Session 2 - The Forest-City of Lydonia

 

Travel through 5710, 5711

  • Rolled a secret for Rodolfio, and found out he’s indebted to a fey power of some sort.  “Deliver Failure”, so maybe was supposed to sabotage a caravan or something? disrupt logging?
Orren wakes up, see Rodolfio poking at the morning coals.
“You okay, Rodo? You look a little shaken. I don’t think those fairies could have actually hurt us.”
Rodolfio does a sort of shrugging nod. “These are old woods, half-elf. There are powers here that are dangerous, and who can hold sway over us.” Orren accepts this, and pats Rodolfio on the shoulder, assuring him that while he doesn’t know his troubles, he accepts them.
“If we push ourselves today,” Rodolfio says, “we can make Lydonia by nightfall.”
  • Pushing increases random encounters to 2:6, but will allow them to travel 3 difficult hexes. Rolling weather and encounters:
Weather: 5, brisk and clear
Encounters (3): 5, 6, 1 - they have an encounter just as they arrive in Lydonia
  • P. 212 of GM’s Guide has 7 districts: likely encounter locations are the Domes (Temple), Silk Quarter (Market), Raven Run (Artisan) and the Fletchers (Low), think I’ll roll a d6 with 5 being a tavern encounter and 6 being a forest one.
Encounter location roll: 1, something happens in the Domes
Encounter Roll (temple table): 8. A crowd clamors to touch a holy relic carried on a platform
Rolling luxury item (SD p.279): Mithril Wine Decanter, perhaps a gift from the dwarves.

 
The Forest-City of Lydonia

Our duo arrive at the sweeping and curving paths through the Forest-city of Lydonia, travelers coming to and go. They avoid the Fletcher’s District and hope they’ll find cheaper dinner and accomodations past the Temple District, but struggle to get through crowds gathered in the Domes.
“What’s going on?” Rodolfio asks his taller companion. Orren tiptoes up and tries to peer over the heads.
“Priests are carrying a fancy jug to the Temple of Madeera, it looks like. These elves sure get excited about wine.”
“I’m excited about wine,” the halfling says. “We’ve been on the road for three days. What say we skirt this crowd and find a tavern that sells it in more ordinary jugs?” 
  • Rolling a random tavern, and what the heck, an encounter there since these guys don’t seem as excited about the Mithril Decanter.
16, 7, 17. The Blade & Trident, Hostility towards non-regulars
Encounter: 3. 2d6 Overlord's Assassins sweep in and scan the crowd.
Rolled 11. That's a lot of Assassins!What is going on?
  • A surly temple district tavern, being raided by a mage-king’s enforcer squad. The factions here are probably King of the Wood vs the Heart of the Thorns.

Hex 5612 - The Blade & Trident in Lydonia

The two step into the Blade & Trident, and are immediately met with glares from the occupants. The restless penitents and lower priests here lean devout, and do not care for strangers. The two of them trade skeptical looks about their choice of tavern and sidle up to the bar cautiously.
“Ho there, barkeep,” Orren attempts, projecting as much friendliness as possible. “We’re just looking for a bite to eat and a drink, and perhaps some advice as to where to find lodging—”
The door slams open. Eight rough-looking elves in the green dress of King Sindalian march in, taking formation and moving near exits. They are followed by three Investigators. One of them steps up and announces themselves.
“By order of the council of eight, we have learned that seditious magic and traffic with the occult has occured here. Such dangerous corruption must be rooted out and pacified, and if necessary, punished by the crime of death!”
  • This sounds like an oracle question. Are there Thorn cultists in this bar?
Oracle Roll: 2. That's a negative.

Many of the patrons look at each other and the Investigators nervously. One of them swallows and, goaded by hard looks from his companions, speaks up.
“You’ll find no traffickers in witchcraft here, inquisitor. Just penitents. And whoever these strangers are.” He points at Rodolfio and Orren.
“We shall see,” the investigator growls. She looks about.
  • Another oracle roll, 1-9 she focuses on our companions, 11-20 she shakes down the patrons.
Oracle Roll: 17. Patrons it is.

The investigator’s eyes sweep across Orren and Rodolfio, taking in their road-dust and unwashed demeanor.
“Travelers, mm? And clearly freshly arrived, at that. Our information pertains to embedded worshippers, but don’t you move!”
She looks back at the pilgrim who spoke up.
“Alright, talk! What do you know of the Heart of Thorns? And be warned, I am an adept of the studied oracle, and an expert at spotting lies.” She begins twisting her hands, forming magic at him.
  • She casts Charm Person on the Pilgrim, if she succeeds, the Pilgrim reveals a rumor.
Spellcasting Check: 18. The Pilgrim is beguiled by the inquisitor.

“The Heart of Thorns? N-not much, I heard of a strange child who wandered into Wodenshire last year. With a strange black goat, that could speak. But none here would traffic with such things, I assure you. We are devout!”
The Investigator thinks on this for a bit.
“I believe you, pilgrim. Perhaps our information misled us. Wodenshire is far far to the west, and we seek corruption here, within sight of the Pale Citadel.”
The other two investigators move through the crowd, questioning the patrons. Orren decides that these agents may be just the folks to warn about Crookbranch, and he approaches the leader.
“We were traveling from Estinn,” he says. “And were waylaid by fairies. They were after children, likely for a witch. They named Mammy Crookbranch, and spoke of her lair in the Northwestern woods.”
The Investigator eyes him warily, but ultimately nods.
“This is the first we’ve heard of her, but there have been some alarming rumors, and the dark fey are forever hungry.”
“We were considering facing her ourselves, but we are not wise in the ways of magic. We also have a message for the King, given to us by the Silver Unicorn.”
Her eyes widen, just barely, and then narrow, a bit suspicious. “The king is quite busy, but I am in his employ. I can relay such a message,” she answers.
Orren considers her for a bit, and decides that she is a suitable entry into the chain of command. He looks at Rodolfio, who steps forward and speaks up.
“The Unicorn spoke of dark things to the Northwest. Breeding creatures in a pit, and howlings from the North.”
The Investigator nods. “The King has been at war with the spiderfolk of the ravine for as long as I have been alive. I would not be surprised if they were building up their forces once again. I will relay your report.”
Orren nods. “Long have I dreamed of joining the King’s Wolves. Do you know the criteria for acceptance? I would seek to aid in the work of justice and protection in these Reaches, and face such things as are spawned in the spiderpits.”
The investigator shakes her head. “If you were to observe such a place, your ambition would be dampened, I assure you. But the king’s agents do seem fearless. They accept only the courageous and the capable. A great deed would go far to impress them.”
“Like facing this witch?”
“Perhaps, but I cannot encourage such folly. Certainly not if you are without magic.”
“Are there others who might help us? Practitioners of the art, such as you?”
“The Emerald Temple is nearby, a holy place for followers of Ord, many of them trained in the practice. You may find someone there.”
“May we leave?” Orren asks. The investigator nods, and the pair leave the Blade & Trident.

Hex 5612 - Meal and Lodging at Cup & Candle

Rolled Tavern: 18, 7, 5. The Cup & Candle, known for rare food and drinks

“This is a much nicer place,” Rodolfio says, as they dig into an exotic meal and drink some house ale. “Now that we’ve found some respite, I believe you owe me five gold.”
“That I do, friend, but I hope our journey together isn’t over,” Orren says, counting out coins from his purse and sliding them over to the halfling. “Certainly we’re both still feeling cheap enough to sleep in the common room tonight.”
“That we are. I wonder if a woodwitch has much treasure,” the halfling considers.
“Tomorrow perhaps the sages of the Emerald Temple could tell us. I’m exhausted. It’ll be nice to sleep in a bed, even among the snorings of strangers.”

Hex 5612 - The Emerald Temple

The next day after a light breakfast the pair head to the Emerald Temple, a grand dome among the trees decorated with celestial symbology and magical runes. Many sages and acolytes gather about, discussing knowledge and the pursuit of it.
  • I’ve rolled a mage I want to join the party, but I’m not sure what she’s doing there. Let’s roll a prompt.
Prompt Roll: 48, 45. "Evolve Ambush". I decide Norabria was seeking acceptance into the next tier of knowledge ("evolution"), only to find that her colleagues were waiting to cast her ambitions aside.

They see a small crowd of younger mages with a priest causing a bit of a scene with a tall, attractive elf, barring her entry into the Temple.
“Leave, Norabria! The Hand of Six has determined that you are not yet worthy.”
“Ord accepts all those who seek knowledge,” the elf insists. “Truly, I believe that I am ready. Not through prayer, but through study. I have mastered the art of fire and the mysteries of the unconscious. I was given to understand that I would be accepted.”
“A few simple spells mean little to us,” one of the mages says. “Truly you must understand the  deeper secrets to attain enlightenment among our ranks.”
“And what are these secrets?” she asks.
“We can’t tell you. They’re secret.”
The elf groans and throws her arms up in frustration. The small crowd keeps her way barred, and she descends back down the stairs to slump frustrated upon a bench. Orren approaches, Rodolfio following.
“Well those guys seem like they’re jerks,” Orren says.
“I don’t even know why I want to join the Hand of the Six, really,” she admits. “Bunch of star-gazers and secret-hoarders. I just wanted to learn some better magic.”
“I don’t know too much about magic,” Orren admits, “but we are looking for help in facing a magic-wielder.”
“I know a bit about magic,” Rodolfio comments, and Orren looks at him with surprise. The old halfling shrugs. “What, I’ve been around the woods, and I was raised by elves. They talk about magic with wisdom, not with the fear of humans or my birthfolk.” He turns to the elf. “I know that there is much magic across the world, far more than there often is in these green cloistered domes.”
“You sound like you’re trying to get me to go adventuring with you.”
Orren blushes a little. “Is it that obvious? I’m Orren Nightleaf, and this is my friend Rodolfio Benniti. We can offer exploration and danger, and an equal share of our findings. And first choice of any magic we find.”
  • While of course I’m using a bit of DM fiat here to get Norabria to join them, the secret I rolled for her is that she pretends to be married, which makes sense as a small deceit of a lone woman trying to make her way.
 
A new Elven Companion

“I am Norabria Tirolas. I guess I don’t have a whole lot going on at the moment, but I should check with my husband.”
Orren looks around, and tries to hide a flicker of disappointment. “Oh, is he here? Uhh… Is he by any chance a capable adventurer, fearless in the face of danger?”
Norabria looks slightly embarrassed, and even a touch wistful. “I wish. Tell me more of your quest, so that I can let him know how long I’ll be gone.”
They explain their concerns of a witch trying to kidnap children, and Norabria is sincerely touched by their resolve, even if she’s concerned about their chances to face such a thing.
“I can bring living creatures to involuntary rest if need be, but it doesn’t work on more powerful beings. The smart thing to do would be to find if she has some weaknesses.”
Orren looks to the temple. “Would these Ordian priests know of such things in their books?”
She considers this. “They might, but they are quite busy for the coming celebration of Equilibrium. Winter’s first new moon forbids them from practicing magic.”
“Well, we can always try,” Orren says.
  • Oracle question whether the Emerald Temple gives knowledge of monsters to supplicants.
Oracle check: 6. That's a negatory. The priests of the God of Secrets... keeps those secrets.

They are turned away at the doors, and even mocked a bit. Norabria believes that there are books in there that may hold the answer to defeating a Weald Hag. Orren thinks for a time over lunch, and then proposes that they sneak in and try to uncover it.
“You’re asking me to blaspheme my God, invade his sacred temple,” Norabria frowns.
“Does not your God favor those who gather knowledge and preserve it?” Orren counters. Norabria hems and haws, but her bad experience with the Hand of Six makes her spiteful enough to agree.
“I don’t know if this is a great idea,” Rodolfio says, “but I don’t like the idea of facing a woodwitch without some secret weapons, so let’s raid the Temple of Secrets.”
“We’ll wait till dark,” Orren says. “You guys can trust me, I’ve done this kind of thing before.”
“Successfully?” Rodolfio asks.
“No comment,” says Orren. 
 

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