Adventure 10 - When Green Becomes Brown

2017-01-05

6th month (Dark Sky) 26th - 29th

While in Kavis, the PCs are preparing for their journey south to the Hilden farm and ultimately, to their appointment with the Greywatch at High Point Redoubt. They do see a funeral procession before they head out of town. It is a funeral for two brothers, Bala and Akrujant, who were searching the tomb of Brajiva Avan, a Thiru priest (located in the hills between Nix and Shawsburg).

After leaving, the PCs found the area described by the Hilden family. When they arrive, they find two farms separated by a small forest which has now been burnt to the ground. They investigate the first farm, only to find that an assassin vine has moved in. The party did not notice it when they entered, and it immediately attacked, and grappled Mordin. It also attempted to entangle the others that were in the room, Melir and Ryoma, but both were able to avoid the magical effect.

The vine was able to damage the fighter repeatedly while being crushed, but with the combined efforts of the other party members, they were able to slay the plant and free their fighter.

The party started to search the grounds to find out what happened when the farm owner, Tanzo Corsa, returned to check on his farm. He made the determination that the PCs were robbing him and they failed to allay his suspicions. Reluctantly, he drew his dagger and attacked. It didn't take long for the group to knock him out, but they had ruined any meaningful conversation avenue. Luckily, the bard, Cain, was never seen and he revived the farmer after the others had left. He was able to earn the trust of the farmer.

Tanzo told a tale of the crops in both farms (his own and that which belonged to the Hilden family) which abruptly withered and died, far faster and more complete than what a normal blight could do. He also saw a cloaked and hooded figure whom he described as human who came in and proceeded to burn down the small copse of trees between the two farms. Corsa was unable to determine whether the man was trying to kill something within the forest, or if his sole intent was to raze the woods for its own sake.

The PCs searched the woods and found numerous examples of leshies and a blood bush which all were dead. However, all of the exhibited some small trait or quirk which was inconsistent with normal beings of their kind. However, they also became terribly remorseful and began to have suicidal thoughts. They had determined that there was a sinister magical effect in these woods which was causing an unnatural sadness and depression. The party finished searching the woods, but were unable to stop the magical effect.

The PCs moved onto the Hilden farm and found two mandragoras in the home. As they found out with the leshies and blood bush, these mandragoras were not normal. These had a thicker, slimy exterior similar to a viscous oil coating their bodies. It did not seem to provide any benefit or deteriment, and the mandragoras were dispatched after a short fight.

The PCs were able to determine that the withering effect which happened to this farm was not still affecting it. Whatever it was, the duration expired, or it was some instant effect. Regardless, the land could be used again after the withered material was removed. They also determined that this was a magical, necromantic effect which was not at all like a normal blight. Something triggered this effect (whether accidental or on purpose was still to be determined). The only lead they have is the description of a cloaked, hooded human who was capable of burning down the entire copse of trees.

The PCs continued onto High Point Redoubt. When they arrived, they found the fortress was closed, and there were several other small groups camped around the exterior grounds. Presumably, they were tere for a similar purpose. This was confirmed by speaking to Sybell Kyne (half-elf cleric of Calistria), leader of a group that calls themselves Liberty's Hammer.

While discussing the situation with Sybell, they heard a small detachment of the Shade Army led by Captain Robert Blackwell who kept repeating the same message ("Taking up arms against the crown is sedition; an act punishable by death. A private lord with an army of sufficient size would pose a recognizable threat to the monarchy. All members of any Aedok lord’s armies are ultimately under the provision of the King’s men."). The Shade Army seemed to be warning the groups outside that this was a potentially dangerous venture. Because of this, a small group from Greywatch rode out to confront the Shade Army. Greywatch lieutenant commander Ardus Thax.

The PCs witness a verbal confrontation between the Greywatch and the Shade Army. However, after speaking up themselves, they seemed to end what was becoming a threatening and potentially hostile encounter. Now, the PCs are ready to meet with the Greywatch to discuss the situation and find out what employment opportunity awaits.