Scales Of War Adv Log 3

Adventure Log 3 - In Search of Kwahu

To The Witchwood

Thunderlizardday, 19th of Bony Moon

• A Ghost Lion entered the Guildhall! A companion of one of the old Watchers!
• Rocc asked that we follow the lion, to see if his friend was all right.
• We soon left and followed the lion. The lion set a really brisk pace, we slipped and slid a lot in the dark and mud, especially Wolf. Vini managed to get a ride on Casseena, Jarhar’s pet lioness.
• After a hard 8 hours, we came to a small tavern, the Sprite Den.
• We stay for the night, Heti, Kaz and Vini stayed up most of the night drinking. It reminded me of some nights back at the barracks.

Hawkday, 20th of BonyMoon

• Wolf and Cel took the night watch, with most others drinking, I got a good night’s sleep though, Koss made friends with the local Nezumi.
• With some of our party still exhausted, I used my floating disk spell to carry some of them for a while.
• There was much discussion of the possibility of taking some of the local farmer’s horses, why do people think it’s acceptable to take horses from the farmers? They need those horses for their work! Reminds me of some of the guards…
• We came across a young Nezumi Shepard named Chek. His father had been taken by bandits into the forest. He said they smelled fishy… It’s the Marth Forest all over again!
• I promised that we would do anything in our power to rescue him, and set off.
• We made camp for the night.
• The hunters among us caught us a gigantic feast! I spent the time studying my spells.

Serpentday, 21st of BonyMoon

• A long day…
• We continued on slower, rather than matching the lion’s pace.
• A horned owl stole some food from Kaz and Vini. Reminded me of the Marth Forest…
• We entered the Witchwood proper after skirting it for a while, still following the ghost lion.
• We hear a goat, like the ones with Chek, we must be on the right track.
• Jar revealed he has the ability to speak to animals, useful.
• We found an abandoned hunter’s lodge in the woods, and enter it…
• I don’t remember much from that that point, we fought, something… In the cellar.
• I remember… arms, long spiny arm, not friendly… It took me down… hard… my magic did nothing against it… I was not strong enough… too careless… not smart enough…
• Khazus was the one who rescued me from its grasp, using some light spell… it didn’t like the light…
• I owe my life to Khazus.

• Koss were able to help me bet back on my feet, with a potion and some goodberries.
• In the meantime, the ghost lion had returned, and the…. Lost, is what Nori said it was… a creature formed from those lost? Doomed forever to be lonely…
• … The Ghost lion had forced it back into the cellar and killed it? We left soon after.
• I was told that my eyes were now milky white… I have no problem seeing in the shade of the forest, or inside, or at night, but the natural light of the sun is almost blinding… the warmth somewhat suffocating… maybe it will pass… maybe a lingering effect from when I… fell…
• We came to a river, the Witchstream. I was able to assist us in crossing by using magic to make Kaz larger to act as anchor, we kept together by holding a rope, though we did get wet.
• Had a moment when I thought I had dropped my arcane focus, luckily it was still in my cheek pouch, I don’t remember putting it back, but I don’t remember much of the lodge at all…
• My magic was not strong enough before, but I WILL get stronger. I WILL learn more and use my magic more effectively to help others in any way.
• On the opposite bank we made camp, and warmed ourselves by the fire. I was able to enlist Vini, Rin and Wolf to gather components for a familiar summoning. Heti was able to provide incense, and Wolf had an iron pot to use as a brazier.
• I choose the form of a Horned Owl of the Vale upon Skirin’s resummoning, feeling he would fit more into the surroundings, and be more effective at scouting.

Serpentday, 22nd of BonyMoon

• We spent all of the day walking, we left the edge of the Witchstream and made camp further into the woods.
• No sigh of Chek’s father or the ghost lion’s master.

Stalkingcatday, 23rd of BonyMoon

• Spent all day traveling again, following the ghost lion.
• Late afternoon, as we neared the Rhestwash, we came across a camp of apparently drunk goblins…
• Flawless Victory! Scout with Skirin, use invisibility on Koss so he and Vini can take out the lookout, and even got to kill a goblin, water and Witchbolt do not mix.
• Vini got to cooking with the food the goblins had left for us.
• Kaz and I hauled the bodies away, while Jar buried them.
• Koss came back to the camp, sopping wet, didn’t want to talk about it.
• I tried a new spell to protect and cover us when we make camp, a bit cramped under there, but safe.

A Recollection of Koss' notes over the pass few days

Finally got a piece of charcoal to write in my notepad, thanks to the fire we set tonight.

• Something has happened, Rocc was speaking or attempting to, with a Spectral Lion within The Watchers building.
• We all agreed to follow the Lion, at the ungodly hour of 5pm, too late for my liking, and we are following a BIG GHOST LION!
• Khazus managed to convince me to tag along, with his knowledge of combating Spectral beings, a small respite, but was good enough for me
• The Lion lead us out the northern entrance of Brindol, towards the direction of Witchcross! Maybe I get to go and visit home at long last!
• Unfortunately the Lion turned off the path and travelled the fields to the North West of Brindol, we were forced to traverse muddy ground.
• Wolf once again slipped over, landing face first into wet mud, his got a knack for that, considering the sewer incident.
• We passed several farms, and I kept a time stamp, by now we travelled at least 3hrs, in the dark…..following a Lion….a Ghost Lion. Im beginning to regret following.
• The walk was exhausting, I was constantly slipping on the slick mud, and I was sore all over.
• I pleaded for assistance from Khazus as I could barely stand on my two feet, considering his religious, he helps the small folk right? I also asked Hetgrid.
• The both refused me, Hetgrid fair enough, but i was surprised when Khazus refused to help those in need. Well at least I know if they won't help me, I won't help them.
• Altogether we travelled a total of 6hrs until we stumbled upon a a run down looking Tavern, closed it seems, however there were horses stabled nearby, so someone lives here.
• We learnt that the Tavern was called 'The Sprite Den' and it was owned by a kind gentlemen. After some discussion with him, i learnt he had Ratling workers! He also offered me a place to sleep beside them. I generously payed him a gold piece because he was so kind to help me, and genuinely seems to enjoy Ratling Company
• I was woken by a Ratling Worker, understandable since i was one too, he immediately apologised but i offered my assistance anyway. So i helped him stoke the fireplace.
• We chatted for a long time, he told me his name was Lentack, he told me a fascinating story, of which he accompanied a Caravan across The Golden Plains! He said he saw huge far away cities, as well as Lizard People, it was incredible and i was very envious.
• However we needed to leave very soon, so i thanked Lentack for his stories and regrouped with the other Watchers, and we continued on our path.
• We continued to follow the Spectral Lion much to my dismay, we did however discover a young Ratling by the name of Chek, he was alone, worrisome.
• We learnt that he and his parents are shepherds, but they were attacked by a group of bandits, he specifically remembered that they smelt heavily like fish, alarms were going off in my head (You are not an adventurer, why are you putting your life at risk). But i pushed them out, and swallowed my fear in silence.
• Chek said his parents were also religious, what rubbish, no otherworldly power will save you, only yourself.
• He asked us to find his Dad who is named O-Cher-Chek, he asked us to find him and bring him back to his home in Talar. Notable objects he wears is a Bear Tooth Necklace and a Green Cloak.
• So fish smelling Bandits who were located in the Marth Forest, are also present in the Witchwood, and they are kidnapping people also. Very worrisome, and very unnerving.
• We gathered our effects, and entered the Witchwood and followed a forest path north, we discovered a ruin, however the path heads around it.
• Hetgrid and I believe Celorin entered the building, and i heard wails, something yelling 'Friends' from within. Strange but I'm sure Hetgrid and Celorin can handle it.
• Hetgrid was attacked by this strange being, with bladed arms! Of course I didn't really care until it attacked the others.
• It took down Vitkin in one swing! I-I cant handle this, being an adventurer is not for me, after this im done, what was I thinking?
• Vitkin came back, I'm not sure how Khazus did it but he brought him back, maybe some other power does exist, wait what am I saying, its rubbish, my healing potion did all the work.
• We continued on our way, and made it towards the Witchstream, however crossing was going to be difficult, Vitkin had the ingenious idea to make Khazus, even bigger! I didn't even know that was possible, but very impressive.
• Khazus acted as an anchor for us so we wouldn't slip over in the water while holding the rope. We did however get very wet, I hope I don't catch a cold.
• We set up camp on the other bank, and dried ourselves on a fire we set up. Vitkin, Celorin, Ervinia and Wolf all went to gather components for some magical summoning or something.
• I just tried to stay warm by the fire, and write in my journal of course!
• We slept were we set the fire, and then made a move further into the forest, once again making camp.
• The next morning we set off once again, all this walking, at least I can keep my boots in good repair. While walking we heard chatter, and hollering nearby.
• We discovered a camp of drunk goblins, at last a chance to vent my fear and anger on goblinoid swine.

Stalkingcatday, 23rd of BonyMoon
Snippets of Koss' Journal

• Vitkin scouted the encampment of the Goblins we heard hollering, he gathered us around and layed out a plan to ambush a lookout he spotted, he was to turn me invisible and have Ervinia back me up, and we were to take him out. I was fine with this plan, any chance to kill the green filth i will gladly take.
• Vitkin cast invisibility on me, and let Ervinia and I got to work, while the rest of them laid back until it the lookout was taken care of.
• With Ervinia giving me a signal, we struck as one, instantly felling our foe, we shared a thumbs up and got into position of our comrades impending attack.
• Celorin and Wolf were first into the fray, courageously charging the goblins, instantly scattering them and striking fear into their hearts as Ervinia slung another rock and caved the skull of another goblin.
• One of the goblins attempted to escape Wolfs Ire, but all he earned, was a caved skull and a swift death

• I saw a Goblin attempting to escape, but instead got swept up by the Rhestwash rivers current, which was drifting him downriver as he was attempting to stay afloat, I was content with letting him drown, but seeing Vitkin approach, I think he had other plans.
• I watched in awe, as Vitkin released what i believed he called "Witch Bolt" into the goblin floating in the water, a marvellous display of power, I did enjoy watching the goblin sizzle and pop.
• As things begin to settle down I did catch a glimpse of Celorin briefly interrogating a survivor, but quickly gutted him like a fresh fish. Didn't notice he had as much hatred as I did for Goblins.
• We proceeded to clean up the camp of the goblins bodies, and appropriated their camp, claiming their campfire and already cooked fish and small alligator, at least we'll be well fed for tonight.
• I noticed Jarhar bury the bodies of the goblins we killed, he seems to show respect for those slain, i guess i can respect that. Even with his companion he seems very….lonely.

Some Pages here a wrinkled and have been re-flattened, perhaps they were wet at one time, but have since been dried

• I went to go…..we'll say spear fishing, to gather for food for the party, I failed to catch anything, except my feet on a mossy rock and ended up in the freezing cold stream, I was struggling to stay afloat, I will not lie, i was afraid. However, Jarhar came to my timely rescue, and i'm so glad he did, his Lioness was looking to eat me for sure.

Ravenday, 24th of BonyMoon
A Continuation of Koss' Journal

• We awoke early this morning, I immediately noticed that some of us got less sleep then others, and Hetgrid looked more agitated than usual. Im not a fan of Hetgrid, but i suppose i'll go see what was wrong
• Hetgrid almost chopped my head off! I suppose that's punishment enough if tapped her on the shoulder without first announcing my presence. She claims of seeing shadow people or some rubbish, I told her to stay focused, and keep her gaze on the Spectral Lion, so not to be distracted.
• We journeyed after the Spectral Lion for awhile but eventually it finally stopped! It then sat down in small glade. That's when strange things started to happen.
• We were spoken to by these beings that called themselves Trostani they gave themselves that name, for they located the Heart Stone of the Witchwood, but were unsuccessful in retrieving it.

• They told us what they knew of the Witchstone, and asked us to retrieve it so we may save the Witchwood, and I feel even the Marth Forest. They stated that the Witchstone was in the hands of the Ruler of Umbraforge, someone called Sarshan, they also informed us of bands of mercenaries who seem to be making there way to Umbraforge a lot more frequently of late.
• As the Umbraforge lies within the Shadowfell, we were tasked with going there. However they did warn us to steel our minds against its influence, or something, at this point a couldn't pay attention, as these strange fey creatures began to make themselves known, and approached us, and I was watching them just to be careful.
• I heard that the Trostani called them Wilden, and they cured our party members who were already affected by the Shadowfell, which i safely assumed Hetgrid was one of the victims, as she was seeing 'Shadow People', but i am fairly certain, that the only shadows to exist are your own.
• The party seems pretty certain to carry on to the Shadowfell now, I will however try my best to convince to return to Brindol, to alert Rocc
  

Vitkin's Journel

• When I woke, I had some doubts about this mission, why are we following this ghost lion? Where to? Who does this help? Why are the others doing so blindly?
• I felt We should be looking for Chek’s father, and that my companions were letting this place get to them, but eventually remembered Rule No. 1: Stay with your squad.
• After travelling further, we came across a glade. Within the glade were strange creatures bound to a tree. The Trostani.
• This was where the Ghost Lion had been leading us. The Trostani, a collective of spirits who had sought the Witchwood’s Heartstone and failed, among them was the ghost lion’s master Kwahu, a former watcher…
• They requested that we take up the task of seeking out the Heartstone, I was reluctant at first, but then these fey creatures appeared, and healed us of some dark shadow I had not even realized had taken me.
• My head clearer, and with further explanations, I accepted that we had to seek out the Heartstone, so that what befell the Sunken Lands will not befell Elsir Vale.
• The Heartstone is apparently held by Sarshan, the lord of Umberforge, in the Shadowfell.
• Nori apparently knows a way into the Shadowfell, but we have to be smart about this.
• I was annoyed the Trostani were unable to send a proper message, we could have come prepared. The Lion couldn’t carry it, and they had inconveniently bound themselves to a tree…
• I hope we have time to get my books… after the cabin… I must prepare, I'm not ready… I mustn't show fear… but I’m not sure I’ strong enough…
• Regardless, we must send a message to Rocc, lest he have to send another party to their doom after a ghost lion…