The Quest for Tarmock's cure
The Quest for Tarmock’s Cure
The Quest for Tarmock’s Cure was a perilous journey undertaken by the adventuring party to retrieve a rare, uncontaminated sample of feywild matter in hopes of saving Tarmock, an alchemist whose reckless experiments had left him at death’s door. The expedition took the party deep into Ardeep Forest, where they encountered deadly flora, ancient mysteries, and a powerful Dryad known as the Lady of the Clearing.
The Plight of Tarmock
After their conversation with Dr. Elara Stoneblossom at Tarmock's Apothecary, the party decided to check on Tarmock, who was being treated at the Tower of the Lord Protector’s infirmary. The prognosis was dire.
Lord Protector Darathra Shendrel had already enlisted the aid of Lyria, a high elf druid from Gwaeron’s Slumber, to tend to him, but even she was pessimistic about his chances. She informed the group that her healing magic could only slow the spread of his affliction, buying him a week at most. With time running out, Dr. Stoneblossom proposed a solution—if the party could retrieve an untainted sample of the feywild matter that had infected Tarmock, she could synthesize a cure.
Journey into Ardeep Forest
Searching Tarmock’s apothecary, the group uncovered his journal, which mentioned a mysterious figure known as the “Lady of the Clearing”, dwelling in Ardeep Forest to the south. Though details were vague, it was their only lead, so the party set out immediately, hoping for the best.
Ambush in the Wilds
The trek through Ardeep Forest proved treacherous. As night fell, Olaf was suddenly attacked by Assassin Vines, massive carnivorous plants that ensnared him in their deadly grasp. Zeromus, recognizing the urgency of the situation, unleashed a barrage of Magic Missiles, while Gregory and Anemone hacked away at the vines. To their surprise, the vines seemed resistant to fire, forcing them to rely on physical and magical attacks to bring the threat to an end.
A Glimpse of the Floating Castle
With the sun setting and their path uncertain, the party began to worry they had lost their way. Acting quickly, Anemone climbed a tall tree to gain a better vantage point. From the treetops, she spotted a clearing just a few miles away—their destination. However, both she and Olaf also saw something even more mystifying: a massive castle floating above the clouds, looming over the forest. Though its significance was unknown, it was a breathtaking and eerie sight.
Encounter with the Lady of the Clearing
Upon entering the clearing, the atmosphere shifted unnaturally. The sun seemed to reset to late morning, the air became warmer, and the surrounding flora appeared unnaturally vibrant and full of life. As the party stepped forward, they saw a lone figure—a Dryad. Zeromus immediately recognized her nature, but they quickly learned she was no ordinary forest guardian.
She introduced herself as the Lady of the Clearing, revealing that she had already met Tarmock and had, in fact, granted him a piece of her essence. However, she would only do so again under the same condition—one of them must sacrifice a cherished memory.
Gregory’s Sacrifice
The party deliberated, knowing that the cost of such a bargain was steep. In a solemn moment, Gregory stepped forward, offering his most precious memory—the memory of his daughter. He reasoned that his mission to return home was more important than holding on to the past and that, should he fail to return, perhaps forgetting would be a blessing.
Accepting the offer, the Lady of the Clearing reached out, pulling the memory from Gregory’s mind and transmuting it into a small, glowing marble. She then opened her chest, revealing the pulsing heartwood within, and gently placed a fragment of her heart into Gregory’s hands.
The Cure and Its Consequences
Returning to Dr. Stoneblossom, the party entrusted the fragment to her, and she immediately set to work synthesizing the cure. Within hours, she administered the potion to Tarmock, and the effects were near-instantaneous—his condition stabilized, his breathing calmed, and color returned to his face.
However, as Tarmock awoke, relief quickly turned to panic. He realized that Lord Protector Shendrel had been made aware of his forbidden experiments, and he now feared for his freedom, reputation, and possibly his life. Though his body had been healed, his troubles were far from over.
The Quest for Tarmock’s Cure had been a success, but the ramifications of their actions were only beginning to unfold.
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