A.S.S.: The Tiger Cure

General Summary

Wherein the Arboreal Security Service seeks a cure and finds a dragon\

To Cure a Reluctant Weretiger

A regular day at the A.S.S. HQ (the A.S.SQuarters) was interrupted by the arrival of Lusaliz Sodagheim, an acquaintance of our eco-warriors (see A.S.S.: Hunters of Dragonskull Lodge). Lusa is here to ask for the Arbo's help in seeking a cure for her weretiger lycanthropy. She has heard that a cure for her condition might be found in the possession of Tavvilorsh, Warden of the Simmerknot, a dragon whose lair is in the center of The Simmerknot. The Simmerknot is a natural labyrinth of sorts west of Halfpeach. There are rumors of strange and bizarre occurrences in the Knot, so she would love it if the Arbos could accompany her as she seeks this dragon.
Naturally, they agreed.

Navigating The Simmerknot

So it was off to Halfpeach, and then to the Simmerknot. It turns out that this is more than just a strange maze--it is akin to a sentient creature all itself. It seems to change, adapt and grow as it sees fit, almost like it is following a pattern all its own. Truly, a complex and dazzling ecosystem is on display here, and is worthy of study by our heroes. So that's just what they did as they sought the center of the Knot.
On their way to the center, they encountered hardships in the form of creatures turned deadly and strange by the potent magic of and in the Knot. First, there was a hut containing a huge knight driven mad by magic. Then there was a goo-covered heart in the ruins of an temple that sought their blood. And then there was a collection of Hodags thirsting for combat. All of these various foes were dispatched. Col. Fleurine took the severed head of a Hodag--a mighty trophy for a mighty hunter.
Throughout all of this, however, was the story of an outlaw and the former retainer that pursued her.

Mazri and Kroxul

The Arbos met Mazri the Quick, an outlaw who specializes in the "redistribution of wealth," in the ruins of an old fort. She asked them if they had seen a dragonborn knight named Kroxul who pursued her doggedly throughout these environs. They hadn't, unfortunately. She then told them more of her story--it seems that she once robbed the estate of Kroxul's former employer and this dragonborn has been pursuing her as a "matter of honor" ever since. Our eco-fighters took their leave, assuring the passionate outlaw that they would try to dissuade Kroxul from his determined path if they encountered him.
And, soon, they did encounter him. Kroxul of the Blueflower is so adamant in his hunting of Mazri because he is infuriated by her view of the world--he went on and on about her "misguided quest" to save those that aren't worthy of her sacrifice. It became apparent, then, that a greater game is afoot here--both Mazri and Kroxul love this situation--and maybe each other--but cannot admit it.
There was little time to suggest this to Kroxul before Mazri herself appeared, having followed the Arbos discreetly, and asked them to join her in subduing the erstwhile retainer. Kroxul then asked for assistance in brining Mazri to justice. Our astute heroes, however, had different plans. They managed to show both individuals the plan truth--that this is who they are and what they actually want.
With that knowledge, Kroxul proclaimed that he would "wait here, mulling this new information in quiet reflection" and that Mazri was free to do the same. Or, perhaps, she wanted to run? And maybe he would pursue her after a decent interval? Forever? This was agreeable to Mazri. The pair offered a set of Spiderbite Daggers in thanks, which were claimed by Kavra.
Having solved the puzzle of the star-crossed lovers, it was time then for the Arbos to get to the center of the Knot.

A Choice in the Center of the Knot

Doing so meant getting past some formidable ogre guards. The one in charge had a thunder horn right in the middle of his forehead and wasn't shy about using it as the encounter devolved into combat. Our Arbos emerged victorious and headed into the grove at the center, but not before Lenny took the thunder horn right out of that ogre's head. Gross.
Waiting for them was a tiger-dragon, the aforementioned Tavvi. After a brief back and forth, and Lusa's offering of a amulet containing the essence of a devil, Tavvi suggest that a choice lay before the weretiger. He could remove this cure, if that's what she so wished, in exchange for her trinket. Or she could stay here with him, learn how to control her transformations, and discover that this "curse" is perhaps a gift in disguise. After consulting with the Arbos, she chose the latter option and promised to seek out our brave heroes when she is more control of herself. She offered her heartfelt thanks.
With that, the dragon opened a portal to the outside of the Simmerknot (dragon magic, right?) and our heroes started their journey back to New Carydam.

And That's Where We Left It

We'll see other aspects of eco-justice are dispensed by our heroes as the annals of A.S.S continue.

Varied & Sundry Details

In the course of navigating the Simmerknot, the Arbos came upon Sivsag Who Sees, a seer who was waiting for them to show them a vision. This is some of what they saw:

• Kavra Aletide saw a vision of the last coming of Gnet, cascaded with haunting, "flowing" music, inviting further reflection
• Lenny saw Godsmount. Not just one Godsmount, but many, all over Gavros. The word of Carida spreading. This is her design.
• Haemic saw his home and his people, somewhere in the Evergrowth. It is twilight there, peaceful and calm. The vision left him feeling homesick and a little unsure of his current path.
• Col. Fleurine saw the prow of his ship, overlooking the vastness of space. A welcome vision, as he hadn't seen it in a while.

It was unclear what, exactly, these visions meant. Sivsag ushered our heroes out of her hut, proclaiming that her task in this undertaking is concluded. But that the Arbos' work was not yet done. Strange!

Rewards Granted

• Spiderbite Daggers, claimed by Kavra
• A Hodag head, claimed by the Colonel
• Thunder Horn, claimed by Lenny

Character(s) interacted with

• Lusaliz Sodagheim: reluctant weretiger
• Mazri the Quick: outlaw, quarry of Kroxul
• Kroxul of the Blueflower: erstwhile retainer, pursuer of Mazri
• Sivsag Who Sees: an enigmatic seer
• Tavvilorsh, Warden of the Simmerknot: tigerdragon, possible mentor of Lusa

Report Date

20 Nov 2022

Primary Location

The Simmerknot