Just before heading out, a brief stop is made at The Wrong Cabbage, the inn located right at the main street through the town of Entrée. One may think the very recent appearance of a dragon now occupying the castle throne room would slow down business, and you would be correct! Guests are doing their best to not go outside (though they still look out the windows at the swirling mass of clouds, and the castle), and the staff is equally worried. Thus Eleanora coming in and ordering a meal is at first met with a flat "what", but after a moment or two of summarizing what the party is up to, The Wrong Cabbage is not going to let some dragon keep them from whipping up something delicious for its guests!
So as to not keep the party too long, an astounding bowl of thoroughly mixed salad with its share of meatballs as well as a root beer later, Eleanora is practically bursting with energy (briefly illuminating the dining hall as the waitress stands nearby, smiling). Now then! The party makes its way out the northern townsgate and-
"Vesper! Vesper!" the party hears the voice of a young woman calling out from the gate behind them. Turning around, they see the a maid of a noble household, slight in frame, with big watery eyes, sniffling a little. "I h-heard about your quest. P-please be careful, a-a-and come back soon!" she says, voice shaky, clasping her hands in front of her chest. "There's still so much cleaning up to do-hoo-hoooo!" Brie blows her nose in a handkerchief as she waves goodbye for now to her only hope to ever conquer the mess Lord Reuben left behind.
So, the party embarks on their journey, out into the rolling fields of Entrée, leaving the capital and the roiling swirl of clouds above it behind them. At the town's gate, Brie keeps waving, a sympathetic guard handing her a few more handkerchiefs. King Consommé orders his troops to train like they have never done before, preparing for the counterattack. Up in the castle's throne room, Princess Blanche watches the party head out far below, hope in her heart as she prays for their safety on this perilous journey.
What dangers and wonders shall they encounter?
CHEFS OF THE ROUND
THE STEW OF TIAMAT
First Course: Emeraldia, Apples of (Former) Plague
Our brave heroes venture along the road leading north for a while, until they take the path known to lead to their first destination. They walk across the region's beautiful gently sloping meadows, cross little babbling brooks, until they reach the edge of Burokori Forest, the predominantly rounded treetops letting just enough evening sunlight filter through to paint a tranquil picture, were it not for the sense of unease suffusing the forest. There are fewer sounds than usual, many animals in hiding from the evil dragon's presence that is felt in the entire region. They had heard the beasts of the region were growing restless, and there are the occasional distant snarls, but they are fortunate today, no predators crossing their path. At least none that wish to try and attack them.
The walk through Burokori Forest, following the winding path indicated by the map Anise gave them, is a quiet one, until they emerge on the clearing dominated by the massive Suesz Tree. A mere month or two ago, the tree used to be much more gnarled and twisted, but bearing grand, green apples, so very inviting to anyone who would come across them. They would give relief and comfort to anyone having a bite, and in the past, the apples were taken into settlements beyond the forest, only for them to be wiped out by terrible disease a week later. And still the victims craved the apples as they wasted away...
However, now it is a vital tree in full bloom, the plague specter that lived within banished by the Heroes of Light, leaving the forest much healthier and safer. Not to mention the fruit now being legitimately healthy (after many, many thorough tests), already having gotten ear-marked to be added to seasonal Entrée cuisine.
And speaking of fruit, the party sees the tree having been picked clean, save for a single Emeraldia very high up. The kobolds are crafty little fellows, if not necessarily security-minded ones, as is evident by the dangerously rickety ladders, at times loosely tied or bolted to the tops of other ladders at worrying angles, having been left leaning against the tree. Seemingly they were in a hurry. Despite not looking old in the slightest, some of the ladders are already broken, and especially the really top-most one with the most heart-stopping "construction" involved seems to have suffered a terrible fate, sparing the single apple. Forever taunting the little lizards with its succulent taste and wonderful green color that gives it its name.
Thus, no easy source of apples is left for the party. Fortunately for them, however, they not only see the remains of an eaten Emeraldia lying around, but also... plenty of footprints left by lizards walking on two legs, plus stubby tails. Whoever was in charge of secretly digging a tunnel through the Grand Granary's solid stone foundation (with spoons, no less!) and into the Affinity Storages to quietly nab all apples clearly was not in charge of whatever happened here, given the lack of operational security. Whether the kobolds thought no one would come and check the tree, they didn't have any time, or simply didn't care, following the trail is outright trivial.
It doesn't take long until they can spot the beginnings of a combination of slopes and thickets and almost interwoven trees, making it very difficult to continue on, save for a relatively narrow passageway. And as luck would have it, their passage has also been noticed.
From the bushes beside the path emerge three lanky, unnaturally undulating creatures, clad in black coats and just as dark wide-brimmed hats, hiding any features they might have in darkness amidst the dim evening lighting of the inner forest, the trees extending far, far above the party. The creatures' arms are long and winding, moving almost as if possessing minds of their own, as all three of the shadowy beings tower over the party.
"We're da Evil Guards of da Ramena Bowl!" They boom, all three raising and wiggling their arms, before letting their bark-like claws extend back towards the party, idly rotating menacingly. "Go away or get cuuursed!" ("Cuuursed!" "C-c-c-cuuursed!") Once again, the dark guardians of this section of the forest raise their unnatural facsimilies of arms, as if to threatening an invocation most foul, as their bodies never cease swaying. What fiends has the awakening of Haxenspargilis brought forth?!
What do our brave heroes do?
OOC
You are facing three vile guardian demons!
There are several things you can do here, and in the spirit of fair play, including some things involving some light retroactive declaration.
If you would, say, like to persuade (or deceive) them, that would be an 【INS + WLP】check, whereas intimidating them/telling them whatfor would be 【MIG + WLP】. Each, of course, requiring a valid approach in what you are actually saying.
If you would like to examine something more closely or recall information, that would be 【INS + INS】, or if you feel like you would have been doing stealthy scouting ahead, you can roll 【DEX + DEX】to go unnoticed by the creatures.
Feel free to suggest other approaches and/or rolls as well. If you would like to do investigations or other things prior to this point, such as on the way to the forest or at the Suesz Tree, feel free to add those as well.
Naturally, you can also spend Fabula Points to Alter the Story, contributing towards extra XP for the party at the end of the Burokori Forest session as usual.
Eleanora, please substract 10z for the meal at the inn, which also fully recovers your HP and MP.