Elfquest #13

[GM Mad]

Elfquest #13

Narwhale Medallion:

The small island has been found devoid of life. Only the remains of two members of the Black Army were found. The gigantic narwhale surfaces and warily eyes the explorers. At Sherwood’s urging, Valena steps to the water’s edge and attempts to communicate with the whale.

“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?”

The whale responds, making squeaking roars to Valena’s query. The narwhale comprehends elvish! A dialog follows with Valena asking questions in elfish and it responds it is own language that Valena can understand. After about five minutes, the narwhale submerges and swims off. Valena turns back to her companions.

“This is the narwhale that was entrusted with the elfin key. Unfortunately, he no longer has the key as it was stolen from him a few weeks back! The narwhale believes the thief was the water spirit that lives in the lake surrounded by the swamp. He doesn’t understand why she would do such a thing as they had been friends. He suggests we seek out this water spirit for his key and for hers.”

[GM Mad]

Griffon Medallion:

To the south, the other group has reached a vast clearing that the griffons use as a hunting ground. Overgrown geysers cover the clearing and frequently an unsuspecting walker is jetted airborne on pillars of water! The griffons then fly in and capture the virtually helpless prey.

Kylie has discovered this the hard way is now being buffeted on a geyser of water. Lilia casts Polymorph Self and takes the form of a sylph. Flying upwards, Lilia is able to take Kylie’s hand and drag her off the geyser.

While this is going on, Laucian and Nariya keep an eye on the skies for any signs of griffons. Unexpectedly, Dapple takes a few steps into the clearing and lets out an incredibly loud bark! The noise is almost deafening and you have no doubt that it could have been heard for miles!

In response, you lock in on what Dapple had seen. A flight of griffons is winging their way towards you! There’s over a dozen of the creatures and they’re about minute away!


GM Note:

Cooshee's can indeed bark, but only do so to serve as a warning. Their bark is very, very loud compared to a normal dog.

Now what?

[Lilia]

Lilia:

The Elf Maiden manages to grasp Kylie’s hand and pull her free of the geyser. While Kylie isn’t all that heavy, Lilia isn’t very strong. So it’s a struggle to hang and fly her down to the ground at the same time.

A very loud bark reverberates through the clearing. The noise is nearly deafening! One of the Cooshee’s barked a warning. Scanning the horizon, Lilia sees griffons flying towards her!

“It seems that you’ve gotten their attention,” Lilia tells Kylie. “Let us hope that they are friendly to elves.”

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Valena converses with the narwhal.

“This is the narwhale that was entrusted with the elfin key. Unfortunately, he no longer has the key as it was stolen from him a few weeks back! The narwhale believes the thief was the water spirit that lives in the lake surrounded by the swamp. He doesn’t understand why she would do such a thing as they had been friends. He suggests we seek out this water spirit for his key and for hers.”

“Okay,” Sherwood answers as he digests what Valena tells him. “Then it seems we must move on from here.”

Referring back to the crude map, Sherwood eyes their next destination.

“The suspected location of the Hydra Medallion lies between us and the lake of the water spirit. We’ll check that out first before traveling on to the lake. When the time comes for us to speak with this water spirit, I recommend that only Lia and Valena to do so. Certain female spirits, such as a Nymph, have powerful affects on men. Thus the women should speak to her.”

Once everyone is on board, Sherwood will pilot the barge to the next destination.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena is pleased that her innate Speak with Animals ability extends to those creatures who dwell in the seas. The dialog is established and the narwhale tells it tale. Once done, the great fish swims off and Valena tells her companions what has transpired.

“This is the narwhale that was entrusted with the elfin key. Unfortunately, he no longer has the key as it was stolen from him a few weeks back! The narwhale believes the thief was the water spirit that lives in the lake surrounded by the swamp. He doesn’t understand why she would do such a thing as they had been friends. He suggests we seek out this water spirit for his key and for hers.”

Sherwood speaks of continue on to the next destination. Valena will nod her agreement and step back on board the barge.

“Some lunch would be good right about now. Plus it will help pass the time.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Kylie finds it hard to think clearly while being tossed about on the suddenly-appearing geyser. Fortunately, Lilia is able to bring her safely to the ground. Kylie pauses as she starts wringing the water from her clothes as best she can.

"Thank you, Lilia. That was... quite an experience. Now that I think about it, I don't believe I was in any real danger, as my ring would have saved me from any fall. But who knows how long that thing would have lasted..."

Dapple's loud bark causes Kylie to cover her ears for a second. She hadn't realized that they were so loud!

Still, it doesn't take long to see what alarmed her canine friend. Gryphons, winging their way.

“It seems that you’ve gotten their attention,” Lilia tells Kylie. “Let us hope that they are friendly to elves.”

"Indeed." Having spent a fair bit of time around Jallarzi's griffons, this isn't really that new a sight for her. Unfortunately, these aren't tame griffons and there's no way of knowing how they will react.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Keeping his bow low Laucian looks about scanning the forests as well as the skies. He watches as Lilia brings Klie back down to earth, A loud bark booms from behind, Causing Laucian to shrink and cover his ears slightly. Turning his gaze upon the Cooshee he can see Dapple standing with Tail attentive staring off, Following its gaze Laucian sees a whole flight of Griffons coming their way and Fast….


A sudden thought comes to Laucian as he considers the unicorn’s words.. The griffons were friends to the elves, even coexisting as loyal mounts in times of need…. Would they not understand the words of Elves then to?

Not having time to debate the matter Laucian steps forward with his bow down, showing no fear though his nerves beg him to take shelter from the onslaught before him. He utters one word loud enough in Elvish so that the Griffons can hear him…

“Welcome.”

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Hydra Medallion:

The quest to collect all twelve of the elfin medallions started out easy enough for Sherwood’s group. They retrieved the Manticore Medallion, but then things became more complicated. The Eagle Medallion was found to be held by a gigantic Roc. The great bird would only hand over the medallion if the possessor already had the Chimera Medallion.

Continuing on, the explorers searched for the Narwhale Medallion. The narwhale was found, but the giant fish claimed that the sea spirit had stolen the medallion he was entrusted with a few weeks back. So, the explorers moved on to where the Hydra Medallion is believed to be as it was along the way to the Sea Spirit area.

Its mid-afternoon by the time the barge reaches the swamplands where the Hydra lives. Seen from above, the swamp is a large area to the north of the Sylvan Realm. The ocean forms the swamps northern and western borders. A small lake is nestled between the Ream and the Swamp; the area where the Sea Spirit is believed to dwell.

The swamp is a dismal place. It holds mostly reeds and blue-gray trees. None of the trees here reach the heights of the enchanted elfin forest. A light fog covers the ground in low spots.

Sherwood slows the barge down and begins to fly forty feet over the swamp. Over an hour passes while you search for the hydra. Finally you find something, but not what you were suspecting! A giant multi-headed skeleton is found! It appears that the hydra has been killed!

[GM Mad]

Griffon Medallion:

To the south, Laucian’s group has reached the large clearing. A concealed geyser tossed Kylie into the air where she bounced around for a while until Lilia helped her down. Moments after that a flight of griffons were seen approaching.

While most of the others watched the majestic flyers approach, Laucian steps into the clearing. He has his bow down and he awaits their approach.

The griffons fly past about twenty feet overhead, squawking as they do. Those who are very observant will note sixteen griffons in all.

The griffons swing back around and being to approach again. This time they all come in for a landing. The leader of the flight touches down some thirty feet from Laucian and casually approaches him. At a distance of five feet, the griffon stops and lowers itself to the ground, as if offering to be rid by Laucian. The other griffons follow suit.

Most of the griffons are full grown adults. They are around nine feet long and stand five feet high at the shoulder. When spread, their wings are well over twenty feet wide.

Want to go for a ride?

Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Still feeling a bit shaken by her recent experience, Kylie lingers back at the treeline. However, Laucian steps bravely forward to welcome the griffons.

They wait, Kylie subconsciously holding her breath, as the griffons wing about over their heads and then land. The leader of the great winged beasts approaches Laucian and then bends down - an action Kylie has seen before as an offer to ride! The others do likewise.

Kylie approaches the nearest griffon, attempting to hide her nervousness. "Well, it would speed our trip..." she says to the others. "And perhaps they'll take us to the medallion."

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"Thank you, Lilia. That was... quite an experience. Now that I think about it, I don't believe I was in any real danger, as my ring would have saved me from any fall. But who knows how long that thing would have lasted..."

“You are welcome,” Lilia intones as she sets back down on the ground. She’s panting slightly as she’s unaccustomed to such physical exertions.

One of the Cooshee’s barks a warning. The griffons are on the way. Lilia remains in her polymorphed form, but moves closer to the tree line for safety. Much to her surprise, Laucian goes out to meet them! The griffons past overhead. They are huge this close up! It’s not hard to imagine that they could snap Lilia in half with their beaks!

The griffons land and seemingly offer themselves for our use.

Kylie approaches the nearest griffon, attempting to hide her nervousness. "Well, it would speed our trip..." she says to the others. "And perhaps they'll take us to the medallion."

Lilia cautiously follows the others out to meet our, seemingly, new friends. A thought comes to the Elf Maiden.

“What of the Cooshee’s? While both are comfortable with us, they probably are not friendly with each other. How do we know where they are going to take us? Can they understand us?”

Lilia looks to our woodspersons for any answers.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

The griffons swing back around and being to approach again. This time they all come in for a landing. The leader of the flight touches down some thirty feet from Laucian and casually approaches him. At a distance of five feet, the griffon stops and lowers itself to the ground, as if offering to be rid by Laucian. The other griffons follow suit.

Staying near the cooshee, Nariya marvels at the arrival of the griffons. She watches as they approach Laucian, showing no malice to him. Then they stop and kneel down, seemingly offering us a ride!

Lilia cautiously follows the others out to meet our, seemingly, new friends. A thought comes to the Elf Maiden.

“What of the Cooshee’s? While both are comfortable with us, they probably are not friendly with each other. How do we know where they are going to take us? Can they understand us?”

"If we can find out how far we will be taken, and for how long, then maybe just some of us should go with them," Nariya replies being pulled by both wanting to ride upon the griffon's back and staying with their cooshee friends.

"If they are going to take us somewhere and drop us off, maybe the cooshee could catch up?" Nariya offers.

[Laucian]

Laucian

A breeze rippled through the clearing as Laucian stepped forward farther from the treeline, his eyes upon the great creatures as they flew through the sky towards him. Taking a deep breath he wondered if the he had made the right choice as a sudden strike of fear ran down the back of his neck.

Remembering that animals and beast alike take notice of fear, Laucian did his best to control himself, as the Griffons flew ever closer. Timed seemed to slowed down as they drew closer, Within moments the great beasts flew over head squawking causing, Laucian to turn as they did, watching expectingly as he issued the elfin greeting.

Rounding about and touching down some third feet away, The largest of the griffons came forward casually as if an old friend, as his hands begin to sweat. Within five feet the magnificent beast stops , stands for a moment then lowers down, looking at him.

Taking a few moments to register what was before him Laucian, Looked at the griffons in a state of amazement, truly they were beautiful and somehow tame? Hearing the others speak of what course of action they should take, Laucian remains quiet for a moment then looks to the others in turn,

“The smallest of us should go, With the wyrven riders patroling, there is a chance they will see our numbers. With the smallest of us upon the griffons they may not notice of such things….“Wanting to ride the Griffon before him and not wanting to leave the Cooshee behind Laucian puts forth, Perhaps Kylie or Lilia, or Kylie and Nariya should go(or All three)… I will stay behind with the cooshee, and attempt to follow you with them. Every several hours fly the griffons out as if hunting, this will give me the bearings I need to come to you.”

If his Holy symbol is about the size of the medallion shape(might know from the indentations made in the crystal), he will take it from his neck and show the griffon it, Hoping that it will realize what they are looking for. If any think his choice is far he will simply add, “With my equipment and skills I maybe the best suited to not be caught. As well there maybe trees with a white X upon it between here and there.”

[Lia]

Lia

Looking out from the barge into the dankness of the swamp, Lia holds her nose every once in a while saying, “What is that awful stench!”

Upon seeing the Hydra’s skeleton laying in the swamp, Lia’s heart falls for the great beast has been apparently slain, and the medallion probably with it. “Lower the barge, Uncle.. There maybe signs of who did this and what direction they went.”

Upon reaching the ground she will be careful about the body not to disturb anything, looking for perhaps broken weapons or other bodies.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"If we can find out how far we will be taken, and for how long, then maybe just some of us should go with them," Nariya replies being pulled by both wanting to ride upon the griffon's back and staying with their cooshee friends.

"If they are going to take us somewhere and drop us off, maybe the cooshee could catch up?" Nariya offers.

“Which goes back to my earlier question. Can we communicate with the griffons?”

“The smallest of us should go, with the wyvern riders patrolling, there is a chance they will see our numbers. With the smallest of us upon the griffons they may not notice of such things….“Wanting to ride the Griffon before him and not wanting to leave the Cooshee behind Laucian puts forth, Perhaps Kylie or Lilia, or Kylie and Nariya should go (or All three)… I will stay behind with the cooshee, and attempt to follow you with them. Every several hours fly the griffons out as if hunting, this will give me the bearings I need to come to you.”

“Based solely on size, then Laucian and Nariya are the smaller among us. (Not by much.) But you two have the ability to find your way through the wilderness and to keep a faster pace then I can. It seems to me that either Kylie or myself goes accompanied by either Nariya or Laucian. That would put an experienced woodsperson in both groups.”

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

“I’ll never understand the fascination with swamps,” Sherwood mutters, mostly to himself.

Upon seeing the Hydra’s skeleton laying in the swamp, Lia’s heart falls for the great beast has been apparently slain, and the medallion probably with it. “Lower the barge, Uncle. There maybe signs of who did this and what direction they went.”

“Be careful. There might still be predators in the area, those who came to feast once the Hydra fell.”

Sherwood lowers the barge so that the searchers can get off.

“Talen stay here with me on watch. Valena, go and see what clues you can find from the body.”

The barge is raised up once again so that we can see the surrounding swamp easier and if any predators are approaching.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“You are welcome,” Lilia intones as she sets back down on the ground. She’s panting slightly as she’s unaccustomed to such physical exertions.

Kylie is a little surprised by Lilia's evidence of fatigue, but doesn't mention it. Perhaps her own training in more physical activities has given her more stamina than one who has focussed solely on magic and scholarship.

There is some discussion of what to do with the cooshees and the griffons, including suggestions of splitting the group. Lilia asks about communicating with the griffons, then adds her suggestion for splitting up.

"I can't help with talking to the griffons, I'm afraid. However, I do support the suggestion to send one mage and one woodsman and leave the other pair here with the cooshees. Since you are smaller than I, Lilia, perhaps you should be the mage to go; besides, I never actually ridden a griffon - except for the time Sherwood polymorphed himself into one. Showing the medallion to the griffons is probably also a good idea, Laucian, as it may give them some idea of what we seek."

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Hydra Medallion:

The skeleton of a great hydra has been found in the swamp! The explorers fear that it is the remains of the hydra entrusted with the medallion they seek.

Sherwood lowers the barge down and Lia and Valena jump off to explore the scene closer.

The hydra’s rib cage is what attracted you to this place initially. In short order numerous heads are uncovered from the muck. One of the heads has a large indentation in it. It seems to be about the right size for a medallion to fit in, but there is currently none there.

Valena explores the area. There are heavy tracks due to numerous predators coming to feast on the remains. However, she does find human-sized boot prints among the other tracks. Most of these prints were walked over by the predators, but they are numerous near the hydra head that held the medallion. There seems to have been only one set of prints because near each footprint is a circular hole in the mud, as if made by a walking stick.

[GM Mad]

Griffon Medallion:

To the south, the explorers have made contact with the griffons! Sixteen of the flying creatures have arrived. They land before Laucian and lower themselves, as if offering to be ridden. A discussion on what to do next follows, whether to divide their forces or abandon the cooshee’s. The group settles on having Nariya and Lilia go with the griffons, while Kylie and Laucian follow with the cooshee’s.

(I picked Laucian to stay on the ground as his movement was faster than Nariya’s, so he could cover more ground with the cooshee’s.)

But before departing, Laucian shows the lead griffon his holy symbol, comparing it to the medallion that you seek. The lead griffon squawks something at this, and seems to glance to the north. It is clear that the griffons understand elvish and that they will not harm any elf. (Or half-elf.)

The cooshee’s keep their distance and do nothing as long as none of you are in any danger. While a few of the griffons are seen eyeing the elfin dogs, none of them make any moves towards them.


Goodbyes are said and Nariya and Lilia mount up on the griffons. The flight of griffons runs forwards, beating their wings before leaping into the air. The two elves mainly just hang on until they get the hang of it. The griffon’s fly off in a northwesterly direction, seemingly following the edge of the clearing. Those on the ground are quickly lost from sight as the griffons fly along.

Breaking into a jog, Laucian and Kylie follow along with the pack of Cooshee’s. The normal speed for the elfin dogs is a bit faster than those for their companions. The pack also keeps to the edge of the large clearing, steering away from any unseen geysers.

[GM Mad]

Up in the air, Nariya and Lilia fly along on the backs of the griffons. The other griffons fly along side towards your unknown destination. You’re continuing towards the northwest, following the tree line.

Unexpectedly, the griffons swoop down towards the thick canopy of trees below! There doesn’t seem to be any place for the griffons to go, when suddenly an opening in the trees appears that you couldn’t see from higher up. The griffons fly into this opening with practiced precision.

Before you can realize what is going on, the griffons land on a vast wooden landing area nestled high up in the trees. The griffons lower themselves down so that Nariya and Lilia can get off. Your flight took about thirty minutes.

The elves quickly realize that this concealed place is a landing area for the griffons. Just off the landing area are stables for the griffons and you can see many of their large nests present. Some buildings are elf sized; suggest that they might hold supplies or other equipment. Numerous sets of stairs lead down from this high elevation. No one else seems to be around, apart from the griffons. It seems that they’ve taken you to a large, concealed griffon stable high amongst the trees.


Back on the ground, Laucian and Kylie do their best to keep pace. The griffons grow more distant in the sky, but Laucian is able to keep them in sight with his keen elfin vision. Unexpectedly, the griffons dive towards the trees and disappear from sight! Laucian mentally notes the approximate area and continues on with the cooshee’s.

About an hour after parting company with the griffons, Laucian and Kylie reach the area where they vanished. It’s near the area where the road enters the large clearing. The pair looks around for time, but don’t see anything but the huge trees and the wildly overgrown brush.

Finally, Laucian spots something familiar. Something on an elf who grew up in this kind of environment would note. There is a concealed set of stairs leading up into the trees!


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Nariya and Lilia depart on the griffons amidst some trepidation. Kylie can only hope that they won't get irretrievably separated. Moments later, she and Laucian move out with the cooshees. It is soon clear that Kylie is the slowest member of the group.

The griffons seem to be flying almost directly north. Kylie tries to keep an eye on them even as she does her best to keep up with her own group. After a time, the griffons seem to disappear into the trees on the northern edge of the clearing.

"Laucian! Did you see? The griffons seemed to vanish in the trees over there. Do you think they landed, or are they flying just above the treetops?"

They've been travelling for what Kylie suspects is somewhere around an hour when they reach the area where the griffons seemed to disappear. There is a lot of undergrowth here, and Kylie cannot find any signs of their friends or the griffons.
__________________________________________________________
If it seems like she's holding them up, Kylie will cast Fly and fly along low to the ground.

[GM Mad]

If it seems like she's holding them up, Kylie will cast Fly and fly along low to the ground.

Kylie and Lau are the same speed, making their pairing all the more desirable. Ironically of these four, Lilia has the highest move and Nariya the shortest. Go figure!

[Lilia]

Lilia:

After some discussion, it is decided that Nariya and I ride the griffons to whatever destination they have in mind. Before hand, Lilia will tentatively step up to the griffon she picks to ride on and try to get familiar with the huge creature.

“I have the feeling that this flight is going to involve little more than hanging on for dear life,” Lilia tells her would be mount. “So don’t panic if I grab your fur too tightly.”

Fortunately, Lilia’s Polyself spell is still active, so even if she does fall off, she’ll just change into a sylph and try to keep pace.

The ride is both terrifying and exhilarating at first. Lilia is most concerned with just hanging on, but after a time becomes more at ease.

“I’m beginning to understand just what Kylie’s mentor sees in these creatures! This is most stimulating!”

Unexpectedly, the griffon’s bank and are seemingly flying into the treetops! At the last moment, an opening appears amongst the dense trees and the griffons fly in and land in a wide-open area. The griffons then kneel as if to have us dismount. Lilia complies, but somewhat confused and exchanges glances with Nariya.

“Is this where the Griffon Medallion is hidden,” she’ll ask the griffons, realizing that while they can understand her, they have no real way to talk back. “Or did you bring us here for something else?”

Turning to Nariya Lilia will say, “Perhaps you should scout around. I’ll stay close to the griffons and explore those nearby buildings. It’ll give time for Lau and Kylie to catch up.”

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

“Most curious,” Sherwood remarks upon hearing the reports from Lia and Valena. “Only one set of human footprints? It sounds like this person also took the medallion. The Hydra may very well be in the possession of Moorkroft already. Such a thing was always a possibility, but it now appears to be confirmed. We’re going to have to invade the elfin palace on our own.”

“Let’s keep moving. We should make to the Sea Spirit Lake before nightfall. As I noted before, Lia and Valena are going to have to do the talking here. If she’s like most nature spirits, then can be men are easily charmed and controlled by her. I’d just assume avoid that. I don’t have the time to frolic with a nature spirit for a few months.”

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Nariya is very pleased to be one of the two to go with the griffons. Now she can feel what it really is like to ride on one. Nariya makes sure the griffon is comfortable with her, taking the cue from Lilia. Not having ridden too many beasts, she nearly forgot that courtesy.

“I have the feeling that this flight is going to involve little more than hanging on for dear life,” Lilia tells her would be mount. “So don’t panic if I grab your fur too tightly.”

Nariya smiles to herself but doesn't say anything to Lilia's nervousness. She is nervous a bit herself but is much more excited.

Unexpectedly, the griffons swoop down towards the thick canopy of trees below! There doesn’t seem to be any place for the griffons to go, when suddenly an opening in the trees appears that you couldn’t see from higher up. The griffons fly into this opening with practiced precision.

Before you can realize what is going on, the griffons land on a vast wooden landing area nestled high up in the trees. The griffons lower themselves down so that Nariya and Lilia can get off. Your flight took about thirty minutes.

The sudden swoop nearly brings her enjoyment of the flight to an end as she holds on for dear life. Nariya quickly recomposes herself and prepares for a rough flight into the trees! Thankfully an opening appears, seemingly at the last moment and the griffons settle in to land. Removing herself from the griffon's back, Nariya gently strokes and smooths out the area where she gripped too tightly hoping the griffon isn't too upset at her.

Unexpectedly, the griffon’s bank and are seemingly flying into the treetops! At the last moment, an opening appears amongst the dense trees and the griffons fly in and land in a wide-open area. The griffons then kneel as if to have us dismount. Lilia complies, but somewhat confused and exchanges glances with Nariya.

Seeing Lilia's glance, Nariya shrugs slightly and looks about. "This is quite impressive," she says, "but I don't know if the medallion would just be laying about here. However something important must be here for them to bring us. If nothing more, it's a secure spot we could make plans in and find some rest."

“Is this where the Griffon Medallion is hidden,” she’ll ask the griffons, realizing that while they can understand her, they have no real way to talk back. “Or did you bring us here for something else?”

"Maybe they can't talk to us, but can answer since they understand," Nariya suggests. "Like pawing the ground once for yes, two for no? Or even a shake or nod of their head," she offers.

Turning to Nariya Lilia will say, “Perhaps you should scout around. I’ll stay close to the griffons and explore those nearby buildings. It’ll give time for Lau and Kylie to catch up.”

Whether or not they get any clues from the griffons, scouting around sounds like a good idea, and she says so. "Sounds good. I'll be back in a bit," Nariya says and then heads off to explore the area.

Regardless if the griffons hinted that the medallion might actually be nearby, Nariya will keep an eye out for concealed or natural hiding places in the floor, stairs, buildings, even the trees themselves.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Nymph Medallion:

The explorers believe that they’ve found the remains of the Hydra entrusted with the elfin medallion. It has been slain and the medallion apparently missing! Having little choice, Sherwood pilots the barge to the next location. As night begins to fall, the group arrives at a small lake. The body of water is only five miles wide, but up to fourteen miles long. It seems calm from overhead.

Sherwood lands the barge near the shore, but a safe distance away. He figures that this Sea Spirit is similar to the forest spirits the medallion is named after. A nymph can easily charm most men into being their loyal servants. Therefore, Lia and Valena will have to deal with this Sea Spirit.

Want to go down to the shore now as nightfalls, or just wait until morning?

[GM Mad]

Griffon Medallion:

The other group of explorers has separated into two groups. Nariya and Lilia flew off with the griffons while Kylie and Laucian follow on foot with the Cooshee’s. About half an hour into their flight the griffons dive and bank into a concealed opening in the trees. In short order, they arrive at a griffon stable high amongst the great elfin trees.

Lilia and Nariya question the griffons as best they can. By trial and error, they are able to learn that the Griffon Medallion is not here. But there is something that the griffons brought you here for. They’ll gaze at the nearby buildings when asked what.

Lilia goes to explore the nearby buildings, while Nariya the immediate area. The nearby buildings hold riding gear for the griffons. There are specially designed saddles and harness to properly ride the griffons. There is also a collection of light cavalry lances for griffon riders.

Another building holds suits of elfin chainmail to be worn by griffon riders. Lilia can sense that these suits are magical. There are nine of them in all. There is also a collection of elfin crafted helms that are also enchanted.

A collection of elfin bows of various shapes and sizes is in another building. Some are magical, but all are of high elfin quality. There are numerous bins of arrows present. Most are the mundane kind, but are some magical ones left. There are even a few special arrows as noted by the labels. These bins hold a handful of Arrows of Fire, Arrows of Ice, Arrows of Stunning, Arrows of Dispelling, and Arrows of Silencing.


Nariya takes the stairs down some forty feet to the next level down. This area seems to have been quarters for the Griffon Riders. There are private rooms and general living areas. No one is about.

Several exits leave the griffon riders’ quarters. One follows towards the main trunk of the great tree, while the others are hanging bridges that crossover to other branches. By following the hanging bridges, Nariya discovers that there are multiple Griffon Stables in this tree. In fact, there are five such landing areas, but only the one she arrived in still has griffons in it. Each area has quarters to it, and all five have paths that lead to the main trunk of this great tree.

At the main trunk, concealed stairs lead down to the ground. As Nariya starts to go down them, she comes across Laucian and Kylie who are coming up with the Cooshee’s!

Before long, the group is reunited and information is shared. Night is beginning to fall, making any further flights hazardous at best. There is more than enough room for all of you to stay in the griffon rider’s quarters. In a large meeting area you find a large painted map of the Sylvan Realm, indicated where all the towns are located. It does not show any of the medallion locations.


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Laucian finds concealed stairs set into one of the trees! With the woodsman leading the way, they begin the long climb to see what lies above.

Just as they seem to be nearing some kind of landing, they encounter Nariya coming down. There is a tense moment as both groups are surprised, but no tragic mishaps occur.

"Nariya! So the griffons brought you here? Is an elfin town or something?"

They all come together to trade information and decide to spend the night. The painted map catches Kylie's attention and she studies it carefully. It will be good to have more information on the elven cities here, though she's really hoping it will give some clue to the location of the medallion.

If that proves fruitless, Kylie will spend part of the night searching the various areas for any sign of the medallion.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"Maybe they can't talk to us, but can answer since they understand," Nariya suggests. "Like pawing the ground once for yes, two for no? Or even a shake or nod of their head," she offers.

“It is worth a try”, Lilia agrees. Turning to the griffons, she’ll first set up the yes/no conditions and then begin to question them about the medallion location.


“The medallion is not here”, Lilia concludes from ‘speaking’ to the griffons. “But they brought us here for something else instead.”

Nariya goes off to explore the general area, while Lilia checks out the nearby buildings. The first building holds riding gear for the griffons!

“Of course,” Lilia says, mentally kicking herself. “They came here to pick up proper riding gear before taking us to the Eagle Medallion.”

That theory seems to be correct as saddles and riding harness’ are found, along with armor, lances, and helms. There’s even some magical weapons left behind by the former griffon riders as well. Lilia will take her team with this equipment, trying to divine their function with her innate ability.


Before long, Nariya returns but she is not alone. Kylie and Laucian is with her, along with the cooshee’s! Lilia will greet Lady when she approaches.

“This is a secluded griffon stable”, Lilia tells her companions. “The nearby buildings hold riding gear and even lances for griffon riders. There is some magical armor, helms, and even weapons. Numerous types of enchanted arrows are present as well. Many that I had never heard of before. The medallion is not here according to the griffons. It is my belief that they brought us here to pick up the riding gear before continuing on to wherever the Eagle Medallion is. It’s late, so let us retire here for the evening. We can go for a ride on the griffons in the morning while the cooshee’s wait here for our return. Is that agreeable to all?”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

“Most curious,” Sherwood remarks upon hearing the reports from Lia and Valena. “Only one set of human footprints? It sounds like this person also took the medallion. The Hydra Medallion may very well be in the possession of Moorkroft already. Such a thing was always a possibility, but it now appears to be confirmed. We’re going to have to invade the elfin palace on our own.”

“That does seem like the most likely outcome,” Valena agrees.

“Let’s keep moving. We should make to the Sea Spirit Lake before nightfall. As I noted before, Lia and Valena are going to have to do the talking here. If she’s like most nature spirits, then men are easily charmed and controlled by her. I’d just assume avoid that. I don’t have the time to frolic with a nature spirit for a few months.”

The notion of Sherwood being enthralled by a nature spirit for a few months brings a smile to Valena’s face.

“I think we should wait until morning before attempting to contact this water spirit. I want to have a Water Breathing spell running just in case she turns out to be violent. I have heard tales of such spirits drowning those who disturb them.”

Next morning, Valena will pray for Water Breathing spells and will cast the first before going near the water.

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Just as they seem to be nearing some kind of landing, they encounter Nariya coming down. There is a tense moment as both groups are surprised, but no tragic mishaps occur.

"Nariya! So the griffons brought you here? Is an elfin town or something?"

Nariya releases the grip on her swords as she sees it's Laucian and Kylie. She also see the cooshees below.

"Yes, they brought us straight here," Nariya replies. "It's marvelous. There is a full set of stables and buildings up here. We've learned the medallion isn't here, but I think is a great spot to plan our next move."

Nariya turns around and leads them up, showing them where everything is and meeting back with Lilia.

“This is a secluded griffon stable”, Lilia tells her companions. “The nearby buildings hold riding gear and even lances for griffon riders. There is some magical armor, helms, and even weapons. Numerous types of enchanted arrows are present as well. Many that I had never heard of before. The medallion is not here according to the griffons. It is my belief that they brought us here to pick up the riding gear before continuing on to wherever the Eagle Medallion is. It’s late, so let us retire here for the evening. We can go for a ride on the griffons in the morning while the cooshee’s wait here for our return. Is that agreeable to all?”

Listening to Lilia that the griffons probably brought us here to get prepared and get the riding gear makes sense to Nariya. "That sounds fine to me," she replies and sets out to finish looking around.

She will also look over the map to familiarize herself. Nariya will identify the areas they've already covered and put the rest of it together so she can find her way to anywhere from anywhere on foot if she needs to.

[Laucian]

Laucian

After several minutes of searching Laucian notices stairs leading up from a trees trunk, “Over here.“ he calls out to Kylie, motioning her over with his hand. Taking the stairs slowly Laucian begins to make his way up the stairs.

Just as they seem to be nearing some kind of landing, they encounter Nariya coming down. There is a tense moment as both groups are surprised, but no tragic mishaps occur.

With a firm grip upon his long sword, a slight metallic hiss could be heard as he began to un sheath his sword, after the initial surprise, Laucian let’s go of his sword hilt as he meets Nariya’s gaze.

“It is good to see you well. We lost sight of you for a time.” he said as he followed back Nariya back up the Griffons tree.

“This is a secluded griffon stable”, Lilia tells her companions. “The nearby buildings hold riding gear and even lances for griffon riders. There is some magical armor, helms, and even weapons. Numerous types of enchanted arrows are present as well. Many that I had never heard of before. The medallion is not here according to the griffons. It is my belief that they brought us here to pick up the riding gear before continuing on to wherever the Eagle Medallion is. It’s late, so let us retire here for the evening. We can go for a ride on the griffons in the morning while the cooshee’s wait here for our return. Is that agreeable to all?”

“It would take us time to learn how to use the lances properly.’ more so saying it as an after thought, “But it is good, We no longer have to solely rely up the barge.”

Hearing that there are enchanted arrows within the walls, raises Laucian’s curiosity. “What were the types of arrows? The Helms maybe of use as well.” He asked curiously. Upon hearing the types he will try and remember if any sound familiar.

“Aye it is agreeable. The time will be well used to pray to Ehlonna for her guidance and blessings.”

(Updated spell list will be up shortly)

[Lia]

Lia

“Uncle, Whomever it was also had a staff or cane. For there were marks within the earth beside the footprints. I’m beginning to Wonder if it was this Ancient one the scroll mentions…”

“I think we should wait until morning before attempting to contact this water spirit. I want to have a Water Breathing spell running just in case she turns out to be violent. I have heard tales of such spirits drowning those who disturb them.”

Lia’s eyes widen upon hearing this, She would not wish to come to an end such as this!! “I agree, We will be better prepared to deal with the water sprite, and have less of a chance of startling her in the dark.”

As nightfalls Lia will go through her devotions and play for new spells.

(spell list to be updated shortly)

[GM Mad]

Post Closed