Post by mikep on Jun 28, 2017 15:31:09 GMT
It seems the Gnolls are a persistent threat to the denizens of Daring Heights. Val and Erik, bold fighters both, and I determined we would do something about it. I will admit that the bonus of gold for each of them we dispatched was an added incentive.
We had heard rumour that the Gnolls had established a camp in the woods several miles to the North West of town. We headed North towards the Lighthouse Tree. On the way we saw a magnificent beast, a huge brown stag with golden antlers off in the hills. As we followed its path we spotted a lone woman heading back into town. Appearances are often deceptive, and in this case very much so. Something felt wrong with her tale, of her foraging party being surprised and taken by Gnolls, she somehow managing to escape. We 'invited' her to accompany us, and after a short while she attempted to escape.
We restrained her, but she fought like no normal human, hitting harder with her bare hands than most can manage with a weapon, twisting and writhing in a way no person should be able to. After injuring both Val and I, we regretfully dispatched her, only to watch the corpse morph into a featureless humanoid. A Doppelganger that read our minds and shifted into a form most likely to convince us of good intent. We were fortunate to put instinct ahead of niceties.
The Lighthouse tree gave us good vantage to observe the wood, and also provided an unexpected bonus. Now the summer is here, the fruit is ripening and has restorative properties. After a short rest to decide our approach and consume some fruit we approached the wood.
Three gnolls and two hyenas had their planned ambush turned on them, and once we claimed our trophies we entered the woods proper. We could hear drums and chanting from deep within. As we explored we uncovered the ruins of a temple, but had our investigations interrupted by more gnolls. During the combat Val stepped onto a stone that collapsed, revealing a chamber beneath.
With the shadows growing long, and the chanting intensifying, we took shelter in the chamber. Or at least that was the plan. The magical glow that accompanied our entrance meant we took shelter further inside. There we encountered Balakelmor, of whom I have written separately.
We explained our presence to it, and Balakelmor agreed to assist us in removing the Gnolls. It did so in the most spectacular of ways. In the Gnoll camp was an enormous toad-like, lizard-like biped. A demon of sorts, it was transforming hyenas into Gnolls. Balakelmor filled us with strength and then rained fire on the camp, burning many to death. While we dispatched the remainder from a distance, it tackled the demon.
I regret to say the demon escaped, although it was gravely injured. We can but hope that at least for now Gnolls will be less of a problem as a result.
There were beast caged at the camp, but also two unusual humanoids, covered in spines. One of them introduced himself as Tarmin, of the Erina. They have a settlement to the Southwest of Daring Heights. They are aware of us, but until now have kept away. They will be in contact, and give the town a reward for our efforts.
I have acquired an Amulet. It allows me to understand languages that were previously unknown to me, but appears to scare the dogs and cats around town. Perhaps I shall trade it with a mage who has no fondness for domestic animals.
We had heard rumour that the Gnolls had established a camp in the woods several miles to the North West of town. We headed North towards the Lighthouse Tree. On the way we saw a magnificent beast, a huge brown stag with golden antlers off in the hills. As we followed its path we spotted a lone woman heading back into town. Appearances are often deceptive, and in this case very much so. Something felt wrong with her tale, of her foraging party being surprised and taken by Gnolls, she somehow managing to escape. We 'invited' her to accompany us, and after a short while she attempted to escape.
We restrained her, but she fought like no normal human, hitting harder with her bare hands than most can manage with a weapon, twisting and writhing in a way no person should be able to. After injuring both Val and I, we regretfully dispatched her, only to watch the corpse morph into a featureless humanoid. A Doppelganger that read our minds and shifted into a form most likely to convince us of good intent. We were fortunate to put instinct ahead of niceties.
The Lighthouse tree gave us good vantage to observe the wood, and also provided an unexpected bonus. Now the summer is here, the fruit is ripening and has restorative properties. After a short rest to decide our approach and consume some fruit we approached the wood.
Three gnolls and two hyenas had their planned ambush turned on them, and once we claimed our trophies we entered the woods proper. We could hear drums and chanting from deep within. As we explored we uncovered the ruins of a temple, but had our investigations interrupted by more gnolls. During the combat Val stepped onto a stone that collapsed, revealing a chamber beneath.
With the shadows growing long, and the chanting intensifying, we took shelter in the chamber. Or at least that was the plan. The magical glow that accompanied our entrance meant we took shelter further inside. There we encountered Balakelmor, of whom I have written separately.
We explained our presence to it, and Balakelmor agreed to assist us in removing the Gnolls. It did so in the most spectacular of ways. In the Gnoll camp was an enormous toad-like, lizard-like biped. A demon of sorts, it was transforming hyenas into Gnolls. Balakelmor filled us with strength and then rained fire on the camp, burning many to death. While we dispatched the remainder from a distance, it tackled the demon.
I regret to say the demon escaped, although it was gravely injured. We can but hope that at least for now Gnolls will be less of a problem as a result.
There were beast caged at the camp, but also two unusual humanoids, covered in spines. One of them introduced himself as Tarmin, of the Erina. They have a settlement to the Southwest of Daring Heights. They are aware of us, but until now have kept away. They will be in contact, and give the town a reward for our efforts.
I have acquired an Amulet. It allows me to understand languages that were previously unknown to me, but appears to scare the dogs and cats around town. Perhaps I shall trade it with a mage who has no fondness for domestic animals.
