After they made sure the Emperor is well protected, our heroes can finally go on their quest to find the last Anathema. They have agreed an exchange of information with Agoston the Pole Sitter. They will bring him the sacred incense of the Woodelfs of the south in exchange for the location of the evil blade. The adventurers prepare and set off into the wild Reikland Forest.
After a hard trek of several days, the landscape changes. Vast bogs stretch between the trees where the wetlands meet the woods. In the morning mist, large seeds float trough the air, like achenes found on dandelions, only a lot bigger. A watery sun tries to pierce the mists and gives the area a magical feel. However, that night, during one of the watches, the travelers notice a strange, dark bird watching their every move. The magicians try to take it down but before that happens it disappears in a thick, black cloud of smoke. It also has an effective magical defense, causing damaging spells to reflect back on the caster.
After a hard trek of several days, the landscape changes. Vast bogs stretch between the trees where the wetlands meet the woods. In the morning mist, large seeds float trough the air, like achenes found on dandelions, only a lot bigger. A watery sun tries to pierce the mists and gives the area a magical feel. However, that night, during one of the watches, the travelers notice a strange, dark bird watching their every move. The magicians try to take it down but before that happens it disappears in a thick, black cloud of smoke. It also has an effective magical defense, causing damaging spells to reflect back on the caster.
The Chain Gang
The next day, the adventurers come across a band of captives, guarded by armed men in the livery of Nuln. The prisoners are cutting wood. The heroes ride up to them and with a combination of charm and intimidation advise the group to return where they came from. A village called Udo. The villagers follow the advise and not too soon because that evening at their camp, the crew encounters the Woodelves they've been looking for.
The camp is suddenly surrounded by Treemen, Dryads and Elves with bows. The crew is taken into captivity, blindfolded and taken to the Elf Court.
The camp is suddenly surrounded by Treemen, Dryads and Elves with bows. The crew is taken into captivity, blindfolded and taken to the Elf Court.
Off with their beards!
The heroes are taken to the court of Queen Ewendelin and charged with various offences. From being mutants ("The size of that Dwarf in unnatural"), to invading their lands (the newly erected village Udo) to consorting with a Witch name Baba Yaga. By listening to these accusations they learn that this witch has taken over a Waystone and converted it into a Herdstone, now called The Black Monolith. The mages are also accused of dabbling in dark arts. The most vehement accusations come from a Glade Guard named Fipromil and a Wardancer named Snaptwig. Altough the Waywatcher called Llannith defends them. The most shocking is that one of the adversaries suggests to the queen that "We should shave their beards before we take off their heads".
After these accusations, the adventurers have a chance to defend themselves.
Everyone does their best to dissuade the Elves of their bad intent and explain their plight to find the last Anathema. Especially Abel and Solar make eloquent speeches. But in the end, it is Gotrak who amazes all. He denounces any dark power and ostentatiously cuts off his own beard! (He reasons he has no honour left anyway).
This finally convinces the Queen and they are set free. On two conditions. First, they must kill the witch and secondly, they must get rid of the village Udo.
They agree and a big feast erupts, celebrating life in a way that only Woodelves can do. More of an orgy really.
After these accusations, the adventurers have a chance to defend themselves.
Everyone does their best to dissuade the Elves of their bad intent and explain their plight to find the last Anathema. Especially Abel and Solar make eloquent speeches. But in the end, it is Gotrak who amazes all. He denounces any dark power and ostentatiously cuts off his own beard! (He reasons he has no honour left anyway).
This finally convinces the Queen and they are set free. On two conditions. First, they must kill the witch and secondly, they must get rid of the village Udo.
They agree and a big feast erupts, celebrating life in a way that only Woodelves can do. More of an orgy really.
The lair of the Swamp Hag
With the help of some brave Woodelf warriors, the crew infiltrates the beastman camp, until the elves go no further. A gigantic rock juts out of the dense, corrupted forest. The heroes sneak closer to it until they come upon a palisade wall. Two Minotaurs guard the entrance. After a vicious conflict they manage to get past it, dispatching some curious Gor in the process. However, the noise has awoken the guardian of the gate: A Dragon Ogre !
This proves to be the most formidable beast the heroes have ever fought but they manage to defeat it. With that, the crew has gained entry into the Witches Lair.
This proves to be the most formidable beast the heroes have ever fought but they manage to defeat it. With that, the crew has gained entry into the Witches Lair.