Dathnaea wakes from her slumber with all the talking, clicks, and whistles.  Her eyes widen at the sight of the bugs, but she quickly gathers that Aethen and Adryn are in communication with them.  While the rest converse she packs her things.

When the wizard woman asks, she listens for others to respond, then walks closer to her.  "I can handle either language just fine."

Tyler nods.  "Same here."

Invaris is good for me.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Sun 23 Sept 2012.

Aethen nods to the group.  "Either will be fine."  He says with a grin, his eyes looking upward as he concentrates on the changing dialects.

"As for using these creatures, it would be an interesting climb for you all, if they are willing..."

18:38, Today: Aethen Ironroot rolled 33 using 1d20+13. Knowledge Nature Check

Adryn chuckles a little at Aethen's blending of the two very different languages.

Addressing the group, Adryn says "According to these creature, we might be going the wrong way. They made mention of irregular being somewhere below... in the 'heart'"

Speaking to the walking sticks, Adryn asks "What can you tell me about the creatures that reside in the heart?"

The bugs all twitter and sing in a cascade of sounds as if all speaking in song, and no one bug is speaking.  "We only know what the wind and the matrix tell us.  There are those below who are not of the matrix, but the matrix changes them and makes them of itself.  They have brought one of the Daughter's companions here and seek to kill her, but the matrix prevents it for now.  If those not of the matrix win the conflict, the companion will die.  If the matrix wins, the companion will also become of the matrix and no longer the Daughter's companion."
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:15, Mon 08 Oct 2012.

Kahmaul looks at Adryn, "Who is this daughter that they speak of? More importantly, is the companion the creature who we seek to protect?" His Invarice is rough and decidedly guttural. He does not look at the sorceress, but hopes that the gesture to change his choice of language would be enough.

"Niaaca, and yes... I believe the companion they speak of is the one we are meant to find. From the sound of it, it would appear as though we need to change our course."

Focusing his attention on the bug-like creatures, "What is the quickest way for us to reach the ones you speak of... down below?"

Adryn thinks to himself for a moment, and then asks "What would happen if neither the interlopers or the matrix wins?"

"The fastest way would be to find the center and let go.  But you do not look as though you can fly so I would suggest other means.  If you are of a mind to save the companion of the Daughter, we could carry you.  But you are more interlopers.  We are inclined to see if you can fly anyway.  Either way, we move."

"Eventually the matrix will win.  It is inevitable."

"I'm not sure I like the sound of these things wondering if we can fly... Is no one else a bit worried about giant sentient bug beings talking about how well we can fly?" The Invar hopes that they can't speak Invaris, lest his fears be public to the stick bugs, and edges closer to Kahmaul as he speaks.

Kahmaul shakes his head, "If she provides a means, we must provide the will, and trust the river runs true...It's an old saying I learned from an old wiseman. If they meant us harm, it would have already come. Since we intend on saving the "daughter" or at least her companion, I see no reason why they should not help us on our way.. I still believe our path is blessed, and I will not allow fear-your constant fears-I might add, slow us down. Let's see if they are willing to take us, if they are in a hurry."

"You're correct, not all of us have the means to fly, but I think it best to keep the group together. We would gladly take you up on your offer to help us down."

Adryn chuckles slightly at Flynn. "I can't say that I'm worried about flying... it was rather enjoyable the last few times I've tried it. In all seriousness though, we need to stick together. I'm sure the thought of being caught alone in this place is far worse than the thought of flying."

Unless there is objection, the bugs allow the group (minus the Anthros who can climb) to ride on their backs down the interior of the tree.  Well aware of the location and numbers of the ones who have captured Ere's cat, the bugs take the group within half a mile of their camp.  The trip down is beautiful and eerie as the tree turns from brown to blue, purple, and phosphorescent green.  The jellies appear in clusters from time to time and one of the bugs is even caught and overwhelmed by them, become a large, bug shaped jelly.  The jelly-bug fiercely attacks the jellies and takes out many of them through some unknown method before finally skittering off away from its fellows as it began to collapse into multiple small jellies like those that had taken it down in the first place.

The location where the bugs drop the group off is a kind of grotto.  It is difficult to visualize this place as the interior of a colossal tree trunk as it is too vast.  It appears to be more akin to a large valley with sheer walls off in the distance.

After the last of the bugs unloads its passengers, they disappear further into the 'valley'.  Soon a mournful song similar to violins echoes throughout the area seeming to come from everywhere, a song to remember the fallen bug no doubt.

There are three paths out of the grotto, one looks like it runs up against the inside of the trunk soon.  It is unclear if there would be an escape route that way.  The other two lead southeast and northeast.  The bugs were not clear on which of the two paths the trappers were camped, only the relative distance.

Adryn graciously thanks the bugs for leading then down into the heart, and watches them disappear from the grotto.

Looking at the two potential paths before the group, Adryn pulls off his haversack and begins to dig through it... muttering something under his breath.

Flynn, glad to be off the creature and back on solid ground, takes a moment to get his legs back. He mutters, "I'll be damned before I try that again... Worse than the damn boat."

The Invar begins to inspect the ground for any signs that may indicate which path the trappers took.

17:33, Today: Flynn Darktreader rolled 25 using 1d20+12. search for tracks.

"Oh, I don't know Flynn... those bugs seemed pretty nice to me", Adryn says smiling.

[Private to GM: Adryn is going to instruct the raven to follow the southeastern path for 3/4 of a mile, or until it reaches a camp. Which ever comes first, and recount what it saw.]

He pulls his hand out of the haversack, revealing the silver raven. He whispers into its ear, and within an instant it animates back to life and flits off down the path leading southeast.

"We should take a few minutes to discuss our plan of attack."

Adryn peers down the southeastern path praying his little messenger finds the encampment, "Hopefully within 10 to 15 minutes we might have a better idea of what we are up against."

Aethen also thanks their new friends before they disappear back into the jungle.  He rests easily against his staff as he waits for Adryn to finish with the silver raven.  "We should move soon.  It is likely that they will know we are here soon."  His voice is soft and he is turned so that his words appear intended for Adryn.  It is likely he means no slight against the others and feels he can speak in his native tongue since it is to Adryn only that he speaks.

[Private to Adryn Longmane:
GM:  I don't remember if the raven speaks to you like a familiar or if you see through its eyes, but translate this accordingly (then let me know which).  It would help if you filled out more details on the raven as we settled on them.  It was so long ago that I gave it to you that I don't remember.

The raven returns swiftly and reports a camp of the same draconic humanoids you fought earlier.  There are also a couple of other creatures there, an Echtinik in spidersilk robes and a bare-chested Unbular hobgoblin not quite the size of Grondor in leather pants with a wicked looking double-ended axe.]

Adryn nods in agreement to Aethen's suggestion.

"Staying here for any length of time would only expose our presence."

The metallic raven returns without much delay and clearly appears to be agitated. "Found something, did you?" Adryn says, as it perches on his outstretched finger. A barrage of chirps and tweets issue forth as the raven relays its message back.

"Very well, thank you friend", he says. Adryn speaks the command word and the raven shrinks back down into the palm of his hand.

"She says there is a camp of dragonmen about a half a mile up. They are accompanied by a couple others as well... a spider-like humanoid dressed in robes and a fairly unarmored hobgoblin carrying a large double ended axe."

Pointing his clawed hand in the direction the raven returned from, Adryn says "Unless anyone else objects, looks like we need to head that way... Flynn, are you comfortable with scouting a fair distance ahead of us? I wouldn't want to stumble upon anything unprepared."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Sun 04 Nov 2012.

Flynn nods, and prepares to set off ahead of the others, whispering for a moment to Kahmaul before leaving.
This message was last updated by the GM at 14:46, Tue 06 Nov 2012.

Adryn gives Flynn a few minutes head start before starting his journey forward.

He glances over the group for a moment, thinking back on the adventure that brought them to this point. "This is it, I guess. Time to finish it.", He thinks to himself.

He turns to the southeast, and begins to walk down the path.

Kaithlian checks her spellbook one last time as well as the pouches and pockets around her person assuring herself easy access to what she needs when she needs it.  With a nod she follows Adryn.

Vertium mirrors Kaithlian and follows.

Tyler bows his head for a moment sending a swift prayer to Halai for luck, then steps in behind the wizards.

Aethen places his forehead at the top of his staff and mumbles something.  He closes his eyes then nods before looking up with resolve and following behind.

Kahmaul summons forth his shield and axe and trails behind the others forward.