Elfquest #17

[GM Mad]

Elfquest #17

Water Medallions:

The narwhale returned, Lia spoke to it, and then the great fish swam off once more. However in her excitement, Lia forgot that only Valena could understand the narwhale and forgot to wake the others up first.

“What’s done is done,” Sherwood will say after waking and being brought up to date. “We’ll wait for the rest of this day. If the no one shows, then we’ll fly to find the others. We agreed to regroup at the north base of the volcano.”

Daytime comes and the waters around the barge remain still.


Warrior Medallion:

The Griffon Medallion has been recovered! Kylie and Lilia flee back to where Laucian and Nariya are waiting with the griffons. The group quickly mounts up and takes off, keeping low to the ground so that they can’t be spotted in the sky. Looking back, you can see flashes of fire rushing out of the fort. The hellhounds have been let loose! But it is of no consequence as the elves fly off.


Before too long, the elves reach the base of the volcano and search for the huge warrior statute the spotted earlier. It’s a difficult task at night, but eventually its spotted and you fly closer to inspect the statue.

The statue straddles a small pathway leading up the side of the volcano and is absolutely motionless. It appears to be composed of bronze and stands thirty feet tall.

The elves swoop past the statue inspecting it. Upon completing one such pass, Lilia calls out a discovery.

“The medallion is in the statues forehead! I can see it clearly!”


Now what?

[Kylie]

Kylie:

They fly northward toward the volcano, skimming over the treetops to avoid detection. Being so close to the trees makes it easy to see how fast they are going and Kylie is careful to hang on securely.

After some searching, they locate the statue. The dark makes it hard to see clearly, but soon Lilia reports seeing the medallion in the statue's forehead!

Flying close, Kylie calls over to Lilia. "Lilia! Is your polymorph still in effect?"
_______________________________________________________
Is Kylie's Fly spell still in effect or has it worn off by now?

[GM Mad]

Is Kylie's Fly spell still in effect or has it worn off by now?

Both the Fly and Polyself have worn off by now. Forgot to mention that above.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

"Let's fly back to the nests," Kylie calls to the others. "We can follow that trail back up here. Getting the medallion should be easy from there." From her viewpoint, they can either use ropes to climb the statue, or she could use Alter Self to transform into a harpy, wyvern or something of the sort and fly up to get it.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Looking back, you can see flashes of fire rushing out of the fort. The hellhounds have been let loose! But it is of no consequence as the elves fly off.

They will be out in force come morning, I am afraid our advantage of surprise will be no longer for word will spread from one patrol camp to the next. Laucian thinks somberly as the thoughts rush through his head.


The elves swoop past the statue inspecting it. Upon completing one such pass, Lilia calls out a discovery.

“The medallion is in the statues forehead! I can see it clearly!”


Flying close, Kylie calls over to Lilia. "Lilia! Is your polymorph still in effect?"



"Let's fly back to the nests," Kylie calls to the others. "We can follow that trail back up here. Getting the medallion should be easy from there." From her viewpoint, they can either use ropes to climb the statue, or she could use Alter Self to transform into a harpy, wyvern or something of the sort and fly up to get it.

“Lilia, Kylie? Can either of you detect magic upon the statue?” as he flies along side them. “If it were so easy a thing to take why hasn’t it been taken already?” And further more… “Why is a statue of Bronze entrusted with such a valuable item and standing as if guarding it as well as the path?”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Lilia, Kylie? Can either of you detect magic upon the statue?” as he flies along side them. “If it were so easy a thing to take why hasn’t it been taken already?” And further more… “Why is a statue of Bronze entrusted with such a valuable item and standing as if guarding it as well as the path?”

"That would be hard to do while swooping about on one of these griffons. It would be much easier while standing on the ground near the statue."

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Lilia’s enhanced sense serve her well and she spots the next medallion embedded in the statue’s forehead. The question now is how to retrieve it.

Flying close, Kylie calls over to Lilia. "Lilia! Is your polymorph still in effect?"

“No, I’ve since referred to my true form. The flight was too long to reach here.”

"Let's fly back to the nests," Kylie calls to the others. "We can follow that trail back up here. Getting the medallion should be easy from there." From her viewpoint, they can either use ropes to climb the statue, or she could use Alter Self to transform into a harpy, wyvern or something of the sort and fly up to get it.

“The nests are too far away,” Lilia calls out. “They were on the side of the volcano away from the fort. We wouldn’t make it back here before daybreak. We’d be better off landing just a little further up the path instead.”

“Lilia, Kylie? Can either of you detect magic upon the statue?” as he flies along side them. “If it were so easy a thing to take why hasn’t it been taken already?” And further more… “Why is a statue of Bronze entrusted with such a valuable item and standing as if guarding it as well as the path?”

"That would be hard to do while swooping about on one of these griffons. It would be much easier while standing on the ground near the statue."

“Kylie’s right, it’s too hard to concentrate on that while riding. But I’d be wary of this statue of well. I think it has to be a golem of some type to guard the medallion. It might animate if we come too close and then we’d have a real fight on our hands. We’re going to have to use magic to retrieve. Spells for flight and possibly invisibility to remain unseen. I do have an Improved Invisibility spell available, but its duration is mere minutes. However, I don’t have any spells that would let me fly right now. Kylie, you said you had Alter Self before. Give yourself wings and I’ll make you invisible once more. You should be able to retrieve the medallion safely then. The rest of us will have to wait near the griffons while you make the attempt.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“The nests are too far away,” Lilia calls out. “They were on the side of the volcano away from the fort. We wouldn’t make it back here before daybreak. We’d be better off landing just a little further up the path instead.”

Kylie hadn't realized that the nests were that far away. Must be the result of all this flying around; things just seem closer together due to the griffons' speed.

“Kylie’s right, it’s too hard to concentrate on that while riding. But I’d be wary of this statue of well. I think it has to be a golem of some type to guard the medallion. It might animate if we come too close and then we’d have a real fight on our hands. We’re going to have to use magic to retrieve. Spells for flight and possibly invisibility to remain unseen. I do have an Improved Invisibility spell available, but its duration is mere minutes. However, I don’t have any spells that would let me fly right now. Kylie, you said you had Alter Self before. Give yourself wings and I’ll make you invisible once more. You should be able to retrieve the medallion safely then. The rest of us will have to wait near the griffons while you make the attempt.”

"Sounds like as good a plan as any," Kylie says. "Also, I haven't really used the spell that much. What do you think about trying a gargoyle or wyvern form. Harpies are just so gross."

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"Sounds like as good a plan as any," Kylie says. "Also, I haven't really used the spell that much. What do you think about trying a gargoyle or wyvern form? Harpies are just so gross."

“I always preferred to take sylph-like wings when I used that spell,” Lilia suggests. “You’re appearance pretty much stays the same, you just gain wings similar to that of a dragon-fly. And you’ll be able to cast other spells normally in that form.”

Once Kylie is ready, Lilia will cast Improved Invisibility on her.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Kylie lands her griffon in the clearing indicated by Lilia and rejoins them for some quick planning.

“I always preferred to take sylph-like wings when I used that spell,” Lilia suggests. “You’re appearance pretty much stays the same, you just gain wings similar to that of a dragon-fly. And you’ll be able to cast other spells normally in that form.”

"That's a great tip. Thanks, Lilia!" Following the suggestion, Kylie casts the spell with the intent to give herself sylph wings.

"Okay, I'm ready," Kylie says. She waits for Lilia to cast her spell, then flies up into the air toward the statue. Rising quickly, she intends to fly well above it to get to the front, then come down toward it's head from in front. Hopefully, she can pry the medallion loose with one of her daggers before it can smash her with it's hand - if it really is a golem as they suspect. As she flies upwards, Kylie readies one of her enchanted knives so as to be ready to work quickly when she gets there.

[Laucian]

Laucian

“Kylie’s right, it’s too hard to concentrate on that while riding. But I’d be wary of this statue of well. I think it has to be a golem of some type to guard the medallion. It might animate if we come too close and then we’d have a real fight on our hands. We’re going to have to use magic to retrieve. Spells for flight and possibly invisibility to remain unseen. I do have an Improved Invisibility spell available, but its duration is mere minutes. However, I don’t have any spells that would let me fly right now. Kylie, you said you had Alter Self before. Give yourself wings and I’ll make you invisible once more. You should be able to retrieve the medallion safely then. The rest of us will have to wait near the griffons while you make the attempt.”

“I’d wager as much.” Laucian says evenly as they soon come in or a landing within the clearing and holding to his griffon. Waiting as Kylie and Lilia begin their work.

Lost in thought Laucian’s mind begins to wonder of another, shaking images of Lyonessa from his head, Laucian readies his bow and waits keeping an eye out for anything that maybe hostile.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

Water Medallions:

Just off the shore of the Elfholds, the barge awaits the return of either the Water Spirit or the Narwhale. Just after breakfast, there is a ripple in the water the Water Spirit rises up. Lia and Valena advance to speak to the male appearing Water Spirit.

“You spoke truly to me,” the Water Spirit tells the girls. “The Narwhale and I have made our peace. It appears that the hydra was the true thief. Alas, my medallion remains missing, but I can give you the Narwhale’s. Here, take it.”

The Water Spirit holds out the Narwhale Medallion so that Lia can grab it.

“You’ll have to find my medallion and the Hydra’s on your own. Good hunting.”

With that, the Water Spirit sinks back into the water and is gone. You now have the Narwhale Medallion and the Wyvern Medallion. Two of the five you were seeking on this mission. The Eagle Medallion will be given to you by the Roc once you have the Chimera medallion. The Nymph Medallion and the Hydra Medallion are missing.

That business taken care of, Sherwood has the barge rise into the air. Shielded by Invisibility, he flies the barge to the southwest. By lunchtime, you’ve reached the inactive volcano. Sherwood lands the barge and you take turns leaving the invisibility of the barge to look for your companions.

[GM Mad]

Warrior Medallion:

The elves bring their griffons in for a landing on the path above the warrior statue. It is decided that Kylie make the attempt to retrieve the medallion while the others remain at a safe distance. Kylie casts Alter Self and creates Sylph-like wings. Lilia then casts Improved Invisibility on Kylie and the finder is off.

Kylie comes in high over the statue and lowers herself to the medallion that is imbedded its forehead. Taking a dagger, Kylie attempts to pry it loose.

As soon as she touches the statue, it begins to move! Working frantically, Kylie begins to pry the medallion out as the statue is in motion. It’s part way out and Kylie gets her dagger behind it. With one last effort, she dislodges the medallion and it falls into her hand.

At that same moment, the statue stops once more. Hairline cracks then appear in the giant bronze statue and they continue to grow louder and larger. Finally, the statue crumbles harmlessly into thousands of small pieces.

Kylie flies back to the waiting Laucian, Nariya, and Lilia with her prize. You’ve collected two of the three medallions you were seeking: the Griffon Medallion and the Warrior Medallion. The Centaur Medallion will be given to you when you rescue the Clanmaster’s son from Moorkroft.

The group takes off on the griffons once more. This time they fly to the edge of the forest to the north of the volcano. The griffon nests you used the day before are too easily seen from the sky, so you enter the outskirts of the forests with your mounts. The group relaxes from their long night.

It is nearly noon before everyone has up and eaten. Looking to the south towards the base of the volcano, you can see Sherwood step out of nowhere and is looking around! The others have arrived!

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Reunited at last and XP’s have been handed out! Check out the rooster page for that info in the private area. Almost everyone has gained at least 1 level.

Both groups have recovered 2 medallions, so you have four out of twelve. The location of four others are known, but have conditions to overcome before recovering them.

Now what?

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Lost in thought Laucian’s mind begins to wonder of another, shaking images of Lyonessa from his head, Laucian readies his bow and waits keeping an eye out for anything that maybe hostile.

While the others go off to try and recover the medallion, Nariya stays with Laucian. He seems to have his mind on other things, so she lets him be. She keeps a spear ready and watches the other directions that Laucian doesn't focus on.

Kylie flies back to the waiting Laucian, Nariya, and Lilia with her prize. You’ve collected two of the three medallions you were seeking: the Griffon Medallion and the Warrior Medallion. The Centaur Medallion will be given to you when you rescue the Clanmaster’s son from Moorkroft.

Nariya smiles as Kylie returns with another medallion. Dispite her distaste for using magic all the time, she quietly admits to herself that both Kylie and Lilia get quite a lot acomplished with it. Nariya still thinks all that magic will drive them insane someday.

The group takes off on the griffons once more. This time they fly to the edge of the forest to the north of the volcano. The griffon nests you used the day before are too easily seen from the sky, so you enter the outskirts of the forests with your mounts. The group relaxes from their long night.

It is nearly noon before everyone has up and eaten. Looking to the south towards the base of the volcano, you can see Sherwood step out of nowhere and is looking around! The others have arrived!

Nariya enjoys the flight and soon they are relaxing within the comforts of the forest. It is a late start to the day, but eventually everyone is up and share a meal. Then, Sherwood is spotted.

"Look, there's Sherwood," Nariya says pointing to any who might not have yet seen him. She will get up and start walking towards him, waving a greeting when he notices them.

[Laucian]

Laucian

Remaining with his bow at the ready Laucian watches as the Statue comes alive, drawing an arrow and knocking it he takes aim but soon realizes it is made of bronze his weapons would more then likely shatter upon it as water does upon rock.
He watches in amazement as the Statue begins to crack then shatters to the earth as Kylie removes the medallion from the Golem’s head.

The group takes off on the griffons once more. This time they fly to the edge of the forest to the north of the volcano. The griffon nests you used the day before are too easily seen from the sky, so you enter the outskirts of the forests with your mounts. The group relaxes from their long night.

It is nearly noon before everyone has up and eaten. Looking to the south towards the base of the volcano, you can see Sherwood step out of nowhere and is looking around! The others have arrived!

Laucian will congratulate Kylie on a job well done, Soon enough they make camp within the treeline overlooking the volcano. Sitting beside a large tree Laucian relaxes for a time lost in thought as his he looks to the heavens. As Nariya calls out with the discovery of Sherwood, Laucian prays to Ehlonna for seeing them through.

He will walk with the others to Sherwood and the others not knowing if Sherwood’s vision is good enough o see them, he raises his bow above his shoulder to show he means no harm, He will bring his Griffon mount with him as well.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"That's a great tip. Thanks, Lilia!" Following the suggestion, Kylie casts the spell with the intent to give herself sylph wings.

“Of course,” Lilia answers with a nod.

The elf maiden watches with the others as Kylie makes her attempt. As predicted the statute moves, but stops once the medallion has been liberated. It’s task fulfilled, the statute of the warrior falls apart.

“They’ll know that something happened here,” Lilia mutters sourly. But the end result is a good one, so it’s not all bad.

Mounting up once more, it’s a short flight to the tree line just north of the volcano, near the area where we agreed to meet up with Sherwood’s group. A well-earned rest follows and Lilia finds she can learn a few more spells then she could before. After lunch Nariya makes a discovery.

"Look, there's Sherwood," Nariya says pointing to any who might not have yet seen him. She will get up and start walking towards him, waving a greeting when he notices them.

“Very good,” Lilia says setting her book aside and joining her companions to go greet Sherwood and the others. Lilia notes that Laucian has his griffon trailing behind him. Might as well get them used to the new friends they’ve made during their search.

“We have retrieved two medallions,” Lilia reports. “The Griffon Medallion and the Warrior Medallion. There is a task we must perform in order to be awarded the Centaur Medallion. Along the way we’ve befriended both a flight of griffons and a pack of cooshee’s. They await us back at the griffon stables. I would recommend that we all travel there. I believe the barge will fit through the opening to reach the stable. Then we can decide our next move.”

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

The Water Spirit arrives hands Lia the Narwhale Medallion. Alas the Nymph and Hydra Medallions remaining missing. Having completed their mission, for the moment, Sherwood pilots the barge to the agreed rendezvous point. Stepping away from the barge’s invisibility shield, Sherwood spots Nariya waving towards him and Laucian trails with his bow raised over his head. Amazingly, a griffon is following behind him!

Sherwood will say his hellos to all, pleased that they are safe and healthy.

“We have retrieved two medallions,” Lilia reports. “The Griffon Medallion and the Warrior Medallion. There is a task we must perform in order to be awarded the Centaur Medallion. Along the way we’ve befriended both a flight of griffons and a pack of cooshee’s. They await us back at the griffon stables. I would recommend that we all travel there. I believe the barge will fit through the opening to reach the stable. Then we can decide our next move.”

“Are these griffons tame or are they friendly just to elves,” Sherwood asks. “And cooshee’s too? It seems that you met with a great deal of success on your mission.”

“We also have two medallions, the Wyvern and Narwhale Medallions, but three others eluded us. The Eagle Medallion will be given to us only if we have the Chimera Medallion in our possession. It appears that Moorkroft possesses the Nymph and Hydra Medallions.”

“I have no problem returning to this griffon stable of yours. Just lead the way.”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

“You spoke truly to me,” the Water Spirit tells the girls. “The Narwhale and I have made our peace. It appears that the hydra was the true thief. Alas, my medallion remains missing, but I can give you the Narwhale’s. Here, take it.”

The Water Spirit holds out the Narwhale Medallion so that Lia can grab it.

“You’ll have to find my medallion and the Hydra’s on your own. Good hunting.”

“Thank you, Water Spirit,” Valena says, bowing slightly in respect. “Good fortunes to you as well.”

Returning to the others, Valena reports that, “We have the Narwhale Medallion at least. The others appear to be long gone.”

Sherwood decides to regroup with the others and we’re off to the place we agreed to meet at earlier. The flight is quick, as we can move faster since we’re not exploring. The barge lands and we look around to find the others. They are spotted on the edge of the forest, but they are not alone. A griffon obediently trails behind Laucian! It seems that each elf has a griffon mount!

“They are magnificent!” Valena compliments as she cautiously advances on the majestic creature. If allowed, she’ll pet the griffon.

“And there are cooshee’s too?! Yes, lets go there and meet them too. It’s been a long time since I’ve been with a cooshee!”

[Talen]

Talen:

Lia returns bearing one of the medallions and relates that the Narwhale and the Water Spirit are friends again. Sherwood decides to regroup with the others and that makes Talen happy. He looks forward to seeing how they did and if Kylie is safe.

The flight is a long one as anticipation builds in the young man. But we finally land and not long after that, the others emerge from the forest to greet us. A huge, winged beast follows behind Laucian!

“Look out!” Talen cries out in alarm. “A monster!”

Just what a griffon is quickly explained to Talen, but it seems to be more than he can accept. “You actually rode those things? Incredible!”

“And there are cooshee’s too?! Yes, lets go there and meet them too. It’s been a long time since I’ve been with a cooshee!”

“What’s a cooshee?” Talen asks innocently.


Upon spotting Kylie, he’ll wave and come closer. “I am happy that you are all safe. How did you fare on your mission?”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Accepting Lilia's spell, Kylie approaches the statue's head from above. With a knife, she tries to work quickly to remove the medallion. However, at first touch, it begins to move - just as Lilia suspected! Kylie's heart hammers in her chest as she fears the creature will be able to locate her despite the invisibility.

Fortunately, Kylie is able to pry loose the medallion before the golem's blind groping locates her. Almost immediately, the statue crumbles into shards on the ground, causing Kylie to breathe a sigh of relief. Turning, she flutters back to the others and shows them the medallion.

"Well, we've got two now!" she says before slipping the medallion into her Girdle with the other.

Laucian will congratulate Kylie on a job well done, Soon enough they make camp within the treeline overlooking the volcano. Sitting beside a large tree Laucian relaxes for a time lost in thought as his he looks to the heavens. As Nariya calls out with the discovery of Sherwood, Laucian prays to Ehlonna for seeing them through.

"Thank you, Laucian, though without Lilia's spell, that golem would likely have crushed me with those huge hands." Just thinking about it sends a quick shiver down her spine.

They spend the night nestled amonst the edge of the forest to the north of the volcano. As usual, Kylie spends the first part of the night sleeping, then spends the rest of the night studying her spellbooks. Unexpectedly, her understanding blossoms and she is able to figure out a brand new spell that seems to be a limited form of teleportation! She quickly enters the new spell into her spellbook.

Realizing that she may now be able to comprehend other spells of a higher level of complexity, Kylie approaches Lilia. "Lilia! I just figured out how to cast Dimension Door! May I review your spellbooks for other spells that I might now understand? You're welcome to read my Dimension Door spell, if you don't already know it."

Eventually morning comes, and Kylie turns to preparing a morning meal. Hearing a shout from Nariya, Kylie sees that Sherwood and the others have arrived. Happy to see that they are okay, Kylie walks over and gives Uncle Sherwood a hug. "I'm glad to see that you are all okay, uncle," she says with a smile.

“Are these griffons tame or are they friendly just to elves,” Sherwood asks. “And cooshee’s too? It seems that you met with a great deal of success on your mission.”

"They appear to be not only tame, but well-trained. They showed us the stables, which appears to be where they were living, and seemed quite comfortable with the harnesses there. They've been very helpful in retrieving the medallions."

“We also have two medallions, the Wyvern and Narwhale Medallions, but three others eluded us. The Eagle Medallion will be given to us only if we have the Chimera Medallion in our possession. It appears that Moorkroft possesses the Nymph and Hydra Medallions.”

“I have no problem returning to this griffon stable of yours. Just lead the way.”

"Since it's nearby, perhaps we should look into retrieving the Chimera Medallion before going back to the stables," Kylie suggests.

Kylie laughs gently at Talen's response to the griffins. "Yep, we've been riding them a lot lately. They're actually quite tame. Would you like to meet the one I've been riding?"

“What’s a cooshee?” Talen asks innocently.

"A cooshee is also known as an elven dog. They're quite large and friendly, though fierce with non-elves. We left them back near the griffin stables in that giant clearing west of here."

Upon spotting Kylie, he’ll wave and come closer. “I am happy that you are all safe. How did you fare on your mission?”

"Hi Talen! Thank you, it is good to see you safe as well.

"The mission went well. We were able to retrieve two of the medallions we were sent after. However, in order to receive the Centaur Medallion, we have to rescue their chieftain's son from Moorkroft. Apparently he was kidnapped to ensure the centuar's behavior.

"How about you?"

[Laucian]

Laucian

“It is good to see you, Sherwood. How did your quest go?” he asks curiously as he leads the griffon forward. “The griffons are quite tame and apparently eager to help. On one of flights though they did take us extremely close to an Orc camp in which one of the medallions was.
“The orc camp was set upon us as they noticed our presence. They never saw us that I can tell. As for the warrior statue the great statue is no more, it will surely be noticed by Mookroft’s forces.”

“Are these griffons tame or are they friendly just to elves,” Sherwood asks. “And cooshee’s too? It seems that you met with a great deal of success on your mission.”

“They are magnificent!” Valena compliments as she cautiously advances on the majestic creature. If allowed, she’ll pet the griffon.

“And there are cooshee’s too?! Yes, lets go there and meet them too. It’s been a long time since I’ve been with a cooshee!”

“I believe they are just friendly to elves but trained to some degree. The cooshee’s pack stumbled upon us, they are perhaps 8 in number. Also while we were at the stables we found a small armory, In which several arrows and equipment of magical nature were found.” Taking out one of each arrow, “Of Ice, Fire, Stunning and silence.”

"The mission went well. We were able to retrieve two of the medallions we were sent after. However, in order to receive the Centaur Medallion, we have to rescue their chieftain's son from Moorkroft. Apparently he was kidnapped to ensure the centuar's behavior.

Turning to Sherwood, “I tried to speak with the centaurs to reason with them. They need reason to trust us elves once again as we left them with nothing but a hope and a dream, the chieftain’s son was taken from the tribe. Half the tribe wishes to take him back by force while the others are hesitant, They entrusted us with this trial to earn their trust as well as their assistance.

As per Sherwood's wishes Laucian will make ready to go to the stables or Chimera area depending on what he wishes.

[Lia]

Lia[/b

]

“You spoke truly to me,” the Water Spirit tells the girls. “The Narwhale and I have made our peace. It appears that the hydra was the true thief. Alas, my medallion remains missing, but I can give you the Narwhale’s. Here, take it.”

The Water Spirit holds out the Narwhale Medallion so that Lia can grab it.

“You’ll have to find my medallion and the Hydra’s on your own. Good hunting.”

“Thank you, Water spirit.” She says with a slight bow. “Good luck to you as well.”

For a moment Lia looks at the medallion in her hands noticing the engravings etched upon it.

Waiting within the veil of invisibility Lia explains to the others about the deception of the hydra as well as the water spirit and Narwhale have reconciled their friendship.

A huge beast follows about Laucian and Talen screams out. “Look out!” Talen cries out in alarm. “A monster!”

“Easy brother, If it wished to harm him it would have done so already.” Raising a curious eyebrow Lia can’t help but ask, “What is it? It is a funny looking creature.”

“When can I ride such a creature.” she half pouts. “We always ride on the barge.”

"A cooshee is also known as an elven dog. They're quite large and friendly, though fierce with non-elves. We left them back near the griffin stables in that giant clearing west of here."

“But we are non elves, Do we have to tread carefully about them?” she asks Kylie curiously.

Seeing Nariya and Lilia, Lia will begin to ask them of what they saw and is greatly curious about this huge statue. “What happened to the statue?” she asks curiously looking for an explaination.

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Realizing that she may now be able to comprehend other spells of a higher level of complexity, Kylie approaches Lilia. "Lilia! I just figured out how to cast Dimension Door! May I review your spellbooks for other spells that I might now understand? You're welcome to read my Dimension Door spell, if you don't already know it."

“Thanks wonderful!” Lilia answers, hugging her friend. “No, I do not have that spell already. Here is my spell book for you to inspect. I’ll see if I can understand your new spell while you look. That reminds me, we never examined those scrolls we found in the giants chest. Perhaps I should take a look at them.”

"Since it's nearby, perhaps we should look into retrieving the Chimera Medallion before going back to the stables," Kylie suggests.

“The only issue we have as far as the Chimera Medallion is that is believed location is underneath the dense forest. We won’t be able to fly there, be it on griffon or using the barge. We’ll have to walk. That leaves us with the situation of splitting up again, one group taking the barge and the griffons back to the stable, with the other going on foot to seek the Chimera Medallion.”

Seeing Nariya and Lilia, Lia will begin to ask them of what they saw and is greatly curious about this huge statue. “What happened to the statue?” she asks curiously looking for an explanation.

“It is my believe that the Warrior Statue was a giant bronze golem. The medallion was embedded in its forehead. We used magic to make Kylie fly and invisible. When she started to pry the medallion out, the golem animated. Fortunately, she was able to pry it complete out before any harm could be done. The golem then broke apart and collapsed in a pile.”

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Eventually morning comes, and Kylie turns to preparing a morning meal. Hearing a shout from Nariya, Kylie sees that Sherwood and the others have arrived. Happy to see that they are okay, Kylie walks over and gives Uncle Sherwood a hug. "I'm glad to see that you are all okay, uncle," she says with a smile.

“I am happy you are safe,” Sherwood answers returning her hug. “I trust you had plenty of excitement to alleviate the boredom?”

“It is good to see you, Sherwood. How did your quest go?” he asks curiously as he leads the griffon forward. “The griffons are quite tame and apparently eager to help. On one of flights though they did take us extremely close to an Orc camp in which one of the medallions was. The orc camp was set upon us as they noticed our presence. They never saw us that I can tell. As for the warrior statue the great statue is no more, it will surely be noticed by Moorkroft’s forces.”

“We battled some wyverns to retrieve their medallion. The Eagle Medallion is in the possession of a huge roc that will only hand it over to anyone who already possesses the Chimera Medallion. I figure that there is some sort of test involved with retrieving the Chimera Medallion that insures that only elves can gain it. The three water medallions were a different story. It appears that the hydra stole the nymph medallion, framing the narwhale in the process. The Water Spirit stole the Narwhale Medallion in retaliation, but gave it to us once the deception was revealed. However, men took both the Nymph Medallion and the Hydra Medallion from the hydra. We fear that Moorkroft has them in his possession now.”

"They appear to be not only tame, but well-trained. They showed us the stables, which appears to be where they were living, and seemed quite comfortable with the harnesses there. They've been very helpful in retrieving the medallions."

“I have the feeling we’ll all be using them before this hunt is finished,” Sherwood says. “They’ve probably been used by the elves for many generations now and perhaps magic was used. That could explain how they are so receptive of elves. It’s the way they were bred.”

“I believe they are just friendly to elves but trained to some degree. The cooshee’s pack stumbled upon us; they are perhaps 8 in number. Also while we were at the stables we found a small armory, in which several arrows and equipment of magical nature were found.” Taking out one of each arrow, “Of Ice, Fire, Stunning and silence.”

“Quite a good find,” Sherwood notes.

Turning to Sherwood, “I tried to speak with the centaurs to reason with them. They need reason to trust us elves once again as we left them with nothing but a hope and a dream, the chieftain’s son was taken from the tribe. Half the tribe wishes to take him back by force while the others are hesitant, they entrusted us with this trial to earn their trust as well as their assistance.

“It is understandable to a degree,” Sherwood answers. “They probably feel abandoned by the elves. From the sound if it, we know have at least two medallions and the centaur boy to liberate from Moorkroft. It’s clear we’re going to have to confront him before we can possess all the medallions.”

"Since it's nearby, perhaps we should look into retrieving the Chimera Medallion before going back to the stables," Kylie suggests.

“The only issue we have as far as the Chimera Medallion is that is believed location is underneath the dense forest. We won’t be able to fly there, be it on griffon or using the barge. We’ll have to walk. That leaves us with the situation of splitting up again, one group taking the barge and the griffons back to the stable, with the other going on foot to seek the Chimera Medallion.”

“And it’s already mid-day,” Sherwood adds. “Let all of us return to the griffon stables for the evening. We can figure out our plan of action on how to search for these last four medallions there.”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

"They appear to be not only tame, but well-trained. They showed us the stables, which appears to be where they were living, and seemed quite comfortable with the harnesses there. They've been very helpful in retrieving the medallions."

“I have the feeling we’ll all be using them before this hunt is finished,” Sherwood says. “They’ve probably been used by the elves for many generations now and perhaps magic was used. That could explain how they are so receptive of elves. It’s the way they were bred.”

“That does seem to be the case,” Valena agrees. “We’ve seen many a creature, the roc and the narwhale for instance, who were far more intelligent then normally would be the case. They both understand elvish, but of course are incapable of speaking it. Fortunately, I can speak with animals and could translate for them. Only the wyverns did not show this ability to understand elvish.”

“I believe they are just friendly to elves but trained to some degree. The cooshee’s pack stumbled upon us; they are perhaps 8 in number. Also while we were at the stables we found a small armory, In which several arrows and equipment of magical nature were found.” Taking out one of each arrow, “Of Ice, Fire, Stunning and silence.”

“How interesting!” Valena notes. “And special arrows you say? I’ll have to collect some when we visit. The Lady of the Forests seems to be watching over us on our quest!”

[Talen]

Talen:

“Easy brother, if it wished to harm him it would have done so already.” Raising a curious eyebrow Lia can’t help but ask, “What is it? It is a funny looking creature.”

“I guess you’re right, sister,” Talen answers sheepishly. “I guess I wasn’t thinking.”

Kylie laughs gently at Talen's response to the griffins. "Yep, we've been riding them a lot lately. They're actually quite tame. Would you like to meet the one I've been riding?"

“Uhm, sure! That sounds neat.”

“When can I ride such a creature.” she half pouts. “We always ride on the barge.”

“Perhaps we’ll get our chance soon,” Talen answers. “It does look invigorating.”

"A cooshee is also known as an elven dog. They're quite large and friendly, though fierce with non-elves. We left them back near the griffin stables in that giant clearing west of here."

“But we are non elves, Do we have to tread carefully about them?” she asks Kylie curiously,

“I never heard of an elven dog before. I didn’t know they had special animals. Are there any others? I wouldn’t worry sister, Kylie is only part elf like us, so if they accepted her, they should accept us. Shouldn’t they?”

"Hi Talen! Thank you, it is good to see you safe as well.

"The mission went well. We were able to retrieve two of the medallions we were sent after. However, in order to receive the Centaur Medallion, we have to rescue their chieftain's son from Moorkroft. Apparently he was kidnapped to ensure the centaurs’ behavior.

"How about you?"

“The first day was exciting, but after that it was pretty boring. We found the wyvern caves and then had the fight off the monsters when they returned. The roc was very scary! It was a big as a house! It could have swallowed me hole! Valena used Aerie to speak to the roc and find out its story. It seems she can understand the speech of animals!”

“After that, we encountered the narwhale. It was a huge fish with a horn like a unicorn! The horn was eight feet long by itself! It also understood elvish. It told us that the Water Spirit stole its medallion and it didn’t know why. From there we went to seek the Hydra, but only found its bones. We found footprints of a human with a staff there. No medallions were found.”

“Lia and Valena went to seek the Nymph Medallion alone as Sherwood feared it might be a real nymph and try to enchant we men. The girls learned that the medallion was missing and the Water Spirit believed that the Narwhale took it! They told him that the Narwhale told them the same thing. And so, the Water Spirit used them to tell the Narwhale to meet it. So we flew back to the narwhale and told him. Early this morning, the Water Spirit returned and gave us the Narwhale Medallion. Then we came here. That’s about it.”

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Thanks wonderful!” Lilia answers, hugging her friend. “No, I do not have that spell already. Here is my spell book for you to inspect. I’ll see if I can understand your new spell while you look. That reminds me, we never examined those scrolls we found in the giants chest. Perhaps I should take a look at them.”

"That's an excellent idea, Lilia. Why don't you go ahead; I'm sure to be busy with your spellbook for several hours. Hopefully, there will be something useful among the scrolls."

---

“I am happy you are safe,” Sherwood answers returning her hug. “I trust you had plenty of excitement to alleviate the boredom?”

"Well... A little bit, I suppose..." Kylie says very melodramatically, then giggles.

Kylie attempts to answer some of the questions asked by the other group, then Laucian jumps in and provides some more thorough answers. Kylie is starting to think that she just isn't very good at explaining things. Not bad, really, just sometimes inconvenient.

“When can I ride such a creature.” she half pouts. “We always ride on the barge.”

Kylie smiles at Lia's pout. "If she is willing to carry you, perhaps you could take my place, Lia. I think I'd actually be more comfortable on the barge."

“The only issue we have as far as the Chimera Medallion is that is believed location is underneath the dense forest. We won’t be able to fly there, be it on griffon or using the barge. We’ll have to walk. That leaves us with the situation of splitting up again, one group taking the barge and the griffons back to the stable, with the other going on foot to seek the Chimera Medallion.”

"A good point. If I remember the map correctly, the chimera stone wasn't that far out of our way returning to the stables. Perhaps we could swing by there on our way to the stables. If we see a landing area nearby, we can stop and attempt to acquire it. Otherwise, we just continue on the the stables. It doesn't seem like we would need a very large clearing to land the griffons and barge, so it may be worth checking."

“It is understandable to a degree,” Sherwood answers. “They probably feel abandoned by the elves. From the sound if it, we know have at least two medallions and the centaur boy to liberate from Moorkroft. It’s clear we’re going to have to confront him before we can possess all the medallions.”

"It is becoming inevitable that we will have to face him pretty much on our own. I had hoped that we could rescue those from the rainbow bridge, or whatever it's called, before facing him, but that is proving impossible. I just hope our small band will prove sufficient."

“Uhm, sure! That sounds neat.”

Kylie will lead Talen over to meet the griffon she rode. Walking up to the huge bird, she strokes it's neck to make sure it's calm, then gestures for Talen to join her. "Let her sniff you, then reach slowly to stroke her feathers. I haven't named her, but it would probably be appropriate to do so. What to you think?"

“I never heard of an elven dog before. I didn’t know they had special animals. Are there any others? I wouldn’t worry sister, Kylie is only part elf like us, so if they accepted her, they should accept us. Shouldn’t they?”

"We only met about eight or so, but there could well be others scattered about the Sylvan Realm. I'll have to introduce you to the one I named Dapple; he's a wonderful boy and a fine friend."

Kylie listens to Talen's description of their experiences seeking the medallions. "That's quite a tale, Talen. I've never encountered a roc, but I've heard stories. I can understand why you would be frightened.

"It sounds like Moorkroft did a good job of setting the narwhale and water spirit against one another. I'm almost surprised that he only ended up with two of the medallions rather than all three. At least you didn't have to fight the hydra. They're incredibly difficult to kill, from what I hear."

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

"A good point. If I remember the map correctly, the chimera stone wasn't that far out of our way returning to the stables. Perhaps we could swing by there on our way to the stables. If we see a landing area nearby, we can stop and attempt to acquire it. Otherwise, we just continue on the stables. It doesn't seem like we would need a very large clearing to land the griffons and barge, so it may be worth checking."

“A logical course of action,” Sherwood agrees. “We can try it and see if there is a way to reach the ground through the dense elfin forest.”

Once we are ready to move on, Sherwood will pilot the barge following the griffon riders.

[GM Mad]

Post Continued:

The explorers have been reunited and recount tales of their adventures. Each group has recovered two medallions, for a total of four of the twelve that are needed. It is decided to return to the griffon stables by way of the believed location of the Chimera Medallion. (You guys can decide who rides on the barge or on a griffon.)

The griffons are urged to fly on a northwesterly course from the base of the volcano at first, before turning more to the west. Down below, the dense elfin forest stretches out like a great blanket of green. The giant trees have grown into each other, creating a huge natural canopy that obscures the ground below. There are a few openings here and there, but they quickly vanish into a twisted maze of branches that neither the griffons nor barge could ever hope to navigate.

Even worse, none of the rangers can accurately get their bearings while in mid-air. Their skills are based on land movement to find their destinations. In mid-air they have no sense of such things. You might have passed over the location or been miles away and never have known it.

Thus, the group simply returns to the griffon stable. The griffon’s fly through the natural opening easily enough, but the barge is much trickier. It simply isn’t as maneuverable as a griffon is, but Sherwood makes it through unscathed. (The opening is large enough to allow passage for a griffon and a rider. The barge is not as wide, but a little higher.) The barge lands off to the one side of the take off/landing area.

The cooshee’s are there waiting for you and rush forward to be reunited with their friends. There are nine cooshee’s in all, three married couples and their children. One set of married cooshee’s adopted Laucian earlier, another stay close to Nariya. Kylie named the one cooshee that befriended her Dapple, while Lilia named another Lady.

Of the three renaming cooshee’s, the last married couple take an instant liking to Valena. The last single one follows Lia around. All of the cooshee’s are wary of Sherwood, even with his elfin medallion, but make no aggressive moves toward him.

The griffons have their riding gear removed and it is stored. The griffons join their companions and there are sixteen in all.

The griffon stable is as it was when you were here before. The upper level has the griffon nests and riding gear storage. One level down is a quarters for the griffon riders and general living areas. There are enough rooms for everyone to have their own private room and being able to sleep in a real bed is most inviting.

After eating, the group settles down to plan their next move in their quest to recover the twelve medallions.

[GM Mad]

GM Notes:

Lilia identifies the scrolls from the giant’s chest. They are both magical protection scrolls. One is Protection vs. Acid, the other Protection vs. Magic.

There is some magical gear at the stables. Here’s what remains of the magical arrows.

Arrows of Ice – 33
Arrows of Fire – 28
Arrows of Stunning – 9
Arrows of Dispelling – 2
Arrows of Silence – 3

There are suits of magical elfin chainmail used by the Griffon Riders in the past. It has an additional protection of Feather Fall cast on it in case a rider should be knocked off his mount. There are magical helms that double the range of the wearer’s vision. There are also magical bows of all types here. None are more than +1 in enchantment.

There is also a map for the Sylvan Realm here.

Now what?

[Nariya]

Nariya:

Nariya is content to let most of the others explain the tales. Too many of them talking would just waste time. She listens closely as Sherwood and the others explain their mixed success.

Nariya will definitely continue to ride the griffon. She doubts she would ever tire of such travel! She does miss seeing all the sights from the ground, but travelling on the barge wouldn't let her see them either.

Nariya will be glad again to see the cooshees. She will spent time with the pair that befriended her. She will also tend to the griffon, watching the others as they remove and store the gear. Having never cared for a mount, she has a lot to learn.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

We’re off once more and Sherwood pilots the barge behind the griffon, still obscured by the invisibility screen. It quickly becomes apparent that the remaining medallions will have to be sought from the ground. The forest is just too dense to even see the ground, let alone finding ways to land. Thus we continue on to the griffon stables. Reaching the stable is a tricky proposition, but the barge manages to reach the griffon’s nests.

“Interesting,” is Sherwood’s comment upon stepping off of the barge. The sight of over a dozen griffons in one place is intimidating. The only time he’s really be this close to one of these creatures is Jallarzi’s. At least these ones seem to be have been breed to be submissive to elves.

The pack of cooshee’s advances and Sherwood marvels at the elfin dogs. Again, he’s not had a lot of experience with them in the past and they seem to avoid him, even with the Elfin Pendent in place. Much like the griffons, they are very friendly with the elves.

Over dinner, Sherwood will speak to everyone.

“It seems that we’ll need to go on foot to find the Chimera Medallion. Therefore, tomorrow morning we’ll go off in the direction. Assuming that we do find it, then we can split up once more. One group will continue to search that area of the Sylvan Realm for traces of the House, the Lizard, and the Justice Medallions. The other will come back here and travel to the roc to retrieve his medallion. Should we not find the Chimera Medallion, then we should split up to search the last area of the realm.”

“Our only clue is that Justice might be in the Elven City of Einsun that lies further east of where we believe the Chimera Medallion is located. One group should go there, the other search the countryside. We’ll agree to regroup at a pre-determined location after several days.”

“Another area of concern to me is what we should do with the medallions that we have. Obviously, we can’t go to all this work to find them with the danger of just loosing them again should the enemy ambush us. We need to find a safe place to keep them until they are all in our hands.”

“One option that comes to mind is that I teleport them back to my tower in Cynalon. My movements cannot be tracked due to the medallion that I wear. They would be safe there until we are ready to use them and Moorkroft would be none the wiser.”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

"That's an excellent idea, Lilia. Why don't you go ahead; I'm sure to be busy with your spell book for several hours. Hopefully, there will be something useful among the scrolls."

Lilia discovers the scrolls to protection scrolls. One against acid, the other magic.

"It is becoming inevitable that we will have to face him pretty much on our own. I had hoped that we could rescue those from the rainbow bridge, or whatever it's called, before facing him, but that is proving impossible. I just hope our small band will prove sufficient."

“Yes, facing Moorkroft does seem to be almost inevitable now. But at least the Gods have smiled upon us and given us some weapons to use against him. One of the scrolls we liberated from the Giant’s chest grants complete immunity to magic. Furthermore, we’ve recovered Arrows of Dispelling and Arrows of Silencing from the Griffon Stables. Both are very usefully against mages. With some well thought out planning, I am confident that we can defeat Moorkroft.”


Lilia will allow another to ride her griffon back as she’ll be able to read on the barge. Once back at the griffon stables, Lilia will show how the griffon’ gear is removed and stored. There are magic items to be had here, and she’ll make the new arrivals aware of them. Lilia will warmly greet Lady and settle into the quarters she used a few nights back. Sleeping in a real bed is always welcomed.

“It seems that we’ll need to go on foot to find the Chimera Medallion. Therefore, tomorrow morning we’ll go off in the direction. Assuming that we do find it, then we can split up once more. One group will continue to search that area of the Sylvan Realm for traces of the House, the Lizard, and the Justice Medallions. The other will come back here and travel to the roc to retrieve his medallion. Should we not find the Chimera Medallion, then we should split up to search the last area of the realm.”

“Our only clue is that Justice might be in the Elven City of Einsun that lies further east of where we believe the Chimera Medallion is located. One group should go there, the other search the countryside. We’ll agree to regroup at a pre-determined location after several days.”

“That seems agreeable to me,” Lilia states. “Let us try to find the other medallions before worrying about confronting Moorkroft. Most like the Wyvern Patrols will just increase due to our actions at the fort. We should be able to move freely underneath the tree cover.”

“Einsun is a logical place to search, but being a city it may have Moorkroft’s troops there too. We’ll need to proceed cautiously.”

“Another area of concern to me is what we should do with the medallions that we have. Obviously, we can’t go to all this work to find them with the danger of just loosing them again should the enemy ambush us. We need to find a safe place to keep them until they are all in our hands.”

“One option that comes to mind is that I teleport them back to my tower in Cynalon. My movements cannot be tracked due to the medallion that I wear. They would be safe there until we are ready to use them and Moorkroft would be none the wiser.”

“While that does make some sense,” Lilia agrees, “the medallions should be put some place safe. But by the same token putting them anywhere where only one of us can recover them doesn’t make much sense either. The fate of the Sylvan Realm shouldn’t hinge on only one of use being able to recover the keys. Why not put them in the chest we found the Star Crown in and then hide the key?”

[Talen]

Talen:

Kylie will lead Talen over to meet the griffon she rode. Walking up to the huge bird, she strokes it's neck to make sure it's calm, then gestures for Talen to join her. "Let her sniff you, then reach slowly to stroke her feathers. I haven't named her, but it would probably be appropriate to do so. What to you think?"

Talen is visibly nervous stepping up to the griffon. It’s simply huge! Muscles ripple across its furry/feathery form!

“Nice griffon, good griffon.” Talon says as he pets the creature. “As for a name? Anything that she allows you to call her!”

"We only met about eight or so, but there could well be others scattered about the Sylvan Realm. I'll have to introduce you to the one I named Dapple; he's a wonderful boy and a fine friend."

“That sounds wonderful. Why the name Dapple?”

Kylie listens to Talen's description of their experiences seeking the medallions. "That's quite a tale, Talen. I've never encountered a roc, but I've heard stories. I can understand why you would be frightened.

“It just a bird. A really BIG bird. It could probably swallow one of these griffons here whole!”

"It sounds like Moorkroft did a good job of setting the narwhale and water spirit against one another. I'm almost surprised that he only ended up with two of the medallions rather than all three. At least you didn't have to fight the hydra. They're incredibly difficult to kill, from what I hear."

“It was also huge, based on its bones. I’m glad that we didn’t have to fight it.”


The trip to the Griffon Stables is exciting. Talen closes his eyes as Sherwood tries to move the barge through the opening that seems way to small for it! But we make it inside safely.

The griffons land and join their comrades. Talen can’t help be nervous seeing that many of the creatures in one place. Then the cooshee’s arrive! Oddly colored dogs that are taller then some of his comrades!

“Isn’t there anything small around here?”

The cooshee’s seem to have chosen up those they wish to be around. Valena gains two of them, but that is no surprise as she’s so fond of animals. Even Lia has one following her around. Talen will pet Dapple when introduced to him, but none of the dogs take a great liking to him. Perhaps it’s just as well as they make Talen a tad nervous.

Rooms are chosen for the evening and Talen tries to relax and unwind. The chance to sleep in a real bed is very appreciated!

Later that evening, while Talen knows that Kylie is helping with dinner, he’ll sneak into her room and leave the burgundy tunic she passed up in Ainsun on her bed as a gift.

The after dinner discussion turns to what to do next. Talen doesn’t have much to offer, but at least we’ll all be together for a time. He’s missed the others.

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena talks to and pets the griffons before we depart once more. Lilia offers the use of her griffon and Valena eagerly accepts. She’ll talk to the griffon before leaving and knows what to expect along the way. She’ll let Aerie fly free provided it could keep pace with the griffon.

The ride is exhilarating and exciting when we finally reach the stables.

“That was fun! I could get used to this!”

Once we land the cooshee’s come forth much to Valena’s delight! She greets all of them warmly, petting them and talking to them. Valena is quite pleased with a pair of them stay close to her.

The magical arrows are quite a find. Valena will set aside her non-enchanted arrows and replace them with these. She takes 18 each of the Arrows of Fire & Ice, and 2 of the Arrows of Dispelling and Silence.

The plan to go after the Chimera Medallion is next. What happens after that is a bit unclear, as we have no real targets to search for. That part will take time.

Talk then turns to what to do with the medallions we have already found, as keeping them might be unsafe. Sherwood suggests taking them back to his home, while Lilia thinks that they should be kept in the strange chest they found.

“While not at the Ehlonna Temple Laucian found? I am sure the unicorn there could keep them safe.”

[Lia]

Lia

Kylie smiles at Lia's pout. "If she is willing to carry you, perhaps you could take my place, Lia. I think I'd actually be more comfortable on the barge."

“Okay!” she says excitedly as she then looks at the creatures with excitement and worry. “As long as it agrees…” hoping the griffon will allow her to ride it. She approaches the Griffon tentatively and attempts to befriend it and perhaps ride it,

Of the three renaming cooshee’s, the last married couple take an instant liking to Valena. The last single one follows Lia around. All of the cooshee’s are wary of Sherwood, even with his elfin medallion, but make no aggressive moves toward him.

Walking about she feels the soft foot falls of the cooshee, “They are huge!! What do they feed these?” she asks curiously as one dog begins to sniff at her leg slowly wagging its tail panting. Reaching down she pets the big dog on the hind quarter gingerly, “Hello there..”


Lia will get acquainted with the Cooshee and the griffons and walk about the cabin. Before night falls Lia will pray to Eilistrae for her blessings and go through her daily rituals. And be ready for what ever will come to pass.

[Kylie]

Kylie:

Lilia checks the scrolls, and they do prove to be helpful. Since Kylie is working with the elf maiden's spellbooks, she will leave it to Lilia to decide whether to try to learn the spell or just leave them as scrolls.

“Yes, facing Moorkroft does seem to be almost inevitable now. But at least the Gods have smiled upon us and given us some weapons to use against him. One of the scrolls we liberated from the Giant’s chest grants complete immunity to magic. Furthermore, we’ve recovered Arrows of Dispelling and Arrows of Silencing from the Griffon Stables. Both are very usefully against mages. With some well thought out planning, I am confident that we can defeat Moorkroft.”

Kylie ponders this information for a moment. "That scroll should be very helpful, though it's best use may depend on the strategy we develop. The arrows, if used intelligently, should keep him from being able to cast many spells. Of course, something as simple as a Shield spell may reduce their effectiveness considerably. No doubt he has more effective spells in his arsenal, and who knows what he might have in the way of enchanted items."

“Nice griffon, good griffon.” Talon says as he pets the creature. “As for a name? Anything that she allows you to call her!”

Kylie smirks a bit at Talen's timidity. "I don't think she intends to hurt you, Talen." A thought occurs to her. "I think someone mentioned that Valena can speak with animals. Perhaps she could learn the griffons' names."

“That sounds wonderful. Why the name Dapple?”

"I think you'll understand when you see him. The cooshees have a mottled, spotted coloration to their fur. Since dappled means essentially the same as mottled, it seemed like an obvious choice."

“It just a bird. A really BIG bird. It could probably swallow one of these griffons here whole!”

Kylie tries to envision a bird that big and has some difficulty doing so. "That would make it huge! It would have to be as big as a large dragon to do that. Goodness!"

“It was also huge, based on its bones. I’m glad that we didn’t have to fight it.”

"No doubt. I don't think I'd want to fight something like that, either."

Sherwood agrees with her suggestion, so they sweep over the area where they think the chimera stone is. However, the forest is quite thick and they're having trouble determining where it is. Worse, there is very little in the way of decent landing areas in the region, so they continue on to the griffin stables.

Arriving back at the stables, Sherwood has a few tense moments getting the barge into the opening, but does well. "Nice flying, Sherwood," Kylie says, "that was kind of tricky." He seems a bit intimidated by the sheer number of griffons, and Kylie can relate to that. If she hadn't been flying on one so much lately, she would probably be wary of them as well.

“That was fun! I could get used to this!”

Valena appears to no such reservations. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Valena. I suspect you'll get plenty of chance to get used to it before we're done."

The cooshees come rushing forward to greet them, and Kylie is nearly bowled over by Dapple. Only her natural agility keeps her from an embarrassing tumble. She gives the canine and good petting and looks over at Talen. "Talen, this is Dapple. He's a sweet boy. Why don't you let him smell your hand?" Strangely, the cooshees seem leary of Sherwood; perhaps they can sense that he's not really an elf.

“Isn’t there anything small around here?”

Kylie laughs at the question. "Well, there are the brownies. By the way, where did our friend Robin Goodfellow get to?" She seems to remember him remaining here when they went looking for the griffin medallion, but hasn't seen him since. "Perhaps we should look around for him?" With that, Kylie starts looking for the diminutive fellow or any indication of where he might have gone.

Once the griffons have been stabled and before starting the dinner preparations, Kylie picks a room and drops her gear off there. Cooking is so much more pleasant when not encumbered with all that heavy baggage.

After they have eaten, Sherwood stands and addresses the assembled group regarding their plans for the pursuit of the remaining medallions.

“That seems agreeable to me,” Lilia states. “Let us try to find the other medallions before worrying about confronting Moorkroft. Most like the Wyvern Patrols will just increase due to our actions at the fort. We should be able to move freely underneath the tree cover.”

"I'm a little concerned about the idea of putting off dealing with Moorkroft. Hopefully, he's not yet aware of our presence. However, the longer we are here, the more likely his is to figure it out. And circumstances like our raid on the wyvern base will only serve to increase that likelihood. It just seems to me that we'd benefit from catching Moorkroft unawares, rather than after he's had time to prepare for us."

The discussion turns to what to do with the medallions they have found so far. "Both Lilia and Valena have good points. Why not combine them and put the medallions in the chest and then store it with the unicorn. That leaves the question of where to hide the key. Here and at the crystal platform are both too obvious.

"Normally, I might suggest the centaur chieftain. However, with his son being held by Moorkroft, he might be tempted to try to bargain.

"What about the water spirit you encountered? Could she be trusted to watch the key for us?"
__________________________________________________________
Since I don't know Lia's decision about riding the griffon yet, I'm skipping over that for the time being. Also, I have some recollection that spells learned from scrolls destroys the scrolls, but if that is not the case then just ignore that comment.

If I remembered the brownie's name wrong or where he was last seen, please edit as appropriate.

It occurs to me that with the Feather Fall on the armor, Kylie's ring is now superfluous. She'll probably offer to give it to someone in the near future.

[GM Mad]

Quick GM Notes:

“Okay!” she says excitedly as she then looks at the creatures with excitement and worry. “As long as it agrees…” hoping the griffon will allow her to ride it. She approaches the Griffon tentatively and attempts to befriend it and perhaps ride it.

The griffons and the cooshee’s are all friendly to the elves and half-elves. They’ll tolerate Sherwood, but sense that something isn’t quite right about him.

Kylie laughs at the question. "Well, there are the brownies. By the way, where did our friend Robin Goodfellow get to?" She seems to remember him remaining here when they went looking for the griffin medallion, but hasn't seen him since. "Perhaps we should look around for him?" With that, Kylie starts looking for the diminutive fellow or any indication of where he might have gone.

Robin is still about, just keeping a low profile. If you guys think that cooshee’s and griffons are large to you, imagine how big they are to him! If there is anything brownies are good at, it’s being unnoticed!

Also, I have some recollection that a spell learned from scrolls destroys the scrolls, but if that is not the case then just ignore that comment.

Learning or casting a spell from a scroll removes that spell from the scroll, but does not destroy the scroll itself. But that is not the case with these two scrolls. They are not mage or clerical spells, rather special protection scrolls. The magic on them cannot be learned like a mage spell. With these two, the scroll is destroyed when the protection is invoked.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

Arriving back at the stables, Sherwood has a few tense moments getting the barge into the opening, but does well. "Nice flying, Sherwood," Kylie says, "that was kind of tricky." He seems a bit intimidated by the sheer number of griffons, and Kylie can relate to that. If she hadn't been flying on one so much lately, she would probably be wary of them as well.

“Thanks. This isn’t that hard once you get the hang of it. But definitely not something to in such close quarters.”

“Yes, facing Moorkroft does seem to be almost inevitable now. But at least the Gods have smiled upon us and given us some weapons to use against him. One of the scrolls we liberated from the Giant’s chest grants complete immunity to magic. Furthermore, we’ve recovered Arrows of Dispelling and Arrows of Silencing from the Griffon Stables. Both are very usefully against mages. With some well thought out planning, I am confident that we can defeat Moorkroft.”

Kylie ponders this information for a moment. "That scroll should be very helpful, though it's best use may depend on the strategy we develop. The arrows, if used intelligently, should keep him from being able to cast many spells. Of course, something as simple as a Shield spell may reduce their effectiveness considerably. No doubt he has more effective spells in his arsenal, and who knows what he might have in the way of enchanted items."

“There are always ways to circumvent things even magic, Kylie” Sherwood answers. “For instance while a Shield spell would reduce their effectiveness, the magic only guards the front of the mage. It does not extend to the sides or back.”

“I believe I am familiar with the kind of scroll that Lilia has discover. The protection is much like that of an Anti-Magic Shell, a spell that’s even currently beyond my ability. In short it completely negates magic of all kinds for a few feet around the one protected. Thus this person could just grab a hold of Moorkroft and negate any magic on him. It is a very potent scroll.”

“Lifeshield does grant me a similar protection, but it does not extend beyond myself. In full defense mode, the sword makes me immune to magical effects.”

“While that does make some sense,” Lilia agrees, “the medallions should be put some place safe. But by the same token putting them anywhere where only one of us can recover them doesn’t make much sense either. The fate of the Sylvan Realm shouldn’t hinge on only one of use being able to recover the keys. Why not put them in the chest we found the Star Crown in and then hide the key?”

“While not at the Ehlonna Temple Laucian found? I am sure the unicorn there could keep them safe.”

The discussion turns to what to do with the medallions they have found so far. "Both Lilia and Valena have good points. Why not combine them and put the medallions in the chest and then store it with the unicorn. That leaves the question of where to hide the key. Here and at the crystal platform are both too obvious.

"Normally, I might suggest the centaur chieftain. However, with his son being held by Moorkroft, he might be tempted to try to bargain.

"What about the water spirit you encountered? Could she be trusted to watch the key for us?"

Sherwood listens as other ideas are given on what to do with the medallions. After a time he says, “Maybe we are all making this more complicated then we need to? It’s clear that the medallions cannot be located using magic; otherwise Moorkroft would have found them long ago. I’m leery of bring any other creatures into this as they might become future targets. No, let’s just keep this among us.”

“Perhaps store the medallions in the chest we found and leave then with the barge. But take the key with us when we leave. It could be placed in the book of food we found, buried underneath something so that it doesn’t show up when looked. How does that sound?”

"I'm a little concerned about the idea of putting off dealing with Moorkroft. Hopefully, he's not yet aware of our presence. However, the longer we are here, the more likely his is to figure it out. And circumstances like our raid on the wyvern base will only serve to increase that likelihood. It just seems to me that we'd benefit from catching Moorkroft unawares, rather than after he's had time to prepare for us."

“I would tend to agree with that, but we have to take into consideration the consequences of such an act. As it stands now, the enemy might know that something is up and would increase their patrols. But what would happen if we attacked Moorkroft and he survived? He would dispatch all his soldiers to hunt us down. An army of orcs would flood the Sylvan Realm, just making all the harder to find the last few medallions. No, I’m convinced that we save Moorkroft for the very end. We gain his medallions; return the centaur youth to gain the last medallion, and then rush to use them before the orcs can stop us.”

[Lilia]

Lilia:

Kylie ponders this information for a moment. "That scroll should be very helpful, though it's best use may depend on the strategy we develop. The arrows, if used intelligently, should keep him from being able to cast many spells. Of course, something as simple as a Shield spell may reduce their effectiveness considerably. No doubt he has more effective spells in his arsenal, and who knows what he might have in the way of enchanted items."

“There are always ways to circumvent things even magic, Kylie” Sherwood answers. “For instance while a Shield spell would reduce their effectiveness, the magic only guards the front of the mage. It does not extend to the sides or back.”

“I believe I am familiar with the kind of scroll that Lilia has discover. The protection is much like that of an Anti-Magic Shell, a spell that’s even currently beyond my ability. In short it completely negates magic of all kinds for a few feet around the one protected. Thus this person could just grab a hold of Moorkroft and negate any magic on him. It is a very potent scroll.”

“Lifeshield does grant me a similar protection, but it does not extend beyond myself. In full defense mode, the sword makes me immune to magical effects.”

“This is very good,” Lilia says excitedly. “With Sherwood protected by Lifeshield another of us, perhaps Laucian protected by the scroll we should have a real chance of defeating Moorkroft. It might come down to what kind of magical protections he has in the elfin palace.”

Sherwood listens as other ideas are given on what to do with the medallions. After a time he says, “Maybe we are all making this more complicated then we need to? It’s clear that the medallions cannot be located using magic; otherwise Moorkroft would have found them long ago. I’m leery of bringing any other creatures into this as they might become future targets. No, let’s just keep this among us.”

“Perhaps store the medallions in the chest we found and leave them with the barge. But take the key with us when we leave. It could be placed in the book of food we found, buried underneath something so that it doesn’t show up when looked. How does that sound?”

“That should be fine for the short term. It does have simplicity and Moorkroft is mostly likely unfamiliar with the magicks involved with them.”

“I would tend to agree with that, but we have to take into consideration the consequences of such an act. As it stands now, the enemy might know that something is up and would increase their patrols. But what would happen if we attacked Moorkroft and he survived? He would dispatch all his soldiers to hunt us down. An army of orcs would flood the Sylvan Realm, just making all the harder to find the last few medallions. No, I’m convinced that we save Moorkroft for the very end. We gain his medallions; return the centaur youth to gain the last medallion, and then rush to use them before the orcs can stop us.”

“There is a logical to Sherwood Elf-Friend’s words,” Lilia admits. “I would just assume keep the orcs out of the Sylvan Realm at all costs. We need to free the other elves before even considering taking an army of them on.”

[Laucian]

Laucian

Even worse, none of the rangers can accurately get their bearings while in mid-air. Their skills are based on land movement to find their destinations. In mid-air they have no sense of such things. You might have passed over the location or been miles away and never have known it.

Flying through the air on the back of his griffon Laucian has a very hard time finding his bearings. A tangled mess of branches greets them and it is soon decided just to turn back to the griffon stables.

Coming in for a landing The griffon lands with well precision and timing, quickly dismounting Laucian begins to move the griffon to its stable being gentle while removing the riding gear, “You did well my friend.” He says lightly to the griffon as the griffon returns to its pride.

The soft padding of the Cooshee’s is heard and Laucian turns just as the male cooshee leaps into the hair striking him with his front paws knocking him from his feet. Before catching his breath the tongue bath from both male and female are felt. Trying to contain his laughter Laucian gathers himself up patting them both between the ears. “It is good to see you to.”

“Interesting,” is Sherwood’s comment upon stepping off of the barge. The sight of over a dozen griffons in one place is intimidating. The only time he’s really be this close to one of these creatures is Jallarzi’s. At least these ones seem to be have been breed to be submissive to elves.

“They are beautiful are they not?” he asks Sherwood coming along side him. “Perhaps you can befriend one, Sherwood.”

“Our only clue is that Justice might be in the Elven City of Einsun that lies further east of where we believe the Chimera Medallion is located. One group should go there, the other search the countryside. We’ll agree to regroup at a pre-determined location after several days.”

“That seems agreeable to me,” Lilia states. “Let us try to find the other medallions before worrying about confronting Moorkroft. Most like the Wyvern Patrols will just increase due to our actions at the fort. We should be able to move freely underneath the tree cover.”

“I would wager their will be more foot patrols as well. By now word would spread of the happenings at the fort. So we must be on our guard.

“While not at the Ehlonna Temple Laucian found? I am sure the unicorn there could keep them safe.”

“ I would not wish to endanger the Unicorn or the glade it protects, They have helped us greatly, It would not sit well to put him and the area it protects in danger. Also it is known to be safe from orcs, it would be one sure place to look for medallions.

“This is very good,” Lilia says excitedly. “With Sherwood protected by Lifeshield another of us, perhaps Laucian protected by the scroll we should have a real chance of defeating Moorkroft. It might come down to what kind of magical protections he has in the elfin palace.”

“I agree with you, clansman. With two of us protected we can not only deal with Moorkroft, but also tend to the others if the need arises. By all means at least one of the healers should be protected, I say leave the choice to Sherwood, he has not led astray yet.”

“I would tend to agree with that, but we have to take into consideration the consequences of such an act. As it stands now, the enemy might know that something is up and would increase their patrols. But what would happen if we attacked Moorkroft and he survived? He would dispatch all his soldiers to hunt us down. An army of orcs would flood the Sylvan Realm, just making all the harder to find the last few medallions. No, I’m convinced that we save Moorkroft for the very end. We gain his medallions; return the centaur youth to gain the last medallion, and then rush to use them before the orcs can stop us.”


“There is a logical to Sherwood Elf-Friend’s words,” Lilia admits. “I would just assume keep the orcs out of the Sylvan Realm at all costs. We need to free the other elves before even considering taking an army of them on.”

For a few moments Laucian rubs his chin lightly lost in thought, then speaks. “ I would have to agree, Orc within our home lands should not be tolerated in the least. I am curious though. If we remove the snake’s head, why not replace it for a time?” hoping the mages catches his drift but still goes on. “ If Moorkroft is defeated why not stand in his place in disguise till the others set the medallions? With the rainbow bridge restored and the people freed, we could send word to our people and come in force. With the Alliances we have in place the orcs would be like water breaking on rock.”

"When the time neared whom ever took the place could teleport to say the crystal structure, and the orcs would be caught unaware."

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“Okay!” she says excitedly as she then looks at the creatures with excitement and worry. “As long as it agrees…” hoping the griffon will allow her to ride it. She approaches the Griffon tentatively and attempts to befriend it and perhaps ride it,

That decided, Kylie does indeed ride the barge. Since he's obviously not needing them while he flies the barge, Kylie approaches Sherwood and asks if she can study his spellbooks during the trip. Since her understanding of magic has expanded recently, she is looking to increase her spell options.

Robin is still about, just keeping a low profile. If you guys think that cooshee’s and griffons are large to you, imagine how big they are to him! If there is anything brownies are good at, it’s being unnoticed!

Once she goes looking for him, Kylie does indeed find their diminutive friend. "Hi, Robin! Good to see you're still about. I hope you didn't get too bored while we were gone."

“There are always ways to circumvent things even magic, Kylie” Sherwood answers. “For instance while a Shield spell would reduce their effectiveness, the magic only guards the front of the mage. It does not extend to the sides or back.”

“I believe I am familiar with the kind of scroll that Lilia has discover. The protection is much like that of an Anti-Magic Shell, a spell that’s even currently beyond my ability. In short it completely negates magic of all kinds for a few feet around the one protected. Thus this person could just grab a hold of Moorkroft and negate any magic on him. It is a very potent scroll.”

“Lifeshield does grant me a similar protection, but it does not extend beyond myself. In full defense mode, the sword makes me immune to magical effects.”

"I was thinking that there might be a more powerful version that wouldn't be so easily circumvented, but perhaps that is not the case.

"Your sword and the scroll are a powerful combination. With two of us effectively immune to spells, it should make him easier to deal with. Of course, if he has powerful bodyguards of some sort, things will get more complicated quickly."

“Perhaps store the medallions in the chest we found and leave then with the barge. But take the key with us when we leave. It could be placed in the book of food we found, buried underneath something so that it doesn’t show up when looked. How does that sound?”

"I don't know, Sherwood. Keeping the medallions with us would make them easy to find and steal. Sure they may not be able to open the chest, but if they just take the whole chest, then we cannot get to the medallions when we need them. Perhaps if we bury the chest with the medallions and the key in separate places..."

“I would wager their will be more foot patrols as well. By now word would spread of the happenings at the fort. So we must be on our guard.

"I think Laucian's right. They will likely increase the foot patrols as well, which means the orcs will be in the Realm whether we like it or not. Stopping them would likely take all our time and prevent us from finding the other medallions."

For a few moments Laucian rubs his chin lightly lost in thought, then speaks. “ I would have to agree, Orc within our home lands should not be tolerated in the least. I am curious though. If we remove the snake’s head, why not replace it for a time?” hoping the mages catches his drift but still goes on. “ If Moorkroft is defeated why not stand in his place in disguise till the others set the medallions? With the rainbow bridge restored and the people freed, we could send word to our people and come in force. With the Alliances we have in place the orcs would be like water breaking on rock.”

"That's just sneaky," Kylie says. "I like it. Impersonating Moorkroft could certainly help to cover our tracks for a while."
____________________________________________________________
It seems Lia's post appeared while I was writing mine, so I didn't see it. Holy overlapping posts, Batman!

[Talen]

Talen:

Kylie smirks a bit at Talen's timidity. "I don't think she intends to hurt you, Talen." A thought occurs to her. "I think someone mentioned that Valena can speak with animals. Perhaps she could learn the griffons' names."

“I think you’re right,” Talen answers. “After all, I probably wouldn’t be standing here if she did. I’ve never seen creatures like these before and they are so huge and menacing in appearance. Who wouldn’t be intimidated? I guess I’ve led a very sheltered life thus far.”

“Yes, Valena can speak with animals in a fashion. She understands what they say, but cannot speak back in their languages. Fortunately, most of the creatures we’ve encountered understand elfish, so it’s not a problem. I doubt that either of us could pronoun her name in our language anyway.”

"I think you'll understand when you see him. The cooshees have a mottled, spotted coloration to their fur. Since dappled means essentially the same as mottled, it seemed like an obvious choice."

“Oh, I think I understand.”

Kylie tries to envision a bird that big and has some difficulty doing so. "That would make it huge! It would have to be as big as a large dragon to do that. Goodness!"

“Yeah, I know. It had whole trees weaved into its nest!”

The cooshees come rushing forward to greet them, and Kylie is nearly bowled over by Dapple. Only her natural agility keeps her from an embarrassing tumble. She gives the canine and good petting and looks over at Talen. "Talen, this is Dapple. He's a sweet boy. Why don't you let him smell your hand?" Strangely, the cooshees seem leery of Sherwood; perhaps they can sense that he's not really an elf.

”Uhm, okay,” Talen answers as he tentatively approaches. Talen does as instructed and the giant dog readily accepts him. “Yes, he is very nice. He’ll be quite a protector for you.”

[Valena Feador]

Valena:

Valena appears to no such reservations. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, Valena. I suspect you'll get plenty of chance to get used to it before we're done."

“I just love all animals. I know that the griffon would never harm me. He told me that. These are such majestic creatures. If we had these back in the Elfholds, I may very well have become a griffon rider then.”

“ I would not wish to endanger the Unicorn or the glade it protects, they have helped us greatly, it would not sit well to put him and the area it protects in danger. Also it is known to be safe from orcs, it would be one sure place to look for medallions.”

“Aye, that is a wise course of action, Forest Brother. I was not thinking of the consequences. I would certainly wish no harm upon the unicorn who guards the sacred grove.”

Valena will spend much time with her new friends, the pair of cooshee’s, playing with them and petting them. She’ll introduce them to Aerie so that they become familiar with her feathery friend.

[Sherwood]

Sherwood:

That decided, Kylie does indeed ride the barge. Since he's obviously not needing them while he flies the barge, Kylie approaches Sherwood and asks if she can study his spellbooks during the trip. Since her understanding of magic has expanded recently, she is looking to increase her spell options.

“Sure, here you go,” Sherwood says as he hands her the spell book. “You’ve come along way in your learning of magic. You’re not that far behind me in what spells you can cast.”

“They are beautiful are they not?” he asks Sherwood coming along side him. “Perhaps you can befriend one, Sherwood.”

“Yes, they are,” Sherwood agrees. “Alas cooshee’s seem to only accept elves as companions. I doubt any of them will ever warm up to me. At the very least their presence will be a great help should we get into combat situations. I’ve only heard stories of their battle skills. It’ll be interesting to see them in action first hand.”

“I would wager there would be more foot patrols as well. By now word would spread of the happenings at the fort. So we must be on our guard.”

“Thus my urgency in acquiring the last four medallions, before turning our attention to the middle four. It’ll take time to scour the land to find them. It’s better to do that before we have orcs to contend with as well.”

"I was thinking that there might be a more powerful version that wouldn't be so easily circumvented, but perhaps that is not the case.”

“There might be,” Sherwood answers. “But not one that I’m currently aware of.”

“I agree with you, clansman. With two of us protected we can not only deal with Moorkroft, but also tend to the others if the need arises. By all means at least one of the healers should be protected, I say leave the choice to Sherwood, he has not led astray yet.”

"Your sword and the scroll are a powerful combination. With two of us effectively immune to spells, it should make him easier to deal with. Of course, if he has powerful bodyguards of some sort, things will get more complicated quickly."

“Exactly,” Sherwood agrees. “We cannot make accurate plans until we know what the situation is in the Elfin Palace. Right now we can speculate, but nothing more.”

For a few moments Laucian rubs his chin lightly lost in thought, then speaks. “ I would have to agree, Orc within our home lands should not be tolerated in the least. I am curious though. If we remove the snake’s head, why not replace it for a time?” hoping the mages catches his drift but still goes on. “ If Moorkroft is defeated why not stand in his place in disguise till the others set the medallions? With the rainbow bridge restored and the people freed, we could send word to our people and come in force. With the Alliances we have in place the orcs would be like water breaking on rock.”

"When the time neared whom ever took the place could teleport to say the crystal structure, and the orcs would be caught unaware."

"I think Laucian's right. They will likely increase the foot patrols as well, which means the orcs will be in the Realm whether we like it or not. Stopping them would likely take all our time and prevent us from finding the other medallions."

"That's just sneaky," Kylie says. "I like it. Impersonating Moorkroft could certainly help to cover our tracks for a while."

“It is possible,” Sherwood admits. “But whether circumstances will allow us to do that remains to be seen.”

"I don't know, Sherwood. Keeping the medallions with us would make them easy to find and steal. Sure they may not be able to open the chest, but if they just take the whole chest, then we cannot get to the medallions when we need them. Perhaps if we bury the chest with the medallions and the key in separate places..."

“The chest would not be with us, Kylie, only the key hidden in the food book. The chest would remain here at the stable with the barge. I can even have it floating above the deck and shielded by invisibility for further protection, beyond the griffons already here. From the condition of this place, it seems that the enemy has yet to be here. I think it’s a safe bet that they won’t find it in the next few days while we are away.”

“Regardless, I’m still convinced that we must search the northeast area for the last four missing medallions before worrying about confronting Moorkroft. We have a lot of land to search and I’d just assume do it without having hordes of orcs to contend with. The forest itself will shield us for the most part from the overhead patrols, so we should be safe for the most part. The barge and the griffons will remain here and we’ll go out on foot with the cooshee’s. Our first destination will be the Chimera Stone to retrieve that medallion. Once that is accomplished, we’ll make plans how to proceed next from there.”

[Nariya]

Nariya:

“They are beautiful are they not?” he asks Sherwood coming along side him. “Perhaps you can befriend one, Sherwood.”

“Yes, they are,” Sherwood agrees. “Alas cooshee’s seem to only accept elves as companions. I doubt any of them will ever warm up to me. At the very least their presence will be a great help should we get into combat situations. I’ve only heard stories of their battle skills. It’ll be interesting to see them in action first hand.”

"If you were to stay with them long enough, that might change," Nariya offers, although really there is little hope from that from what she knows. "Or maybe if you were to handle one from a newborn litter..." she thinks suddenly, wondering if that would be an option.

“Regardless, I’m still convinced that we must search the northeast area for the last four missing medallions before worrying about confronting Moorkroft. We have a lot of land to search and I’d just assume do it without having hordes of orcs to contend with. The forest itself will shield us for the most part from the overhead patrols, so we should be safe for the most part. The barge and the griffons will remain here and we’ll go out on foot with the cooshee’s. Our first destination will be the Chimera Stone to retrieve that medallion. Once that is accomplished, we’ll make plans how to proceed next from there.”

"I think that's the best course of action," Nariya finally says after having been quiet for so long. "We can cover a lot more ground than any orcs can and the overhead patrols shouldn't be a problem to avoid. Also the cooshees will be very valuable in our trek."

[Kylie]

Kylie:

“I think you’re right,” Talen answers. “After all, I probably wouldn’t be standing here if she did. I’ve never seen creatures like these before and they are so huge and menacing in appearance. Who wouldn’t be intimidated? I guess I’ve led a very sheltered life thus far.”

"I know what you mean," Kylie admits. "I lived with Jallarzi for years and never had the courage to try riding them, though did sometime go and just talk to them..."

“Yes, Valena can speak with animals in a fashion. She understands what they say, but cannot speak back in their languages. Fortunately, most of the creatures we’ve encountered understand elfish, so it’s not a problem. I doubt that either of us could pronoun her name in our language anyway.”

"To be honest, I don't know whether or not they have individual names, or whether those names can be translated into speech. It was really just an idea," she concludes with a shrug.

“Yeah, I know. It had whole trees weaved into its nest!”

"Wow. Whole trees? That's... amazing!" Kylie is still struggling to really visualize this accurately.

“Sure, here you go,” Sherwood says as he hands her the spell book. “You’ve come along way in your learning of magic. You’re not that far behind me in what spells you can cast.”

"Really?" Kylie says, amazement in her voice. It's hard for her to conceive of catching up to Sherwood in magical skill. "I never thought I'd get anywhere near your prowess with spellcasting. I must admit that spell selection is still pretty vexing, but I think I'm learning."

Kylie will spend most of the trip back, studying her mentor's spell book. If she can add some of the spells from it to what she learned from Lilia's book, she should have a pretty decent selection to start with.

“I just love all animals. I know that the griffon would never harm me. He told me that. These are such majestic creatures. If we had these back in the Elfholds, I may very well have become a griffon rider then.”

"He told you that? You really can understand them. That's a fascinating ability. Does that come from your devotion to Ehlonna, or is it a trained skill you learned somewhere?"

”Uhm, okay,” Talen answers as he tentatively approaches. Talen does as instructed and the giant dog readily accepts him. “Yes, he is very nice. He’ll be quite a protector for you.”

"You know, it's reaching the point where I'm starting to wonder if I really need a protector, but either way he seems to be a great companion." The truth is, with her skills growing the way they are, Kylie's starting to feel a lot more confident and capable than before.

An idea occurs to Kylie, so she goes into the stables where the griffins are resting. Approaching the one she rode over the last couple days, Kylie casts Comprehend Languages while stroking the large avian. "Hello," she says in elvish. "Do you have a name?"

“The chest would not be with us, Kylie, only the key hidden in the food book. The chest would remain here at the stable with the barge. I can even have it floating above the deck and shielded by invisibility for further protection, beyond the griffons already here. From the condition of this place, it seems that the enemy has yet to be here. I think it’s a safe bet that they won’t find it in the next few days while we are away.”

"Ah, I misunderstood. That seems like a reasonable choice then, as I have no doubt that the griffins would prove a serious obstacle to most who would try to gain entrance to the stables."

“Regardless, I’m still convinced that we must search the northeast area for the last four missing medallions before worrying about confronting Moorkroft. We have a lot of land to search and I’d just assume do it without having hordes of orcs to contend with. The forest itself will shield us for the most part from the overhead patrols, so we should be safe for the most part. The barge and the griffons will remain here and we’ll go out on foot with the cooshee’s. Our first destination will be the Chimera Stone to retrieve that medallion. Once that is accomplished, we’ll make plans how to proceed next from there.”

Sherwood's logic appears to be sound, so Kylie will nod her acceptance of the plan. "Then we should all get some rest before morning, as the coming days will likely be long and tiring." In truth, Kylie's looking forward to spending part of the night finishing up with Sherwood's spellbook and selecting her new spells to memorize.

When the meeting ends, Kylie returns to her room. Strangely, there are clothes lying on the bed that she does not recognise, at least not at first. There is no sign that someone else has claimed the same room, so Kylie is confused by their appearance. Looking closer, they appear to be the same quality workmanship as the ones she bought way back in that elven city before they left. Come to think of it, she remembers looking at some in this color...

She's not quite sure what to make of this, but she decides to wear them in the morning. They look like they would fit her, and perhaps doing so will help her find out where they came from.

First to sleep; then to study.
___________________________________________________________
Might as well try speaking to the griffin. See if her spell is of any use.

[GM Mad]

Post Closed