Elfquest #12

[GM Mad]

Elfquest #12


Eagle Medallion:

It is believed that the Eagle Medallion is in the possession of a giant roc! This massive bird is over sixty feet long with a wingspan twice as long! The mammoth bird rests in a house-sized nest constructed of entire trees. The roc seems to have settled in for the evening.

While pondering just how to deal with this problem, Valena suggests that she asks Aerie to speak to the roc on there behave bird to bird. The falcon agrees and flies off. It lands on log on the edge of the rocs nest. The two birds seem to converse for a few minutes before Aerie returns to the hovering barge. The falcon lands on Valena’s arm and converses with her. Valena seems both surprised and pleased with the results.

“Aerie says that the roc will speak with us peacefully,” Valena relates. “Apparently it can understand elvish, so we can speak freely with it in my native tongue. Bring us closer, Sherwood. I’ll converse with the roc.”

Sherwood obliges and removes the invisibility around the barge. The roc looks on with interest as you approach closer.

Valena handles the discussion. The roc can understand elvish, but cannot speak it. However, Valena can Speak with Animals, so a dialog can be established. After minutes of conversation, Valena will relate what she has learned.

“This roc is very ancient. It was here back when the elves dwelled in this forest. It helped protect the forest from giant predators and lived peaceful with the elves. She was entrusted with the Eagle Medallion by the elves, but they had conditions that had to be met first. The roc says that we must possess the Chimera Medallion first before it will give us the Eagle Medallion.”

[GM Mad]

Griffon Medallion:

To the southeast, the others have learned that the Centaurs will trade their medallion for the safe return of the Clan Master’s son from Moorkroft. This condition is agreed to and the elves continue on. They head west towards the griffon hunting range that they were told about earlier. Perhaps it is there where they will find the Griffon Medallion.

Nariya leads the way through the fast, but daylight runs out before they can reach their destination. Camp is set up and an evening meal consumed. All seems peaceful, but those with sharper hearing will realize that there is something close by! Laucian and Nariya quickly determine the direction the creatures are at and move to investigate. Just as they are getting ready to move, something comes through the brush and into the camp!

The elves realize that their guest is a cooshee, or elfin dog. To Kylie, it looks like a very large and unusually colored dog. The cooshee stands four feet high at the shoulder. Its fur is thick and greenish in color, sprinkled with many brown spots and patches. The dogs’ paws are huge, seemingly bigger than your own feet!

The cooshee regards the elves while panting. It’s head turns slightly to one side and its tail is curled up over its back. It does not seem to be aggressive at all; in fact it seems very friendly.


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Kylie is just preparing to bed down when there is a disturbance in the bushes on the edge of the small clearing where they've made their camp. Laucian and Nariya move forward, but before they can even reach the bushes, a large, ugly canine steps forward.

Seeing the bold creature approach, Kylie takes an instinctive step backwards. "Uh... nice doggy?" she says, not quite certain what to make of the animal.

She glances around at the others. "Do any of you know what this is...?"

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Nariya leads the way through the fast, but daylight runs out before they can reach their destination. Camp is set up and an evening meal consumed. All seems peaceful, but those with sharper hearing will realize that there is something close by! Laucian and Nariya quickly determine the direction the creatures are at and move to investigate. Just as they are getting ready to move, something comes through the brush and into the camp!

"What's that?" Nariya whispers to Laucian and gets up, pulling out a spear. She's ready to step into the brush herself when something comes out on its own!

The elves realize that their guest is a cooshee, or elfin dog. To Kylie, it looks like a very large and unusually colored dog. The cooshee stands four feet high at the shoulder. Its fur is thick and greenish in color, sprinkled with many brown spots and patches. The dogs’ paws are huge, seemingly bigger than your own feet!

The cooshee regards the elves while panting. It’s head turns slightly to one side and its tail is curled up over its back. It does not seem to be aggressive at all; in fact it seems very friendly.

Nariya smiles and sets her spear down, moving up to the cooshee slowly. She kneels down and puts out a hand, the dog is probably taller than her now as she kneels!

Seeing the bold creature approach, Kylie takes an instinctive step backwards. "Uh... nice doggy?" she says, not quite certain what to make of the animal.

She glances around at the others. "Do any of you know what this is...?"

Nariya lets out a small laugh at Kylie's reaction. "It's a cooshee Kylie, an elfin dog," she explains. "We had a few that came and went as they wanted in our village. One seemed happy to stay, but the rest were more interested in roaming free."

Nariya will see if the cooshee is thirsty as she looks to the others, "I wonder if this one is just roaming around or if there is a pack of them somewhere."

[Lilia]

Lilia:

With little less to do within the Centaur Village, Laucian listens to Lilia’s two Ideas. One of which requires the stealing of a certain item. Laucian looks up and stares at Lilia for a moment. The says quite simply, "If you steal it from them we are no Better then this Ancient one… Have you learned nothing?" Shaking head in great displeasure Laucian said, "If that is the course you wish to take, Do so without my knowledge."

“I have my priorities in order,” Lilia responds curtly. “Our goal is to save the Mother Tree by any means necessary. Any other concerns are secondary. We have other options to pursue at the moment, so the situation with the centaurs does not have to be resolved right now. But if it comes down to them having the last Medallion I will do what is necessary if and when the time comes. You might feel displeasure right now, but its nowhere as great as losing the Mother Tree would feel. I for one will not go down in elfin lore as the one who let the Mother Tree die because I wouldn’t do something distasteful.”


Lilia sees Nariya and Laucian investigating something and grabs her bow. Suddenly what they had been sensing bursts into camp!

She glances around at the others. "Do any of you know what this is...?"

Nariya lets out a small laugh at Kylie's reaction. "It's a cooshee Kylie, an elfin dog," she explains. "We had a few that came and went as they wanted in our village. One seemed happy to stay, but the rest were more interested in roaming free."

A smile comes to Lilia’s face upon seeing the cooshee. “Yes, they are elfin dogs,” Lilia says, supporting Nariya’s statement. “They were somewhat common in amongst my clan. They can be used as hunting dogs or as guards. In times of war, cooshee’s along with elfin archers made a formidable combination. A pack of cooshee’s can bring down creatures many times their size. My father had one when I was a child.”

Nariya will see if the cooshee is thirsty as she looks to the others, "I wonder if this one is just roaming around or if there is a pack of them somewhere."

“It could be a part of a larger pack,” Lilia surmises. “I can’t imagine them having a master with the Sylvan Realm empty of elves.”

Feeling that Kylie might require more information, Lilia adds, “Cooshee’s rarely associate with non-elves. They seem to prefer our company, and we theirs.”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Soon the topic of how to approach the great creatures comes to pass. Lia thinks for a moment after Valena says that perhaps Her Hawk could accomplish the task for them. Looking to Valena she can’t help say, “If Aerie is able to commune with the Roc then Let us try. If it does not we may have to wait till morning…Eilistraee does great her followers the spell to speak with animals, Perhaps it would be of use, if Aerie fails?”

“I can speak to the animals well,” Valena answers. “My concern was our appearing out of nowhere and startling the roc. She might think she’s under attack and react violently. At least Aerie is a creature common to these woods.”


Aerie succeeds in the task and Valena will praise her friends’ effort.

“Aerie says that the roc will speak with us peacefully,” Valena relates. “Apparently it can understand elvish, so we can speak freely with it in my native tongue. Bring us closer, Sherwood. I’ll converse with the roc.”

Sherwood obliges and removes the invisibility around the barge. The roc looks on with interest as you approach closer.

Valena handles the discussion. The roc can understand elvish, but cannot speak it. However, Valena can Speak with Animals, so a dialog can be established. After minutes of conversation, Valena will relate what she has learned.

“This roc is very ancient. It was here back when the elves dwelled in this forest. It helped protect the forest from giant predators and lived peaceful with the elves. She was entrusted with the Eagle Medallion by the elves, but they had conditions that had to be met first. The roc says that we must possess the Chimera Medallion first before it will give us the Eagle Medallion.”

Talking to so a large and ancient creature is unnerving! The fact that it could swallow her whole doesn’t help either. Surprisingly the roc functions as a protector to the elves, dealing with large predators. Once finished speaking to the roc, Valena will thank her profusely for her assistance in this matter.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Valena’s efforts pay off and she’s able to communicate with the roc. It tells the elfin ranger that it will give up the Eagle Medallion as long as we possess the Chimera Medallion.

“This makes me wonder if there isn’t some sort of test involved with the Chimera Medallion? A trial to determine of elves are the ones trying to find these medallions.”

“At any rate, let us land and rest of the evening. We can continue our quest next morning. I believe our next destination lies to the north of here on the shoreline.”

[Talen]

Talen:

Upon seeing the great Bird, Lia shares her brother’s sentiment, “ I wonder what it eats?” she asks in amazement as she tries to figure out how a bird could get so big.

“Anything it wants!”


Talon is amazed how Valena solves the situation with the roc so easily. It had seemed so a difficult task on the surface! We land for the night and will continue to search for medallions in the morning.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Nariya lets out a small laugh at Kylie's reaction. "It's a cooshee Kylie, an elfin dog," she explains. "We had a few that came and went as they wanted in our village. One seemed happy to stay, but the rest were more interested in roaming free."

A smile comes to Lilia’s face upon seeing the cooshee. “Yes, they are elfin dogs,” Lilia says, supporting Nariya’s statement. “They were somewhat common in amongst my clan. They can be used as hunting dogs or as guards. In times of war, cooshee’s along with elfin archers made a formidable combination. A pack of cooshee’s can bring down creatures many times their size. My father had one when I was a child.”

Kylie face colors, embarrassed, as the other women tell her about the animal. "So they like elves..." Kylie says, sounding uncertain, hoping this means she's not about to get eaten by the creature. However, watching it for a moment, she notes that it appears quite friendly, so she sticks out her hand palm up as she would to any other dog.

Feeling that Kylie might require more information, Lilia adds, “Cooshee’s rarely associate with non-elves. They seem to prefer our company, and we theirs.”

"Sounds like there is a long-standing relationship, then." From what they said, Nariya and Lilia suspect that there may be a pack around. "Perhaps if we find the pack, they would make good allies?"

[Laucian]

As the night progressed Laucian was sitting near Nariya as something drew closer. Gathering up his bow, Laucain made his way toward the sound with Nariya.

"What's that?" Nariya whispers to Laucian and gets up, pulling out a spear. She's ready to step into the brush herself when something comes out on its own!

“Could be trouble…”

The elves realize that their guest is a cooshee, or elfin dog. To Kylie, it looks like a very large and unusually colored dog. The cooshee stands four feet high at the shoulder. Its fur is thick and greenish in color, sprinkled with many brown spots and patches. The dogs’ paws are huge, seemingly bigger than your own feet!

The cooshee regards the elves while panting. It’s head turns slightly to one side and its tail is curled up over its back. It does not seem to be aggressive at all; in fact it seems very friendly.

Lowering his bow, a smile cross his features as Onyx coils behind his feet hissing slightly watching the Elfin dog carefully. Moving carefully forward Laucian will greet the beast with a piece of food.

“They truly are magnificent animals. Cunning and fierce in battle while gentle and caring to whom they call friends. Judging by the way its acting, It has known of elves before….”

"Sounds like there is a long-standing relationship, then." From what they said, Nariya and Lilia suspect that there may be a pack around. "Perhaps if we find the pack, they would make good allies?"

“Good,” Laucian considers Kylie’s remark amusing, “One of the finest, Cooshee are formidable guards as Lilia has said and fight extremely well, If you look at its stature, you will notice it is very strong combined with its large paws can knock most creatures down on a single pounce.”

Laucian will try and talk with the Cooshee, hopefully it will understand him.

[Lia]

Lia

“Anything it wants!”

Lia watches with her mouth wide open as Valena begins to talk to the Ancient Bird. She could easily see herself being eaten by such a thing and is somewhat relieved that they didn’t sneak up on it….

Sherwood wrote

“This makes me wonder if there isn’t some sort of test involved with the Chimera Medallion? A trial to determine of elves are the ones trying to find these medallions.”

“I would think so, if this Chimera Medallion was entrusted to a creature though. Why would they pick such a gruesome looking thing?” She asked herself more so then anyone else, as she recalls the description the brownie had given them.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:


Eagle Medallion:


The Eagle Medallion has been found in the possession of a gigantic and ancient roc. The bird is semi-intelligent and can understand the elvish tongue. The roc will happily turn over the medallion as long as those who make the request already possess the Chimera Medallion.

With the end of the day nearing, Sherwood lands the barge at the foot of the roc nest for the evening. The night passes without incident.

Next morning, Lia prays for a Speak with Dead spell. The spell is cast on the skeleton taken from the Manticore cave the day before. Nothing seems to happen! Lia’s questions go unanswered.

[GM Mad]

Griffon Medallion:

Elsewhere, the other half of the expedition has also set up camp for the evening. However, movement outside the camp is noted. As Nariya and Laucian go to investigate, a cooshee emerges from the brush! The elfin dog eyes the explorers curiously. The elves relax their guard upon seeing the dog.

Nariya offers her hand to the dog and he eagerly takes a sniff. Water is offer and the cooshee drinks. More movement is heard and noted. It seems the cooshee wasn’t alone as more wander into camp! Unless they are in motion, the cooshee’s dark green fur with brown patches makes it nearly invisible with the forest.

There are nine cooshee’s in all and each is a full-grown adult. Best guess would have them weighting from around 200 to 300 pounds each!

The elfin dogs will mob Laucian when he offers them food. But they are not overly aggressive and each will wait its turn. None of the dogs steal food from another. All the new arrivals are very friendly and they seem genuinely happy to have found you. Even Kylie is greeted warmly with a large and wet lick to the face.

Onyx remains nervous, but the cooshee’s only give the cat a curious sniff and then leave it alone. Kylie notes that while the cooshee’s certainly act like dogs she’s met before, there are differences. The cooshee’s ears go straight up to a point, giving the animal a certain look of intelligence. None of the dogs has yet to let out a bark and they move almost silently, in spite of their great size.

Laucian attempts to communicate with the cooshee’s. While he cannot verbally communicate with the elfin dogs, he can read their emotions. They are all very happy to have found the elves and seem to want to stay with you.

As the greeting and feeding winds down, some of the cooshee’s curl up to sleep in the camp along with the elves. A few will even sleep very close to you! Still others stay awake to act as guards during your slumber.

Morning will arrive without incident.


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“They truly are magnificent animals. Cunning and fierce in battle while gentle and caring to whom they call friends. Judging by the way its acting, It has known of elves before….”

“Good,” Laucian considers Kylie’s remark amusing, “One of the finest, Cooshee are formidable guards as Lilia has said and fight extremely well, If you look at its stature, you will notice it is very strong combined with its large paws can knock most creatures down on a single pounce.”

Kylie does her best to absorb all of the information she's being given on these remarkable canines, even as more emerge into the clearing. As they are still being friendly, she starts to relax and feel more at ease with the cooshees. It's a little weird how silent they are, at least to Kylie's experience, but at the same time that fits well with her own profession.

To Kylie, canines are pets. As the evening wears on, she looks to see if any of them seem to respond readily to her. If she does find one that seems to like her more than the others, she begins to treat it like a pet: petting it, slipping it extra food while she's cooking, etc. She also sleep next to it when the time comes and take her watch with it as well.

Morning comes and Kylie puts together a meal to break their fast, then packs up to move on. They still have some distance to travel to reach the griffons.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Next morning, Lia prays for a Speak with Dead spell. The spell is cast on the skeleton taken from the Manticore cave the day before. Nothing seems to happen! Lia’s questions go unanswered.

“Without knowing the particulars involved with this spell, there seems to be only two possible reasons why it failed. Either the spirit you are seeking cannot answer or does not wish to answer. It was worth trying.”

Once we are ready, continue on to the north towards the location of the Narwhale Medallion.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

More of the elfin dogs make their way into camp. From the way they act they have not been around elves for a very long time. This is a wonderful find to Lilia’s way of thinking. These companions can only be a boon. The cooshee’s are feed and given water. They play for a little bit before settling in for the evening.

Before retiring, Lilia will give her companions more of what she’s read about these remarkable animals.

“Not even the elves themselves know for sure how the cooshee’s came into being. One theory is that they were normal dogs that gained magical abilities by living among elves for centuries. Another is that they are a gift to hunters by Solonor Thelandira, the elfin god of archery, hunting, and survival in the wilds.”

“Admittedly, I’ve always wanted an elfin cat, but they are quite rare among my clan. But, cooshee’s are nice to have around.”

Lilia notes that the dogs are sleeping amongst the group and will try to position herself so that she doesn’t get rolled onto during the night.

Next morning Lilia is ready to continue their journey.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

“It could be a part of a larger pack,” Lilia surmises. “I can’t imagine them having a master with the Sylvan Realm empty of elves.”

Nariya offers her hand to the dog and he eagerly takes a sniff. Water is offer and the cooshee drinks. More movement is heard and noted. It seems the cooshee wasn’t alone as more wander into camp! Unless they are in motion, the cooshee’s dark green fur with brown patches makes it nearly invisible with the forest.

"I guess that would be our answer Lilia," Nariya remarks as she's momentarily startled by the appearance of eight more cooshee. She regains her feet if only to be able to see over them!

The elfin dogs will mob Laucian when he offers them food. But they are not overly aggressive and each will wait its turn. None of the dogs steal food from another. All the new arrivals are very friendly and they seem genuinely happy to have found you. Even Kylie is greeted warmly with a large and wet lick to the face.

Nariya will laugh lightly as Laucian is mobbed. Still the cooshee are quite patient. Hopefully Onyx has moved someplace a little safer rather than be caught underfoot!

“Not even the elves themselves know for sure how the cooshee’s came into being. One theory is that they were normal dogs that gained magical abilities by living among elves for centuries. Another is that they are a gift to hunters by Solonor Thelandira, the elfin god of archery, hunting, and survival in the wilds.”

"That's how our village regarded the cooshee that 'adopted' us," Nariya adds. "The elders viewed it as a good sign. One that Solonor was pleased with our devotion and dedication to him. I do remember there was a boon in game hunting that season after the cooshee arrived."

As the greeting and feeding winds down, some of the cooshee’s curl up to sleep in the camp along with the elves. A few will even sleep very close to you! Still others stay awake to act as guards during your slumber.

Nariya will still keep her watch along with the cooshee that remain awake. She will pet the one she first encountered if that one remains awake, otherwise Nariya will enjoy the night and the extra eyes and ears guarding the camp.

In the morning, Nariya will be ready to move out as early as the others are prepared. She is eager to be back in the wilds once more and pushing on to reach the griffons.

[Laucian]

Laucian

The elfin dogs will mob Laucian when he offers them food. But they are not overly aggressive and each will wait its turn. None of the dogs steal food from another. All the new arrivals are very friendly and they seem genuinely happy to have found you. Even Kylie is greeted warmly with a large and wet lick to the face.


“Easy, now easy. There is plenty for everyone.” he said evenly as the Cooshee rush him causing him to slightly loose his balance from the overwhelming welcome of food. He will slowly methodically feed each in turn petting them on their flanks and heads as they gather around him. Those close by Laucian can hear him saying softly, “Good boy/girl.” as he pets them. Onyx curls up walking in between Laucian and the Cooshee, seeking attention once he sees the cooshee are no threat, purring contently as he moves about Laucian’s feet.

As the night comes to a close, Laucian can be seen praying to Ehlonna seeking her guidance as well as thanking her for their good fortune in finding the cooshee. Taking his place near a tree Laucian closes his eyes for the night with Onyx close by, oddly enough with a cooshee on the other side of him, snoring and kicking its feet as if chasing something.


As day breaks Laucian is up and around making ready for the coming day.

[Lia]

Lia


Praying before bed, Lia requests for the blessing of speaking with the dead. Thankfully when first light arrives Eilistraee deems her worth once again of her blessings. Walking over to the body, Lia invokes the spell but oddly enough nothing happens, As Lia look around as if asking huh?

“Without knowing the particulars involved with this spell, there seems to be only two possible reasons why it failed. Either the spirit you are seeking cannot answer or does not wish to answer. It was worth trying.”

Shaking her head and bringing her hand to her forehead, she realizes the error in which she made. The spirit did not wish to answer or it surely passed on to the afterlife. Nodding solemnly to her Uncle she agrees. “Least we do know that whom ever this elf was did not pen the parchment held within her grasp. The only tiding she brings is one of ill will for any whom were foolish to seek out the Ancient King.”

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Narwhale Medallion:

After failing to communicate with the spirit of the elfin skeleton, the group continues onward. Sherwood pilots the barge northward towards where Robin believes the Narwhale Medallion to be. Rising high above the treetops, the ocean comes into view. As you near the coast you can see a beautiful beach of white sand. Waves swell on the ocean and are capped with white tops.

As you get closer a few more things can be made out. The abandoned elfin town of Cesnae comes into view. It’s on a small island created by the river that flows towards the ocean. Numerous docks line it shores while the main tree town lies overhead. No one is spotted in the town.

Further along the coast, a battered black rowboat is spotted on the beach. Its location suggests that it was used to travel to the small island just a few miles off shore.

Other than the native wildlife and numerous sea birds, the area seems quiet.

[GM Mad]

Griffon Medallion:

The elves become accustomed to their new friends, a pack of cooshee’s. As time goes on you realize that there is a hierarchical order amongst the elfin dogs. The pack is lead by the same dog that first approached Nariya and Laucian. He also seems to be the oldest of the pack. The pack is comprised of five males and four females. Much like the elves they live with, cooshee’s mate for life. There are three such couplings amongst the pack and the three single dogs are the youngest. Cooshee’s have a much longer life span when compared to normal dogs, so even the youngest here is much older then any normal dog lives.

The pack leader and his mate stay near Nariya, while another coupling lingers near Laucian. One of the younger males takes a liking to Kylie and happily eats anything offered to it. The single female sleeps near Lilia, while the rest of the pack don’t show any favoritism.


Morning comes and after eating the group is off once more. As is her custom, Nariya is ahead and in the lead. The pack master and his spouse accompany her. The other two couples split off from the main group, each taking a flank and travel parallel to you. The last three cooshee’s travel amongst Kylie, Lilia, and Laucian.

Near midday you’re greeted with the unusual sight of seeing Onyx riding on the back of the other single male! It seems the two have become friends. After a time Onyx curls up for a nap while the cooshee trots along, his tail wagging.

The sun is high in the sky when you reach a vast clearing that has been described to you as the griffon hunting ground. It’s a huge stretch of grasslands many miles long and wide. It seems innocent looking enough. No griffons can be found and the area seems to be clear.

The cooshee’s seem reluctant to follow you into the clearing.


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Not even the elves themselves know for sure how the cooshee’s came into being. One theory is that they were normal dogs that gained magical abilities by living among elves for centuries. Another is that they are a gift to hunters by Solonor Thelandira, the elfin god of archery, hunting, and survival in the wilds.”

"So which theory are you inclined to believe?" Kylie asks, finding the subject rather interesting.

"That's how our village regarded the cooshee that 'adopted' us," Nariya adds. "The elders viewed it as a good sign. One that Solonor was pleased with our devotion and dedication to him. I do remember there was a boon in game hunting that season after the cooshee arrived."

Nariya speaks up in favor of the gift theory. "Seems like it would be hard to not experience a favorable hunting season with their help."

As they travel, bonds form between the people and the cooshies. One of the younger males seems happy to be Kylie's friend. She takes to calling him Dapple, to reflect his mottled appearance.

At one point, Onyx is seen riding on the back of one of the canines. "Now there's something I never would have expected to see," Kylie remarks with a laugh.

They reach the clearing which the griffons reputedly frequent. At the moment, there don't appear to be any in sight. Kylie looks at the others. "Okay, any suggestions on how we draw the griffons' attention without drawing unwanted attention or getting eaten by them?"

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lilia relates what she’s read about cooshee’s.

"So which theory are you inclined to believe?" Kylie asks, finding the subject rather interesting

“Both are equally plausible, Kylie,” Lilia explains. “Or it could be that they were normal dogs and Solonor altered them over time to what they are now. I guess I would side with Solonor creating them or changing them. They co-exist too perfectly with elves for it to not have been planned.”

As the night progresses, Lilia finds herself in the company of the lone unattached female of the pack. “I’ll call you Lady,” she tells the cooshee. “If you don’t mind, of course.”


The journey continues the next day with the pack helping guard us. They’ve spread out to better protect the main group. Finally we reach the large clearing that the griffon’s use as a hunting ground, but the cooshee’s seem reluctant to follow.

“There might be some sort of danger here that we cannot see,” Lilia suggests after seeing how the dogs are reacting. “They certainly know this forest better than we. I would advise we proceed cautiously.”

They reach the clearing that the griffons reputedly frequent. At the moment, there don't appear to be any in sight. Kylie looks at the others. "Okay, any suggestions on how we draw the griffons' attention without drawing unwanted attention or getting eaten by them?"

“Were we not told that the griffons were our allies? Yes, Nariya related that from her talk with the treant. She was told that the griffons would help elves. So I do not believe that they would consider us food. Perhaps they have dwelled here so long that they are favorable to elves?”

Lilia will take a few tentative steps into the clearing.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Sherwood takes in the sight as they reach the coast. A vast ocean lies before them, but it seems darker and colder then the ocean to the south of his native Cynalon. Much less inviting.

“I don’t know much about narwhale’s”, Sherwood explains. “Or really much about those creatures that live in the sea. Given what we can see here, I think there are two possibilities. One is that what we seek is on the island and the narwhale patrols that stretch between there and the mainland. Or what we seek is underneath the water itself. Therefore, lets explore the island first.”

Sherwood will direct the barge to the island and find a safe place to land.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Shaking her head and bringing her hand to her forehead, she realizes the error in which she made. The spirit did not wish to answer or it surely passed on to the afterlife. Nodding solemnly to her Uncle she agrees. “Least we do know that whom ever this elf was did not pen the parchment held within her grasp. The only tiding she brings is one of ill will for any whom were foolish to seek out the Ancient King.”

“You did the best you could,” Valena will say in an effort to comfort Lia. “I had a hunch it would have been too simple for this spirit to give us all the answers we need.”

Continuing on we come to the ocean. A small island sits offshore.

“I don’t know much about narwhale’s”, Sherwood explains. “Or really much about those creatures that live in the sea. Given what we can see here, I think there are two possibilities. One is that what we seek is on the island and the narwhale patrols that stretch between there and the mainland. Or what we seek is underneath the water itself. Therefore, lets explore the island first.”

“I had never seen an ocean before this trip,” Valena adds. “Was not the narwhale called the Unicorn of the Sea? Unicorns are very favorable to those of my faith, so perhaps this creature will be as well? I agree, let us search the land before attempting to go under the water.”

Once on the island, Valena will ask Aerie to go and explore from overhead.

[Laucian]

As dawn breaks Laucian finds himself getting up and gathering his gear. He looks about seeing a cooshee pair near him. Looking at the cooshee, he feels relived knowing they have found such good companions as they already awake, their postures and ears showing they alert. Soon enough they are once again on their way to their goal.

Near midday you’re greeted with the unusual sight of seeing Onyx riding on the back of the other single male! It seems the two have become friends. After a time Onyx curls up for a nap while the cooshee trots along, his tail wagging.

At one point, Onyx is seen riding on the back of one of the canines. "Now there's something I never would have expected to see," Kylie remarks with a laugh.

Laucian shakes his head upon seeing his cat ride upon the cooshee’s back as if he was royalty. The Cooshee seemingly enjoying itself immensely. With a smile and laugh Laucian watches as Onyx falls asleep upon its back.

“Were we not told that the griffons were our allies? Yes, Nariya related that from her talk with the treant. She was told that the griffons would help elves. So I do not believe that they would consider us food. Perhaps they have dwelled here so long that they are favorable to elves?”

Lilia will take a few tentative steps into the clearing.

“Perhaps, but do not get to confident Lilia. They may not recall this bond for a time, Let us hope they remember what an elf is. “

Laucian notices the reluctance of the cooshee to go into the clearing. It is no surprise to Laucian in a sense for their size they could be mistaken for a small horse, the preferred prey of griffons or so he recalled from Sherwood’s cousin’s estate.

A sudden thought came to him as he watched Lilia take a few tentative steps into the clearing. “Perhaps we could call them? Mimic the sounds of a Griffon as we heard in Elcadan when we first arrived.”

[Lia]

Lia

“You did the best you could,” Valena will say in an effort to comfort Lia. “I had a hunch it would have been too simple for this spirit to give us all the answers we need.”

Continuing on we come to the ocean. A small island sits offshore.

“I don’t know much about narwhale’s”, Sherwood explains. “Or really much about those creatures that live in the sea. Given what we can see here, I think there are two possibilities. One is that what we seek is on the island and the narwhale patrols that stretch between there and the mainland. Or what we seek is underneath the water itself. Therefore, lets explore the island first.”

“Nor have I.” her eyes filled with amazement. Under normal circumstances she would thoroughly enjoy it. Though today is not one she can merely sit back and enjoy herself. Seeing the abundant wildlife especially the sea birds Lia has a thought. “Valena, could Aerie speak to the other birds as she did with the Roc?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Both are equally plausible, Kylie,” Lilia explains. “Or it could be that they were normal dogs and Solonor altered them over time to what they are now. I guess I would side with Solonor creating them or changing them. They co-exist too perfectly with elves for it to not have been planned.”

"Hmm..." Kylie murmurs to herself. She's actually a little surprised that Lilia is leaning toward a deity-based explanation. "That makes some sense," she replies non-committally.

“There might be some sort of danger here that we cannot see,” Lilia suggests after seeing how the dogs are reacting. “They certainly know this forest better than we. I would advise we proceed cautiously.”

“Were we not told that the griffons were our allies? Yes, Nariya related that from her talk with the treant. She was told that the griffons would help elves. So I do not believe that they would consider us food. Perhaps they have dwelled here so long that they are favorable to elves?”

Lilia will take a few tentative steps into the clearing.

Kylie is truly surprised when Lilia starts out into the clearing immediately after warning of a potential unseen danger and advising caution. Kylie doubts she will ever figure out the elven wizardess. Laucian speaks up, advising caution, to which Kylie agrees with a nod.

A sudden thought came to him as he watched Lilia take a few tentative steps into the clearing. “Perhaps we could call them? Mimic the sounds of a Griffon as we heard in Elcadan when we first arrived.”

"I would be willing to try," Kylie volunteers. "I don't know how well I can imitate their call, but I certainly spent enough time around Jallarzi's griffons to know what they sound like." If the others think she should try it, then Kylie will step to the edge of the clearing and do her best imitation of a griffon's cry.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Nariya speaks up in favor of the gift theory. "Seems like it would be hard to not experience a favorable hunting season with their help."

"That's very true," Nariya replies simply.

Morning comes and after eating the group is off once more. As is her custom, Nariya is ahead and in the lead. The pack master and his spouse accompany her.

It takes Nariya a small amount of time to get used to the pair of cooshee travelling near her since she is used to working alone. However, they move quietly and slip easily across the terrain, Nariya almost forgets they are there at times.

At one point, Onyx is seen riding on the back of one of the canines. "Now there's something I never would have expected to see," Kylie remarks with a laugh.

Laucian shakes his head upon seeing his cat ride upon the cooshee’s back as if he was royalty. The Cooshee seemingly enjoying itself immensely. With a smile and laugh Laucian watches as Onyx falls asleep upon its back.

Nariya joins in with the laughter as it is quite a sight. She was wrongly concerned that Onyx and the cooshee might not be comfortable with each other.

The sun is high in the sky when you reach a vast clearing that has been described to you as the griffon hunting ground. It’s a huge stretch of grasslands many miles long and wide. It seems innocent looking enough. No griffons can be found and the area seems to be clear.

Nariya notes the cooshee's hesitation to go further out into the clearing. She is ready to step out cautiously as well when Laucian comes up with a good idea.

A sudden thought came to him as he watched Lilia take a few tentative steps into the clearing. “Perhaps we could call them? Mimic the sounds of a Griffon as we heard in Elcadan when we first arrived.”

"I would be willing to try," Kylie volunteers. "I don't know how well I can imitate their call, but I certainly spent enough time around Jallarzi's griffons to know what they sound like." If the others think she should try it, then Kylie will step to the edge of the clearing and do her best imitation of a griffon's cry.

"It's definitely worth the attempt," Nariya agrees. She will remain at the edge of the clearing to see if Kylie has any success. "We should make sure we are seen first and not the cooshee," Nariya suggests. "We can't afford to have our potential allies attacking or eating each other."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Narwhale Medallion:

Sherwood directs the barge towards the small island just off the shore of the Sylvan Realm. Island in this case is a bit misleading, as it’s little more than a large rocky peak jutting out of the water. As you get closer a pair of figures in black armor are noted laying on the island. There is no level place to safely land, so Sherwood is forced to hover a few inches overhead.

As you get closer, you realize that there are men in the black armor and that the armor is similar to the type seen inside the manticore cave. Both men are unmoving and appear to be dead.

One of them has a gaping hole in his chest, as if he had been impaled on some large object such as a lance. The wound appears to have been fatal. The second man appears to have starved to death. From their appearance, they’ve been dead for several years now.

One of the bodies has an ivory scroll case dangling from his belt. Inside it is a piece of parchment. It’s orders from Moorkroft the Fourth. Their mission was to hunt down the narwhale and return with its horn. It’s obvious that they did not succeed.

As you explore, you occasionally catch a glimpse of the narwhale out in the waters near the island. The narwhale is huge! Its main body is nearly thirty feet long! Its most noticeable feature is an eight-foot horn sticking out of its forehead. The narwhale seems to be watching you.

Aerie finds little more from her search and the birds in the area are not any help to your quest.

[GM Mad]

Griffon Medallion:


To the south and east, the others have reached a vast clearing that is known as a hunting ground by the griffons. The cooshee’s do not follow you into the vast clearing.

After a short discussion, it is decided for Kylie to try and imitate the cries of a griffon. She had heard them many times before from Jallarzi’s griffon while training at the Salavarian Estate. Kylie moves a short distance into the clearing, while everyone else takes to the edge of the forest.

It takes Kylie several tries to try and get the sounds of a griffon right. To Laucian and Nariya the noise sounds somewhat like the screeches of eagles. Several minutes pass as Kylie calls out to the griffons. In the process she moves a bit further into the clearing, but not too far.

Suddenly Kylie can feel a low underground rumbling that quickly increases into a loud roar. Before she can comprehend what is happening, a column of water violently erupts underneath her feet! Kylie is hurtled nearly twenty feet into the air and is helplessly bounced around on top of this geyser!


GM Notes:

Now you know why the Cooshee’s didn’t want to go into the clearing.

The water is comfortable to the touch, so the geyser isn’t scalding Kylie. The geyser is continuing to erupt with Kylie at the top of it.

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

The others approve her willingness to try, so Kylie edges into the clearing to attempt to call the griffons. Clearing her throat, she begins to screech, kind of like an eagle, but at a lower pitch. Her first few tries are pitiful, partly as she's fighting embarrassment. However, after a few coughs and several false starts, Kylie eventually works her way to a reasonable approximation of a griffon's cry.

Her voice falters, however, as she first feels, then hears, rumbling in the ground beneath her feet. She steps backward tentatively, , but it isn't enough as water blasts out from underground, carrying her high into the air!

It takes her a few moments to collect her wits, but Kylie realizes that she isn't hurt, and the water is actually a comfortable temperature. Still, she's not sure what's causing this or how she's going to get down.

"Uhm... guys? A little help, please...?" Being jostled around as she is, Kylie isn't certain she could concentrate sufficiently to get a spell off.
_________________________________________________________
I guess we know now how the griffons bathe, huh?

[Laucian]

Laucian

Laucian watched attentively toward Kylie as she stepped into the clearing, After several times trying kylie then begins to screech much like an eagle’s cry. Within a blink of an eye a updraft of water erupts beneath Kylie’s feet sending her over 20 feet in the air and proceeds to bounce her in place.

Drawing up his bow and knocking an arrow Laucian looks around trying to see if they are under attack. Within moments it seems that there are no hositles sinking his arrow back into his quiver he looks about to the others then Kylie.

‘Anyone have any ideas on getting her down? He said curiously, If that thing stops gushing as quick as it started we may have a problem. “

[Lia]

Lia

Moving towards the small Island, Lia gazes upon to prone figures lying upon the earth. Squinting her eyes to see better she sees they are indeed wearing armor much like those of the armor found in the Manticore’s cave.

Stepping from the barge as it hovers near the ground Lia moves to the bodies. Upon closer look one of which looks to have been impaled but no weapon lays near… Furling her brow in fustration she looks to the next seeing the ivory case. Slowly removing it she places it beside the body then checks for anything else of value or use. Movement in the water draws her attention upon gazing the Narwhale Lia’s mouth drops, it is the biggest fish she had ever seen!! Her gaze looks to the large Horn jutting from its front, looking back to the bodies she soon learned what caused the armored figures demise…

Turning towards the water, Lia calmly walks toward the water line and sits before the water, Watching the Narwhale as it makes its round. Hoping that the whale will get used to her presence.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The group decides that Kylie should try to call the griffons out. She had spent plenty of time around Jallarzi’s griffon while an apprentice, so perhaps this will work.

After a time, the ground begins to rumble and suddenly Kylie is thrown up into the air on a jet of water!

"Uhm... guys? A little help, please...?" Being jostled around as she is, Kylie isn't certain she could concentrate sufficiently to get a spell off.

‘Anyone have any ideas on getting her down? He said curiously, If that thing stops gushing as quick as it started we may have a problem.“

“I’ll handle this,” Lilia will easily state. Stepping away from the others, Lilia casts Polymorph Self and alters her form into that of a sylph. Having gained wings, the Elf Maiden will fly up and try to grab a hold of Kylie.

“Take my hand! I’ll help you down. I think I understand why the griffons favor this area as a hunting ground. Unwary prey is served up to them on jets of water!”

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Sherwood remains on the barge as the others explore the small island. The remains of two men are found but nothing else. One appears to have been killed by a lance or more likely by the horn of the narwhale. After a time, the narwhale surfaces and what a monster it is! Easily the largest fish Sherwood has ever seen.

“Since the roc we encountered has more intelligent than normal, perhaps the same will apply to this narwhale? Valena, are you capable of communicating with this creature? It seems to me that if the elves entrusted it with a medallion that it’s probably intelligent.”

[Talen]

Talen:

Talen will go forth to explore the small island since he hasn’t done much to help in this quest yet. The bodies are found and one has a giant hole in him!

“This man met up with a very nasty fate! What kind of weapon could do this? And why did no one come to rescue these men?”

The cause of the wound becomes clear when the giant fish surfaces!

“By the gods, he’s huge! And that horn is an incredible weapon!”

Sherwood offers a suggestion on how to proceed next to Valena. Talen will keep his distance, but have his bow ready just in case of trouble.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

The island is searched and the narwhale makes an appearance. What a beautiful and gigantic creature it is! Given its horn, its easy to see how it could be called the Unicorn of the Sea.

“Valena, are you capable of communicating with this creature? It seems to me that if the elves entrusted it with a medallion that it’s probably intelligent.”

“I cannot say for certain,” Valena answers. “The Lady of the Forests has granted me the ability to speak freely with animals. Typically I’ve only spoken with forest creatures in the past. This one is a whole different matter. Nonetheless I will make the attempt.”

Valena will slowly step up to the water’s edge in a non-threatening manner.

“Hello there!”, she’ll say once close enough. “My friends and I are here to restore the elves of this forest. We were told that a narwhale was entrusted with a medallion long ago. Are you that narwhale? If not, do you know which narwhale it was?”

[Nariya]

Nariya:

It takes Kylie several tries to try and get the sounds of a griffon right. To Laucian and Nariya the noise sounds somewhat like the screeches of eagles. Several minutes pass as Kylie calls out to the griffons. In the process she moves a bit further into the clearing, but not too far.

Kylie keeps at it and seems to get the call down. It sounds like an eagle cry, but they're probably quite similar Nariya realizes. However, nothing seems to be happening. She knows this is the right area, unless they've had to move on.

Suddenly Kylie can feel a low underground rumbling that quickly increases into a loud roar. Before she can comprehend what is happening, a column of water violently erupts underneath her feet! Kylie is hurtled nearly twenty feet into the air and is helplessly bounced around on top of this geyser!

"Uhm... guys? A little help, please...?" Being jostled around as she is, Kylie isn't certain she could concentrate sufficiently to get a spell off.

“I’ll handle this,” Lilia will easily state. Stepping away from the others, Lilia casts Polymorph Self and alters her form into that of a sylph. Having gained wings, the Elf Maiden will fly up and try to grab a hold of Kylie.

“Take my hand! I’ll help you down. I think I understand why the griffons favor this area as a hunting ground. Unwary prey is served up to them on jets of water!”

After the initial shock, Nariya struggles to keep from laughing. Watching Kylie bounce around is quite funny. Laucian is right though, that geyser could stop suddenly. Nariya is about to suggest maybe some rope, but Lilia handles it with use of magic.

Nariya glances back to see what the cooshees think of all this, and then scans the sky to see if any griffons are inbound yet.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed