Appearing Characters: Arator Windrunner, Ashwynn Menethil, Caleron Morningwhisper, Elissa Cross, Gilveradin Windrunner, Renthar Hawkspear, Testament Greymane, Uther Menethil, Velameestra Windrunner, Zaeneas Emberlight, Zap Rusthammer
April 21st
The group found themselves at a small homestead, a farmland. However, the land had been desecrated beyond all belief. All of the corn has fallen off and withered to the ground with the husks and leaves blackened on the ground. Two farmhouses - a decent distance away through the forests - are in disrepair.
The group decides to go around the cornfield. It is hauntingly silent. Something had pushed its way through the cornstalks as several were broken on the ground.
Gilveradin was able to make note of footprints that seemed to have come from boots, but in addition there was evidence of other people there - not humans or elves. There was one footprint in particular that had the trademark two toes of trolls. He had seen trollprints before, and this was obviously one, though they had been concealed.
Gilveradin stops everyone.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Hold on, give me about a minute.
Gil used his special senses to see if trolls lurked nearby. His elf senses sense there are four trolls nearby, from a half mile past the farm. Gil stands up.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: There are about four trolls half a mile in that direction.
Uther Menethil says: Only four?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Only four within a half mile of us, but I can’t sense undead.
Uther Menethil says: Well I’m confident we can take out four trolls. The undead they have with them concerns me. Be that as it may, we cannot allow this lead to go cold. Everybody mount up, we’re riding.
Zap Rusthammer says: I dunno about cold leads, but this sends a shiver up me spine.
Uther Menethil says: This seems to be a magic most foul.
Vel looks around using her mana wyrm's eyes, though the only thing she can see is that the land tainted. This was beyond anything she had been taught. Uther and Zap knew that land that had seen Necromancy or forbidden magics was often irreversibly changed. This could be some analog of that.
Zap Rusthammer says: I haven’t seen the land get this trashed since my mates birthday party.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I think this is something entirely different.
Arator Windrunner says: What do you make of this?
Uther Menethil says: Unholy magic. Whoever did this, we need to stop them and we’re burning daylight.
Uther assigned placements to the party members in the riding order: Ashwynn and Arator on his flanks, Gilveradin in the rear, and the rest in the middle.
Elissa looked in fear as she gazed upon the scene.
They follow a desecrated dirt road forward. Through the fog and the mist they see a four foot tall wall. The recognize it as a small guardian wall to a cemetery. But, the wall is broken down and the steel parts are snapped in half.
Velameestra Windrunner says: They must have raided the cemetery.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That explains where the bodies came from.
As they approached it was confirmed that all the graves were dug up. It was not a large cemetery as there were no more than 30 or 40 total.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Vel, how many people would it take to control this many?
Vel knew that it would take quite a few of average power level, or only one if someone was exceptionally powerful. She relayed this to the group.
The group was concerned, Uther was pissed. He ordered them forward, dismounting the horses. Gilveradin happened to notice the tracks continued through the cemetery, and they were accompanied by drag marks. They seemed to not be more than a day old.
They look inside the cemetery, and see that all have been opened and unearthed except one crypt.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Should we check that crypt? They may still be there.
Uther Menethil says: We might as well. I am loathe to leave enemies to my back.
There were also signs of battle. Possible sign of villagers fighting back, but not enough to stop what had happened. The tracks head directly to the crypt. They were also the freshest. The tracks seem to head to the grave and stop. Stabbed straight through it’s chest and impaled to the grave with a pitchfork, they see a frost troll. Human and troll blood soak the area.
Zap knew about frost trolls. It was weird to see one in this area. He appeared to be wearing a robe with skulls and fetishes. The group investigated the body, starting with Zap. It smelled awful because of the decay.
When Zap took a closer look at the dead body of the troll, it seemed to have a symbol etched on the staff nearby, but it was not one that Zap had previously known of.
Zap Rusthammer says: I don’t know… no, I don’t know this troll tribe.
Gil heard a strange noise. Uther tapped into his divine sense and he sensed two undead in the direct vicinity, one coming from the crypt. One was coming from the body Zap is investigating.
The body cracks his eyes open, and a cloud of dust exploded in Zap’s face. Zap started coughing and had a hard time breathing.
Zap Rusthammer says: coughcough Bad dust! cough bad dust!
As his lungs filled with dust, leaping out from four of the nearby graves came trolls that joined their undead brethren. Most of the party was surprised, except Uther and Gil.
The zombie troll picked up Zap by the scruff of the neck and headed toward a grave. His eyes glowed bright blue without pupils.
Undead Frost Troll says: You’re going to come with me now, little dwarf.
Gil shot a jungle troll with an arrow as it headed to Tess. Arator makes an attack at the troll behind him, but the berserker forest troll and batters the weapon away. Another troll goes to attack Vel, hitting her with is axe, though she was able to dodge his next attack. The third troll attacks Arator, bating his sword away and picks him up by the neck. He too starts heading toward a grave. The jungle troll throws dust into Tess’s face and she passes out.
Ashwynn gets beside Uther and Vel, and attacks the troll that attacked Vel with her sword, but she misses.
Another troll tries to huck a javelin at Uther, which strikes true. Uther rips the javelin out furiously, and swings at the troll in front of him with his sword and attempts to smite him.
Uther was successful in his blow against the necrolyte as he spins around a tombstone and gestures over the head of his warhammer. It started to glow gold.
Uther Menethil shouts: For Lordaeron and FOR THE LIGHT!
As his hammer cracks into his chest he releases Zap.
The troll laughs.
Undead Frost Troll says: That was a good one.
The troll tells him he has important thing to take care of, and was going to leave his friends to take care of them.
Troll Necrolyte says: I don't think I wanna miss the action, ya know. After all, the big event is just right around the corner. But I think ya understand. Alright boys, ya know the drill. Oh, but while I’m here, I might as well provide a bit more entertainment for ya!
He uses blue shadowy magic, the crypt glows, and he steps backward into a grave and is gone.
A bright blue figure floats it’s way through the door. A banshee, the ghost of an elven woman, appears. She sobs and buries her face in her hands. And the fight resumed.
The banshee saw Zap choking and coughing. She almost looked concerned and floated towards him. She reached a hand and it looked like she was trying to help him, but she instead tried to suffocate him. Zap was unable to move due to being wracked with coughing and choking.
Her ghostly hand brushed his cheek and he was overcome with the pain of death and he fell unconscious.
The troll attacking Tess decided that the other trolls could handle it, and leaped into a grave and disappeared. The troll attacking Vel hit her once again, which might have downed her. However, seeing his cousin in peril, Arator used magic to take the damage for her and he went limp in the Berserker’s hand.
The Berserker holding Arator grinned, and took one step backward into the grave, disappearing with him. Vel called out in panic and outrage as she saw her cousin disappeared.
Ashwynn attacked the troll attacking Vel.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Stay in formation! We can’t let them divide us!
She then heals the party a little bit. The troll with the javelin hucked another one at Uther, and Uther bat the javelin away. Gil fired an arrow at the troll that was swinging his axe at Vel and Ashwynn, and it bit hard into its shoulder.
Zap successfully struggled for his life, though he was still unconscious.
Uther decided to go after the banshee and hit her with a smiting blow of his hammer. It partially goes through her, but it connects. She screamed in pain. She looks at him with those sunken eyes.
Wailing Banshee says: Why can't I be there...?
She continued to sob. Uther yelled that one of the trolls needed to be taken alive.
Vel blinked away in a mist, appearing by Ashwynn and Zap to get away from the troll attacking her. She twin spelled a [Chromatic Orb] of bright blue fire, one on each hands, aiming it at both the troll and the Banshee. She then thought on the undead, only able to gleem that they are resistant to cold, poison and necrotic. However, fire is always a good idea.
The troll caught fire and crumbles into dust.
Elissa shouted out Zap’s name. She looked down to her hand and dropped to her knees and her hand began to glow. A refreshing spring breeze filled Zap’s nostrils and she healed him.
Vel aimed arcane missiles at the banshee and as all three hit it, it cried out and began to dissipate.
Wailing Banshee says: Why?
Gil aimed to shoot the banshee, marking it with [Hunter's Mark]. The arrow collided against something physical in the banshee, and stuck into its spectral body. Zap and Uther looked to see what that noise was, but Zap was distracted by the pretty girl trying to take care of him.
Uther also was unable to see what the arrow was sticking into.
The remaining troll shouted another war cry and charged at Elissa, sticking her with the spear. She teetered at the grave, but was able to hold her balance.
The banshee ripped the arrow out of her. A small metal item clinked down to the ground as she disappeared.
The momentum of the strike continued through into the chest of the nearby troll, and it staggered back a bit.
Undead Troll says: Hahaha, that was a good one. The boss was right about you.
Uther Menethil says: Surround him! This one can’t escape.
Undead Troll says: Who says I wanted to escape?
Elissa tried to come at him, and he maneuvered around her attacks easily. Ashwynn attacked the remaining troll, though he evaded the attack. Zap swept the leg of the troll with his bayonet and the troll fell to the ground.
Zap Rusthammer says: You look like the troll that sneezed at my face earlier... I don’t like you.
Vel used chromatic orb to attack the prone troll, but he was still fine and he stood up. He went for Uther, cause Uther was fun, and he cut into the prince. Elissa joined the attack. Gil fired another arrow at the troll, aiming for the knees. He does, in fact, taking the arrow to the knee. Zap tried to tackle the troll, and was successfully able to grapple him. Ashwynn took advantage of the situation, putting her spear through his kneecap.
The troll collapsed to the ground. Uther kicked the troll onto his back and then stepped on his chest.
Undead Troll says: You are stronger than ya look.
Uther Menethil says: Shut up, monster. You will tell me where your compatriots took my brother or else.
Undead Troll says: You don't look like an elf.
Uther blasted him with a firebolt to the pelvis.
Uther Menethil says: You’re probably not interested in spending days on fire.
Zap moved Elissa away from the prince going medieval on the undead prisoner.
Undead Troll says: To the coronations. There's a new king in town. All I can tell ya is there isn’t gonna be much you can do if you get there. Do your worst. Ya can burn me all ya want. We don't forgive. We don't forget. We are gonna bury ya here.
Uther Menethil says: When I'm done with you, troll, there won’t be much to bury.
The troll gave more cryptic warnings.
Vel impaled the troll with a spear of ice, and he fell silent.
Velameestra Windrunner says: We don’t have time for this, I need to find where they took my cousin.
Zap went to heal Elissa. Vel tried to investigate, finding next to nothing, and cursed in Thalassian. Gil investigated the object dropped by the banshee. The object was a small silver ring with a turquoise gemstone, and it was elven in make. It’s his mother’s engagement ring. They had brought the banshee here, meaning they had planned for Uther being there. Gil also knew the rings were enchanted with protective magic. He pocketed the ring, having decided not to show Vel immediately.
Tess was stabilized. Elissa was traumatized. She thanked Zap with less emotion as she watched with horror as Vel and Uther angrily search the area.
Zap Rusthammer says: Listen lass, I know what you’re thinking. But don’t make any conclusions just yet.
Elissa Cross says: It’s just hard to believe that those are the same people that I saw before. That was just really scary.
Zap Rusthammer says: Oh, of course it was, but remember, you and me, we’re just people trying to live our lives. These noble folk, the good ones anyway, have a sense of responsibility.
Elissa swallowed hard and nodded.
Elissa Cross says: I guess you're right. Do you need any help over here?
Zap Rusthammer says: I think we got it under control more or less. Tess took some of the nasty stuff to the face.
Tess looked like she’s just sleeping. There is some similar sand in the dead troll’s pouch, which Zap took.
Vel was seething with both rage and despair. Gil didn't sense any trolls or Arator in the area. There were travelers heading north, but nothing substantial.
Uther Menethil says: We're done here. Elissa, I’m sorry I wasn’t able to keep my promise. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to find your father.
Zap investigated the area, and tripped on a small hand-carved shortbow. It looked like it was sized for a child and carved into it was 'Property of Bryce.' Bryce was the missing child.
Zap Rusthammer says: Hey guys, I think I found a clue.
Uther Menethil says: What did you find, Zap?
Zap Rusthammer says: Well let's just say I found bad news.
Uther Menethil says: Never in short supply.
Zap presented the child-sized shortbow.
Uther Menethil says: Seems our enemies are not above taking children to do their work.
Velameestra Windrunner says: They're trolls, they’re not above anything.
Zap Rusthammer says: We know they have taken the townsfolk, but how did they get from point A to point B?
Vel was pretty sure they’ve made some sort of new spell to transport themselves via graves. Ashwynn frowned, wondering where it led them. They thought to other graveyards.
Zap Rusthammer says: There needs to be a graveyard close to their homeland. One that people won’t go by and check very often.
Ashwynn Menethil says: I remember reading in the history books that trolls have extensive catacombs of their own.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: There are a lot of troll catacombs. Very few are anywhere we can get to.
Uther Menethil says: Our first step is to get to the Farstrider enclave. We have knowledge that needs to get to people more powerful than us. If we get ambushed and die, the news of of the coronation dies with us.
Ashwynn Menethil says: That's true, that’s troubling information.
Zap Rusthammer says: Do trolls have royalty?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Do rats?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Vel, if you’re not going add anything constructive, shut up.
Ashwynn Menethil says: From history lessons, there was one troll that claimed to the king of the trolls, Rastakhan.
The group realized that given the different types of trolls were fighting together, the new "King", Zalzane, might have united them.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: They only united through what, Loa before? Through the dark trolls?
Zap sarcastically mentioned that they could be trying to revive their old dead king to lead a crusade. The group continued to be sarcastic, and it went over Ashwynn’s head.
The group says all of this on the road, and after awhile they make camp and heal each other.
Zap questioned if Gil and Vel were actually related.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Yup. Same womb and everything.
Zap touched Uther for some additional healing, and Zap switched to watch with Uther.
Zap Rusthammer says: You really care for your people, doncha?
Uther Menethil says: Not enough it would seem.
Zap Rusthammer says: Actually I was gonna say the opposite.
Uther Menethil says: You believe I care too much?
Zap Rusthammer says: Listen I’m no noble. I’m not a king. I’ve just been around a bunch of places. Heck I’ve even been married and divorced, married and divorced again to the same woman. I don’t really know about treating people with respect and dignity. Part of being a responsible leader whether its for a family or a clan or kingdom of unruly dwarves that you cannot take every tragedy personally. Not every bad thing is your fault.
Uther Menethil says: A King is nothing without his people. Just a person wearing a crown.
Zap Rusthammer says: Of course, I've only been here a short while. I didn’t even know your face, but there was excitement abuzz because your people knew you were coming through and they knew ye and loved ye.
Uther Menethil says: At the risk of sounding arrogant, I knew that. But what have I done to earn that? Love and respect is something that has to be earned.
Zap Rusthammer says: What of your training, lad? What of all the time you spent working hard? Aren’t you one of them paladins of the Silver Hand?
Uther Menethil says: I am, as was Arator. This was more than that. Arator was my brother. We came from different families. But I made him my family, and I couldn’t keep him from being taken by monsters.
Zap Rusthammer says: Ye didn’t let anything happen. Your hammer was the only thing that kept everyone else from being taken to graves. I’m not saying you have to be totally satisfied with every outcome. Heck, if everyone was there wouldn’t be anymore tavern brawls. But listen lad, you can’t let this sense of failure drive ye and make ye do stuff that will make those young peasant girls cry. It’ll take you down a dark road, one where your citizens won’t forsake ye, but you’ll forsake them by going against your code.
Uther Menethil says: I’m very glad you decided to join us, Zap.
Zap Rusthammer says: Well, it’s mostly selfish, but, I have to say getting to ride a pony alongside a princely type that’ll make an awfully good story when I go back to the League.
Despite himself, Uther gave Zap a small smile.
Uther Menethil says: Can I ask you something Zap?
Zap Rusthammer says: Of course, your liege-lad majesty sir.
Uther Menethil says: Out here in the field, Uther is fine, but I took a step down a path I do not want to follow today. I didn’t even realize the path until I already stepped forward. If you see me take another step, what was that Muradin used to say, will you tell me to get my crown out of my ass?
Zap chuckled heartily.
Zap Rusthammer says: That's some classy humor if I ever did hear it. Hey, it’s not every day a ruler sees his people being attacked by bony trolls, and skeletons, so it’s alright to get a bit riled up. But I’ll look out for ya.
Uther Menethil says: Thank you, Zap, thank you very much. Now get some sleep, before we set off.
Zap Rusthammer says: Oh, I got my sleep fine. You may not have noticed it, your watch ended 30 minutes ago.
Uther thanked him again, and headed to his bedroll.
Elissa stared at the fire as she had started to learn that grand adventure was not fun. Gil softly played his guitar nearby.
Elissa Cross says: How are we gonna find them?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Hm?
Elissa Cross says: The people from my village. How are we gonna find them?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Well, this group has a lot of connections. And we’re gonna be using all of them.
Elissa Cross says: I… this is gonna sound pretty stupid but I think I understand why my father retired.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t think that sounds stupid at all. It’s hard.
Elissa Cross says: He hurt his leg during the troll wars, but if that’s what happens to people in war...
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Getting hurt?
Elissa shook her head.
Elissa Cross says: The way that his Highness acted. It’s one thing to fight and defend yourself, but that was...
She hugged herself.
Elissa Cross says: I know that he has a lot on his mind and a lot at stake, Zap spelled that out to me, but I never looked at the world like that. I barely left my town until what, a day ago?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: The world’s a big, messy place. Nothing seems to fit into what we think it should be.
Elissa Cross says: How do you keep going?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: There are things I want to do and people I want to keep safe. Plus you find joy in the little things. You can’t let anything consume you. Have you seen Vel play with Arkha'din yet?
She shook her head.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’ll see.
Elissa Cross says: So far I haven’t seen Vel do anything but… well…
She thought back to Vel killing the various undead trolls.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Vel has very strong feelings about trolls.
Elissa Cross says: Can I ask what happened? I don’t want to pry, but...
Gil fidgeted with the ring.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: When me and her were little during the Second Troll Wars our mother was cursed by a witch doctor. It wasn’t fast.
Elissa Cross says: I’m sorry.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It's… in the past. There’s nothing we can do to change it now. Best we can do is to make her proud.
Elissa Cross says: I’m sure she would be. You guys are amazing... like...
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I mean when you spend most of your life training for something, hopefully you’re a little good at it.
Elissa Cross says: I just hope I’m not being too much dead weight. I did it again though. I was able to heal Zap. I still don’t know how, but I did.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Seeing how your magic is more like mine than, especially, Vel's, I can help you if you want.
Elissa Cross says: If I can help in any other way, I want to. I want to help you. I want to find my dad, and Ser Arator.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I think everyone here has something they can teach you.
Elissa Cross says: Yeah, I have a lot to learn.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That’s life isn't it?
Elissa Cross says: I guess you’re right. Um… I was thinking about what you said earlier. About maybe making a standard or something.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Oh yeah?
Elissa Cross says: Well about a quarter mile south of the Last Crossing there’s a field of sunflowers. I used to go there when I was back home when I wanted to get some fresh air. I feel like my mom did too for a little while, but I dunno for sure. But maybe a sunflower? Do you think that would be alright, or is that kind of lame?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: If it means something to you, then it sounds good to me.
Elissa looked at her shield.
Elissa Cross says: Maybe I'll think about that.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Definitely no rush there.
Elissa Cross says: Yeah… I guess I should get some sleep though. Thanks… thanks for being so kind.
Gil smiled brightly at her and Elissa smiled back and bid him good night. She turned away and trotted over to the tent she set up. Gil sat by the fire and started strumming his guitar again, but he was interrupted by Ashwynn.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Ser Gilveradin, do you have a moment?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Of course!
Ashwynn Menethil says: I noticed while we were searching, you picked up whatever thing fell from that ghost creature. What was that? Some sort of focus.
Gil requested if they could step away from the others, and they found a shadowy place beneath the trees to talk further.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I found a ring. Not just any ring, it was my mother's.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Oh. How is that possible?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I think the… I think it was part of my mother. Her soul. I don’t know.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Have you told your sister?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: No, and I have no intention to.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Correct me if I’m wrong, but if that ring is connected to her in some way, is she not our expert on magic?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You saw her earlier today, right?”
Ashwynn nodded.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: She’s too volatile right now. I don’t know if she’d explode or shut down.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Ultimately it is your decision. But if there is some information she can glean from that, it may be worth looking into sooner rather than later.
Gil sighed.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You're probably right.
Ashwynn Menethil says: As you say.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: If I get set on fire I’m going to need your help.
Ashwynn Menethil says: I would not hesitate to assist you in any way you deem fit.
Gil headed over to where Vel was sitting, having settled into reading a book, and he sat near her.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Vel, can I talk to you?
Velameestra Windrunner says: What is it Gilveradin?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: That spirit we fought.
Velameestra Windrunner says: The banshee?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I...
He showed her the ring.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: This was at the center.
Vel watched the movement, and stared at the ring. There was nothing while it was registering.
Velameestra Windrunner says: ...That was at the center?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It was what my arrow caught on.
Velameestra Windrunner says: That was at the center?
Vel repeated the question again, as if double-checking that she was hearing things correctly as recognition and realization slotted into place. Gil nodded, and Vel slammed her book shut and walked away. Gil watched her go, and Ashwynn stepped up beside him.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Sir Gil, would you like me to go speak with her?
Gil nodded. Ashwynn stealed herself and follows Vel into the woods.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Lady Velameestra?
Velameestra Windrunner says: What is it now?
Ashwynn Menethil says: I am simply ensuring that you remain safe, you are a member of the group.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I am well within the confines of this camp.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Your brother wanted to ask if you are alright.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I am fine.
Ashwynn Menethil says: I am not adept at reading people, but I can tell you are not.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I haven’t the slightest idea what you are talking about. Frankly, this matter is none of your concern.
Ashwynn apologized for overstepping her boundaries, but offered her sympathies and support should she need it.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I have no need for speaking. But if it would make you feel better I will return closer to the camp.
Ashwynn Menethil says: I will leave that to your discretion.
Vel’s gaze was piercing. She heads back to camp, and as she touched a tree, a frozen spot was left upon it. There was a chill on her. Ashwynn made sure she was safe, and took the third watch after Zap.
April 22nd
The next morning, Zap and Gil struggled to make food.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Alright, wake up everyone we have stew!
Elissa stirred. Uther woke up to help make the food.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I've heard that too many cooks spoil the broth.
Uther Menethil says: Arator told you I’d spoil the food didn't he?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: He totally did please don’t touch it.
Uther Menethil says: Well in that case, what can I do… do we need water?
Zap Rusthammer says: Well, this will be a story to tell the boys at home about! A prince, doing chores.
Uther Menethil says: Believe it or not Zap, not all of us princes are afraid to get our hands dirty. And I live to serve.
Zap Rusthammer says: I understand, it’s just funny to us commoners.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I don’t think the Sunstriders ever touched anything. They just move it all with magic... I’m not sure if they know how to use their hands.
Elissa chuckled but immediately covers her mouth. She looked up at Vel.
Elissa Cross says: How did everybody sleep?
Vel simply shot her a piercing look and Elissa proceeded to turn to eat her stew.
Ashwynn Menethil says: I slept well, lady Cross.
Elissa spit out her stew.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Are you okay?
Elissa Cross says: Just not expected to get called lady anything.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You should probably get used to it with this group.
The group packed up to start their trek to the Farstrider enclave. Ashwynn moved large rocks from the road, though Gil told her she didn't need to.
Ashwynn Menethil says: One can't be too safe when it comes to steeds.
Gil blinked.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Okay.
Uther Menethil says: Before we set out today, I have something to say. I have to apologize to you all. Yesterday was my first test of leadership. And I failed miserably. I wasn’t able to keep everyone safe and, just as bad, I let my emotions get the better of me and I became the monster I am trying to fight. We suffered a defeat yesterday, but we’re not done. We’re going to find those who were taken, and we are going to save them. And we will bring the ones that took them to justice, and not vengeance. By my blood, my honor, this I swear.
Zap Rusthammer says: Here here!
Gil raised up his waterskin. The others were similarly inspired. Elissa looked up at him, and smiled at the end of it. Ashwynn nodded.
Ashwynn Menethil says: Well said, Uther.
There was still an icy chill about Vel, and Ashwynn opted to ride next to her.
The group saw something colorful down the road. As they rode closer, they saw a bright red and purple creature. It seemed to be a strange bipedal reptile. Gil recognized it as a raptor. It shouldn't have been there. It seemed to be an adolescent, and as Gil approached, it quickly became apparent it was already dead.
There were no trolls within a five mile radius from here. There were elves, though.
Gil picked up the dead raptor.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: If I had a copper piece every time I strapped a dead raptor to my pack, I’d have three copper.
Vel noticed it was moving away from troll lands. There were a bunch of wounds, including elven arrows. It makes sense it had been discovered by a farstrider. Gil was adamant about keeping the raptor body.
Uther smiled, shakes his head and kept on moving.
April 23rd
As they drew close to the lodge, the farstriders knew they were coming and a couple of farstriders met them at the front. Gil rode right up to them and noticed the ranger in charge was Ranger Renthar Hawkspear. The ranger hailed them, greeted Gil, and regarded the prince.
Uther Menethil says: The fun of which you spoke was cut short. We bring urgent news. Last Crossing was attacked by the animated dead.
Renthar raised an eyebrow.
Uther Menethil says: Created by trolls.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Trolls… south of the gate?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: They seemed to have devised a new way to get around.
Velameestra Windrunner says: They use graves.
Renthar Hawkspear says: They use graves?
Velameestra Windrunner says: It's a new form of magic. A mix between conjuration and necromancy.
Gil dropped the raptor in front of him.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: I think this belongs to one of you.
Hawkspear shook his head and assured them it was not taken down by one of his own.
Renthar Hawkspear says: It may have been seen by a ranger who was not part of our brigade… At least not one I know of. I’ll send a runner. Today just got a lot more interesting.
He told the rangers at his side to fetch refreshments.
Renthar Hawkspear says: I apologize, your Highness, we not not have much in the way of courtesy but we have tea at least.
Uther Menethil says: It is appreciated, but the situation is of dire importance. It should be discussed immediately.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Duly noted, follow me. We can go to the rangers' headquarters.
Zap whispered to Gil.
Zap Rusthammer says: A bunch of bored elves in a lodge drinking tea, can you get more stereotypical?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: You’d be surprised what happens at night, though.
Gil winked and walks away without another word.
They head in. There is a nice map of all the upper lands. There is a knife stuck into the map where the lodge is and arrows show where troll encampments were sighted. Hawkspear gestures for the group to sit. The rangers brought in some water and tea leaves. There was also some hard bread.
Ranger-Captain Hawkspear stayed with the group, but all others left.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Alright, I think it’ll be best that we start from the beginning.
Gilveradin gave him a concise report about what had happened, including Arator going missing. The ranger leaned back in his chair, and stroked his chin.
Renthar Hawkspear says: And all of this without any knowledge from us. We had no idea.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: If they’re able to transport themselves through graves like there, I don’t know if you could.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Tell me, the spell, could they use it to travel through any grave? If that was the case then they would be unstoppable.
Between Gil and Vel, there was no teleportation spell that took you where you hadn't been before without huge risk.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Most likely, given teleportation magic, it has to be where they have been before. We guess they are using their catacombs.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Tell me, lady Windrunner, were the graves open or were they closed?
Velameestra Windrunner says: They were opened and the bodies were exhumed.
Renthar Hawkspear says: That could be another limitation. If the grave wasn’t open, that could cause some problems. It still troubles me. How did they get through the elf gate?
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Perhaps it only took one, and the other ones connected to it.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Even so. It’s possible.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It’s easier for one to slip through than many.
Renthar Hawkspear says: This bodes ill for the lodges. Ranger-Captain Windrunner will need to know of her son.
Gil seemed nervous to tell her.
Renthar Hawkspear says: She will be helping us, you know.
Zap Rusthammer says: You know, if we’re operating under the assumption that they’re using open graves, we should probably start asking that people start checking on graves.
Gil and Zap suggested that they stop digging graves and that everyone should check on the graves in their towns. The Ranger-Captain agreed, noting that he will put it in his report.
By the way of Banshees: Ghosts were very uncommon, Banshees were not common and were supposedly myths. The party didn't know much.
Gil inquired where Ranger-General Windrunner was. The Captain explained that he didn't know exactly, but he knew she had a meeting to attend within the month. He also suggested checking Zul'Aman and its expansive caverns for the people who had been taken.
Renthar Hawkspear says: If there are trolls hiding out in there, time may be of the essence to rescue them.
Uther Menethil says: If you would grant me messengers to send to Stratholme, Lordaeron, and Dalaran, this must take priority over returning home.
The Ranger-Captain promised Uther that he would send runners to those cities and to Silvermoon as well. They discussed hospitality, Uther thanked him for all of his help. They have not heard anything of Loa. The Dark Blood god was dealt with during the Second Troll Wars, among others, and Hawkspear was pretty sure they would not risk trying to summon Hakkar again.
Zap mentioned having heard of Hakkar before. It was confirmed that Arthas stood alongside elves, men, and dwarves alike. Anduin Lothar lost his life there. There was a massive loss of life when the beast was summoned, and the toll of life was drastic on both ends.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Do we still have reports of infighting with the trolls?
Renthar Hawkspear says: Most of the trolls we have encountered in this area are primarily the remnants of the Amani Empire. Sometimes jungle trolls appear, but sightings have been going down.
Note on Trolls: Until the Second Troll Wars, trolls hadn't been seen working together. The Zandali were completely wiped out, or so they thought. The dark trolls had not been seen, either. Ice trolls were rare. Forest trolls would be all over the place. Jungle trolls lost everything and they went back to the remnants of Stranglethorn Vale. Sand trolls got decimated and no one knew how many were left.)''
The vast majority that were left were forest and ice trolls, though there had been reports of occasional sand trolls in the Badlands.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Well, Uther. We've got what looks like two or three major paths ahead of us. We could take the missive to Silvermoon ourselves, we could go to the Catacombs, or we could go to Lordaeron.
Renthar Hawkspear says: I apologize we do not have any dragonhawks available for you to take. That would speed things up, but we do not have any on the premise.
Uther Menethil says: Time is of the essence, we should continue our investigation. As of right now we’re the only ones with the knowledge of the situation and any way to handle it. We shouldn’t squander this opportunity.
Gil asked if the Farstriders have any men to spare.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Unfortunately we need to keep patrol on the border strong as well if they are sojourning in the human lands as well. I don’t have men to spare, but I can see what I can do. I’ll gather my people and start sending them out. It may be wise of you to take this moment to rest, I don’t know how long it will be before you can rest again. You’re of course all welcome to the lodgings here in the meantime. Anything we can assist with, or items we can provide, you are free to consult our quartermaster. We have a number of mages from Silvermoon on the premises as well. They may be able to assist you if you so desire. But I will work on gathering the men. We will have runners on the road before the rooster crows.
The door opened behind the party.
Caleron Morningwhisper says: With all do respect captain, you may want to belay that order.
The group turned, and there are two young elves: Zaeneas Emberlight and Caleron Morningwhisper. Gil knew them and lit up immediately at their appearance. Caleron nodded and Zaeneas just looked agitated.
Caleron Morningwhisper says: Ranger-Captain, you may want to speak to your men. We got your message and we came to see what we could do. We found something troubling at the elfgate.
Renthar Hawkspear says: What did you find?
Caleron Morningwhisper says: Exiting the elfgate is one thing. In order to enter or exit, you need to have the proper clearance in the form of runestones. Most have one use, but in the case of higher rank, as I’m sure you know.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What happened to the gate?
Caleron Morningwhisper says: There was an inspector from Silvermoon. It appears the southern elfgate had been used with unauthorized clearances. It was used from this side, south of the elfgate.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: All right, but how?
Caleron looked to Gil and to the ranger-captain.
Caleron Morningwhisper says: I believe there might be... a traitor in your midst.
Hawkspear furrowed his brow.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Traitor? You think that one of my people—my farstriders—is responsible for helping trolls get through the elfgate?
Zaeneas Emberlight says: It would make sense, wouldn’t it? They needed to get south somehow, and they had a way. Do you think they dug through the mountains when we’ve sealed the tunnels again and again? Or do you think they were being let in? Do you want to send out your men before knowing what is going on here?
The captain crossed his arms.
Renthar Hawkspear says: There's only a handful, besides us, that have keystones and ours are one-time use. Any of our farstriders would be able to get them, the quartermaster himself is responsible for those. A number of us have more permanent badges. The mages from Silvermoon—two of them—have badges that allow them to pass through, but I am loathe to believe that they or someone they came with would be responsible for this.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: It's not something we should ignore.
Renthar Hawkspear says: My lieutenants have keystones, too. Besides them though, they allow only a single individual to pass. To be able to bypass the enchantments at the elfgate, the shield around Silvermoon, and the guards at Quel'Thalas... it does not bode well.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: What do these mages specialize in?
Velameestra Windrunner says: Probably not conjuration magic?
Renthar Hawkspear says: No. I’m not sure what they specialize in.
Velameestra Windrunner says: I was intending on speaking with them anyway.
Vel deadpanned.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Try to be a scalpel, not a hammer.
Vel looked at Gil, not sure what he was getting at. Gil smiled.
Gilveradin Windrunner says: Try to be subtle.
Velameestra Windrunner says: Right.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Aurora Skycaller—a strawberry blonde elf—frequents this location. I’m not too familiar with the arcane arts, but she may be conjuration. Kriss Goldenlight is an evoker, most likely. There are other woodsman, mostly who collect lumber and see to maintenance, you can speak to them as well. I imagine they may have seen something. In addition, there's the farstriders at the lodge and the people I spoke of.
It was also said that Aurora and Kriss came with others, but Hawkspear didn't remember their names. He suggested it would be wise to belay the messengers to make sure the claims were true.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Can I count on your assistance in this manner?
The party agreed without hesitation.
Hawkspear said they had free range of facilities. He wanted them to gather a plan.
Renthar Hawkspear says: Once we leave this place, let us keep this talk on the down-low. We don’t want the person responsible to hear and go to ground.
Uther Menethil says: About this matter, we shouldn’t speak outside of this room.
Renthar Hawkspear says: A sound plan, your Highness.
Elissa Cross says: I don't know if they’ll listen to me, I'm just a commoner. Maybe the commoners and woodsmen would tell me something?
Zap Rusthammer says: Well, if it's any consolation, you’ll probably have better luck than I would.
The party discussed a battle-plan and some of the discussion derailed into the differences between elves and dwarves, courtesy of Zap. He claimed that crumbs in the beard were an unexpected treasure. Vel was grossed out about Zap’s crumb-beard, and Zaeneas was also squicked out.
Velameestra Windrunner says: If I am approaching the mages, we’ll bring Zap along.
She invited Ashwynn along as well, and Ashwynn pledged to catch anyone who runs. Uther said he also wanted to come and talk to the mages, too, as it will help is studies. The underlying reason was because he wanted to just spent more time with Vel. Gil suggested Ashwynn go with Elissa and Tess instead, as Ashwynn was also more unknown so they hoped to get more out of the common-folk.
Gil, Zaeneas, and Caleron were going to check out the Farstriders, including Renthar Hawkspear, as they couldn't exclude anyone from the investigation.
Vel asked Gil for their mother's ring so she could investigate it further. Gil handed it over to her. The ring had light abjuration magics on it, as it was enchanted during their mother’s honeymoon-- so they could protect them as much as they could protect each other: "When I’m not with you, I’m still protecting you."
Vel investigated the ring when she has a quiet moment. and she found that" May this piece of my heart protect you when I cannot" was engraved in the band of the ring.
Gil could see Vel almost apologizing. But, there were no decisive words
