Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Forgotten Lore (Updated M-W-F)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 7495635" data-attributes="member: 143"><p>Chapter 205</p><p></p><p>They finally came to another outpost. This one they found by happenstance, since Brightbriar had become almost completely uncommunicative. The Tender followed where the others led but offered no further suggestions even when pressed. This time there was no doubt but that the place had been long, long abandoned. Little remained but a stone foundation and the remnants of the walls, all of it overgrown with dense vegetation. But even in ruins it was better shelter than they’d found that day.</p><p></p><p>It was still several hours short of sunset, but one by one the companions shuffled inside and collapsed in exhaustion. None of them were sure exactly how many miles they had covered since their escape from the shambling mounds. Even the Rangers’ minds were hazed from weariness. For long minutes they all just sat there, slumped against the broken walls, trying to catch their breaths.</p><p></p><p>After a time, prudence and other needs reasserted themselves. The Rangers went out to scout the area, find fresh water, and collect dead wood for their fire. There was no question about that last; they all desperately needed warmth both upon and inside their bodies. Stores were broken out and tallied. Even with spoilage from the repeated dousings in the swamp they still had enough foodstuffs for several days at least. Long enough to reach the Green Tower and the Druid, if the Tender’s words before had been accurate.</p><p></p><p>For a while the companions focused mechanically upon the preparation of their camp, but with the fire burning and the hearty smells of their evening meal filling the space they all began to recover somewhat. They waited until they had all had at least something hot to eat. They were all still exhausted, but enough strength had flowed back into them to allow them to confront what had happened to them earlier.</p><p></p><p>“We need to talk about what happened, and what we’re going to do,” Glori finally said.</p><p></p><p>“Let’s begin with who that guy in black was,” Kosk said. “He seemed to know an awful lot about us.”</p><p></p><p>“He sounded like he was insane,” Shreskra said. “Talking about us corrupting the Reserve.”</p><p></p><p>“There was more than that,” Majerion said. “He said that we would not be permitted to recover ‘it’.”</p><p></p><p>Glori glanced over at Kosk and Embrae. They had kept the detail of the Shattered Key close, but it had certainly occurred to them that it was that the black-cloaked figure had been talking about. “We need to get to the Druid, if we’re to help Ambassador Javerin,” she said.</p><p></p><p>Majerion’s look suggested that he knew there was more to it than that, but he said nothing more.</p><p></p><p>Shreskra’s gaze traveled between them. “I’ve already lost one of my people,” she said. “I don’t want to lose any more. It seems clear that this Tender, or whoever he was, is able to mobilize the power of the Reserve against us.”</p><p></p><p>“What makes you think he was a Tender?” Glori asked.</p><p></p><p>“What else would he be?” the Ranger replied. “Those two we fought at the outpost were Tenders, or at least they looked like them.”</p><p></p><p>“You froze back there,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>The dwarf’s quiet words provoked a response from Loriellan. The elf started to rise angrily, but paused when Shreskra placed a hand on his arm. “What do you mean?” she asked.</p><p></p><p>“When the guy in the cloak appeared, Darethan had a shot. You froze.”</p><p></p><p>“We didn’t know that he was an adversary. What if he’d been the Druid, or a Tender who was still… normal?”</p><p></p><p>“Even after he revealed his intent, it was Majerion who urged him to fire,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>“I have never seen Darethan miss a shot at that range,” Loriellan said. “The cloaked man was obviously protected by some kind of magic. I am told that the druidic arts include spells that can turn away arrows.”</p><p></p><p>Kosk opened his mouth to say something, but Shreskra angrily interrupted before he could speak. “Before you impugn myself or my Rangers, you should remember that one of us has already been sacrificed to keep you safe. If you want to make accusations, why not pick him?” she said, gesturing at Brightbriar. The Tender had not looked up since they’d stopped, and he seemed to hunch in on himself as the attention of the camp shifted to him. “He is the only one who has been this far into the Reserve. Or him?” she added, jerking a thumb at Majerion. “He almost got all of us killed with his reckless plan.”</p><p></p><p>“His magic allowed us to escape,” Embrae said.</p><p></p><p>“No one is accusing anyone,” Glori said. “But it’s clear that someone or something is actively working to keep us from reaching the Druid. The man in the black cloak…”</p><p></p><p>“Jakan,” Brightbriar said quietly.</p><p></p><p>They all turned to him again. “What did you say, Tender?” Glori prodded.</p><p></p><p>His head came up slowly, and they could see that his eyes were sunken and red. “Jakan. It was Jakan. I recognized his voice. It was him.”</p><p></p><p>“Was he a Tender?” Kosk asked. “I thought they all had forest names or somesuch.”</p><p></p><p>“He was the Barksinger,” Brightbriar said. “But he always remained Jakan, even to us.”</p><p></p><p>“Who is he?” Glori asked.</p><p></p><p>“He was a rising star when I retired from the Tenders,” Brightbriar said. “He was an important man before, and he gave up considerable wealth and influence to join us. It was impossible to forget who he had been, such was the force of his personality. There were many, myself included, who were certain that he would be the next Druid. We were surprised when Celestron was given the post over him. There were some who said that he had too much ambition for a job that required so much self-sacrifice… but he served as a loyal and effective second. I had not seen him for… five years? Before today.”</p><p></p><p>“So you don’t know what happened to him?” Embrae asked.</p><p></p><p>Brightbriar shook his head. “What he said… what he did today… is he mad? That is the only explanation I can think of.”</p><p></p><p>“It’s possible that something happened to him,” Glori said. “Altered him, like it altered those Tenders we fought.”</p><p></p><p>“I don’t know… what could do that?” the Tender asked.</p><p></p><p>“None of us know the answer to that yet, but it seems pretty clear that this Jakan is a big part of it,” Glori said. “He seemed more… more aware, more himself than those other two we fought.”</p><p></p><p>“This power is not like anything known to elvish lore,” Majerion said.</p><p></p><p>“We already knew that much from what happened to Javerin,” Kosk said.</p><p></p><p>“We have to stop him,” Brightbriar said. “Whatever it is… whatever’s happening here… it’s wrong.”</p><p></p><p>“Our mission is to get to the Green Tower and find the Druid,” Glori said. “I have a feeling that whatever is happening here, the answers will be found there as well.”</p><p></p><p>“If there are answers to be found,” Shreskra said.</p><p></p><p>“Tender,” Glori said. “Brightbriar?” When he looked up again she asked, “Will we reach the Green Tower tomorrow?”</p><p></p><p>He nodded. “Yes… yes. From here, yes.”</p><p></p><p>“I suggest that we stay close, and do not wander off alone at any time between now and then,” Glori said.</p><p></p><p>“A reasonable precaution,” Shreskra said.</p><p></p><p>“Indeed, we can watch out for each other… and watch each other,” Majerion said.</p><p></p><p>“What do you mean by that?” the Ranger leader asked.</p><p></p><p>“I thought it was clear from our earlier… discussion,” Majerion said. “One or more of us may not be trustworthy.”</p><p></p><p>“What are you saying?” Loriellan said. “That there’s a traitor among us?”</p><p></p><p>“That’s is one possible explanation for our experience since entering the Reserve,” Majerion explained. “Consider: our enemy has been one step ahead of us every step of the way, with repeated ambushes. Jakan’s soliloquy is another piece of evidence that supports this theory.”</p><p></p><p>“Or the explanation could be entirely external, and your words are only going to turn us against each other,” Embrae said.</p><p></p><p>“I acknowledge the possibility,” Majerion said.</p><p></p><p>“It doesn’t matter,” Glori said. “Our only way out of here is together. If there is someone working against us, then we will deal with them.”</p><p></p><p>“We all need rest,” Kosk said, standing up. “I will take first watch, with Darethan. Then Embrae and Loriellan, Glori and Tenaille, and Majerion and Shreskra.”</p><p></p><p>Loriellan turned to Shreskra. “Very well,” the Ranger leader said. “I will notify my people.” She rose stiffly and made her way to the exit.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Lazybones, post: 7495635, member: 143"] Chapter 205 They finally came to another outpost. This one they found by happenstance, since Brightbriar had become almost completely uncommunicative. The Tender followed where the others led but offered no further suggestions even when pressed. This time there was no doubt but that the place had been long, long abandoned. Little remained but a stone foundation and the remnants of the walls, all of it overgrown with dense vegetation. But even in ruins it was better shelter than they’d found that day. It was still several hours short of sunset, but one by one the companions shuffled inside and collapsed in exhaustion. None of them were sure exactly how many miles they had covered since their escape from the shambling mounds. Even the Rangers’ minds were hazed from weariness. For long minutes they all just sat there, slumped against the broken walls, trying to catch their breaths. After a time, prudence and other needs reasserted themselves. The Rangers went out to scout the area, find fresh water, and collect dead wood for their fire. There was no question about that last; they all desperately needed warmth both upon and inside their bodies. Stores were broken out and tallied. Even with spoilage from the repeated dousings in the swamp they still had enough foodstuffs for several days at least. Long enough to reach the Green Tower and the Druid, if the Tender’s words before had been accurate. For a while the companions focused mechanically upon the preparation of their camp, but with the fire burning and the hearty smells of their evening meal filling the space they all began to recover somewhat. They waited until they had all had at least something hot to eat. They were all still exhausted, but enough strength had flowed back into them to allow them to confront what had happened to them earlier. “We need to talk about what happened, and what we’re going to do,” Glori finally said. “Let’s begin with who that guy in black was,” Kosk said. “He seemed to know an awful lot about us.” “He sounded like he was insane,” Shreskra said. “Talking about us corrupting the Reserve.” “There was more than that,” Majerion said. “He said that we would not be permitted to recover ‘it’.” Glori glanced over at Kosk and Embrae. They had kept the detail of the Shattered Key close, but it had certainly occurred to them that it was that the black-cloaked figure had been talking about. “We need to get to the Druid, if we’re to help Ambassador Javerin,” she said. Majerion’s look suggested that he knew there was more to it than that, but he said nothing more. Shreskra’s gaze traveled between them. “I’ve already lost one of my people,” she said. “I don’t want to lose any more. It seems clear that this Tender, or whoever he was, is able to mobilize the power of the Reserve against us.” “What makes you think he was a Tender?” Glori asked. “What else would he be?” the Ranger replied. “Those two we fought at the outpost were Tenders, or at least they looked like them.” “You froze back there,” Kosk said. The dwarf’s quiet words provoked a response from Loriellan. The elf started to rise angrily, but paused when Shreskra placed a hand on his arm. “What do you mean?” she asked. “When the guy in the cloak appeared, Darethan had a shot. You froze.” “We didn’t know that he was an adversary. What if he’d been the Druid, or a Tender who was still… normal?” “Even after he revealed his intent, it was Majerion who urged him to fire,” Kosk said. “I have never seen Darethan miss a shot at that range,” Loriellan said. “The cloaked man was obviously protected by some kind of magic. I am told that the druidic arts include spells that can turn away arrows.” Kosk opened his mouth to say something, but Shreskra angrily interrupted before he could speak. “Before you impugn myself or my Rangers, you should remember that one of us has already been sacrificed to keep you safe. If you want to make accusations, why not pick him?” she said, gesturing at Brightbriar. The Tender had not looked up since they’d stopped, and he seemed to hunch in on himself as the attention of the camp shifted to him. “He is the only one who has been this far into the Reserve. Or him?” she added, jerking a thumb at Majerion. “He almost got all of us killed with his reckless plan.” “His magic allowed us to escape,” Embrae said. “No one is accusing anyone,” Glori said. “But it’s clear that someone or something is actively working to keep us from reaching the Druid. The man in the black cloak…” “Jakan,” Brightbriar said quietly. They all turned to him again. “What did you say, Tender?” Glori prodded. His head came up slowly, and they could see that his eyes were sunken and red. “Jakan. It was Jakan. I recognized his voice. It was him.” “Was he a Tender?” Kosk asked. “I thought they all had forest names or somesuch.” “He was the Barksinger,” Brightbriar said. “But he always remained Jakan, even to us.” “Who is he?” Glori asked. “He was a rising star when I retired from the Tenders,” Brightbriar said. “He was an important man before, and he gave up considerable wealth and influence to join us. It was impossible to forget who he had been, such was the force of his personality. There were many, myself included, who were certain that he would be the next Druid. We were surprised when Celestron was given the post over him. There were some who said that he had too much ambition for a job that required so much self-sacrifice… but he served as a loyal and effective second. I had not seen him for… five years? Before today.” “So you don’t know what happened to him?” Embrae asked. Brightbriar shook his head. “What he said… what he did today… is he mad? That is the only explanation I can think of.” “It’s possible that something happened to him,” Glori said. “Altered him, like it altered those Tenders we fought.” “I don’t know… what could do that?” the Tender asked. “None of us know the answer to that yet, but it seems pretty clear that this Jakan is a big part of it,” Glori said. “He seemed more… more aware, more himself than those other two we fought.” “This power is not like anything known to elvish lore,” Majerion said. “We already knew that much from what happened to Javerin,” Kosk said. “We have to stop him,” Brightbriar said. “Whatever it is… whatever’s happening here… it’s wrong.” “Our mission is to get to the Green Tower and find the Druid,” Glori said. “I have a feeling that whatever is happening here, the answers will be found there as well.” “If there are answers to be found,” Shreskra said. “Tender,” Glori said. “Brightbriar?” When he looked up again she asked, “Will we reach the Green Tower tomorrow?” He nodded. “Yes… yes. From here, yes.” “I suggest that we stay close, and do not wander off alone at any time between now and then,” Glori said. “A reasonable precaution,” Shreskra said. “Indeed, we can watch out for each other… and watch each other,” Majerion said. “What do you mean by that?” the Ranger leader asked. “I thought it was clear from our earlier… discussion,” Majerion said. “One or more of us may not be trustworthy.” “What are you saying?” Loriellan said. “That there’s a traitor among us?” “That’s is one possible explanation for our experience since entering the Reserve,” Majerion explained. “Consider: our enemy has been one step ahead of us every step of the way, with repeated ambushes. Jakan’s soliloquy is another piece of evidence that supports this theory.” “Or the explanation could be entirely external, and your words are only going to turn us against each other,” Embrae said. “I acknowledge the possibility,” Majerion said. “It doesn’t matter,” Glori said. “Our only way out of here is together. If there is someone working against us, then we will deal with them.” “We all need rest,” Kosk said, standing up. “I will take first watch, with Darethan. Then Embrae and Loriellan, Glori and Tenaille, and Majerion and Shreskra.” Loriellan turned to Shreskra. “Very well,” the Ranger leader said. “I will notify my people.” She rose stiffly and made her way to the exit. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Forgotten Lore (Updated M-W-F)
Top