Session 12: Battle at Kline Ranch

Session #12: Battle at Kline Ranch

The morning of Aers 24, 530 dawned crisp as the Deputies of Monroe saddled up, ready for the ride from the lawless town of Blood Ax to distant Kline Ranch. Their charge: ensure a trio of Cowboys—Jude Austin, Billy Spenser, and Oakley Tate—reached Blood Ax to testify in the murder trial of Nolan Hardin, accused of slaying Martin Gilliam. Standing in their way were Justice Board vigilantes determined to keep the witnesses from leaving the ranch.

The journey along the Davis Trail spanned twenty rugged miles. By midday, halfway to their destination, the Deputies heard a desperate cry for help and the clash of combat echoing from the woods. Dismounting swiftly, they plunged into the thicket to offer aid.

In a clearing, a solitary young elf girl fought against eight uncanny adversaries: man-shaped creatures woven from thick, thorn-covered vines, their forms masked in green leaves and dotted with tiny red-orange honeysuckle blossoms. These vine beings made no sound save for the rustling of leaves and the ominous creak of their fast-growing tendrils.

The elf girl had her back against a massive, charred trunk—once a mighty oak, now a burnt sentinel reaching 25 feet into the canopy. Bosk Culler surged forward in a fury, swinging his greatax to batter the plant monsters. At his side, Cordoch Bovindale invoked Lunsyn’s Favor, his longsword blazing with radiant strikes. Fourth-Knife shifted into dire wolf form, lunging and tearing into the vines. Imaranger hung back, unleashing arrows marked by Hunter’s Mark before joining with blade and scimitar. Suffering Succotash found his line of sight and cast firebolts to sear the creatures. Kruk the Vengeful summoned acid to batter the enemy.

The vine creatures struck back with spiky tendrils, wounding the Deputies, but the clash rang only moments before the heroes' skill prevailed. The last creature fell into lifeless brush.

The rescued elf girl introduced herself as Honey O’Dell, intent on seeking a new life in Blood Ax as an entertainer. Her trained chipmunk danced tap and two-step beside her, while Honey hummed an enchanting tune. The heroes applauded, and some gave coins when she passed her hat. Observing her closely, they noted her copper-toned skin, bright emerald eyes, and dark purple hair—unlike any elf of the known nations. She shared her history: raised by humans in Hender’s Creek, she felt shunned by elven society for her appearance.

The Deputies' mission lay the other way, and Honey went on her journey, leaving a mystery in her wake.

As evening fell and darkness crept in, the Deputies reached Kline Ranch. The grounds were swathed in fog, the buildings looming indistinct. Dismounting and approaching carefully, they discovered the torn bodies of several men—evidence of a violent struggle.

Fourth-Knife again transformed into a dire wolf, advancing to the fog’s edge with Bosk and Cordoch while the others held back. Suddenly, two enraged, hulking Owlbears burst forth from the mist, claws flashing. The assault left Fourth-Knife forced out of wildshape and Bosk unconscious, but the Deputies rallied. With healing, arrows, blades, and spells, they bested four furious Owlbears.

In the aftermath, the party discovered bundles of grasses and flowering vines bound with mistletoe—disturbing the fog when touched. At the fog’s center lay a large egg, unmistakably from an Owlbear. The devastation became clear: the Owlbears had died defending their egg. Nearby were two more Owlbear bodies, and six slain ranchers—including the three Cowboys meant to testify—plus a dozen fallen men in black kerchief masks, likely vigilantes.

With night deepening, the exhausted heroes made camp in the emptied ranch, the case concluded for now.

Session #12 Ends.

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