ATCL13 Oakhurst to Cipello

The date in Cerwyn calendar is 337 - Brth - Delve - Lian (337 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 102). You wake to a clear sky, no hint of rain, and light wind. The temperature is average, so likely a very pleasant day ahead.

Things for party to think about. How does the weather affect what you wear? What positions are you taking on the wagon train, and what have you prepared in terms of weapons and spells? Did you check the wagons and animals over this morning, Suilven and Asus?

It feels strange to be back on the road once again.
The children's admiration for the group of 6 "adventurers" has blossomed, and they are eager to hear every small detail. The monsters, the challenges, the fighting and the treasure. Hannah Bell and Emily Blackwood, the two young girls travelling are in awe of Suzi. A woman with strength of character, of independence and valiant and honourable.

How does Suzi respond?

Suzi plays down her honour and role, a little embarassed by the girls attention, and explains that they should instead look to the strong woman on the merchant train who run a business and look after their offspring. This is a much more honourable trait.
The boys, on the other hand, just want to hear about blood and guts being spilled.
The route north follows the main road through the Whispering Woods, and it is a delight to see the flowers, trees and the local fauna florishing. The faint whispering from the treetops follows the wagons as if the trees are calling out in triumph of the success of the adventurers and the defeat of the dark druid, Malachar.
But the "defeat" plays on your minds. The defeat was not final, and you would have preferred it to have been a fatal ending, but alas Malachar escaped his final condemnation, and may fight another day. He was badly wounded and you are sure he will not return too soon. But when that may be, you cannot tell. You will be better prepared though the next time you meet, which you feel sure will come about one day.
The day passes by without much to take notice of. The adventurers are ever vigilant, and always ready to act. By late afternoon, open countryside can be seen through the trees, and the exit from the Whispering Woods is near. As the wagons roll out of the woods and onto the rolling hills beyond, an owl's call is heard. Ben, who is guarding the back of the wagon train looks up to see the Emberglow Owl nestled amongst the branches of the trees on the edge of the woods.

Does Ben react in any way?

Ben nods his head in acknowledgement to the Emberglow Owl.
The oxen and ponies, yoked to their heavy wagons and laden carts, trundle onward, their hooves and wheels rumbling over the rolling hills of eastern Amberfield. The terrain rises and falls, each crest revealing more of the vast landscape. Suddenly, dark towers emerge on the horizon, jagged against the sky. Their flags flutter lazily in the breeze, foreboding shadows cast by the looming structures. A murmur of unease spreads through the merchants and travelers around you, but as the highest hilltop draws near, the full expanse of Cipello unfolds before your eyes.
The towering spires are no longer a mystery; they belong to the imposing castle that watches over the city from within its protective walls. The apprehension that gripped you begins to ease as Cipello’s southern gate comes into view, wide open and bustling with life. Citizens stream in and out, the hum of daily business carrying on. To the west, farmlands stretch toward the horizon, golden crops rippling in the breeze. In contrast, to the east, the outskirts are lined with stables, warehouses, and fenced fields filled with livestock. Smoke drifts lazily upward from a nearby blacksmith’s forge, where a cluster of buildings huddle close together. Further still, a patch of woodland forms the edge of this part of the city's surroundings.
Within the city walls, you catch glimpses of thatched rooftops, their peaks just visible beyond the stone fortifications. Dominating the skyline is the grand roof of a temple, rising high above the clustered buildings, a symbol of Cipello’s power and reverence.

Before the wagons reach the gates, a city guard steps forward, his polished armor catching the fading light. He raises a gloved hand, palm outward, halting the caravan in its tracks. “All merchant wagons and beasts to the warehouses and stables outside the city walls,” he commands in a gruff tone. “No wagon entry until morning.”
His voice carries the authority of routine, and there's no room for argument. The merchants around you exchange weary glances, resigned to waiting until dawn before they can bring their goods within the city proper. You are directed to the local caravanserais and stables.

Once the animals have been checked over, fed, watered and fenced in the fields, and the wagons left in the storage buildings, Lina comes over and asks if any of them want to join her in finding an Inn for the night inside the city walls.
The suns have dipped below the horizon, and now the flicker of torches casts long shadows against the city gates. Despite the fading light, the entrance remains bustling with late arrivals and traders. Stepping through the southern gate, you find yourself in a cobbled square, a stark contrast to the narrow, mud-streaked alleys that thread between the tightly packed houses on either side. Ahead, a second, larger square unfolds, its atmosphere more open and inviting. At the far end, a well-lit building stands out—a tavern, no doubt, its warm glow beckoning to your keen eyes.

Where do you go from here?

As you near the tavern, a boisterous crowd spills out onto the weathered stone steps, jugs of ale in hand, laughter and conversation filling the night air. Above, the sign for "The Starlit Stein" sways lazily in the evening breeze, its name proudly displayed in bold lettering. Inside, the atmosphere hums with energy—the clinking of mugs, the hearty sound of laughter, and the savory aroma of roasted meats and spiced bread waft through the air. The tavern is alive with celebration, its patrons reveling in the eve of a local holiday. In one corner, a lively group of musicians plays a merry tune, their notes weaving through the room. Amidst the crowd, you spot Lina, her lute in hand, gracefully moving toward them, ready to join the music’s joyful rhythm. You, on the other hand, seek out the Inn owner, and find him tending customers from behind the bar. "Good eve, good sirs and lady, what can I get you this evening?"
The adventurers enquire if there is any accomodation available. "We're a bit busy this evening, bearing in mind that it is a local holiday tomorrow, and the market is on. But I have one small room with two beds that you'd all be able to squeeze into, if you don't mind sleeping on the floor." Suilven, speaking on behalf of the group, indicates that this is acceptable, and that there would be 6 plus the bard, who has just taken to the stage as the previous minstrels take a break.
"Oh, looks like your friend's going to play a tune." exclaims the inn keeper. "If the tune goes down well, she can have her stay for free!"

The inn owner will make gentle conversation, until the current musicians finish, and then he will exclaim "Oh, looks like your friend's going to play a tune." OR
As the inn owner is getting your room key, the current musicians finish, and you notice Lina taking to the stage.

Lina takes center stage, her fingers deftly plucking the strings of her lute as she begins a mesmerizing rendition of a new song she’s crafted. Her voice rises like a gentle breeze, carrying the melody through the tavern as she regales the crowd with tales of your heroic journey to save the Whispering Woods. Each note and verse weaves together the bravery, danger, and triumph of your adventure, capturing the attention of every listener. The room falls into a captivated hush, the music painting vivid images of your deeds in the minds of those fortunate enough to hear it.

The Ballad of the Whispering Woods played and sung by Lina the Bard - best heard if you play the YouTube on this page, then right click the music link To open link in new tab, then click to hear Lina play.

The Ballad of the Whispering Woods

In days of shadow, long and cold,
The Whispering Woods grew dark, untold,
Malachar's curse, a poison vile,
Crept through the trees for mile on mile.

But heroes rose to meet the night,
Their hearts ablaze, their blades alight.
Suilven stood, his axe held high,
With Asus watching from the sky.

(Chorus)
Oh, brave and true, they stood as one,
Until the battle’s end was won.
With steel and spell, with light and might,
They fought to save the woods from blight.

Zalman cast his magic wide,
The stars themselves stood by his side.
And Matrox charged, a lion’s roar,
Against the Swinebrutes’ savage corps.

Ben’s prayers rose high, the dwarven grace,
A shield of light in darkest place.
While Suzi, swift and silent, moved,
With daggers quick, her aim was true.

(Chorus)
Oh, brave and true, they stood as one,
Until the battle’s end was won.
With steel and spell, with light and might,
They fought to save the woods from blight.

Malachar howled, his Shadow Wolf near,
A raven’s cry filled all with fear.
But heroes stood with spirits bright,
And banished darkness with their light.

In final clash, the earth did quake,
Malachar's doom, their hands would make.
The Whispering Woods breathed once again,
Freed by the courage of these friends.

(Chorus)
Oh, brave and true, they stood as one,
Until the battle’s end was won.
With steel and spell, with light and might,
They fought to save the woods from blight.

(Outro)
So let the trees forever sing,
Of the day when peace they did bring.
For in the tale of heroes bold,
Their names in song shall be foretold.

As she finishes there is generous applause and stomping of flaggons on tables.

Afterwards, if the characters mingle with the patrons, they will hear a couple of these comments: 2d8 x 2
2. The Shadow Wolf’s Offspring: "People say the Shadow Wolf had pups, and now those cursed creatures roam the outskirts of Cipello. Some farmers claim to have seen their glowing red eyes watching from the trees at night."
3. A New Curse on the Woods: "Though Lina’s song tells of the heroes lifting the curse, some are saying the Whispering Woods still isn’t safe. Travelers have been hearing strange whispers again, and a few have gone missing. Could Malachar’s curse be spreading once more?"
4. Suilven’s Legendary Axe: "They say Suilven’s axe, the one that helped defeat Malachar, has been missing since the battle. Rumor has it that the weapon is cursed, and anyone who wields it will be consumed by Malachar’s rage."
5. The Heroes’ Secret Quarrel: "Lina sings of unity, but some in the tavern are whispering that not all was well among the heroes. There’s talk of a hidden quarrel between Asus and Matrox, a disagreement that nearly tore the party apart before the final battle."
6. Zalman’s Star Magic: "Zalman’s magic ‘called upon the stars’—but there are whispers that he’s been dabbling in something far older and darker. Some believe he’s in league with otherworldly beings, and the battle against Malachar was just the beginning of something bigger."
7. Ben’s True Power: "Some folks think Ben’s ‘prayers that rose high’ weren’t just blessings from the dwarven gods, but something far more powerful. They say he made a pact with a celestial being, and that his newfound powers could be dangerous if unleashed."
8. Suzi’s Shadowy Allegiances: "Sure, Suzi fought against Malachar, but there are whispers that she learned more from the darkness than she lets on. Some say she still deals in secrets and shadows, and maybe she’s hiding more than just quick daggers."
9. The Raven’s Warning: "The raven that cried during the battle, they say it wasn’t just a bird—it was a messenger of something far darker, a warning that not all is as it seems. Some believe the raven’s master still watches, waiting for the right moment to strike."
10. A Prophecy of Darkness: "The song speaks of ‘the day when peace they did bring,’ but some are saying it’s not a final victory. A few tavern patrons have been muttering about an old prophecy that speaks of peace lasting only until ‘the moon bleeds,’ and the stars fall from the sky—then Malachar’s power will rise again."
11. The Heroes' Wealth: "Rumor has it that after the battle, the heroes didn't just leave with glory, but with Malachar's hoarded treasure. Some believe they’re secretly rich beyond imagination, but keeping it hidden to avoid attention from thieves and rivals."
12. A New Villain: "Lina’s song ends with peace, but there’s talk of a new power rising in the lands beyond the Whispering Woods. Some say a former apprentice of Malachar is amassing power, and they’re even more dangerous than their master."
13. The Whispering Trees: "Sure, the song talks about saving the Whispering Woods, but some folk claim the trees still whisper. Travelers passing through the woods late at night say they can hear voices in the wind, whispering of things long forgotten."
14. The Return of Malachar: "Lina’s song speaks of the defeat of Malachar, but there are whispers that he wasn’t fully destroyed. Some say his spirit lingers, waiting to return and exact his revenge on those who defeated him."
15/16. Nothing.
These rumors could spin off into new quests, mysteries, and intrigue, all while deepening the lore and tension in the world you’ve built.

Afterwards, as the characters mingle with the patrons, they overhear the following comments:

"Some folks think Ben’s ‘prayers that rose high’ weren’t just blessings from the dwarven gods, but something far more powerful. They say he made a pact with a celestial being, and that his newfound powers could be dangerous if unleashed."

"Sure, the song talks about saving the Whispering Woods, but some folk claim the trees still whisper. Travelers passing through the woods late at night say they can hear voices in the wind, whispering of things long forgotten."

As the evening draws to a close, you head torward to a warm bed on which to lay down and rest your weary bodies. Tomorrow should grant you some rest time. It's just another market day after all.

Parent Plot

337-088 Arncastle to the City League