Cormyr Torn

Session 120

Characters: Julian, Balin, Randal, Grim, Cael, Anthony, Davvin.

NPCs: 4 Court Lawyers of Tethyr: Abd-Creon (Treasury), Abd-Gyes (Land Titles), Abd-Doran (Roads), Abd-Oneus (Environment), 2 Court Architects of Tethyr: Valandil Culnamo (Elf), Dram Hargranar (Dwarf), Lionar Dakalbel: War Wizard of the Cleansing Flame, Lord Giorgi Wyvernspur: Purple Dragon Oversword (Wheloon).

5 Mirtul 1374 - 6 Mirtul 1374

3250 XP

The party had finished their Spring Festival celebrations and said their goodbyes to Porta Elvasious. Through Grim's magic, the party Teleported to Tethyr's new capital city, Darromar. In Darromar they announced their intentions to speak with the court lawyers and architects. Seeing as it was necessary to appear in Darromar's court wearing formal aristrocrtic attire, the party was fitted as they waited. Dressed in their new regal clothing, the party met with the court lawyers of Tethyr as well as architects Valandil Culnamo and Dram Hargranar. Culnamo and Hargranar showed Randal, Julian, Anthony, and Davvin the initial layouts for their new strongholds. Meanwhile, Balin enacted his land rights and paid the court treasury a sum of 150,000 crowns for additional land within the Wealdath Woods. After hours of discussion and planning, the party had made the final arrangements for the new constructions to begin and left the court as landed Knights of Tethyr.

The party would then set out on their next great journey to find adventure, fortune, and glory in the Forest Kingdom of Cormyr. With Anthony's help Grim successfully Teleported the party to Calantar Keep, the official home of the Knights of the Cleansing Flame. Standing in front of Calantar Keep for the first time the party noted that it was a tall, squared fortress built around a large bridge that joined the northern and southern shores of the Starwater River. Calantar Keep's gates were shut as if in preparation for an assault, and a number of soldiers could be seen from their points on the battlements above. The party announced themselves as the adventurers of Pinehill and then flew up to the top of the tower to join the busy Purple Dragon Knights. Then as the party looked out from the tower's top they saw the reason for the hasty battle preparations. A human force numbering in the thousands waited on the northern hills beyond Calantar Keep. To the party's surprise this was no foreign army. Instead it was comprised of many of Cormyr's own Purple Dragon Knights, War Wizards, Hippogriff Calvary, and local militias. The entire force wore red over their usual purple and was being led by one of Cormyr's finest Purple Dragon Marshals, Oversword Giorgi Wyvernspur, Lord of Wheloon. The party also took note that accompanying the standard military forces waiting outside Calantar Keep's northern border was the large professional mercenary company known as the Red Ravens, led by Rhinanna Rosehelm.

Clearly, much had changed since Anthony had left Cormyr to adventure in the lands far west and south. The party spoke with the local Knights of the Cleansing Flame who told them of their explicit orders from the Royal Court of Suzail not to allow any military force to pass over Calantar Bridge. Constal Anthony Manton would take his first action as a Cormyrian commander as the party went out into the northern force to speak with the rebel leader Giorgi Wyvernspur. After a thorough examination by a number of rebel War Wizards, the party was allowed to enter into Oversword Wyvernspur's purple command tent, which already had been altered by having red stripes sewn into it. Wyvernspur knew of the Pinehill's adventurers and was not surprised by Anthony Manton's new presence. During their discussion the party learned that Wyvernspur was more than a simple rebel. He was acting in consort with a number of other powerful lords of Cormyr's Court to enact an official Parliament and force the Obarskyr royal line to step down as rulers of Cormyr. Wyvernspur described Cormyr's desperate situation, the rising attacks by orcish and barbarian tribes, infiltration, pirating, its weakening economy, and the failing relations with its rich neighbor Sembia. At least in Wyvernspur's mind, there was only one possibility to save Cormyr, and that would be to replace the incompetent Obarskyrs with a Parliament fit to rule the territory more consistently and intelligently.

The party left the command tent in confusion, for certainly many of Cormyr's recent troubles were threatening to bring a complete collapse of the country. On the other hand, even though Giorgi Wyvernspur seemed genuine and truthful in their talk was it possible more was at stake for the Parliamentarian lords? Furthermore, was a Parliament the true solution to this matter? The party discussed these matters more intensely in Calantar Keep's mess hall over a bland meal of blackbread and farmer's cheese. During their meal, the party was approached by Lionar Dakalbel, a War Wizard of the Cleansing Flame stationed at Calantar Keep. He had been Teleporting regularly to the Court of Suzail to relay messages and detailed information. Lionar Dakalbel described to the party that Wyvernspur had been correct about some of the royals not attending recent important councils in Suzail. However, he said that in recent times a number of the lords have not followed the orders of the Steel Regent and as such none of her plans have been successful. Unlike her father Azoun IV, Regent Alusair Obarskyr lacked the favor of the court lords and in the desperate time was receiving little help. As civil war threatens to break out all over Cormyr the scattered orc and barbarian tribes continue to rise in number.

New and Old Friends

Session 119

Characters: Julian, Balin, Anthony, Grim, Cael, Randal.

NPCs: Orten: Mosstone Druid (Bear), Milisandria Mosstone Druid (Hawk), Connyal: Mosstone Druid (Fox), Valandis: Wood Elf Druid, Matwau: Slyth earth node guardian, Cruroar Trannyth: Half-elven Mayor, Knights of the Cleansing Flame (Tyr).

2 Mirtul 1374 - 5 Mirtul 1374

3425 XP

Balin had decided to investigate the collapsed series of caverns more thoroughly. Shifting into a huge Earth Elemental, Balin began to carefully excavate the collapse while his Mosstone allies shaped the remaining stone with their druidic magic. After hours of painstaking work, they had cleared away the blockage and fortified the remaining stone. The first trickles of water from the river valley now flowed down the smooth stone cavern floor after centuries of being blocked. To the druid's surprise however, they found the caverns further down to be humid, with plentiful Ripplebark growing against the dewy stone walls. The druids traveled further still down into the Upperdark and estimated themselves to be almost below the grove of Myth Drevanna nearly 500 feet above. Finally, they reached a landing looking out into a significantly large underground lake. They determined that the purity of this aquifer could only be explained if it was the result of water from the flooded river valley above filtering down through the limestone. Numerous submerged and dry tunnels fed away from this aquifer, and the druids followed each of them down further. Along one they began to see signs that a medium sized creature had recently traveled through. Cave Moss grew from the foot print as if it had been planted intentionally.

Later, the party of druids heard scraping sounds coming from the caves ahead. They softly moved forward and spotted a hunched figure before it leapt and melded into the adjacent stone wall. Confused, and worried about the potential for still more creatures to inhabit this place the druids continued to search. The mysterious figure however, had found them instead. The druids were suddenly surrounded by 3 grey cloaked figures wielding strange yellowish curved blades. Their bodies shifted between a stone and liquid consistency, and their black eyes glared with the intent of battle. Balin called out that they were here not to fight and had recently killed Halberdisfinna the terrible dragon. Surprised by this news, the Slyth guardian party put down their yellow blades and greeted the druids as friends. Matwau, the Slyth guardian chieftain told the party that their people were the guardians of a sacred earth node that was intimately connected with Myth Drevanna. Since its corruption the Slyths could no longer protect the node and instead guarded the wider area surrounding it. Upon hearing that Balin had been responsible for destroying the dragon and freeing the earth node, they pledged their fervent allegiance to his cause. The party stayed with the other Slyths for a late meal to feast upon the good news.

Balin and the Mosstone druids were then led through a series of secret earthy passages directly beneath the grove of Myth Drevanna. There, the guardians and the druids set eyes on one of natures greatest sights. Millions of years prior a massive meteor had collided with Toril forming the sunken Wealdath Valley. The heart of the meteor composed of tons of Star Metal, impacted deep into the crust and sent waves of powerful magic into the earth. When the ancient fey creatures discovered the earth mound they created fey pathways that infused the developing forest with their magic. Still later in the grove's history the ancient elven houses had discovered it and transformed it into Myth Drevanna. The druids left the underground tunnels and rejoined with the other adventurers. With the grove of Myth Drevanna in safe hands, it was decided that the party would Teleport back to Porta Elvasious.

Through Grim's powerful spellcasting, the party arrived within Porta Elvasious' torn down southern wall. Anthony Manton met with his Cleansing Flame captains whom informed him that the town's citizenry had settled down since the attacks days prior had come to an end. Many of the knightly orders were becoming stir crazy with anticipation of the tournament beginning and had constructed a makeshift jousting arena at the eastern edge of town. Julian immediately called for Mayor Cruroar Trannyth. In their brief meeting Julian informed Cruroar of the Halberdisfinna's vile presence and how they were able to slay her. The mayor thanked Julian for his heroism and informed him of new architectural plans to re-build Porta Elvasious better than it had ever been. Julian agreed to finance the construction and went out to tell the citizens.

Julian and the rest of the party addressed the populous and were met with many cheers of joy. Then, Lord Bailer ordered that the Porta Elvasious Tournament begin after a day’s preparation. The people of Porta Elvasious bustled with excitement as they made preparations throughout the night and next day. Then on the 4th of Mirtul, 4 days late of the Greengrass festivities around Faerun the games began. Axeman events including the fore-chop, cross-cutting, underhand chopping, block chops, log throwing, yolk dragging, the stone press, and axe throwing drew skilled woodsman from far beyond Tethyr. Knightly events held included jousting "au Plaisance", breakwood jousting, the grand melee, and a traditional elven bow circle. Large crowds gathered to watch racers in the great chase event track down and catch a Tressym with nothing other than their hands. The day long festivities ended with the final Joust where Anthony Manton's own Knights of the Cleansing Flame Champion was awarded first place to the chagrin of many Tethyrian knightly orders. After the competition Grim put on a wondrous display of magic as he reenacted the slaying of Halberdisfinna with Major Images, Fireballs, Pyrotecnics, and a variety of other flashy spells. The party stayed in Porta Elvasious for one more day recovering from the long celebrations and festivities and is ready again to set out for adventure.

Echos of the Flooded Forest

Session 118

Characters: Julian, Balin, Cael, Grim, Randal, Terus, Davvin.

NPCs: Hallberdisfinna, Orten: Mosstone Druid (Bear), Milisandria Mosstone Druid (Hawk), Connyal: Mosstone Druid (Fox), Fhina: Pixie path watcher, Valandis: Wood Elf Druid.

L 1 Mirtul 1374 - 2 Mirtul 1374

11,500 XP

Within moments of Grim's Sending for help, the rest of the party swam forward through the dark waters and met back with him. Just before Julian and Terus would rush in to hastily attack the healing Dragon inside, they took note of the Antimagic field and stopped just in time. Randal began to pray to Illmater for help and bled perfusely into the surrounding swamp water. He then touched his fellow adventurers with his Stigmata and they healed despite being in the presence of the Corrupted Myth Drevanna. Seeing the party suddenly starting to heal within her evil domain, Hallberdisfinna lept from the Antimagic zone and engulfed the party with a terrible corrosive gas. Cael pushed his way through the cloud of acidic gas and struck the dragon with Calinus Brumalis. With a final icy blast of arcane energy from his Mageblade, Cael had slain Hallberdisfinna. A fog of plant-matter filled the water as the former terrible dragon dissolved into nothingness. Balin charged at the party from the dragon's inner sanctum and questioned them on why they would kill such a creature of nature. But after a few minutes time, Balin had regained his senses. The evil mistress of Myth Drevanna was dead.

Searching the dragon's lair, the party found but a meager amount of antiquated treasure, suitable for a much smaller creature. It seemed as if at some point long ago Hallberdisfinna had halted the one compulsion all true dragons share, collecting treasure. Perhaps her mysterious transformation as a Greenbound creature had something to do with this unusual mindset. With Terus' help, Balin and Julian Teleported back to where Valandis' uncounsious body still lay. Then they Teleported to Mosstone, where they called for the High Druids Orten, Milisandria, and Connyal. Despite the lateness of the hour, the three Green Ones quickly responded and were present in Treemeet. During the meeting Balin explained to the High Druids of the flooded river valley, Valandis' and his own Compulsion to follow the evil Hallberdisfinna, and the Corrupted Myth Drevanna. Julian implored the druids to return with them to Myth Drevanna and help return the forest to its natural state so that the people of the King's Road could continue to live in peace. The New Way druids saw great importance in assisting the tired adventurers. They also acknowledged the official Silvan Duel which Balin had won and anounced him the Druid of the northwestern Wealdath Wood. After more than an hour the party returned with the three High Druids and Valandis and joined up with their party members.

Meanwhile, the others including Cael, Grim, Davvin, and Randal were carefully searching through the great moss covered Standing Stones on top of the crescent mound. They noticed that the forest canopy was still furious with the party and would actively attack them if they left the safe confines of the mound. Grim found the Weave to be quite unusual and powerful and tracked its presence to a central point, the crescent-shaped altar in the center of the mound. The standing stones radiated little magic despite the massive potential Grim found in the Weave. It seemed that much if not all of this grove was slumbering, and yet there were still Corrupted magical essences they had fought against just hours prior.

When the part reunited, the Mosstone druids Shapeshifted the remaining party members into native fish of the Wealdath Woods. In their new forms the party easily swam amongst the deepest ruins on the forest floor studying the time-frozen remnants of this ancient elven society. During their exploration the party discovered numerous magical runes of great size carved into trees and stones by draconic claws. Grim noted that while these had the potential to Corrupt the Mythal and forest, the runes were too unique and complex to have been created by the dragon. Dragons are indeed arcanely inspired creatures, however even Grim could not perceive the meanings of these carvings. Clearly, there must have had some other source of inspiration. Eventually, the party came upon the incline of the river valley's edge and found a massive pile of stone rubble. Julian immediately recognized these as pieces of Porta Elvasious' southern wall and structures. After the Druids Shifted into Elder Water Elementals and began to disperse the rubble carefully along the forest floor. During the search the party found the near perfectly preserved remains of Anna: Julian’s former love, and his brother. Davvin examined the bodies and concluded that Julian's brother had died of a series of blunt traumas and that Anna's legs had been crushed under two large stones and then drown. Julian was greatly saddened by this news and took their bodies with him to the safe crescent shore.

Though Julian's search for his loved ones had ended, Balin and the Druids of Mosstone continued to search for the cause of this river basin's flooding. Through their keen sense of nature, they followed the river down into the valley, around the crescent mound, and into a collapsed series of sunken caves. Deep beneath the water line, these sunken caves were at one time the exit for the river valley's water supply. Through some great event the caverns had been collapsed and now all that remained was a large lake. Balin and the Druids agreed that disturbing the stones to the underdark in these caverns would cause a massive blast of water which could severely damage both whatever was beyond the stones, and the river valley itself. Instead this would take a gradual, delicate process to dry the valley, return the river's flow, and hopefully destroy the Corruptive markings adorning many of the large trees and ruins. As they moved through the old woods of Myth Drevanna, Valandis began to respond to the occasional question. Perhaps he was still curious himself of this Mythal's former nature, or perhaps he was slipping out of his former mindset as well.

Mistress of the Old Woods

Session 117

Characters: Julian, Balin, Anthony, Grim.

NPCs: Hallberdisfinna: Great Wyrm Green Dragon (Greenbound).

L 1 Mirtul 1374 - L 1 Mirtul 1374

0 XP

With more sounds of suffering coming from deeper in the forest grove, the party pushed onward with haste. Soon the canopy above them began to be stripped of its leaves as winds increased to almost 50 miles per hour. Plant debris filled the air and blocked their sight to less than 15 feet in all directions. The new ground they traveled on seemed increasingly wet and sloped downward; they were entering a large river valley. Then the party hit a large body of cold, green water and noticed that this river valley must have been near completely flooded. Only the tops of the tallest trees rose above the windy water; in them structures of ancient elven-make signaled they were within the enclave of Myth Drevanna. The three lone adventurers Julian, Anthony, and Grim gathered at the waters edge to search for clues.

Suddenly, the powerful winds brought with them a blast of corrosive gas. The three adventurers staggered away from the green shore and panicked. Seconds later another blast of corrosive gas blew with the winds and continued to eat away at their flesh. Grim and Julian struggled to find a source of this through the flying plant debris. Regardless, all three were nearly dead from their sudden wounds and so Grim recalled the party back to his personal Demiplane. There they waited in a healing glow for nearly 9 minutes, pondering their recent brush with death. Meanwhile, with a final strike of his oak staff, Balin crushed Valandis the Druid of Myth Drevanna into unconsciousness. Victorious, he set out deeper into the forest to find his comrades. Even with the violent winds and debris, Balin managed to easily track their previous movements in the boggy, water-logged ground. Balin descended down into the flooded river valley and at the water's edge noticed a great deal of turmoil in their tracks, and then the tracks stopped. Before he could ponder this evidence however, She had descended upon him with all Her might. Trapped, and under the threat of certain death, Balin had no choice but to submit.

Seemingly an eternity later, Julian, Grim, and Anthony returned to the outer edge of Myth Drevanna with many powerful protective spells cast upon them. They entered the rough green water and swam quickly between the near sunken canopies in the former glory of an elven mythal. As they moved deeper into Myth Drevanna all three noticed that a number of their preparative spells for battle had failed. Grim quickly deducted that these were all of the Abjuration school of magic. It seemed that the corrupted Myth Drevanna may at one time have been deeply linked to the school. As they advanced into the first section of the Mythal, the tree canopy came to life and began to batter the party with fury. Grim sustained a moderate injury and Shapeshifted into a Solar to resist the continuous attacks. As the party pressed deeper into the mythal with the trees constantly attacking, a third cloud of acidic gas hit the party. Julian sensed the presence of an intelligent mind within 100 feet of him to the northeast and the party rushed forward. Then, She descended.

The Great Wyrm leapt down from the tree canopy and bruised the party's flesh with a trunk-splitting roar. She was the largest dragon any had imagined, comparable to some small castles. Her dark green scales intertwined with vines, bark and thorns, and Her massive jaws dripped with a brownish ichor. From Her brief flight She clamped down on Anthony and smashed into the water. Anthony returned the damage with two incredible Smites and freed his arm from Her jaws. Julian attempted a dark and vile power upon Her, however his Avasculate did not hit with the same force he had expected. Additionally, Anthony and Grim had witnessed his Evil spell and became deeply concerned. Grim also struck the Great Dragon with bolts of sonic energy. Reeling back from the damage, She gazed back and Cursed Grim. Julian noticed however, that she had not casted the spell, merely directed it. Then, She ripped tenaciously into Anthony's body with her claws, fangs, spiked tail, and thorny hide and dived deep into the murky green waters. Julian sensed she was near and directed his comrads down to find her. Underwater, the terrible melee continued. Although the Great Dragon suffered heavy wounds She seemed to regenerate them back in the presence of the mythal. Anthony Smote Her again, and Grim directed more blasts of sonic energy, however all three had suffered near fatal wounds and were again at Kelemvor's doorstep.

With a final blow from the Sword of Cosmas, for an instant Anthony thought he had slain the Great Dragon. However, Grim had seen the magical effect and knew a Contingency and Transport Via Plants had activated. She was elsewhere now, and with the party's grievous wounds and Teleportation abilities locked out by the mythal it was only a matter of time before the violent trees would kill them all. Without hesitation, Grim knew what must be done. He stopped time with his vast arcane abilities and quickly searched through the remaining time-frozen forest. There, in an underwater cavern filled with an aura of Antimagic, he saw the Great Dragon licking Her wounds. Standing alongside Her without movement was Balin, his lost friend and adventurer. The cavern was carved from the grove's central crescent-shaped mound, which rose from the waters and was topped with colossal Druidic Stones. Grim knew there was little time and Sent for the party's help through the Weave.

Finding Myth Drevanna

Session 116

Characters: Julian, Balin, Anthony, Grim, Terus, Cael, Davvin.

NPCs: Orten: Mosstone Druid (Bear), Milisandria Mosstone Druid (Hawk), Connyal: Mosstone Druid (Fox), Fhina: Pixie path watcher, Valandis: Wood Elf Druid.

E 1 Mirtul 1374 - L 1 Mirtul 1374

1450 XP

The party gathered early in the morning as the sun rose above the eastern King's Road. With Balin and Julian's help Grim was able to Teleport the party directly to the Druidic trade town of Mosstone. They now stood at the base of a great earth mound; large standing stones rose out of the hill like the teeth of a colossal beast. The party left the central clearing and moved into Mosstone's trade streets enclosed by massive trees. Merchants of many guilds had set up shops along the forest floor. The party searched for Mosstone officials and within no time met with Orten, a strongly built human dressed in the traditional green robes of a Mosstone Silvanus druid. They told Orten of the assault on Porta Elvasious and the rumors of Myth Drevanna's "awakening". Orten then led the party to Treemeet, a great hall for the Mosstone Druids built from the intertwined bodies of Weldath's 5 oldest trees. The party waited within Treemeet, while various woodland creatures curiously examined their presence. Finally, they met with the High Druids Milisandria and Connyal.

During their meeting the party again explained the events concerning Porta Elvasious, the Old Way believers, and Myth Drevanna. Milisandria strongly agreed that the clash between the Old and New Ways must be resolved. In addition, she explained to them of the former Mosstone druid Valandis. He had been sent by the New Order years ago to seek out the odd changes in the forest to the northwest. He was rumored to have found the ancient Myth Drevanna and has never returned. Balin promised that he would go with the party to the ancient Mythal and seek out Valandis to both determine if he had any link to the attacks of Porta Elvasious and find a resolution to the recent clashes between the Old and New Ways. With blessings from Orten, Milisandria and Connyal the party then left Mosstone and searched for a Fey Road to lead them into Myth Drevanna.

With Balin's expertise, the party walked efficiently north through the Weldath Woods and found a small stream with hints of Fey magic in the reflections. Following this stream west, it widened and met with a 25 foot forest cliff-side forming a small waterfall. At the base of this waterfall Balin again found Fey magic and knew that in order to enter the Fey road they must leap off the cliff-side headfirst through the shallow stream waters below. Upon hearing this risky act Julian volunteered his services and jumped off the cliff before Balin could properly direct him. However, instead of slipping into the Fey Road, Julian crashed headfirst into the stones below. After a hearty laugh from his comrades, Julian climbed to the top and Balin leapt down. Instantly, Balin found himself within a mirrored extradimentional space looking up through the stream at his fellow adventurers. The rest of the party leapt one by one, and with Balin's help they slipped down into the Fey Road safely. To the suprise of Balin, the Fey Road to the north and south directions was pinched off. After a few minutes examining the Road for exits they found a small Pixie named Fhina hiding in a mirrored pocket. The party made bold attempts at first to spark her interest with tall tales, and offerings, however it was not long before they noticed she was in distress. The Fey Road became darker and more cramped, Balin knew this as a reflection of her psyche, and so attempted to console her. Fhina told the party that the other Fey Roads had been broken by some unknown force, and her dear friends were lost. She had closed off her segment before her fate would become theirs. The party promised Fhina that they would stop whomever had destroyed the Sylvan veins through Weldath and left the Fey Road through the stream above.

The adventurers now agreed that they must find Myth Drevanna with haste. Grim Greater Teleported the party to the closest known location of the ancient mythal. Although they were only within a few miles of the mythal they knew that actually finding it would be a time consuming a difficult task. Balin and Terus led the party with their tracking expertise and soon it was becoming increasingly difficult to travel. They began noticing themselves traveling in circles, seeing the same trees and rocks over and over. They pushed on and later the ground and terrain seemed to be moving asynchronously, had they been drinking? The hallucinations intensified as the party continued to focus on their precious land markers. However, a disagreement broke out between two sides of the party on whether they had already crossed a small stone bridge or not. The argument was settled and they decided to cross the bridge. Balin and Terus led them and as they reached its apex felt as if the wind had picked up greatly. Then all at once they crashed into the ground below, they had been falling. Some at the top managed to avoid this devastating fall by fighting off the powerful hallucination. After a while of searching, the party had reunited on the forest floor below and stared up at the great hallucinatory cliff-side.

They continued walking and found that their legs were sticking more in the ground, their feet snagging on roots almost continuously. Massive leaves from the old trees around blew in the shifting winds and obscured their vision. Then through his keen senses, Balin saw a small green bird gently perched on a tree branch in the harsh winds, Valandis. The Druids met, speaking in a foreign tongue as the party looked on. Valandis refused to acknowledge the power of the Mosstone Druids and renounced the New Way to Balin, it had failed him. Balin attempted to reason with Valandis, particularly to get him to control the forest to cease its attack on the King's Road. Valandis refused, and so Balin challenged him to a Sylvan Duel for the grove of Myth Drevanna and jurisdiction over the northwestern Weldath Woods. The terms were given: A melee combat until death, using only oaken staffs of equal make. Combat was joined. The elven druids battered each other furiously as the cracks of their oak staffs resounded through the awakened forest.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party heard strange sounds of crying and screaming from deeper in the druidic grove. Valandis was not the only enemy present. They moved carefully forward as the violent forest floor resisted against their movement. Then, under a large tree, the party saw the glint of a dead pixie's wings spattered against its roots. The party advanced now at a faster pace, still hearing the fey screams of terror. Suddenly, the forest's resistance culminated as Cael was dragged down, entangled by a great tree's roots. Vines and branches attempted to Entangle the rest of the party, however they were able to escape. As Cael continued to struggle, the party was blasted by a hail of thorns on all sides. Though heavily damaged, Davvin rescued Cael from the Entangling roots and the party scattered. Anthony Manton attempted to Heal the party's biting wounds however his spell instantly failed. Those among the party, whom could perceive magic, saw a horrifying and twisted Weave all around them in the forest. They now were within the wooded halls of the corrupted Myth Drevanna, and their presence was most unwelcome.

Paths of Nature: Old and New

Session 115

Characters: Julian, Balin, Grim, Anthony.

NPCs: Animated Trees, Selthens Silverbark: Paragon Treant of Silvanus, 2 Greenbound Direbears, 6 colossal Plant Hordes, Father Bailer, Mother Bailer, Brother Bailer, Count Samrite: Human Aristocrat, Cruroar Trannyth: Half-elven Mayor, Knights of the Tempered Sheild (Torm), Knights of the Cleansing Flame (Tyr).

30 Tarsakh 1374 - 1 Mirtul 1374

2300 XP

With Grim's help, the party had safely arrived back on Ferun in Julian Bailer's hometown of Porta Elvasious. They stood in complete shock within the southwestern city as a colossal Horde of Plants smashed into the southern wall. It seemed as if sometime recently the Wealdath Woods had grown northward at an incredible pace directly through the well-established human and elven logging camps. Porta Elvasious guards were shouting from the battlments to retreat over stentorian blasts of wood on stone, and the roars and cries of frenzied beasts of nature. A number of the city's southern most trees had become Awakened by the calls of the war-marching Treants and were smashing buildings from the streets. Balin stood in shock as all around him it seemed the Maul of Silvanus was upon Porta Elvasious. He called out to halt the warring trees and plants as the colossal Horde broke down more of the walls. Just seconds later, a great rumble came as the southwestern gate of the large town was splintered to pieces. Stepping forth and smashing down the central wall was a great Silver Treant whose shining bark was adorned in green and golden holy runes of the Forest Father. At his side were two Huge Greenbound Direbears, their bodies prodruding with vines and thorns.

Balin addressed the ancient tree to stop and state why was it that Silvanus willed Porta Elvasious to be destroyed. The Selthens Silverbark spoke saying that they had tried the new ways of teaching and living with the humanoids, yet they still were being overharvested and exploited. The new ways of Silvanus had failed and the old way of Nature's Power must return for the forest to be saved. Balin strongly disagreed with the Old Treant Selthens and challenged him to a Silvan Duel where the victor would decide whether the Old or New way would be followed. The Selthens Silverbark agreed and immediately with a great groan the colossal Plant Hordes receeded forming a great Circle of Challenge outside Porta Elvasious' wrecked southern wall. Balin stepped in to face the massive Treant, and battle was joined. Silverbark moved expeditiously and smashed into Balin with an unbelievable strength. Balin attempted to return the blows in melee but could not penetrate Selthens' magical hide. Balin Shapechanged into a Red Dragon and flew above Selthens blasting him with fire. Selthens' then Dispelled Balin's new form as he crashed to the ground. Balin took flight again and brought a mighty fall of boulders down upon the Great Tree. However, Selthen's used the boulders to knock Balin out of the air and was again upon him in melee. Balin's Flamestrike attempts could not keep pace with the Treant's regenerative healing, and after a long minute of equally matched combat, Selthens outlasted Balin and struck him into uncounciousness. Victorious, Selthens declared that Silvanus willed the Old Ways to be followed with a uproar of plants and beasts.

Anthony spared no time after Balin fell, for he used his new Boots of Tactics to Dimension Door the helpless Druid to the safety of Porta Elvasious. Grim threw down a mighty Meteor Storm upon Selthens and his marching Plant Hordes killing the two great Greenbound Direbears. Selthens charged forward at an unmatchable speed trampling all but Julian whose Blinking Ring saved him. Slashing furously at Grim, Silverbark nearly killed him if it was not for Grim's fateful Word of Recall. Now Anthony and Julian were the only heroes whom remained. They entered a bloody melee with the heavily wounded Silverbark and were able to detroy him before he could heal his grevious injuries. Upon the death of Selthens Silverbark, the colossal Plant Hordes pulled away and headed back to the Wealdath Woods, carrying with them large pieces of the stone walls and buildings they had smashed down. Porta Elvasious Guardsman and Knights of the Tempered Sheild lay scattared on their swaying branches, and smashed under their heavy roots.

In the wake of the battle, Julian immediately Flew to the Bailer Ranch in the eastern farming community of Porta Elvasious. The fields looked as though they had been abandoned and overgrown for years. Julian's keen eye for magic however, led him to believe this had also been the recent work of a Druid of the Old Way. The Bailer farmhouse was empty and there were sings of a very recent departure. Julian then headed back to Porta Elvasious and arrived at his brother Hennith Bailer's armorsmith shop. There, he took down the powerful magical spells which continually had cloaked him for so long, and knocked at the door. His father Leon Bailer answered and there was a great greeting as Julian saw for the first time in nearly three years, the faces of his family. Julian could not resist any longer and expelled the glorious titles and treatures he had recieved in his adventures. Though his father a stern man and his mother greatly concerned for the future, both were extreamly overjoyed. Then they spoke to Julian of his missing brother, a Knight of the Tempered Shield, his brother's new fiance Anna Leymansen. Julian was both heartbroken at the news that his brother was lost and that Anna had been carried away by the army of plants, and also upon hearing that Anna had chosen his brother rather than him. Julian hastlily promised that all would be well and left immediately to find the former master of the land, Count Samrite, and Mayor Cruroar Trannyth.

Meanwhile, Anthony revived Balin, and Grim was able to find his way back to Ferun and Porta Elvasious with come creative spellcasting. He also made a direct Sending to his Captains in the Cleansing Flame telling them to report with all their men from Zaz immediately to Porta Elvasious. Grim used one of his magical wands to reconstruct some of the remaining stone rubble into a lower wall again. Anthony moved with haste toward the Mayer's estate to determine the truth of the claims made against Porta Elvasious, and also to annouce Julian Bailer as the new landlord of Porta Elvasious and the Middle King's Road. Anthony found the disgruntled Count Samrite's testimony truthful in that the people of Porta Elvasious had not been over harvesting any more than they had been for the past hundred years or so. Additionally, there was no evidence of ackowledgement of a verbal warning by the Silvan defenders. Upon learning that Julian Bailer was the mysterious new local Lord, the Count became quite unhelpful. Julian arrived shortly after along with Grim and entered the discussion of Porta Evlasious' current state. Count Samrite refused to be held accountable for what he claimed was both two months of negligence on Julian's behalf and unprovoked attacks by the Silvan Defenders. Julian argued that these affairs were still in Samrite's duty to have managed and assured the Mayor Trannyth that the individuals behind this would be brough down harshly. With that the angry and disempowered Count Samrite vowed to exact a brutal Tax War upon the Middle King's Road and Porta Elvasious and left on horseback under the protection of a number of Royal Knights of Tethyr.

Balin did not attend the meeting with Count Samrite and Mayor Trannyth; there were sacred matters to attend to. He gathered the charred ashes of Selthens Silverbark and moved into the Wealdath Woods. The outlying trees looked undamaged and deeply rooted. Upon dicussion, Balin found the young outlying trees to be quite friendly and supportive. Having much contact with humanoids they had grown accustomed to the teachings of the New Way. They spoke of rumors that deep within the Wealdath Woods the ancient elven mythal Myth Drevanna had awakened, concious of its own existance. They spoke of a great druid of Silvanus that was sent by the New Way followers of Mosstone to investigate the awakened Mythal whom had not returned. Balin dug a deep trench in the woodland soil, buried half of Selthens' remains, and said a short prayer of remembrance for the Old Treant. Deeper into the woods Balin continued to search for answers, but found the plants to be much less agreeable. These old grown, hearty plants followed the teachings of the Old Way and refused to speak to Balin concerning why Porta Elvasious was under attack. Concerned, and tired, Balin headed back north toward Porta Elvasious to inform his fellow adventurers of the rumors.

Drawing from his experience with the formerly endangered citizens of Zazesspur, Julian called a town meeting in the central Joust grounds. On the main stand sat Julian, the Bailer family, the Mayor and clerks of Porta Elvasious, and the rest of the adventuring party. Julian accounced himself as the new Lord of Porta Elvasious and the surrounding Middle King's Road. Then, he asssured the people that he and his adventurers would bring a quick stop to the recent attacks to the southern city and surrounding farmland. It had been mere hours since Anthony called for the Cleansing Flame, however suddenly, Windwalking down from the clouds came his dedicated Cormyrian Knights. Armed in shining platemail and brandishing great purple flags the Cleansing Flame Knights surrounded the Jousting Arena. Anthony stated that their presence would be to safeguard the city from further attacks and told his men to adjust their spells and arsenals to fight Plants as appropriate. Balin then instructed the populus of the rumors concerning the deep Wealdath Woods and the awakened Myth Drevanna. The party had decided to wait until morning to venture on to Mosstone, and figure out where this whole mess may had started.