Loose threads Jalma's "Sisters", where there's one young Manticore, could there be more?
Participants Ema Line Xavier and VelioMaximus Maerielle Talfviir Three Saplings Bound Together Like Steel
Locations Monster Den
Short summary:
[Optional. If you feel the full report below is very detailed, you can help readers with a quick tl:dr here]
Full Report
Expedition Report
Author:
Team Members:
-
@Maeriella Talfviir
-
@Sap
-
@Ema
-
@Max
-
@Xavier (report author)
How It Began:
Our group first came together while sitting at a bar. Suddenly, a guild scout rushed in, announcing that several other scouts had gone missing and that they needed help. We immediately agreed to take the task, requesting a day to prepare ourselves.
After gathering supplies and making sure we had everything we needed, we set out the following day to begin our expedition and locate the missing scouts.
Into the Woods:
After asking around for directions, we followed the trail that led us toward the woods. The last known location of the scouts. For a while, nothing seemed unusual, until we spotted smoke in the distance.
We decided to investigate, assuming it might be connected. Soon after, we came across a faintly used path, which we took as a good sign that we were on the right track.
Eventually, we arrived at the source of the smoke where we found a campfire. Unfortunately, we were too late. The missing scouts were there, but none had survived.
Before we could investigate further, we were ambushed by predators. a swarms of mosquitoes and a strange, wolf-like creature.
Thankfully, through teamwork, we managed to overcome the threat with no casualties and only minor injuries. There was something unsettling about that wolf, though as it was far smarter than any normal beast, and its eyes glowed red. Hmm well that was about it.
Discovering what was amiss:
Once the battle ended, we examined the scouts’ remains. It looked like they had been ambushed and looted and their packs were torn open, and their belongings scattered. One scout had a stab wound in the back, likely while reaching for their bag.
While investigating, we discovered a woman named @Jalma hiding in nearby bushes, injured and frightened. She seemed kind and intelligent and asked if we could help her reach her sister’s house. Since the area was clearly dangerous, we agreed to escort her.
She also warned us that a monster’s den lay somewhere along the road making the journey even more perilous.
Walking into the Dark:
As dusk fell, we followed @Jalma toward her supposed home. Before long, we encountered a strange, foul-smelling creature blocking a bridge and its moss-like skin and river-reed beard made it look half-man, half-swamp. It was very big too. Covering the bridge
The creature attacked us. It reacted strongly to lightning, which became our advantage. The fight was tough, but we managed to defeat it through teamwork. Exhausted, we decided to make camp for the night.
The night passed peacefully, and in the morning, we continued onward. Before long, the road split and Jalma said her home was one way, while the monster’s lair was the other.
At that point, @Maeriella Talfviir and @Sap decided to turn back, while @Ema, @Max, and I chose to press forward and deal with the lair.
The Monster’s Lair
Inside, we encountered a strange creature with a lion’s head and a tail covered in spikes, young, but dangerous. We managed to bring it down quickly.
However, the moment the creature fell, @Jalma revealed herself again and though she looked nothing like before. Her skin had turned grey and lifeless, her body more like a corpse than a person.
At first, we thought something terrible had happened to her… until she attacked us.
She raved about making us into soup for her sister. That’s when we realized we had been deceived. Jalma was a disguise, part of a trap. The troll, the wolves, the swarms all of it had been her doing. Her limbs appeared to be made of magical steel or iron too making it hard to pierce.
The Final Battle and Escape
The fight was intense, but with our combined effort, we managed to defeat her easily. Fearing that her “sister” might come searching, we decided to leave immediately.
We quickly made our way back to the landing zone
Conclusion:
That concludes my account of the expedition.
While the mission began as a rescue, it turned into something far darker. The woods hide more than beasts and I fear the name “Jalma” may not have been the last we hear of her kind. And now I'll be forever untrusted with people... Which I was already. Sigh
— Xavier