Session 11 - Hunter or Hunted
General Summary
26 Planting, 498TA
Reacting to the presence of the manticore, the party scrambled to decide on a course of action. Watching in horror, the manticore lunged at a second horse, snapping its spine and dropping to the cave floor. With blood dripping down from her jaws, the beast turned her attention to the party and growled, “Who are you? Are you with those filthy gnolls?”Thinking quickly, all four of the our adventurers tried to reason with the monster and convince her that they were not a threat. She seemed skeptical until Denye mentioned her remaining baby and suggested that she take it somewhere safer.
Some of the fierceness and bloodlust faded and the manticore said in a somewhat less aggressive tone. “If I back up, you will all just leave? You have not harmed my baby?” Receiving affirmatives from the party, she slowly back out and sat down about 15ft from the cavern mouth.
The party wasted no time in making their egress as well. Stopping for a moment at the edge of the clearing, the party regrouped and tried to figure out how they could complete the job without making this into a major fight.
Looking at the manticore, it was clear that she had already been in a fight. There were several arrow shafts sticking out of her hide as well as a number of cuts and gashes. Huddled together Ell asked, “Do we have a healing potion or something we could give her?”
“I like the way you are thinking,” agreed Janora. “Maybe if we help her she’ll be more inclined to listen to us and we can convince her to move somewhere else?”
Jilken added, “She’ll still need to get those arrows removed. A healing potion will just heal the skin up around the shafts and get infected. Maybe she’ll let one of us close enough to pull them.”
Janora blanched at that, “Let’s start with the healing potion. Maybe we’ll get lucky and it will push the arrows out as part of the healing.” Turning to look at the manticore, it was clear that the question was moot however, as the large winged feline spat out the last arrow, after pulling it clear of her flank. Pulling a potion out of their bag, Janora stepped forward and spoke to the beast,”You are looking rather injured, was it those gnolls that you spoke of? We were sent here to discover who or what had been killing livestock in the area. If we were to give you this potion of healing, would you be willing to consider moving to another area, perhaps further from civilization?”
“Somewhere safer too,” added Jilken. “If those gnolls know about this cave, they will probably come back.”
Janora continued, “It’s a bit of a journey, but the forest on the western side of the big lake is full of all kinds of game and almost no people. And there are some lovely caves in the lower mountains there, high enough so only flyers or strong climbers can easily access them...much more defensible.”
Turning first to Jilken, the manticore snarled and said, “The gnolls are no longer a problem.” Looking over at Janora, she continued, “Keep your healing, I am still strong. Do not come back here, but I will think on your words.” and with that she darted into the cave and the darkness within.
With a huge sigh, Janora turned to the group, “I say we give her some space. This doesn’t seem like a creature that wants to be pressured or bothered very much. And with the dead horses she shouldn’t have to hunt for at least a day or two at least.”
“And what, exactly, are we going to use as proof that we dealt with the monster?” asked Ell. “I mean I assume we want the gold. Maybe we can see if we can find the gnolls that she mentioned; and (a) finish them off, maybe try to get some extra reward, and (b) find a couple of those tail spikes that we can use for proof that we handled the manticore.”
The others agreed and they spread out around the clearing looking for tracks that they could follow. There were a few signs that could have been gnolls, but they were several days old too muddled to give clear direction.
Remembering the gnolls who had attacked the camp last night, and the one who got away, the party made their way back to the campsite. Knowing the general direction, it was a much smaller search area. It was Janora who found the drops of blood on the grass, their attention having been drawn to it with a sparkle of greenish light and a low howl in the back of their mind.
Making their way through the rough landscape they followed the trail, with Janora finding their way by the sparkling droplets of blood that only their eyes could find. Spotting a clearing up ahead, the party stealthy made their way up to the edge of the brush and found the remains of the gnoll’s camp. There were almost a dozen bodies thrown around the place, with bite marks and deep gashes.
Quickly going through the campsite yelied the party 20sp/14cp/wedge of moldy cheese/8 whole manticore spikes and 2 shattered pieces. Distressed at the sight of these semi-canine people, they wandered a little more into the woods where they managed to pick several bouquets of Maiden’s Blood for Mirwi.
After regrouping, the team decided to strike for the road and spent the last several hours of the afternoon making their way through the scrubby woods. Just before sunset, they found a large glade with a small pool glinting in the light from Janora’s Dancing Lights.
Jilken seemed very uncomfortable next to the pool, but struggled to explain how it was the mere presence of that much concentrated water that was hard for her to accept. Eventually however the party chose to make camp and settled in for an uneventful and quiet night.
27 Planting, 498TA
While enjoying breakfast the next morning, the team discussed what they wanted to do next. Janora suggested that they return to the cave to see if the manticore was willing to talk. Denye expressed some reluctance to deal with the monster again, but eventually everyone agreed that they should at least make an attempt.Finding their way back to the cave proved to be of little challenge. Standing outside, they called to the manticore, but got no response. Jilken snuck into the cave to reconnoiter, but found the cave empty and the egg gone. Whether or not the beast had taken Janora’s advice, it was clear that she was gone and unlikely to be any more of a threat.
Heading back in the direction of Wexwood, the party stopped at the Leafwalker farm to let the halflings know that the threat had been dealt with. Grimald was so happy to hear this news that he invited the entire party in to have lunch with his family.
After a delicious meal of mushroom and potato pasties, the team rode north and made it to the gates of Wexwood about two hours after dark. After checking in with the gate guard and dropping the two horses off at the stable, the group stumbled over to the Restless Raven where they got food, baths, and rooms.
28 Planting, 498 TA
The next morning, as everyone was finishing a hearty breakfast, a page showed up from the Keep with an invitation for a meeting with Watcher Gelestro. As that was the party’s intention, they followed the young boy up to the keep and were shown directly into the Watcher’s office.After inquiring about the team’s recent hunting mission, Gelestro got right to the point, “My scouts have returned with some news. As I said before, the warbands of goliaths, trolls and others are gathering at Glorhilka. Current estimates put their forces at a 2:1 advantage with the Woodguard. Additionally, it seems that they are all under the sway of a conjurer from the Far Reaches. He goes by the crude name ‘Master Dark’, but I hardly think that is his true name.”
Janora snorted, “Well he must think rather highly of himself, Master Dark indeed.”
“I’m sure he does,” laughed the Watcher,” As I was saying, I would like you to meet with Queen Alara and deliver this message. If she cannot rally her troops in time then I fear we might be overrun. I have already sent a similar message to the Low Queen. I suggest that you speak to Eiliphina Yosston when you get to Haven. She is my representative there and should be able to arrange an audience.”
Reaching around the red-haired man picked up a piece of paper and handed it to Ell. “This is a sketch of this Master’s mark.” Ell stared at it for several long moments before handing it to Denye and then he began digging in his bag. It was the same black and red star with the reversed ziggurat that was on those notes the party had found on the bandit and the goliath scout. Not noticing Ell, Gelestro went on, “I’ve asked Wayfinder Shalana to have a look and see if she can find any reference of a similar sigil before.”
As if speaking her name summoned her, the door slammed open and the elven woman stormed in, fury written across her face. Eyes only for the Watcher, she shouted, “Someone has DEFACED my book!! Who would do such a thing?” and slammed a large tome down that clearly had a large section of pages missing. Finally registering the four adventurers in the room, she took a long breath and attempted to regain her composure. Smiling through gritted teeth she said, “I apologize, but I take my charges seriously.” Glaring down at the book she added, “And whoever did this, clearly didn’t want me to find out anything. Two other books were also destroyed.”
Jilken asked, “What were the books about?”
Shalana shrugged, “Oh several topics, all covering the time period surrounding the Cataclysm in some way. ” Glancing over at Gelestro, who nodded she went on, “If you are already going to Haven, would you be willing to take a letter to the Collegium. The Wayfinder Majorus should be told and we’ll need to get replacement copies. I doubt that anyone would dare try this in the Library, Dor would roast them alive.” Turning to the Watcher she asked, “May I?” and pointed to the parchment and quill.
He nodded and then turned back to the group. “So, it seems you have two things to do in Haven. Luckly, the Collegium is on the Hill as well and Eiliphina should be able to arrange a meeting with Wayfinder Matebera Brightfinger.”
Jilken nodded and asked, “What do you know about the routes between here and Haven? One of the farmers that we spoke with mentioned bandits, is that going to be a problem?”
Watcher Gelestro thought for a long moment, pulling on his beard as he did so. Finally he said, “It is true, there have been more bandits recently. I suspect that they are being encouraged by this Master Dark. I have 3 companies out patrolling, but we’ve only managed to catch a few.”
Giving his beard another tug or two, he went on, “The river route is probably the safest. That would be straight across the Pass to Port Frost and then taking a barge down to Haven. You could also go overland through the Whispering Hills, but there is no road to speak of so it would be up to your navigational skills. Either route should take you about a week. There is also the trade road, but that would take more than a fortnight. And while it is not yet urgent, there is some need for speed.”
Jilken grinned and looked over the party, “I do believe that we’ve got a few folks here who are skilled at tracking.”
Janora laughed and said, “Yes and we also have several people who aren’t afraid of boats.”
Watcher Gelestro just cleared his throat and said, “Well, if you do go to Port Frost, look up the Truwaters. Their barges give a smooth and steady sail down the Brisshall.”
Shalana stepped forward and handed her letter to Jilken. Smiling at the fellow desert elf she said, “Don’t worry. You don’t ever fully get used to all the water, but you do learn to enjoy it. I suggest learning how to swim.”
The Wayfinder snapped her fingers and a small folio appeared in her hands. “Before you go, I also have the reports I promised you.” She handed the report on the Gulthias Trees to Ell and then handed another set of papers to Janora.
Ell, who had moved in a corner during the commotion, stepping back toward the group. Holding out one of the notes he said, “You might be in a little more trouble than you knew. Seems they are planning a surprise attack soon on Oakhurst of all places.”
The Watcher took the note and stared at it for a moment before handing it to Shalana. “I can’t read this, can you?”
Plucking it from his hands the dusky elf studied it for a moment. “Ah yes, it’s Undercommon. That’s an interesting choice….I wonder why that and not goblin. But yes, the plan is to attack Oakhurst on the 43rd of Quickening.”
Gelestro winced at that news and tugged on his beard a few times. “Well we have warning, so perhaps we can set up a surprise for him. And that is a little more that eight weeks away so we have a little time.” Picking his letter up, he handed it to Denye. “If nothing else, your mission to speak to the Queen in Haven is only more important.”
Saying their goodbyes the party made their way out of the keep and started down the stairs to the rest of the city. Stopping at the job board they spoke with the sentinel who seemed surprised to see them back already, but was suitably impressed when he heard that it was a manticore. He was also astonished to hear about how the party had taken out 20 gnolls.
“So what’s our bounty on the manticore,” asked Jilken, “and while you’re at it...do you have any open bounties along the overland route to Haven?”
The older half-elf smiled, “Ah yes, let me check my book.” He turned and ran a finger down a column in an open book at his side. “Here it is, 200gp for the beast hunting.” Janora spluttered, “That’s each right?”
The sentinel laughed and set two bags of gold coins on his counter. “200gp for the job.”
Ell stepped forward, shaking his head before looking intently at the half-elf, “I think you should check again, that doesn’t seem to be what I remember.”
“And don’t forget about those gnolls we killed,” added Jilken.
The older man huffed for a moment before pulling out a pipe. After several smoke rings, he spoke. “Tell you what, you did take out all those gnolls. Two threats, two bounties. Let’s make it 400gp.”
Ell nodded at this and turning to his compatriots said, “That seems more reasonable, I think we should just take it.” Hearing their assent, the old man pulled out two more sacks of gold as Ell handed one bag to each person.
Turning to Jilken the sentinel said, “And you were asking about jobs between here and Haven? That would be through the Whispering Hills, aye. Let me have a look.” He turned back to his ledger and spent a few moments flipping through a few pages and a few more puffs of the pipe. “Ah yes, we don’t have many from that far south, but there is one. It seems there is a village or settlement in the southern hills by the name of Saphollow that has been having trouble recently with an ettin. They have a 2000gp bounty on it that was still open as of roughly two weeks ago.”
Ell asked, “And going through the Whispering Hills, is that the fastest way to Haven?”
The half-elf sentinel smiled, “Well, it really depends on what ye find in there. Assuming you deal with the ettin quickly and don’t run into any other trouble, you’ll get to Haven in 7 to 8 days. If you cross the pass and take the Brisshall, you are looking at 6 days or so.”
Thanking the man, the party started making their way over to the Rainy Boulder to deliver those flowers.
Along the way: “What exactly is an ettin anyway?” asked Janora.
Denye chirped and excitedly said, “They are giants, small for giants but still big. Oh and they have two heads...with different personalities. Very angry and violent. They are supposed to be very ugly and often carry huge cudgels or great weapons.”
At the mention of an ettin, Jilken’s eyes got very wide and with a huge grin she started jiggling her spear. “See, we should go that way. I’ve never seen an ettin before, but that sounds like something we need to see.”
Ell shook his head, “We need to think about the time. Going by river will be faster and we really need to get this letter to the Queen as fast as possible Plus that giant sounds super dangerous.”
“If you ask me,” said Janora, “that sounds like someone else’s problem. But how about we take the river, deliver the letter, and then maybe, maybe we can come back through the hills and find that village.”
“Fine,” muttered Jilken, “I suppose we can put a pin in to for now and deal with the stupid letter. But then we go find this creature.”
Arriving at the Rainy Boulder, the party spoke to Miruw and Janora traded the requested flowers for a vial of poison (hemlock based). The group also sold 2 whole and 2 broken manticore tail spines for 2 more vials of the same poison and two packets of Dust of Disappearance.
Only being late morning, the team decided that there was no time like the present to start the trip so they made their way down to the stable to face Connack.
They found him forking fresh hay into one of the stalls. He was shocked about the horses, but sympathetic when told about moving them into the cave in an attempt to protect them. But he still charges the party 50gp. After some some questioning he takes the dyrall and cart in exchange for the lost horses and reluctantly rents them four more and tells them to leave them with the stablemaster in Port Frost. While not quite swaybacked or broken, these horses have seen better days and their pace is somewhat slow. As the party mounts and heads out the gates, the party could hear Connack muttering, “Perhaps you would be better off with mounts that could fight back.”
Most of the day’s passed with the quiet personal pursuits and conversations of horseback riding through possibly dangerous terrain, both Jilken and Janora keeping careful eyes on the roadsides. Around late afternoon the party came across a large stone obelisk marking a faint path that curved around a hill out of sight.
Stopping to examine the obelisk it proved to be some sort of black stone with flecks of mica that glinted in the afternoon sun. Down the front was written in elvish, “Change begins in the flames.” The rest of the stone pillar is carved with swirls and spirals coming up from a bonfire carved in the base.
Ell cast Creat Bonfire at the base and as the flames warmed the stone, a second phrase, also in elvish, appeared down the opposite side. This one said, “Walk the path, seek the center.” Intrigued, the party decided to detour a bit and turned down the trail. It goes for about a mile or so winding through the hills before wrapping around the base of one large hill. Eventually the path turns and ends in a dark doorway set into the hill itself.
Two standing stones, topped with a third lead into a tunnel that goes straight for roughly 20ft and then turns to the left. The posts are covered in carvings of stone vines with suns on one and moons on the other. Across the mantle is carved “To find enlightenment, you must traverse the darkness.”