning comes, the subject of what to do next arises. "We still need to find Corellon's temple, as High Priest Mclandrach pointed out last night. And we should definitely take a better look around the mage school areas. We also need to make sure that there are no more dangers lurking anywhere in the palace - including any remnants of Moorkroft's presence."

“That is why I am thinking of having two other groups explore with us,” Lilia says. “One can include the Priests of Corellon and they can start on the west end and work in, while a second starts on the east where we think the mage school is located. As I understand it, we roughly know where the area I was found was located at. It was off the garden area, so if we go to that location, we may find where Moorkroft was holed up at.”

“Anyone have anything else to add?”

[Talen]

Talen:

Kylie thinks back to their visit to Shillesta. "I recall us theorizing that age was why you heard the call and not Lia or I, but perhaps that theory was wrong. Do you have any more insight into what makes someone able to hear the call?"

“That it was maybe her change into a drow that made Lia different enough that she couldn't hear it,” Talen says rhetorically. “The writing said that the young were called. Perhaps what they meant was that when an member of the Elder race was old enough, they were called. I had never been close to an Elder city before, therefore I wasn't called until I was. I was just saying that age may not be what is important here, but location.”

A smile crosses her face at she looks at Talen. "And yes, you are."

“We still have to have that talk,” Talen says with a grin. “You promised.”

"This happened to others as well?!" Kylie asks, her eyes wide in a blend of concern and anxiety. "Do you know how many others? Is there anything we can do to help them?"

“Five others,” Talen reports. “I can tell you when and where, but beyond that I don't know anything. This was weeks ago. I don't know there is anything that can be done. Removing this change is a top priority.”

Talen's response doesn't quite get at what Kylie was trying to determine. "I was more thinking that if you were touching one of the pillars, maybe you could sense another well enough to turn it off or on. For example, we could keep this one turned off to protect ourselves. When we wanted to go somewhere, you could turn it on, take us through, then turn it off until we needed to return. I guess that's not really an option, though."

“Not right now, no,” Talen agrees. “There are many I would turn off if I could as they are in dangerous places.”

And there's the piece that reveals the hideous danger behind everything that has happened. "And it must be controlled by the Hive! Gods, all of Cynalon is in danger!" Kylie spins and looks at Lilia. "We have to do something about this!"

“And we will, once we have the thorny growth removed,” Lilia answers. “Or you can just teleport back to Cynalon if you want to report this as soon as possible.”

“We do have another option!” Talen calls out. “This portal is blocked, but we know where one is that is wide open. Back to the north! Tomorrow we take the Sunflower to the ruins to the north and I can use the portal on the top of the tall tower! I can see if I can remotely turn the others off and we can travel to Karn's Keep to let Sherwood and the others know the danger that they face!”

“Plus I really want to see what else I can do in an Elder City!” Talen adds excitedly. “What other wondrous things do they have that we can use?”

"You did say earlier that you could use them properly." Kylie gives him a steady, confident look. "If you say that you can use them safely, then I believe you. We should also try to stop other people from using them incorrectly, as that will put them at great risk."

“Yeah, that's what I want,” Talen says. “To keep these tools out of the wrong hands and to not hurt anyone.”

“Are there any of these Elder Artifacts in the Elfholds?” Andlin will ask Talen. “If there are and if they can be safely be used, they could bring more settlers and defenders to the Sylvan Realm in our time of need.”

“No, there aren't any in the Elfholds,” Talen reports.

“What about portals near major cities?” Allurien will add. “Those could be a way to rapidly move supplies here.”

“Other than Gateway, I'm not sensing any,” Talen adds. “It's weird where they are located. There are some to the east of Cynalon and a few within, but most of the ones left are underwater. Many are missing and many more no longer work. Most of the ones that do work are not in places were people live or even can live.”

With a growing understanding of the portals comes a better insight into the possibilities for their use. So, too, comes comprehension of their dangers. "I have no doubt that the Elders used them in all of those ways and more. Unfortunately, they also represent a fast way to move a strike force, or even an entire army, almost anywhere for an attack. Until we can eliminate the Hive, the pillars are a grave threat to every decent being living anywhere in the world!"

“Another reason to get me up to the ruins as soon as possible,” Talen inserts. “So that I can see what I can do to stop the Hive and any others who are abusing this ancient artifact.”

“Pardon me if this was asked, but can you turn off the portal to the north, the one we buried and the one that Lilia believes that the hive used? Perhaps if we are able to close it and then bury the insects in they will consume themselves or suffocate themselves.”

“I have to be in contact with a portal before I can do anything to it,” Talen explains. “I can't sense the one that was buried. I think it's on a different 'web'. Yet another reason to go north as fast as possible!”

Talen is restless this night. So many new possibilities are now before him! Things that only he can do. It's wonderful to actually be good at something no one else can do.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

After a few more moments thought, Onas realizes that he needs more information to construct any sort of viable battle plan. "It seems like we have roughly 3 score warriors, correct? However, we need to keep the rest of our people out of the line of fire. Suggestions? And some aerial scouting would probably be a good idea.

"Also, we should probably assume that Walltree has a similar construction style to Shieldtree and thus easily defend-able. This means that we need to find a way to attack over the walls. Commander Varis, how many elves do you think one of your griffons can carry in addition to its rider? It would be good to be able to carry a few in and drop them inside the walls at key points. The rest of us will need to sneak in close to the fort and then climb trees to establish good firing angles. Once everyone is in position, taking out the wyverns is probably the first priority."

Onas looks around at the other leaders. "Any other ideas on how best to assault and reclaim our clan home?"

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The Spiders of Einsun:

December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Clan Grunalf continues their journey to Einsun, their ancient Clan Hold here in the Sylvan Realm. Einsun is the most distant of the Clan Holds from the Mother Tree and will take three days travel on foot to reach. An owl is noted flying overhead during the day time and Laucian meets those traveling with the Grunalf's.

Laucian will greet each of the Followers of Solonor in turn, Grasping their arms in the warrior grip or bowing slightly in the need is apparent. “It is a pleasure to meet you, High Priestess Tisha Tunua and Tanyl Strongbow. I thank you for traveling with Clan Grunalf. Is there anything. We may have need of your services if you see fit.”

Tisha Tunua is a brown haired elf wearing the style of garb that is typical for a ranger. “Well met, Laucian of Ehlonna,” Tisha will say. “Many of us belong to Clan Grunalf, so it is of special interest to help our kin find their way home. We followers of the Great Archer are already spread out among the clan. We will be here when needed.”

“Like Klovar?” Laucian asks, but then Elder Treelife explains of a myth he once heard. “An owl that can speak? I have seen many things in my short life, that would be a interesting and confusing moment to behold.” He says simply a look of awe upon his face as what maybe. “If he is a messenger, perhaps we should set up watch. Just to be safe.”

“That I had not considered,” Elder Treelife will admit. “That the talking owls of myth were actually druids. That could explain a great many things.”


As the day nears its end, the Grunalf's reach a small village. It is quickly searched and found to be free of danger so camp is set up for the evening. A dedication plaque is found and this is the village of Telsun and it was dedicated some 18,000 years ago. As all members of Clan Grunalf know, each of their towns and villages names all end in 'sun'. It is a quick way to determine which clan a settlement belongs to. Most of the clans name their homes in a similar manner.

“There is no reason to lower our defenses just yet. We are not within the safety of Einsun yet. Sgt, Would you mind setting a watch with your men? I’ll have my riders join your men shortly.”

“Nor did I suggest such a thing,” Sergeant Silversword responds. “I was merely pointing out that a village is easier to defend than a camp on the side of the road. My men will keep an eye on things.”

The travelers settle in for the evening. Many of the normal animals will keep an eye on the new arrivals, but for the most part things are peaceful. After all elves are comfortable living among the forest creatures. Guards are on patrol around the village.

Sitting by a campfire, Laucian talks to anyone whom is present. He will ask them of their hopes for their lives here in the Sylvan realm as well as what made them leave the Elfholds.

The motivations of those here are wide and varied. Many of the old want to visit their ancestral home before they pass on. Others see this as a new opportunity, a chance for growth that they feel cannot be met back in the Elfholds. There are those who feel the Elfholds have become too crowded and want to go to place with a smaller population.

A familiar owl is noted sitting on a branch overhead. Suddenly it speaks!

As he is poking a stick of the fire a presence is soon felt as if eyes are upon them. He looks about the floor then to the trees and sees intelligent eyes gazing them on, taking them in. Laucian looks at the owl for a moment his brow furled as the owl calls out! It is not a normal owl at all! Elder Treelife’s myth was true!

“Who are you?”Laucian calls out as the shock of an owl talking subsides. “What danger?” he asks as his bow is in his hand.

Before the words are finished two Unicorns Blink into existence, causing the Ranger to step back in surprise as two elf maidens stand before us disheveled from apparent battle!

“Annelwin? Are either of you hurt?” seeing the alarm upon her face. Laucian recalls they were supposed to meet us with Einsun. It would seem there business was done.

“We are uninjured,” Annelwin will report as she starts to settle down. “More of a shock than anything.”

“Spiders? What kind? Were any others captured? Take a moment and tell us what happened from the beginning.” Hoping that the Elf maiden can paint them a picture as what is occupying their homes.

“We had finished up our business at the Order Hall of the Silver Maidens,” Annelwin explains as she slips down from her unicorn. “Nine new Silver Maidens were brought into the fold, including Visara here.”

“Hello,” Visara says with a wave. The lady elf has dark colored hair and eyes. She wears the typical woodsman garb of Clan Grunalf. She joins everyone else by the fire.

“We are both of Clan Grunalf and so we thought we would travel to the Clan Hold and scout,” Annelwin continues. “But when we appeared in the center of town, we found it to be infested with spiders!”

“Big spiders!” Visara chimes in gesturing wildly with her hands. “Cooshee size monsters!”

“They tried to swarm us, there were dozens of them,” Annelwin relates. “Our unicorns blinked us to safety and then we came looking for the clan and here we are.”

“But that's not the worst of it!” Visara adds. “I thought I saw one spider that was even bigger than the others! As big as a griffon!”

Turning to Elder Treelife, “Was there any word of Clan Grunalf abandoning their Homestead in our histories?”

“None that I recall,” Elder Treelife states. “At least none to spiders.”

Knowing that their will be a fight in front of them, “Whom here will help reclaim our home?”

“You need to even ask, Clansman,” Annelwin states. “We will do what is necessary to protect our clan!”

“As would we all,” Tisha declares. “Those who follow the Forest Hunter will see Einsun cleaned of this infestation!”

“It does my heart good to see the young rush to defend the clan,” Elder Atholan states. She is the other Clan Elder who made the trip with Treelife.

“We taught them well,” Elder Treelife states to his fellow elder. “The rest of the clan will stay here in Telsun while you are away on your mission. We would only be a hindrance to you.”

“I will accompany you as well,” Sergeant Silversword speaks up. “The rest of my men will remain here in Telsun to defend your clan.”

“We will need spells of free action so that we are not caught within the webs of these spiders. Sadly our Griffons maybe of little use against a spider’s web, unless we cast Free Action upon them.”

“The venom of many spiders is poisonous,” Tisha will note. “We will need spells to counter its effects.”

“So what's the plan of attack?” Annelwin will ask.

[GM Mad]

Clan Red Arrow:

December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Elsewhere in the Sylvan Realm, Clan Red Arrow has just learned that there are unexpected guests within their Clan Hold as well. In this case, it is human wyvern riders! Intelligence found in the enemy forts did reveal that the humans had turned on Moorkroft and were seeking ways to overthrow him. It seems that they decided to use elfin fortress that is Walltree as their base of operations!

“This is intolerable!” Clan Master Argus rages. “Those who served the enemy are now using our home as their base!”

The news of wyvern riders in Walltree is concerning, though. "Did they give any indication of how many of these humans are present? Were they able to provide any idea of the layout of the town?" Onas asks, already thinking through what resources his own people can bring to bear.

“The centaurs have never been within the defensive walls of Walltree,” Elder Evenlance reports. “They flee when when they see wyverns in the sky. They only know to avoid the area.”

After a few more moments thought, Onas realizes that he needs more information to construct any sort of viable battle plan. "It seems like we have roughly 3 score warriors, correct? However, we need to keep the rest of our people out of the line of fire. Suggestions? And some aerial scouting would probably be a good idea.”

“We will travel back to Mealiel,” Clan Master Argus declares having calmed down. “As you say we need to keep our people out of danger. As Clan Master, protecting our clan is my first duty.”

“Commander Valis and I can handle the aerial scouting,” Arlen calls out. “We'll scout out the situation and then rejoin you back in Mealiel.”

"Also, we should probably assume that Walltree has a similar construction style to Shieldtree and thus easily defend-able. This means that we need to find a way to attack over the walls.”

“I would wager that while Walltree is similar in construction, that it is not as advanced as Shieldtree is back home,” Elder Evenlance will say. “Simply because those here in the Sylvan Realm did not face orc hordes with any regularity as we did in the Elfholds.”

“Commander Valis, how many elves do you think one of your griffons can carry in addition to its rider?”

“Depending on their weight, I would say two to three elves can be carried in such a manner,” Valis will theorize.

“It would be good to be able to carry a few in and drop them inside the walls at key points. The rest of us will need to sneak in close to the fort and then climb trees to establish good firing angles. Once everyone is in position, taking out the wyverns is probably the first priority."

“Assuming the gates are down, at least one of them will need to be raised,” Elder Lunawind will add. “So that ground forces can be let inside to join the battle.”

Onas looks around at the other leaders. "Any other ideas on how best to assault and reclaim our clan home?"

“We have good ideas and the start of a plan of attack,” Clan Master Argus states. “Now we just need more information about what we face to finalize it. Good fortune on your scouting mission, Commander Valis and Arlen.”

Arlen Brightsword and Commander Valis nod in agreement and take flight while the rest of Clan Red Arrow retraces their steps back to Mealiel. Mealiel is reached well before nightfall as they were only a few hours out, but Arlen and Commander Valis do not return until sunset.

“It is as we suspected,” Arlen Brightsword reports. “Walltree seems like a less fortified version of Shieldtree. It has the same timber palisade as Shieldtree, but fewer gates. The inside is far more open then back home.”

Those who have been to Shieldtree will recall that additional fortifications were added essentially reducing the town into smaller sections that could only be accessed by passing through numerous gates. They served to channel enemy forces into per-determined paths.

“There are several griffon stables above Walltree,” Commander Valis will add. “Including a very high one near the top of the tallest tree. To me, that seems to be our way inside.”

“I saw at least nine wyverns in the camp,” Arlen continues. “Probably at least fifty humans as well. We'll have our work cut out for us.”

Before anything else can be said, a commotion nearby gets the groups attention. Fayrianna has returned on top of her unicorn! But she is not alone as there are three other elf maidens with unicorns. The Silver Maidens have arrived!

“Hello, boys,” Fayrianna calls out in greeting, a pleased smile on her face. “Anything exciting happen while I was away? I thought you'd be further along towards Walltree by now.”

[GM Mad]

Elfin Palace:

December 3rd, CR 571 or Deepnight 25th, 20,519 AP

The exploration of the Elfin Palace continues. While by the Speaker's Quarters, Talen could sense the presence of an Elder Artifact nearby. With Talen in the lead, this artifact was eventually found on the ground under a research area of the Mage School. Being close to the artifact, Talen was able to learn much information about the device.

“No, there aren't any in the Elfholds,” Talen reports.

“That is both a blessing and a curse,” Andlin notes. “It would have made travel to and from the Elfholds so much simpler, but now our homeland is free from direct attack by the Hive.”

“Other than Gateway, I'm not sensing any,” Talen adds. “It's weird where they are located. There are some to the east of Cynalon and a few within, but most of the ones left are underwater. Many are missing and many more no longer work. Most of the ones that do work are not in places were people live or even can live.”

“That is peculiar,” Allurien will agree. “That does seem to suggest that the Elders lived so long ago that the even the land has changed significantly. They may be even older than the elves.”

“Having access to Gateway is a good thing,” Allurien continues. “A place where we can travel and trade and move visitors back and forth will be a boon for the Sylvan Realm. At least it is a friendly city as opposed to an enemy.”

With a growing understanding of the portals comes a better insight into the possibilities for their use. So, too, comes comprehension of their dangers. "I have no doubt that the Elders used them in all of those ways and more. Unfortunately, they also represent a fast way to move a strike force, or even an entire army, almost anywhere for an attack. Until we can eliminate the Hive, the pillars are a grave threat to every decent being living anywhere in the world!"

“Another reason to get me up to the ruins as soon as possible,” Talen inserts. “So that I can see what I can do to stop the Hive and any others who are abusing this ancient artifact.”

“The lad does bring up a good point,” Andlin speaks up. “Stopping the spread of the Hive must be a high priority. And not only for the elves, but for all living creatures.”


On the way back to Pinit, the group explores the Speakers Quarters closer. The lowest level holds the arrival circle with offices and meeting areas in the middle. Stairs lead up to a guard post and then further up to a common living area. More stairs lead up to a Speaker's Suite and a trio of smaller areas.

Kylie enjoys the time spent exploring what will be her and Allurien's new home. The Speaker's quarters are the largest and most luxurious, but there are three smaller quarters that are each substantially larger and nicer than what she grew up in. Kylie notes that one of the three seems to have a more attractive arrangement of floral life than the other two. "Okay if I take this one, Mom?"

“That's fine by me,” Allurien will say with a smile. “I thought the Clan Masters residence back in Feadiel has nice, but this... this is luxurious!”


The group returns to Pinit and finds that nothing out of the ordinary has transpired in their absence. The priests that went to explore the Temple of Trifold Harmony have also returned. The High Priest of Corellon asks if the All-Father's temple has been located.

"Not yet," Kylie replies with a shrug. "The palace is much larger than I had expected. We did find the Speaker's quarters and part of the school, though."

“Kylie speaks the truth, High Priest,” Lilia agrees. “We are considering additional search groups as there is so much to search. I think we just scratched the surface of what is here today.”

“We would be happy to assist,” High Priest Mclandrach will state. “We must find the Temple anyway, so we might as well assist in this project.”

“We will lend our aid as well,” High Priestess Soliana adds. “The sooner these smaller projects are completed, the sooner we can turn our attention to greater threats.”

“I'll help anyway I can,” Gweyr Autumnfire chimes in. The petite fire mage has a cooshee beside her. It's nearly as tall as she is! “My clan has a vested interest in the Mage School and would see it restored. What can we do to help?”


December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Morning comes and plans for what to do this day are put forth. Lilia believes that additional groups should assist in the searching of the Elfin Palace. Talen stated that the Sunflower should be taken to the Elder Ruins to the north so that he can bond with the Elder Artifact. It then could be used to travel to Karn's Keep so that those back in Cynalon can be made aware of the greater threat the Hive now poses. Talen also believes he can shut down those Portal Artifacts that pose a danger to a traveler or lead to the Elder City where the Hive are believed to be based.

What will the group do?

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“That it was maybe her change into a drow that made Lia different enough that she couldn't hear it,” Talen says rhetorically. “The writing said that the young were called. Perhaps what they meant was that when an member of the Elder race was old enough, they were called. I had never been close to an Elder city before, therefore I wasn't called until I was. I was just saying that age may not be what is important here, but location.”

“So, theoretically, there could be others who are just like Talen here,” Lilia hypothesis. “Beings close enough to the ancient Elders to make use of their devices.”

While Lilia is concerned about this change in Talen, he at least seems to want to do the right thing. Still one must be careful when dealing with the unknown.

“Five others,” Talen reports. “I can tell you when and where, but beyond that I don't know anything. This was weeks ago. I don't know there is anything that can be done. Removing this change is a top priority.”

“I would agree,” Lilia states. “What was done to Argent and those like her was horrid. Being transformed into a member of the Hive even worse.”

“Not right now, no,” Talen agrees. “There are many I would turn off if I could as they are in dangerous places.”

“If you could turn off all the dangerous portals,” Lilia asks, “how many would be left?”

“We do have another option!” Talen calls out. “This portal is blocked, but we know where one is that is wide open. Back to the north! Tomorrow we take the Sunflower to the ruins to the north and I can use the portal on the top of the tall tower! I can see if I can remotely turn the others off and we can travel to Karn's Keep to let Sherwood and the others know the danger that they face!”

“Plus I really want to see what else I can do in an Elder City!” Talen adds excitedly. “What other wondrous things do they have that we can use?”

“That is an option,” Lilia hesitantly adds. She had been so focused on clearing out the Elfin Palace that she forgot about the artifact to the north.

“Yeah, that's what I want,” Talen says. “To keep these tools out of the wrong hands and to not hurt anyone.”

“That is a good and noble desire,” Lilia states in a pleased voice.

“Are there any of these Elder Artifacts in the Elfholds?” Andlin will ask Talen. “If there are and if they can be safely be used, they could bring more settlers and defenders to the Sylvan Realm in our time of need.”

“No, there aren't any in the Elfholds,” Talen reports.

“That is both a blessing and a curse,” Andlin notes. “It would have made travel to and from the Elfholds so much simpler, but now our homeland is free from direct attack by the Hive.”

“It is a good thing,” Lilia will decide. “The Elfholds are free of any sudden invasion.”

“What about portals near major cities?” Allurien will add. “Those could be a way to rapidly move supplies here.”

“Other than Gateway, I'm not sensing any,” Talen adds. “It's weird where they are located. There are some to the east of Cynalon and a few within, but most of the ones left are underwater. Many are missing and many more no longer work. Most of the ones that do work are not in places were people live or even can live.”

“That is peculiar,” Allurien will agree. “That does seem to suggest that the Elders lived so long ago that the even the land has changed significantly. They may be even older than the elves.”

“Having access to Gateway is a good thing,” Allurien continues. “A place where we can travel and trade and move visitors back and forth will be a boon for the Sylvan Realm. At least it is a friendly city as opposed to an enemy.”

“Yes,” Lilia speaks up. “It will be a good place to trade and a way for visitors to come north. This is an option we should pursue.”

“Another reason to get me up to the ruins as soon as possible,” Talen inserts. “So that I can see what I can do to stop the Hive and any others who are abusing this ancient artifact.”

“I have to be in contact with a portal before I can do anything to it,” Talen explains. “I can't sense the one that was buried. I think it's on a different 'web'. Yet another reason to go north as fast as possible!”

“The lad does bring up a good point,” Andlin speaks up. “Stopping the spread of the Hive must be a high priority. And not only for the elves, but for all living creatures.”

Lilia lets out a sigh. While her own plans are important, both Talen and Andlin make excellent points. Priorities and all that.

“Very well,” Lilia will finally relent. “We'll take the Sunflower north in the morning to the Elder Ruins. Talen can see what he can do with this Elder Devices. If it is safe, we'll use the portal to travel to Karn's Keep so that we can let those back in Cynalon know the danger that they face and of the opportunity for trade to the Sylvan Realm. This falls under my purview, therefore I must go along. Speaker Allurien can continue to lead the exploration of the Elfin Palace in our absence along with the priesthoods. Who is going on the Sunflower with me and Talen?”

Later Lilia will note that Gweyr seems to have a cooshee of her own now. “Have you picked a name for your new friend?” She'll inquire.

Lilia will turn in for the evening after a time. She'll rise around her normal time and do her morning devotions. Than she'll wish those going off to explore the Elfin Palace well while waiting for those traveling on the Sunflower to be ready. Ideally, we need at least one other mage to make the trip quick.

[Lia]

Lia

Talen wrote:“No, there aren't any in the Elfholds,” Talen reports.
“That is both a blessing and a curse,” Andlin notes. “It would have made travel to and from the Elfholds so much simpler, but now our homeland is free from direct attack by the Hive.”

Lia can’t help but wonder, “Is there any of these artifacts near where our enemies may dwell, such as the Fire Giants that were spoke of?”she asks curiously. “If they are it might be beneficial to know of it.”

Talen wrote:“Other than Gateway, I'm not sensing any,” Talen adds. “It's weird where they are located. There are some to the east of Cynalon and a few within, but most of the ones left are underwater. Many are missing and many more no longer work. Most of the ones that do work are not in places were people live or even can live.”

“If you were to see a map of the known lands, could you recall where they are?” She asks her brother curiously.”It would be interesting one, to know where they settled and two how they settled. Perhaps they built them on certain lands.Or there is a method in which they built their artifacts.”

“I'll help anyway I can,” Gweyr Autumnfire chimes in. The petite fire mage has a cooshee beside her. It's nearly as tall as she is! “My clan has a vested interest in the Mage School and would see it restored. What can we do to help?”

“Then you may need this, my friend.” She says stepping forward, her hands going to her neck and undoing the pendant given to her. “This will give you access to the Mage school. I would like to see what is held within but the need to see my brother safe through this is greater.”she says looking down at the redheaded elf, “I trust you understand.” She says simply holding out the pendant.

“So, theoretically, there could be others who are just like Talen here,” Lilia hypothesis. “Beings close enough to the ancient Elders to make use of their devices.”

“Whether good or evil…” the drow elf adds.

“Very well,” Lilia will finally relent. “We'll take the Sunflower north in the morning to the Elder Ruins. Talen can see what he can do with this Elder Devices. If it is safe, we'll use the portal to travel to Karn's Keep so that we can let those back in Cynalon know the danger that they face and of the opportunity for trade to the Sylvan Realm. This falls under my purview, therefore I must go along. Speaker Allurien can continue to lead the exploration of the Elfin Palace in our absence along with the priesthoods. Who is going on the Sunflower with me and Talen?”

“I will go with you. As much as I would like to see where the Darksong knights originated, The threat of the Hive is more important then a dream reborn.” She says simply,”Besides someone has to keep my rash brother out of trouble.”she says with a wink to Talen.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“That it was maybe her change into a drow that made Lia different enough that she couldn't hear it,” Talen says rhetorically. “The writing said that the young were called. Perhaps what they meant was that when an member of the Elder race was old enough, they were called. I had never been close to an Elder city before, therefore I wasn't called until I was. I was just saying that age may not be what is important here, but location.”

"We were all there, and it didn't affect any but you and that one elf from Chondra's expedition, so I don't think location really explains it. There must be something about you and him that is different from all of the rest of us. If not age, then I have no idea what that might be."

“So, theoretically, there could be others who are just like Talen here,” Lilia hypothesis. “Beings close enough to the ancient Elders to make use of their devices.”

"Clearly true, since that other elf in Chondra's band was also affected. I don't doubt that there are others somewhere. What I'm curious about is what that similarity is based on." Something that was stated earlier suddenly takes more emphasis in her mind. "Maybe the key component is mental, rather than physical. Something about how the person thinks, or an aspect of personality, or some other metaphysical marker. It would be interesting to know, though I'm not sure how we would go about researching it."

“We still have to have that talk,” Talen says with a grin. “You promised.”

Talen's comment catches by surprise, and it takes her a second to realize what he is talking about. So much has happened recently that it had slipped her mind. "So I did, Talen. And we will have that talk. I'm sorry that it has been so delayed." She really isn't sure how to approach the discussion, but she'll figure something out.


The conversation about the pillar artifacts continues.

“Five others,” Talen reports. “I can tell you when and where, but beyond that I don't know anything. This was weeks ago. I don't know there is anything that can be done. Removing this change is a top priority.”

"Five...?" Kylie's mouth tries to form coherent words for several moments and fails. "Oh... gods above. Those poor people..."

“Not right now, no,” Talen agrees. “There are many I would turn off if I could as they are in dangerous places.”

Kylie just nods, disappointed though not surprised that the idea isn't viable.

“We have four Argents accounted for,” Lilia states. “Three are back in Cynalon and one was drowned. That just leaves two others and it has to be the ones who appeared in the Hive controlled city. One obviously became the Hive Queen we buried in the ruins to the north. So what became of the last one? Another Hive Queen is a possibility. It depends if they have more than one or not. Unfortunately, we just don't know. I doubt any Hive member will just sit and answer our questions.”

Kylie's face settles into a pained grimace. "There seems little chance that the sixth Argent would have escaped the Hive. If she is not a Hive Queen, she is likely still one of the transformed."

“We do have another option!” Talen calls out. “This portal is blocked, but we know where one is that is wide open. Back to the north! Tomorrow we take the Sunflower to the ruins to the north and I can use the portal on the top of the tall tower! I can see if I can remotely turn the others off and we can travel to Karn's Keep to let Sherwood and the others know the danger that they face!”

"I think that is a very good idea, Talen," Kylie says with a supportive smile. "We may even be able to recruit some help at Karn's Keep. I suspect at that two of the Argents would like a shot at those who did this to them."

“Plus I really want to see what else I can do in an Elder City!” Talen adds excitedly. “What other wondrous things do they have that we can use?”

Kylie chuckles at Talen's boyish enthusiasm.

“I have never leaped before I looked,” Lilia will counter. “We elves tend to be more cautious. After all, it is harder to restore life to an elf than to a human or even half-elf.”

Lilia's comment causes one of Kylie's eyebrows to arch, but she doesn't point out the obvious. Their entire mission to save Mother Tree was one large leap in which they had no idea what they would find. Same can be said for their trip to Shillesta.

“Other than Gateway, I'm not sensing any,” Talen adds. “It's weird where they are located. There are some to the east of Cynalon and a few within, but most of the ones left are underwater. Many are missing and many more no longer work. Most of the ones that do work are not in places were people live or even can live.”

“That is peculiar,” Allurien will agree. “That does seem to suggest that the Elders lived so long ago that the even the land has changed significantly. They may be even older than the elves.”

Kylie considers the words of Talen and her mother for a moment. "Unfortunately, we understand very little about how the Elders thought or how their magic works. It seems like there may be some correlation between the size of the pillars and their range, though that is little more than speculation at this point. It is possible that the portals are positioned based on some fundamentals related to how they work that we don't comprehend yet."

“If you were to see a map of the known lands, could you recall where they are?” She asks her brother curiously. ”It would be interesting one, to know where they settled and two how they settled. Perhaps they built them on certain lands. Or there is a method in which they built their artifacts.”

Lia brings up an excellent idea. "A map of the locations could be useful in many ways. That seems like a valuable long-term project."

“Another reason to get me up to the ruins as soon as possible,” Talen inserts. “So that I can see what I can do to stop the Hive and any others who are abusing this ancient artifact.”

“The lad does bring up a good point,” Andlin speaks up. “Stopping the spread of the Hive must be a high priority. And not only for the elves, but for all living creatures.”

Her voice resolute, Kylie shifts her gaze from Andlin to Talen. "I concur, and I will support you in doing so any way that I can."

“Very well,” Lilia will finally relent. “We'll take the Sunflower north in the morning to the Elder Ruins. Talen can see what he can do with this Elder Devices. If it is safe, we'll use the portal to travel to Karn's Keep so that we can let those back in Cynalon know the danger that they face and of the opportunity for trade to the Sylvan Realm. This falls under my purview, therefore I must go along. Speaker Allurien can continue to lead the exploration of the Elfin Palace in our absence along with the priesthoods. Who is going on the Sunflower with me and Talen?”

“I will go with you. As much as I would like to see where the Darksong knights originated, The threat of the Hive is more important then a dream reborn.” She says simply,”Besides someone has to keep my rash brother out of trouble.”she says with a wink to Talen."

Kylie sighs softly. It is good to have this resolved, at least as far as deciding what to do with this information. "As will I. Cynalon is too much a part of my life, and I have to many friends and family there to not pursue this. Plus, I am the only other experienced pilot for the ship."

She turns and looks at Allurien. "I'm sorry, Mom, but this is something I have to do."

“I agree that there may be danger here, but the Elfin Palace is simply too large for us to explore on our own,” Lilia counters. “And as I said before, our time is limited. My thought was to have a different group of elves explore the lower level areas, such as the mage school and the guest quarters.”

Kylie nods as Lilia provides more information on what she was thinking. "If we can bring in more people to help, then that is a different matter."

“In a sense, yes, “ Lilia agrees. “Plus back in the day there were probably patrols of griffons flying overhead all the time. It was probably a very safe place. The Speaker's Residence is very nice. I would imagine that my area is similar to this one.”

"Good point," Kylie says in agreement.

“That's fine by me,” Allurien will say with a smile. “I thought the Clan Masters residence back in Feadiel has nice, but this... this is luxurious!”

Kylie enjoys the pleased expression on her mother's face. It is good to see her happy. "Yes, indeed it is..."


When she rises, Kylie adjusts her spell list to a more combat-focused selection. If they are going up against the Hive, she needs to be ready for a fierce battle. Afterwards, she packs enough food, water, clothing, and supplies to last her several days.

Discussion centers on the plan for today. Lilia proposes two other groups entering the palace from different directions, which should help in exploring the entire place quickly. The priesthoods of Corellon and the Triune Goddess, as well as Gweyr Autumnfire have already volunteered to participate, with Allurien leading and coordinating.

____________________________________________________________________________
It is fascinating in these games how sometimes things posted later but occurring earlier can effectively invalidate things that were posted earlier.

I was planning to play out the discussion with Talen, but this post just got too long.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Tisha Tunua is a brown haired elf wearing the style of garb that is typical for a ranger. “Well met, Laucian of Ehlonna,” Tisha will say. “Many of us belong to Clan Grunalf, so it is of special interest to help our kin find their way home. We followers of the Great Archer are already spread out among the clan. We will be here when needed.”

"I thank you, High Priestess." Laucian states. "it is my hope that we will reclaim our homeland as quickly and safely as possible."

“That I had not considered,” Elder Treelife will admit. “That the talking owls of myth were actually druids. That could explain a great many things.”

"In time we may learn the truth, though it is said myth is based loosely on facts." Laucian replies to the Elder.
Laucian thanks Sgt. Silversword when appropriate.

“We are uninjured,” Annelwin will report as she starts to settle down. “More of a shock than anything.”

Raising to his feet he will approach Annelwin as she steps up tot he fire and reports the shock of the spider attack.

“We had finished up our business at the Order Hall of the Silver Maidens,” Annelwin explains as she slips down from her unicorn. “Nine new Silver Maidens were brought into the fold, including Visara here.”
But when we appeared in the center of town, we found it to be infested with spiders!”

“Big spiders!” Visara chimes in gesturing wildly with her hands. “Cooshee size monsters!”

“They tried to swarm us, there were dozens of them,” Annelwin relates. “Our unicorns blinked us to safety and then we came looking for the clan and here we are.”
“Hello,” Visara says with a wave. The lady elf has dark colored hair and eyes. She wears the typical woodsman garb of Clan Grunalf. She joins everyone else by the fire.

"A silver lining to this dire news."Laucian states as he turns to Visara, "Congratulations upon your appointment to the Silver Maidens, Visara. I am sure you both will serve your order well."

"Thankfully you survived your ordeal! And the information that you given us we will not waste!"
“But that's not the worst of it!” Visara adds. “I thought I saw one spider that was even bigger than the others! As big as a griffon!”
"A queen or mother it would seem." Laucian states as he brings his hand up to his chin and ponders, 'Why did it have to be spiders.'
“It does my heart good to see the young rush to defend the clan,” Elder Atholan states. She is the other Clan Elder who made the trip with Treelife.

“We taught them well,” Elder Treelife states to his fellow elder. “The rest of the clan will stay here in Telsun while you are away on your mission. We would only be a hindrance to you.”
"With our clans and patrons blessings we will return victorious." Laucian says evenly as he looks to the others determined to take the fight to the spiders.

“So what's the plan of attack?” Annelwin will ask.

After several moments, Laucian looks to the others then to the Elder's then Back to Annelwin. "Fire."He says simply. "The Griffon riders will be of little use to use with the trees and the spider's webs. If we aprroach on foot with torches we can burn the webs as we go, limiting the spiders mobility and ablity to use them to attack from above.We will also need to watch from below as well.
"It will also allow us to move with purpose and to fight on ground of our choosing."“
Laucian will prepare for the coming day, checking his arrows and taking an inventory of what magic arrows he has left.( I don't recall how many arrows he has left of paralyzing, ice and fire.) He will also pray to Ehlonna for guidance and spells and spend time with his companions.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“This is intolerable!” Clan Master Argus rages. “Those who served the enemy are now using our home as their base!”

Like any good soldier, Onas keeps his comments to himself. However, inside, he feels the same bitter sting This is the home of generations of their ancestors; to have these craven bullies sullying their clan home is unbearable!

Unfortunately, the centaur have little further tactical information to share.

“We will travel back to Mealiel,” Clan Master Argus declares having calmed down. “As you say, we need to keep our people out of danger. As Clan Master, protecting our clan is my first duty.”

While he hates the idea of leaving the brigands in Walltree for another day, Argus has the right of it. "I agree, Clan Master," Onas says with a nod.

Arlen volunteers himself and Commander Valis to scout the situation and report back. "Take care, brother," Onas says, clasping hands with each in turn. "Valis, don't let him do anything too risky."

Elder Evenlance theorizes that Walltree will be less built up than Shieldtree, though of a similar layout. Onas finds this encouraging. "Good, at least we will be fighting on familiar ground, then."

Commander Valis and Elder Lunawind provide additional information, which Onas uses to update the plan formulating in his brain. Argus is correct that they need more information to finalize a plan, which Arlen and Valis should be able to obtain.

The return trip, though frustrating, proves to be uneventful. Hours pass as they await the return of the griffon-mounted scouts, causing Onas to fret over his brother's well-being. Arlen's inclination to risky and dangerous stunts is well-known, though so is his legendary luck. Hopefully, that luck has not yet run out.

They return around sunset, and both Arlen and Varis are well. Onas breathes a silent sigh of relief. Once dismounted, Arlen and Varis give their report. As Evenlance suspected, Walltree is a simpler, less developed version of Shieldtree. That makes things much easier. It also has its own griffon stables, which no doubt the Wyverns have heavily soiled, but make for obvious entry points.

“I saw at least nine wyverns in the camp,” Arlen continues. “Probably at least fifty humans as well. We'll have our work cut out for us.”

Onas nods in agreement. This will be a tough fight. They will need a solid strategy going in. "I'm guessing that the wyverns are too large for the griffon stables. Where in the compound are they keeping the beasts?"

Before anything else can be said, a commotion nearby gets the groups attention. Fayrianna has returned on top of her unicorn! But she is not alone as there are three other elf maidens with unicorns. The Silver Maidens have arrived!

“Hello, boys,” Fayrianna calls out in greeting, a pleased smile on her face. “Anything exciting happen while I was away? I thought you'd be further along towards Walltree by now.”

Spinning around, Onas cannot help but smile at the sight of Fayrianna accompanied by three other Silver Maidens. Welcome back! I see you brought some friends!"

Onas' smile fades a bit. "On the way south, we learned from some centaurs that Walltree has become infested with wyverns and their human riders. We're going to have to drive them out in order to take our clan home back."

____________________________________________________________________________
Would it be possible to get a quick sketch of Walltree, showing gates, griffon stables, and other notable fortifications? Thank you, Ken!

I added another question from Onas.

[Talen]

Talen:

“If you could turn off all the dangerous portals,” Lilia asks, “how many would be left?”

“A few dozen,” Talen reports. “A manageable amount.”

“That is both a blessing and a curse,” Andlin notes. “It would have made travel to and from the Elfholds so much simpler, but now our homeland is free from direct attack by the Hive.”

“It is a good thing,” Lilia will decide. “The Elfholds are free of any sudden invasion.”

Talen will simply nod in agreement. He's really only spent a day in the Elfholds, so its not home to him. Home to Talen is the Lost Valley and sadly there is not portal artifact in that area, so truly going home is not easy.

Lia can’t help but wonder, “Is there any of these artifacts near where our enemies may dwell, such as the Fire Giants that were spoken of?”s he asks curiously. “If they are it might be beneficial to know of it.”

“The humans to the east have one,” Talen says. “They are the ones who used it to appear in the palace. There is another to the southeast in a volcanic region. Maybe that's where the fire giants are from?”

“That is peculiar,” Allurien will agree. “That does seem to suggest that the Elders lived so long ago that the even the land has changed significantly. They may be even older than the elves.”

“That's a really good question,” Talen says. “The device has a recorded history of when it was used and where the user went. If I go back far enough, I might be able to find out when it was used regularly. That to me would be when the Elders were using it.”

“I see some activity over the last few years from the humans to the east. Then there is a long period of inactivity. Oh, these must be the ancient elves making use of the device some 15 thousand years ago. Before that there is some sporadic use. Then there is a very, very long period of not being used.”

“Okay, this is very weird,” Talen continues. “I found earlier that something happened twenty thousand years ago when half the portals vanished. But there was something else that happened so long ago that its almost hard to believe. I'm not sure how I can even describe this... It's like the entire portal network was used all at once and it couldn't take the strain. Some of the portals that no longer work were broken at that time. The records do not go back any further at this point and this portal did not see much use. I can only believe that this all happened after the Elders were gone. If that is true, than the Elders have been gone for something on the order of 65 million years!”

“Having access to Gateway is a good thing,” Allurien continues. “A place where we can travel and trade and move visitors back and forth will be a boon for the Sylvan Realm. At least it is a friendly city as opposed to an enemy.”

“Yes,” Lilia speaks up. “It will be a good place to trade and a way for visitors to come north. This is an option we should pursue.”

“And we half-elves can have a steady supply of real food!” Talen chimes in.

“If you were to see a map of the known lands, could you recall where they are?” She asks her brother curiously.”It would be interesting one, to know where they settled and two how they settled. Perhaps they built them on certain lands. Or there is a method in which they built their artifacts.”

Lia brings up an excellent idea. "A map of the locations could be useful in many ways. That seems like a valuable long-term project."

“Yeah, that's a good idea,” Talen agrees. “That map back at Karn's Keep could be helpful. The one that Sherwood used to show us where the Sylvan Realm was at.”

“The lad does bring up a good point,” Andlin speaks up. “Stopping the spread of the Hive must be a high priority. And not only for the elves, but for all living creatures.”

Her voice resolute, Kylie shifts her gaze from Andlin to Talen. "I concur, and I will support you in doing so any way that I can."

“Very well,” Lilia will finally relent. “We'll take the Sunflower north in the morning to the Elder Ruins. Talen can see what he can do with this Elder Devices. If it is safe, we'll use the portal to travel to Karn's Keep so that we can let those back in Cynalon know the danger that they face and of the opportunity for trade to the Sylvan Realm. This falls under my purview, therefore I must go along. Speaker Allurien can continue to lead the exploration of the Elfin Palace in our absence along with the priesthoods. Who is going on the Sunflower with me and Talen?”

“Thank you,” Talen will say gratefully. “It simply the right thing to do.”

“I will go with you. As much as I would like to see where the Darksong knights originated, The threat of the Hive is more important then a dream reborn.” She says simply,” Besides someone has to keep my rash brother out of trouble.” she says with a wink to Talen.

“Thanks, Lia.”

Kylie sighs softly. It is good to have this resolved, at least as far as deciding what to do with this information. "As will I. Cynalon is too much a part of my life, and I have to many friends and family there to not pursue this. Plus, I am the only other experienced pilot for the ship."

“A good reason to come along!” Talen says excitedly.


Later that night in Pinit, Talen is considering what to do while the others are relaxing. His mind is a whirl on the possibilities that now present him. He works up his courage and will locate Kylie.

“It's a nice night for a walk,” Talen will say trying to sound smooth but not really succeeding. “Want to take one?”

[GM Mad]

Here's a crude map for Walltree:

walltree.jpg (52.53 KiB) Viewed 9749 times

A thick wooden palisade surrounds the town. There are a total of four roads coming into town and they all meet at the center of town at the Open Market. There are guard towers on either side of the road where they pass through the town wall. More guard towers are spread out along the wall. The north east area of town is where the military training is done. The north west side is for manufacturing. Living quarters are to the south.

While there are four roads only the north and east ones are main roads. The other two are smaller trails. The GS are the locations of the griffon stables. The one on the bottom left is the highest one.

Wyverns are much larger than griffons and they won't fit into the griffon stables. A typical wyvern is around 35' long, while a griffon just 9'. Griffons are more horse sized while wyverns are much bigger beasts.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“A few dozen,” Talen reports. “A manageable amount.”

A look of surprise appears on Kylie's face. "That's not many at all, though I believe that is only out of the portal web that you can sense from here. Right?"

“The humans to the east have one,” Talen says. “They are the ones who used it to appear in the palace. There is another to the southeast in a volcanic region. Maybe that's where the fire giants are from?”

Kylie pauses to consider Talen's response. "That seems likely. As for the one to the east, could that be how Moorkroft got here?"

Talen spends some time reading into the history of the portal network. He senses some use of the portals about five millennia after many of the pillar artifacts were destroyed, which he suspects is from the time when the elves lived here in the Sylvan Realm previously. That seems to approximately line up with the history that they have heard from Lilia and other sources.

There was earlier damage to some of the pillars that was apparently due to massive overuse! "How could they have activated that many pillars at one time? It must have been some kind of intentional, coordinated action. But why?" Kylie cannot help wonder whether those that did so knew that it would have that effect, and what else they were attempting to accomplish.

"Wait. Did you say 65 million years ago...?" Kylie makes a soft whistling noise. "It's hard to even conceive a time that long ago, or what the world might have been like then." The thought boggles Kylie's mind as she tries to wrap her head around it.

“Yeah, that's a good idea,” Talen agrees. “That map back at Karn's Keep could be helpful. The one that Sherwood used to show us where the Sylvan Realm was at.”

"Good idea, Talen," Kylie affirms with a nod. "We can ask about it when we get there."

Including Andlin and Lia, it looks like they have at least five to start the mission with. Hopefully a few more will volunteer, and they may pick up a few along the way.


Later in the evening, Talen approaches as Kylie is trying to determine which spells she should memorize in the morning. He seems a bit nervous, but that is not so uncommon.

“It's a nice night for a walk,” Talen will say trying to sound smooth but not really succeeding. “Want to take one?”

Kylie looks up at her friend for a moment. "Sure, that sounds pleasant." Setting down her spell book and writing materials, she rises to her feet. She then slips her arm around his and steps forward, heading generally in the direction where she found the elven cats.

"How are you doing, Talen?" she asks, with just a hint of concern in her voice. "I suspect that this has been a very intense day for you. You discovered abilities that you never knew you had before."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The Spiders of Einsun:

December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Clan Grunalf has reached Telsun, a lesser village a days travel from Einsun, the Clan Hold. The Silver Maiden Annelwin has revealed that the Einsun is infested with giant spiders! Traveling with Annelwin is Visara, a new Silver Maiden that is also of Clan Grunalf.

"A silver lining to this dire news." Laucian states as he turns to Visara, "Congratulations upon your appointment to the Silver Maidens, Visara. I am sure you both will serve your order well.”

“Thank you,” Visara answers with a nod. “It is a great honor that I will strive to live up to.”

"Thankfully you survived your ordeal! And the information that you given us we will not waste!"

“No, it will not,” an approaching voice calls out forcefully. It is the Grunalf Clan Master, Triestar Silvarost who has just gotten wind of the spiders. He is quickly brought up to date on the situation.

"A queen or mother it would seem." Laucian states as he brings his hand up to his chin and ponders, ' Why did it have to be spiders?”

“We will deal with this threat like we always have,” the Clan Master answers. “Be it spiders, be it snakes, we will triumph in the end!”

"With our clans and patrons blessings we will return victorious." Laucian says evenly as he looks to the others determined to take the fight to the spiders.

“I should be able to find about forty archers among our clan to help with the attack,” Clan Master Silvarost will say. “Alas, we will have to travel on foot to reach the Clan Hold. But we can cover more ground without having to carry the supplies. We will supplement your efforts.”

After several moments, Laucian looks to the others then to the Elder's then Back to Annelwin. "Fire." He says simply. "The Griffon riders will be of little use to use with the trees and the spider's webs. If we approach on foot with torches we can burn the webs as we go, limiting the spiders mobility and ability to use them to attack from above. We will also need to watch from below as well.”

“That could work,” Annelwin chimes in. “Arrows from a safe distance is our best bet.”

“Provided we do not let ourselves be surrounded,” Tisha adds. “None of us could survive being attacked by a swarm of spiders of this size. Priests should pray for spells to counter poison during your morning meditations.

"It will also allow us to move with purpose and to fight on ground of our choosing."

“Take what griffons you need to make the journey to Einsun come the morning,” the Clan Master will say. “I will lead the archers down the road behind you. If you think you can put a dent in their numbers do so. As the Priestess says, don't let yourself be overrun.”

The rest of the night will pass uneventfully.


December 5th, CR 571 or Deepnight 27th, 20,519 AP

Morning comes and its time to move out! There are seven other griffons besides Aura present along with half a dozen cooshee's. Dorotha and Tisha both rode their own griffons along with the five novice griffon riders. A griffon can carry two or three riders, depending on their weight.


GM Notes:

Laucian will prepare for the coming day, checking his arrows and taking an inventory of what magic arrows he has left.( I don't recall how many arrows he has left of paralyzing, ice and fire.) He will also pray to Ehlonna for guidance and spells and spend time with his companions.

Laucian has six arrows of paralyzing left, eight arrows of Ice and seven arrows of fire. He has three Arrows of Dispelling left too.

Here is who is going on the mission to Einsun:

Golden Griffons – Laucian, Dorotha and the 5 novice Griffon Riders. The novices are Alandar, Thimion, Etrian, Shyael (f), and Merlara (f). They are all lower level than Laucian.

Silver Maidens – Annelwin (f), Visara (f)

Followers of Solonor – Tisha (f), Tanyl

Clan Master Silvarost will follow on foot with around 40 archers. They will be able travel at a faster pace and will reach Einsun before night fall, but nowhere near as fast as those on griffons or unicorns.

[GM Mad]

The Wyvern's of Walltree:

December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Centaurs from the Galelus Tribe were encountered on the road to Walltree. They warned that humans and wyverns had taken control of the Red Arrow Clan Hold! While Arlen Brightsword and Commander Valis fly griffons to scout Walltree, the rest of the Red Arrow Clan retraces their path back to Mealiel. While some of the clan can be counted on to fight, there are those who are either too young or too old to engage in battle.

Arlen volunteers himself and Commander Valis to scout the situation and report back. "Take care, brother," Onas says, clasping hands with each in turn. "Valis, don't let him do anything too risky."

“Me do something risky?” Arlen says in mock surprise. “Perish the thought!”

Commander Valis will just shake his head, but make no comment.

Elder Evenlance theorizes that Walltree will be less built up than Shieldtree, though of a similar layout. Onas finds this encouraging. "Good, at least we will be fighting on familiar ground, then."

“It's probably very similar in design, I would imagine,” Elder Evenlance continues. “If anything, I would say that Shieldtree was built taking what was learned from building Walltree and improved upon.”

Clan Red Arrow safely makes it back to Mealiel. The scouts return near dark and report what they found. At least nine of the giant wyverns are present with at least fifty humans. Arlen draws a crude map in the dirt with his sword.

“As I see it, the southern griffon stable is our way in,” Arlen reports. “If we wait until night fall and circle around and come in from the south, we should be able to land with much notice. Than we can move into town taking out the enemy as we go.”

“Assuming that Walltree is on the same scale as Shieldtree, we might be able to even land within the wall safely,” Clan Master Argus notes. “Shieldtree is home to over 2000 elves. A mere fifty humans cannot have eyes everywhere in a settlement of this size.”

Onas nods in agreement. This will be a tough fight. They will need a solid strategy going in. "I'm guessing that the wyverns are too large for the griffon stables. Where in the compound are they keeping the beasts?"

“The market area,” Commander Valis reports. “Its the only part of town open enough.”

While discussing plans of attack a commotion nearby attracts attention. The Silver Maiden Fayrianna has returned along with three other elf maidens on unicorns!

Spinning around, Onas cannot help but smile at the sight of Fayrianna accompanied by three other Silver Maidens. Welcome back! I see you brought some friends!"

“These are a few of the newest of the Silver Maidens,” Fayrianna will announce. They are Maylia, Umara, and Leandra. Leandra is of Clan Mealidil and we were escorting her here to her Clan Home. The rest of us had planned on continuing on to Walltree and we thought you'd be there by now.”

“So Clan Red Arrow is now the home of three Silver Maidens?” Clan Master Argus notes. “You ladies bring much honor and prestige to our clan.”

Onas' smile fades a bit. "On the way south, we learned from some centaurs that Walltree has become infested with wyverns and their human riders. We're going to have to drive them out in order to take our clan home back."

“I see,” Fayrianna states while the maidens with her exchange concerned words. “I suppose that it is fitting that Clan Red Arrow will need to fight for our Clan Hold. To the conflict to come! Needless to say, the Silver Maidens will answer the call to battle.”

“Excuse me,” Elora will shyly call out. Timidly the priestess will step forward. “I know that I am not of Clan Red Arrow, but I was the one who translated the human communications from the forts. From what I can tall, these humans were opposing Moorkroft and were planning to attack him. It seems to me that maybe they don't know that Moorkroft has been defeated. Has anyone thought to simply tell them that the job is already done and that they can go home?”

[GM Mad]

The Elfin Palace:

December 3rd, CR 571 or Deepnight 25th, 20,519 AP

Spurred on by a question asked by Speaker Allurien, Talen reviews the entire recorded history of this particular Pillar Artifact. What he finds is shocking! Sixty-five million years ago all of the Pillar Artifacts on Arret were activated at the same time. While the reason for this event happening are unknown, the results are. Many of the Pillar Artifacts were destroyed by this action as were the Elders themselves. Their civilization collapsed literally overnight.

For millions of years the Pillar Artifact sat untouched. Many others were destroyed due to seismic activity and other natural disasters. Others had the land around them change dramatically and those that were once on dry land were now underwater. A few uses were recorded here and there as the eons passed.

About twenty thousand years ago some unknown event happened and half of the reaming Pillar Artifacts simply vanished. What is peculiar is that it is also around twenty thousand years ago that the Elfin homeland began to freeze. It was this event that caused the elves to leave Evergreen and eventually resettle in the Sylvan Realm. Its roughly estimated that half the elves perished during this long trek and many of the old clans died out with them.

Around fifteen thousand years ago the elves discovered this particular Pillar Artifact. They built a magic research center around it and tested it for themselves, but in time abandoned it.

More recently, humans to the east have used it to reach the Elfin Palace. However, the defensive thorny growth prevented them from going any further. The action of using the portal device destroyed the thorny growth on the platform, but it would rapidly grow back, forcing the travelers to flee or die.

There has been much use in the Cynalon area as the Pillar Artifacts in the Frontier lands were discovered. Later the Hive altered the pillars to duplicate travelers and some were sent to the Elder City the Hive live in. These unfortunate souls were transformed into Hive to increase their numbers.

“That is astonishing,” is about all Allurien can think to say about this new information. “Many historians are going to want to talk to you Talen. This is information that no one knows about.”


Talen goes on to suggest that the Sunflower should return to the Elder Ruins to the north. There is a working Pillar Artifact up there and Lilia eventually agrees to the plan. Tomorrow, the Sunflower will be flown up the ruins so that Talen can use the Pillar Artifact. Assuming that can be safely used as he claims, it will be used to transport to Karn's Keep so that Cynalon can be made aware of the danger from the Hive. Lia, Kylie, and Andlin all agree to go with Lilia and Talen on this mission.

She turns and looks at Allurien. "I'm sorry, Mom, but this is something I have to do."

“I know,” Allurien will softly say. “Keep your father safe. We'll do what we can up here.”


With the onset of evening, the group returns to Pinit to relax before turning in for the night. Both the Priests of Angharradh and Corellon offer their assistance in exploring the Elfin Palace. Somewhere in its confines is the Temple to Corellon. Members of Clan Long Runner will help explore the mage school, as they are the magic orientated clan.

The fire mage Gweyr Autumnfire appears with a cooshee by her side.

Later Lilia will note that Gweyr seems to have a cooshee of her own now. “Have you picked a name for your new friend?” She'll inquire.

“I was thinking of calling her Blaze”, the petite elf offers.

“Then you may need this, my friend.” She says stepping forward, her hands going to her neck and undoing the pendant given to her. “This will give you access to the Mage school. I would like to see what is held within but the need to see my brother safe through this is greater.” she says looking down at the redheaded elf, “I trust you understand.” She says simply holding out the pendant.

“Thank you,” Gweyr will say with a bow. “What this about danger and traveling? Are you expecting to go into battle? If so, then I would like to come along as well. Battle magic is my specialty and it has been a long time since I've been able to cut loose.”


December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Morning comes and your goodbyes are said. Those going on the Sunflower board the ship and prepare to take off. The ropes holding the Sunflower to the dock are released and the ship is moved out onto the river. Kylie starts to have the Sunflower rise up and soon it clears the treetops. Lilia slowly turns the ship towards the northeast. Once facing the right direction, the Sunflower starts to accelerate to its top speed. Kylie continues to lift the ship all during the flight so that when the mountain peaks are reached, the Sunflower is high enough to clear them.

It takes about two hours of flight to make it back to the Mother Tree. From this high vantage point, everything seems normal down below. Nearly three hours later, the Sunflower crosses the mountains, but not in the vicinity of the Crimson Crest outpost. But the ruins of the Elder City of Shillesta can be seen. The tall tower stands out among the ruins and Lilia adjusts her course towards the structure.

Nearly seven hours after leaving Pinit, the Sunflower has reached the Tall Tower. The ship slows and is lowered along the the upper platform of the Tall Tower where the smaller of the Pillar Artifacts in the city were found. No orcs are noted in the area and none were seen down on the ground either. The area seems deserted as the gangplank is lower to the deck of the platform. You've arrived at your destination!

Now what?

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“Me do something risky?” Arlen says in mock surprise. “Perish the thought!”

Onas snorts. Arlen never changes.

Once Arlen and Valis return, there is much discussion of strategy for retaking Walltree. Arlen recommends approaching from the southwest and landing troops at the high griffon stables there. Argus suggests that they may even be able to land within the walls due to the size of the town and the small number of defenders. According to Valis, the wyverns are kept in the market area in the center of town, which is well away from the walls.

"If we fly everyone in, that will require four flights in and out by the griffons -- assuming two 'passengers' each. That will take time, and increase the chances of discovery," Onas says.

"Also, if we all attack from one direction as my brother suggested, that leaves us open to a coordinated response once we are discovered. Attacking from multiple directions would sow confusion and likely result in a quicker victory with minimum casualties."

Onas pauses to think for a second. "My recommendation would be two flights in, with three griffons going to the high stables and two to each of the others. The ones in the southwest would be responsible for opening the gate there to let myself and my Riders enter. The remaining elves would climb high into trees near the walls from which they can fire down into the town.

The return of Fayrianna causes a bit of a stir, at least partly because she has brought three new recruits with her - each mounted upon another unicorn!

“These are a few of the newest of the Silver Maidens,” Fayrianna will announce. "They are Maylia, Umara, and Leandra. Leandra is of Clan Mealidil and we were escorting her here to her Clan Home. The rest of us had planned on continuing on to Walltree and we thought you'd be there by now.”

Onas turns to the new recruits. "Congratulations to each of you on your acceptance into the Silver Maidens! That is quite an honor. It is a pleasure to meet you all." He will perform introductions as needed, particularly for Leandra as she may not know all of the Red Arrow leaders. Argus also greets the women, especially those of Clan Red Arrow.

Once the situation is explained, Fayrianna volunteers her team to help with the attack on Walltree.

“Excuse me,” Elora will shyly call out. Timidly the priestess will step forward. “I know that I am not of Clan Red Arrow, but I was the one who translated the human communications from the forts. From what I can tall, these humans were opposing Moorkroft and were planning to attack him. It seems to me that maybe they don't know that Moorkroft has been defeated. Has anyone thought to simply tell them that the job is already done and that they can go home?”

"Hmm..." Onas murmurs as he considers Elora's suggestion. "There is a possibility that will work, Elora. Of course, if it doesn't, then we have lost any element of surprise. Once the wyverns are in the air, they become much more of a threat.

"I am also concerned that the humans could potentially become a threat later if they return in greater numbers.

"Perhaps we could combine the strategies: We move our forces into place as stealthily as possible. Then the Riders and Silver Maidens approach one of the gates with a spokesman to negotiate their departure. If they agree to leave, fine. If not, that becomes the signal to attack. What say the rest of you?"

[Lia]

Lia
Lia listens to her brothers recount of history. Silently she tries to digest the history and the gravity of it all. She absently hears Allurien call it astonishing and thought she shares with the Speaker.
"Is this all that the Elders wish you to share with us?" she asks curiously. She realizes the magnitude of what has been said here today the history both horribile and real as it is.

“Thank you,” Gweyr will say with a bow. “What this about danger and traveling? Are you expecting to go into battle? If so, then I would like to come along as well. Battle magic is my specialty and it has been a long time since I've been able to cut loose.”

"You are welcome." Lia says easily bowing slightly in return. If your people find any evidence of the Darksong Knights, Please inform me of it." she says simply and hopefully. to the red headed fire mage.
"Expect the worst, pray for the best."she says to the fiery mage. "It seems Battle danger and traveling are to be expected these days." she says with a slight smirk as her hands rest upon the pommel of her sword and the other on her sword belt.
As the moon rises and the rain begins to fall, Lia walks out into the rain and begins to pray and dance to her patron. As she is done she dries off and changes she plays with Umbra and feeds him.
As the night comes Lia listens to the rain drops while absently petting Umbra whom lays by her side.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“No, it will not,” an approaching voice calls out forcefully. It is the Grunalf Clan Master, Triestar Silvarost who has just gotten wind of the spiders. He is quickly brought up to date on the situation.

"Clan Master Silvarost." he says with respect as he gets up. The others bring the Clan leader up on the situation.

“We will deal with this threat like we always have,” the Clan Master answers. “Be it spiders, be it snakes, we will triumph in the end!”

Laucian's hand absently goes to one of his daggers, the twisting coils of a serpent it's scales raised slightly upon the pommel. 'If our ancestors faced serpents and snakes, our generation will be spiders...

“I should be able to find about forty archers among our clan to help with the attack,” Clan Master Silvarost will say. “Alas, we will have to travel on foot to reach the Clan Hold. But we can cover more ground without having to carry the supplies. We will supplement your efforts.”

"Look for the big pile of dead spiders. We will meet you at the base." he says simply yet confidently.

“Provided we do not let ourselves be surrounded,” Tisha adds. “None of us could survive being attacked by a swarm of spiders of this size. Priests should pray for spells to counter poison during your morning meditations.

“Take what griffons you need to make the journey to Einsun come the morning,” the Clan Master will say. “I will lead the archers down the road behind you. If you think you can put a dent in their numbers do so. As the Priestess says, don't let yourself be overrun.”

A thought comes to his mind as he listens to the Elders and Priestess. "If we are to take the fight to them, Perhaps it would work if we attack some, then do a fighting retreat. If the spiders are enticed to come out of their webs and fight them where their webs are no more.
"We will do as you command, Clan Master." he says simply in regards to the griffons.
Golden Griffons – Laucian, Dorotha and the 5 novice Griffon Riders. The novices are Alandar, Thimion, Etrian, Shyael (f), and Merlara (f). They are all lower level than Laucian.
Laucian will sit with the novice Griffon riders and get to know them. He will also tell them what he knows of riding griffons as well as riding them into battle. "If you are to take to the air, be mindful of what is around you. The spiders will have webs that will ensnare you, holding you till the spiders come to feed upon you. If any of you have a ring of free action I suggest you put it on.
A thought comes to him as he says this, Perhaps he could ask Klovar if it was possible to make. "
As the rain begins to start, Laucian will make his way to his bedroll. he pets his cooshee's and Onyx. and explains to them what is to come tomorrow, hoping that they understand him. He hopes that none of them will be injuried but with all things they cannot be promised. "Do not go running off on your own."he says to them, "you may get trapped and be unable to move."
Taking a mental not of his inventory of arrows, Laucian makes ready for the morning and the coming day. When he awakes he will tell Aura the same of what is to come and to be mindful of webs if she takes to the air.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

The information that Talen is able to extract from the web of pillar artifacts is both astonishing and extensive. The history goes back 65 million years, and seems to explain the disappearance of the Elders.

“That is astonishing,” is about all Allurien can think to say about this new information. “Many historians are going to want to talk to you Talen. This is information that no one knows about.”

Though she hadn't thought of it herself, Kylie realizes that her mother is certainly right about this. She can almost picture how excited Elora would be to hear all that Talen has learned, and will likely learn in the future!

“I know,” Allurien will softly say. “Keep your father safe. We'll do what we can up here.”

Kylie smiles at her mother with a hint of concern. "Thank you for understanding, Mom." While it is the right thing to do, no doubt there will be plenty of danger as well. As always, there is no guarantee that she will return safely.


Shortly after dinner, Kylie goes to the Sunflower and casts spells into her bonded Spell Engine until it is full once again. She doesn't want to risk it running out at an inconvenient time or needing to use the following day's spells to restock its reserves.


Kylie goes to bed somewhat earlier than usual, knowing that she needs to make extensive changes to her spell repertoire in the morning. Snuggled up against Dapple's warm, furry bulk makes her feel secure and helps her sleep soundly despite her concerns about the coming days.

Rising, she dives into her spell-book, memorizing the spells that she chosen the previous evening before her romantic walk with Talen. Despite that experience, she's not really sure where this relationship will lead, but she's more certain than ever that it will be somewhere good.

After saying goodbye to her mother and the friends that are staying behind, Kylie and Dapple join Lilia on the Sunflower. Flying this wonderful ship is quickly becoming a practiced skill that she feels confidence in. She and Lilia function well as a team as their skill grows together. Before long, they are high in the air and moving at the ship's full speed, whizzing along above the elven forests below. There are occasional familiar landmarks, such as Mother Tree, but mostly they fly by dead reckoning.

It is well into the afternoon by time they reach the tall tower that serves as the primary landmark of Shillesta. Rather than land in the sea to the north where they found the ship, they fly right up to the top of the tower and 'dock' in mid-air! It is strange to think that the ship will hover here for as long as the power in the Spell Engine lasts. Kylie reaches out mentally to check how much is left and how long it is likely to last. Satisfied, she sets it to use just enough energy to remain hovering here.

It occurs to Kylie that it would be best to ensure that the ship doesn't drift off in their absence. "Andlin! Is there anywhere to tie off the ship?" she calls out as she floats down from the crow's nest. Of course, if worse comes to worst, she can fly to the ship as long as it is within sight and then pilot it back.

____________________________________________________________________________
Out of curiosity, just how long can the Sunflower hover in place starting with a full power reserve?

[Talen]

Talen:

A look of surprise appears on Kylie's face. "That's not many at all, though I believe that is only out of the portal web that you can sense from here. Right?"

“That's right,” Talen answers. “The other sized pillars are not part of this web.”

There was earlier damage to some of the pillars that was apparently due to massive overuse! "How could they have activated that many pillars at one time? It must have been some kind of intentional, coordinated action. But why?" Kylie cannot help wonder whether those that did so knew that it would have that effect, and what else they were attempting to accomplish.

“I have no idea,” Talen says in awe. “It's not going to be easy to use one of them and they used all of them! I can only assume that it was some sort of mass teleportation. That's what they do after all. Perhaps the Elders didn't just die out, they just left.”

"Wait. Did you say 65 million years ago...?" Kylie makes a soft whistling noise. "It's hard to even conceive a time that long ago, or what the world might have been like then." The thought boggles Kylie's mind as she tries to wrap her head around it.

“That's what its telling me,” Talen says.

“That is astonishing,” is about all Allurien can think to say about this new information. “Many historians are going to want to talk to you Talen. This is information that no one knows about.”

“Yeah, I guess,” Talen slowly agrees.

"Is this all that the Elders wish you to share with us?" she asks curiously. She realizes the magnitude of what has been said here today the history both horrible and real as it is.

“Share with us?” Talen repeats. “No idea. This is all that this one artifact can tell me. I am sure there are more secrets to be revealed once we get up north.”


Later on we return to the elfin town across from the palace to relax for the evening. Talen visits Kylie and asks her to take a walk with him.

Kylie looks up at her friend for a moment. "Sure, that sounds pleasant." Setting down her spell book and writing materials, she rises to her feet. She then slips her arm around his and steps forward, heading generally in the direction where she found the elven cats.

Talen is pleased that Kylie agrees to go along and is a bit surprised when she wraps her arm around his, but is not opposed to it.

"How are you doing, Talen?" she asks, with just a hint of concern in her voice. "I suspect that this has been a very intense day for you. You discovered abilities that you never knew you had before."

“Me? I feel good,” Talen admits. “I was worried about what this stuff that was put into my head would do, but so far its just being able to use the tools of the Elders. And when you think about it, that's pretty cool.”

The pair walk for a time and engage in small talk. A few elfin cats are noted during the walk, but they mostly want to do their own thing.

“I don't know where this is all going to lead,” Talen will unexpectedly blurt out, “But I would be happy to have you come with me.” Talen looks surprised for a moment and then he realizes just how vague what he just said sounds. “I mean where all this stuff with the Elders going to be take me. I mean-- I guess-- I'm now sort of the caretaker, the guardian of what remains of their civilization. I guess that's a pretty big deal. And I... I'd like to have you share that with me.”


The next day, Talen is pacing on the deck of the Sunflower. More than a few times he's asking if the ship can go any faster which he knows it cannot. Once we clear the mountains, the remains of Shelvestra can be seen off in the distance on the land below. It still takes many hours to reach it.

Once close enough, Talen rushes to the bow of the ship to take it all in. He starts to laugh as they get closer.

“Can you hear it?” Talen calls out. “It's like its singing! This city, even in ruins, its like its alive! There's a presence here. It feels like I've come home.”

The Sunflower glides in closer and closer until it settles in next to the platform at the top of the tall tower. Lia uses her enhanced strength lower the gangplank. Once its down Talen is down it in a flash. He stands there drinking in everything the city has to offer him.

“It's just waiting to be told what to do,” Talen continues. “What shapes to take, what instructions to carry out. It's like a puppy, full of energy, and no way to expend it. There are some orcs still here, but not that many. They are further away from the Tall Tower. Can't blame me for not wanting to be around here after what happened.”

Realizing that we can here for a particular reason, Talen steps up to the Pillar Artifact on the roof. He moves to the center of the platform and closes his eyes.

“I have full control over this platform,” Talen reports. “I can use it to take us to Karn's Keep with just a thought. I'm shutting down all the other Pillar Artifacts except for this one and the one in Karn's Keep. We can go at any time. Shall we?”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“A few dozen,” Talen reports. “A manageable amount.”

A look of surprise appears on Kylie's face. "That's not many at all, though I believe that is only out of the portal web that you can sense from here. Right?"

“That's right,” Talen answers. “The other sized pillars are not part of this web.”

“A very manageable amount indeed,” Lilia will agree. “And a few more options for exploration somewhere down the line.”

Talen then reviews the past history of portal device and finds the records 'only' go back 65 million years! It was at this time that all the pillar artifacts were activated at the same time. Many were broken from this attempt, but many still survived all these years.

“That is astonishing,” is about all Allurien can think to say about this new information. “Many historians are going to want to talk to you Talen. This is information that no one knows about.”

“I'm counting on it,” Lilia will state. “It will be a reason for those nations who value knowledge over war to befriend the Sylvan Realm so they can research the knowledge of the Elders.”

“I have no idea,” Talen says in awe. “It's not going to be easy to use one of them and they used all of them! I can only assume that it was some sort of mass teleportation. That's what they do after all. Perhaps the Elders didn't just die out, they just left.”

“It's not an unreasonable hypothesis,” Lilia will agree. “But if they were used in the manner for which they were made, why did so many of them break?”

“Thank you,” Talen will say gratefully. “It simply the right thing to do.”

“That it is,” Lilia will say with a smile.

“I will go with you. As much as I would like to see where the Darksong knights originated, The threat of the Hive is more important then a dream reborn.” She says simply,”Besides someone has to keep my rash brother out of trouble.” she says with a wink to Talen.

Kylie sighs softly. It is good to have this resolved, at least as far as deciding what to do with this information. "As will I. Cynalon is too much a part of my life, and I have to many friends and family there to not pursue this. Plus, I am the only other experienced pilot for the ship.

And so Lia and Kylie are along for the expedition.

“I for see this as being a mission to warn those in Cynalon of the danger that they face,” Lilia will comment. “I am sure that they will want to help in this endeavor and gathering their forces will take time. If Talen can hedge them in when we reach the ruins, the Hive will be trapped there until we can arrive. Plus this will be an excellent opportunity to fly the Sunflower back to Cynalon to become accustomed to making long distance voyages. We will not be going into battle tomorrow, but it will come very soon.”

“I was thinking of calling her Blaze”, the petite elf offers.

“An appropriate name,” Lilia will say with a laugh.

“Thank you,” Gweyr will say with a bow. “What this about danger and traveling? Are you expecting to go into battle? If so, then I would like to come along as well. Battle magic is my specialty and it has been a long time since I've been able to cut loose.”

“I am sure that your fire magic would be a very useful against the Hive,” Lilia will agree. “They all deserve to be reduced to ash. Very well, join us on the Sunflower in the morning. We are going to be taking a trip.”

After another moment's thought, Lilia adds, “And bring a few extra mages who wish to learn how to use the Spell Engines on the Sunflower tomorrow. We'll need others to take control of the Engines while we are away from the ship. This will be an excellent opportunity for them to learn.”

With plans and amendments to plans falling into place, Lilia will turn in for the evening and prepare for the day to come. Lady stays by Lilia's side throughout the night.

Morning comes and Lilia and Lady are ready to go. The Spell Engines are powered up and the lines holding the Sunflower to the dock are removed. Lilia will explain how the process works to the Long Runner mages who made the trip with Gweyr. She'll have the fire mage take control of the third Spell Engine. Soon we are on our way and heading back to the north. By afternoon we reach our destination which was not soon enough for Talen who is impatient all trip.

Once close enough, Talen rushes to the bow of the ship to take it all in. He starts to laugh as they get closer.

“Can you hear it?” Talen calls out. “It's like its singing! This city, even in ruins, its like its alive! There's a presence here. It feels like I've come home.”

“No, I cannot,” Lilia will slowly state, concern growing in her. Was it a mistake to bring him here? “Is it talking to you? If so, what is it saying?”

“It's just waiting to be told what to do,” Talen continues. “What shapes to take, what instructions to carry out. It's like a puppy, full of energy, and no way to expend it. There are some orcs still here, but not that many. They are further away from the Tall Tower. Can't blame me for not wanting to be around here after what happened.”

“Can you sense any Hive in the area?” Lilia will ask. “Any other beings here besides the few orcs?”

Realizing that we can here for a particular reason, Talen steps up to the Pillar Artifact on the roof. He moves to the center of the platform and closes his eyes.

“I have full control over this platform,” Talen reports. “I can use it to take us to Karn's Keep with just a thought. I'm shutting down all the other Pillar Artifacts except for this one and the one in Karn's Keep. We can go at any time. Shall we?”

Lilia and Lady follows Talen down the gangplank, but keeps their distance. “You mentioned shutting down the ones that were in dangerous place, such as underwater,” Lilia will say. “Are you saying you turned those off and also all other ones except for the two we are about to use?”

Lilia goes back up the gangplank to speak to Gweyr. “You're in command of the Sunflower while we are away. We have no idea if there is a range to how close you have to be to a Spell Engine to still be bonded with it. Therefore, you'll be taking over the lift function while Kylie is back in Cynalon. This may not be necessary, but I'd rather not risk the ship falling from the sky from our carelessness. Do not hesitate to fly off if danger heads your way. Keep the Sunflower safe. We should only be gone a few hours.”

Turning to the rest of her companions, Lilia will say, “Ready for a new kind of travel?” as she gestures towards the Pillar Artifact and Talen. Lilia and Lady will join Talen on the platform.

[Lia]

Lia

“I have no idea,” Talen says in awe. “It's not going to be easy to use one of them and they used all of them! I can only assume that it was some sort of mass teleportation. That's what they do after all. Perhaps the Elders didn't just die out, they just left.”

“Perhaps they had to leave.” Lia says thinking about what was said about the lands changing. “Granted many lifetimes have passed since the mass use of the Artifacts, but the relics are no longer usable due to lava or being underwater. Perhaps the lands were unhappy and rejecting them, making it unable to live here anymore?” she asks naively.

“Share with us?” Talen repeats. “No idea. This is all that this one artifact can tell me. I am sure there are more secrets to be revealed once we get up north.”

“Perhaps share would be the wrong word, you discovered?” she corrects herself.

Once close enough, Talen rushes to the bow of the ship to take it all in. He starts to laugh as they get closer.

“Can you hear it?” Talen calls out. “It's like its singing! This city, even in ruins, its like its alive! There's a presence here. It feels like I've come home.”

Lia watches as her brother runs about like a child with a new carved toy. A smile etches across her face. She walks up to where her brother is calling out that there is singing and it is alive. A presence is here.
“Careful brother.” Lia cautions. ‘While you are touched by these elders be mindful. We do not know if these Elders are friend or foe. Nor what was left behind.”

“It's just waiting to be told what to do,” Talen continues. “What shapes to take, what instructions to carry out. It's like a puppy, full of energy, and no way to expend it. There are some orcs still here, but not that many. They are further away from the Tall Tower. Can't blame me for not wanting to be around here after what happened.”

“What do you mean be told what to do? What instructions to carry out? Are you telling us this is sentient or aware? If it can tell of orcs, what of other creatures? What of the members o the Hive?” she asks.
As Talen moves to the pillars, Lia walks close to Lilia, “I am weary, my queen.” She says softly. “He is excited at the possibilities but goes forth unquestioning. We need to be cautious of this.” Lia says concerned.

“I have full control over this platform,” Talen reports. “I can use it to take us to Karn's Keep with just a thought. I'm shutting down all the other Pillar Artifacts except for this one and the one in Karn's Keep. We can go at any time. Shall we?”

“Can you shut the Karn’s Keep portal down upon our arrival?” she asks curiously.

Turning to the rest of her companions, Lilia will say, “Ready for a new kind of travel?” as she gestures towards the Pillar Artifact and Talen. Lilia and Lady will join Talen on the platform.

“As ready as I am able.”Lia says raising her cowl above her head so that her eyes are covered. “Perhaps it best If I am toward the back of the group. I do not wish to alarm those on the other side.”Lia states her eyes looking to the queen, the sound of her sword unsheathing is heard. And she stands ready for whatever comes.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The Spiders of Einsun:

December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

Thanks to the warnings of the Silver Maidens Annelwin and Visara, Clan Grunalf now knows that their clan hold is infested with spiders! Plans are being made to deal with these invaders.

Laucian's hand absently goes to one of his daggers, the twisting coils of a serpent it's scales raised slightly upon the pommel. 'If our ancestors faced serpents and snakes, our generation will be spiders...”

“Aye,” the Clan Master nods in agreement. “Although I don't think it good policy to incorporate spiders into our weapons. Leave that to the dark elves!”

“Spiders may have been an issue back when Clan Grunalf first settled in the Sylvan Realm,” Elder Treelife will offer. “Although they could be new to the area, relatively speaking. Without access to any historical records we have no way of knowing for sure.”

“Look for the big pile of dead spiders. We will meet you at the base." he says simply yet confidently.

“Just don't become part of that pile,” the Clan Master cautions.

A thought comes to his mind as he listens to the Elders and Priestess. "If we are to take the fight to them, Perhaps it would work if we attack some, then do a fighting retreat. If the spiders are enticed to come out of their webs and fight them where their webs are no more.”

“That could work,” Tisha agrees. “Lure them out into kill zones of our choosing. Having the archers with us by that time will make the job easier. Lure them out, fill them with arrows, repeat. We can also light arrows on fire and use them to start the webs burning. That will make them move as well.”

“I like it!” Annelwin will praise.

“While spiders are not as intelligent as we understand it, they are cunning and aggressive hunters,” Tisha continues. “Those traits can be used against them.”

General plans are discussed for awhile, but any specifics will have to wait until Einsun is reached.

“We'll scout the area once we get close enough to Einsun,” Dorotha will say. “That will give us a better idea just what we face and how we can counter it.”

Everyone settles in for the night.

Laucian will sit with the novice Griffon riders and get to know them. He will also tell them what he knows of riding griffons as well as riding them into battle. "If you are to take to the air, be mindful of what is around you. The spiders will have webs that will ensnare you, holding you till the spiders come to feed upon you. If any of you have a ring of free action I suggest you put it on.”

Most of the novice riders had dreams of becoming rangers when they were younger, but were unable to do so. So most became scouts, much like Dorotha instead. (Basically rogues instead of rangers.) All five have had the traditional Grunalf training with the bow and are fighters. The two ladies are mages as well. All are a bit nervous as they have never done something like this before for the clan.

Laucian spends some time with his animal companions before turning in. There are plenty of places to camp indoors to get out of the rain.


December 5th, CR 571 or Deepnight 27th, 20,519 AP

Morning comes and the defenders of Clan Grunalf are off. Laucian says goodbye to Elder Treelife and hands him Onyx to keep the cat safe during this mission. The griffons are mounted up, as are the unicorns, and the riders are off. Tanyl rides with Tisha.

The griffons soar above the road to Einsun, but below the trees down a natural dark tunnel. The unicorns gallop along below. The griffons are a bit faster so every so often the unicorns will 'blink' a head to catch up.

As the time passes, Tisha will move her griffon closer to Laucian's. “I've heard tales of your prowess with the bow, Clansman,” Tisha will call out. “I look forward to seeing it in action.”

Hours into the trip, Annelwin's unicorn will skid to a stop. “We are close!” Annelwin calls out. “Rainbow senses that the enemy is near!”

At this point, the travelers come to a stop. The griffon riders make their way above the treeline and start to scout the area. To the untrained eye, much of what lies below is simple forest with clearings here and there. But to an elf, a whole town can be seen.

Einsun is much like a traditional elfin town. The center of town has an open market area to it. Several small streams pass through the town and multiple bridges were built to span them. Pockets of the town are buried in thick spider webbing, while others have little to no webbing at all.

Spiders can be seen moving down around there. As the Silver Maidens indicated, most of the spiders that can be seen are huge! The most common of these spiders are about the size of a normal dog, around 2' in diameter. It was this kind of spiders that tried to swarm the Silver Maidens when they appeared in town. These spiders move in packs and will swarm over their enemies.

Much larger spiders can be seen here and there. Thankfully they are few and far in between. These spiders are griffon sized, measuring around 10' in diameter! These beasts seem to favor the areas with the thickest amount of webbing.

More ominously, many white globe-like things can be seen in the area. Spider eggs perhaps? Near them are larger spider web covered sacks that are vaguely people sized and larger. Some of these cocoons move slightly as if whatever is inside is trying to get out but cannot.

The riders regroup on the road outside of Einsun with the Silver Maidens.

“They seem to be divided up into nests,” Tisha reports. “A large mother spider and her smaller offspring. The plan to lure them out and fill them with arrows plan seems our best bet to me. Shall we begin?”

[GM Mad]

The Wyvern's of Walltree:

December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

At Mealiel Clan Red Arrow is faced with a similar problem. Their clan hold is being used as a base of operations from for the humans and their wyvern mounts who used to serve Moorkroft! According to intelligence gathered from the fallen forts, these humans were tired of serving Moorkroft and were looking for ways to deal with him.

Arlen Brightsword and Commander Valis of the Golden Griffons scouted out Walltree from their griffons. They returned to report their findings.

"If we fly everyone in, that will require four flights in and out by the griffons -- assuming two 'passengers' each. That will take time, and increase the chances of discovery," Onas says.

“Given the size of the town and how many enemies are within it, we could use ropes and just climb over the wall in an out of the way location,” Elder Evenlance suggests. “Get a large force within their walls before they realize it. That should be less noticeable than griffons flying overhead.”

"Also, if we all attack from one direction as my brother suggested, that leaves us open to a coordinated response once we are discovered. Attacking from multiple directions would sow confusion and likely result in a quicker victory with minimum casualties."

“I never said anything about attacking from one direction, brother,” Arlen states. “Just using that one griffon stable as the entry point. Once on the ground we split up into two or even three groups and launch a pronged attack against the enemy.”

Onas pauses to think for a second. "My recommendation would be two flights in, with three griffons going to the high stables and two to each of the others. The ones in the southwest would be responsible for opening the gate there to let myself and my Riders enter. The remaining elves would climb high into trees near the walls from which they can fire down into the town.”

“A solid plan,” Clan Master Argus will agree. “If the humans are on foot than the elfin cavalry should run through them pretty easily.”

Commander Niles comes up as the group makes its plans. He is a priest and ranger in the service of Solonor.

“Did I hear you say wyverns?” Commander Niles calls out. “Nasty creatures they are. They are aggressive and stupid in battle, always on the attack. Thus they can be lured into traps easily. They prefer to fight from the air where they have the advantage. There is a stinger at the end of their tail that is poisonous. This poison is lethal.”

“Good to know,” Commander Valis says. “Given that Mealiel faces the threat of manticores, I think we should leave the forces protecting this clan hold here. It would be poor form to gain one clan hold while letting another fall due to lack of defense.”

The return of Fayrianna causes a bit of a stir, at least partly because she has brought three new recruits with her - each mounted upon a unicorn!

Onas turns to the new recruits. "Congratulations to each of you on your acceptance into the Silver Maidens! That is quite an honor. It is a pleasure to meet you all." He will perform introductions as needed, particularly for Leandra as she may not know all of the Red Arrow leaders. Argus also greets the women, especially those of Clan Red Arrow.

The new Silver Maidens will nod in response. Maylia is in plate armor, much like Fayrianna suggesting that she is a warrior. Umara wears elfin chain mail, something that those who can fight and cast mage spells typically wear for protection. Lastly Leandra wears normal elfin clothing. All four of the Silver Maidens wear the tabard of their order.

The strategies discussed before the Silver Maiden's arrival are gone over again.

“We Silver Maiden's can get past the wall easily enough,” Fayrianna calls out. “Our unicorns can just blink through them. That will put us inside where we can cause plenty of chaos.”

“Further scouting would help,” Commander Niles adds. “Slip inside, identify targets and where they are at. Seeing if they have any traps in place and so on. Charging in blindly is usually a recipe for disaster.”

Elora, the Priestess of Labelas Enoreth approaches with a suggestion of her own. Simply asking the humans to leave as Moorkroft as already been dealt with.

"Hmm..." Onas murmurs as he considers Elora's suggestion. "There is a possibility that will work, Elora. Of course, if it doesn't, then we have lost any element of surprise. Once the wyverns are in the air, they become much more of a threat.”

“Yes, you want to keep those wyverns on the ground,” Commander Niles notes.

"I am also concerned that the humans could potentially become a threat later if they return in greater numbers.”

“The priestess does present us with much to consider,” Clan Master Argus notes. “Are these humans really our enemies? If what she says is true, they think they are moving against a foe that no longer exists. Our simply attacking them would ensure that they will remain our enemies and that their kin might respond in kind in the future. The Sylvan Realm needs time to grow, not to be plunged into a war so quickly.”

"Perhaps we could combine the strategies: We move our forces into place as stealthily as possible. Then the Riders and Silver Maidens approach one of the gates with a spokesman to negotiate their departure. If they agree to leave, fine. If not, that becomes the signal to attack. What say the rest of you?"

“Good suggestions all around,” Clan Master Argus states. “I think we have our plan in place. Tomorrow we begin our march to Walltree. The griffon riders can fly ahead and drop elves off at the griffon stables. Use the tall one as Arlen suggested. They can go forth to scout Walltree and identify enemy locations. Then we will regroup outside of Walltree and pick our targets.”

“The foot soldiers will be able to move at a faster pace without the supplies and the others to slow them down. Still, it will take much of the day to make the trip. Once there, they can either conceal themselves outside or if we have an easy way in enter Walltree.”

“The Forest Riders will approach the gates, while the Silver Maiden blink inside as Fayrianna suggested. The scouts inserted earlier can move into positions to attack. They can take out any guards in the towers and raise the gate.”

“I will be with the Forest Riders and I will speak to these humans,” the Clan Master continues. “Try to get them to realize that the elves have returned and the Moorkroft is no more. I will give them the chance to settle this matter peacefully. Should they refuse, then all bets are off. Are we in agreement?”

What remains of the evening is spent in preparation for the day and the battle to come.


December 5th, CR 571 or Deepnight 27th, 20,519 AP

Morning arrives without incident. The seven griffon riders take flight with one passenger each. They are heading off on their mission to infiltrate and scout Walltree to determine where the humans have gathered. The Forest Riders and the Silver Maidens ride with the nearly sixty ground troops. This unit keeps a brisk pace and should reach Walltree by mid-afternoon.

[GM Mad]

Back to Shillesta:

December 3rd, CR 571 or Deepnight 25th, 20,519 AP

“I'm counting on it,” Lilia will state. “It will be a reason for those nations who value knowledge over war to befriend the Sylvan Realm so they can research the knowledge of the Elders.”

“I can see the advantage of that,” Allurien will state. “You've put a great deal of thought into this.”

Once back in Pinit, Lia gives Gweyr her pendant for the mage school part of the Elfin Palace.

"You are welcome." Lia says easily bowing slightly in return. If your people find any evidence of the Darksong Knights, Please inform me of it." she says simply and hopefully to the red headed fire mage.

“Darksong Knights?” Gweyr will question, but quickly comes to realize what Lia means. “Were there really drow such as yourself in the Sylvan Realm before? I had no idea.”

"Expect the worst, pray for the best." she says to the fiery mage. "It seems Battle danger and traveling are to be expected these days." she says with a slight smirk as her hands rest upon the pommel of her sword and the other on her sword belt.

“Wise words, priestess” Gweyr will agree.

“I am sure that your fire magic would be a very useful against the Hive,” Lilia will agree. “They all deserve to be reduced to ash. Very well, join us on the Sunflower in the morning. We are going to be taking a trip.”

“Wonderful!” Gweyr calls out in excitement. “This is going to be so much fun!”

After another moment's thought, Lilia adds, “And bring a few extra mages who wish to learn how to use the Spell Engines on the Sunflower tomorrow. We'll need others to take control of the Engines while we are away from the ship. This will be an excellent opportunity for them to learn.”

“Will do!” Gweyr calls out as she dashes off to gather recruits for tomorrows mission.

As the moon rises and the rain begins to fall, Lia walks out into the rain and begins to pray and dance to her patron. As she is done she dries off and changes she plays with Umbra and feeds him. As the night comes Lia listens to the rain drops while absently petting Umbra whom lays by her side.

Umbra watches as Lia goes through her ritual, his head cocked out of curiosity as if trying to figure out what she is doing.


December 4th, CR 571 or Deepnight 26th, 20,519 AP

The next morning Gweyr returns with two other mages in tow. They are both male elves and go by the names of Zinren and Addan. Lilia has Gweyr take control of the third Spell Engine while showing the new mages how the process works. Andlin arrives along with several guards he gathered from Pinit.

The trip back to the ruins of Shillesta takes nearly seven hours. The Sunflower slows and 'docks' next to the high platform near the top of the Tall Tower where the elder artifact was found.

It occurs to Kylie that it would be best to ensure that the ship doesn't drift off in their absence. "Andlin! Is there anywhere to tie off the ship?" she calls out as she floats down from the crow's nest. Of course, if worse comes to worst, she can fly to the ship as long as it is within sight and then pilot it back.

“We can always tie the lines off to the tower,” the warrior elf will call back. “Just like at a normal dock.” At Andlin's direction, the guards work on this task while Talen goes to check out the artifact. He pronounces it ready to use.

Lilia goes back up the gangplank to speak to Gweyr. “You're in command of the Sunflower while we are away. We have no idea if there is a range to how close you have to be to a Spell Engine to still be bonded with it. Therefore, you'll be taking over the lift function while Kylie is back in Cynalon. This may not be necessary, but I'd rather not risk the ship falling from the sky from our carelessness. Do not hesitate to fly off if danger heads your way. Keep the Sunflower safe. We should only be gone a few hours.”

“Yes, your majesty!” Gweyr calls out, her excitement of just coming along having yet to abate. “Just don't start any fights without me!”


Talen concentrates and peals of lightning start to emerge from the six pillars and strike the center of the platform. The power grows and a hole appears in mid-air.

“Follow me,” Talen calls out as he fearlessly passes through the portal.

Lilia, Lady and Andlin follow with Kylie and Lia behind them.

The experience is not unlike teleporting. One moment you are on top of the Tall Tower, the next you are deep underground. This pillar artifact is located in a huge chamber without any outside light. The entire room is so large that you cannot see any of the walls!

“What is this place?” Andlin wonders as he draws his sword.

Those who have been to Karn's Keep before cannot recall seeing anything like this when they were there!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Out of curiosity, just how long can the Sunflower hover in place starting with a full power reserve?

If the Spell Engine's of the Sunflower are fully charged, they can put out maximum power for 100 hours. I don't believe the lift function requires all of its power, so it will last even longer. However, as noted before, just how far away you can be and still control the Spell Engine is an issue. That's why Lilia is transferring the lift function to Gweyr so the Sunflower doesn't crash when Kylie went back to Karn's Keep.

Did Kylie or Lia bring their cooshee's along?

Now what?

[Lia]

Lia

Lia would like to bring Umbra with her. Whethr or not the cooshee will follow is another story =)

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“Given the size of the town and how many enemies are within it, we could use ropes and just climb over the wall in an out of the way location,” Elder Evenlance suggests. “Get a large force within their walls before they realize it. That should be less noticeable than griffons flying overhead.”

"As long as the walls are not being regularly patrolled, which is unlikely considering their numbers and the size of the town, that should be feasible," Onas says.

“I never said anything about attacking from one direction, brother,” Arlen states. “Just using that one griffon stable as the entry point. Once on the ground we split up into two or even three groups and launch a pronged attack against the enemy.”

To Onas' mind, one entry point is attacking from one direction. However, he doesn't see any point in debating the issue with his brother.

Argus provides some support for Onas' recommendation, which he appreciates. Niles provides some information on wyverns, at least some of which Onas already knew and plans to use in his requests for blessings from Angharrach in the morning.

“Good to know,” Commander Valis says. “Given that Mealiel faces the threat of manticores, I think we should leave the forces protecting this clan hold here. It would be poor form to gain one clan hold while letting another fall due to lack of defense.”

"I agree, Commander," Onas replies. "It is my intent to have Sergeant Starglow and his triplet remain here as before."

Onas nods in agreement with Fayrianna's comment regarding her Silver Maidens blinking past the walls. "That would certainly allow you to enter from a direction that they do not expect." Niles adds a recommendation to further scout the town, which is reasonable though Onas is eager to get to the fighting.

Elora puts forth the idea of giving the bandits an opportunity to go home - wherever that may be. Argus supports the idea, as he fears that simply attacking the wyvern riders could lead to war. As Clan Master, he then puts forward a final plan, which includes giving the humans a chance to leave peacefully.

"It shall be as you say, Clan Master," Onas says. As the meeting concludes, Onas departs to fill in the Forest Riders, both those who are staying as well as those who will be riding with him to Walltree. Afterwards, he spends some time caring for and talking to Carad Orod. The elven stallion has been his best friend for years, and he greatly enjoys the warhorse's calming presence. As they converse, he checks, cleans, and sharpens all of his weapons and armor in preparation for the morrow.


Morning seems long in coming, though it brings more good weather with it when it arrives. As part of his morning devotions, he particularly gives thanks to Angharradh's aspect of Aedrie Faenya for the weather. He also prays in supplication for an new set of blessed magics in anticipation of possible battle and a need to deal with poison from the wyverns.

Not long after, he joins the others mounted upon Carad Orod. Verifying that his triplet of Forest Riders are ready as well, he does a last check of his weapons and other supplies. "We are ready, Clan Master," Onas reports in to Argus. His eyes search out Fayrianna and the Silver Maidens to ensure that they were not called away on other business for their order. Certainly not for any other reason...

[Lia]

Lia

“Darksong Knights?” Gweyr will question, but quickly comes to realize what Lia means. “Were there really drow such as yourself in the Sylvan Realm before? I had no idea.”

“The group that protected the realm from the underdark.” Lia quickly answers, “It is indeed possible though I haven’t not seen any evidence of such a force.” For a moment Lia thinks of the possibilities of such a force but dismisses it. ‘All in good time.’ She thinks to herself.

Umbra watches as Lia goes through her ritual, his head cocked out of curiosity as if trying to figure out what she is doing.

As Lia finishes her devotions, she can’t help but notice Umbra staring at her oddly. Lia begins to talk to him and then pets him. “ Come let’s get you a treat.” She says absently as she looks through her food stores to give the cooshee some food.

Talen concentrates and peals of lightning start to emerge from the six pillars and strike the center of the platform. The power grows and a hole appears in mid-air.

“Follow me,” Talen calls out as he fearlessly passes through the portal.

Lia watches in amazement as several peals of lightning start to strike in the center of the pillars, a hole begins to grow and Lia can’t help but wonder where are they going and how she got talked into doing this.
Lia calls Umbra to her and they go through the portal, her sword in hand.

“What is this place?” Andlin wonders as he draws his sword.

Those who have been to Karn's Keep before cannot recall seeing anything like this when they were there!
Lia will look about her eyesight coming in handy. “Karn’s Keep, I presume.” Patty Umbra at her side. “Where do we go from here?” she says as she takes in her surroundings.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“That's right,” Talen answers. “The other sized pillars are not part of this web."

Kylie smiles as Talen confirms her speculation. It occurs to her to wonder if the webs are solely defined by the size of the pillars, but lacks any evidence to conclude otherwise.

Talen goes on to suggest that the Elders left rather than dying out. It is an interesting idea, particularly if the webs extend beyond the planet, as seems to be the case. Lilia is also intrigued and questions why such a use would cause the pillars to break. Lia suggests that maybe the Elders were unable to stay for some reason, to which Kylie can only shrug her shoulders. "Could their leaving be in some way connected with the elves on that other planet where the other Mother Tree is? There must be a pillar there, which seems to indicate that the Elders have been there as well."

“I foresee this as being a mission to warn those in Cynalon of the danger that they face,” Lilia will comment. “I am sure that they will want to help in this endeavor and gathering their forces will take time. If Talen can hedge them in when we reach the ruins, the Hive will be trapped there until we can arrive. Plus this will be an excellent opportunity to fly the Sunflower back to Cynalon to become accustomed to making long distance voyages. We will not be going into battle tomorrow, but it will come very soon.”

Kylie listens as Lilia lays out her plan for the mission. There does appear to be one significant assumption that may not hold true. "If the Hive were able to change the pillars so that they create multiples of people using them, it seems like that would indicate sufficient mastery to be able to re-activate those pillars they want to use. I'm not sure that we can block them in effectively, especially if Talen is not constantly monitoring the web."

Gweyr offers to join the mission team, and Lilia agrees, asking her to recruit a few more mages as well. It seems there will soon be many mages capable of flying the Sunflower. Kylie isn't certain how she feels about that; he feelings toward the ship have become somewhat proprietary, though she knows that she doesn't really have any exclusive claim to it.

---

“Me? I feel good,” Talen admits. “I was worried about what this stuff that was put into my head would do, but so far its just being able to use the tools of the Elders. And when you think about it, that's pretty cool.”

Kylie smiles, enjoying seeing Talen's confidence growing. "It is cool, though we should still be careful as we would with any unknown. Right?"

“I don't know where this is all going to lead,” Talen will unexpectedly blurt out, “But I would be happy to have you come with me.” Talen looks surprised for a moment and then he realizes just how vague what he just said sounds. “I mean where all this stuff with the Elders going to be take me. I mean-- I guess-- I'm now sort of the caretaker, the guardian of what remains of their civilization. I guess that's a pretty big deal. And I... I'd like to have you share that with me.”

Kylie is silent for a few moments, allowing Talen time to express what he meant to say. "That is a big deal, Talen, and I would love to share it with you. I hope you can understand that I now have responsibilities in the Sylvan Realm, and I hope you will support me in those endeavors as well. Nevertheless, I will travel and explore with you in your investigations of the Elders as much as those duties allow. This is important, and you are important to me." She leans close and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek, her own cheeks turning rosy in embarrassment.

---

As the team gathers for their mission to Shillesta, Gweyr arrives with 2 additional mages: Zinren and Addan. Lilia provides basic training in the use of the Spell Engines.

Talen is clearly anxious as they fly toward Sillesta. He keeps asking if they can go faster, though of course they cannot. In some ways, he reminds Kylie of a puppy in his obvious excitement. Even Dapple seems entertained by Talen's antics.

“Can you hear it?” Talen calls out. “It's like its singing! This city, even in ruins, its like its alive! There's a presence here. It feels like I've come home.”

"No, I cannot," Kylie admits with a touch of sadness. "What does it sound like? Is this presence something you can communicate with?"

“Careful brother.” Lia cautions. ‘While you are touched by these elders be mindful. We do not know if these Elders are friend or foe. Nor what was left behind.”

Lia makes a good point. Even though the Elders may have been friendly, improper use of what they left behind is clearly dangerous.

“It's just waiting to be told what to do,” Talen continues. “What shapes to take, what instructions to carry out. It's like a puppy, full of energy, and no way to expend it. There are some orcs still here, but not that many. They are further away from the Tall Tower. Can't blame me for not wanting to be around here after what happened.”

Kylie's forehead furrows as she tries to follow what Talen is saying. "Shapes? You mean you can rearrange the shapes of the buildings? What kind of instructions can you give? What else can you learn from here that you couldn't learn from the pillar at the palace?"

“We can always tie the lines off to the tower,” the warrior elf will call back. “Just like at a normal dock.” At Andlin's direction, the guards work on this task while Talen goes to check out the artifact. He pronounces it ready to use.

Andlin confirms that there are appropriate structures on the tower which they can securely attach the ship's lines to in order to secure it. "Thank you, Andlin," Kylie calls in reply.

Lilia and Lady follows Talen down the gangplank, but keeps their distance. “You mentioned shutting down the ones that were in dangerous place, such as underwater,” Lilia will say. “Are you saying you turned those off and also all other ones except for the two we are about to use?”

Lilia's question is a good one. If he managed to turn them all off, that was incredibly fast!

Something occurs to Kylie, so she looks over at Lilia. "Before we leave this place, I think we should take Talen to visit the giant pillar on the dock to the north. It may be part of a different web, and he may be able to learn more from it."

The Queen puts Gweyr in charge of the Sunflower, then invites the rest of the group to join her and Talen on the platform. Kylie looks down at her cooshee companion. "Come on, Dapple, time for a new adventure!"

Lia joins them, choosing to take a position at the back of the group. "I don't think you will find any foes in Karn's Keep, Lia. Sherwood and his family are friends." Of course, whether or not she is right has yet to be seen.

Watching Talen open a hole in mid-air is a bit unsettling. Stroking Dapple nervously, she tries to peer through the portal, but all seems dark beyond. The others begin stepping through and, not wanting to be left behind, Kylie steps forward, the fingers of her left hand still entwined in Dapple's fur.

Moments later, they find themselves standing next to a pillar in a huge underground chamber. This doesn't resemble anywhere at Karn's Keep that Kylie has seen previously.

“What is this place?” Andlin wonders as he draws his sword.

Lia will look about her eyesight coming in handy. “Karn’s Keep, I presume.” Patty Umbra at her side. “Where do we go from here?” she says as she takes in her surroundings.

"Not any part of it that I've ever seen," Kylie says. "I don't recognize this cavern at all; it reminds me more of the one we buried at Shillesta.

"Talen, can you sense anything from the pillar there?" Kylie starts to float slowly straight up, trying to get a sense of the height of the chamber.

____________________________________________________________________________
Yup, Kylie brought Dapple along.

[Talen]

Talen:

“Perhaps share would be the wrong word, you discovered?” she corrects herself.

“I will share any discoveries that I come across,” Talen answers. “Don't worry about that.”

Talen goes on to suggest that the Elders left rather than dying out. It is an interesting idea, particularly if the webs extend beyond the planet, as seems to be the case. Lilia is also intrigued and questions why such a use would cause the pillars to break. Lia suggests that maybe the Elders were unable to stay for some reason, to which Kylie can only shrug her shoulders. "Could their leaving be in some way connected with the elves on that other planet where the other Mother Tree is? There must be a pillar there, which seems to indicate that the Elders have been there as well."

“I don't think so,” Talen offers. “It does seem like the Elders were on the same world as Myev came from, but that was so long ago I doubt they are related.”

Kylie listens as Lilia lays out her plan for the mission. There does appear to be one significant assumption that may not hold true. "If the Hive were able to change the pillars so that they create multiples of people using them, it seems like that would indicate sufficient mastery to be able to re-activate those pillars they want to use. I'm not sure that we can block them in effectively, especially if Talen is not constantly monitoring the web."

“That makes sense,” Talen agrees. “If they could do what they did to Argent and the others, than they could undo what I did. It was not hard for me to lock them. I can't see how it would be hard for them to turn them back on. Guess it will depend if they are looking or not.”

“It's not an unreasonable hypothesis,” Lilia will agree. “But if they were used in the manner for which they were made, why did so many of them break?”

Talen just throws his hands in the air. Who knows?


Evening walk at Pinit.

Kylie smiles, enjoying seeing Talen's confidence growing. "It is cool, though we should still be careful as we would with any unknown. Right?"

“Yeah, Understood,” Talen offers. “I mean, if my sister was saying she was hearing voices in her head, I'd be concerned too.”

Kylie is silent for a few moments, allowing Talen time to express what he meant to say. "That is a big deal, Talen, and I would love to share it with you. I hope you can understand that I now have responsibilities in the Sylvan Realm, and I hope you will support me in those endeavors as well. Nevertheless, I will travel and explore with you in your investigations of the Elders as much as those duties allow. This is important, and you are important to me." She leans close and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek, her own cheeks turning rosy in embarrassment.

“Well, yeah,” Talen will agree. “You have your dreams to follow, I get that. There is a lot to do here in the Sylvan Realm. We'll work it out.”

Talon is surprised when Kylie kisses him on the cheek, but again he does not mind. They hold hands and walk for a time, but for once Talen has trouble thinking what to say next. Sometimes words are not necessary.


Next day, we arrive at Shillesta on the Sunflower.

“No, I cannot,” Lilia will slowly state, concern growing in her. Was it a mistake to bring him here? “Is it talking to you? If so, what is it saying?”

“Its not communication like we are having,” Talen reports.

Lia watches as her brother runs about like a child with a new carved toy. A smile etches across her face. She walks up to where her brother is calling out that there is singing and it is alive. A presence is here.

“Careful brother.” Lia cautions. “While you are touched by these elders be mindful. We do not know if these Elders are friend or foe. Nor what was left behind.”

“That is true,” Talen will agree. “We really don't know anything about the Elders to decide if they are good or evil.”

"No, I cannot," Kylie admits with a touch of sadness. "What does it sound like? Is this presence something you can communicate with?"

Talen will, in vain, try to vocalize the sound he is hearing. Instead it sounds more like the screeching of some feline than any type of melody.

“What do you mean be told what to do? What instructions to carry out? Are you telling us this is sentient or aware? If it can tell of orcs, what of other creatures? What of the members o the Hive?” she asks.

“Can you sense any Hive in the area?” Lilia will ask. “Any other beings here besides the few orcs?”

“I guess I really can't describe it very well,” Talen says. “Its not talking to me, no more than the Pillars did back at the Elfin Palace. It's like being given instructions and having it wait for me to decide what it should do, if anything. It's more like a servant I guess. Just without a body or a voice.”

“There are no Hive here currently,” Talen states. “I think they used the Pillars down below a few times to try and dig out from being buried, but they are have not gotten far. It will take them weeks to dig out from down there.”

“Besides Hive or orcs, there are animals and other critters,” Talen continues. “Nothing that seems dangerous, just normal wildlife.”

Kylie's forehead furrows as she tries to follow what Talen is saying. "Shapes? You mean you can rearrange the shapes of the buildings? What kind of instructions can you give? What else can you learn from here that you couldn't learn from the pillar at the palace?"

“Well, remember when we were here before, there was no furniture of any kind, other than what the orcs had,” Talen explains. “We just figured that it rotted away after the Elders died. That's not how it works. This red stone can react to instructions to a point. For instance in the rooms below it can form furniture and things like that. Household items. The stone also radiates heat when living things are in contact with it. That's how the orcs could live here even though it so cold otherwise. I can't make the buildings change shape, but this could be made into a home pretty easily.”

“I think the sound I am hearing is this red stone itself. It can understand instructions and carry them out. Its like a wooden log. You can make a door out of it or a chair. This red stone can do either and hold its shape on its own. Am I explaining this very well? Did that make any sense?”


Approaching the Pillar Artifact on top of the Tall Tower.

Lilia and Lady follows Talen down the gangplank, but keeps their distance. “You mentioned shutting down the ones that were in dangerous place, such as underwater,” Lilia will say. “Are you saying you turned those off and also all other ones except for the two we are about to use?”

“Yes,” Talen answers. “That's what I did.”

“Can you shut the Karn’s Keep portal down upon our arrival?” she asks curiously.

“Of course,” Talen responds.

Something occurs to Kylie, so she looks over at Lilia. "Before we leave this place, I think we should take Talen to visit the giant pillar on the dock to the north. It may be part of a different web, and he may be able to learn more from it."

“Oh, that's a good idea!” Talen will enthusiastically agree.

Talen concentrates and the power in the Pillar Artifact springs into action. A portal forms in the middle of the platform.

“Follow me,” Talen calls out as he fearlessly passes through the portal.

We pass through the portal and arrive at Karn's Keep, but not in any place Talen has seen before!

“What is this place?” Andlin wonders as he draws his sword.

Lia will look about her eyesight coming in handy. “Karn’s Keep, I presume.” Patty Umbra at her side. “Where do we go from here?” she says as she takes in her surroundings.

“This is the right place...”, Talen starts to say, really unsure himself.

"Not any part of it that I've ever seen," Kylie says. "I don't recognize this cavern at all; it reminds me more of the one we buried at Shillesta.

“That must be it,” Talen agrees. “We've heard about the Pillar Artifact here in Karn's Keep, but did we ever actually see it before?”

"Talen, can you sense anything from the pillar there?" Kylie starts to float slowly straight up, trying to get a sense of the height of the chamber.

“No, nothing at all,” Talen reports. “Nothing unusual.”

Talen will randomly pick a direction and walk in that direction.

“Lia and I both have the superior drow night vision and I still can see any walls!”

[Laucian]

Laucian

“Aye,” the Clan Master nods in agreement. “Although I don't think it good policy to incorporate spiders into our weapons. Leave that to the dark elves!”

“I would not defile our clans culture in such a way .” He says simply a slight smirk upon his face. “I was thinking more a griffon’s talon or beak.”

“Just don't become part of that pile,” the Clan Master cautions.

“If it is Ehlonna’s will.” He says respectfully to his clan master, “Who am I to refuse?”

“That could work,” Tisha agrees. “Lure them out into kill zones of our choosing. Having the archers with us by that time will make the job easier. Lure them out, fill them with arrows, repeat. We can also light arrows on fire and use them to start the webs burning. That will make them move as well.”

“I like it!” Annelwin will praise.

“While spiders are not as intelligent as we understand it, they are cunning and aggressive hunters,” Tisha continues. “Those traits can be used against them.”

“I have a few arrows that may be of use to us, if the need arises. Our ancestors created arrows of fire and ice as well as dispelling and paralyzing. Alas I only have but a few left but I know of their worth. They were of great value fighting Wyrven riders while mid air.”

Most of the novice riders had dreams of becoming rangers when they were younger, but were unable to do so. So most became scouts, much like Dorotha instead. (Basically rogues instead of rangers.) All five have had the traditional Grunalf training with the bow and are fighters. The two ladies are mages as well. All are a bit nervous as they have never done something like this before for the clan.

Laucian sits and talks with the younger elves, getting to know them. Alandar, Thimion, Etrian, Shyael and Merlara all wished to be rangers but for one reason or another they could not make the cut. Knwoing that there is no shame in becoming a scout, Laucian congrats all in turn. Even more interesting, Laucian finds that Shyeal and Merlara are mages as well!
“You more then likely have heard this before.” He says with a smile as his copper hair falls into his face. His amber eyes hold each in turn, ”But it makes it no less true. Focus on your training and your instincts that our elders have developed in you. Keep your griffon mobile and fire from afar. Shyveal and Merlara, I understand that you are mages as well? What spells are you able to cast?” he asks curiously. “When the time comes and we are once settled in Enisun and you are willing, I will teach you of the experiences I have had. Whether it be fighting from a griffon to tracking to tricks with a bow, if you wish.”

Morning comes and the defenders of Clan Grunalf are off. Laucian says goodbye to Elder Treelife and hands him Onyx to keep the cat safe during this mission. The griffons are mounted up, as are the unicorns, and the riders are off. Tanyl rides with Tisha.
“Elder.” Laucian reaches out his hand in greeting, “I will see you in Einsun. You be good, Onyx.” He says giving the black cat a pet.
The road to Einsun is a nervous one as he flies Aura above the road. He watches as the unicorns blink to keep up. Every time they do it, Laucian smiles to himself, “ I could not get used to that!” he says to Aura. Within moments he hears the wings of another griffon whom carries Tisha upon them.

As the time passes, Tisha will move her griffon closer to Laucian's. “I've heard tales of your prowess with the bow, Clansman,” Tisha will call out. “I look forward to seeing it in action.”

“You honor me, but Tales can be misleading.” Laucian says being somewhat humble. “I have been blessed with a keen eye and a Hunter’s bow from Ehlonna.”

Spiders can be seen moving down around there. As the Silver Maidens indicated, most of the spiders that can be seen are huge! The most common of these spiders are about the size of a normal dog, around 2' in diameter. It was this kind of spiders that tried to swarm the Silver Maidens when they appeared in town. These spiders move in packs and will swarm over their enemies.

Much larger spiders can be seen here and there. Thankfully they are few and far in between. These spiders are griffon sized, measuring around 10' in diameter! These beasts seem to favor the areas with the thickest amount of webbing.

More ominously, many white globe-like things can be seen in the area. Spider eggs perhaps? Near them are larger spider web covered sacks that are vaguely people sized and larger. Some of these cocoons move slightly as if whatever is inside is trying to get out but cannot.

The riders regroup on the road outside of Einsun with the Silver Maidens.

“They seem to be divided up into nests,” Tisha reports. “A large mother spider and her smaller offspring. The plan to lure them out and fill them with arrows plan seems our best bet to me. Shall we begin?”

“There are many web sacks as well. It would seem that would either be their young or an unlucky soul.” He says simply. Let us begin as planned.
Laucian will be ready the cooshees on either side and arrow knocked to his bow.
(Would it appear that Aura and other griffons would be caught in the webs if they move forward?)

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“I can see the advantage of that,” Allurien will state. “You've put a great deal of thought into this.”

“A necessary part of the job,” Lilia offers. “My plans change as circumstance dictate. They are always evolving.”

“I don't think so,” Talen offers. “It does seem like the Elders were on the same world as Myev came from, but that was so long ago I doubt they are related.”

“That seems like the most likely explanation,” Lilia offers. “Elfin history alone goes back thousands of years, but nowhere close to even a million years. The Elders were long gone before the first elf emerged under the Mother Tree in Evergreen. The situation is most likely the same on Myev's world.”

Kylie listens as Lilia lays out her plan for the mission. There does appear to be one significant assumption that may not hold true. "If the Hive were able to change the pillars so that they create multiples of people using them, it seems like that would indicate sufficient mastery to be able to re-activate those pillars they want to use. I'm not sure that we can block them in effectively, especially if Talen is not constantly monitoring the web.”

“That makes sense,” Talen agrees. “If they could do what they did to Argent and the others, than they could undo what I did. It was not hard for me to lock them. I can't see how it would be hard for them to turn them back on. Guess it will depend if they are looking or not.”

“I suspected as much,” Lilia admits. “That just means that we need to use the Sunflower to reach this other Elder City in the great swamp. Trying to find it on foot would take days, perhaps even weeks. That would give the Hive time to undo the locks Talen put in place.”

“My plan as of right now goes something like this,” Lilia continues. “We travel to Karn's Keep to meet with Sherwood and his kin and inform them of the danger. We return by way of the pillars and make our way back to the Sylvan Realm. We recruit more for this mission, such as our missing companions: Laucian, Valena, and perhaps the Brightsword brothers.”

“Then we fly the Sunflower to Cynalon and engage the Hive. Assuming that we are victorious, then we travel to the Elfholds to pick up the elves coming back to the Sylvan Realm to counter the slavers. Having survived all of that, then we can turn our attention back to Myev, assuming that she has emerged from her cocoon by then.”

“Other than that, not much to do,” Lilia concludes with a laugh.

Gweyr offers to join the mission team, and Lilia agrees, asking her to recruit a few more mages as well. It seems there will soon be many mages capable of flying the Sunflower. Kylie isn't certain how she feels about that; he feelings toward the ship have become somewhat proprietary, though she knows that she doesn't really have any exclusive claim to it.

Sensing what Kylie's feeling, Lilia will move beside the half-elf. “This is just the beginning,” Lilia will sate. “Someday the Sylvan Realm will have an entire fleet of ships just like the Sunflower. When the day comes, you will have your own vessel to do with what you wish. In the meantime, we cannot do everything or be everywhere. It is wise to count on the support of others. Ten bands of highly skilled elves crossed the Rainbow Bridge to save the Mother Tree. It would be foolish of us to not utilize this resource.”


Next day, the Sunflower has reached the Elder City and the Tall Tower.

“Its not communication like we are having,” Talen reports.

“So its more along the lines of feelings and not words?” Lilia wonders.

Talen will, in vain, try to vocalize the sound he is hearing. Instead it sounds more like the screeching of some feline than any type of melody.

“That sounds horrible!” Lilia says.

“I guess I really can't describe it very well,” Talen says. “Its not talking to me, no more than the Pillars did back at the Elfin Palace. It's like being given instructions and having it wait for me to decide what it should do, if anything. It's more like a servant I guess. Just without a body or a voice.”

“Just waiting to be told what to do,” Lilia states. “It does seem that these Elders used their tools with their minds like we would do with our hands.”

“There are no Hive here currently,” Talen states. “I think they used the Pillars down below a few times to try and dig out from being buried, but they are have not gotten far. It will take them weeks to dig out from down there.”

“That is good news,” Lilia will agree.

“Besides Hive or orcs, there are animals and other critters,” Talen continues. “Nothing that seems dangerous, just normal wildlife.”

“That is also good,” Lilia adds. “Nothing for the Hive to claim and add to their numbers.”

“Well, remember when we were here before, there was no furniture of any kind, other than what the orcs had,” Talen explains. “We just figured that it rotted away after the Elders died. That's not how it works. This red stone can react to instructions to a point. For instance in the rooms below it can form furniture and things like that. Household items. The stone also radiates heat when living things are in contact with it. That's how the orcs could live here even though it so cold otherwise. I can't make the buildings change shape, but this could be made into a home pretty easily.”

“I think the sound I am hearing is this red stone itself. It can understand instructions and carry them out. Its like a wooden log. You can make a door out of it or a chair. This red stone can do either and hold its shape on its own. Am I explaining this very well? Did that make any sense?”

“Only vaguely,” Lilia answers. “But I think I get the gist of what you are saying. These rooms can form rudimentary furniture just buy force of your will?”

As Talen moves to the pillars, Lia walks close to Lilia, “I am weary, my queen.” She says softly. “He is excited at the possibilities but goes forth unquestioning. We need to be cautious of this.” Lia says concerned.

“I know,” Lilia nods in concern.

Something occurs to Kylie, so she looks over at Lilia. "Before we leave this place, I think we should take Talen to visit the giant pillar on the dock to the north. It may be part of a different web, and he may be able to learn more from it."

“Oh, that's a good idea!” Talen will enthusiastically agree.

“Agreed,” Lilia states. “We'll stop there after we return. We can land the Sunflower at the dock and spend the night there. By the time we return from Karn's Keep, it will be too late to return to the Sylvan Realm today. We'll make the trip in the morning.”


We get ready to disembark from the Sunflower and I put Gweyr in charge of the Sunflower while we are away. Talon uses the Pillar Artifact and sets it to take us to Karn's Keep.

“Yes, your majesty!” Gweyr calls out, her excitement of just coming along having yet to abate. “Just don't start any fights without me!”

“We won't start anything,” Lilia vows. “If there is conflict it will be because of others.”

“As ready as I am able.”Lia says raising her cowl above her head so that her eyes are covered. “Perhaps it best If I am toward the back of the group. I do not wish to alarm those on the other side.”Lia states her eyes looking to the queen, the sound of her sword unsheathing is heard. And she stands ready for whatever comes.

Lia joins them, choosing to take a position at the back of the group. "I don't think you will find any foes in Karn's Keep, Lia. Sherwood and his family are friends." Of course, whether or not she is right has yet to be seen.

“The sight of a drow may alarm the guards,” Lilia suggests. “It's a sensible precaution, Lia.”

The experience is not unlike teleporting. One moment you are on top of the Tall Tower, the next you are deep underground. This pillar artifact is located in a huge chamber without any outside light. The entire room is so large that you cannot see any of the walls!

“What is this place?” Andlin wonders as he draws his sword.

Lia will look about her eyesight coming in handy. “Karn’s Keep, I presume.” Patty Umbra at her side. “Where do we go from here?” she says as she takes in her surroundings.

“This is the right place...”, Talen starts to say, really unsure himself.

"Not any part of it that I've ever seen," Kylie says. "I don't recognize this cavern at all; it reminds me more of the one we buried at Shillesta.

“That must be it,” Talen agrees. “We've heard about the Pillar Artifact here in Karn's Keep, but did we ever actually see it before?”

“I did not,” Lilia reports. “In fact until Argent mentioned it, I do not recall knowing there was a Pillar Artifact at Karn's Keep. Logically, it must have been in a part of the keep we did not have access to.”

“While this is not what we were expecting,” Lilia continues, “I do not believe that we are in danger. For one thing the cooshee's would be barking if we were facing peril. Spread out and lets see if there is a way out of this chamber.”

Lilia will head off in a random direction and try to find the walls and/or the exit.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

Kylie wonders if the Elders had any involvement with the advent of elves on Myev's world. In response, Talen points out that they would have disappeared millions of years before the elves ever appeared. Lilia agrees, saying that the elves have existed for less than a million years here on Arret, and probably are no older on other worlds. Kylie isn't so certain, though she has no evidence either way.

"Oh," Kylie says, thinking. "You postulated that they left here 65 million years ago. I was thinking that perhaps the went from here to Myev's world, or perhaps to one or more other worlds and eventually ended up on Myev's world. Do we know that they have died out everywhere, and if so, how long ago? And is this the origin world of elves? If elves exist on other worlds, it would seem hard to know where they originated and how they spread across the various worlds."

Talen seems to support her suggestion that the Hive may be able to reactivate the pillars that he locks down. Lilia hopes that it will take them a while to figure out that they have been turned off and how to turn them back on again. She then amends her plan a bit with more trips back and forth from one place to another in the Sunflower. It occurs to Kylie that this adds a fair bit of time; time that the Hive may use to escape from Shelvestra.

"I'm concerned that your plan seems to require a fair bit of time, what with traveling hither and yon on the ship. We also don't know that there is a way into Shelvestra from the outside; it seems like someone would have found an Elder city located in Cynalon by now if it weren't completely buried or at least very well hidden."

Kylie's mind is racing now, trying to find ways to speed their preparations. Unfortunately, the only pillar they know of in the Sylvan Realm is the one in the palace, and that isn't really usable right now due to the thorns.

"The pillar in Shillesta is much closer to the Realms than flying all the way down to Cynalon. Instead perhaps we use the pillars again to bring everyone to Karn's Keep and meet whoever the Sallavarians can recruit there. Then, we use that pillar to travel directly into the Hive complex. We can probably shave off close to a day doing it that way. Of course, that leaves the problem of what to do with the Sunflower while we're fighting the Hive..." It's not clear that she's any closer to an answer.

Kylie then turns to Talen. "Are there limits to how many can pass through the gateway once you open it?"


As more and more mages learn to pilot the Sunflower, Kylie finds that she has mixed feelings about it.

Sensing what Kylie's feeling, Lilia will move beside the half-elf. “This is just the beginning,” Lilia will sate. “Someday the Sylvan Realm will have an entire fleet of ships just like the Sunflower. When the day comes, you will have your own vessel to do with what you wish. In the meantime, we cannot do everything or be everywhere. It is wise to count on the support of others. Ten bands of highly skilled elves crossed the Rainbow Bridge to save the Mother Tree. It would be foolish of us to not utilize this resource.”

Kylie isn't certain that she'll live long enough to see that day, since she's not an elf, but that's not really the point. "I agree, and I like to think that I'm not a fool, though perhaps I am a bit silly once in a while."

“Yeah, Understood,” Talen offers. “I mean, if my sister was saying she was hearing voices in her head, I'd be concerned too.”

Kylie chuckles at Talen's comment. "Maybe she does and just hasn't admitted it..." she says with a sly grin.

“Well, yeah,” Talen will agree. “You have your dreams to follow, I get that. There is a lot to do here in the Sylvan Realm. We'll work it out.”

"It's kind of like an old saying I once heard, 'We're stronger together than apart.' If we work together," Kylie explains, "I think we'll both accomplish more toward both of our dreams than struggling along by ourselves."


Once at the platform in Shillesta, the nature of the Elders and their city becomes the topic of conversation. Talen tries to imitate the sound he's hearing, but the horrible noise leads Kylie to clamp her hands over her ears. "Okay, enough," she says emphatically. At least the Hive have apparently not dug their way out yet, and other than a few orcs, there are only normal animals in the area.

Talen then explains that the 'voice' seems to be coming from the red stone itself, and that he can shape it with his thoughts.

“Only vaguely,” Lilia answers. “But I think I get the gist of what you are saying. These rooms can form rudimentary furniture just buy force of your will?”

"It sounds like you can shape the stone with your mind, the way some might shape clay with their hands," Kylie says. "Pretty cool, really."


Talen and Lilia both agree that they should visit the giant pillar on the shoreline. Lilia figures that the best time to do so is this evening on their way back from Karn's Keep. Kylie wonders if Talen will be able to sense Myev's world through the enormous pillar.


The cavern they arrive in is spacious and dark. Fortunately, all of them can see in the dark, though Talen's and Lia's vision is better than everyone else's. Lilia makes a good point that the cooshees aren't barking so there is probably no immediate danger. Thinking back, Kylie realizes that she had never seen the pillar under Karn's Keep in any of her visits, though she hadn't expected it to be in such a large chamber. "Neither have I," Kylie admits as she continues to float upward in search of the ceiling. "So I suppose this could be it, though I never knew that it was in such a large chamber. If Argent was here, she would know."

[GM Mad]

Post Closed