Session 11 - Rot and Revelations

The Dauntless quickly make their way back to camp where Niranen and Fen have stabilized and triaged the dozen-or-so Feymoor refugees. The returning heroes, a bit worse for wear, help treat the handful of other rescued innocents. As they all take a moment to collect themselves, there’s much discussion to be had on what to do with the new enemies they’ve made in the Druids of Decay. Marty presses that they should preserve the corpse to communicate with its dead spirit in the future, a plan of action that brings much dismay from Nira and a few others. Begrudgingly, the head of the dead is collected and the group agrees to hunt down more of these “Druids.” Maxima and Bryn take Cliffjumper, the wagon, and the refugees and escort them a bit further south until they can safely follow the path back to the nearest town. They would catch up when it was clear the Feymoor people were safe.   Tatil and Spider-Peiskos take to the trees and manage to locate an area of the forest that has rotted away in an unnatural pattern. The group makes its way towards this clearing and sneak up on a lone Decay Druid. A web shot from Peiskos sets the pace for the brief conflict where the heroes descend upon the lone criminal. Violence and intimidation doesn’t seem to faze the undead druid until Ayla and Fen make their presence clearly known. It’s at that moment that the Decay Druid begins to panic and break under pressure. Severe questioning from Nira/Fen, though on the surface not as successful as one would hope, revealed much detail to the mind-reading Marty.   It would appear that the Druids of Decay were after the power of the Feymoor rift for their own nefarious means and intended to act in a decisive manner at sundown. In the druid’s mind it was revealed that he feared Feymoor’s "Guardian"… Ayla! Both Fen and Ayla (which was clearly sentient) were surprised by this revelation, and much discussion was had between the minotaur and his tree-weapon companion.   The group collected another druid head (though Deltair objected) and decided there was no more time to waste hunting the druids. Two defeated abominations would have to do as they made their way to the valley. If they hurry they should be able to make it before sundown.   Fen’s distraction was obvious, but he still managed to convince his living tree guardian to communicate with Marty, with apologies all around. Throughout the journey, Deltair tried to keep spirits up to motivate his friends. Tatil went ahead and skillfully dispatched any undead that lie in wait to ambush the party. The scouting was aided by Tris and Noodle. Niranen prayed to the moon goddess while Marty also prepared in her own arcane focusing way. As they approached the final stretch, Peiskos shielded the party with his magic to allow them safe passage.   The Dauntless arrive at the Bulwark Pass and make note of the abandoned defensive structure/trading post. They don’t stay long, knowing conflict is ahead, but Tatil takes a moment to locate a longbow from a nearby rack. The ever-kind Peiskos pulls a large fur from a cart and wraps it around Fen, sharing kind words of comfort.   Little Brook – also abandoned, still, but obviously ransacked from the nightly assaults. When our heroes approach, they notice a large collection of skeletons standing at attention, watching their movement. There’s discussion and commotion on what to do about the undead in their way, and through this they observe that the skeletons are mimicking Marty’s words. Frustrated and clearly set on action, Nira dispatches one of the skeletons, causing a curios reaction in their wizard companion. Marty’s mind is invaded by memories of another life(?) One of great suffering. This pains her, leading the group to accuse of her of creating these specific undead.   “They’re not mine!” She exclaims through tears, and it’s clear she means it. Accusations turn to concern and support. They determine that, though she may not be their creator, she had control over them. The skeletons, a good 20 of them, all obeyed every command she issued, though the more she did, the more pain and memory seemed to surface. As useful as the skeletal squad would be in the upcoming clash at the rift, were commanded to stay behind and not harm anybody.   Night was approaching. They had to hurry and get to the Stone Circle of Mallomere before the siege began and before the Druids of Decay could also further their plans. They marched on, up a warped and shifted trail designed to impede assault from the south. As they neared they heard an animal call, one Fen recognized as a signal from his mother. He returned the call and our group made it to the circle. The defenders from Feymoor felt a momentary sense of relief seeing Fen return with help, but the mood soon shifted back to grim.   Above them, the dark tear in the sky hummed louder and louder. The weight of the open air pressed down upon the fearless troop of adventurers and the tired souls of Feymoor. The sun nestled deeper into the Sunderwood mountains, inviting darkness and all the pain that was yet to come.