DM Bob & Carla Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 7:48:08 AM
No longer able to ignore the din that surrounds him, Lorth throws off his bedroll and goes to Cassandra's aid. At the mention of her name, the mask returns to its original shape and Cassandra falls silent. While the satyrs are clearly curious, the somber demeanor and point-of-fact explanations of the adventurers dissuade them from further exploration. After a few songs, Thadeus and Thalpius beg their leave and allow the party a sound nights rest. "Expect Grynntym before mid-day" Thadeus says to the group as he leaves the camp.
Morning arrives, cold and still. A hoar frost covers the fine branches of shrubs and trees surrounding the spring, and lies thick on the bedrolls and cloaks of the waking party members. The sun slowly creeps above the horizon and glistens of the frozen branches. A tendril of smoke rises from the campfire and the embers that still live within it.
True to their word, Thadeus and Thalpius return shortly after sunrise, accompanied by Grynntym Deeproot, the Greenmage of Culverwood. Grynntym is a huge man, standing at least a head taller than anyone in the party. His heavy frame is obscured by a long dark cloak, the colour of forest shadows, which hangs from his shoulders. He walks towards the camp with great long strides, his quarterstaff doubling as a walking stick.
"My two friends tell me that you need my assistance...something about a cursed mask?"
Lorth Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 7:53:24 AM
Lorth hails the greenmage, "Good moring, good sir. Yes we have a problem we are hoping you can give council on, but I will let my more knowledgable companions give you the details."
Elerinn Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 5:00:47 PM
Elerinn greets the greenmage and thanks him for coming to aid so soon. He looks at the impressive man and says: "Good morning, Greenmage of Culverwood. Please, take a look at the witch Cassandra here. She is wearing a cursed mask that will change her into any animal you name. She is suffering, please help her. We don't know what kind of cursed magic has befallen her."
Kedarn Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 7:57:31 PM
Kedarn looks to the Greenmage and says "Good mornig sir. I am glad you were in the area and that you could come quickly." Kedarn then walks over to where Cassandra and helps her move over to see the greenmage.
Alkali Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 9:02:31 PM
Alkali looks up when the Greenmage approaches. "Wow... is this giant land? Everyone is so big..." He bows before the Greenmage and shows him the way.
Andrath Tuesday February 3rd, 2004 11:25:16 PM
Andrath adds to Elerinn's description, "Actually, it only polymorphs her head, but not the rest of her body. We discovered the mask in the Tower of Boydos, in a room containing a number of skeletons that we ended up defeating. When Cassandra put on the mask a couple of days ago, it welded to her face, and she couldn't remove it. Whenever anyone says the name of a creature or a person where she can hear it, it activates the mask's magic, and her face and head change into the creature or person so named. Dulcet, one of the senior witches in Jarlswolf, cast a remove curse on the poor lass, but it seemed to have no effect, because the mask remained attached. Dulcet recommended we come to see you, and that you might have some information that could help us. Well, do you?"
Cadmar Wednesday February 4th, 2004 3:33:20 AM
"Greetings, good sir. The mask was disguised as something that gives control over animals. Whoever its creator was he wanted it to appear connected with the forces of the nature."
DM Bob & Carla Wednesday February 4th, 2004 8:08:04 AM
Grynntym listens to each explanation in turn and shows obvious concern when he finds out that it is Cassandra who is afflicted by the cursed mask. He fetches the witch from the makeshift shelter and brings her into the light. "Do not be afraid my child", he says in a warm quiet voice, "no harm shall come to you in my care".
The Greenmage studies the mask for a long period of time. Finally, when he has finished his physical examinations he begins asking questions. "You say the very mention of an animal's name causes a transformation?" Before anyone can answer his question he continues, "mouse." and the mask takes on the appearance of a small wood mouse while Cassandra squeaks. "Hmmm...frog" and the mask broadens in shape and changes to a mottled green color. Cassandra sticks out a very long pink tongue and croaks twice. Thadeus and Thalpius snicker at the transformations.
"Very well Cassandra, I have seen and heard enough. Please excuse me if I have caused you any further embarrassment." The mask reforms to it's original shape as Grynntym casts a stern eye in the direction of the two satyr's who both assume a much less animated demeanor.
"Well this is no creation of Boydos. Those poor mad fools could not create such an item." Grynntym places his hands on the mask, closes his eyes, and concentrates for a a short while. "I sense that the very wood that this mask is carved from is itself somehow enchanted. The ash tree that the mask was created from is also uncommon and grows only in very warm and wet soils. I have only seen it grow in Wyrmsfut and I have seen almost all of the Culverwood".
The two satyr's shift nervously at the mention of Wyrmsfut. Grynntym asks for a moment of quiet to gather his thoughts and wanders over to the circle of logs surrounding the pool.
Lorth Wednesday February 4th, 2004 1:46:36 PM
Lorth waits while the Greenmage gathers his thoughts, having no reason to interupt him.
Kedarn Wednesday February 4th, 2004 2:06:04 PM
Kedarn thinking to himself 'I wonder where that is...' while waiting for the Greenmage to return.
Elerinn Wednesday February 4th, 2004 4:49:45 PM
Elerinn patiently waits for the Greenmage to continue with his advice. When the satyrs cower when Grynntym mentions the Wyrmsfut, the gnome has mixed feelings about that. One, he wants to help Cassandra as soon as possible, but the mention of a dangerous place makes him feel excited.
Alkali Wednesday February 4th, 2004 5:16:30 PM
Alkali gets up, shivering a bit. When the Greenmage becomes silent, Alkali speaks, "Wyrmsfut is where the trees come from? Then the antidote is over there. I'm ready to help get that mask off Cassandra, so if you point the way we'll get rolling." With that, Alkali calls for his hawk and goes over to gather his stuff.
Cadmar Thursday February 5th, 2004 3:12:41 AM
Cadmar does not wish to interrupt the meditations of the mage, so he just walks up to the pair of satyrs. "Come on you two" - he whispers - "the name of Wyrmsfut seems to be familiar to you. Let's hear the story."
DM Bob & Carla Thursday February 5th, 2004 7:58:31 AM
Grynntym gathers his thoughts while the adventurer's ponder what lies ahead. Thadeus and Thalpius dance around Cadmar's questions, deferring to the greenmage for the moment.
Finally, Grynntym calls them over to the spring and asks them to sit around the spring.
"This mask is enchanted with magic more ancient than mine. I have no power to remove it. All is not lost, though. There is one who may know of such things. It is said that he may be as old as the Culverwood itself. He goes by the name of Denholm, although I doubt that is his real name. "
Gryntymm draws your attention to the Pool of Alnair and speaks in a whisper before touching the still water of the pool with his quarter staff. As the ripples dissipate a distorted image comes into view. A large tree with a girth three times those around it, and from behind steps a creature. Great bushy eyebrows, like some beasts fur, and warm brown eyes as big as a man's fists. Ears that poke up a bit like an elf's, but tufted like some wild cat's, through a shaggy brown mane. Huge hands, like hams, and large fingers. Neither a man, nor an elf, nor a beast, but as large as the three together. The creature stops at a murky stream and pauses, as if he is aware of being watched.
"That is Denholm Longtooth, as he is known to me. It would appear that he is currently near the Wyrmsfut, a large swamp that lies some two days south and west from here. If you follow the Spice Trail to where it crosses the Peaseblossum River you will find a roadhouse and a ferry at Pullman's Crossing. The proprietor will be able to direct you to Wyrmsfut. Look for a large tree, larger than any others by far and you will find Denholm...if he wishes to be found."
The greenmage stands up and pulls a single green leaf from his staff. "Who leads this party? He asks. He will pin the leaf to whoever steps forward. "Wear this leaf at all times, and stay together. The Culverwood is no ordinary forest. It has a mind of its own and it does not tolerate outsiders. This leaf will provide you with safe passage as long as you stay together. As long as this leaf is green you will be under my protection, but heed me well, keep your fires small, burn only dead wood from the ground, and do no harm to the forest. The Wyrmsfut is a different matter, for I have no sway in that strange place."
Grynntym turns to leave, but stops and asks "Do you have any last questions for me?"
Lorth Thursday February 5th, 2004 8:30:33 AM
When the Greenmage is done speaking Lorth moves back to his bedroll and starts packing up his belongings.
Kedarn Thursday February 5th, 2004 6:50:17 PM
Listening carefully to what the Greenmage says Kedarn steps up to Grynntym when he asks who leads and says "I am the leader of our group." After pinning the leaf to Kedarn's cloak Kedarn says "we will abide by your directions. How close do we need to stay to each other while travelling?"
Andrath d20+15=34 d20+11=15 Thursday February 5th, 2004 11:46:55 PM
Being out of his element in the forest, Andrath has nothing to ask the Greenmage. He dons his new armour and weapons, packs up his gear, and readies to head out. Once the party has done its dealings with Gryntymm, he leads the way, keeping his keen eyes open. [Spot roll of 34, Search roll of 15]
Elerinn Friday February 6th, 2004 3:43:10 AM
Elerinn thanks the Greenmage for his help and assures him his advice will be followed. He starts packing up his gear and walks to Cassandra. To cheer her up a bit, he says: "You see Cassandra? I'm sure Denholm will be able to help you." He then states that he is ready to head out to the Wyrmsfut.
Cadmar Friday February 6th, 2004 4:55:46 AM
"Thank you once again for your help! I feel that I am in your debt. Should it ever come to pass that help of someone such as myself is of any use to you I will be very happy to repay your kindness."
Cadmar packs up, pondering the strange being who is known as Denholm. "Does he even speak Common?..."
DM Bob & Carla Friday February 6th, 2004 7:35:25 AM
"You need simply stay in sight with each other to all benefit from the leaf. Several hundred feet I should say" Grynntym points the way to the spice trail and wishes them luck.
Thalpius pulls Cadmar aside and whispers, 'Wyrmsfut is...well, its different". The satyr is obviously uncomfortable with the place. "Take nothing for granted there." The satyr takes his leave with Grynntym and Thadeus.
As the party prepares to leave, Cassandra kicks snow onto the smoldering embers of the fire until she is sure that it is out.
The way south leads slightly uphill through a forest of aspen. The trees are leafless at this time of year, and the few understory conifers stand out as dark green sentinals. Andrath finds nothing threatening as he moves, although he does spot the tracks of a hare and a fox. Nothing has moved down the trail since the last snow, but the faint depression of cart wheels can still be seen beneath the snowy mantle.
[OOC please post your marching order, your weapon in hand, if any, and how far ahead or behind the party you will venture]
Lorth Friday February 6th, 2004 8:13:50 AM
Lorth marches along somewhere near the front. Shield and warhammer in hand.
Kedarn Saturday February 7th, 2004 6:04:59 AM
"Thank you for your help Grynntym we will heed your words. May Gargul watch over you." Kedarn says.
"I think we should keep Cassandra, Alkali, and Elerinn in the middle, with Andrath leading about 30' ahead, Lorth next. Cadmar and I will take rear guard. If everyone agrees." Kedarn asks the others.
Kedarn will have his bow in hand.
Cadmar Saturday February 7th, 2004 6:10:21 AM
As Cadmar walks along the Spice Trail an uneasy feeling comes over him. With every step, it seems to him, some unknown danger draws ever closer. The ranger remembers the owlbear all too well. Somehow he doesn't believe that Wyrmsfut will let the party pass without playing some mischief.
[Cadmar is comfortable with any position in marching order. If he has his choice he will walk somewhere close to Lorth. His hands are free - it's not very comfortable to walk long distances with weapons drawn.]
Elerinn Sunday February 8th, 2004 1:28:15 PM
Elerinn positions himself somewhere in the middle of the group. Without a weapon in his hands, he feels save with his stronger friends surrounding him. The idea of travelling into the dangerous Wyrmsfut gives him more feelings of excitement, rather then feelings of fear. But, like Cadmar, he remembers the enraged owlbear that killed Thram and isn't really talkative during the trip.
Alkali Sunday February 8th, 2004 9:52:21 PM
Alkali marches along humming softly a song to himself, unfazed by the quiet, somber mood of everyone else. Walking in the middle next to Cassandra, he watches her and makes sure everything is ok.
Alkali's hawk rests on his shoulder, looking up at the treetops for anything.
Andrath d20+15=19 d20+11=13 d20+10=22 Sunday February 8th, 2004 11:49:14 PM
Andrath makes his way along the trail, some 30'-40' in front of the party, with his longsword and arrow at the ready. He keeps his eyes and ears open. [OOC: Bob/Carla, do you want me to roll spot, search and listen rolls each post when we are on the move like this? If so, then Spot 19, Search 13, Listen 22.]
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