Summary
Into the Thick of It, Part II
Day 5 - 8
Once Drazzla's group was defeated and drained of information, the party pushed on to the barrows.
The Barrows appeared to be of humanoid design and emanated evil. On first inspection, there were obvious signs of habitation - horses, tracks, and a lookout post on the central barrow. A burning pit confirmed what the party knew about how the undead threat was dealt with.
The party, after some brief negotiation, saw through the treacherous dealings of the Cleaner and his Lieutenant, Trask. Combat ensued and the party was once again victorious. The Cleaner, however, assumed gaseous form and attempted to flee. Eventually he was cornered and killed, deep in the woods.
The Barrow revealed a gnoll shrine to an unknown god and the stolen goods from Red Hill were recovered. The party, perhaps wisely, left alone a pit that seemed to lead to a deeper section of the barrow - one from which emanated ominous, chittering laughter and the foul stench of death.
Chapter One: The Grassy Gnolls
Even before the party could lead the captured horses and loot back to Red Hill, they met Olithar Crowhand, a Druid of the Forest. In a backhanded way, he thanked them for removing the evil of the barrows and hinted at larger movements within the wood, confirming Calen's thought that a centaur tribe in nearby. Kiley gained a new friend, a cardinal named Rasptongue.
That night, perhaps warned by the Crowhand, a scouting party of centaurs made themselves known to the party. Calen narrowly lost a shooting exhibition and Finn appeared to gain a convert. The leader, named Night Runs Swiftly, said that any questions about the centaur band's actions should be asked of the Heart and Spear, the female and male leaders of the band.
The party received the Heroes' Welcome in Red Hill and were wined and dined accordingly - several new acquaintances were made and a good time was had by all, although only Finn and Kiley slept in the beds provided. Ponder and Kiley received instruction in magic by a local mage named Hollifun, widely known to be a powerful mage, but also highly eccentric. Calen spoke at length with a Black Walnut treant named Juglans Fagales learned what the long-lived Wood knew of the history of the area - he also accepted a charge and a burden from the treant.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:08, Sat 24 Feb 2007.