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The Thorns of Winter -(updated 8/1/2023)
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<blockquote data-quote="Nthal" data-source="post: 8163717" data-attributes="member: 6971069"><p><h2 style="text-align: center"></h2> <h2 style="text-align: center">Four Oaks - 1/3/2021</h2> <p style="text-align: center">(Apologies on the tardiness...holidays are a thing)</p><p></p><p></p><p>The next morning had no sun, just like the days before. The gloom of grey clouds hung overhead, threatening rain on the drenched town of Denning. The gloom even pervaded the Inn, where Doxx slept fitfully in the chair near the fireplace. The old woman opened her eyes slowly, noting that Findo had started placing a new log on the fire, to stir it to life. He turned and nodded at Doxx with a smile saying nothing.</p><p></p><p>Doxx stretched and realized that sometime during the night, someone covered them with a warm blanket. Stretching in the chair, they saw that Taryn, Debrika and their blademarks were already down and were talking quietly. After a brief exchange, Debrika and the blademarks headed out the front door.</p><p></p><p>Doxx smiled, and rose from their chair and moved over to Taryn, who seated himself at a table nearby. Doxx moved quietly behind the seated Dwarf, who studied a tome laid out on the table’s surface.</p><p></p><p>“Yes Doxx?” Taryn’s tired voice grumbled as Doxx froze in her steady approach. Doxx tilted her head, and smirked at being observed so casually.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes. Nice to see the evening’s drinking didn’t wear out your senses,” Doxx said as she sat down at the table next to Taryn. “I had wondered what you could tell me about your assistant.”</p><p></p><p>“It’s probably best you ask Debrika about—”</p><p></p><p>“—No, not her. The other one. Melisandre.”</p><p></p><p>Taryn looked at Doxx levelly saying nothing, as Findo laid a plate of steaming sausages and a mug in front of the Mror. Doxx looked into the Mror’s eyes and the Dwarf returned the even expression. Findo smiled and moved on back to the kitchen.</p><p></p><p>“She did say you would be…curious about her. She is simply, my assistant in finding the right people, and you can ask her yourself when she arrives.</p><p></p><p>Doxx smiled, “As you said. But I am…uncomfortable with…the exposure as it were.”</p><p></p><p>Taryn took a deep sip of his drink and gave Doxx a hard look. He then said, “I understand. And as someone who…<em>professionally</em> understands your concern, I think it is best you let things lie until the two of you can talk.”</p><p></p><p>Doxx squinted at Taryn and caught the undercurrent of the Mror’s tone before nodding politely. They then heard the creaking and groaning of the wooden beams above. Coming down the stairs the juggernaut made its way cautiously, as if in fear that the stairs would fall away from the massive warforged’s weight.</p><p></p><p>Juggernauts were a rare sight these days; the heavily armored living constructs were never common, but they had the reputation of being implacable foes as unrelenting as the armor plate they wore. But this one, Sage Redoubt seemed to have a glimmer in its eye; more curious, more attentive.</p><p></p><p>More dangerous, thought Doxx.</p><p></p><p>Sage stood in contrast to Mobad now coming down the stairs. He was in many ways nature’s answer to the warforged. Equally large, Mobad was a figure of pure muscle beneath thin leather skin, and none of Sage’s curiosity. Coming down with the Orc, came the halfling Rosa who spoke to the Orc in her drawl, “Well now…hopefully that will help the itch you had prior. Let me know if you have anymore problems."</p><p></p><p>The Orc grunted and seated himself next to Taryn and Doxx, as if expected. He pointed at Taryns meal and shouted. “More o dat!” while Taryn and Doxx continued to stare at each other.</p><p></p><p>“Oh Taryn, I’m going to check in at the House’s lil enclave here before we set out, if you don’t mind.”</p><p></p><p>“Feel free to,” Taryn said, never tearing his eyes away from Doxx.</p><p></p><p>“Don’t bother Rosa,” Findo said bringing out more plates of various meats and eggs. “The house closed up the Enclave some twenty years ago when the war for Karnnath got a little hot. You might be the first one we’ve seen in as long a time.”</p><p></p><p>“What?” Rosa said in surprise. “You mean we left the town without help at all for almost two decades?”</p><p></p><p>Findo, motioned to the seat next to Mobad for the Halfling to sit at. “Your House was quite clear, that ‘others’ had greater needs. But honestly, a lot of the locals thought it was because most of the ranchers’ wouldn’t pay the price of health.”</p><p></p><p>Rosa blushed a moment before recovering. “I..I can’t say I agree with that perspective.”</p><p></p><p>“Most citizens aren’t clear on priorities,” came the gravelly voice of The Blade, who now stood silently next to the fire, dressed in his black cowled cloak. Rosa turned to look at him with frustration.</p><p></p><p>“Sir, you must stop doing that!”</p><p></p><p>“Doing what citizen?”</p><p></p><p>“Just…appearing out of nowhere with a comment like that!”</p><p></p><p>The second warforged, Bookshelf, came down the stairs hurriedly, and moved to a corner of the Inn, with a tome clutched in its arms. It placed its back against the wall and read the book, its eyes looking over the cover at the rest.</p><p></p><p>Sage moved over to the smaller Warforged table and spoke, “Interesting reading there?”</p><p></p><p>“Nothing you would find interesting,” Bookshelf said as if issuing a challenge to the Juggernaut.</p><p></p><p>“I don’t know about that. I find myself a curious observer. Like noting how the fortifications to Denning make no sense. Any army could get in here with ease.”</p><p></p><p>“Ah…they are different,” Findo said as he offered a plate of cheese and bread to The Blade. “But they aren’t meant to keep things out; they are meant to keep things in.”</p><p></p><p>“That makes no sense,” The Blade said.</p><p></p><p>“It does if you were worried about Ogres,” said Findo as he gathered some empty plates. “Its too expensive to build walls to keep them out, but since the Ogres around here just want horse to eat, the walls are a problem enough to keep Ogres from lifting horses over them. They have to use the gates, and the gates on the inside have enough protection to keep the Ogres from escaping with a horse or two. “</p><p></p><p>“Have they been tested recently?” Sage asked curiously.</p><p></p><p>“About once or twice every five years, and then the Ogres remember why they leave the town alone. Honestly the ranchers have more issues with them, but usually they just find a weak member of their herds and let the Ogre try to take them.</p><p></p><p>“You mean they aren’t that dumb then. Interesting.” The Blade said thoughtfully.</p><p></p><p>“No; they are. But they do learn, and they are very very cagey. Good at pits, ambushes and deadfalls. But not smart enough to trade.” Findo said confidently. As he moved in the kitchen, the Inn’s front door opened, and Debrika stepped inside and nodded at Taryn.</p><p></p><p>Taryn tore his eyes from Doxx and smiled. “Excellent; we can get started.”</p><p>Outside the Inn, stood a number of mounts, all with the brands on their flanks indicating they were a part of the Valadis stable nearby. Nine magebred horses waited patiently for their riders, as several stable hands checked cinches and saddles on the mounts. Three of the mounts were massive; the breed looking to be the type used as a heavy draft horse, but each with a wide leather saddle. One was a much smaller pony, its stirrups pulled close to the saddle, so a halfling could control the beast.</p><p></p><p>“Excellent; Good work Debrika. These should do nicely.”</p><p></p><p>“How far to the ranches then?” Rosa asked as she looked at the pony dubiously.</p><p></p><p>“A day to Four Oaks, and then the Ranches the evening after. Beats a four day walk,” Taryn said, selecting a smaller horse and pulling himself up into the saddle gracefully.</p><p></p><p>“Four Oaks?” Doxx asked. A pair of Valadis stable hands attempted to help the old woman into her saddle, to which she batted away with her stick. As she easily pulled herself into the saddle Taryn responded.</p><p></p><p>“It’s a campsite kept up by the ranchers for folks going north. Its well marked, and usually has a stock of dry wood, and access to water. And if we are ready, we can head out and reach it before the weather turns.”</p><p></p><p>Bookshelf looked at his mount blankly, unwilling to mount it.</p><p></p><p>“If it can hold me, it can hold you.” Sage said astride one of the draft horses, who only nickered as the juggernaut mounted it.</p><p></p><p>“I know it can,” Bookshelf said morosely.</p><p></p><p>“What is the issue, citizen?” The Blade asked, seemingly at home in the saddle.</p><p></p><p>“They never seem to do well in the horrors of war,” Bookshelf said, as they pulled themselves up into the saddle. “Or anything else beyond basic transportation. And I have a strange feeling about this job.”</p><p></p><p>“Like what?” Doxx asked in a grandmotherly tone.</p><p></p><p>Bookshelf shrugged. “I don’t know. Horses just seem to die a lot.”</p><p></p><p>“Not interested. We should move.” Mobad said, sitting tall on another draft horse.</p><p></p><p>“Indeed. Onwards!” called Taryn. The group clustered together, and they made their way to the northern gate, and began their trek to the northern ranches.</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p></p><p>The clouds threatened, and roiled and churned above, but they never saw a need to empty their contents upon the road or its travelers. The river valley floor was a large plain, but they travelled on the eastern ridge, staying close to the hills. The valley floor had also scattered copses of trees here and there. The air was a damp chill in the morning, but as the horses moved northward, the air warmed. By late in the day, everyone’s skin grew slick as the sweat poured down their foreheads.</p><p></p><p>“First spring isn’t here, and now we’re thick into summer,” one of the blademarks grumbled.</p><p></p><p>“It’s a nice change,” Sage remarked looking around for something interesting.</p><p></p><p>“It’s nothing <em>but </em>change!!”</p><p></p><p>“Compared to the same vault for over five years…its nice,” Sage said resigned to the difference of perspective.</p><p></p><p>“You’ll want to crawl back soon enough,” Bookshelf muttered.</p><p></p><p>“You have a bitter view of the world,” Doxx observed.</p><p></p><p>“No. I’ve seen its best side. And it isn’t different from its worst,” the slim Warforged said.</p><p></p><p>“Oh, brighten up. A warm fire and a stretch will do us all a bit of good. That and some old oak trees would warm my heart,” said Rosa with a smile.</p><p></p><p>“Well then, look ahead down into the valley,” Taryn boomed. Ahead, the trail dipped down to the floor of the valley. There in its center stood four massive trees, oaks. Oaks as old as Galifar’s founding it was said. Their twisted trunks extending a hundred feet in the air, full of gnarled branches, with only the hint of budding green on the tips.</p><p></p><p>“That does warm my heart…I wonder what they have to say.”</p><p></p><p>Following the wide trail, it ran next to the oaks. There under the canopy of branches were logs split into benches surrounding fire pits. An earthen berm stood near, with canvas covering the front to a log stand. Hitching stands for horses, away from places to pitch tents. It was a travelers’ rest; well designed and well maintained. Scattered here and there were large bushes between the tent flats.</p><p></p><p>Rosa wandered around breathing in the air and admiring the ancient oaks. Oaks that would seem more at home in the Eldeen based on their stature and majesty. As she walked, she took out from her pouch a pair of looped mistletoe and hung one on each of her ears as she sung quietly to herself. As she sang, she heard the deep baritone of warm elderly wood as the empty branches shook in in a light breeze.</p><p></p><p>“Hmmmm…a druid calls to sing with us…such a nice change.”</p><p></p><p>Rosa smiled as she sang softly; the trees didn’t need much to hear, or rather feel what was around them. “And good evening to you great oak. And how are the seasons for you?”</p><p></p><p>“Hmmm…. too quick…too quick…winter was here…now it’s gone.,” the oak whispered softly.</p><p></p><p>Rosa nodded, “The weather seems all off…far from here it was still frozen and snowing.”</p><p></p><p>“Ice and snowing? It has been long since the rings said the weather was upside down.”</p><p></p><p>Rosa walked around the oak, and looked back at the camp, where the horses were being hitched, and tents set up for the evening. Mobad, while not having much talent for working with people, seemed to have a way with the magebred steeds. Doxx, was having a one way conversation with Taryn while the two blademarks were starting up a fire under Debrika’s watchful eye. The Warforged made themselves busy looking for dry logs. Finally, The Blade was moving through the camp, his bow drawn looking around at the bushes.</p><p></p><p>“Anyone else been travelling here recently?” Rosa sang to the great oak.</p><p></p><p>“Hmm….yes. A nice couple came by either. That one had quite a rack—”</p><p></p><p>“—I beg your pardon!—”</p><p></p><p>“—At least twelve points…maybe more and still hadn’t shed them. He was quite impressive.”</p><p></p><p>Rosa laughed at herself for a moment, “No no…not the natives. People…humans or others like them.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh…not in while…been many dawns since…but there was a small herd of little ones that passed by. Had manners those did. One was strange though; had a touch of something different. And she had a small one—”</p><p></p><p>“—A child?</p><p></p><p>“No…no…”</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p></p><p>“You might as well let him roam up there; he’ll come down when he wants.”</p><p></p><p><em>--See now? Listen to Wy</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Goss…really? </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--I do like the outdoors. Besides keeping watch requires a certain altitude.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Attitude.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>--Whatever. Anyway, I’ll be watching from up here.</em></p><p></p><p>Wy prodded at the fire with a stick “I know you are talking to him,” he said with a smirk.</p><p></p><p>“And?” I said looking at Wyn, with a note of irritation in my voice.</p><p></p><p>“He’ll come down when he’s ready.”</p><p></p><p>“I suppose.” I looked around. There wasn’t much to the campsite ‘Four Oaks.’ Horse stands well away from the fire and the clear spots for tents. Logs surrounding fire pits, and a stream to get water. However, compared to the spot of bare earth I had camped in before I suppose it was a bit more sophisticated.</p><p></p><p>“I take it there is a bit of traffic on this trail,” I said still looking over the site.</p><p></p><p>“A bit. The ranchers use it as a way stop for the drives towards the south. I heard the throng of cattle outside of Denning makes for quite the sight…and the smell.</p><p></p><p>“Make sense,” I said nodding.</p><p></p><p>“You would think so…but it’s the wagon trains north that are more interesting.”</p><p></p><p>I looked at Wy with confusion, “Wagons…what’s north from Denning?”</p><p></p><p>Wy shook his head, “Specifically I don’t know. Generally, I can tell you that House Cannith has a private train heading up north followed by another heading south after about two weeks. Happens every three months. But you can tell it’s a great secret in the way that no local talks about it. You ask, and you get a silent shrug.”</p><p></p><p>“Alright, so what does it mean?” I asked, a little annoyed at the game being played.</p><p></p><p>“There’s a Cannith installation somewhere up north. Probably the worst kept secret too. As to what they are doing; that’s the real secret.”</p><p></p><p>I sat down on a log and looked at the fire and then at Wy.</p><p></p><p>“So…the Ogre problem…”</p><p></p><p>Wy shrugged, “You saw Denning. They built the town walls to keep Ogres from stealing stuff. And it works; you know how you can tell?”</p><p></p><p>I shook my head and waited.</p><p></p><p>“Almost no guards. The Ogres tried their luck, and gave up. They may not be the smartest bunch, but they do know to pick on better targets. I would say stealing a cow or two would be easy but…”</p><p></p><p>I leaned forward a bit, “But…what?”</p><p></p><p>“Have you ever seen a mage bred cow?” I shook my head and Wy continued. “Well…they are much larger than the Ogres, and the Ogres aren’t great cattle drivers. A band might try to pick off a weak one, but only if they outnumbered them. And besides…mage bred horses are more to their taste. Literally.”</p><p></p><p>“Acquired taste?” I asked helpfully.</p><p></p><p>“Yes…and magebred horses are easy to lead. So easy that—”</p><p></p><p>“—I could do it?” I said giving Wy a level gaze.</p><p></p><p>Wy grimaced, “Your skills <em>are</em> much improved. But the horses are too well trained…Ogres can lead them around…anywhere they want to go, as long as that halter is on their head.</p><p></p><p>I turned to look at our horses, tied to the hitching posts nearby. “So, we at risk of losing our horses?”</p><p></p><p>Wy thought about it a moment, “Well, the Blademarks reputation might give them pause, or they would go and get more to even the odds. But a lone Ogre or two like we saw—”</p><p></p><p>I squinted hard at Wy, “What do you mean ‘like we saw’ Wy.”</p><p></p><p>Wy shrugged, “While you were setting up your tent, Griff saw a pair. Once they saw they were spotted they bolted. We are a good day or two from the western slopes of the mountains, so we are probably safe. Might be more a problem coming back I suppose.”</p><p></p><p>“Any reason you didn’t tell me?” I asked pointedly.</p><p></p><p>“Slipped my mind; it wasn’t to keep you in the dark.”</p><p></p><p>“Well,” I sighed. “I know what I am looking for at least.”</p><p></p><p>[HR][/HR]</p><p></p><p>“Strange one that one was…but her pet enjoyed sleeping in my branches.”</p><p></p><p>“Did they come back?”</p><p></p><p>“Hmmm which ones? The one with the nice—”</p><p></p><p>“—No, the other—"</p><p></p><p>“—The small ones like you, or—</p><p></p><p>“—Yes the…wait or? Or what?</p><p></p><p>As Rosa sang to the oak, The Blade moved around the bushes carefully his bow half drawn. He was more at home in the urban heights and gloomy rain of Sharn. Here he felt exposed; like anyone and everyone could see him. But all of that was a distraction, as his gut told him, something was amiss. As he walked around the soft muddy earth his cloak caught on a branch, and it snapped as The Blade walked by.</p><p></p><p>The Blade whirled at the sound. Seeing that the others didn’t even turn he bent down to look at the broken branch. Picking it up, he turned it over in his hand and then pressed with his thumb against it. It quickly snapped under the pressure. The Blade repeated this, moving toward the base of the branch, each time it snapped quickly and easily.</p><p></p><p>“What are you doing Blade?” Sage called out to him, over Rosa’s singing.</p><p></p><p>“<em>The</em> Blade. This bush is bone dry dead. Yet…” he leaned into the bush sniffing. “It smells fresh…like pine?” The Blade stopped a moment and looked at the bush, and realized it wasn’t a pine nor related to one. He looked up an around wondering where the smell was coming from then.</p><p></p><p>“Or the bigger little ones,” the oak sang.</p><p></p><p>“Bigger little ones?” Rosa was trying to figure out what the Oak meant. “Well first, did the other small ones return?”</p><p></p><p>“…umm…. no.” the Oak murmured.</p><p></p><p>“But the ‘Big Little Ones,’ did?”</p><p></p><p>“…ummm yes…still here with you little ones.”</p><p></p><p>Rosa’s furrowed her eyes in confusion and turned back to the camp. She saw The Blade close by a bush and looking around upwards.</p><p></p><p>“What are you doin dear?” Rosa called out.</p><p></p><p>“Looking for pine, citizen,” he replied circling the bush and sniffing the air.</p><p></p><p>“Pine?” Rosa said aloud softly, a little puzzled.</p><p></p><p>“ummm….Pine? There is no Pine here,” the Oak rambled. “But the big little ones do smell like that yes.”</p><p></p><p>Rosa waved her hand in irritation as she tried to think. As she looked at The Blade, she realized that he appeared to be growing, as his head started to get closer to the oak branches above. Quickly glancing down she realized that was wrong, it was the bush growing taller. And then she realized the truth.</p><p></p><p>The bush and the soft earth around the dry roots rose. Underneath it, was the bald misshapen face of a humanoid, with broad ears and a bulbous nose. Its body had smeared over it, a black tarry substance that gave off the strong smell of pine. In its hands it held a human sized long bow with an arrow nocked. Rosa quickly glanced side to side and saw that about a dozen other bushes rose from the earth, each with a ‘big little one’ armed and ready to fight.</p><p></p><p>Rosa screamed at the top of her lungs;</p><p></p><p>“OGRES!”</p><p></p><p><strong>Notes:</strong></p><p></p><p>I will say, trying to weave the two separate sessions to the same game is a bit of work. There was a lot of though put into the area like how DO you deal with ogres, and bits of lore about Cannith, how Ghallanda knows a bit of everything. But the players were still trying to gel how their characters did (or did not) get along with each other. Doxx did press Taryn quite a bit about Melisandre.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nthal, post: 8163717, member: 6971069"] [HEADING=1][CENTER] Four Oaks - 1/3/2021[/CENTER][/HEADING] [CENTER](Apologies on the tardiness...holidays are a thing)[/CENTER] The next morning had no sun, just like the days before. The gloom of grey clouds hung overhead, threatening rain on the drenched town of Denning. The gloom even pervaded the Inn, where Doxx slept fitfully in the chair near the fireplace. The old woman opened her eyes slowly, noting that Findo had started placing a new log on the fire, to stir it to life. He turned and nodded at Doxx with a smile saying nothing. Doxx stretched and realized that sometime during the night, someone covered them with a warm blanket. Stretching in the chair, they saw that Taryn, Debrika and their blademarks were already down and were talking quietly. After a brief exchange, Debrika and the blademarks headed out the front door. Doxx smiled, and rose from their chair and moved over to Taryn, who seated himself at a table nearby. Doxx moved quietly behind the seated Dwarf, who studied a tome laid out on the table’s surface. “Yes Doxx?” Taryn’s tired voice grumbled as Doxx froze in her steady approach. Doxx tilted her head, and smirked at being observed so casually. “Ah, yes. Nice to see the evening’s drinking didn’t wear out your senses,” Doxx said as she sat down at the table next to Taryn. “I had wondered what you could tell me about your assistant.” “It’s probably best you ask Debrika about—” “—No, not her. The other one. Melisandre.” Taryn looked at Doxx levelly saying nothing, as Findo laid a plate of steaming sausages and a mug in front of the Mror. Doxx looked into the Mror’s eyes and the Dwarf returned the even expression. Findo smiled and moved on back to the kitchen. “She did say you would be…curious about her. She is simply, my assistant in finding the right people, and you can ask her yourself when she arrives. Doxx smiled, “As you said. But I am…uncomfortable with…the exposure as it were.” Taryn took a deep sip of his drink and gave Doxx a hard look. He then said, “I understand. And as someone who…[I]professionally[/I] understands your concern, I think it is best you let things lie until the two of you can talk.” Doxx squinted at Taryn and caught the undercurrent of the Mror’s tone before nodding politely. They then heard the creaking and groaning of the wooden beams above. Coming down the stairs the juggernaut made its way cautiously, as if in fear that the stairs would fall away from the massive warforged’s weight. Juggernauts were a rare sight these days; the heavily armored living constructs were never common, but they had the reputation of being implacable foes as unrelenting as the armor plate they wore. But this one, Sage Redoubt seemed to have a glimmer in its eye; more curious, more attentive. More dangerous, thought Doxx. Sage stood in contrast to Mobad now coming down the stairs. He was in many ways nature’s answer to the warforged. Equally large, Mobad was a figure of pure muscle beneath thin leather skin, and none of Sage’s curiosity. Coming down with the Orc, came the halfling Rosa who spoke to the Orc in her drawl, “Well now…hopefully that will help the itch you had prior. Let me know if you have anymore problems." The Orc grunted and seated himself next to Taryn and Doxx, as if expected. He pointed at Taryns meal and shouted. “More o dat!” while Taryn and Doxx continued to stare at each other. “Oh Taryn, I’m going to check in at the House’s lil enclave here before we set out, if you don’t mind.” “Feel free to,” Taryn said, never tearing his eyes away from Doxx. “Don’t bother Rosa,” Findo said bringing out more plates of various meats and eggs. “The house closed up the Enclave some twenty years ago when the war for Karnnath got a little hot. You might be the first one we’ve seen in as long a time.” “What?” Rosa said in surprise. “You mean we left the town without help at all for almost two decades?” Findo, motioned to the seat next to Mobad for the Halfling to sit at. “Your House was quite clear, that ‘others’ had greater needs. But honestly, a lot of the locals thought it was because most of the ranchers’ wouldn’t pay the price of health.” Rosa blushed a moment before recovering. “I..I can’t say I agree with that perspective.” “Most citizens aren’t clear on priorities,” came the gravelly voice of The Blade, who now stood silently next to the fire, dressed in his black cowled cloak. Rosa turned to look at him with frustration. “Sir, you must stop doing that!” “Doing what citizen?” “Just…appearing out of nowhere with a comment like that!” The second warforged, Bookshelf, came down the stairs hurriedly, and moved to a corner of the Inn, with a tome clutched in its arms. It placed its back against the wall and read the book, its eyes looking over the cover at the rest. Sage moved over to the smaller Warforged table and spoke, “Interesting reading there?” “Nothing you would find interesting,” Bookshelf said as if issuing a challenge to the Juggernaut. “I don’t know about that. I find myself a curious observer. Like noting how the fortifications to Denning make no sense. Any army could get in here with ease.” “Ah…they are different,” Findo said as he offered a plate of cheese and bread to The Blade. “But they aren’t meant to keep things out; they are meant to keep things in.” “That makes no sense,” The Blade said. “It does if you were worried about Ogres,” said Findo as he gathered some empty plates. “Its too expensive to build walls to keep them out, but since the Ogres around here just want horse to eat, the walls are a problem enough to keep Ogres from lifting horses over them. They have to use the gates, and the gates on the inside have enough protection to keep the Ogres from escaping with a horse or two. “ “Have they been tested recently?” Sage asked curiously. “About once or twice every five years, and then the Ogres remember why they leave the town alone. Honestly the ranchers have more issues with them, but usually they just find a weak member of their herds and let the Ogre try to take them. “You mean they aren’t that dumb then. Interesting.” The Blade said thoughtfully. “No; they are. But they do learn, and they are very very cagey. Good at pits, ambushes and deadfalls. But not smart enough to trade.” Findo said confidently. As he moved in the kitchen, the Inn’s front door opened, and Debrika stepped inside and nodded at Taryn. Taryn tore his eyes from Doxx and smiled. “Excellent; we can get started.” Outside the Inn, stood a number of mounts, all with the brands on their flanks indicating they were a part of the Valadis stable nearby. Nine magebred horses waited patiently for their riders, as several stable hands checked cinches and saddles on the mounts. Three of the mounts were massive; the breed looking to be the type used as a heavy draft horse, but each with a wide leather saddle. One was a much smaller pony, its stirrups pulled close to the saddle, so a halfling could control the beast. “Excellent; Good work Debrika. These should do nicely.” “How far to the ranches then?” Rosa asked as she looked at the pony dubiously. “A day to Four Oaks, and then the Ranches the evening after. Beats a four day walk,” Taryn said, selecting a smaller horse and pulling himself up into the saddle gracefully. “Four Oaks?” Doxx asked. A pair of Valadis stable hands attempted to help the old woman into her saddle, to which she batted away with her stick. As she easily pulled herself into the saddle Taryn responded. “It’s a campsite kept up by the ranchers for folks going north. Its well marked, and usually has a stock of dry wood, and access to water. And if we are ready, we can head out and reach it before the weather turns.” Bookshelf looked at his mount blankly, unwilling to mount it. “If it can hold me, it can hold you.” Sage said astride one of the draft horses, who only nickered as the juggernaut mounted it. “I know it can,” Bookshelf said morosely. “What is the issue, citizen?” The Blade asked, seemingly at home in the saddle. “They never seem to do well in the horrors of war,” Bookshelf said, as they pulled themselves up into the saddle. “Or anything else beyond basic transportation. And I have a strange feeling about this job.” “Like what?” Doxx asked in a grandmotherly tone. Bookshelf shrugged. “I don’t know. Horses just seem to die a lot.” “Not interested. We should move.” Mobad said, sitting tall on another draft horse. “Indeed. Onwards!” called Taryn. The group clustered together, and they made their way to the northern gate, and began their trek to the northern ranches. [HR][/HR] The clouds threatened, and roiled and churned above, but they never saw a need to empty their contents upon the road or its travelers. The river valley floor was a large plain, but they travelled on the eastern ridge, staying close to the hills. The valley floor had also scattered copses of trees here and there. The air was a damp chill in the morning, but as the horses moved northward, the air warmed. By late in the day, everyone’s skin grew slick as the sweat poured down their foreheads. “First spring isn’t here, and now we’re thick into summer,” one of the blademarks grumbled. “It’s a nice change,” Sage remarked looking around for something interesting. “It’s nothing [I]but [/I]change!!” “Compared to the same vault for over five years…its nice,” Sage said resigned to the difference of perspective. “You’ll want to crawl back soon enough,” Bookshelf muttered. “You have a bitter view of the world,” Doxx observed. “No. I’ve seen its best side. And it isn’t different from its worst,” the slim Warforged said. “Oh, brighten up. A warm fire and a stretch will do us all a bit of good. That and some old oak trees would warm my heart,” said Rosa with a smile. “Well then, look ahead down into the valley,” Taryn boomed. Ahead, the trail dipped down to the floor of the valley. There in its center stood four massive trees, oaks. Oaks as old as Galifar’s founding it was said. Their twisted trunks extending a hundred feet in the air, full of gnarled branches, with only the hint of budding green on the tips. “That does warm my heart…I wonder what they have to say.” Following the wide trail, it ran next to the oaks. There under the canopy of branches were logs split into benches surrounding fire pits. An earthen berm stood near, with canvas covering the front to a log stand. Hitching stands for horses, away from places to pitch tents. It was a travelers’ rest; well designed and well maintained. Scattered here and there were large bushes between the tent flats. Rosa wandered around breathing in the air and admiring the ancient oaks. Oaks that would seem more at home in the Eldeen based on their stature and majesty. As she walked, she took out from her pouch a pair of looped mistletoe and hung one on each of her ears as she sung quietly to herself. As she sang, she heard the deep baritone of warm elderly wood as the empty branches shook in in a light breeze. “Hmmmm…a druid calls to sing with us…such a nice change.” Rosa smiled as she sang softly; the trees didn’t need much to hear, or rather feel what was around them. “And good evening to you great oak. And how are the seasons for you?” “Hmmm…. too quick…too quick…winter was here…now it’s gone.,” the oak whispered softly. Rosa nodded, “The weather seems all off…far from here it was still frozen and snowing.” “Ice and snowing? It has been long since the rings said the weather was upside down.” Rosa walked around the oak, and looked back at the camp, where the horses were being hitched, and tents set up for the evening. Mobad, while not having much talent for working with people, seemed to have a way with the magebred steeds. Doxx, was having a one way conversation with Taryn while the two blademarks were starting up a fire under Debrika’s watchful eye. The Warforged made themselves busy looking for dry logs. Finally, The Blade was moving through the camp, his bow drawn looking around at the bushes. “Anyone else been travelling here recently?” Rosa sang to the great oak. “Hmm….yes. A nice couple came by either. That one had quite a rack—” “—I beg your pardon!—” “—At least twelve points…maybe more and still hadn’t shed them. He was quite impressive.” Rosa laughed at herself for a moment, “No no…not the natives. People…humans or others like them.” “Oh…not in while…been many dawns since…but there was a small herd of little ones that passed by. Had manners those did. One was strange though; had a touch of something different. And she had a small one—” “—A child? “No…no…” [HR][/HR] “You might as well let him roam up there; he’ll come down when he wants.” [I]--See now? Listen to Wy Goss…really? --I do like the outdoors. Besides keeping watch requires a certain altitude. Attitude. --Whatever. Anyway, I’ll be watching from up here.[/I] Wy prodded at the fire with a stick “I know you are talking to him,” he said with a smirk. “And?” I said looking at Wyn, with a note of irritation in my voice. “He’ll come down when he’s ready.” “I suppose.” I looked around. There wasn’t much to the campsite ‘Four Oaks.’ Horse stands well away from the fire and the clear spots for tents. Logs surrounding fire pits, and a stream to get water. However, compared to the spot of bare earth I had camped in before I suppose it was a bit more sophisticated. “I take it there is a bit of traffic on this trail,” I said still looking over the site. “A bit. The ranchers use it as a way stop for the drives towards the south. I heard the throng of cattle outside of Denning makes for quite the sight…and the smell. “Make sense,” I said nodding. “You would think so…but it’s the wagon trains north that are more interesting.” I looked at Wy with confusion, “Wagons…what’s north from Denning?” Wy shook his head, “Specifically I don’t know. Generally, I can tell you that House Cannith has a private train heading up north followed by another heading south after about two weeks. Happens every three months. But you can tell it’s a great secret in the way that no local talks about it. You ask, and you get a silent shrug.” “Alright, so what does it mean?” I asked, a little annoyed at the game being played. “There’s a Cannith installation somewhere up north. Probably the worst kept secret too. As to what they are doing; that’s the real secret.” I sat down on a log and looked at the fire and then at Wy. “So…the Ogre problem…” Wy shrugged, “You saw Denning. They built the town walls to keep Ogres from stealing stuff. And it works; you know how you can tell?” I shook my head and waited. “Almost no guards. The Ogres tried their luck, and gave up. They may not be the smartest bunch, but they do know to pick on better targets. I would say stealing a cow or two would be easy but…” I leaned forward a bit, “But…what?” “Have you ever seen a mage bred cow?” I shook my head and Wy continued. “Well…they are much larger than the Ogres, and the Ogres aren’t great cattle drivers. A band might try to pick off a weak one, but only if they outnumbered them. And besides…mage bred horses are more to their taste. Literally.” “Acquired taste?” I asked helpfully. “Yes…and magebred horses are easy to lead. So easy that—” “—I could do it?” I said giving Wy a level gaze. Wy grimaced, “Your skills [I]are[/I] much improved. But the horses are too well trained…Ogres can lead them around…anywhere they want to go, as long as that halter is on their head. I turned to look at our horses, tied to the hitching posts nearby. “So, we at risk of losing our horses?” Wy thought about it a moment, “Well, the Blademarks reputation might give them pause, or they would go and get more to even the odds. But a lone Ogre or two like we saw—” I squinted hard at Wy, “What do you mean ‘like we saw’ Wy.” Wy shrugged, “While you were setting up your tent, Griff saw a pair. Once they saw they were spotted they bolted. We are a good day or two from the western slopes of the mountains, so we are probably safe. Might be more a problem coming back I suppose.” “Any reason you didn’t tell me?” I asked pointedly. “Slipped my mind; it wasn’t to keep you in the dark.” “Well,” I sighed. “I know what I am looking for at least.” [HR][/HR] “Strange one that one was…but her pet enjoyed sleeping in my branches.” “Did they come back?” “Hmmm which ones? The one with the nice—” “—No, the other—" “—The small ones like you, or— “—Yes the…wait or? Or what? As Rosa sang to the oak, The Blade moved around the bushes carefully his bow half drawn. He was more at home in the urban heights and gloomy rain of Sharn. Here he felt exposed; like anyone and everyone could see him. But all of that was a distraction, as his gut told him, something was amiss. As he walked around the soft muddy earth his cloak caught on a branch, and it snapped as The Blade walked by. The Blade whirled at the sound. Seeing that the others didn’t even turn he bent down to look at the broken branch. Picking it up, he turned it over in his hand and then pressed with his thumb against it. It quickly snapped under the pressure. The Blade repeated this, moving toward the base of the branch, each time it snapped quickly and easily. “What are you doing Blade?” Sage called out to him, over Rosa’s singing. “[I]The[/I] Blade. This bush is bone dry dead. Yet…” he leaned into the bush sniffing. “It smells fresh…like pine?” The Blade stopped a moment and looked at the bush, and realized it wasn’t a pine nor related to one. He looked up an around wondering where the smell was coming from then. “Or the bigger little ones,” the oak sang. “Bigger little ones?” Rosa was trying to figure out what the Oak meant. “Well first, did the other small ones return?” “…umm…. no.” the Oak murmured. “But the ‘Big Little Ones,’ did?” “…ummm yes…still here with you little ones.” Rosa’s furrowed her eyes in confusion and turned back to the camp. She saw The Blade close by a bush and looking around upwards. “What are you doin dear?” Rosa called out. “Looking for pine, citizen,” he replied circling the bush and sniffing the air. “Pine?” Rosa said aloud softly, a little puzzled. “ummm….Pine? There is no Pine here,” the Oak rambled. “But the big little ones do smell like that yes.” Rosa waved her hand in irritation as she tried to think. As she looked at The Blade, she realized that he appeared to be growing, as his head started to get closer to the oak branches above. Quickly glancing down she realized that was wrong, it was the bush growing taller. And then she realized the truth. The bush and the soft earth around the dry roots rose. Underneath it, was the bald misshapen face of a humanoid, with broad ears and a bulbous nose. Its body had smeared over it, a black tarry substance that gave off the strong smell of pine. In its hands it held a human sized long bow with an arrow nocked. Rosa quickly glanced side to side and saw that about a dozen other bushes rose from the earth, each with a ‘big little one’ armed and ready to fight. Rosa screamed at the top of her lungs; “OGRES!” [B]Notes:[/B] I will say, trying to weave the two separate sessions to the same game is a bit of work. There was a lot of though put into the area like how DO you deal with ogres, and bits of lore about Cannith, how Ghallanda knows a bit of everything. But the players were still trying to gel how their characters did (or did not) get along with each other. Doxx did press Taryn quite a bit about Melisandre. [/QUOTE]
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The Thorns of Winter -(updated 8/1/2023)
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