Episode S2-01: The Doom Shroom

               Our heroes continue rowing down the stream when the air goes still and light begins to form within the air. The bell from the remains of the church tower begins to ring, a hollow, unsettling tone. A sense of dread and agony over comes the group as the light begins to culminate around the church. The light begins to swirl and reach a fever pitch, blinding the group.

               When the light fades, hundreds, if not thousands, of people are standing on the shore line. The people don’t appear to be any wiser to what has transpired, so Nikos talks with them as we sail down the river. The man that Nikos is conversing with believes it roughly a thousand years ago and Magnus is preparing for the assault on Ljustad. The man tells him that this place is called Hexittel, Magnus’ stronghold. The man tells them to bring the boat ashore so they can talk more, but the group does not want to risk confronting Magnus again in their weakened state.

              Unbeknownst to the rest of the group, Nikos sees undead hands rising from the ground, much like the zombies the group had fought in the cemetery earlier that day. Nikos does not warn the villager of the zombies and the group continues down the river and out of sight.

              Nikos asks Ilya is he knows what Magnus just did. While not certain, she believes he was able to undo whatever magical control Veronus had placed over those souls. She explains that the god of light did not allow those souls to rest in peace when they died, all because they supported Magnus and Razdoth. Our warlock, wisely, keeps this information to himself.

              The boat continues down stream for a time, until they come to a small embankment with another tunnel. Helwyn needs a break from the water, so the group decides to dock and follows the tunnel.

              They follow the tunnel and hear some very “sticky” footsteps. Trebek peeks around the corner and says “it’s a big mushroom”. Helwyn then peeks around the corner and confirms it is a big mushroom. A young Myconid is wandering aimlessly through the tunnel system.

              Helwyn befriends it and learns that its name is Moshki. Moshki was sent away by his parents to avoid being caught in the war between the Myconids and the Deep Gnomes. He explains that recently yuan-ti have shown up and enslaved the Myconids, forcing them to wage war against the deep gnomes. The group asks Moshki to show them where the gnomes are, thinking they can help turn the turn the tide of battle.

              They arrive outside the village of Dolbindik. The outside appears to have been blown apart and armed gnomes stand atop the wall, ready to fend off attackers. The group leaves Moshki in the shadows and approaches the wall with hands in the air. The chief engineer Tozzle Wiktik approaches them and speaks with Helwyn in dwarvish. The rest of the party is blissfully unaware of the conversation taking place.

              Helwyn explains that they came from Hexittel, which instantly causes the guards to point all their crossbows at them. She quickly backpedals and explains that they were sent to investigate rumors of undead popping up in Hexittel. She explains that Logan Lightstrike passed the mantle of the Sun Blade to Grant. She nudges Grant and has his pull out the Sun Blade. This puts the gnome at ease.

              Tozzle begins to question how Helwyn know about their problems with the yuan-ti. Helwyn explains that they met a Myconid and he explained the whole situation. She refuses to outright tell him Moshki’s location. Slightly frustrated, Tozzle begins to question Grant on Moshki’s location. Not knowing what Helwyn said, or having the strength to put up a fight, Grant tells them Moshki’s location as long as they promise not to hurt him. Tozzle agrees that he will not harm Moshki, but they do want to run some tests to ensure that he has not been turned into a walking time bomb like his brethren.

              Helwyn goes and retrieves Moshki, and warns him that they are going to perform a few tests. Tozzle has his alchemists perform the necessary tests, which proves Moshki hasn’t been corrupted. The group is lead into the village, where they see

              The group is lead into the village and presented to the elders. The elders explain that the Yuan-Ti have created a doomsday weapon that will wipe out the village the next time it is attacked. They have corrupted a Myconid to maximum proportions, creating a 100 foot tall bioweapon. The “Doom Shroom” could not be repelled by the remaining gnome forces and the Yuan-Ti outnumber them to complicate matters more. Not seeing any other option, the gnomes have come to the conclusion that will use the cannon to propel the remaining citizens to the surface in a long shot attempt to escape.

              The group determines that they should stick around until they can hitch a ride on the escape cannon. The elder says that they can sleep in tavern and get some rest. They quickly retire to the inn for some rest.

              Their sleep is disturbed when the tavern wall explodes. The heroes don their gear and race into battle. Tiny Myconids are being flung by the Doom Shroom while the Yuan-Ti fight against the gnomes. Helwyn is able to see a path through all the chaos that would allow them to get within range of the Doom Shroom. A Yuan-Ti general(?) blocks their path as they near the Doom Shroom.

              The battle ensues and our heroes emerge victorious and take another rest. They are promised that the cannon will be ready to start evacuating people in the morning. The group says their goodbyes to Moshki in the morning. Rozzle promises that they look after him until he can take care of himself.

              The group eagerly accepts the first cannon ride out of there. Wild magic occurs during the casting and launches them with far more force than anticipated. They sent sailing through the skies when a tower suddenly appears out of nowhere. A strange magical force gently intercepts them when they get too close and places them on the nearest balcony.

              A misty creature phases through the door, taking the form of what each individual finds to be the most attractive. After a confusing conversation about what each person sees, the door opens and a man is standing on the other side.

Episode S2-02: Grimalkin’s Tall Tales

NOTE: I lost these notes, and this recap is completely from memory!

              Grimalkin, a powerful wizard (or a god for all we know), is the owner of the tower. He and his bird, Kalistrasz, monitor the country and record interesting events. He tells the group that he is a master of magical arts, and casually mentions seeing the sundering, indicating he is at least a thousand years old.

               Grimalkin offers to tell them some stories if they can retrieve some extra special booze. The group takes him up on his offer and Kalistrasz whisks them away in a flurry of magic. They appear in Darkstone manor, the bathroom specifically. They find three pieces of jewelry with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies.

               They pocket the jewelry and sneak through the manor, barely avoiding detection of the guards. They come to Rammus’ room (might not be the right Darkstone) and find a beautiful young woman sleeping in his bed. They search the room, and they attempt to leave, Grant rattling and nearly waking the woman. As they leave, Trebek writes ‘property of Nikos Mars’ on her forehead, much to Nikos’ joy.

               The booze is believed to be in the basement, so they sneak downstairs and into the basement. A talking wall blocks their path, giving them a riddle to solve before they can continue. After some trial and error, they realize the riddles are anagrams and the wall is asking for a ruby. This pattern continues until they give up all the jewelry they found in the bathroom.

               They enter the treasury room, and it’s stocked full of all sorts of armor, weapons, jewelry, and gold the group could dream of. Sitting at the back is a glass case that contains the bottle of booze that they’ve been searching for. Trebek checks for traps and picks the lock.

               The glass case opens and triggers an alarm.

               The five quickly dart about grabbing something worthwhile and call upon Grimalkin to bring them back to the tower. Kalistrasz appears next to them and whisks them away before the Darkstones are any wiser. They reappear on the top of the tower, Grimalkin waiting to be presented with the bottle.

               Grimalkin divides up the drink, much to Grant’s joy, and gives them a list of the stories to choose from.

              The first tale is of the saddest dragon. A dragon that lives in a forest within the Darkstone’s land. It literally breathes other dragons that immediately attack it on sight. Nobody knows why this dragon has such a peculiar breath, but it would be to everybody’s detriment if the Darkstones were able to utilize the saddest dragon as a weapon.

              The second story is a song. The Song of the Sage depicts a legendary treasure, hidden in a vague location.

              Finally, the Nature Moot. The next leader of Kynarra is set to be chosen soon. A village to the north is home to both gnomes and elves. Historically an elf has ruled over the land, but this time a charming gnome is said to be favored in the eyes of Karhu.

              The stories end and the group is offered a room within the tower. Before heading to bed, Grant asks Grimalkin if he could check to see if Eliza made it to Shadowhaven. Grimalkin tries to spy upon her but finds that his magic is blocked. Her god shields her from unwanted eyes. Grimalkin looks to Tazae and says that he should talk to her if he really wants to know. Grant gives up and turns in for the night, leaving the others to speak with Grimalkin.

Episode S2-03: Tazae, Queen of the Sea

              The group wakes and heads to the roof of Grimalkin’s tower. They are treated to a breakfast, come food that Grant recognizes from his own country.

              The six of them discuss the next step in their journey, one that Grimalkin doesn’t want to be a part of. Grimalkin asks each of them which of the stories they deemed most important, with each hero giving a different answer. After some discussion, the group comes to the conclusion that the Nature Moot is probably the most important, since it is occurring eighteen days from now.

              Grant points out that the high houses of Ljustad are waiting for them to report back. Since Grimalkin will not lend his aid and send them back to Ljustad, they decide a letter will have to suffice. Grimalkin summons eagles to carry the letter, but only if they can beat the eagles in a stick throwing contest. One person must toss the sticks in the air and have them land in a pattern that the eagles will judge, the most beautiful pattern wins.

              Helwyn challenges an eagle and wins. She begins to write a letter as the group determines which high house to send the letter to. Grant points out that given the situation, all the houses should be informed, even if it costs them their reward. Grant attempts to convince another eagle to carry a separate letter, but fails rather miserably. In the end, the group makes three copies of the letter, but send the bird to Liara Mellenfaire, with the instruction to pass the message along to the other high houses.

              As they leave, Grimalkin imparts some final knowledge. The sword that Grant stole from the Darkstones is made of silver and gives an advantage against werewolves and those inflicted with lycanthropy. The cloak Tazae found is also magically imbued. It slows her when she falls from any height, and if a special phrase is muttered, wings will sprout from her cloak and allow her to glide for a short time.

              The party says their goodbyes and sets out for the Nature Moot. Helwyn leads the group through the forest and immediately gets lost. They spend eighteen days in the forest, tired, dirty and very frustrated. On their way to the Nature Moot, they stumble across three elven hunters (Nowani, Jordie and Simara). After some quick verification that Helwyn is a follower of Karhu, they agree to take them to Novandil, the capital of Kynarra.

              During the trip they chat with the elves and learn a bit more of the situation unfolding in Kynarra. With Lemminkai Elfcharm Skiren presumed dead, Leucandil should be unchallenged for the Nature Moot and being crowned queen of Kynara.

              When they arrive, they meet with the captain of the guard for Kynarra. Helwyn tries to explain that Magnus Merceras is alive (sort of) and forming an army to march on Ljustad. When told that the elders would be willing to hear their story after the Nature Moot, Helwyn insists on seeing them sooner, even if it means pulling the elders away from their duties to the Nature Moot. This upsets the captain and he berates Helwyn for assuming her business is more important than the Nature Moot before leaving them to their own devices.

              Having little to go on, the group decides to head for the lake where Lemminkai fought the fish. Freshbread is spotted at the boat rental station, arguing with the owner of the boat rental. Due to the fish causing so many problems, boat rentals are temporarily suspended.

              Trebek offers to rent the boat for a sizable sum, and an expensive bottle of wine. Freshbread accompanies them on their quest to retrieve his body, but not before they find Lemminkai’s flaming griffon, Fresco. Fresco offers to help when told they are going to kill the fish and retrieve Lemminkai’s body.

              The group rows out and challenges the fish, killing it with minimal effort. Tazae manages to land the killing blow, somehow using magic, but not uttering a single word. This baffles Grant and Feshbread, but Tazae doesn’t give a clear answer. Trebek is stunned by the feat of power and creates the ballad of “Tazae, Queen of the Sea”.

              The fish is brought back to shore and the remains of Lemminkai are discovered. Freshbread says she has a plan to bring her son back, by creating an offering to Karhu. Not having any better ideas, the group escorts her to the shrine, which is close to one of the locations described in the Song of the Sage.

              Freshbeard prepares the rituals and asks the group to pray with her. They all do as she asks, and much to the amazement of everybody, it works. Lemminkai is brought back to life, only partially aware of what has transpired. Freshbread fills in all the blanks and tells him that the Nature Moot is tomorrow. Fearing that his death was conspired by Leucandil, Lemminkai goes off into the night to gather his allies.

              The group goes back to into town, with the fish’s head as proof of its death. Helwyn decides to stay with Freshbread for the night while the rest of the group heads off to the tavern. Trebek sings the ballad of Tazae, Queen of the Sea to any that will listen, causing Tazae to gain the attention of basically the entire tavern. She is showered with drinks and food at the local tavern, which she disperses among her friends.

              They all turn in for the night, hoping to get decent night’s sleep before the chaos of the Nature Moot inevitably unfolds.

Episode S2-04: Prepare to Bee Chosen

              The group waits backstage with Leucandil, and the Council of Elders. The group decides to wait to approach the Council of Elders until after the outcome of the Nature Moot.

              Leucandil is visibly fuming when news reaches her that Lemminkai is still alive. Lemminkai descends from the sky with the help of tens of thousands of bees. He covered with honey as they spill from every orifice of his body. Nikos puts some of the Nature Moot honey in a jar. The ceremony completes with Lemminkai as the new ruler of Kinari.

Episode S2-05: Nature Moot Madness

              With the Nature Moot ceremony concluded the team sets their sights on an afternoon of enjoyment. They stumble across a store selling magical items, one of which is a bag with a demon’s face on it. The stand owner offers Grant a discount on his wares if he can retrieve a knife that he has tossed into the bag.

              Grant takes him up on the offer and, with some difficulty, manages to retrieve the blade. Sensing to make money, Trebek sings the song of “Cyrus Grant, strongest man alive” stirs up the crowd and begins taking bets that Grant can do it again. Grant, hating the song but wanting gold, does it again to the amazement of the crowd.

              As they leave the shopkeeper mentions that Leucandil and her men have been causing him trouble, forcing him to move his shop several times. And the map has been stolen and he wants it retrieved. Nikos takes his business card and says that they will be in touch later in the day.

              The group heads to a tug-o-war competition and despite a series of setbacks and missteps, they are able to emerge victorious. The 2nd place team offers to buy them a round of drinks and they spend the afternoon idly chatting with their new friends.

              Before turning in for the night, they stop by the magical item shop and negotiate a deal. One item of their choosing and the thieves’ gloves upon completion both quests. Helwyn stays at her mother’s house while the others sleep at the nearby tavern.

              The next morning the group notices a patron at the bar, drinking heavily. The patron says that Leucandil bought out his entire store, but named her own price, essentially stealing from him. The group learns that she stole healing potions and potions of animal taming. Armed with this knowledge the group heads towards the west gate.

              As they near the gate, Helwyn and Nikos notice flamboyant individuals spying on them. When confronted three gnomes appear from behind a tree. They are Buri, Thoak, and Frim, they recognized Helwyn when she arrived in town and have been waiting for a chance to speak with her. They proceed to go into a gnomish rant about Helwyn’s past, her mother, father, and brother.

              Helwyn mentions that she is looking for her father and the group says that they have a way to locate him. They believe he is being kept in the forest and give Helwyn a carved gnome that smokes a pipe, a smoke puff will go in their direction, with two more uses today (BEARS ARE COOL). The go over how to use the object, essential when she is close enough and activates it, it will point her in the right direction. As one last parting gift, they bestow a bunch of potions upon the group (Healing Potions, Antitoxin, Animal Friendship, Forest Speech).

              The group sets off into the forest, angering the plant life multiple times during their excursion. Nikos goes blind at one point, but Grant has a potion that cures poison and fixes Nikos. Later, they encounter a group of Leucandil’s men, which are speaking about “protecting the nest”. Using Nikos’ cape of the forest, they are granted Pass Without a Trace and sneak by unnoticed.

              They reach the end of the obvious path, so Helwyn transforms into a squirrel and climbs the tallest tree to get a better sense of direction. She pilots Grants, Ratatouille style, and leads them towards the Nest. Since they are off the beaten path, Grant begins to mark their way by throwing crystals into passing trees.

              Helwyn guides them through the forest, and up to a pit of quicksand. Grant and Helwyn cross without fail, but the others fall into the sand. Snakes that live within the quicksand bite them, causing paralysis. Grant manages to fish them out of the quicksand pit and throws them to solid ground.

              They continue towards the nest, but Trebek remains paralyzed for fifteen minutes. Eventually the group enters a slightly denser portion of the forest, covered in vines that seem to ebb and flow with the rhythm of the forest.

              They’re not vines, they’re snakes, and they attack.

              The battle begins and Helwyn is eaten in her squirrel form. While in the mouth of the snake, she transforms into a bear causing the snake to explode. The rest jump into battle, trading blows with the snake.

              Helwyn reverts to her gnome form and tries to speak with the snakes, asking them to stand down, but they ignore her, proclaiming that they need to protect the Nest. The exchange reveals that they are under Leucandil’s control, igniting a rage within Helwyn. The gnome is eventually able to break control over the remaining snakes, though the group has cut through most of them.

Episode S2-06: Into the Viper’s Nest

              The massive tree that is the Nest comes into view. Before our heroes stands two paths, one being the front door, which has multiple guards and snakes, and the other is a river that Tazae notices. They opt to take the waterway that runs under the Nest, providing the path of least resistance.

              Helwyn and is hesitant to enter the water, so Grant offers to tie her to him, making her journey easier. Grant then realizes that he’ll sink like a rock and is forced to place his armor in the bag of holding. The group jumps into the river, fighting against a strong current. Most of the group makes it with relative ease, but Tazae struggles and takes a point of exhaustion. They find a pocket alcove that they take a long rest in, Tazae shakes the exhaustion off.

              They jump back into the water after their rest, traveling deeper into the waterway. They are ambushed by a giant eel and battle begins. Helwyn transforms into a giant eel, while the rest of the group launch magical attacks. The enemy eel gets one critical hit off against Grant, taking a third of his health. It is killed before it can do anymore harm, slamming into a wall, causing a new path to open. The water drains out and the group collects themselves.

              Tazae glances around and finds a necklace of some kind. Grant uses Identify to explain that it’s an Amulet of the Abyss. Tazae holds onto it since she struggled so much earlier in the day.

              They follow the newly opened path and enter the Nest. They follow the upper path, ignoring the lower pathway for fear of alerting more guards. They continue upwards, having Trebek scout ahead, eventually coming across two elves and an owl.

              Nikos comes up with an idea to hide in an armory closet and throw a firecracker down the hallway, allowing them to sneak by. Trebek creates a fuse and puts the firecracker in place. The elves immediately got look for the source of the disturbance but realized the ruse when Tazae accidentally knocks over some weapons with her tail. Battle ensues.

              The battle ends quickly. Grant knocks the owl out to give Helwyn a pet, but the owl is very pissed that we killed its friends, and it wants no part of druid companion. They lock the owl in the closet, hoping to tame it later.

              The staircase leads them to the upper portion of the Nest. Trebek sees a guard in a nearby watchtower but uses his legendary banana ninjitsu to knock him out. Without the fear of the guards, they are free to look around. We see three other platforms with different buildings on them. To the left is a barracks, in the middle is some kind of atrium and the right is a workshop.

              The workshop is our first destination. We peer inside and see two elves working together to forge various potions. Trebek sneaks in and discovers they appear to be workaholics, so sensing no danger we decide to walk in. Helwyn gains their trust by recommending a few potion ingredients and woods to assist them with their crafts.

The crafters, [PUT NAMES HERE], give us little information about what Leucandil is planning, saying they just want to create masterpieces. Based on all the weapons and armor scattered around the workshop, they do believe that Leucandil is mobilizing an army for unknown reasons. They do warn us that Leucandil’s staff can transform into a snake.

              As we’re leaving Helwyn notices a particularly noteworthy bow and armor. When pressed about what they are, they say the bow has been waiting for somebody worthy enough to wield it. They say that Trebek can try to win the bow, but if he fails to prove himself worthy, then they’ll call the guard. Trebek rises to the challenge and wins the bow in an impressive display of talent.

              [SIDE QUEST] Helwyn inquiries about the armor, and the craftsmen propose a deal. If she can talk to her brother and make them the official blacksmiths of Kinari, then they will alter the armor to fit her. She says that they’ll be back with proof of their deeds.

              As they leave the workshop, the crafters tell them to try and prevent the guards from interfering with their battle with Leucandil. Grant suggests they sabotage the bridge and but the ropes, but Nikos points out that the collapsing bridge will draw their attention now. They cut the ropes partway through, so when any weight is applied the bridge will collapse.

              Finally, they set their sights on the atrium, peaking in through the window. They see Helwyn’s father surrounded by several soldiers, a caster and Leucandil. His magic is being forcefully manipulated and channeled into a gemstone tree. It glows with a dark hue, as if being corrupted.

              Grant and Nikos drink their potions while Trebek checks the front door for magic. Nikos, for some reason, goes back to the window and casts True Strike, alerting Leucandil to their presence. Grant kicks in the door and battle begins.

              Grant, Nikos and Trebek rush forward and quickly dispatch several of the soldiers. Nikos casts Ray of Sickness at Leucandil, but the attack vanishes as it nears her. The interaction leaves the group confused, causing them to think she may have some sort of protection from magic.

              The caster forms a yellow cloud and summons it over the door. Helwyn and Tazae are overcome by its poisonous effects and vomit uncontrollably. Helwyn is eventually able to recover and transforms into a bear, helping the others dispatch the remaining soldiers.

              Leucandil summons a green cloud of poison over Grant and Helwyn’s father. The cloud causes acid burns that deal massive damage. Wrien (Helwyn’s father) cuts his binds on Grant’s sword and runs for the door. Wrien immediately doubles over as he succumbs to the yellow cloud’s influence.

              The rest of the guards are dispatched, leaving only Leucandil. She casts a spell upon Grant, turning him into a snake. Trebek sees this and shoots an arrow at grant, breaking the spell and reverting him to human form. Helwyn sees her father in distress and rushes in to save him, but also succumbs to the poisonous power.

              Grant kills the remaining caster, hoping to its death will dispel the cloud that is making his allies sick. The caster falls but the cloud remains, much to everybody’s dismay. Nikos rushes Leucandil, and hits an invisible wall, sending him to the floor. Trebek, seeing things are getting dire, ventures into the yellow cloud to save the others (because that’s what heroes do!), and immediately doubling over and vomiting.

              The acid cloud moved towards the door, now overlapping with the yellow cloud. Tazae and Wrien begin to take damage, being unable to break free from the effects of the yellow cloud.

              Grant, tired of this shit, places his hand on the invisible wall and casts Identify. (Note: I fucked up and it takes a minute to cast, I cannot do this in the future). Leucandil has cast Wall of Force, shielding herself from all outside influence. Nikos runs his hands along the invisible wall until he finds the opening. He tries to negotiate her surrender, but Leucandil attacks him instead.

              The others continue to vomit and suffer burns from the effects of the poison clouds.

              Grant and Nikos square off against Leucandil. The fight is very one-sided, with Leucandil nearing her end. Sensing her demise was imminent, she transforms into a cloud and flees through the gaps in the walls.

              Grant charges through the window, setting off an alarm, and pursues Leucandil. Helwyn, now free from the cloud’s debilitating effects, jumps through the window. Helwyn manages to catch up to Leucandil as she jumps off the bridge and into the clouds below. Grant joins her a moment later, screaming in frustration.

              The barracks open, drawing their attention. Grant and Helwyn rush back to the others as guards begin to cross the bridge. The bridge gives out, sending dozens of soldiers to their demise.   

              Nikos and Trebek help Tazae regain consciousness. The three quickly pickpocket the dead soldiers as Wrien grabs ahold of the gemstone tree. Grant and Helwyn warn the others that Leucandil’s soldiers are after them and it’s time to go. Grant sees Wrien struggling with the gemstone tree and grabs it. Wrien warns them that Leucandil’s men cannot get their hands on this again.

              The group begins to flee the Nest as the angry shouts from the soldiers ring out.  

Episode S2-07: The Heart of Karhu

              Arrows rained down upon the group as they fled back down the way they came. Some of the group take damage, but they don’t have the luxury of slowing down to heal. None of them are in any shape to continue fighting, the fight with Leucandil having taken its toll. The sounds of the forces are in hot pursuit, and the group knows they are not far behind.

              They run back down to the basement, leaving the owl locked in the closet. The gemstone tree is far too heavy to swim with (and Tazae has PTSD from the experience) so the only new pathway is the door at the far end of the hallway. Trebek quickly checks for traps, and they enter.

              A swarm of bees attacks Helwyn, and the group defeats the bees with ease. Helwyn sees a small alter within the room, so she goes and inspects it while Tazae applies bandages up the party. Helwyn finds a vial of serenity honey (not sure on the name, check with Ron? An ingredient commonly used in calming potions), a ceremonial bowl, and a fragile dagger that hums with magic.

              The voices of the guards seem to close in, and they bolt through the next door that leads to a small tunnel. Grant and Nikos push their way through without issue, but the rest of the party is stuck between the earth and the tree roots. Helwyn uses Speak with Plants to have the roots move aside and close tighter behind them.

              The tunnel carries them above ground, outside the confines of the Nest. They scurry away to the safety of the forest, the immediate threat now behind them. Night has fallen upon the area, and they hear the voice of various search parties, indicating that Leucandil’s forces are still searching for them.

              They move through the forest carefully and quietly, fearful of drawing the attention of any search parties. Grant’s crystals mark their way back through the forest, and he recalls them as they pass by. The crystals dissolve into a fine mist, flying back into him and causing him to glow with power. Nikos is in awe of this and asks Grant how he does that. Grant says he’ll tell him later over a drink.

              Their luck holds out until they reach the established path. Four elves and two snakes block their way. They decide to try to sneak past the squad. Helwyn creates an illusion, making it appear like the nearby forest has burst into flames in the hopes of drawing their attention. Tazae, meanwhile, blesses Grant with sneaky magic.

              But Grant is not sneaky and alerts the squad. Battle begins and pushes the team to their breaking point, with Tazae getting knocked out once again. The bodies are looted and dumped into the brush to hide their attention. Travel beings once more, without any issue.

              Kinari comes into view; all they need to do is cross the bridge into the safety of town. Of course, it’s never that easy. A squadron of Leucandil’s forces block the bridge as another force is coming from the other direction. Nikos, Trebek and Wrien jump the ditch, but Tazae and Helwyn don’t make it and fall short. Grant sees the pair and slides into the ditch, grabbing them under each arm and into the safety of town.

              The guards of Kinari race to the gates, demanding to know what’s going on. Wrien explains to them what’s transpired, and the guards shut the gates to prevent Leucandil’s army from breaching the town’s defenses. Wrien says to carry it back to his house, he’ll lead the way. Helwyn says that they know where it is, and that mom will be so happy to see him back safe and sound. The sentence takes a minute to process and Wrien promptly collapses from a mixture of shock and exhaustion. Grant picks up Wrien and reminds Helwyn there’s a time and a place for conversations like this.

              The group makes their way back to Freshbreard’s house, relieved to see Wrien alive, but doesn’t want the gemstone tree in her house. She explains that it’s the Heart of Karhu, basically the totem of Karhu that ensures the continued prosperity of Kinari. Freshbeard instructs the group to return the Heart of Karhu to the temple in the hopes that they might be able to purify the totem of Leucandil’s corruption.

              Grant carries the tree back to the temple, giving it to Helwyn upon their arrival. Helwyn announces their arrival, and the temple keeper is in awe that they carry the Heart of Karhu. Helwyn quickly recounts their adventure to the temple keeper, who asks for the gnome’s assistance in purifying the totem. As a thank for returning the Heart of Karhu, Helwyn is rewarded with the Cloak of the Emerald Glade.

              The rest of the group leaves Helwyn and retires to the inn for well-deserved rest. Before sleeping, Grant uses Identify to discover that the dagger that Helwyn found in the Nest is a Bone Ritual Knife. The team sleeps soundly, free of threats.

               The four wake the next morning feeling refreshed. They decide to visit Helwyn’s parents, hoping that Helwyn is finished purifying the totem. Wrien answers the door and invites them in for breakfast. Wrien gives his thanks for saving his life, and says he owes them three life debts. Nikos, Tazae and Trebek say that he owes them nothing. Grant, in typical fashion, says he could use a bottle of booze.

              Wrien pulls out an incredible bottle of whiskey that impresses everybody at the table. They inquire what Leucandil’s plan was, and Wrien begins to explain what made the elf tick. He also gives Grant a small mechanical bird called:  

              Leucandil was never good enough in the eyes of her parents. Not good enough with a blade, and a mediocre druid, Leucandil turned to venomancy. Things began to look good for her when she was a contender in the Nature Moot but losing that was her breaking point. Being a high priestess, she had easy access to the Heart of Karhu and stole it, then kidnapped Wrien and used his connection to nature to corrupt the totem. Her hope was that by corrupting the totem, the land would fall into disarray, and she could blame Lemminkai.

              Having had their fill of booze, breakfast and stories, the group leaves in search of the shopkeeper that wanted them to “deal with” Leucandil. They make their way through town and discover that his stall has vanished. Nikos tells them they should head back to the tavern and use the business card.

              Nikos, Tazae and Trebek notice a group of children following them. Nikos pulls the Grant aside and informs his unobservant ass about their visitors. The children all take up hiding places while Nikos pulls Grant up to another stand. Grant uses Message to spook one of the kids out of hiding (nearly getting her kicked by a horse).

              The children come out of hiding, asking Grant if he really is the strongest man alive. Grant is instantly annoyed and says no, he is not the strongest man alive. When pressed who is the strongest man alive, Nikos says that they haven’t met them yet, so Grant is the strongest man they know.

              This spurs Trebek into a Jack Black inspired story of how he and “his brother”, Grant slayed a mighty demon. Grant begrudgingly mimes the story out as Trebek’s tall tale continues to become more ridiculous. The story ends and Grant rains crystals around the children in the same of the crest of Wings. He then recalls it, surrounding the kids in crystal dust. The children cheer, and scatter. Grant is annoyed and heads to the tavern without uttering another word.

              The others arrive at the bar to find Grant already drinking, looking frustrated and distant. Nikos turns his attention to the business card, ripping it in two. Crows appear at the window a moment later, a note around its neck and a glove in its hand. Nikos, Tazae, and Trebek head outside to see a pair of crows, each carrying a glove.

              Nikos takes the note that says the shopkeeper has moved on to other venues but will keep to his word and parts with the Gloves of Thievery. The crows demand food, so Nikos goes back inside and gets a few carrots for them to eat.

              The three go back inside the tavern to retrieve Grant. They find the fighter playing with a small crystal on the table. Nikos tells Grant to get ready to leave, but there’s no response. A second prodding rips Grant from his thoughts, appearing shaken. Nikos asks him what’s got him so rattled. Grant says that if he buys him a drink, he’ll tell Nikos about his magic.

              Grant summons two crystals in his hands and explains that his magic involves manipulating the soul. His crystals are tiny pieces of his soul given form. He explains that his magic is feeble in comparison to what it once was. When pressed about what happened, Grant explains that he lost some people very close to him. He gets visibly upset as black veins form in his crystals. He continues to explain that if he falls into despair, his magic won’t work. The emotions turn his crystals black and shatter. Grant tries to recall his shattered crystals to no avail.

              Visibly upset now, he stands up, downs his drink, proclaims that he isn’t the strongest man in the world and doesn’t want anymore damn songs. Trebek acknowledges his wishes but proclaims that Grant will always be amazing to him. Nikos tries to comfort Grant, saying they’ve all lost people, but Grant shrugs it off, saying they should check on Helwyn.

              They reach the temple, seeing an exhausted Helwyn wandering out. They all venture back to her parent’s house and enjoy a grand feast. Wrien says he missed a lot of birthdays and gives Helwyn the present of: Wrien's Wondrous Birdsong Bracelet. They drink, eat and are merry into the night.

****** LV 7 UNLOCKED ******

Episode S2-08: Echoes of the Past 

               Now that the chaos of Leucandil’s interference with the Nature Moot has been dealt with, the gang turns their attention to warning Lemminkai about Magnus Merceras. They head to the official quarters, a giant, living, but hallowed out tree. The receptionist initially doesn’t want waste Lemminkai’s time, but Helwyn explains that she’s his sister, which turns things around quickly.

              They are led back to Lemminkai’s quarters, finding the weary looking gnome sitting behind a desk that is far too large for him. The new leader of Kynarra greets them warmly despite the exhaustion on his face.

              Helwyn launches into what transpired in Hexatil, and how Magnus Merceras has returned. This stunning news prompts Lemminkai to summon the elders. They are led to another chamber, for meetings between the leader of Kynarra and the elders. In this room is a large pond with several fish swimming happily. The water is said to contain healing magic, and just looking at it rids the adventurers with a sense of ease.

              The four elders enter, each one a representation of one of the four seasons. Helwyn retells the elders about Magnus’ resurrection. Elanoril Sillonian (spring elder) asks us what proof they have, and a quick conversation ensues. The berry killing dagger from Summer’s End is mentioned, but Grant warns that whoever touches it tends to get possessed. When Helwyn questions the elders if they have any protection, or any way to prevent it, Elanoril mocks them and says they are wasting her time.

              Grant, annoyed by this, opens the bag of holding and Trebek retrieves the berry killing dagger. Grant places his free hand on Trebek’s collar, knowing what is about to transpire. Tamsin Oakmoon (summer elder), who had been ignoring them since he arrived, snaps his attention towards them telling them to get rid of that thing. Trebek turns into a little gremlin, so Grant disarms him of the dagger by slamming his hand against the table.

              And this is where things go horribly wrong. The dagger goes flying towards the pond and we get the feeling that if the dagger reached the pond, bad things will happen. Helwyn and Tazae try to grab the dagger but miss. Nikos plucks it from the air, and a new voice fills his head, telling him to ram the dagger into the tree. He is able to shake free from the dagger’s influence, much to Ilya’s regret, and returns the dagger to the bag of holding.

              Elanoril scolds them for bringing a Wither Blade into their sacred dwelling. Lhoris Fernvale (winter elder) tells her to calm down, that we clearly didn’t know what we had. He explains that a wither blade is a powerful magical item that saps life from nature. If the blade had been plunged into the tree, it would have been poisoned and died.

              Grant tries to show them the Sun Blade, but Tamsin gets up and walks over to Trebek, kneeling before him. Tamsin begins to mutter under his breath, casting some sort of magic, but Trebek does not seem to be in any discomfort. Grant hesitates before continuing with his explanation of how Logan Lightstrike gave him the Sun Blade to help stop Magnus’ resurrection.

              Tamsin finally says that Trebek is possessed by the Wither Blade. A piece lodged itself inside Trebek from the first time that he picked up the dagger in Summer’s End. Lemminkai asks his aid to look for a priest of Veronus, as they are the only ones capable of vanquishing the evil from within the kobold.

              Tamsin requests Nikos’ permission to check his mind for traces of the Wither Blade. The warlock is initially hesitant, but Tamsin doesn’t take no for an answer. The summer warden barely begins his examination, but pulls back, claiming he hates ice. Ilya laughs from within the belt buckle.

              Elanoril is still skeptical. She proclaims that no magic could have revived Magnus. Niralsama Laraethal (fall elder) chides her, explaining that she is young and has much to learn. Just because they do not know of magic that could accomplish such a task, it does not mean that it does not exist. Lemminkai intervenes before discourse consumes the group. He declares that after all they have done, they will train their armies, prepare for the worst and if the darkness ever rises, Kynarra will stand with Best Intentions.

              Thalion Silverheart, a priest of Veronus, shows up as they are preparing to leave and leads the group to the edge of the city to exorcise the darkness from Trebek. The process goes smoothly, without any unexpected surprises. Thalion bids them farewell and the group returns to the tavern to brainstorm about what to do next. Nikos mentions that they may have found one of the specified locations in the Song of the Sage. Since it’s within the general area, they begin to dissect the rest of the song.

This literally takes the rest of our session.

              Trebek walks us through the song, and we deduce that we must travel to the fey realm in order to find the treasure that they seek. Trebek, being the bardly bard that he is, figures that we need to find the original song of the sage to find our way to the fey realm. They send word to the elders that we could use their help, thinking they might know of the song. Meanwhile, we head to the library to do some research of our own.

              The very helpful librarian hands Trebek a book, but he isn’t quite able to understand everything. He does deduce that the song is written in draconic, much to the surprise of the librarian. Those that can read draconic try to decipher anything of value, but don’t glean much from their efforts. Trebek says that he requires more time with the song, and the librarian makes a copy of the text for him to study at his leisure.

              On the way back, a blonde fox trails us. It turns out that it is Elanoril, and she came to assist us in deciphering the Song of the Sage. After some back and forth, she tells us what she knows about the fey realm and to avoid making deals with the fey at all costs. For our troubles she asks that we try to give the Blossom's Crown to the queen of the fey, Titania.

              We make our way back to the tavern and Trebek says that he needs to do some shopping. The plan is to set out the following morning. Trebek arrives back to the room with a brand new kantele.

Episode S2-09: The Fey’s Retribution

The group deciphers the appromixate whereabouts of the Fey Realm. They rent a boat and sail across the lake to being their next quest. They stumble across