From the Journal of Rama
The Skyreader tribe of Windlings have been looking for Adepts to help them find a new home. Shiree Oath-hill, a Windling Cavalryman, lead them but needed additional help. I was more than willing to lend my talents to their cause; I cannot imagine how the rhythmawin must feel being confined for so long. I have a strong affinity for the Wind Children - I find their bravery and their intensity to be endearing and fascinating.
Also traveling with the caravan were Zivlyn, a Windling shaman who is known to me, Mo’uhane a T’Skrang Illusionist and two other Obsidimen; Kain an Archer and Daldorer, a Nethermancer. I did not know either of the Brothers, but their presence brought me comfort. We did not have time for the Melding during our Journey which I greatly regret. Of the two, Kain is young, barely past his birth from the Liferock. His journey to Throal must have been harrowing indeed.
Our first days out of Throal were uneventful. We reached the abandoned inn at the crossroads, Clear Creek Crossing. The structure still stands and needs to be claimed, as it is it can merely provide shelter currently.
During our stay, a swarm of krillworms chose to attack at night, during the early watch just after sunset. They invaded through the fireplace - as the evening was warm we had no need for a large fire.
I am not sure of their numbers - their wings and bodies created a cacophony of sound and chaos inside the inn. We were able to drive them off with minimal issues. Mo’uhane has the ability to bestow a visage of a beast or a monster and it aided my abilities considerably. I admit I took some satisfaction into playing into the nature of a beast. This would not be the only time this would come in handy - he continually found ways to make me appear more fearsome than I am, to the detriment of our foes.
The party decided to search along the banks of the Coil for possible locations for the Windlings to build their homes. By midday, Shiree reported something on the horizon she could not explain. When we came within visual range, I understood her bewilderment.
A larger forest several hundred yards in front of us and about ten acres, roughly guessing, was moving across the ground. They seemed to be swimming through the earth with their roots - they left the ground lightly disturbed in their wake but unbroken - it appeared like the actions of burrowing creatures, rather than tilled soil.
My curiosity drew me near. Despite the lack of any intelligence, I tried to speak with the trees using every tongue I know including the ancient tongue of the Elves. I received no response and as I could not fathom what I was seeing, I chose not to enter the moving wood. I regret this choice but my duty was to my charges, not to my own desires. I have included a map of the location of this grove in the documents I am submitting to the Great Library in hopes someone will follow up on this unknown mystery in our new and wild world.
As the midday grew warmer we found ourselves moving through a mire. The river waters flooded the land and seeped deep into the soil turning the rich loam into a boggy morass of deep, sucking mud and clay. I found Zivlyn’s expressions to be a source of mirth as he easily flitted above us, watching the three Obsidimen slog slowly through the waist-high grasses and sodden ground. His concern and discomfort were palatable, but we were tireless though I purchased new clothing upon our return to Throal; the mud was tenacious.
As we struggled, we were set upon by bog gobs. This is the second time I encountered these creatures and while i was able to negotiate safe passage with the first group, these gobs immediately attacked with spears.
Bog gobs are seemingly animated mud and were just as viscid as the mud we were snarled in. I quickly found myself a target with several of the creatures clinging to me, jabbing at me with their short spears. My skills and armor kept me safe but to my dismay I found the gobs mai tunes their grip even if rendered unconscious.
By the time we had defeated our assailants I found myself quite exhausted and covered in mud and clay and filth. I was more than pleased to stop for the night along the banks of the Coil, near two small islands we discovered. I did my best to clean my armor and clothing and myself while tending to my injuries.
It was not a pleasant evening.
Upon daybreak, the Windlings flew across the river to explore the islands. They quickly reported that the islands were suitable, but there was a mound of giant termites near the middle of the larger island.
Our options to cross were limited considering that our party consisted of three Obsidimen. There was a T’Skrang Niall, Kampung Gajah, about 45 miles to the North - several days travel. We could possibly attempt to borrow or barter for a boat, but considering the Niall has been recently reopened the chances were slim. Instead our party chose to attempt to build a small raft. I was impressed with the knowledge of my fellow Adepts and followed their lead, helping to harvest timber and with the heavier portions of assembly.
Before the day was done we had a raft suitable for our party and was able to journey to the island. Our T’Skrang illustionist Mo’uhane proved and able captain and I was very glad to have one of the water-dwelling folk leading us across the rapids. Deep waters are one of the few things I fear - I dread sinking beneath the waves, knowing I will never free myself from the prison of the waters. Once we arrived, knowing what we faced, we were able to prepare for the coming battle.
We are able to easily locate the nest, a towering edifice of mud and wood in an area the insects had cleared of vegetation. Termites swarm when the neat is disturbed and when the guardians picked up our scent their fellows came pouring from the hive.
Termites have a painful bite and can spit an acid or an irritant that burns the skin. One of them by luck or skill was able to reach my face and eyes. The pain was intense and impeded my abilities. I was glad for the help of my allies in this fight. The feeling of magic in the air and the steady thrum of Kain’s bowstring helped guide my blows.
While several of the insects attacked us, others seemed only intent in taking things from us, darting in to pull things from our packs and in Zivlyn’s case even snatching the hat from his head. I lost my quill and my map case, much to my dismay.
Through superior tactics, we were able to press our advantages and slowly but surely fight our ways into the hive. We were able to unearth and destroy the queen, ending the threat and recovering our stolen possessions, most none the worse for wear.
We had no time to celebrate our victory before a small party of T’Skrang accosted us, demanding to know why we were on “their” island. I attempted to reason with them, but Kain detected an aggressive gesture made by the T’Skrang with his tail and chose to fire an arrow, striking him in the foot.
I did not see or understand the gesture, but Mo’uhane stated the tail movement was aggressive but declined to elaborate further. Regardless, the T’Skrang and his partners retreated, leaving the island as a home for the Windlings.
I expect there will be further issues with the T’Skrang, but I do not know if he was from the nearby Niall or was a river bandit. Regardless, it brings me sorrow that this home was birthed with violence. Perhaps this is simply a fact of the new world we inhabit as it was of the old. The Quick often struggle and fight over land and always have, as if one can own the Earth itself by drawing lines in blood on maps and documents.Statistics:Posted by OldKingCole — Sun Apr 19, 2020 10:19 pm
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