Post by Angier Shantarathil on Jul 25, 2021 22:41:22 GMT
I can tell Regis is warming to me. There is still the regular screeches and scratches, but he appears not unhappy resting on my arm or head as we walk about. I send him into the air to circle above as I take a rare stroll through the grimy streets of Daring Heights. The noise and bustle of the city an affront to my senses. I need a break from this place, a wander in a forest, to touch the wild lands and feel the leaves.
One of the "help wanted" signs indicates a mission out to Angelbark Forest. Perfect! A gang of us meet up and head to the Academy. An eclectic group as ever, I recognise one as the fiery Glint, a friend from my first day in this land. We also have Elran, Derthaad, Masayoshi, and Tayz Dale. The variety of adventurers is always fascinating.
Our mission is to assist one Archibald Tumblefoot in researching the forest and its inhabitants. It'd be fun to research Mr Tumblefoot himself, the halfling commands some level of seniority at the Academy, and appears to reside in a fortress of books piled upon and around his desk. An underling brings him a copy of the Kantasian Bestiary, 3rd volume. Previous volumes are filled with coastal beasts, now he wishes to fill it out with those of the forest. While the others negotiate prices, I make my way back to the door, eager to get on with the trip.
We eventually head out, north, towards Bloody Creek. The journey is uneventful as we jaunt over the rolling hills, bathed in the pleasing warmth of the sun. Tayz, the Aarakocra, flies overhead keeping an eye out, and Regis joins him. Though I've yet to get the damn hawk to help me in that regard. One day this'll be a balanced partnership. I look for tracks to ensure we are on the right path, it turns out we are indeed on well trodden track and there's people walking past us. Open fields have never been my strongest biome. Oh for a tree.
We come upon Bloody Creek, a small collection of houses on either side of a creek. And there, adorning the horizon, lies Angelbark Forest. While the others discuss who to talk to in order to get information on what might be waiting for us ahead, I crack on and jog down to the forest. Admittedly, yes it'd be wise to talk to the locals first. But I'm not called Angier the Wise. I'm Angier, Trees Bane.
Of course, safety in numbers and all that, so I stop at the edge of the forest. Peering into the dark interior it is inviting, but one must always be a bit careful in these mystical places. I run my hand along the bark, such excitement to feel its woody texture. But there is something wrong. A little off. I peel off a piece of bark and smell it, then nibble a bit. It is just a hint, a hint of something affecting the tree. The grass and weeds around its roots are a little bowed. I sit to ponder this while waiting for the others to catch up.
A short time later I see Elran coming down the path and wave out to the tall firbolg. I share my misgivings and we discuss coming back in the morrows morning, now it has reached the middle of the evening. Mr Tumblefoot disgrees strongly. We head in. A couple of us scout ahead but see nothing untoward.
When we come upon a clearing, Tumblefoot sends us out in all directions seeking any interesting flora and fauna we find. Curious about this foul bark, I taste some more but find it to be no stronger or weaker. Elran follows close behind and asks the creatures scuttling about if they know any useful information. One squirrel peaks out and scurries up to him, he offers it a raisin and the pair go darting off into the forest. Firbolgs are the greatest.
We return to Tumblefoot. It has not been the most rewarding expedition so far. He should probably employ some actual, educated, researchers next time, not a bunch of random adventurers. But to counter that thought, a foul creature stumbles out of the tree line and into our clearing. We jump into action.
Tayz picks up Tumblefoot in his talons and flies him up into the trees and safety. A good idea. This creature, walking on vines, crowned in large flowers, looks almost beautiful. But the bones and skulls of unlucky travellers trapped in its gangly mess betray its intentions. A Corpse Flower.
A few spells go off, I cast out a fog cloud to confuse it. How smart can a walking plant abomination be? Unfortunately smart enough. It soon emerges from the fog, still stumbling towards us. Poor Derthaad gets too close and keels over from the rotting stench. Glint sets a snare, hoping to lure the beast onto it. I loose a few arrows from my longbow, but it doesn't seem to have much effect. Erlan sparkles in starlight and does the same. It is hard to tell if the beast really cares, as more bolts and lights flash.
It focuses on an illusion of Tumblefoot, giving the retching Derthaad a chance to recover and retreat. A tentacle lashes out and hits a glancing blow upon his back, but thankfully the dragonborn makes it up to my side. We loose more arrows and magical bolts, but it continues its advance. Masayoshi aids the wounded Darthaad who breathes out a terrifying blue, flaming, lightning field. Sometimes I'm not sure if I should be more scared of my companions than the creatures we fight.
Glint speaks something and the creature falls asleep. Phew. Things were getting a bit desperate. We gather up a few of the petals that fell off the Corpse Flower and give them to Tumblefoot, as he is returned to solid ground by Tayz. Wisely, we decide that is enough for the day and scarper out of the forest. Leaving the creature in its slumber. I wouldn't want to be here when it wakes.
Tumblefoot mentions possible future research missions into the forest. I take note. I am very keen to discover more here and see if I can make it a home perhaps. For now I take a rest at the tavern, in a room offered by the local priest, Father Jonathan.
The next morning when I awake I feel stronger, more in tune with my way of life. About me a swarm of dragonflies, ladybirds, beetles, butterflies and other bugs push me off the bed. This might take some practise to control.
One of the "help wanted" signs indicates a mission out to Angelbark Forest. Perfect! A gang of us meet up and head to the Academy. An eclectic group as ever, I recognise one as the fiery Glint, a friend from my first day in this land. We also have Elran, Derthaad, Masayoshi, and Tayz Dale. The variety of adventurers is always fascinating.
Our mission is to assist one Archibald Tumblefoot in researching the forest and its inhabitants. It'd be fun to research Mr Tumblefoot himself, the halfling commands some level of seniority at the Academy, and appears to reside in a fortress of books piled upon and around his desk. An underling brings him a copy of the Kantasian Bestiary, 3rd volume. Previous volumes are filled with coastal beasts, now he wishes to fill it out with those of the forest. While the others negotiate prices, I make my way back to the door, eager to get on with the trip.
We eventually head out, north, towards Bloody Creek. The journey is uneventful as we jaunt over the rolling hills, bathed in the pleasing warmth of the sun. Tayz, the Aarakocra, flies overhead keeping an eye out, and Regis joins him. Though I've yet to get the damn hawk to help me in that regard. One day this'll be a balanced partnership. I look for tracks to ensure we are on the right path, it turns out we are indeed on well trodden track and there's people walking past us. Open fields have never been my strongest biome. Oh for a tree.
We come upon Bloody Creek, a small collection of houses on either side of a creek. And there, adorning the horizon, lies Angelbark Forest. While the others discuss who to talk to in order to get information on what might be waiting for us ahead, I crack on and jog down to the forest. Admittedly, yes it'd be wise to talk to the locals first. But I'm not called Angier the Wise. I'm Angier, Trees Bane.
Of course, safety in numbers and all that, so I stop at the edge of the forest. Peering into the dark interior it is inviting, but one must always be a bit careful in these mystical places. I run my hand along the bark, such excitement to feel its woody texture. But there is something wrong. A little off. I peel off a piece of bark and smell it, then nibble a bit. It is just a hint, a hint of something affecting the tree. The grass and weeds around its roots are a little bowed. I sit to ponder this while waiting for the others to catch up.
A short time later I see Elran coming down the path and wave out to the tall firbolg. I share my misgivings and we discuss coming back in the morrows morning, now it has reached the middle of the evening. Mr Tumblefoot disgrees strongly. We head in. A couple of us scout ahead but see nothing untoward.
When we come upon a clearing, Tumblefoot sends us out in all directions seeking any interesting flora and fauna we find. Curious about this foul bark, I taste some more but find it to be no stronger or weaker. Elran follows close behind and asks the creatures scuttling about if they know any useful information. One squirrel peaks out and scurries up to him, he offers it a raisin and the pair go darting off into the forest. Firbolgs are the greatest.
We return to Tumblefoot. It has not been the most rewarding expedition so far. He should probably employ some actual, educated, researchers next time, not a bunch of random adventurers. But to counter that thought, a foul creature stumbles out of the tree line and into our clearing. We jump into action.
Tayz picks up Tumblefoot in his talons and flies him up into the trees and safety. A good idea. This creature, walking on vines, crowned in large flowers, looks almost beautiful. But the bones and skulls of unlucky travellers trapped in its gangly mess betray its intentions. A Corpse Flower.
A few spells go off, I cast out a fog cloud to confuse it. How smart can a walking plant abomination be? Unfortunately smart enough. It soon emerges from the fog, still stumbling towards us. Poor Derthaad gets too close and keels over from the rotting stench. Glint sets a snare, hoping to lure the beast onto it. I loose a few arrows from my longbow, but it doesn't seem to have much effect. Erlan sparkles in starlight and does the same. It is hard to tell if the beast really cares, as more bolts and lights flash.
It focuses on an illusion of Tumblefoot, giving the retching Derthaad a chance to recover and retreat. A tentacle lashes out and hits a glancing blow upon his back, but thankfully the dragonborn makes it up to my side. We loose more arrows and magical bolts, but it continues its advance. Masayoshi aids the wounded Darthaad who breathes out a terrifying blue, flaming, lightning field. Sometimes I'm not sure if I should be more scared of my companions than the creatures we fight.
Glint speaks something and the creature falls asleep. Phew. Things were getting a bit desperate. We gather up a few of the petals that fell off the Corpse Flower and give them to Tumblefoot, as he is returned to solid ground by Tayz. Wisely, we decide that is enough for the day and scarper out of the forest. Leaving the creature in its slumber. I wouldn't want to be here when it wakes.
Tumblefoot mentions possible future research missions into the forest. I take note. I am very keen to discover more here and see if I can make it a home perhaps. For now I take a rest at the tavern, in a room offered by the local priest, Father Jonathan.
The next morning when I awake I feel stronger, more in tune with my way of life. About me a swarm of dragonflies, ladybirds, beetles, butterflies and other bugs push me off the bed. This might take some practise to control.
