Carried Away Like A Full-Moon Shadow - 22/02/2022 - A Kavel

Kavel’s Corner!

It was a full moon yesterday. There had been reports of slaughtered sleep in the surrounding farms of Fort Ettin last month, and now again. Someone in the Fort would probably look into that mystery.

In unrelated news, Tim and Sampson have been productive, hard working members of Kavel’s Corner, here in Fort Ettin. They’ve been here a couple months now, and haven’t once transformed into their werewolf forms. They say they’ve really got a handle on it. They don’t experience any of the things for which people call it ‘a curse’, and I know this because they told me so.

Derthaad did some research for me and told me that lycans often suffer bloodlusts, especially around a full moon, but in my bros experience - that’s not true. In fact, there only appears to be upsides to lycanthropy. For example, when I enter my fighting rage, I’m pretty resistant to anything my opponent wants to hit me with. But, Tim and Sampson, due to the lycanthropy, are immune to all weapons! Well… as long as the weapon isn’t magical, like for example a silver weapon. But, they also get to transform into a hulking wolf, which is pretty badass, and they still get to be goliath too, which again is also pretty badass. So, at this point, I’m surprised I haven’t already accepted the offer to be turned into a werewolf, which was made back when the boys were under Mestiphles, the lamia's mind control. But then, a werebear would be even better than a werewolf. Maybe I’ll hold out for that.

It was cold today. The wind was crisp. Tim and Sampson were already doing deadlifts at my gym with the adamantine bar they brought back from the temple near White Dragon in the Sunset Spines. The adamantine bar was the only reliable bar that would hold the large stone weights us boys could lift. The boys had a slight paunch today. It’s good to eat well before a big lift - more energy!

I had spoken to my OG comrades about our brother Kruger who ran away when the lamia’s mind control came to an end when I drove the end of my poleaxe into her head. They did not know why our brother ran, but it’s been two months now, and finally I have a team to go find bro Kruger and have him join us here at Fort Ettin.


Kavel’s ‘Team Kruger’ Team

I had a bunch of excellent comrades to come help me and my bros track Kruger, comrades; Derthaad, Gerhard and Levuka.

Derthaad has some pretty powerful magic spells, but he’s also a City Watch Investigator. As an investigator, Derthaad’s job is to find things. What better person to have on the team to find Kruger? Then there was comrade Gerhard, he’s really good at tracking and scouting. Last week, I was on a mission for Gerhard to find his lost friend Henri. Derthaad was there too. We ended up on the moon at one point. It was very exciting! But, unfortunately Gerhard did not manage to find Henri. Perhaps helping me find Kruger will be cathartic for him? In further unrelated news, Gerhard acquired a magical silver bow whilst we were on the moon.

Lastly, Levuka is proficient with nature magic. I think we will find Kruger in the wild, so Levuka will be very good to have on the team. One time, when I was with Levuka hunting down thieves who took the leather that was being used to make her brigandine, Levuka casted a nature spell that helped track the thieves… or was that Kelne who did that? No matter, I had Levuka now.

Unexpectedly a woman dressed like Sorrel, but without her face covered, strolled over to Kavel’s Corner and gave me a hug. It turned out this was comrade Sorrel - she just wasn’t wearing her mask!

I hadn’t seen Sorrel since we explored the safe of the shop Thistle Do Nicely. I feel she is normally in Daring Heights, and since I’m more in Fort Ettin now, I see her rarely. Sorrel mentioned she was here and having ‘women problems’ and would be happy to help me - cause it’s me, her comrade - and she needed a distraction. The boys liked it when she learnt they were werewolves, and she referred to them as ‘moon-touched.’ It was great to see her no matter what, and now it meant I had two trackers on my Kruger team. Finding Kruger was going to be so easy!

I told everybody the plan. First, I asked everybody to get a good look at; me, Tim and Sampson. Derthaad and Gerhard already knew what Kruger looked like, because they were there helping me bash in Mestiphiles’ head. But it was important for Sorrel and Levuka to get an impression of the goliath ‘type’ they were looking for. It was also worth getting an impression of the werewolf they were looking for too, so I asked Tim and Sampson to transform here in the Training Yard, in front of everyone. Tim and Sampson were a bit reluctant to do so, but did so anyway. There were some onlookers in the Fort who froze when they saw my large goliath brothers turn into a pair of hulking wolves. The onlookers must have been frozen in awe, I guess. But, what was important was now everyone on Team Kruger roughly knew what they were looking for. So Team Kruger was now ready.

My team disagreed, and said we weren’t ready. They told me I didn’t actually have a plan.
They also thought I didn’t really understand how tracking worked, and that seeing Tim and Sampson as werewolves wasn’t enough information. The team also told me that having two trackers on a team doesn’t automatically mean the task will be twice as easy. But, we did agree that starting at Kruger’s last seen location - the temple in the Sunset Spines - was a good place to start.


Kruger Team Travel to the Sunset Spines

We took what was a very familiar path to me, Derthaad and Gerhard. It was a half day walk to get to the tip of the Feythorn Forest, where we could follow it round to the west to approach the Sunset Spines.

When we made camp, I asked Tim and Sampson if it was because we were Iron Strong goliaths that they didn’t have problems with the werewolf curse. The boys looked back and forth at each other before answering. I guess they wanted to be sure they articulated their response well. They both agreed that they indeed had no problems with the curse and it was because they were Iron Strong goliaths. This is why you should prioritise strength!

The next morning, we walked another six hours to get to the temple in the Sunset Spines. Levuka asked many questions about lamias. My answers were not satisfying, I could not describe Mestiphiles very well. Derthaad and Gerhard took over explaining. They used the term, ‘lion lady’ and clarity was gained.

At the temple, Sorrel casted a nature magic spell to talk to the plants. This was interesting, but it only confirmed that the last time Kruger was here was when he ran away over the bridge.
Derthaad managed to find Kruger’s chalk bag from inside the temple.

Levuka casted a spell that helps locate creatures. She was trying to locate Kruger, by trying to locate the nearest goliath - her spell located me, since I was standing beside her. Unfortunately with three goliaths nearby, we couldn’t use Levuka’s spell to locate the missing goliath.

At a bit of a loss, we went back over the bridge and down the mountain path. It was dark again by the time we got to the foothills. North of our location was Turning Fields, and on the horizon east was the Feythorn forest. We made camp.

An hour or so before dawn, Sorrel and Levuka woke us all up. They saw a campfire in the distance, glinting off of the mountain at the base nearer to the Turning Fields.

We set off to investigate the other camp. When we got there we found three individuals, who introduced themselves as; Terrence - who was a pretty tall dwarf, Gerald - a middle aged ginger-furred tabaxi, and Bobbie - a younger looking female human with ginger hair tied in a ponytail.

Levuka told the new people that we were looking for a mountain-born like myself. They warned us that there were monsters about. They were equipped for fighting. Terrence had a battleaxe and we could see Gerald had a crossbow nearby. To help clarify who we were looking for, I told the new people that Kruger wasn’t just a goliath, he was a werewolf as well, thus we were looking for not just one awesome creature, but two. The new people were agitated by the mention of a werewolf, and I noticed that their weapons were like Gerhard’s; silver coated. I guessed these were also ‘Calls’ like Gerhard’s longbow, but Gerhard said this wasn’t the case - they were monster bounty hunters.

The bounty hunters said they had picked up a bounty from a nearby farm. The farmers had put a bounty out because of a monster attack which led to a humanoid being killed whilst protecting their livestock. The hunters also mentioned they had tracked a large wolf up to the Turning Fields. Kantas is filled with monsters, so this didn’t mean Kruger was responsible for the killings.

Derthaad fulfilled the diplomatic role in Glint’s absence and explained to the new people that Kruger was turned by a lamia, and that contrary to their belief, the curse could be removed back in Daring Heights at the Temple of Selune. The hunters were accepting of our offer to capture Kruger and bring him back to Daring Heights. If we achieved this, the hunters would be able to pick up their bounty without having to kill anyone.


Tracking Kruger In The Turning Fields

We wanted to be silent when tracking Kruger. We didn’t want to startle our bro. Sorrel had to keep the bounty hunters in line, they were terrible at being stealthy. We were able to track some droplets of blood for a ½ mile from our starting point into the Turning Fields. We found some more blood droplets and broken trigs further east and headed further in. We found some sheep wool, and then got a bit stuck. I saw some squirrels hiding in the trees up above and since I was proficient in speaking with animals, I asked them if they had seen any people like me, or a very large wolf. They gave us some directions and we followed them. A mile further in and Gerhard was able to spot that the brush had been bent by a large creature with large wolf paw prints. We headed further north. We came to a small lake. Kruger had waddled through it and we followed his tracks west. A ½ mile in we came across a fairly fresh wolf turd and some tracks that went off northwest. We were stuck for a bit. We knew Kruger had picked a turd spot, but where did he go after taking a turd? Levuka climbed a tree, and told us to keep going west.

Another mile in, Derthaad used his Cube of Myriad Forms to cast an eagle familiar. Further west the eagle found a deer carcass. When we got to the deer carcass, Sorrel had a nature spell I was expecting more from Levuka, who I had seen once conjure pixies with it. Sorrel casted Conjure Animals and eight giant owls went scouting for us and took us further north in the Turning Fields.

The bounty hunters looked a little tired. We’d been following a trail for eight hours now. Gerhard used his Iridescent Apple, which we got from the Magical Library and it told us that Kruger was northeast of where we were.

Finally, after all that time, over a hundred feet away was Kruger in his giant wolf form asleep, making a low rumbling snore. I asked one of my comrades to cast the Pass Without A Trace spell. We thought it best if just the Iron Strong approached Kruger. Hopefully, we would get close, and hopefully Kruger wouldn’t be freaked out by the others.


Hello Kruger Old Bro

The bounty hunters were getting ready. I said no! Levuka and Derthaard persuaded them to leave it to us. Me and my goliath comrades walked slowly towards our bro, as he slept curled up in a dog sausage beside an oak tree. The size of us made it hard for Gerald to get line of sight on Kruger with his crossbow. Sorrel and Gerhard were watching them. Levuka and Derthaad covered the flanks, so Kruger couldn’t just dash away to the left or right.

Tim, Sampson and I were now ten feet away from our sleeping werewolf comrade. I had a thought that I gave voice to:

“Bros, this is definitely Kruger, and not some other large wolf, right? Could it be Derek the human? He also ran.”

“No Kavel, this is Kruger,” Sampson confirmed for me, and I guess Kruger heard us, because his ears went straight up and his eyes opened, and he sprung up on his fours. Posture defensive and mouth snarling. Kruger heard us, but maybe he doesn’t recognise his bros?

“Bro! Relax! It’s your bros, Tim, Sampson and Kavel!” This did not immediately relax my bro, as I was hoping it would, but he did revert back to goliath form, although he stepped back and pinned himself to the tree. He was afraid, and he was nervous. My poor bro. It turned out that he was ashamed that gaining strength via lycanthropy was not the Iron Strong way. We work hard and earn our gains, and we earn those gains through effort and discipline. Kruger did not feel very disciplined as a werewolf. He felt taken-over, and all the strength gains were given. Maybe Tim and Sampson are less ashamed, because they can control the bloodlust? The bloodlust was the issue which was causing Kruger the most shame. It turned out he did cause the death of an innocent civilian. He says he couldn’t control himself, and that the bloodlust is taking control, and that he’s changing into a werewolf more frequently now. I feel sorry for my bro. Whilst it isn’t his fault that he is diseased, he bears some level of responsibility for the civilian’s death, atleast to the degree that his body caused it, and he has the memories. But, does this mean it’s his fault? I would say no. But I am not entirely certain.

I told Kruger, he should come and be with his bros, because we can take him to people that can remove the curse. He said this would not absolve him of killing the innocent civilian. Thankfully I had Sorrel here. Sorrel had left Gerhard to watch the bounty hunters by himself, and approached Kruger. She made the point that if Kruger stays out here, nothing will change. It may even get worse. But, if he comes with his bros, gets the curse removed at the Temple of Selune; then there’s a chance for redemption. Derthaad, who was guarding the flanks with Levuka approached and as our law man, he explained that there is work Kruger could do to attempt to make amends. Kruger agreed, but was so worried about harming us at night on the two day journey back. Levuka had some manacles, for whatever reason, and this satisfied Kruger.

So, with a shackled Kruger, we were able to walk back to the bounty hunter's campfire in front of the Turning Fields, and make camp. As before, we agreed to have one goliath on watch at all times. Sampson agreed, “with a werewolf to guard, it will definitely help to have a goliath on watch at all times to protect those smaller than us.” Sampson said that as he patted Derthaad, the seven foot dragonborn on his head.

I took the last watch with Sorrel. I asked her if she reckoned if Tim and Sampson should also have the curse removed. She said that not all were-creatures are bad. The non-evil ones worship Selune. I told her Silvia keeps trying to find her. Sorrel said we could only talk about that back in town over drinks.


Daring Heights Bound

It was a slow, heavy walk to Daring Heights. Kruger was a defeated man and dragging his footsteps. I really hoped as I watched him, head low, that the curse could be removed and he’d feel better.

The bounty hunters insisted on accompanying us to the Temple of Selune to see the curse removed. Levuka casted the Summon Creatures spell to summon eight draft horses and used her nature magic some more to turn herself into a draft horse. This thankfully made the journey easier and a bit faster.


Kavel Visits The Temple Of Selune (Second Time)

Tiff, the junior acolyte that greeted us recognised Sorrel at once, as one of the temple’s own. Sorrel explained the situation - there are three werewolves in the temple - so the acolyte went to fetch Rholor, the high diviner here. The bounty hunters looked a little shocked. It occurred to me that they didn’t realise until now that Tim and Sampson were also werewolves.

An older gentleman with brown hair and beard came out from the back rooms. With authority he had a go at the bounty hunters who looked like they wanted to use their silvered weapons in the temple. Rholar’s tone and presence got them in line. Rholor was strong. He impressed me. Rholor’s five minute speech about his devotion to Selune on the other hand did little for me.

The high diviner approached Kruger. Kruger admitted freely that he no longer wanted the curse. Kruger asked forgiveness for the bad things he had done as a werewolf. Rholor began muttering words like I see all my magical comrades do when they are about to cast certain spells. A pale, white light shone over Kruger’s head, and then vanished. Kruger, gasped in relief when the white light vanished and dropped to his knees sobbing. Tim, Sampson and I walked over to our kneeling bro, knelt down around him and wrapped him up on our arms, and let him feel our weight on him. His bros were with him and glad he felt relief after all this time without us, on his own, suffering shame about actions he took, whilst he was a passenger to his werewolf desires. We will help our bro get back to doing the things he enjoys in time.

Rholor asked who else amongst us were werewolves, looking directly at the mountain of goliath muscle huddled on the floor. I looked up and said, “Tim and Sampson are also werewolves. They offered to turn me, but in truth I was holding out for a werebear.”

Rholar seemed amused by my answer. I’m not sure why. No offence to my werewolf bros, but werebears are stronger.

Rholar asked Tim and Sampson if they were experiencing any problems with bloodlust or doing anything out of control. Of course they told him no, which was the truth, because that’s what they told me. Rholar had Tim and Sampson follow him out back for a private talk. Rholar, I imagined, was giving my bros expert advice on lycanthropy management. They all came back fifteen minutes later. Tim and Sampson looked like they had just been told off by the head teacher, which was odd, given they were getting one-on-one advice about lycanthropy management.

My adventuring comrades wanted to call it a day, now that Kruger was safe. The bounty hunters had already left. It had been a long few days, I didn’t blame them. I thanked them for all their help as they left. Gerhard wanted to know what was on my agenda now that I’d found Kruger. I wasn’t sure, but with four Iron Strong Company goliaths in Kantas, the thought that Gadenthor was crying out for Irong Strong methods did enter my mind. I impressed one gym so much with my amazing lift, that opening up a gym or partnering with a gym in Gadenthor seemed like a good idea.

Sorrel stayed, when the others left. I presumed she might have a residence here. But then she said we should have a chat, and Tim and Sampson took our bro Kruger back to the rooms in Fort Ettin.


Sister Sorrel In The Temple Of Selune

Everyone had left the main hall in the temple, including the acolytes. Only me and Sorrel remained.

“How are you feeling Kavel?” Asked Sorrel

I felt uncertain and worried for my bro Kruger. We sat down next to each other on the altar, and I explained my concerns. Kruger was clearly ashamed of what he had done as a werewolf. But Kruger is Iron Strong and he can see that Tim and Sampson are not experiencing the same problems he experienced, possibly because their Iron Strong training has helped them contain any bloodlust issues. So Kruger, having succumbed to the lycanthropy bloodlust probably feels he is not as strong as his brothers, as if he has let us down and not our equals anymore. But he is. He is very strong and belongs with his bros. But I didn’t think he felt that way.

Sorrel asked me what we do in the Iron Strong Company when we face a struggle. I said if we can’t reach a new strength height, we don’t give up, we change the training method. Sometimes you need to alter the training method for a bit. Sometimes you need to simply stay at the same level, or even go back a few levels. But eventually, the hard work pays off. I said to Sorrel that we would stay with Kruger, help him find what training he needed, make sure he does his training and keep watch over him until we see him smile again.

“Sounds good, Kavel,” came Sorrel’s reply to what I told her.

I asked Sorrel about her own problems. She mentioned she wasn’t sleeping well. She sounded like she had a good understanding about what could be causing her reduced sleep. She mentioned jungle wars and what sounded like problems people get if they experience too much horror. I told her she was welcome to stay with me and the bros, if she wasn’t sleeping well. She thanked me, but said she was fine.

“Hey Sorrel. How come Silvia asks about you in an almost defensive manner?” Sorrel smiled, and reminded me we needed drinks before we could talk about that subject. She said she enjoyed seeing me, and that I was a reliable, consistent individual, and important to her. I remembered I had something for her!

I opened up my bag, and pulled out two pairs of exercise heavy clubs. Two of them were the same weight Sorrel used when I first showed her single hand drills with clubs. Now she had a pair for double drills. As well as that, I made two other pairs in the next weight up for her. As I said to her, when she got used to the next pair up, the lighter pair would be good for warm ups and rehabilitative work. All four of the clubs I made myself with my wood carving skills. I carved the weight into each of them, and did a neat little cartoon face of a hooded and masked Sorrell on each of them - all lacquered, too.

Sorrel was pleased with her gift, and I was glad. She thanked me, touched my arm and said I was her brother. She turned around after she said that with her arm still on me. I think she is strange if she feels embarrassed to say very nice things to me. I wanted to let her know I thought being her brother is nice, so I moved her hand from my shoulder and hugged her back while she still had her head turned away from me. I thought I could feel her smile, even though I couldn’t see her face. I also thought for someone so tactically proficient, she had just given me her back. I am super strong compared to her. I could suplex her into the stone floor with ease. I wasn’t going to, of course. I guess this just goes to show she is comfortable with her goliath brother, so whilst hugging her back, I said, “yeah you are my human sister.”

We promised to come see each other again, even though I am now based in Fort Ettin more than Daring Heights, and we would follow up on training each other. I was very pleased to tell her I followed her training advice and did very well. It was no problem for me to set up a swinging tree stump for me to practise my quick movements and try and bring her tactical quickness into my own skillset. At first, I noticed that it’s not as if a swinging tree stump could hurt me. I even noticed I could just punch the tree stump, if it came back at me before I moved out the way. I did observe that my not needing to fear getting hit by the tree stump was beside the point, and once I got into the drills, I eventually made progress.

I said goodbye to Sorrel and left the Temple.

On the way back to Fort Ettin, I suddenly thought, “what about Derek, the other werewolf that ran away when Mestiphiles mind control ended?” This could be a problem for civilians. Oops. Oh well, Derek was a human werewolf. I’ll leave him to the bounty hunters.