As the party journeyed through the countryside, leaving Shoremond's city limits far behind, the looming silhouette of the Stormwoods gradually emerged on the horizon. However, their progress was impeded by dark clouds, unleashing a downpour upon them.
The Ruined Hamlet
Pressing onward along the rain-soaked path, they stumbled upon a small hamlet, its quaint tranquility shattered by desolation. Three modest dwellings lay in ruin, ravaged by the ferocity of some violent upheaval. Scorch marks and signs of savage destruction marred the remnants of these homes, with a grim pyre at the hamlet's heart, bearing the charred remains of three unfortunate souls, bound to a pole.
Puzzled by the scene of devastation, the party deliberated on its origins. Varis proposed a macabre solution: conversing with the deceased to glean insight into the tragedy. Reluctantly, the party turned to their prisoner, Ameena Summerwind, urging her to untie the bodies. Initially resistant, Ameena agreed, albeit begrudgingly, and with a mundane flint provided by Keira, she commenced her grim task. Meanwhile, Varis directed the warforged Sabre to assist in lowering the bodies to the ground, a task executed with mechanical and emotionless efficiency.
With the corpses prepared, Varis invoked his speak with dead spell, initiating a spectral dialogue with the deceased. Their inquiries revealed the identity of one of the victims, a humble farmer named Loid, whose life had been brutally snuffed out. Loid's raspy voice provided fragmented answers, attributing the carnage to a figure named Captain Gutter, in an act of apparent retaliation, the specifics of which eluded the deceased. Further probing unearthed Loid's innocence in harboring any hidden individuals, save for advising his nieces to seek refuge within their home.
Driven by curiosity and a growing sense of foreboding, the party investigated the dilapidated homestead, its exterior bearing telltale signs of struggle. Keira's keen eye discerned a pair of ominous drag marks leading away from the dwelling, a grim revelation that painted a harrowing picture of the fate that befell the missing nieces. With grim resolve the party confronted the grim reality of the hamlet's tragedy.
As the heavy rain continued to beat down upon the desolate hamlet, half of the party sought refuge within one of the few remaining intact dwellings, where an open fireplace promised respite from the chill. Rayenne's arcane talents kindled a welcoming flame, casting a warm glow amidst the gloom. Meanwhile, outside in the deluge, Keira undertook the solemn task of digging a grave for the dead, accompanied by Ameena. Despite the latter's skepticism, a terse exchange ensued, revealing a clash of perspectives on the nature of compassion and altruism. Yet, with quiet determination, Keira pressed on, interring the deceased beneath the sodden earth, a silent tribute to their passing.
The Stone Troll
Upon completing their somber duty, Keira and Ameena rejoined their companions indoors, seeking refuge from the relentless rain. As they waited out the tempest, a sudden clamor ruptured the tranquility, drawing Varis and Rayenne outside to investigate. There, amidst the downpour, they espied a trio of goblins hurtling toward them in panicked flight, their frenzied cries punctuated by erratic twangs of bowstrings aimed backward into the surrounding woods. Bewildered by the spectacle, the goblins abruptly halted in their tracks, their posture shifting from aggression to apprehension as they implored a truce, their fear palpable as they ran away.
Before the party could fully grasp the situation, a thunderous crash shattered the air, heralding the emergence of a formidable adversary: a towering stone troll, its hulking form marred by wounds and embedded arrows, a testament to recent skirmishes in the nearby woods. Fixing its malevolent gaze upon Varis, the troll unleashed a primal roar before charging into the fray. Inside the shelter of the ruined home, Keria sprang into action, loosing a volley of arrows at the lumbering giant, adding her arrows to the other arrows already embedded onto the troll.
Rayenne summoned forth the power of nature, conjuring grasping vines to impede the troll's advance, while Amelia, poised at the threshold, unleashed a volley of arrows, each finding its mark amidst the chaos. Sensing the impending danger, Varis commanded his loyal warforged companion, Sabre, to engage the towering adversary. As the troll stumbled into the entwining foliage, Sabre seized the opportunity, driving his mighty spear deep into the creature's unyielding form. With a final, devastating blow, Sabre's metallic fist met the troll's face, shattering bone and stone alike, felling the troll in a single, decisive strike.
A stunned silence fell over the scene, the air thick with disbelief at the sheer ferocity of Sabre's onslaught. Amidst the wreckage and carnage, the party stood united, their resolve steeled by the harrowing confrontation, yet mindful of the trials that lay ahead in the treacherous embrace of the Stormwoods.
The Sinister Idea
As the rain continued its relentless assault on the countryside, the majority of the party sought refuge within the crumbling confines of the ruined home, their spirits dampened by the incessant downpour. However, amidst the somber atmosphere, Amelia seized the opportunity to stay outside, her keen alchemical senses drawn to the fallen stone troll like a moth to flame. With deft precision, she harvested a variety of materials from the creature's formidable carcass, meticulously extracting its eyes, intestines, and patches of its rugged hide, each component holding untold potential in the hands of a skilled alchemist.
Returning to the shelter of the dilapidated home, Amelia's mind buzzed with the possibilities afforded by her newfound acquisitions. Amidst the lull in activity, idle conversation permeated the air, the party's thoughts drifting to matters both mundane and profound. Yet, amidst the casual banter, a subtle tension simmered beneath the surface as Amelia's intent became apparent. Eyeing the party's faithful canine companion, Archibald, with a calculating gaze, Amelia's alchemical ambitions sparked a minor altercation. Sensing the imminent threat to their loyal companion, Rayenne intervened, steadfast in her resolve to shield Archibald from any harm. With a firm hand, she kept the dog close, her unwavering protection serving as a bulwark against Amelia's ethically dubious intentions.
Undeterred by Rayenne's steadfast defense, Amelia pressed on, her determination unyielding as she negotiated with Keira for a sample of her blood, a transaction wrought with uneasy compromise. With the exchange made, Amelia set to work, her hands deftly weaving a tapestry of alchemical intricacies, her father's influence palpable in her unwavering conviction. As the makeshift concoction took shape, Amelia's gaze lingered upon Archibald, her resolve unshaken despite Rayenne's impassioned warnings. Driven by her singular vision of alchemical mastery, she remained steadfast in her pursuit, a testament to the unwavering determination that burned within her.
Kevin the Chicken
As the rain finally relented, the party resumed their journey along the winding road, their path leading them deeper into the dense embrace of the Stormwoods. The towering trees loomed overhead, their verdant canopy casting dappled shadows upon the forest floor.
Their travels were interrupted by the unexpected sight of a lone figure standing by a weather-beaten wagon, his frantic shouts piercing the tranquil stillness of the nearby woods. Drawing closer, they were met by the anxious queries of a man in search of a peculiar companion—none other than a chicken named Kevin. Bewildered by the odd request, the party listened as the man recounted his tale of acquiring the fowl from a mysterious merchant, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and concern. With the man's description of the merchant aligning with their own encounter with the mysterious Rasmus, the party's curiosity was piqued further, their quest for the elusive chicken taking on a new sense of urgency.
Intrigued by the curious circumstances surrounding Kevin's disappearance, the party resolved to aid the distraught man in his quest to locate the wayward poultry. Armed with the knowledge that Kevin had a penchant for apples, they ventured forth into the heart of the Stormwoods, their senses attuned to the mysteries lurking within. As they delved deeper into the forest's embrace, they encountered a verdant wonderland teeming with vibrant foliage and towering fungi. Amelia, ever the alchemical enthusiast, seized the opportunity to collect samples of the exotic flora, enlisting the aid of the unyielding warforged Sabre in her endeavors.
Amidst their botanical pursuits, a rustling in the underbrush heralded the long-awaited discovery of Kevin, the elusive chicken for whom they searched turned out to be an unusually large chicken. With quick thinking and resourcefulness, Varis concocted a makeshift lure from bread infused with the scent of apples, enticing the wary fowl closer. With the combined efforts of Amelia's deft lassoing skills and Sabre's unwavering strength, they subdued the wayward chicken, its feathery form quivering with a mix of confusion and apprehension. Utilizing their unique abilities, Rayenne and Varis attempted to communicate with the bewildered bird, employing a blend of telepathic rapport and linguistic prowess to calm its agitated state.
As the scene unfolded amidst the verdant splendor of the forest, Keria and Ameena watched from the fringes, bemused by the spectacle unfolding before them. With Kevin safely returned to his grateful owner, the party bid farewell to the man and his feathered companion, their hearts warmed by the simple act of kindness in the midst of the forest's silent embrace.
Into the Stormwoods
Standing on the threshold of the foreboding Stormwoods, the party braced themselves for the journey ahead, venturing into the heart of the forest to both assess the current state of affairs and show Ameena the imminent danger lurking within its depths. For Rayenne, it was a first encounter with the forest's eerie silence, starkly different from the lively trees of her home in the Riverwoods. Those who had traversed the forest before knew well its ever-shifting nature, a labyrinth defying navigation.
Amelia, relying on her keen animal instincts, sniffed out a path toward the village of the Veloren elves, guiding the party through the dense undergrowth with relative ease. Yet their attempts at stealth were thwarted by the clanging of Sabre's metallic frame, echoing through the ancient woods. Arriving at the familiar sight of the ruined bridge, the party endeavored to cross, securing themselves with a sturdy rope. While Varis and Keira navigated the crossing effortlessly, Amelia and Rayenne faltered, tumbling into the waters below. With Varis's aid, they were swiftly pulled to safety, their mishap only leaving them with minor bruises.
Despite Sabre's imposing bulk, he managed to leap across the chasm, albeit with a cacophonous landing. Pressing onward into the ruins, the party encountered a peculiar sight: large spiders adorned with fungal growths, their presence unnerving yet seemingly benign as they observed the party from a short distance. As they approached an ancient ruin, memories of a previous encounter gave them pause. With spiders multiplying around them, they hesitated to enter, fearing the possible threat within. Keria, adept at stealth, ventured inside to assess the danger, only to discover a chamber teeming with spiders, presided over by a massive brood mother. Hastily retreating, she sealed the chamber behind her, warning the party of the looming peril within.
Leaving the ominous chamber behind, the party pressed on toward the elf village, only to be intercepted by two elves, bows drawn in vigilance. Quick to assert their purpose, Varis stepped forward, explaining their acquaintance with Nelvana. One elf departed to fetch her while the other remained vigilant, tension thick in the air. Nelvana's return brought a cautious reception, her demeanor firm as she queried the party's return. Despite Varis's attempts at charm, Nelvana remained resolute. The party divulged their possession of two stone seals, one marred by breakage. Guiding them into the village, Nelvana led them to the breached temple, its defenses bolstered with wooden fortifications manned by vigilant elves.
At the gate, Nelvana hesitated to venture further, allowing the party to proceed alone. Stepping into the enclave, they encountered Elysea Woodheart, stalwart guardian against encroaching darkness. Before them lay a grim tableau of rampant black roots, their insidious growth a testament to the forest's corruption. Varis, seizing the moment, conveyed their mission to Elysea, offering the broken seal for repair while pledging to retrieve the final piece. Meanwhile, Ameena observed in silent apprehension, her perception of the unfolding events tinged with suspicion and concern for the sanctity of the forest.
Retreating to the village, the party converged at the statue of The Evergreen, bathed in an ethereal green flame. Varis and Amelia offered prayers, accompanied by symbolic offerings, drawing Ameena's quiet disapproval as she observed the scene with a mixture of apprehension and disdain, deeming it sacrilegious. She also questioned Keria's reluctance to join in the prayerful ritual, to which she received a nonchalant response, revealing her own lack of faith. With Nelvana's aid, the party departed the Stormwoods through a magical passage conjured from enchanted mushrooms, emerging on the forest's northern fringe, poised to resume their journey along the road that skirted its edge.
Confronting Rasmus
Exiting the shadowed embrace of the Stormwoods, the party wasted no time in resuming their journey along the northbound country road. Before long, they stumbled upon the comforting hum of an old acquaintance, Rasmus. Seated by his campfire, he savored a meal while lost in his own tune. Amelia approached him with an offering of her own cooking, but with an ulterior motive—she sought answers to her pressing questions. Inquisitive about the giant chicken they had rescued in the Stormwoods, Amelia prodded Rasmus for insights into its nature and potential for laying golden eggs. With a chuckle, Rasmus dispelled the notion of golden eggs, explaining that the chicken's uniqueness lay solely in its extraordinary size from what he could tell. Satisfied, albeit somewhat disappointed, Amelia relinquished her offering as the rest of the party gathered around the flickering flames.
Meanwhile, Varis seized the moment to attend to a matter of his own, coaxing Eywin, his mischievous fey "companion", from the confines of his bag of holding. Despite her protests about her treatment, Varis assigned her a familiar task—pranking Rasmus. Invisible to the eye, Eywin vanished, ready to unleash her playful antics. As the group settled around the campfire, curiosity turned to Rasmus's wares. With a snap of his fingers, his magical emporium materialized, beckoning the party to peruse its treasures. Among his front desk offerings were various potions and two exquisite feathers—one radiating with the warmth of magic, purportedly from a Phoenix, and the other boasting a pristine marble-white hue.
Varis's keen eye caught sight of the latter feather's resemblance to one in their possession—from their encounter with a winged paladin in Riverend. Pressing Rasmus for answers, he remained evasive, leaving the origin shrouded in mystery. Meanwhile, Keira and Amelia inquired about protective gear, prompting Rasmus to unveil a heavy leather coat imbued with magical properties. Although alluring, its protective capabilities fell short of their current armor, prompting a polite decline.
As the party perused Rasmus's array of wares, a sudden commotion drew their attention to a shelf where an ornate bottle trembled precariously. With nimble reflexes, Rasmus lunged forward to catch it as it fell of the shelf then steady it back on the shelf, his movements betraying a hint of urgency. Despite the curiosity it stirred among the party members, Rasmus dismissed the incident with a casual wave, assuring them it was nothing of concern.
Turning their focus back to the trade for the two feathers, Varis rummaged through his gemstones, considering their worth in securing the exchange. Meanwhile, Amelia's insatiable curiosity led her to covertly explore the backs of the shelves, her fingers drawn to the enigmatic bottle. Succumbing to the allure, she reached out, her senses awash with unsettling visions of a hellish realm where two infernal entities clashed in a tumultuous battle. Startled by the intensity of her experience, she confronted Rasmus about the bottle's origin, only to be met with staunch defensiveness and evasion. Ameena, harboring suspicions about Rasmus's true nature, interjected with a pointed inquiry, igniting a tension that simmered beneath the surface. Though the party urged her to remain composed, their own curiosity about Rasmus's identity was piqued, shattering the facade of the affable wandering merchant.
With the trade for the feathers concluded, Rasmus seemed poised to halt further transactions until Ameena withdrew from the scene. Seizing the opportunity, the party redirected the conversation, each member engaging in their own transactions. Keria secured an Alert Potion while the party probed Rasmus about the chained books nestled on another shelf. Despite their insistence, Rasmus remained adamant, refusing to part with the forbidden tomes. Varis, undeterred by Rasmus's reluctance, persuaded him to unveil the chained books, albeit with caution. Guided by Amelia's heightened senses, they glimpsed cryptic writings penned by a deranged dwarf, delving into topics of elemental entrapment and dragon binding. Despite their fervent interest, Rasmus remained resolute, guarding the secrets contained within the chained tomes.
The Hidden Inn
As Rasmus's magical shop dissipated with a snap of his fingers, the party bid him farewell and resumed their journey along the country road, eager to make the most of the remaining daylight. As they trekked onward, the tranquility of the countryside was disrupted by the distant thunder of heavy hooves. Reacting swiftly, the party sought cover among the verdant foliage lining the road, their instincts honed from previous encounters guiding their actions. Despite Ameena's skepticism, they assured her of the efficacy of their tactic, drawing her into their concealed refuge as they waited in tense anticipation.
However, their attempt at stealth was compromised when Amelia stumbled and tumbled down a nearby cliff, landing unceremoniously on the roof of a quaint homestead nestled in a grove adjacent to the road. Undeterred by her unexpected detour, Amelia dusted herself off and approached the main building, where a sign bearing the name "The Welcoming Grove" greeted her. Intrigued, she pushed open the door and stepped into the inviting warmth of the inn's interior. Inside, she was greeted by the sight of a lone bald-headed innkeeper engrossed in his reading, who looked up with a genial smile as she entered. Extending a friendly welcome, he inquired whether she was seeking lodging for the night or simply a hearty meal. Amelia, uncertain of their group's intentions, hesitated momentarily before clarifying that she was accompanied by others. The innkeeper, Gerick, unfazed by the sudden influx of patrons, endeavored to accommodate their needs, assessing the availability of rooms to ensure their comfort.
Meanwhile, the rest of the party descended the road to join Amelia within the grove and the inviting confines of the inn. Together, they convened to discuss their lodging arrangements, ultimately opting for a combination of family rooms and single accommodations. Varis and Amelia secured a cozy family room, while Keira and Ameena opted to share another. Rayenne, preferring solitude, requested a single room for herself. Despite the realization of the inn's somewhat steep prices, they acquiesced and exchanged coin for room keys, eager to rest and recuperate within the welcoming embrace of The Welcoming Grove Inn.
Gerick also graciously extended an invitation for them to enjoy the indoor hot spring facilities during their stay. With their rooms allocated and belongings stowed away, some members of the party eagerly ventured to experience the soothing warmth of the hot spring. Nestled within the inn, the hot spring was a serene retreat enclosed within a chamber carved into the cliff wall, enveloping a natural thermal spring. As the party settled into the tranquil waters, they found respite from their travels, allowing the therapeutic heat to ease their tension and fatigue. Amidst the serene ambiance, conversation flowed, turning towards Ameena's unwavering commitment to the Dominion Church and her steadfast adherence to its doctrine.
Despite attempts to engage her in dialogue, Ameena remained steadfast in her convictions, defending her actions as necessary measures to uphold peace and order, even if they clashed with the moral compass of her companions. Frustrated by the impasse, Ameena abruptly departed from the hot spring, retreating to the solitude of her room. Meanwhile, Amelia, also left the hot spring to seeking solace in a solitary meal within the inn's dining room, found herself accompanied only by Archibald. Seizing the opportunity, she secretively administered her alchemical concoction to the unsuspecting dog, curious to observe its effects. However, her clandestine experiment was soon interrupted by the arrival of Rayenne, who summoned Archibald to join her at the hot spring.
Returning to her room, Amelia's inquisitive nature led her to scrutinize her surroundings, noticing an unusual cleanliness and subtle traces of arcane residue. Her suspicions aroused, she embarked on a clandestine investigation throughout the inn, determined to uncover the source of the enigmatic phenomena. As Rayenne and Archibald departed from the hot spring, an unexpected turn of events unfolded when the loyal canine began to exhibit signs of distress, retching violently in the hallway outside of her room. Amelia on her way downstairs, witnessing the distressing scene, covertly hinted at her involvement in Archibald's sudden ailment before discreetly withdrawing, leaving Rayenne puzzled by the unsettling turn of events.
The Unseen Staff
As Amelia descended to the first floor, she promptly informed Gerick, the innkeeper, about the incident unfolding on the upper level. Reacting swiftly, Gerick hastened upstairs to address the mess, leaving Amelia to discreetly continue her investigation. Moments later, Varis, clad only in a towel from his recent soak in the hot spring, approached Amelia, his curiosity piqued by her clandestine activities. Amelia shared her findings with Varis, and together they embarked on a clandestine exploration of the innkeeper's private quarters.
Upon gaining access to the innkeeper's room, they meticulously combed through the interior, searching for any clues that might shed light on the mysterious occurrences. Amidst the ordinary furnishings, their attention was drawn to a solitary book prominently displayed on a shelf. Sensing something amiss, Amelia retrieved the book, only to discover that it was securely locked. With Varis's deft skills, they managed to open the book, revealing its arcane contents.
As Varis began to peruse the pages, a shimmering green light emanated from the text, signaling danger. Acting swiftly, Varis relayed a magical message to Keria, alerting her to the presence of an "Evil Magical Book." Suddenly, an ominous chill permeated the room, and an icy gust of wind surged forth from the open book, enveloping Varis in its frigid embrace. Despite their vigilance, they could discern no visible entity responsible for the sudden drop in temperature and the eerie phenomenon.
Meanwhile, in her room, Keria encountered Ameena resting on the bed. As Keria approached, Ameena suddenly perceived the presence of something inexplicable—a translucent, ghostly figure that eluded Keria's sight. Describing the spectral entity to Keria, Ameena observed its ethereal form moving about the room, engaged in the mundane task of cleaning. Initially wary, Ameena received reassurance from Keria, who handed her a scimitar for protection, only to realize that the spectral entity posed no threat, wielding a ghostly broom as it continued its spectral chores, oblivious to their presence.
After carefully returning the mysterious book to the innkeeper's room, Varis and Amelia ascended the stairs, each lost in their own thoughts about the strange occurrences they had witnessed. Once in his room, Varis quickly dressed before employing his arcane talents to peer into the ethereal plane. Through his mystical sight, he observed the spectral figure diligently performing its cleaning duties, seemingly oblivious to his presence. Meanwhile, the rest of the party had gathered in Keira's room, where they encountered yet another ghost engaged in its spectral chores. Intrigued and unsettled by these sightings, Amelia decided to seek answers from the innkeeper, with Varis accompanying her. As they descended to the ground floor, they witnessed a peculiar exchange between the innkeeper and an unseen entity, visible only to Varis's arcane sight.
Observing the ghostly presence looming behind the innkeeper, Varis and Amelia confronted Gerick, pressing him for an explanation. Initially evasive, Gerick eventually relented, admitting cryptically that the situation would soon resolve itself. As they returned upstairs, they watched as the ghosts disappeared upon completing their tasks, just as Gerick had predicted. Back in the privacy of their rooms, the party deliberated over the nature of the strange phenomena they had witnessed. Ameena advocated for destroying the source of the disturbance—the mysterious book—while Rayenne speculated about the possibility of the spirits being compelled to their spectral duties. With the hour growing late, the party dispersed to their rooms, seeking respite from the unsettling events of the evening.
The morning after, Rayenne was roused from her slumber by the clamor echoing from downstairs. Hastily dressing, she informed her companions of the disturbance before venturing downstairs to investigate. There, she found the innkeeper engaged in a heated exchange with a ratfolk named Twelvecut, who was busy rifling through the inn's bookshelves. Confused by the scene unfolding before her, Rayenne summoned the rest of the party to join her. As they descended, some members of the party recognized Twelvecut, who initially recoiled before leaping onto a nearby table. Their attention was soon diverted by the arrival of two familiar faces, Nathaniel and Vaylin. After exchanging greetings, Nathaniel inquired about the absence of Bartimaeus, to which Varis reassured him of the seasoned knight's well-being.
However, the atmosphere took a tense turn when Twelvecut whispered something to Nathaniel, drawing attention to Ameena's presence. It was then revealed that a bounty had been issued for her capture, falsely declaring her demise at the hands of dangerous rebels. Concerned by this development, the party convened outside to deliberate their next course of action. Amid introductions and discussions, Varis proposed attempting to communicate with the spirits bound within the magical book. Keira devised a plan to retrieve the book from the innkeeper's possession while keeping him occupied, and successfully snuck it back to the group. Amelia, drawing on her innate instincts, glimpsed into the book's origin, revealing a vision of an old woman inscribing arcane scripture.
With the book opened, ten spectral apparitions materialized before them, visible only to those attuned to the ethereal plane. Varis invoked the ability to speak with the dead, probing the spirits for answers. Though their responses were cryptic, it became evident that the spirits had consented to their binding within the book. Despite this revelation, Ameena remained steadfast in her belief that the book should be destroyed, deeming it unholy. Taking matters into her own hands, Amelia returned the book to the innkeeper, implicating Twelvecut in its disappearance. Nathaniel then disclosed his mission to track a black dragon roaming near a mine outside of Oakheart, offering to join forces as they journeyed northward.