The Sylvan Realm #28 (#72)

[GM Mad]

Sylvan Realm #28 (#72)

The Heroes of the Mother Tree are still spread out over a wide area. Some of traveled all the way back to Karn's Keep near the Frontier Lands.

Return to Karn's Keep:

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

At Karn's Keep, those with Queen Lilia are chatting with Lord Sharadin and his associate, the silver dragon Silvarn. Their visit is coming to an end.

A look of non-comprehension comes to the drow’s face as she look at the dragon maiden. “What are these Arcane and Beholder- kind like? Pit of Despair… sounds ominous.” She says evenly.

“They are as different as night is to day, Silvarn answers. “Beholder and beholder-kind are another evil and malignant race. They too rule areas out there. The Arcane on the other hand are a race of merchants who trade in the magic items they craft. They are the finest creators of enchanted items known, but are otherwise an enigma even to us.”

Kylie's question about the other races serves to shift the discussion somewhat away from the Illithids. Silvarn talks a bit about the formation of the worlds and their relationship to the gods and peoples. A picture starts to form in Kylie's head, and she does her best to clarify her understanding. "So it's kind of like the layers of an onion? The core would be the Elders and their contemporaneous races from the original worlds created by the original gods, and they are all extinct. The second layer is these First Generation worlds, gods, and peoples -- including you and the Illithids. Do all of those races still exist, or have some of them died out already? The Second Generation, which includes most of the races we are familiar with, is the third layer. And we are or will be followed by this Third Generation as the fourth layer. Is that the general idea?"

“You have the basic idea,” Silvarn agrees. “The core of your onion is the Pit of Despair, a great maelstrom in the darkness of space. The First Ones rose on the first worlds to appear around the Pit. The Second Generation appeared on newer worlds that arose further out and so on.”

“The Elder races lived on what are now First and Second Generation worlds, or at least signs of their civilizations can be found there. In spite of how it may seem, even stars and planets have lifespans. They live and they die, but just in a time scale of possibly billions of years. It is possible that the worlds where these old races originally came from no longer exist.”

“I can see your point of view,” Lilia will say after a pause. “The elves on that world were on the verge of extinction. Many were merged with trees as a form of suspended animation. However, they can only sleep in the tree for so long. That point is being reached. Our mission is to go there, rescue those elves who still survive and than return to Arret.”

The idea that they intend to travel to another world seems to be of significant concern to Silvarn. However, she thinks that the fact that it is intended to be a rescue mission apparently makes a difference. It is weird to think that a being like Silvarn has higher authorities that she must report into and get approvals from. "So you think that the leaders among your people may be willing to support this mission, Lady Silvarn?"

“I do not see the harm in a rescue mission, if the only other option is extinction,” Silvarn will agree. “As long as you complete this mission and then leave Dreatar, I think my superiors will agree.”


Elder Ruins:

Departing Karn's Keep, Talen uses the Pillar Artifact to transport everyone back to Shillesta, the Elder Ruins to the north of the Sylvan Realm. The Sunflower remains hovering beside the tower. The elves on guard wonder about the appearance of Silvarn, but Lilia has them stand down.

“This is Silvarn,” Lilia will call out to the elves on the Sunflower. “She is our honored guest and will be treated with respect.”

Silvarn takes a look around, seemingly impressed by the Elder Ruins. Kylie approaches her.

While Talen is testing out his new talents, Kylie peers off to the north, then turns to Silvarn. "Lady Silvarn? If you look far to the north," Kylie says, pointing, "you may be able to see the giant pillar artifact that we mentioned earlier. We think it will allow us to travel to Dreatar for our rescue mission. Mother Tree placed some kind of code in Talen's head that should open the proper gateway."

“Yes, I can see it clearly,” Silvarn will answer. “Something you should keep in mind should you ever have to contend with my more aggressive cousins is that we dragons have superior senses. Our sight is better than yours as is our hearing and sense of smell. I knew how many elves were on the Sunflower without actually being able to see all of them.”

Talen goes down into the Tall Tower to try out his experiment. Most everyone else, including Silvarn, follows. Upon reaching the first of the suite of rooms he comes across, Talen closes his eyes and concentrates. In response, the strange red stone obeys!

Three chairs and couches emerge from the red stone along the outside of the room. A large table with ten chairs rises from the middle. Those touching them find that this new furniture is very real and feels solid. The chairs are actually comfortable to sit in, in spite of being made of red stone. The furniture he made remains, even after he stops concentrating on it.

“Impressive,” Silvarn notes. “I can't say that I recall anyone doing anything like that before. This will require more research. It seems to me that if Talen can do this, then these ruins make sense as the base of operations for Elder research.”

[GM Mad]

After Talen completes his experiment, everyone returns to the Sunflower. The gangplank is pulled up and the tie lines released. Course is set and the ship flies further to the north, to the remains of the Elder port where the gigantic pillar was discovered. This pillar looks much like the smaller ones the primary difference being that it is ten times bigger! It sits at the end of a long, wide pier.

The Sunflower settles down into the water beside the pier. Lines are tied off and the ship pulled up beside the dock. The gangplank is lowered and Talen is off to examine the giant pillar.

“This is similar to the smaller ones,” Talen will report, “but with differences as well. It is part of a network, but I cannot tell just how large. I cannot sense any of the other pillars on this network. It seems the code the Mother Tree gave me is needed to access these other pillars.”

“Perhaps it is just a simple security measure?” Silvarn will suggest.

“Could be,” Talen agrees. “I'm going through the history of this pillar. It's much like the other ones. No records from before sixty-five million years ago and only sporadic use since then. It has not been used for several hundred years.”

“I'm entering the access code,” Talen says. “Okay, that unlocked the other pillar for me on Dreatar. This is strange. This other pillar is telling me to activate life support at the destination before using. What does that mean?”


After examining the giant pillar, the Sunflower is boarded once more and is lifted up into the sky. The vessel is turned to the south and sets sail once more. The Sunflower moves faster and higher as it goes so that it can clear the mountains.

“Don't you have a navigator?” Silvarn wonders. “Someone to plot your course?”

Night has fallen by now and the trek back to the Mother Tree will take the Sunflower at least five hours based on past experience. This will put arrival there after midnight!

“With your permission, I can speed things up considerably,” Silvarn will inquire. “So that this does not take all night. I have access to dragonic magic that can move us along much faster.”

After being assured that the process is safe, Silvarn will move to the bow of the ship and look forward. She grasps the rail with her hands and begins to chant is some strange dialect. In response there is a sudden 'whooshing' sound and seemingly all the color around you is gone. The entire world and everyone in it is just varying shades of gray. Those who do look outside the ship can see the terrain below passing by in a blur!

Just as suddenly as this strange trip started, it comes to an end. After a second 'whoosh', the world around the Sunflower returns to normal. However, its location has changed dramatically. The ship is still high in the sky, as it was before, but now the Sylvan Realm lies below it. The Mother Tree is easily spotted as it towers over the rest of the forest. Silvarn cut the five hour trip into one that lasted that many seconds!

“There, that should save quite a bit of time,” Silvarn will announce after ending her spell. The dragoness looks over the railing, taking in her surroundings. “I've been to the Elfholds before and I've seen the Mother Trees before, but this one is gigantic! Much larger than the others.”


In short order, the Sunflower descends and docks next to a griffon landing area on the top of the Mother Tree much like it had done a few days ago. Those elves on top of the Mother Tree are surprised by the sudden arrival of the Sunflower. The gangplank is lowered once more and you disembark.

“Thank you for the showing me around,” Silvarn will say, turning to face Lilia. “It has given me new perspective on what is going on around here. I must leave you now, but I will see you again back at Karn's Keep the day after tomorrow. I will locate Xavier and depart as I have much to do in a short time span. Thank you for what you have shown me.”

With that Silvarn steps away and is soon lost from sight.

A familiar face is noted among the elves to come to greet the Sunflower. It is Valena, the leader of the Silver Maidens.

“I was not expecting you to be back so soon,” Valena will say. “But I am glad that you are. There is someone you'll want to meet.”

At Valena's direction, the group is escorted to the nearby quarters used by the griffon riders.

“The cocoon opened up last night,” Valena explains as you walk along. “Myev emerged but was disorientated at first. I was on hand and tracked her down. She has changed into an elf, but no elf I have ever seen!”

Upon entering into the chamber, everyone can clearly see what Valena is talking about. The former scro is seated and reading from a book. The change in Myev is dramatic to say the least. Her skin is no longer greenish, but is now more of a blue hue. Her hair that was once purplish-black in color is now sea foam green in color. What is most peculiar is that her ears are even longer that those of a regular elf and her eyebrows much larger.

“Kylie!” the new Myev calls out as she sits her book aside and rises to her feet. It is then that the last difference between the elves of Dreatar and those on Arret is noticed. Myev has a long and lean body and is tall. She stands 6'6” in height! “So good to see you all again!”


GM Notes:

I covered a lot of ground here in an effort to get everyone back together and in sync. What Myev has become is essentially a Night Elf from WOW in appearance. Otherwise she is an elf like you are used too, just a bit different looking is all. Lots to talk about now!

[GM Mad]

The Spiders of Einsun:

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

The mission to remove the spiders from Einsun has become more complicated as the elves now have to make sure they free the captured Alaghi as well. More nests are taken out and now only four more remain along with the Mother Spider herself. The group takes a break near midday among the Open Market area of Einsun. It as this time that the group led by Clan Master Triestar Silvarost arrives. Accompanying him are 40 more archers.

“Good afternoon, Clan Master Silvarost.”he says making the appropriate greeting. “Aye, we have done well this day, but we still have several nests to clear, including the Elder spider’s lair.”

“That is good progress,” the Clan Master compliments.

Drawing in the dirt, Laucian begins to draw a loose representation of what is left to be done. “When we arrived we found several spiders nests within our ancestral home. At first we burnt the webbing and the spiders young charged and died by volley of arrows, as did the mothers. We did this for a time until fate intervened.”

"An owl that I noticed in our travels perched and began to talk with us! Asking if we can free his tribe from the cocoons, which we agreed. After the spiders were dealt with, Tisha would move among the webbing freeing those trapped within the webbing. There was several dead, among them orcs as well as this owl’s tribe. Much to our surprise it was not birds of prey but Alaghi! As we freed them from the cocoons they ran away, sadly most do not speak our language nor us theirs.”

“That owl who spoke back at Telsun was one of these Alaghi?” the Clan Master wonders.

"As our griffons riders knew of the layouts of these spider dens, I felt it best to destroy the spiders and free the Alaghi from the webs to the south, east and southwest. From what we can tell there are 4 nests remaining.”

“Our tactics seem to be working well with the help of the Silver maidens. Lady Annelwin has been our bait, once she has reached a certain point she blink away to safety, The spiders do not know what hit them as our arrows have taken the little ones with ease. The mother’s are a bit more challenging as more arrows are need to bring them down.”

“You have plenty of arrows now,” the Clan Master adds with a grin. “We will be able to make short work of those that remain.”

“We have not seen what this Elder Spider looks like nor where she may lurk. But she is out there and as our friend Urvov has stated will answer if her children need her help. And vise versa. So far we have been very fortunate no one has been injured or poisoned. What I purpose to do it use our marketplace as a killing ground, drawing the spiders from their nest(3) then light the webbing, In turn do the same to nest 1 and 2 leaving the Elder spider’s nest for last. Given the proximity to the mother’s nests I cannot help but guess that these spiders will be larger and perhaps greater in numbers then what we have previously encountered.”

“In truth there is a part of me that would ask our mages to fly our griffons above the mother’s nest, when the time comes and fireball the area, but we have given our word to save the Alaghi as well as the damage it would do to our home would be far to great.”

“Let us continue on as you have been doing,” the Clan Master decides. “We'll take out the next spider nest and clear the area around the mother spiders nest. Let's have the mages keep back so that if they need to they can mount the griffons if it comes to that.”

The number 3 nest is the next target for Clan Grunalf. It's the closest to the Open Market and its on the other side as a river divides the area. Extra arrows are handed out and the additional archers added to the existing force. They spread out on the near shore of the river and wait for Silver Maiden Annelwin to lure the spiders out.

“This should go much quicker give the additional fire power we now have,” Tisha of Solonor notes as she prepares her bow. “Stand ready! You'll know when to fire!”

Annelwin rides forward on Rainbow once more. They gallop towards the river and then right before hitting the water, Rainbow blinks and now appears on the far shore. Several minutes later, the sound of the unicorn at full gallop is heard before it is seen. Annelwin and Rainbow come into view once more and before hitting the river, they blink back your side.

Not long after that, the small spiders come into view and quickly go down before the cooshee's can even reach them. The larger spider comes forth and she too goes down without issue. It is then when a larger shape is seen emerging from an area to the left and further back of the nest just attacked. A gargantuan spider rises up! This one is many times larger than the large one just slain! The Mother Spider stands over twenty feet tall and is at least forty feet wide! She lets out a loud screech that fills the area and then starts to move forwards, towards the elves that have been killing her children!

GM Notes:

Much of the Mother Spider's size is due to her long legs. The main body is about 10' wide and 15' long.

Here is an updated map for Einsun:

Einsun with spiders2.jpg (161.85 KiB) Viewed 9246 times

Four nests remain with nest #3 take out in this post, but it has yet to be checked for captured Alaghi.

Its seems that you've got the attention of the mother!

[GM Mad]

The Wyvern's of Walltree:

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

The battle to reclaim Walltree is winding down. The four armored riders on horseback have been dealt with. Their leader in spectacular fashion as Onas caught him in a Hold Person spell and then Fay drover her lance through him.

Onas chuckles at the Silver Maiden's play on words. "Indeed we do, Fayrianna. Thank you for the assist."

“My pleasure,” Fay responds with a smile.

Somehow, the words seem to bring the pain back with a vengeance. "Yeah, that tends to happen in a battle," he quips. Onas calls on Angharradh once again, converting Silence, 15' Radius to Cure Medium Wounds and casting it on himself. "Hopefully, a bit of the Triune Lady's power will help with that."

The Cure spell does close the wound and ease the pain a bit. However, it was not enough to completely heal Onas.

The spell provides some relief, and Onas turns his attention back to the battle. The remaining human warriors don't appear to be much of a threat, but there are still two wyverns. "Hey, Fay, let's eliminate those last two wyverns. Then we can celebrate our victory. Deal?"

Calling Carad Orod to him, Onas mounts up and heads back into the fray.

“Sounds like a plan!” Fay calls out. “Silver Maidens! Let's finish off these smelly lizards!”

Having already defeated several of the wyverns already, the two that remain go down fast and without incident. Once the last one falls, the elves look around for their next target and do not see one.

Clan Master Argus rides up to the area. Arlen Brightsword shows up not long after that.

“It seems that we are victorious!” the Clan Master calls out as he looks around. “Well done! Well done all!”

“We should search Walltree to make sure it is clear,” Arlen Brightsword will suggest. “There could still be human here in hiding.”

“Of course,” Clan Master Argus agrees. “Secure the area! Search everywhere. Any humans found are to be captured, unless you have no other option. We'll set up camp for the night here in the Market Area, but away from those rotting wyverns. Priests, tend to the wounded.”

“As you command, Clan Master!” Fayrianna answers with a quick salute. “Silver Maidens, spread out and let make sure the area is clear. Bring any wounded back here so that they can be healed.”

“It seems we'll have to hold off celebrating for now,” Fay will say to Onas. “Duty calls.”


GM Notes:

Hit Points:

Onas – 46 of 66

Now what?

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“My pleasure,” Fay responds with a smile.

Onas finds himself warmed by her smile. He blushes slightly and nods, hoping the movement will cover his embarrassment.

Angharradh's power flows through him, halting his bleeding and easing the pain somewhat. "Thank you, Blessed Lady," he prays silently. He is still sore, but able to function more or less at his peak again.

Now that they have practice at taking out the wyverns, the last couple go down quickly. Afterwards, Argus and Arlen join them in short order. It is agreed that they need to search the entire compound for any remaining humans, and to take them prisoner if possible. "Yes, sir!" Onas replies.

Turning to the other Riders, Onas gives them instructions to check each of the outlying sections of the town, moving clockwise through the districts. As a priest, he will stay and help with the healing of those injured in the conflict. As the wounded arrive, Onas will help with triaging the cases so that those most in need receive priority care and divine assistance. Those with only very minor wounds receive mundane bandaging.

“It seems we'll have to hold off celebrating for now,” Fay will say to Onas. “Duty calls.”

"Of course, Fayrianna", Onas responds with a smile. "There will be plenty of time for celebrating afterwards."

[Lilia]

Lilia:

“Perhaps we could arrange a meeting with these races. There may be a mutual bond that we share that could form into an alliance against them.” Looking to Lilia she realizes her mistake, “Forgive me, I spoke out of turn.” She says inclining her head to the Queen.

“Don't worry about it, Lia, it is a sound idea,” Lilia will agree. “Forging alliances is a big part of my job now.”

“I do not see the harm in a rescue mission, if the only other option is extinction,” Silvarn will agree. “As long as you complete this mission and then leave Dreatar, I think my superiors will agree.”

“I personally have no intention in getting involved with the affairs of another world,” Lilia stresses. “My task is to protect the Sylvan Realm.”


At the Tall Tower among the Elder Ruins, Talen demonstrates a new talent. He is able to direct the red stone to change its shape into basic furniture!

Three chairs and couches emerge from the red stone along the outside of the room. A large table with ten chairs rises from the middle. Those touching them find that this new furniture is very real and feels solid. The chairs are actually comfortable to sit in, in spite of being made of red stone. The furniture he made remains, even after he stops concentrating on it.

“Impressive,” Silvarn notes. “I can't say that I recall anyone doing anything like that before. This will require more research. It seems to me that if Talen can do this, then these ruins make sense as the base of operations for Elder research.”

“I'm starting to think that as well,” Lilia agrees. “With a pillar artifact here, guests can simply arrive here and bypass the Sylvan Realm all together. We elves prefer the privacy of our forests when it comes to outside races. This solves that problem nicely.”


After that demonstration, we fly the Sunflower closer to large pillar in the harbor. Talen is able to connect with it.

“This is similar to the smaller ones,” Talen will report, “but with differences as well. It is part of a network, but I cannot tell just how large. I cannot sense any of the other pillars on this network. It seems the code the Mother Tree gave me is needed to access these other pillars.”

“Perhaps it is just a simple security measure?” Silvarn will suggest.

“There are no such measures on their other transportation artifacts,” Lilia will state. “The Elders freely moved about Arret, but have the need to regulate movement of those beyond this world? What were they trying to keep out?”

“Could be,” Talen agrees. “I'm going through the history of this pillar. It's much like the other ones. No records from before sixty-five million years ago and only sporadic use since then. It has not been used for several hundred years.”

“That tends to suggest that this type of pillar is much harder to activate than the smaller ones,” Lilia will suggest. “Perhaps magic is not the key here?”

“I'm entering the access code,” Talen says. “Okay, that unlocked the other pillar for me on Dreatar. This is strange. This other pillar is telling me to activate life support at the destination before using. What does that mean?”

“Life support, as far as the Spell Engines go, provide breathable air and a comfortable environment,” Lilia notes. “Perhaps where ever the arrival pillar is at lacks these things? Maybe its underwater now.”


After examining the giant pillar, we start to fly back to the Sylvan Realm.

“Don't you have a navigator?” Silvarn wonders. “Someone to plot your course?”

“Not at the present,” Lilia states. “I see the wisdom in having proficient pilots for the Sunflower, but for now we are just making due. Fortunately, we have not yet traveled any great distances. The trip to Karn's Keep was to be our big test.”


The trip back to the Sylvan Realm will take several hours, but Silvarn seems to be in a hurry.

“With your permission, I can speed things up considerably,” Silvarn will inquire. “So that this does not take all night. I have access to dragonic magic that can move us along much faster.”

“Please do,” Lilia will say with great interest. If dragons are a much older race, then logically they should have more advanced magic at their disposal. Lilia is curious to see what Silvarn can do to make the ship move faster.

After being assured that the process is safe, Silvarn will move to the bow of the ship and look forward. She grasps the rail with her hands and begins to chant is some strange dialect. In response there is a sudden 'whooshing' sound and seemingly all the color around you is gone. The entire world and everyone in it is just varying shades of gray. Those who do look outside the ship can see the terrain below passing by in a blur!

Just as suddenly as this strange trip started, it comes to an end. After a second 'whoosh', the world around the Sunflower returns to normal. However, its location has changed dramatically. The ship is still high in the sky, as it was before, but now the Sylvan Realm lies below it. The Mother Tree is easily spotted as it towers over the rest of the forest. Silvarn cut the five hour trip into one that lasted that many seconds!

“Oh my!” Lilia calls out in surprise. While she wasn't sure just what to expect, she was not expecting that. “I read in the Spell Engine manual that when the fast travel was used that the world gray-shifted around you. Was what we just experienced something like that?”

“There, that should save quite a bit of time,” Silvarn will announce after ending her spell. The dragoness looks over the railing, taking in her surroundings. “I've been to the Elfholds before and I've seen the Mother Trees before, but this one is gigantic! Much larger than the others.”

“The ones in the Elfholds are technically Daughter Trees,” Lilia will explain. “They are young and still growing, while the Mother Tree here is thousands of years old.”


The Sunflower lowers down and docks with the Mother Tree as it did days ago. The gangplank is lowered and Silvarn says her goodbyes.

“Thank you for the showing me around,” Silvarn will say, turning to face Lilia. “It has given me new perspective on what is going on around here. I must leave you now, but I will see you again back at Karn's Keep the day after tomorrow. I will locate Xavier and depart as I have much to do in a short time span. Thank you for what you have shown me.”

“And thank you for all that you have shown us,” Lilia answers gratefully. “Safe journeys.”


It seems that Valena is here at the Mother Tree.

“I was not expecting you to be back so soon,” Valena will say. “But I am glad that you are. There is someone you'll want to meet.”

“Our plans changed dramatically with what we discovered in the Elfin Palace,” Lilia explains her interest piqued.

“The cocoon opened up last night,” Valena explains as you walk along. “Myev emerged but was disorientated at first. I was on hand and tracked her down. She has changed into an elf, but no elf I have ever seen!”

“I had almost forgotten about that,” Lilia says. “So much has happened these last few days.”

Upon entering into the chamber, everyone can clearly see what Valena is talking about. The former scro is seated and reading from a book. The change in Myev is dramatic to say the least. Her skin is no longer greenish, but is now more of a blue hue. Her hair that was once purplish-black in color is now sea foam green in color. What is most peculiar is that her ears are even longer that those of a regular elf and her eyebrows much larger.

Lilia had assumed that Myev would look like an elf looks like here. But what she sees is not exactly that! Myev's changed form seems more inline with a sea elf than a traditional land elf.

“Kylie!” the new Myev calls out as she sits her book aside and rises to her feet. It is then that the last difference between the elves of Dreatar and those on Arret is noticed. Myev has a long and lean body and is tall. She stands 6'6” in height! “So good to see you all again!”

And her height is astounding!

“Welcome to elfhood, Myev,” Lilia will finally manage to utter as she looks up at Myev.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“They are as different as night is to day, Silvarn answers. “Beholder and beholder-kind are another evil and malignant race. They too rule areas out there. The Arcane on the other hand are a race of merchants who trade in the magic items they craft. They are the finest creators of enchanted items known, but are otherwise an enigma even to us.”

Kylie looks over at Lia, then back to Silvarn. "I bet Argent would love to meet these Arcane. She's always had a great interest in enchanted items."

“You have the basic idea,” Silvarn agrees. “The core of your onion is the Pit of Despair, a great maelstrom in the darkness of space. The First Ones rose on the first worlds to appear around the Pit. The Second Generation appeared on newer worlds that arose further out and so on.”

“The Elder races lived on what are now First and Second Generation worlds, or at least signs of their civilizations can be found there. In spite of how it may seem, even stars and planets have lifespans. They live and they die, but just in a time scale of possibly billions of years. It is possible that the worlds where these old races originally came from no longer exist.”

"That's..." Kylie stammers. "I don't even know what to say to that. Lifespans of stars and planets..." This is almost more than she can wrap her mind around. It will take some time to think this all through.

Soon, they descend down to the pillar in the basement, and Talen activates the portal. Kylie steps through and finds herself back at the top of the tall tower in Shillestra.

“This shouldn't take long,” Talen suspects. “It seemed pretty simply from what I gathered before we left. I think most of us want to see what we can learn from this giant pillar.”

Kylie nods. "I'm sure you're right," she says, hoping indeed that he is.

“Yes, I can see it clearly,” Silvarn will answer. “Something you should keep in mind should you ever have to contend with my more aggressive cousins is that we dragons have superior senses. Our sight is better than yours as is our hearing and sense of smell. I knew how many elves were on the Sunflower without actually being able to see all of them.”

Kylie considers this for a moment. "You know, it seems like the Second Generation races have some of the least acute sense of all living beings, especially the humans. Even most species of animals have senses more keen than any of us. In some ways, it seems surprising that we manage to survive at all." Her tone sounds just a bit petulant, though not to the point of whining.

Kylie follows Talen down into the tower, floating down the central shaft while he takes the stairs. Reaching the highest level of suites, they enter along with many of the others. She gives him a confident smile, then watches as he concentrates. Within moments, the solid stone reshapes itself like clay, with various pieces of furniture appearing around the room. "That's amazing, Talen!" she exclaims. With some trepidation, she tries sitting -- gently at first -- in one of the chairs at the large table. "Hey, this is pretty comfortable; much moreso than I would have expected from stone. Good job, Talen." She scooches back in the chair, then raps her knuckles on the table to confirm it's sturdiness.

Silvarn and then Lilia comment on the value of Talen's ability, and the impact on Elder research. Kylie smiles, happy to see him finally get his day in the sun. She knows that he has long doubted his value, and now he is starting to see that he truly had a place in the world.

They return to the Sunflower and fly to the giant pillar artifact in the harbor, setting the ship down into the water next to the huge stone obelisk. Once docked, they exit and approach the pillar. Almost immediately, Talen starts to talk about what he is sensing from it. It turns out that he cannot sense any other locations on the network without entering the code from Mother Tree.

“There are no such measures on their other transportation artifacts,” Lilia will state. “The Elders freely moved about Arret, but have the need to regulate movement of those beyond this world? What were they trying to keep out?”

"Or keep in," Kylie says. "Perhaps, like your people, Silvarn, they preferred to keep people from interfering with other worlds."

“I'm going through the history of this pillar. It's much like the other ones. No records from before sixty-five million years ago and only sporadic use since then. It has not been used for several hundred years.”

“I'm entering the access code,” Talen says. “Okay, that unlocked the other pillar for me on Dreatar. This is strange. This other pillar is telling me to activate life support at the destination before using. What does that mean?”

“Life support, as far as the Spell Engines go, provide breathable air and a comfortable environment,” Lilia notes. “Perhaps where ever the arrival pillar is at lacks these things? Maybe its underwater now.”

"We definitely wouldn't want to try to travel there without one of the flying ships, even if we could," Kylie adds. "Fortunately, the life support function on the ship is connected to the vertical movement function, so we are unlikely to go there without it activated."

Something occurs to Kylie, so she speaks up to get everyone else's opinion. "We keep running into this sixty-five million year limit. On possibility I guess is that this is when the Eldar arrived from wherever they were previously and created the pillars. The later date when so many were destroyed might be when they left our planet or were wiped out?"

Eventually, they reboard the Sunflower for the trip home. At first, Silvarn is surprised that they don't have a navigator, to which Lilia explains that we just recently encountered this technology and haven't been using it long.

The dragoness then decides that they aren't returning fast enough, and volunteers to help them along. Lilia agrees and Lady Silvarn summons some great magic. Everything becomes a blur beyond the sides of the ship, and within moments they reach their destination! As they slow to a stop and descend, they find that they are almost directly over Mother Tree.

The size of Mother Tree proves to be a surprise to Silvarn, and Lilia explains that the others are actually Daughter Trees. "As I understand it, the Daughter Trees in the Elfholds were actually grown from seedlings of this Mother Tree." Kylie glances over to Lilia to see if her memory is correct.

Kylie waves as Silvarn departs, and Valena greets them as they disembark to a griffon stable in the Mother Tree. She explains that Myev's cocoon opened the previous night, which leaves Kylie feeling sad that she missed it. Entering the guard quarters, Kylie spots an elf with bluish skin and pale green hair! Her mouth drops open at the strange sight, but it snaps shut when the woman rises. She's huge!

“Kylie!” the new Myev calls out as she sits her book aside and rises to her feet. It is then that the last difference between the elves of Dreatar and those on Arret is noticed. Myev has a long and lean body and is tall. She stands 6'6” in height! “So good to see you all again!”

"Muh--Myev?! Is that you?" Kylie stutters, surprise written plainly across her features as she looks up at Myev. "Wow. Look at you! You look amazing! How do you feel?" She steps forward and offers her now much larger friend a hug.

[Talen]

Talen:

Once back in the ruins of the Elder City, Talen is eager to try something.

Talen goes down into the Tall Tower to try out his experiment. Most everyone else, including Silvarn, follows. Upon reaching the first of the suite of rooms he comes across, Talen closes his eyes and concentrates. In response, the strange red stone obeys!

Three chairs and couches emerge from the red stone along the outside of the room. A large table with ten chairs rises from the middle. Those touching them find that this new furniture is very real and feels solid. The chairs are actually comfortable to sit in, in spite of being made of red stone. The furniture he made remains, even after he stops concentrating on it.

“Wow!” Talen says with a laugh, clearly pleased with what he was able to do.

“Impressive,” Silvarn notes. “I can't say that I recall anyone doing anything like that before. This will require more research. It seems to me that if Talen can do this, then these ruins make sense as the base of operations for Elder research.”

“I'm starting to think that as well,” Lilia agrees. “With a pillar artifact here, guests can simply arrive here and bypass the Sylvan Realm all together. We elves prefer the privacy of our forests when it comes to outside races. This solves that problem nicely.”

“Yeah,” Talen agrees excitedly. “I think I can make these ancient ruins come back to life. This might be a cool place to live! Maybe we can use this as a home for the half-elves?”

Kylie follows Talen down into the tower, floating down the central shaft while he takes the stairs. Reaching the highest level of suites, they enter along with many of the others. She gives him a confident smile, then watches as he concentrates. Within moments, the solid stone reshapes itself like clay, with various pieces of furniture appearing around the room. "That's amazing, Talen!" she exclaims. With some trepidation, she tries sitting -- gently at first -- in one of the chairs at the large table. "Hey, this is pretty comfortable; much moreso than I would have expected from stone. Good job, Talen." She scooches back in the chair, then raps her knuckles on the table to confirm it's sturdiness.

“I never thought I would be so excited to make furniture,” Talen laughs. “I really can't wait to see what other wonders there are in these ruins.”

After Talen completes his experiment, everyone returns to the Sunflower. The gangplank is pulled up and the tie lines released. Course is set and the ship flies further to the north, to the remains of the Elder port where the gigantic pillar was discovered. This pillar looks much like the smaller ones the primary difference being that it is ten times bigger! It sits at the end of a long, wide pier.

The Sunflower settles down into the water beside the pier. Lines are tied off and the ship pulled up beside the dock. The gangplank is lowered and Talen is off to examine the giant pillar.

“This is similar to the smaller ones,” Talen will report, “but with differences as well. It is part of a network, but I cannot tell just how large. I cannot sense any of the other pillars on this network. It seems the code the Mother Tree gave me is needed to access these other pillars.”

“Perhaps it is just a simple security measure?” Silvarn will suggest.

“There are no such measures on their other transportation artifacts,” Lilia will state. “The Elders freely moved about Arret, but have the need to regulate movement of those beyond this world? What were they trying to keep out?”

"Or keep in," Kylie says. "Perhaps, like your people, Silvarn, they preferred to keep people from interfering with other worlds."

“Or being attacked by them,” Talen offers. “I would lock out others if the are as scary as the ones Lady Silvarn spoke of earlier. I'm going through the history of this pillar. It's much like the other ones. No records from before sixty-five million years ago and only sporadic use since then. It has not been used for several hundred years.”

“That tends to suggest that this type of pillar is much harder to activate than the smaller ones,” Lilia will suggest. “Perhaps magic is not the key here?”

“Maybe,” Talen wonders. “Or maybe it just needs a whole lot of magic to jump start it.”

“I'm entering the access code,” Talen says. “Okay, that unlocked the other pillar for me on Dreatar. This is strange. This other pillar is telling me to activate life support at the destination before using. What does that mean?”

“Life support, as far as the Spell Engines go, provide breathable air and a comfortable environment,” Lilia notes. “Perhaps where ever the arrival pillar is at lacks these things? Maybe its underwater now.”

"We definitely wouldn't want to try to travel there without one of the flying ships, even if we could," Kylie adds. "Fortunately, the life support function on the ship is connected to the vertical movement function, so we are unlikely to go there without it activated."

“That's must be what is going on here,” Talen agrees. “Another layer of security to keep outsiders away. “I'll leave it off for now.”

Something occurs to Kylie, so she speaks up to get everyone else's opinion. "We keep running into this sixty-five million year limit. On possibility I guess is that this is when the Eldar arrived from wherever they were previously and created the pillars. The later date when so many were destroyed might be when they left our planet or were wiped out?"

“No, I don't think so,” Talen offers. “Every record I've come across tells us something happened sixty-five million years ago. But then there was millions of years of inactivity. If the Elders just arrived sixty-five million years ago then why didn't they use their devices afterwards? It makes more sense that they left or died out sixty-five million years ago. I get the sense that whatever happened twenty thousand years ago was a separate event not related to the Elders. I guess what I am sayings is that this event affected the pillars, but was not caused by them.”

After that, we go back on the Sunflower and fly back to the Sylvan Realm. Lady Silvarn speeds up the trip and it passes in just seconds! The dragoness then departs and Valena comes forth with news. Talen follows the others as he too is curious about what is going on.

“I was not expecting you to be back so soon,” Valena will say. “But I am glad that you are. There is someone you'll want to meet.”

At Valena's direction, the group is escorted to the nearby quarters used by the griffon riders.

“The cocoon opened up last night,” Valena explains as you walk along. “Myev emerged but was disorientated at first. I was on hand and tracked her down. She has changed into an elf, but no elf I have ever seen!”

Upon entering into the chamber, everyone can clearly see what Valena is talking about. The former scro is seated and reading from a book. The change in Myev is dramatic to say the least. Her skin is no longer greenish, but is now more of a blue hue. Her hair that was once purplish-black in color is now sea foam green in color. What is most peculiar is that her ears are even longer that those of a regular elf and her eyebrows much larger.

“Kylie!” the new Myev calls out as she sits her book aside and rises to her feet. It is then that the last difference between the elves of Dreatar and those on Arret is noticed. Myev has a long and lean body and is tall. She stands 6'6” in height! “So good to see you all again!”

"Muh--Myev?! Is that you?" Kylie stutters, surprise written plainly across her features as she looks up at Myev. "Wow. Look at you! You look amazing! How do you feel?" She steps forward and offers her now much larger friend a hug.

Talen is stunned to see that the scro what went into the cocoon has emerged a tall blue elf! “I guess I'm no longer the tallest one around here any more,” Talen says offhandedly.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

When we last saw Valena, she and the other Silver Maidens had departed to their Order Hall with a dozen applicants. Nine of the applicants were accepted by unicorns, and thus were welcomed into the Silver Maidens. The others who were not picked were invited to try again at a later date. They were then returned to their clans.

Valena was the High Commander of the Silver Maidens. The original Silver Maidens, Fayrianna and Annelwin, were promoted to the status of Commanders. The newest Silver Maidens were designated as Riders.

Valena spoke to the newest Silver Maidens, making them aware of what was expected of them and awarding them their tabards. Afterwards, the group split up. Most were eager to return to their clans to make sure they reached their homes safely. Valena herself had no great need to do that, as Clan Feador was the one based around the Mother Tree and had been settled in days ago. The others had some traveling to do.

Commander Annelwin departed for the Clan Grunalf Clan Hold along with her clanswoman Rider Visara. Riders Jylrana and Yara traveled together to Pinit, the Clan Hold of the Long Runners.

Commander Fayrianna belonged to Clan Red Arrow along with two others, Riders Maylia and Umara. They set out for Walltree, but would accompany Rider Leandra of Clan Mealidil as Mealiel was along the way.

Rider Elwina and Rider Kali were both of Clan Erendyl and returned to Leromyr their Clan Hold. The last of the new Riders, Janwen Alastra, was on of those rare elves who did not belong to one of the seven great clans. Instead her clan, Alastra, was one of the many smaller ones and they had no Clan Hold here in the Sylvan Realm. Rider Janwen went to check up on Clan Chossum as their Clan Hold, Cesnae was a days walk past Leromyr.

Valena herself returned to the Mother Tree to see if anything had happened with Myev's cocoon. To her surprise, Myev emerged the night before in her transformed state. Those elves on guard understandable didn't know what to make of all of this. Myev wanders off, but was quickly found. She seemed peaceful enough and was shown to guest quarters.

That night, the Sunflower returned to the Mother Tree. Word reaches Valena and she goes forth to see for herself. Queen Lilia, Andlin, Kylie, Lia and Talen are quickly spotted.

“I was not expecting you to be back so soon,” Valena will say. “But I am glad that you are. There is someone you'll want to meet.”

“Our plans changed dramatically with what we discovered in the Elfin Palace,” Lilia explains her interest piqued.

“Isn't that always the way?” Valena wryly notes.

At Valena's direction, the group is escorted to the nearby quarters used by the griffon riders.

“The cocoon opened up last night,” Valena explains as you walk along. “Myev emerged but was disorientated at first. I was on hand and tracked her down. She has changed into an elf, but no elf I have ever seen!”

Upon entering into the chamber, everyone can clearly see what Valena is talking about. The former scro is seated and reading from a book. The change in Myev is dramatic to say the least. Her skin is no longer greenish, but is now more of a blue hue. Her hair that was once purplish-black in color is now sea foam green in color. What is most peculiar is that her ears are even longer that those of a regular elf and her eyebrows much larger.

“Kylie!” the new Myev calls out as she sits her book aside and rises to her feet. It is then that the last difference between the elves of Dreatar and those on Arret is noticed. Myev has a long and lean body and is tall. She stands 6'6” in height! “So good to see you all again!”

Valena just stands back and lets the others get a good look at the new Myev. “She's certainly more elvish looking now,” Valena adds. “The men of her world must be even taller!”

[Lia]

Lia
With Lilia-

“Don't worry about it, Lia, it is a sound idea,” Lilia will agree. “Forging alliances is a big part of my job now.”

A slight smile comes across her face as she realizes she did not overstep her bounds. “Thank you.”

“Not at the present,” Lilia states. “I see the wisdom in having proficient pilots for the Sunflower, but for now we are just making due. Fortunately, we have not yet traveled any great distances. The trip to Karn's Keep was to be our big test.”

“Are there maps that we may make use of? Areas that would be frowned upon visiting? Etc?”She asks.
“They are as different as night is to day, Silvarn answers. “Beholder and beholder-kind are another evil and malignant race. They too rule areas out there. The Arcane on the other hand are a race of merchants who trade in the magic items they craft. They are the finest creators of enchanted items known, but are otherwise an enigma even to us.”

Kylie looks over at Lia, then back to Silvarn. "I bet Argent would love to meet these Arcane. She's always had a great interest in enchanted items."

Lia smirks as her filter fails her, “Which one?” she asks in return. “It is good to be aware of such possibilities.” As a thought comes to her looking to Talen, “Talen, when next you speak to the artifacts can you see if any of these structures were ever moved?”

“Yes, I can see it clearly,” Silvarn will answer. “Something you should keep in mind should you ever have to contend with my more aggressive cousins is that we dragons have superior senses. Our sight is better than yours as is our hearing and sense of smell. I knew how many elves were on the Sunflower without actually being able to see all of them.”

Lia can’t help but listen as the Dragoness speaks, “Is there a language that all dragons understand? Could it be learned by a non dragon?”She asks curiously.
Talen goes down into the Tall Tower to try out his experiment. Most everyone else, including Silvarn, follows. Upon reaching the first of the suite of rooms he comes across, Talen closes his eyes and concentrates. In response, the strange red stone obeys!

Three chairs and couches emerge from the red stone along the outside of the room. A large table with ten chairs rises from the middle. Those touching them find that this new furniture is very real and feels solid. The chairs are actually comfortable to sit in, in spite of being made of red stone. The furniture he made remains, even after he stops concentrating on it.

“Impressive,” Silvarn notes. “I can't say that I recall anyone doing anything like that before. This will require more research. It seems to me that if Talen can do this, then these ruins make sense as the base of operations for Elder research.”

“Talen, that is amazing!”she says as she runs her hands over a solid stone chair. “If you can do this, can you secure doors or create them to bar hallways?”She asks curiously.

“I'm entering the access code,” Talen says. “Okay, that unlocked the other pillar for me on Dreatar. This is strange. This other pillar is telling me to activate life support at the destination before using. What does that mean?”

“You recall the Argent that was crushed and drowned by the artifacts?”Lia says simply, “It means there is danger on the other side. Whether it be underwater, clouds of gas it will be dangerous to go without the right life support. Perhaps ask it what has been used in the past?” Lia adds.
Silvarn uses her dragonic magic to further them along. Within seconds the ship slows and the mother tree is seen!

“Thank you for the showing me around,” Silvarn will say, turning to face Lilia. “It has given me new perspective on what is going on around here. I must leave you now, but I will see you again back at Karn's Keep the day after tomorrow. I will locate Xavier and depart as I have much to do in a short time span. Thank you for what you have shown me.”

“Thank you for assistance, Lady Silvarn. I trust we will see you soon.” She adds with a smile. “If Xavier needs a guide here in the future, I would be happy to show him about and teach him.”

“The cocoon opened up last night,” Valena explains as you walk along. “Myev emerged but was disorientated at first. I was on hand and tracked her down. She has changed into an elf, but no elf I have ever seen!”

A look of concern and awe comes over the young drow. “Is she alright?” As they move further in she will ask Valena, “How does it go with the silver maidens? Have the clans reclaimed their homes? She asks curiously.

Seeing the scro now mage is very shocking and it is written upon her face. She looks Myev over taking in her stature and skin. “You’ve grown!” she says with a smile, “Do you feel any different?”she asks curiousy. “We are the only ones of our kind here. For now.” She smiles letting her know that though she looks different she is not alone.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“That owl who spoke back at Telsun was one of these Alaghi?” the Clan Master wonders.

“It appears so, or was befriended by them.” He says simply. “These lands hold many things, it will be interesting to rediscover it all.”he says with a slight grin.

“You have plenty of arrows now,” the Clan Master adds with a grin. “We will be able to make short work of those that remain.”

“Let us hope so.” He says in reply. “It is good to have our kin working together as we are.” He says looking the Clan master in the eye.
.”

“Let us continue on as you have been doing,” the Clan Master decides. “We'll take out the next spider nest and clear the area around the mother spiders nest. Let's have the mages keep back so that if they need to they can mount the griffons if it comes to that.”

Laucian nods in understanding and stands, he takes a look about him seeing the other elves enjoying the break. “It is time to get back to our task. You all have done well this day. I am grateful for that, now let us reclaim our home and finish what we started!”

Not long after that, the small spiders come into view and quickly go down before the cooshee's can even reach them. The larger spider comes forth and she too goes down without issue. It is then when a larger shape is seen emerging from an area to the left and further back of the nest just attacked. A gargantuan spider rises up! This one is many times larger than the large one just slain! The Mother Spider stands over twenty feet tall and is at least forty feet wide! She lets out a loud screech that fills the area and then starts to move forwards, towards the elves that have been killing her children!

The battle has gone as before, the small spiders die in droves as arrows find their mark. Their mother seeking vengeance ends by a similar fate.
A form rises up and screeches of displeasure reach Laucian’s ears. Looking in the direction, Laucian takes a step back upon seeing a twenty foot spider before them. Narrowing his eyes he calls out, “Have the Cooshee attack from the flanks! Archers Fire at will! If anyone can blind it do so!”
He then knocks a paralyzing arrow to his bow, takes aim and takes a deep breath. Those close to him can hear him say/ pray, “Ehlonna guide my hand.” He says as he adjusts his aim and let’s loose. If the paralyzing arrow takes effect he will switch to fire arrow this round then normal arrows.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Back to the Mother Tree

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

The elves have returned from their visit to Karn's Keep to the Elder Ruins to the north of the Sylvan Realm. Silvarn fields more questions.

Lia can’t help but listen as the Dragoness speaks, “Is there a language that all dragons understand? Could it be learned by a non dragon?” She asks curiously.

“We silvers have our own language,” Silvarn will explain. “There is also a common tongue among those good-aligned dragons. We can also able to understand all spoken languages, but that skill various from individual to individual. Could they be learned? Maybe, but its not really necessary as we can speak your languages easily enough.”

"That's..." Kylie stammers. "I don't even know what to say to that. Lifespans of stars and planets..." This is almost more than she can wrap her mind around. It will take some time to think this all through.

“It's nothing to worry about,” Silvarn says to reassure Kylie. “The world is bigger and stranger than you can imagine. Just worry about your part of it and not what goes on elsewhere. After all, you can only influence what goes on around you. What happens elsewhere is beyond your control.”

“I personally have no intention in getting involved with the affairs of another world,” Lilia stresses. “My task is to protect the Sylvan Realm.”

“That is good to hear,” Silvarn says in a pleased voice.


The Pillar Artifact is taken from Karn's Keep back to the Elder Ruins of Shillesta. Silvarn looks around while Talen experiments on making furniture from the red stone. Like before, the stone seems to store heat in it. If it's glowing, then there is heat inside it.

“I'm starting to think that as well,” Lilia agrees. “With a pillar artifact here, guests can simply arrive here and bypass the Sylvan Realm all together. We elves prefer the privacy of our forests when it comes to outside races. This solves that problem nicely.”

“Yeah,” Talen agrees excitedly. “I think I can make these ancient ruins come back to life. This might be a cool place to live! Maybe we can use this as a home for the half-elves?”

“If Talen can create work and living areas here, then yes, this seems like the ideal place for research,” Silvarn agrees.


The Sunflower moves on to the port further to the north. There at the end of the longest dock stands the gigantic pillar. Talen is able to communicate with it and reveal some of its history.

“There are no such measures on their other transportation artifacts,” Lilia will state. “The Elders freely moved about Arret, but have the need to regulate movement of those beyond this world? What were they trying to keep out?”

"Or keep in," Kylie says. "Perhaps, like your people, Silvarn, they preferred to keep people from interfering with other worlds."

“Or being attacked by them,” Talen offers. “I would lock out others if the are as scary as the ones Lady Silvarn spoke of earlier. I'm going through the history of this pillar. It's much like the other ones. No records from before sixty-five million years ago and only sporadic use since then. It has not been used for several hundred years.”

“All possibilities,” Silvarn will say. “It is possible that the Elders had enemies who could use their devices, thus creating the need to limit their usage. Whose to say that the Elders were even a united race and did not war on their own kind?”

“Life support, as far as the Spell Engines go, provide breathable air and a comfortable environment,” Lilia notes. “Perhaps where ever the arrival pillar is at lacks these things? Maybe its underwater now.”

"We definitely wouldn't want to try to travel there without one of the flying ships, even if we could," Kylie adds. "Fortunately, the life support function on the ship is connected to the vertical movement function, so we are unlikely to go there without it activated."

“You recall the Argent that was crushed and drowned by the artifacts?” Lia says simply, “It means there is danger on the other side. Whether it be underwater, clouds of gas it will be dangerous to go without the right life support. Perhaps ask it what has been used in the past?” Lia adds.

“Life support is a generic phrase that goes with these Spell Engines,” Silvarn states. “In short is simply makes an area that is inhospitable hospitable, regardless of what the state around it is.”

Something occurs to Kylie, so she speaks up to get everyone else's opinion. "We keep running into this sixty-five million year limit. On possibility I guess is that this is when the Eldar arrived from wherever they were previously and created the pillars. The later date when so many were destroyed might be when they left our planet or were wiped out?"

“No, I don't think so,” Talen offers. “Every record I've come across tells us something happened sixty-five million years ago. But then there was millions of years of inactivity. If the Elders just arrived sixty-five million years ago then why didn't they use their devices afterwards? It makes more sense that they left or died out sixty-five million years ago. I get the sense that whatever happened twenty thousand years ago was a separate event not related to the Elders. I guess what I am sayings is that this event affected the pillars, but was not caused by them.”

“I am unfamiliar with this event from twenty thousand years ago you speak of,” Silvarn will add, “but scholars have known that the Elders died out millions of years ago. They didn't know exactly when, but so long ago that there are no records of any other intelligent race encountering them alive. Only their ruins and artifacts were left behind.”

[GM Mad]

The Sunflower leaves the Elder Ruins behind and beings to fly back to the Sylvan Realm.

“Not at the present,” Lilia states. “I see the wisdom in having proficient pilots for the Sunflower, but for now we are just making due. Fortunately, we have not yet traveled any great distances. The trip to Karn's Keep was to be our big test.”

“You will want to get navigators as soon as possible,” Silvarn will advise. “You've only traveled short distances so far, so it wasn't needed as much. But to travel far you need to plot a proper course or you will get lost.”

After a moment's thought, Silvarn will add, “I'll return to the Sunflower the morning after tomorrow. I will guide the ship to Karn's Keep instead of blindly trying to reach it. The HIVE must be dealt with and quickly.”

“Are there maps that we may make use of? Areas that would be frowned upon visiting? Etc?” She asks.

“As I understand it, maps and charts are not a rare thing on this world,” Silvarn states. “Those are easy to come by. Having people who can navigate with them is another matter. A good navigator is worth their weight in gold.”


Silvarn was expecting the trip to go faster and so takes matters into her own hand. Using dragonic magic, she accelerates the Sunflower to the Fast Travel speed for just five seconds. The Sunflower reaches the Mother Tree in a matter of seconds instead of hours.

“Oh my!” Lilia calls out in surprise. While she wasn't sure just what to expect, she was not expecting that. “I read in the Spell Engine manual that when the fast travel was used that the world gray-shifted around you. Was what we just experienced something like that?”

“Similar, yes,” Silvarn answers. “The effect is related to the Fast Travel ability of Spell Engines. We silvers can use magic to achieve the same thing on ourselves and what we carry. It allows me to span this world in minutes as opposed to days.”

Silvarn is surprised at the size of the Mother Tree.

“The ones in the Elfholds are technically Daughter Trees,” Lilia will explain. “They are young and still growing, while the Mother Tree here is thousands of years old.”

The size of Mother Tree proves to be a surprise to Silvarn, and Lilia explains that the others are actually Daughter Trees. "As I understand it, the Daughter Trees in the Elfholds were actually grown from seedlings of this Mother Tree." Kylie glances over to Lilia to see if her memory is correct.

“I see,” Silvarn states.

“Thank you for assistance, Lady Silvarn. I trust we will see you soon.” She adds with a smile. “If Xavier needs a guide here in the future, I would be happy to show him about and teach him.”

“I will keep that in mind,” Silvarn will say before she departs on her personal mission.


Back at the Mother Tree, the elves encounter Valena of the Silver Maidens. She relates that Myev emerged from her cocoon last night. The former scro was disorientated and Valena had to track her down. But Myev was peaceful. Her new form is elfish in a fashion, but not in a way anyone was expecting. The new Myev is very tall, standing over six and half-feet tall. Her skin is bluish and her ears much longer.

“Welcome to elfhood, Myev,” Lilia will finally manage to utter as she looks up at Myev.

“Thanks!” Myev happily answers.

"Muh--Myev?! Is that you?" Kylie stutters, surprise written plainly across her features as she looks up at Myev. "Wow. Look at you! You look amazing! How do you feel?" She steps forward and offers her now much larger friend a hug.

“I feel good,” Myev will say as she looks down at Kylie. “I'm not quite used to being this tall yet. I keep hitting my head on your doorways!”

Seeing the scro now mage is very shocking and it is written upon her face. She looks Myev over taking in her stature and skin. “You’ve grown! Do you feel any different?” she asks curiously.

“I was already tall,” Myev offers, “at least compared to you elves before. I really didn't know what I was going to change into when I accepted the Mother Tree's offer. But I think I like it!”

“I feel like me,” Myev continues. “So I guess that's a good thing. And I can feel the Mother Tree! Oh, what a wondrous feeling that is! I never knew how special it was to be an elf.”

“We are the only ones of our kind here. For now.” She smiles letting her know that though she looks different she is not alone.

“For now,” Myev nods in agreement. “When are we leaving to retrieve the elves of my world? I haven't seen Argent around at all. Is she well? Did you arrive on the Sunflower? I think I left my spell book on it. Well, at least my former elfin part did. I think I'm a lot better at magic now. What are we doing tomorrow? There is so much I want to see!”

[GM Mad]

The Spiders of Einsun:

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

There is a brief lull in the battle against the spiders infesting Einsun around midday. During this time the Clan Master and forty elfin archers arrive to assist in the conflict. They are briefed on what has transpired and about the Alaghi.

“It appears so, or was befriended by them.” He says simply. “These lands hold many things, it will be interesting to rediscover it all.”he says with a slight grin.

“Indeed it will, Clansman,” the Clan Master responds.

At the Clan Master's direction, the call goes out to continue the battle. Since the strategy used thus far has been successful, there is no reason not to continue it. Before setting out once more, Laucian speaks.

Laucian nods in understanding and stands, he takes a look about him seeing the other elves enjoying the break. “It is time to get back to our task. You all have done well this day. I am grateful for that, now let us reclaim our home and finish what we started!”

A cheer goes out from among the elves as everyone moves into their positions. The attack against the next nest goes as expected and it falls quickly. However, right after it does a gargantuan shape rises up from further back! It is similar to the larger spiders that have been easily slain, but this one is nearly five times bigger! Its main body hovers nearly twenty feet over head and including its eight legs, this beast is forty feet wide! The Mother Spider has entered the fray!

A form rises up and screeches of displeasure reach Laucian’s ears. Looking in the direction, Laucian takes a step back upon seeing a twenty foot spider before them. Narrowing his eyes he calls out, “Have the Cooshee attack from the flanks! Archers Fire at will! If anyone can blind it do so!”

The Mother Spider is fairly distant and hard to see initially with all the trees in between it. But it is closing rapidly!

“Mages to your griffons!” Clan Master Triestar Silvarost calls out as he too rushes to a mount. “Strike this abomination from above with your spells!”

In response to the Clan Master's order, the Silver Maiden Visara and Griffon Riders Merlara and Shyael run to their griffons and quickly take flight.

The archers fire their arrows, but is hard to see if any did any harm to the gigantic spider. Several arrows just bounce off the spiders's skin! The cooshee's rush towards the monstrosity fearless and try to bit at its legs, as the main body is far from their reach. The elfin dogs do not seem as effective against an enemy this large.

Laucian fires a Paralyzing Arrow at the giant spider and actually misses the target! The Mother Spider moved out of the way as she rushes the elves. Two normal arrows are fired and one does embed itself in the spider while the other misses.

The Mother Spider has reached the shore of the stream separating her from the elves. Unlike the smaller spiders, the rushing water is no barrier to the Mother Spider. She crouches down momentarily and then leaps high into the air! The Mother Spider jumps across the stream and lands on the shore among the elfin archers! Her eight legs strike the ground with significant force, crushing any elves unfortunate to be standing there! More than a few cries of pain fill the air!

The Mother Spider hisses once more and looks around for a target to strike.

[GM Mad]

The Wyvern's of Walltree:

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

The battle for Walltree seems to have come to an end. The armored riders were defeated and then the last of the wyverns slain. All that remains is to clean up and secure the area. Clan Master Argus Bloodmoon arrives followed by Arlen Brightsword. The Clan Master directs that the area be searched for any hiding humans, that camp be set up here in the Open Market area, but away from the wyvern corpses and that any wounded escorted here so that the priests can heal them.

Now that they have practice at taking out the wyverns, the last couple go down quickly. Afterwards, Argus and Arlen join them in short order. It is agreed that they need to search the entire compound for any remaining humans, and to take them prisoner if possible. "Yes, sir!" Onas replies.

Turning to the other Riders, Onas gives them instructions to check each of the outlying sections of the town, moving clockwise through the districts. As a priest, he will stay and help with the healing of those injured in the conflict. As the wounded arrive, Onas will help with triaging the cases so that those most in need receive priority care and divine assistance. Those with only very minor wounds receive mundane bandaging.

The Forest Riders have their orders and move out to search the area aiding the quartet of Silver Maidens. The next few hours pass slowly as the main body of soldiers start to set up camp. There are seven other elves among the group who can help in the healing. The most potent of these other priests is on par with Onas as far as levels go so while there is healing magic here, there is not an abundance of it.

The wounded start to trickle in. Most of these wounds are not life threatening so healing magic is saved for now. Unfortunately a few elves are found to be beyond healing and have passed on. A few humans are found. They are striped of weapons and armor and placed in a nearby dwelling under guard.

In total, five humans were found hiding in the Clan Hold. Six elves were killed, while twenty others were wounded. One of those killed was a Forest Rider who did in the skirmish with the armored riders. In time the Forest Riders return from their expedition along with the Silver Maidens. A guard rotation is set up for the evening. One set of guards to keep watch over the prisoners, a second set for the elves as they rest and sleep.

Just as Onas is starting to settle in for the evening, there is a commotion nearby that draws his attention. Just within the limits of his elfin vision, a rider on a unicorn appears! But this is not Fayrianna or any of the Riders that accompanied her on this mission to Walltree. Instead it is the leader of the Silver Maidens herself, Valena!

“I was going to say that you would not believe the day I was having,” Valena says wryly, “but after looking around here, I believe you would!”

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The size of Mother Tree proves to be a surprise to Silvarn, and Lilia explains that the others are actually Daughter Trees. "As I understand it, the Daughter Trees in the Elfholds were actually grown from seedlings of this Mother Tree." Kylie glances over to Lilia to see if her memory is correct.

“Grafts actually,” Lilia corrects. “Limbs were cut from the Mother Tree and taken to the Elfholds. There, they were grafted on to healthy oak trees. In time those trees grew bigger and became the Daughter Trees. That is what made this crisis so dire. If the Mother Tree died, then the Daughter trees would as well since they have a mystic connection.”

“You will want to get navigators as soon as possible,” Silvarn will advise. “You've only traveled short distances so far, so it wasn't needed as much. But to travel far you need to plot a proper course or you will get lost.”

“I understand,” Lilia will say. “It will be a high priority for me.”

After a moment's thought, Silvarn will add, “I'll return to the Sunflower the morning after tomorrow. I will guide the ship to Karn's Keep instead of blindly trying to reach it. The HIVE must be dealt with and quickly.”

“Thank you for your assistance, Lady Silvarn,” Lilia will gratefully say. That eliminates one worry concerning what is to come.

“Similar, yes,” Silvarn answers. “The effect is related to the Fast Travel ability of Spell Engines. We silvers can use magic to achieve the same thing on ourselves and what we carry. It allows me to span this world in minutes as opposed to days.”

“Fascinating,” is all that Lilia will say about the matter.


Once back at the Mother Tree, Silvarn departs and Valena arrives. Myev emerged from her cocoon last night and was substantially changed. She is incredibly tall for an elf and has bluish skin. How peculiar.

“I was already tall,” Myev offers, “at least compared to you elves before. I really didn't know what I was going to change into when I accepted the Mother Tree's offer. But I think I like it!”

“I feel like me,” Myev continues. “So I guess that's a good thing. And I can feel the Mother Tree! Oh, what a wondrous feeling that is! I never knew how special it was to be an elf.”

“Very special indeed,” Lilia agrees. She can't help but smile at Myev's exuberance at her transformation.

“For now,” Myev nods in agreement. “When are we leaving to retrieve the elves of my world? I haven't seen Argent around at all. Is she well? Did you arrive on the Sunflower? I think I left my spell book on it. Well, at least my former elfin part did. I think I'm a lot better at magic now. What are we doing tomorrow? There is so much I want to see!”

“Soon,” Lilia will state in regards to when they plan to leave for Dreatar. Lilia figures that Kylie will answer the question about Argent.

“We did arrive on the Sunflower, so your spell book should be where you left it. As is your quarters. Go ahead and go on board. You'll be traveling with us.” And the elves around the Mother Tree won't have to deal with this very unusual guest.

“Tomorrow at first light we will fly to the Elfin Palace to see what transpired in our absence,” Lilia declares.

Turning, Lilia speaks to Valena. “I have a mission for you come the morning, High Commander. Since you can cover much ground on your unicorn, I want you to visit each of the Clan Holds to make sure they are safe. I am sure that Speaker Allurien would be most grateful for the information.”

“Laucian should be at the Clan Grunalf home,” Lilia continues. “Alert him that he should report to the Elfin Palace by the following morning so he can join us on our mission to exterminate the HIVE. Your travels should lead you to Walltree. I am sure the Brightsword brothers would be happy to join our mission. I'll be taking a small group to contend with the HIVE as I will not leave the Mother Tree without protection. Then join us at the Elfin Palace.”

“Lets rest up as we have much to do tomorrow,” Lilia concludes.

She'll retire to the cabin on the Sunflower that she used before and will play with Lady a bit before resting.

[Lia]

Lia

“I was already tall,” Myev offers, “at least compared to you elves before. I really didn't know what I was going to change into when I accepted the Mother Tree's offer. But I think I like it!”

“I feel like me,” Myev continues. “So I guess that's a good thing. And I can feel the Mother Tree! Oh, what a wondrous feeling that is! I never knew how special it was to be an elf.”

“That is good thing.” Lia says in turn, Realizing that sometimes they might take the feelings of being a elf for granted.

“For now,” Myev nods in agreement. “When are we leaving to retrieve the elves of my world? I haven't seen Argent around at all. Is she well? Did you arrive on the Sunflower? I think I left my spell book on it. Well, at least my former elfin part did. I think I'm a lot better at magic now. What are we doing tomorrow? There is so much I want to see!”

“In a few days time. Argent chose to go back to her own people. Yes we did a short time ago. Be careful what you seek out. It may take you sometime to get used to your new self. Light was an issue for me. Though I do not know if you would share the same fate.”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

As they move further in she will ask Valena, “How does it go with the silver maidens? Have the clans reclaimed their homes? She asks curiously.

“It went well,” Valena will report. “We added nine new members to the Silver Maidens. That will let us cover the entire Sylvan Realm with our patrols.”

“I haven't been to any of the other Clan Holds as of yet,” Valena continues. “Just have not had the time. What about you? What brings you back to the Mother Tree so soon?”

After the new arrivals meet the new and improved Myev, Lilia sets the agenda for the tomorrow.

“Tomorrow at first light we will fly to the Elfin Palace to see what transpired in our absence,” Lilia declares.

Turning, Lilia speaks to Valena. “I have a mission for you come the morning, High Commander. Since you can cover much ground on your unicorn, I want you to visit each of the Clan Holds to make sure they are safe. I am sure that Speaker Allurien would be most grateful for the information.”

“Laucian should be at the Clan Grunalf home,” Lilia continues. “Alert him that he should report to the Elfin Palace by the following morning so he can join us on our mission to exterminate the HIVE. Your travels should lead you to Walltree. I am sure the Brightsword brothers would be happy to join our mission. I'll be taking a small group to contend with the HIVE as I will not leave the Mother Tree without protection. Then join us at the Elfin Palace.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty,” Valena answers with a nod. “I will meet up with you at the Royal Palace with reinforcements.”

Early next morning after a light meal, Valena is off on River Blossom. She travels to those Clan Holds to the west of the Mother Tree first, Leromyr and Cesnae. Then it will be off to Mealiel to the south and east. Einsun comes next and after that is Walltree. Pinit, since it sits across the river from the Elfin Palace is saved for last.

Much later in the day, after nightfall in fact, Valena finally arrives at Walltree...

Just as Onas is starting to settle in for the evening, there is a commotion nearby that draws his attention. Just within the limits of his elfin vision, a rider on a unicorn appears! But this is not Fayrianna or any of the Riders that accompanied her on this mission to Walltree. Instead it is the leader of the Silver Maidens herself, Valena!

“I was going to say that you would not believe the day I was having,” Valena says wryly, “but after looking around here, I believe you would!”

[Talen]

Talen:

“Talen, that is amazing!”she says as she runs her hands over a solid stone chair.

“Who knew that I could make furniture out of stone?” Talen says to his sister.

“If you can do this, can you secure doors or create them to bar hallways?” She asks curiously.

“I don't see why not?” Talen answers. “The limit seems to be my imagination.”

“If Talen can create work and living areas here, then yes, this seems like the ideal place for research,” Silvarn agrees.

“I guess it will depend just how long the stone furniture will hold it shape,” Talen surmises. “And we'll only know that by seeing how longs this furniture lasts.”

“All possibilities,” Silvarn will say. “It is possible that the Elders had enemies who could use their devices, thus creating the need to limit their usage. Whose to say that the Elders were even a united race and did not war on their own kind?”

“I didn't even think of that,” Talen realizes. “We've been putting the Elders on a pedestal for what artifacts that they left behind, they may not have been nice people at all.”


Once back at the Mother Tree, there isn't much for Talen to do. Kylie is spending time with her newly changed friend Myev. Talen will relax for a time and eventually turn in for the night.

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

With the Clan Master's instructions given, the elves all move to their appointed tasks. As the other Forest Riders move off to check the perimeter, Onas joins the other healers to help those injured in the fighting. A number of wounded elves arrive, though few are seriously hurt; common bandaging suffices for them. A total of six elves died in the effort to retake Walltree, including one of his Forest Riders. Onas is proud of how his kin performed and what they have achieved this day, but regrets the loss of life.

Five humans are found alive. They are stripped of armor and weapons, placed in an enclosure, and a guard rotation set over them. Other guards are assigned to shifts for the night to keep the camp secure.

The evening is starting to get late. Onas finds the the battle and his wounds have sapped much of his strength, so he starts preparing for a night's rest. Suddenly a commotion arises, and he goes to see what it is. Have human reinforcements arrived? They may be tired, but he has no doubt that his people will fight fiercely to defend the home that they have just recovered.

Moments later, he can make out a Silver Maiden arriving through the camp, though it is not one that participated in the battle. As she approaches, Onas is able to identify her as none other than Valena, commander of the Silver Maidens! He had not expected her here, but moves closer to hear what she has to say.

“I was going to say that you would not believe the day I was having,” Valena says wryly, “but after looking around here, I believe you would!”

Onas chuckles in response to the beautiful woman's comment, which turns into a painful cough. "Ow... laughing hurts..." he says, wrapping one arm around his ribs. "Yeah... I think I would, Valena. Please tell us about your day, and we will share our news with you."

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Onas chuckles in response to the beautiful woman's comment, which turns into a painful cough. "Ow... laughing hurts..." he says, wrapping one arm around his ribs. "Yeah... I think I would, Valena. Please tell us about your day, and we will share our news with you."

“You're wounded!” Valena calls out rhetorically. “What happened here? Although, by looking around I can take a guess what transpired. Unfortunately, my spells are mostly spent, otherwise I could heal you immediately. Anyway, yes I have news. The Clan Master and your brother Arlen will need to hear my words. Commander Fayrianna and the other Silver Maidens as well.”

After Clan Master Argus, Arlen Brightsword and Fayrianna and the other Silver Maidens have joined us, Valena will share what she knows.

“Much has been happening elsewhere in the Sylvan Realm and beyond,” Valena will state. “The Queen flew the Sunflower to the Elfin Palace to begin exploration. But something unexpected was found. A Pillar Artifact created by the mysterious Elders. Even more extraordinary, Talen was able to control and make use of the device. That's what happened to him when we were in the ruined Elder City. Much information was learned, but the most important thing that Talen discovered was the location of the HIVE, the parasites that we also encountered in the ruins. The HIVE are based in a different Elder City, this one located within the Great Swamp in Cynalon.”

“Armed with this information, the next day the Sunflower was flown back to the Elder City to the north. There they used the Pillar Artifact up there to travel to Karn's Keep, the home of Cynalon's Archmage Sharadin. They shared what they knew about the HIVE and their location. To that end, a task force is being gathered to exterminate these parasites.”

“That is why I have come here tonight,” Valena continues. “The Queen wants a small, but powerful group of elves to take part in this battle. Arlen and Onas Brightsword and myself are to travel to the Elfin Palace in the morning and join this expedition. We will be taking part in the fight against the HIVE.”

“In my absence, you and Annelwin are in charge of the Silver Maidens,” Valena will say, turning to face Fayrianna. “The Queen expects us to be gone for a few days. We will be flying the Sunflower to Karn's Keep. There, Talen will use the Pillar Artifact to move us directly into the Elder City and into the midst of the HIVE. Joining us will be other allies of Cynalon. Assuming all goes well, we will stay down south a few days, eventually making our way to the Elfholds to gather up the forces coming to the Sylvan Realm to combat the slavers when they arrive. During my absence, continue to patrol the Sylvan Realm and make regular checks on the various Clan Holds. Deal with any problems as you see fit.”

Turning to Clan Master Argus, Valena says, “Part of my mission today was to gather information about each of the Clan Holds so that I can relay it to Speaker Allurien. I stopped in Mealiel earlier this afternoon and learned that you were dealing with humans held up in Walltree. I must assume that you have succeed, given where we are.”

“I have other news as well,” Valena will say after getting the report on what transpired in Walltree. “Myev's cocoon opened and she emerged transformed, but not into any elf I had ever seen before. She know stands a good 18 inches taller than me and has bluish skin. Her ears are much larger as well. Otherwise, she seems happy and content. She is with the Queen right now.”

“The other Clan Holds are dealing with a variety of issues. In Leromyr they have a tribe of centaurs as neighbors. In fact we met a centaur in the service of the Lady of the Forests! He traveled with us to Ehlonna's Shrine and helped us concentrate the altar. It was amazing!”

“Clan Chossum had guests in Cesnae as well,” Valena continues. “Their Clan Hold is near the coast. It seems that human fishing vessels have used it as a stop over on their trips up and down the coast. From what I can tell, these humans are not part of the same tribe you battled here as they were friendly and courteous. No doubt the Chossum merchants are already working on trade agreements!”

“They had another manticore attack in Mealiel yesterday, but they were driven off. They most likely have a lair somewhere close by. They'll have to be hunted down.”

“I just came from Einsun where they had problems of their own,” Valena concludes. “Spiders had infested their clan hold including the grandmother spider who was bigger than a house! That's about everything going on right now.”

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“It's nothing to worry about,” Silvarn says to reassure Kylie. “The world is bigger and stranger than you can imagine. Just worry about your part of it and not what goes on elsewhere. After all, you can only influence what goes on around you. What happens elsewhere is beyond your control.”

"True," Kylie replies, nodding. "Although it seems to me that knowing and understanding more is always better. Our experiences -- however recent they may be -- seem to bear that out."

Lia smirks as her filter fails her, “Which one?” she asks in return.

Lia's comment draws a chuckle from Kylie. "All of them, probably, though Lady Argent seems to have retained that trait the most strongly of the three we've met."

Visiting Shillestra, Talen tries his hand at creating furniture and finds it rather easy to form solid, functional furniture from the red stone. Lilia suggests it as a center of research, so that those who want to study don't have to pass through the elven lands.

“Yeah,” Talen agrees excitedly. “I think I can make these ancient ruins come back to life. This might be a cool place to live! Maybe we can use this as a home for the half-elves?”

Hearing Talen's suggestion, Kylie begins to ponder the idea. "Hmm... That's an interesting idea, Talen, and one worth considering. Being this far from anyone else might leave us somewhat vulnerable -- at least until there are a large enough population of us to see to our own defense -- but could have other advantages."

“I never thought I would be so excited to make furniture,” Talen laughs. “I really can't wait to see what other wonders there are in these ruins.”

Kylie joins her friend's laughter. "You may be the most unique carpenter in the world, Talen."

“I guess it will depend just how long the stone furniture will hold it shape,” Talen surmises. “And we'll only know that by seeing how longs this furniture lasts.”

"That's a very good point, Talen, and one we'll want to test out thoroughly," Kylie states with a smile.

“All possibilities,” Silvarn will say. “It is possible that the Elders had enemies who could use their devices, thus creating the need to limit their usage. Whose to say that the Elders were even a united race and did not war on their own kind?”

"If I recall correctly," Kylie says as she tries to recall their past visit, "the 'teaching stone' that gave Talen all of his new knowledge had 'arms' at four different heights. Each was marked with a label that seemed to imply that it was intended for a different race. Thus, the Elders seem to have been at least four different races."

They visit the giant pillar on the northern coast, and Talen collects what information he can from it.

“Maybe,” Talen wonders. “Or maybe it just needs a whole lot of magic to jump start it.”

"Based on what we learned from the others, magic isn't what they use at all, but instead they seem to respond to mental energy. Perhaps the bigger ones require a larger amount of mental energy?"

Flying back to the Sylvan Realms, Silvarn recommends that they train navigators for the flying ships. Kylie finds this idea very appealing, but resists the urge to volunteer herself as there are so many other things she needs to spend her time and energy on -- including developing her relationship with Talen.

“Grafts actually,” Lilia corrects. “Limbs were cut from the Mother Tree and taken to the Elfholds. There, they were grafted on to healthy oak trees. In time those trees grew bigger and became the Daughter Trees. That is what made this crisis so dire. If the Mother Tree died, then the Daughter trees would as well since they have a mystic connection.”

The queen corrects the inaccuracies in Kylie's prior statements. She listens carefully, hoping that she'll remember more accurately next time.

Returning to Mother Tree, they find that Myev has emerged from her cocoon and transformed into a towering blue elf!

“I feel good,” Myev will say as she looks down at Kylie. “I'm not quite used to being this tall yet. I keep hitting my head on your doorways!”

Kylie winces. "Ouch! I'm sorry, Myev. I know you'll adjust in time, though you may need to extra careful until then."

Talen is stunned to see that the scro what went into the cocoon has emerged a tall blue elf! “I guess I'm no longer the tallest one around here any more,” Talen says offhandedly.

Kylie shares a smile with Talen.

“I feel like me,” Myev continues. “So I guess that's a good thing. And I can feel the Mother Tree! Oh, what a wondrous feeling that is! I never knew how special it was to be an elf.”

Kylie continues to marvel at how tall and how different her friend seems, both in appearance and inherent nature. "You're more elven than I now, Myev. You may find that other aspects of your life will be very different from what you knew before."

Valena just stands back and lets the others get a good look at the new Myev. “She's certainly more elvish looking now,” Valena adds. “The men of her world must be even taller!”

"Wouldn't that be a sight..." Kylie states, bemused.

Myev asks about Argent, and Lia replies that she returned to 'her own people'. Kylie decides not to add any further details unless Myev specifically asks.

“We did arrive on the Sunflower, so your spell book should be where you left it. As is your quarters. Go ahead and go on board. You'll be traveling with us.” And the elves around the Mother Tree won't have to deal with this very unusual guest.

Myev asks about her spell-book, and Lilia directs her to the Sunflower. "I would be happy to accompany you, Myev. I would love to hear about how you experienced the transformation. Were you conscious for any of it?"

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

“You're wounded!” Valena calls out rhetorically. “What happened here? Although, by looking around I can take a guess what transpired. Unfortunately, my spells are mostly spent, otherwise I could heal you immediately. Anyway, yes I have news. The Clan Master and your brother Arlen will need to hear my words. Commander Fayrianna and the other Silver Maidens as well.”

While they wait for the others to assemble, Onas offers a few bits of information to Valena. "As you can no doubt see, we had to dislodge some humans who didn't want to leave. Their leader was a skilled warrior who nearly bested me. Fortunately, we were able to keep them from getting any of the wyverns into the air. That could have been a real problem." As he talks, he converts another deific miracle into more healing for himself. After caring for the other wounded, he doesn't have many spells left, but decides that he can probably spare one more for his own injury.

Once everyone has gathered around, Onas listens quietly to the head Silver Maiden. She has much to relate. Most importantly, they have located the central base of those bug-people that Lilia's team had encountered earlier. From everything he has heard, they are nasty customers indeed. It seems Valena came here specifically to recruit Arlen and himself for a strike force to attack the Hive. "I will be ready," Onas vows.

Valena continues to provide more information regarding the mission. It is good to hear that they will be collecting other allies, as this is likely to be a big battle. Onas can only pray that he is up to it; he will be sure to discuss this with Angharradh during his morning devotions tomorrow. From the sound of it, the fight with the slavers may be even bigger yet. It seems that coming to the Sylvan Realm has resulted in getting them embroiled in some very significant events.

Next, Valena makes quick mention of the orcish friend of Kylie's, Myev. Onas doesn't know her well, but she seemed to want to rise above her origins, which is a noble aspiration for anyone. Apparently she has emerged from the cocoon created by Mother Tree and become an extremely tall elf with blue skin. Onas has never heard of an elven sub-race by that description, and isn't entirely sure he heard her correctly. "B-blue? Did you say blue skin, Valena?" He shakes his head, uncertain what to make of this.

In closing, Valena provides an update on the other clan holds. Most of the returns went well, though there have been more troubles with manticores in Mealiel. Worse, Clan Grunalf had to deal with an infestation of giant spiders. Thankfully, they were able to exterminate the creatures and recover their clan home.

"That is quite a tale, and a lot of information to absorb, Valena. Thank you for sharing."

[Laucian]

Sorry I thought I posted this earlier.


Laucian
The Mother Spider has reached the shore of the stream separating her from the elves. Unlike the smaller spiders, the rushing water is no barrier to the Mother Spider. She crouches down momentarily and then leaps high into the air! The Mother Spider jumps across the stream and lands on the shore among the elfin archers! Her eight legs strike the ground with significant force, crushing any elves unfortunate to be standing there! More than a few cries of pain fill the air!
A ground shakes as screams of pain fill the air.
The cleric in him wishes to see to those injuried but to run forward to do so would be a folly. Moving to a defensible position, Laucian casts Summon insects, focused on the giant spider’s head and eyes.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Back to the Mother Tree

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

The elves has returned to the Mother Tree from their excursion to Karn's Keep via the Pillar Artifact up in the Elder City. Once at the Mother Tree they've discovered that Myev has come out of her cocoon in a new form. One that is bluer and taller than expected. Myev seems excited by her change and is full of questions.

Kylie winces. "Ouch! I'm sorry, Myev. I know you'll adjust in time, though you may need to extra careful until then."

“I'd rather be outside anyway,” Myev answers. “Then I don't have to worry about low ceilings. Oh, the griffons don't snap at me anymore! They still scare me, but at least they are no longer trying to eat me.”

Kylie continues to marvel at how tall and how different her friend seems, both in appearance and inherent nature. "You're more elven than I now, Myev. You may find that other aspects of your life will be very different from what you knew before."

“Everything is different from what I was before,” Myev says. “I can go places and explore now. It''ll be fun!”

“Soon,” Lilia will state in regards to when they plan to leave for Dreatar. Lilia figures that Kylie will answer the question about Argent.

“Okay,” Myev answers cheerfully.

“In a few days time. Argent chose to go back to her own people. Yes we did a short time ago. Be careful what you seek out. It may take you sometime to get used to your new self. Light was an issue for me. Though I do not know if you would share the same fate.”

“That's too bad,” Myev says sadly. “Maybe I can go visit her sometime?”

After a moment's thought, Myev adds in a puzzled voice, “Why would light bother me?”

“We did arrive on the Sunflower, so your spell book should be where you left it. As is your quarters. Go ahead and go on board. You'll be traveling with us.” And the elves around the Mother Tree won't have to deal with this very unusual guest.

Myev asks about her spell-book, and Lilia directs her to the Sunflower. "I would be happy to accompany you, Myev. I would love to hear about how you experienced the transformation. Were you conscious for any of it?"

“Woo-hoo!” Myev calls out in excitement and seemingly not hearing everything Kylie said. “Try to keep up!”

After making sure to duck underneath the door frame, Myev dashes out into the night, making long strides with her longer legs. Kylie flies after Myev while the others watch. Myev spots the Sunflower and makes a beeline over it, jumping over any furniture along the way with great ease.

Upon reaching the sunflower, Myev doesn't bother to go up the gangplank, instead she just leaps up, grabs the deck railing and vaults herself over it and onto the ship. She then makes her way down below decks and Kylie can hear her call out, “OOOWW!” a couple of times where she forgot to duck. Those elves on the deck of the Sunflower just watch this in disbelief.

Kylie and anyone else who follows finds Myev back in her old quarters. The ceilings of the Sunflower are a little higher, as the ship was built for humans, but she does have to duck to go through the doors.

“My bed to too small!” Myev notes. “I didn't have that problem before.”

The door to the bedroom across the hall creaks open and Myev looks off in that direction expectantly. That was the room that Argent used while she was here. But it is not the human invoker who appears, but a very small elf with fiery red hair. With her is the cooshee she befriended back in Pinit. The elfin dog cocks its head as it looks over Myev.

“What goes on here?” Gweyr Autumnfire cannot help but wonder about seeing the giant blue elf.

[GM Mad]

Back to the Elfin Palace:

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

Next morning the Sunflower is on the move again. Myev is going over the charts in the Captain's Cabin but seems confused.

“I don't think that any of these maps are for these lands?” she notes. “Why are you going to find where you are going?”

“And why is the sky so boring?” Myev continues to anyone who will listen. “Where is the God of War? Where are all the other objects in the sky?”

The ship flies to the south and reaches the Pinit/Elfin Palace area in two hours. Myev wanders all over the deck of the Sunflower watching the land pass below. “Everything is so green!” the blue elf notes.

Once more the Sunflower flies in over the Satheas River and docks at Pinit. Everything seems normal and peaceful at Pinit. The only noticeable addition is that there are two unknown lady elves riding unicorns! They are the newest Silver Maidens, Riders Jylrana and Yara.

Myev is excited to see Pinit and all the wonders it offers. The inhabitants are not quite sure what to make of Myev, but are at least polite. She's seen cooshee's before, so those are not new. But the elfin cats are!

“What are these adorable creatures?” Myev wonders as picks up and pets one of the cats. “We have creatures similar to these back home, but much larger.”

Not longer after the Sunflower's arrival, Speaker Allurien is summoned along with several other elves including Doriath, the former King of the Elfholds, and the priests Soliana and Mclandrach. The group approaches from the Royal Palace. They are introduced to Myev.

“Welcome home,” Doriath will call out with a grin. “I trust your mission to the human lands went well?”

“We completed the initial exploration of the Elfin Palace yesterday,” Speaker Allurien will report. “This place is huge. Hundreds could live here, so until our population grows its going to feel empty. Turns out the Royal Quarters are just south to the Speaker's Home.”

“We found the temple to the All-Father,” High Priest Mclandrach will say in regards to Corellon Larethian. “As we suspected, the altar of the temple controls the thorny growth that envelopes the palace. When I am able to consecrate the altar, I will be able to remove it.”

“And there is more,” High Priestess Soliana will add. “There is something that all elves will want to see. Come.”

Speaker Allurien leads the way deeper into the Elfin Palace. The group goes up into the trees and uses the bridge to cross the river to the Royal Palace. Myev takes a more direct route as she seems to be able climb trees with great ease. Its as if climbing to her is as natural as walking.

The Speaker uses the southern most portal from the arrival area and the group will appear in one of the garden and art areas. Back when the elves lived here, this area was used as a pleasant area to meet and enjoy art both natural and that created by hand. When the Chosen passed through this area, Moorkroft had installed a nightmarish variety of dangerous plant life here. Thankfully it was removed when he was defeated and the area is no longer dangerous.

“This is so cool!” Myev calls out in wonderment.

“A few areas have ways to reach the ground,” Speaker Allurien reports. “Both garden areas are one, as is the Corellon Temple.”

“The Temple itself is on the ground,” High Priest Mclandrach adds. “The living areas for the priests are up in the trees.”

Ancient stairs lead the elves down the tree and to the ground below. The area around the tree is free of the thorny growth, but it still encircles the area limiting just how far one can travel. Once more Myev takes a more direct path by going from branch to branch down the tree to the ground.

“We found this when we came down here, this grotto,” Speaker Allurien explains. She gestures to what looks like a large pond partially covered by a cave. It seems the water goes down and that one can swim deeper into this cave. The area has been worked from its natural state. There are places to seat and enjoy the water. The whole area is rather lovely and tranquil.

“When we found this, we expected something just as grand underneath the other garden area,” High Priestess Soliana adds. “But instead we just found a series of caves. They looked they had been lived in before, but not recently. Very strange.”

“What we wanted to show you is this way,” Doriath speaks up. “It was at the base of the Clan Offices area.”

Doriath sets off once more, heading mostly south from the lovely grotto. Not too far away the elves reach the base of another large tree and a way up is noted. This must be the Clan Offices area Doriath mentioned earlier.

Near the base of this tree is a memorial, something that any full elf will realize. There are two areas to the memorial. One celebrates all the clans that survived to resettle here in the Sylvan Realm. The list of surviving clans includes the main seven that everyone knows, Chossum, Erendyl, Feador, Grunalf, Long Runner, Mealidil and Red Arrow. The rest of the list are minor clans that some have heard of, while others are simply a mystery. This long list includes clans Alastra, Anuwiel, Callarii, Callathien, Celebryl, Delaldor, Etheredyl, Felistyr, Gelbalf, Hierydyl, Lymandyr, Nornanda, Parador, Pilinkaarne, Tanduil and Vyalia.

The other lists all the clans that perished during that time and are no more. This list of fallen clans includes: Aldtyrme, Alfevien, Amyl, Anirion, Anuliinde, Bryhydd, Calol, Deliryl, Diamarak, Endamaar, Feasiann, Galerion, Ganduil, Geffroen, Gorfiviel, Hil-Gamir, Isionia, Laaseluune, Lothenar, Meril, Melydor, Nadriendel, Nethiar, Rendiye, Sheyallia, Sylvaria, Taureshey, Veirdyr, Vilmadien and Wyntaarie. All of these clans are unknown to the elves present.

“Our ancestors built this memorial,” Doriath will solemnly say. “To honor those clans who survived the disaster that force us elves out of Greenland and to remember those clans who did not. So that they would not be forgotten. But I must confess that I do not recognize these clan names.”

While the elves are taking this all in, Lia feels something calling her from close by. From an area further to the south. It feels like the power of Eilistraee is near!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

I updated the Elfin Palace map and simplified it as well. The names of each area are now on the map itself with just a few notes down below.

As noted above, the clans on the fallen list are unknown to the elves present as they became extinct 20,000 years ago. The new names, those beside the 7 main clans today, are known to varying degrees. The Callarii and Vyalia clans are elves that live within the Inner Kingdom of Cynalon. In fact, I believe that Nariya was a Callarii elf.

Clans Celebryl, Felistyr, Gelbalf, and Parador are unknown to those present. But the rest of the list, ten in all, are the minor clans that exist in the Elfholds today.

[GM Mad]

The Spiders of Einsun: The Grand Finale!

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

It is midday as the spider hunters have been working to free Einsun from the creatures infesting it. At long last, the mother spider has appeared and she is gigantic! She's twenty feet tall on her eight legs and over forty feet wide! The mother spider has just leaped across the stream and landed among the elfin archers, crushing a few in her passing. The final battle for Einsun has begun!

“Get to safety!” Sergeant Silversword calls out to the archers being menaced by the mother spider. The Forest Rider is atop her mount. Realizing that harming a beast this large is beyond her ability, Silversword works to get the archers to safety.

Not far away, Laucian pauses long enough to cast a spell at the giant spider. A swarm of flying insects appears around the spiders head. This distracts the spider enough to help the archers flee the area.

Several of the many elves present fire their bows at the monstrosity with various degrees of success. Tisha scores two hits from the three arrows she fired, but Silver Maiden Annelwin and Dorotha only get one wound each.

Once the archers are a safe distance away, the spell casters go to work. Tanyl, Priest of Solonor calls down a Flame Strike that burns the giant spider. The mages riding griffons move closer and their mounts hover as spells are cast. Clan Master Triestar Silvarost sends a forked Lightning Bolt down the main portion of the spiders body. Silver Maiden Visara and Griffon Riders Shyael and Merlara all send Fireballs that explode on the monsters main body.

And yet the monstrous spider still stands after all that punishment! But it does seem to be weakening. Laucian, Tisha, Annelwin and Dorotha all fire another barrage of arrows and finally the giant spider teeters! The elves flee the area as the gargantuan spider falls!

A collective sigh of relief is heard with the death of the mother spider. But that relief is short lived as movement is noted on the other side of the river! There a huge swarm of spiders has reached the shore, many more than the elves have fought before. It's as if all the remaining nests came in response to the mother spiders cry!

This new swarm, easily triple the size of any swarm fought before rushes towards the bridge to the south so that they can cross over the river!

“I got this!” Tisha Tunua calls out as she runs towards the bridge the spiders are heading towards. Some of those present follow.

Tisha beats the spiders to the bridge and once close enough she starts to cast a spell. Annelwin gallops up on her unicorn to provide back up. The spiders are getting closer to the bridge and at least 3 of the larger spiders are seen among the swarm.

At that moment, a rider on a unicorn appears on the spider side of the bridge. Those close enough can see that is is Valena, the leader of the Silver Maidens! She looks around, completely unaware of the danger that she is in.

“Get out of there!” Annelwin cries out.

That's when Valena notices the spider horde approaching and her unicorn blinks to safety and reappears on the elf side of the bridge.

A moment after that, Tisha's spell comes into existence on the far side of the bridge. A wall of whirling blades appears! The spiders pay it no heed as they rush right into the Blade Barrier and are pureed as they do so! Spider blood and guts goes flying everywhere! In a few short moments most of the swarm is gone and what does remain are easily defeated.

“I said their aggression could be used against them,” Tisha note with a satisfied grin.

Annelwin rushes to make sure Valena is okay.

“Lets hunt down what remains!” Clan Master Triestar calls out. “Victory is withing our grasp!”

“What is going on here?!” Valena calls out in a stunned voice.

[GM Mad]

Walltree:

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

Night has fallen down in Walltree and the fighting is over. Five humans were captured and are being held prisoner. Six elves perished and many more were wounded. Valena appears out of nowhere on her unicorn near Onas. The two speak and Valena reveals she has news for the Clan Master and Arlen Brightsword to here, along with the Silver Maidens present.

“Valena!” Fayriana calls out as she nears. “What brings you to Walltree?”

Once everyone has arrived, Valena makes her report.

“Much has been happening elsewhere in the Sylvan Realm and beyond,” Valena will state. “The Queen flew the Sunflower to the Elfin Palace to begin exploration. But something unexpected was found. A Pillar Artifact created by the mysterious Elders. Even more extraordinary, Talen was able to control and make use of the device. That's what happened to him when we were in the ruined Elder City. Much information was learned, but the most important thing that Talen discovered was the location of the HIVE, the parasites that we also encountered in the ruins. The HIVE are based in a different Elder City, this one located within the Great Swamp in Cynalon.”

“Armed with this information, the next day the Sunflower was flown back to the Elder City to the north. There they used the Pillar Artifact up there to travel to Karn's Keep, the home of Cynalon's Archmage Sharadin. They shared what they knew about the HIVE and their location. To that end, a task force is being gathered to exterminate these parasites.”

“That is why I have come here tonight,” Valena continues. “The Queen wants a small, but powerful group of elves to take part in this battle. Arlen and Onas Brightsword and myself are to travel to the Elfin Palace in the morning and join this expedition. We will be taking part in the fight against the HIVE.”

Once everyone has gathered around, Onas listens quietly to the head Silver Maiden. She has much to relate. Most importantly, they have located the central base of those bug-people that Lilia's team had encountered earlier. From everything he has heard, they are nasty customers indeed. It seems Valena came here specifically to recruit Arlen and himself for a strike force to attack the Hive. "I will be ready," Onas vows.

“As will I,” Arlen adds.

“In my absence, you and Annelwin are in charge of the Silver Maidens,” Valena will say, turning to face Fayrianna. “The Queen expects us to be gone for a few days. We will be flying the Sunflower to Karn's Keep. There, Talen will use the Pillar Artifact to move us directly into the Elder City and into the midst of the HIVE. Joining us will be other allies of Cynalon. Assuming all goes well, we will stay down south a few days, eventually making our way to the Elfholds to gather up the forces coming to the Sylvan Realm to combat the slavers when they arrive. During my absence, continue to patrol the Sylvan Realm and make regular checks on the various Clan Holds. Deal with any problems as you see fit.”

“Understood,” Fayrianna answers with a nod. “Good hunting.”

Turning to Clan Master Argus, Valena says, “Part of my mission today was to gather information about each of the Clan Holds so that I can relay it to Speaker Allurien. I stopped in Mealiel earlier this afternoon and learned that you were dealing with humans held up in Walltree. I must assume that you have succeed, given where we are.”

“I will compose a letter that you can deliver to Speaker Allurien tomorrow,” the Clan Master declares. “I will outline has transpired here.”

Valena then reports on what has transpired at the other Clan Holds and that Myev, the former Scro has emerged from her cocoon as a tall blue elf.

“We don't have much to offer right now,” Clan Master Argus will say to Valena, “but you are welcomed to camp with us for the night. Arlen, Onas good fortune on our mission to the south. I believe that we have dealt with the humans in our Clan Hold. We shall begin to work on restoring it while you are away.”

Now what?

[Onas]

Onas Brightsword:

Clan Master Argus promises to write describing their experiences retaking the town in a letter for Valena to take with her to Speaker Allurien. No doubt the Speaker will share that news with the other clans as appropriate.

“We don't have much to offer right now,” Clan Master Argus will say to Valena, “but you are welcomed to camp with us for the night. Arlen, Onas good fortune on our mission to the south. I believe that we have dealt with the humans in our Clan Hold. We shall begin to work on restoring it while you are away.”

"Thank you, Clan Master," Onas replies. "I have no doubt you will make great progress in our absence."

It seems they will be leaving in the morning, so that just leaves the evening for any last preparations. Being young, Onas still has quite an appetite, particularly after such a large battle. Thus, he will relax with some food and a bit of fey wine to appease his stomach. Eventually, he spots Fayrianna and invites her to join in his repast.

"It's been quite a day, and it sounds like the next few will be no less so." He crunches a few nuts between his teeth. "Still, this was an important victory, and we have our ancestral home back. It will take time to rebuild, but that is no less than what was expected."

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Myev has returned in a new body that is much bigger, bluer but still has elfin traits. She seems overjoyed by her change and is full of questions.

“That's too bad,” Myev says sadly. “Maybe I can go visit her sometime?”

“I'm sure that can be arranged,” Lilia says referring to visiting the Argent Myev met. “We seem to be going back to Cynalon often as of late.”

After learning that her spellbook is still on the Sunflower, Myev is off like a shot with Lilia following.

“Woo-hoo!” Myev calls out in excitement and seemingly not hearing everything Kylie said. “Try to keep up!”

After making sure to duck underneath the door frame, Myev dashes out into the night, making long strides with her longer legs. Kylie flies after Myev while the others watch. Myev spots the Sunflower and makes a beeline over it, jumping over any furniture along the way with great ease.

Upon reaching the sunflower, Myev doesn't bother to go up the gangplank, instead she just leaps up, grabs the deck railing and vaults herself over it and onto the ship. She then makes her way down below decks and Kylie can hear her call out, “OOOWW!” a couple of times where she forgot to duck. Those elves on the deck of the Sunflower just watch this in disbelief.

“She's part squirrel!” Lilia calls out after seeing Myev in motion.

Once on the deck of the Sunflower, Lilia will tell the elves on guard there, “At ease. She's a friend who is very excited.”

After checking up on Myev and seeing how she is settling in, Lilia will turn in for the night in the cabin she has used before. At first light next morning, the Sunflower is on the move once more. Lilia is content to let the other elves control the ship for now. It'll let them get the feel of it and practice. Noise in the Captain's Cabin attracts Lilia's attention.

Next morning the Sunflower is on the move again. Myev is going over the charts in the Captain's Cabin but seems confused.

“I don't think that any of these maps are for these lands?” she notes. “How are you going to find where you are going?”

“They are not of our lands,” Lilia will confirm. “But rather the lands where the Sunflower comes from. I take it that you understand these maps and how to read them? Can you plot a course?”

“And why is the sky so boring?” Myev continues to anyone who will listen. “Where is the God of War? Where are all the other objects in the sky?”

“What do you mean boring? How is the sky boring?” Lilia questions. “What is this 'God of War' that you speak of? Are these in the skies of your home?”

The ship flies to the south and reaches the Pinit/Elfin Palace area in two hours. Myev wanders all over the deck of the Sunflower watching the land pass below. “Everything is so green!” the blue elf notes.

“It is an elfin forest,” Lilia will proudly say. “It is natural for it to be green.”

Once more the Sunflower flies in over the Satheas River and docks at Pinit. Everything seems normal and peaceful at Pinit. The only noticeable addition is that there are two unknown lady elves riding unicorns! They are the newest Silver Maidens, Riders Jylrana and Yara.

Before long we arrive at Pinit and move down to the river and dock. Thankfully things seem quiet in the Long Runner Clan Hold. The only real news is that two of the clan were selected to become Silver Maidens. The ladies in question are Jylrana and Yara, both are unknown to Lilia, but she will offer them congratulations.

Moving from the Sunflower and into Pinit, Lilia will look to find the Long Runner Clan Master. “Clan Master Goldenleaf, it is good to see you,” Lilia will say. “If you are able to assist, I have a task that I need help with. The Sunflower here has much cargo and treasure on it. I wish for it to be removed and placed into storage. Soon we will be in battle against the former owners of the ship and I do not wish for them to reclaim these goods. We will be able to use their cargo and treasure to acquire goods to benefit all of the Sylvan Realm. Let's also remove the spare Spell Engine as well. It'll be the one without a fire burning in it.”

Myev is excited to see Pinit and all the wonders it offers. The inhabitants are not quite sure what to make of Myev, but are at least polite. She's seen cooshee's before, so those are not new. But the elfin cats are!

“What are these adorable creatures?” Myev wonders as picks up and pets one of the cats. “We have creatures similar to these back home, but much larger.”

Myev has wandered off once more and it takes a while for Lilia to catch up with her. She'll tell the elves in the area that Myev is a guest and our friend.

“Then would they not be smaller versions of the creatures you have back home?” Lilia will wonder. “Here they are called 'cats'. These ones in particular are elfin cats.”

Our return on the Sunflower does not go unnoticed.

Not longer after the Sunflower's arrival, Speaker Allurien is summoned along with several other elves including Doriath, the former King of the Elfholds, and the priests Soliana and Mclandrach. The group approaches from the Royal Palace. They are introduced to Myev.

“Welcome home,” Doriath will call out with a grin. “I trust your mission to the human lands went well?”

“Very well,” Lilia will report. “We will be gathering our forces today and in the morning we will be taking the Sunflower back to Cynalon. Together with our allies there, we will be taking the fight to the HIVE itself. The tall, blue elf is Myev in her transformed state.”

“We completed the initial exploration of the Elfin Palace yesterday,” Speaker Allurien will report. “This place is huge. Hundreds could live here, so until our population grows its going to feel empty. Turns out the Royal Quarters are just south to the Speaker's Home.”

“I knew the palace was huge, but I didn't think it would be this large,” Lilia notes. “I'm glad that you were able to finish what we started.”

“We found the temple to the All-Father,” High Priest Mclandrach will say in regards to Corellon Larethian. “As we suspected, the altar of the temple controls the thorny growth that envelopes the palace. When I am able to consecrate the altar, I will be able to remove it.”

“That is good news, High Priest,” Lilia agrees with a nod.

“And there is more,” High Priestess Soliana will add. “There is something that all elves will want to see. Come.”

Curious of what the High Priestess of the One and the Three is referring too, Lilia will follow the others into the palace.

Speaker Allurien leads the way deeper into the Elfin Palace. The group goes up into the trees and uses the bridge to cross the river to the Royal Palace. Myev takes a more direct route as she seems to be able climb trees with great ease. Its as if climbing to her is as natural as walking.

“She is an incredible climber,” Lilia tells those around her.

The Speaker uses the southern most portal from the arrival area and the group will appear in one of the garden and art areas. Back when the elves lived here, this area was used as a pleasant area to meet and enjoy art both natural and that created by hand. When the Chosen passed through this area, Moorkroft had installed a nightmarish variety of dangerous plant life here. Thankfully it was removed when he was defeated and the area is no longer dangerous.

“This is so cool!” Myev calls out in wonderment.

“But in need of much work to restore them to their former glory,” Lilia adds.

“A few areas have ways to reach the ground,” Speaker Allurien reports. “Both garden areas are one, as is the Corellon Temple.”

“The Temple itself is on the ground,” High Priest Mclandrach adds. “The living areas for the priests are up in the trees.”

Ancient stairs lead the elves down the tree and to the ground below. The area around the tree is free of the thorny growth, but it still encircles the area limiting just how far one can travel. Once more Myev takes a more direct path by going from branch to branch down the tree to the ground.

“We found this when we came down here, this grotto,” Speaker Allurien explains. She gestures to what looks like a large pond partially covered by a cave. It seems the water goes down and that one can swim deeper into this cave. The area has been worked from its natural state. There are places to seat and enjoy the water. The whole area is rather lovely and tranquil.

“It is beautiful,” Lilia will agree. “So peaceful.”

“When we found this, we expected something just as grand underneath the other garden area,” High Priestess Soliana adds. “But instead we just found a series of caves. They looked they had been lived in before, but not recently. Very strange.”

“What we wanted to show you is this way,” Doriath speaks up. “It was at the base of the Clan Offices area.”

Doriath sets off once more, heading mostly south from the lovely grotto. Not too far away the elves reach the base of another large tree and a way up is noted. This must be the Clan Offices area Doriath mentioned earlier.

Near the base of this tree is a memorial, something that any full elf will realize. There are two areas to the memorial. One celebrates all the clans that survived to resettle here in the Sylvan Realm. The list of surviving clans includes the main seven that everyone knows, Chossum, Erendyl, Feador, Grunalf, Long Runner, Mealidil and Red Arrow. The rest of the list are minor clans that some have heard of, while others are simply a mystery. This long list includes clans Alastra, Anuwiel, Callarii, Callathien, Celebryl, Delaldor, Etheredyl, Felistyr, Gelbalf, Hierydyl, Lymandyr, Nornanda, Parador, Pilinkaarne, Tanduil and Vyalia.

The other lists all the clans that perished during that time and are no more. This list of fallen clans includes: Aldtyrme, Alfevien, Amyl, Anirion, Anuliinde, Bryhydd, Calol, Deliryl, Diamarak, Endamaar, Feasiann, Galerion, Ganduil, Geffroen, Gorfiviel, Hil-Gamir, Isionia, Laaseluune, Lothenar, Meril, Melydor, Nadriendel, Nethiar, Rendiye, Sheyallia, Sylvaria, Taureshey, Veirdyr, Vilmadien and Wyntaarie. All of these clans are unknown to the elves present.

“Our ancestors built this memorial,” Doriath will solemnly say. “To honor those clans who survived the disaster that force us elves out of Greenland and to remember those clans who did not. So that they would not be forgotten. But I must confess that I do not recognize these clan names.”

Lilia lets out a gasp upon seeing the memorial. A list of the clans that survived and those who did not.

“I do not recognize them either,” Lilia says to Doriath in reference to the four unknown clans on the surviving list. “I do remember an old tale that not all the clans who left Evergreen made the journey to the Sylvan Realm. That they wished to settle elsewhere. I wonder if this story is true and that is what became of those four clans we are unfamiliar with? Perhaps there are still around now, but in unknown places?”

Lilia turns her gaze to the list of the clan that were lost. “I knew that not all elves survived the disaster, but I had no idea that so many clans were did not make it. Thirty clans were lost. That must haven been many thousands of elves taken from us in that disaster.”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

At the Mother Tree, Valena watches in amusement as the others see just how athletic Myev has become.

“She's part squirrel!” Lilia calls out after seeing Myev in motion.

“And twice as nutty,” Valena adds with a smirk.

The next morning, Valena is off on her odyssey across the Sylvan Realm. She tells her cooshee's to remain here and wait for her return as she does not wish to take her companions on the HIVE raid.
Next she arrives in Einsun but is unaware of the danger around her.

At that moment, a rider on a unicorn appears on the spider side of the bridge. Those close enough can see that is is Valena, the leader of the Silver Maidens! She looks around, completely unaware of the danger that she is in.

“Get out of there!” Annelwin cries out.

That's when Valena notices the spider horde approaching and her unicorn blinks to safety and reappears on the elf side of the bridge.

Annelwin rushes to make sure Valena is okay.

“What is going on here?!” Valena calls out in a stunned voice.


After the fun in Einsun, Valena arrives at Walltree that evening.

While they wait for the others to assemble, Onas offers a few bits of information to Valena. "As you can no doubt see, we had to dislodge some humans who didn't want to leave. Their leader was a skilled warrior who nearly bested me. Fortunately, we were able to keep them from getting any of the wyverns into the air. That could have been a real problem."

“Yeah, nasty beasts they are,” Valena agrees.

“Valena!” Fayrianna calls out as she nears. “What brings you to Walltree?”

“I have news to share,” Valena answers.

Once everyone has gathered around, Onas listens quietly to the head Silver Maiden. She has much to relate. Most importantly, they have located the central base of those bug-people that Lilia's team had encountered earlier. From everything he has heard, they are nasty customers indeed. It seems Valena came here specifically to recruit Arlen and himself for a strike force to attack the Hive. "I will be ready," Onas vows.

“As will I,” Arlen adds.

“Very good,” Valena states. “Fayrianna and I will have to use our unicorns to blink you to Pinit so that you can meet up with the Queen. We'll leave at first light.”

“Understood,” Fayrianna answers with a nod. “Good hunting.”

“Thanks,” Valena easily answers.

“I will compose a letter that you can deliver to Speaker Allurien tomorrow,” the Clan Master declares. “I will outline has transpired here.”

“Thank you, Clan Master,” Valena replies.

Next, Valena makes quick mention of the orcish friend of Kylie's, Myev. Onas doesn't know her well, but she seemed to want to rise above her origins, which is a noble aspiration for anyone. Apparently she has emerged from the cocoon created by Mother Tree and become an extremely tall elf with blue skin. Onas has never heard of an elven sub-race by that description, and isn't entirely sure he heard her correctly. "B-blue? Did you say blue skin, Valena?" He shakes his head, uncertain what to make of this.

“Very blue,” Valena reports. “She's the color of a sea elf now.”

"That is quite a tale, and a lot of information to absorb, Valena. Thank you for sharing."

“You are welcomed,” Valena says. “With the clans spread out, sharing information will become important.”

“We don't have much to offer right now,” Clan Master Argus will say to Valena, “but you are welcomed to camp with us for the night. Arlen, Onas good fortune on our mission to the south. I believe that we have dealt with the humans in our Clan Hold. We shall begin to work on restoring it while you are away.”

“Thank you again Clan Master,” Valena answers. “All I need is a place to lay out my bedroll and some privacy. After the day I have had, I am ready for sleep. Tomorrow promises to be a long and grueling day.”

[Lia]

Lia
Myev is going over the charts in the Captain's Cabin but seems confused.

“I don't think that any of these maps are for these lands?” she notes. “Why are you going to find where you are going?”

“I don’t believe they are. We have not brought maps of our lands to the ship. Do you know of the stars that brought you here? Could you retrace them?” she asks the blue elf curiously.

“And why is the sky so boring?” Myev continues to anyone who will listen. “Where is the God of War? Where are all the other objects in the sky?”

Lia looks confused for a moment but then something clicks. “Are you referring to formations in the sky. Drawings if you will.(Basic Astronomy)
The speaker calls forth that they have searched the palace and wish to show the queen on their findings.

“We found this when we came down here, this grotto,” Speaker Allurien explains. She gestures to what looks like a large pond partially covered by a cave. It seems the water goes down and that one can swim deeper into this cave. The area has been worked from its natural state. There are places to seat and enjoy the water. The whole area is rather lovely and tranquil.

“It looks beautiful. A nice place to rest and reflect.” The priestess says with a smile.

“When we found this, we expected something just as grand underneath the other garden area,” High Priestess Soliana adds. “But instead we just found a series of caves. They looked they had been lived in before, but not recently. Very strange.”

“The Darksong Knights perhaps?” Lia puts forward. “It was said they dwelled beneath the palace protecting it from dangers below.”
Lia follows the others to the memorial. She will look over them trying to commit them to memory. Perhaps if the clans would allow, perhaps the new clan may honour their fallen kin by using their name. A question for another time as she looks at the name.
Hairs begin to raise upon the back of Lia’s neck as she rises to her feet. She looks to the south as a feeling she would not soon forget greets her. She narrows her eyes then begins to smile, “Has the way south been searched?” She asks the Speaker.
Lia will slowly draw her longsword, “The Dark Maiden! I can feel her power near!” Lia scans the area to the south looking for a way to move. She will slowly move in the direction of feeling looking for signs of her patron.

[Kylie]

Kylie Lanthorn the Half-Elven:

“I'd rather be outside anyway,” Myev answers. “Then I don't have to worry about low ceilings. Oh, the griffons don't snap at me anymore! They still scare me, but at least they are no longer trying to eat me.”

"Well that's good. The griffons now see you as an elf, and not an orc or scro," Kylie says encouragingly.

“Everything is different from what I was before,” Myev says. “I can go places and explore now. It''ll be fun!”

"Indeed it will, Myev," Kylie says with a smile. "Learning who you are now may be the most fun of all."

“I'm sure that can be arranged,” Lilia says referring to visiting the Argent Myev met. “We seem to be going back to Cynalon often as of late.”

"I may be able to help with that," Kylie suggests. "I now can cast Teleport, and am able to do so directly to Karn's Keep."

“Woo-hoo!” Myev calls out in excitement and seemingly not hearing everything Kylie said. “Try to keep up!”

Kylie pauses for a moment to marvel at her friend's new speed and agility. "Hey, wait up!" she calls as she flies after Myev, who doesn't pause at all despite her entreaty. "Let's go, Dapple!" she says as she flies off. Seeing her scale the side of the ship and vault over the railing is quite a show to watch, and Kylie gives a low whistle of appreciation. On the down side, Myev soon encounters the realities of the low ceilings on the ship, painfully bumping her head several times.

“My bed to too small!” Myev notes. “I didn't have that problem before.”

It is not long before Myev reaches her cabin on the Sunflower. It quickly becomes apparent that the bed is not longer long enough for a woman of her height. "Unfortunately, these beds were sized for humans, and you are now taller than most any human I've ever seen."

“What goes on here?” Gweyr Autumnfire cannot help but wonder about seeing the giant blue elf.

The fire mage and her cooshie emerge from her cabin across the hall in response to the commotion. "Hi Gweyr! This is Myev; she recently emerged from Mother Tree's cocoon in this very different form. She wanted to return for her spell book and is still getting used to her new body."

The next morning, they pull up anchor and fly the ship south toward the elven palace. Kylie is looking forward to seeing her mother again. She spends most of the trip in the crow's nest, as she finds it both helpful and exhilarating when flying the ship. In contrast, Dapple spends most of the trip with his forepaws propped up on the railing in various places and his tongue lolling out. It only takes a couple of hours to reach Pinit, and mere minutes to land and dock the Sunflower.

“They are not of our lands,” Lilia will confirm. “But rather the lands where the Sunflower comes from. I take it that you understand these maps and how to read them? Can you plot a course?”

Myev finds maps in captain's cabin and is puzzled by them. Kylie looks at Lilia with a smile. "We may have a candidate for that navigator position Silvarn mentioned..."

Debarking, they find the town much as they left it, and two new Silver Maidens visiting. "Hi, I'm Kylie Lanthorn. It's very nice to meet you," she says in turn to Jylrana and Yara.

Myev is enchanted by the felines, and Lilia explains that they are called 'elven cats'. "You mentioned that there are much larger cats where you come from. What are they like?" Kylie asks.

Soon Allurien appears, along with Doriath and a number of other important elves. Kylie flies over and gives her mother a big hug. "Hi, Mom!" she says, then turning, "Hello, Doriath." She also greets those she knows among the other elves.

Listening to their report, it sounds like they finished exploring almost the entire palace. Corellon's high priest states that they will be able to remove the thorny growth once they have consecrated the altar. This causes a question to pop into Kylie's mind. "High Priest, would you also be able to control it's growth? I can see where it could be very useful for defense if we were able to limit its growth and only have it grow in certain areas in a controlled way."

Allurien then leads them into the palace to show them what else they found. Myev climbs rapidly up the trees like a monkey rather than taking the bridge with everyone else. Kylie flies along between, keeping pace with both her friend and the main group. "That's quite a new skill you have there, Myev," she says. "You seem very at home in the trees."

They travel through the palace, with Allurien and Mclandrach providing commentary as they go. Consistent with what they saw when they found the pillar artifact, it seems that there are at least two levels to palace, with Corellon's temple being on the ground level as well. There are also beautiful gardens, and Allurien shows them to a grotto with a pond and a large cave. The water from the pond appears to make it's way down into the cave through various pools. "It would be fun to take a soak in one of these pools someday," Kylie murmurs softly, wondering if she will ever find the time for something so leisurely.

One of the high priestesses, Soliana, mentions a set of caves beneath the palace in another area that appear to have been lived in.

“The Darksong Knights perhaps?” Lia puts forward. “It was said they dwelled beneath the palace protecting it from dangers below.”

"That does seem likely, from what we've been told previously," Kylie says to Lia.

They continue on, and Doriath leads them to a memorial of sorts. It appears to list all of the elven clans that left Greenland to come to the Sylvan Realms so long ago: that that survived, those that went other ways, and those that perished. The list is very long, and Kylie finds that she has only heard of a fraction of all of the clans that once existed.

“Our ancestors built this memorial,” Doriath will solemnly say. “To honor those clans who survived the disaster that force us elves out of Greenland and to remember those clans who did not. So that they would not be forgotten. But I must confess that I do not recognize these clan names.”

Lilia turns her gaze to the list of the clan that were lost. “I knew that not all elves survived the disaster, but I had no idea that so many clans were did not make it. Thirty clans were lost. That must haven been many thousands of elves taken from us in that disaster.”

"I am sorry that so many elves perished or were lost during those times," Kylie states solemnly.

She narrows her eyes then begins to smile, “Has the way south been searched?” She asks the Speaker.
Lia will slowly draw her longsword, “The Dark Maiden! I can feel her power near!” Lia scans the area to the south looking for a way to move. She will slowly move in the direction of feeling looking for signs of her patron.

"You sense danger, Lia?" Kylie asks, rising into the air. She mentally reviews the spells she has in memory and follows along behind Lia as she seeks the source of whatever it is that the dark elf is sensing.

[Laucian]

Laucian
The great bulk of the spider jumps the stream and lands amongst the archers. A large thump and screams of his kin announce it’s presence. Calls to get to safety are called as Laucian calls upon Ehlonna’s blessings. Reciting the words, he concentrates and Ehlonna sends insects to their aid. The swarm flies about the spider’s head as his kin runs to safety.
The call goes out as the griffons come flying in with mages upon them. Lightning and Fireballs explode against the mother spider causing it to sceam in protest, yet still it stands. Arrows streak in and finally the Large arachnid falls to the ground dead.
For several moments you can feel the relief in the air as their advisory had died.
Screeching of spiders can soon be heard. Looking to far side of the river, a horde of spiders lume before them.

“I got this!” Tisha Tunua calls out as she runs towards the bridge the spiders are heading towards. Some of those present follow.
Laucian follows as he knocks an arrow. “I’ll cover you!” as he draws his bow.

“I said their aggression could be used against them,” Tisha note with a satisfied grin.

“I can see the usefulness of that spell!” as a large gush of spider blood hit’s his leg.

“Lets hunt down what remains!” Clan Master Triestar calls out. “Victory is within our grasp!”

“What is going on here?!” Valena calls out in a stunned voice.

“Some see to the wounded!”Laucian adds to the Clan master’s calls. Looking to Valena, “You made an entrance into the middle of a battlefield, Forest sister.”
Having said his fill for the moment. “Light some torches. Let us see to the remaining spiders and free the cocoons of their occupants! Let us rid our home of these spiders once and for all!”
Laucian will excuse himself and enter the forest as Clan master Triestar has called for. Upon completion he will fill Valena in on their escapades.

[Lia]

Lia
"You sense danger, Lia?" Kylie asks, rising into the air. She mentally reviews the spells she has in memory and follows along behind Lia as she seeks the source of whatever it is that the dark elf is sensing.
“Danger? Far from it.” Lia says simply. “The Dark Maiden is a name associated with my patron. I feel the presence of Eilistraee. A temple maybe near.”

[Talen]

Talen:

Hearing Talen's suggestion, Kylie begins to ponder the idea. "Hmm... That's an interesting idea, Talen, and one worth considering. Being this far from anyone else might leave us somewhat vulnerable -- at least until there are a large enough population of us to see to our own defense -- but could have other advantages."

“Which is why I need to explore up here and learn everything that I can about this city,” Talen adds. “Perhaps there are defenses in place that we are simply not aware of.”

"Based on what we learned from the others, magic isn't what they use at all, but instead they seem to respond to mental energy. Perhaps the bigger ones require a larger amount of mental energy?"

“What I meant,” Talen attempts to correct, “is that magic was used to force the smaller pillars to work in a haphazard fashion. It seemed to me that with a bigger pillar, more magic would be needed to force it work.”

The ruined city is left behind and we return to the Mother Tree. There we discover that Myev has emerged from her cocoon as a giant smurf. The next day its back to the Royal Palace. It seems that Kylie's mom and the others explored the palace yesterday and found somethings they want us to see. We arrive in an area that was filled with hostile plants before, but now they are gone. We head down to the ground and find a peaceful grotto. A memorial is next that lists all the known elf clans including those no longer around.

Lia will slowly draw her longsword, “The Dark Maiden! I can feel her power near!” Lia scans the area to the south looking for a way to move. She will slowly move in the direction of feeling looking for signs of her patron.

“That's wonderful, sis!” Talen calls out genuinely happy for Lia.

"You sense danger, Lia?" Kylie asks, rising into the air. She mentally reviews the spells she has in memory and follows along behind Lia as she seeks the source of whatever it is that the dark elf is sensing.

“Danger? Far from it.” Lia says simply. “The Dark Maiden is a name associated with my patron. I feel the presence of Eilistraee. A temple maybe near.”

“It must be a temple or a shrine,” Talen will agree as he follows his sister and Kylie. “Didn't one of the others say that there were caves in this direction? That must be what you are sense is at.”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"I may be able to help with that," Kylie suggests. "I now can cast Teleport, and am able to do so directly to Karn's Keep."

“Unfortunately, Argent was not at Karn's Keep when we were there yesterday,” Lilia adds. “You might have to track her down. More information can be gained when we travel there in a few days. Myev might as well come along with us.”

Myev is going over the navigational charts that are meaningless for the rest of us. Then she goes on to talk about objects in the sky.

Lia looks confused for a moment but then something clicks. “Are you referring to formations in the sky. Drawings if you will.(Basic Astronomy)”

“I don't believe she is,” Lilia notes. “From that I gather there are simply more objects in her sky although I have no idea what such objects could be.”

Myev finds maps in captain's cabin and is puzzled by them. Kylie looks at Lilia with a smile. "We may have a candidate for that navigator position Silvarn mentioned..."

“Quite possibly,” Lilia answers with a grin. "After all, she did direct the Sunflower to Arret on her own."


Later on the grounds of the Elfin Place near the memorial, Lia senses something.

Lia will slowly draw her longsword, “The Dark Maiden! I can feel her power near!” Lia scans the area to the south looking for a way to move. She will slowly move in the direction of feeling looking for signs of her patron.

"You sense danger, Lia?" Kylie asks, rising into the air. She mentally reviews the spells she has in memory and follows along behind Lia as she seeks the source of whatever it is that the dark elf is sensing.

“It must be a temple or a shrine,” Talen will agree as he follows his sister and Kylie. “Didn't one of the others say that there were caves in this direction? That must be what you are sense is at.”

“Lia is sensing the power of her patron near by,” Lilia speaks up in an unconcerned voice. “I can feel the power of Corellon not far away as well. I am pleased that his daughter has a place of her own close by.”

Lilia will not follow the others at this time, but will continue to examine the memorial.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena and River Blossom just arrived in Einsun in the middle of a battle!

Looking to Valena, “You made an entrance into the middle of a battlefield, Forest sister.”

“That was not my intention, Forest Brother,” Valena notes. “I did not realize that you were performing pest control.”

Having said his fill for the moment. “Light some torches. Let us see to the remaining spiders and free the cocoons of their occupants! Let us rid our home of these spiders once and for all!”

“I can help,” Valena calls out as she slides down from River Blossom. Valena follows after Laucian, aiding the wounded as she goes. “I have news to share. You've been summoned by the Queen and are to report to the Elfin Palace in the morning. The home base of the HIVE has been discovered and we are going for, with allies, on a bug hunt.”

Laucian will excuse himself and enter the forest as Clan master Triestar has called for. Upon completion he will fill Valena in on their escapades.

Much later in the afternoon, after all the excitement and the wounded are dealt with, we relax and have time to talk. Laucian reveals what has transpired since we parted company days ago.

“After gaining the new Silver Maidens, I made my way back to the Mother Tree,” Valena explains. “While we were away, Myev emerged from her cocoon and wandered off. I quickly found her and discovered that she had changed dramatically! She is more like an elf, but no elf I ever saw before. She is very tall and very blue now.”

“It seems that what young Talen was taught in the ruins has been revealed,” Valena continues. “He can make use of these ancient Elder Artifacts now. It was through this ability that he learned where the HIVE were based. They are in another ruined Elder City in the Great Swamp south of Elcadan. To that end, they used the Pillar Artifact in the ruins to the north to travel to Karn's Keep and meet Lord Sharadin. Tomorrow morning we are returning to Karn's Keep to take part in a join raid with the goal of exterminating the HIVE.”

[Laucian]

Laucian

“That was not my intention, Forest Brother,” Valena notes. “I did not realize that you were performing pest control.”

“Whatever they have been feeding on has made them big! It was good that we started with the smaller nests.”

“I can help,” Valena calls out as she slides down from River Blossom. Valena follows after Laucian, aiding the wounded as she goes. “I have news to share. You've been summoned by the Queen and are to report to the Elfin Palace in the morning. The home base of the HIVE has been discovered and we are going for, with allies, on a bug hunt.”

“Your help is always welcome. ‘He says simply as he watches her dismount and join him in healing others and taking our spiders where needed. “You have become a messenger? I guess that makes sense with he distances the Silver maidens can cover.
“Summoned? This is good news, the HIVE know to much of our ways, thiis needs to be remedied.” He says evenly. “I will report as soon as I am able.”

“After gaining the new Silver Maidens, I made my way back to the Mother Tree,” Valena explains. “While we were away, Myev emerged from her cocoon and wandered off. I quickly found her and discovered that she had changed dramatically! She is more like an elf, but no elf I ever saw before. She is very tall and very blue now.”

“Blue? Has she had enough oxygen? He asks curiously. But he realizes this is touched by magic beyond his understanding anything is possible. “Does she like her new form? Or is she resentful?

“It seems that what young Talen was taught in the ruins has been revealed,” Valena continues. “He can make use of these ancient Elder Artifacts now. It was through this ability that he learned where the HIVE were based. They are in another ruined Elder City in the Great Swamp south of Elcadan. To that end, they used the Pillar Artifact in the ruins to the north to travel to Karn's Keep and meet Lord Sharadin. Tomorrow morning we are returning to Karn's Keep to take part in a join raid with the goal of exterminating the HIVE.”

“So if Talen is captured he may have to be saved or worse. So that his knowledge does not pass on to the HIVE.” He says to the silver maiden.
After everything has settled, Laucian will double check his arrows, bow and sword. He will then check on his cooshee, urging them to stay with onyx here at Enisun under the care of Elder Treelife.
With Clan Master Triestar-
“The queen has summoned me to the palace, and I must go. May Ehlonna bless your leadership our people and our home.”
Laucian will gauge how far Aura can fly before the night begins to rain. If he can make it to another closer griffon stable he will do so.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed