(Crosspost (forgive me) from Wolves of Narfell Forum - for Dragar.)
Treants prefer barkskin to stoneskin!
Characters: Philomena Sureshot, Adlanail Glinfalin, Eluriel Triallan'ravan, Gaedyn Aeron-Wang, Cervio Van'veos and (non-Wolf guest spot) Meril.
The Wolves of Narfell are gathered at the den, discussing the serious situation concerning the powerful Malarite priest, Arthro. Stories of his wanton attacks are recounted, but as the Wolves begin to ponder what is to be done, a visitor alights on the speaking stone, a noble hawk of the skies! Eluriel, ever keen-eyed, immediately recognises the animal as the ranger Vino of Norwick's campanion, and spots what appears to be a note tied to its foot. Mentioning she has some skill with animals, Philomena rummages in her pack for a pair of old leather gloves. Having put them on, she whistles the hawk over, where it comes to rest softly on her outstretched forearm. Removing the note gently, she frowns as she quickly reads the text - it is an urgent message from Vino! The Wolves must gather and travel to his campfire, south of Norwick, at once! Gathering their things, they set off immediately.
Arriving at Vino's campfire, they are warmly welcomed by the old ranger, and thanked for their quick response. It seems that an elf runner from the Outpost has informed Vino that a treant, one of the reclusive tree-folk of the deep woods, appears to have ventured north only to be petrified by the magics of the bugbear shamans! A rescue is planned! The brave group discuss their tactics. Adlanail suggests that they capture a bugbear alive to help them free the tree-herd, which prompts peals of laughter from Philomena and a worried scowl from Eluriel! It is decided that the only course of action is to sneak into the bugbear lands and cast restorative magic from a scroll! Adlanail smartly suggests that perhaps Frago could help, since he was the proud keeper of that damnable petrifying cockatrice! After speaking with Frago, the bard informs the group that while Frago himself could not assist, the merchant was sure the keeper of the exotic goods store in Jiyyd, Laus Patter, had indeed such a remedy.
The band set off for Jiyyd on their errand, leaving Gaeydyn behind, but meeting Meril on the road just to the north of Norwick. The renowned bard is Philomena's old friend, and Adlanail's colleague, and he soon agrees to join the Wolves on their quest, especially since by his own account he is now homeless! It seems his romantic affairs are proving problematic once again. The group soon enter Jiyyd and make their way to Laus Patter's store, where they are informed that, indeed, he has a scroll of Stone to Flesh available! Meril's melancholy demeanor is soon set aside as the charming bard haggles with the store owner. Despite being dismayed by the storekeep's assertion that the scroll is reputedly Thayvian in origin, he soon clinches the deal, and at 100gp less than the initial asking price!
Image: Meril haggles with Laus Patter as the Wolves watch on.
Turning southwards once again, the Wolves discuss their options. Stealth is to be the tactic, all agree, and a detour to the elven Outpost also, in an attempt to glean more about the reports of the elven runners. Plans are also drawn up regarding how to deal with the treant once revived, and Eluriel petitions Solonor Thelandira, to grant her the power to speak with plants! The group swiftly make their way through the familiar woods, and are greeted by Rethe himself upon arriving at the encampment. Polite greetings are passed all round, and Rethe confirms the story told by the elven runner. He also tells them the location of the statue is to the north and the far west. Once again, all are agreed that in bugbear territory, to go unseen and unheard is the best tactic. Rethe wishes the band good luck, and the party sets out to the northwest, intent on their quest.
(At this point the server crashed and Mekhal Stevons (Cervio Van'veos) failed to return.)
Cloaked by every device and enchantment they can muster, the silent invisible troupe venture deep into the west, and yet deeper. Finally, they espy a strange stoney shape amongst the trees. It is as they were told - an enormous tree, vaguely humanoid in shape and attitude, cast in still, grey stone! But they are not alone, and the sharp-eyed rangers spot a group of bugbears barely a slingshot distance away. Hurriedly, they set about their task, Adlanail and Philomena keeping watch while Eluriel prepares her blessing to Speak with Plants. Unfolding the precious scroll, the duty of restoring the treant falls to Meril. In the delicate, intoned words of a born orator, the bard reads the enchanted words of power from the scroll - in an instant a living breathing treant stands over them, letting out a deep rumbling growl!
Image: The Wolves revive a treant!
In the creature's own tongue, Eluriel greets the tree-herd, and assures it that the Wolves are there to help. Eluriel seeks to converse in more detail with the treant, but Adlanail warns her that the bugbears are coming! A small group of bugbears assaults them, but with the enormous treant now revived and helping the group fend off the attack, the bugbears are easily repelled. A second wave comes, led by an enormous black shadow druid bugbear, but they too are despatched by the mighty clublike blows of the treants great fists, and the hail of deadly arrows from the Wolves. Finally dropping the druid with a well-placed shot in the eye, Philomena lets out a mighty whoop! The bugbears are defeated.. for now. Returning to converse with the treant, Eluriel is advised by the well-meaning tree-herd to flee before bugbear reinforcements arrive. With a final word of thanks, the awesome creature turns and heads south into the deep woods, its great root-like feet shaking the earth.
Satisfied that their quest has reached its successful conclusion, the brave group turn northwards towards Norwick, to bear to Vino the glad tidings. After receiving Vino's grateful thanks, the group, now just Philomena, Eluriel and Adlanail, head towards the recently refurbished Boars Head for a well deserved ale!
Image: Philomena, Adlanail and Eluriel relax after a hard days work.
