Last Stand of the Dorinthians (Chapter 3 - The Imperials)

[Deuce Traveler]

Brave Danica is the first to step slowly forward, her hands away from her weapons in a sign of peace. Dartis is more wary, but steps in next to her and is ready to move at the first note of danger. Suddenly, the party notices that the bark of the trees begin to morph, and from them three women appear before you, whose dark skin is like that of an oak. The one in the center looks older and matronly. She calls out to you, "Manlings, you should not be in this forest. These are dark times for those who wish to travel amongst us. Already, many men have come and many men have fallen. For your own safety, we urge those of peaceful intent to turn back."

 

[Fenris]

Dartis stares at the transformation, jaw open for a moment, but as the women speak, he regains his tongue.

"Our apologies ladies of the forest, we did not mean to intrude. But tidings of these dark times have come to us. We know that many men have fallen. Indeed that is why we come here. They are our countrymen, our friends and family, our kin. We have come to take them home. Is there some way that we can rescue them. I humbly ask for your guidance and wisdom." asks Dartis reverentially.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

The three women of bark turn to look at each other for a moment, then they begin to speak in a language that sounds like elven, and yet different. Finally, they turn back once again to the party, and the older tree-woman speaks once more. "My daughter, Trieste, is the one that has captured your men. It is odd she has not killed them, for that has recently been her way with strangers that venture into her glade. She has turned wicked ever since Morduk the Corrupter had stolen her heart from her oak tree through his dark magic and trickery. Morduk had come to our forest and taken over a small temple to a forgotten, but evil god. He fell in love with Trieste, and when she did not return his love, he stole her heart and cursed her. To return Trieste to normal, you must confront Morduk and return her heart by placing it inside the dark hole in her oak tree that was created when Morduk ripped the beating treasure from its core. Morduk's temple can be found on the top of the largest of hills." Upon finishing her speech, the woman points upwards to a tall hill that stands above the rest a mile to the north. It is late, but you can still make out what looks to be a structure or rock formation at its summit.

 

[Fenris]

"I thank you for your wisdom, we shall go both to restore my kinsmen to us and and to restore your daughter to you. Tell me though lady of the forest. How shall we know Morduk the Corruptor and how shall we know your daughter heart?" asks Dartis

 

[hafrogman]

Ventus stands respectfully back from the three women while they discuss the priest Marduk with the Dorinthians. His eyes narrow somewhat at the reference to those killed by Trieste in the past. How many men had met there doom here already? The three women seem strangely unconcerned with the fate of their daughter, or her captives. Were they no match for Marduk, or simply too uncaring to act?

He gazes upwards, considering what passes for a temple to an evil god in this glade. Their path seemed clear, but at least for now he looked to Dartis for the lord's instructions.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

"You will know them," she answers. "Morduk is a mighty warrior-mage, and you will know and sense his great power. He has never been defeated, and he single-handedly slew Trieste's animal guardians. As for her heart, it will also be familiar to you. Remember, neither the heart or Trieste's oak or Trieste is to be harmed. If you do not restore her, we will not aid you in restoring your friends.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

OOC: I just wanted to add that for this part of the adventure, Dartis is mounted on Swift, but everyone else is currently on foot.

 

[Kobold Stew]

Danica is somewhat surprised at the candour of the tree spirits, and at their trust of the interlopers, among whom she is numbered. As Dartis takes control of the conversation with the fey women, Danica lowers her gaze, and slowly steps back to join with the others.

When they indicate the temple, Danica looks up, and a small shiver runs down the base of her neck. But her obligation is clear, and Morduk must be stopped. She turns to Dartis, gives a nod when she catches his eye, and waits expectantly.

 

[Nephtys]

Barok keeps to the back, knowing that he lacks the charisma needed to parlay with the fey. He briefly considers wether it would be a better choice simply to kill the corrupted dryad than to take their chances with Morduk, but keeps his thoughts to himself.

 

[Deuce Traveler]

The party is in agreement, at least verbally, on the course of action. They leave the three dryads and head towards the location of Morduk. As they travel, they seem to have the feeling that they are being watched. Occasionally, there is a flutter in the trees or in the brush and instead of moving away, the animals sound like they are following the path of the party. Danica believes that she sees the glint of eyes watching her from the vegetation, while Barok notes that the mountain lion is following them from a distance. It's as if the entire forest keeps a close eye on their activities.

As the party reaches the base of Morduk's hill, they notice a couple of large animal skeletons. As they climb, the skeletons and mostly-decayed carcasses grow more frequent, as if there was once a great battle on this hill and nature lost. All the animal bodies have signs of a violent death from arrows, burn marks, and what seems to be a huge sword. The animals stop following at this point.

The party gets within 200 feet of the hill's summit, and can make out a tall granite building. The face of it is plain, with two pillars holding an arched roof. Two granite statues of grotesque winged creatures have been carved where the pillars meet the roof. The stone double doors that lead into the building are open, though the shadows hide the details of the interior.