[Pathfinder] Wrath of the Righteous, part 57: Visitor in the Glade

Esteemed Master;

It has been our good fortune that on our journey back to Drezen we have encountered no monstrous creatures nor demons or other enemies. We have been away for only a week.

On our return we have learned that our demonic foes have been testing the city's defenses, but these threats have not been serious. Drake riders have been sighted again, but only one at a time and they have not approached any closer to the Citadel than before we last departed. There has been no news of Aegronius and his companion Darra, but Nurah has been sighted giving aid to a family of refugees. They reported that she appeared very weary. Aron will put out another message to invite her to come to Drezen.

Drake rider

Nurah Dendihwar, halfling bard

We shared news of what we have encountered in this past week, particularly of the undead and the dwiergeth that killed Zero. After discussing the dwiergeth with others we know more about such creatures. Their digestive organs are somehow interdimensional, which means that a person who has been swallowed as several of us were could manage to free themselves from one stomach only to find themselves trapped within yet another stomach.

Dwiergeth

Runa asked after Joran Vhane and learned that he has been working diligently at the forge, perhaps too diligently, as Irabeth was concerned that he spent too much time there. He has also shown considerable interest in studying the many faiths of our world. Runa has gone to persuade him to rest and look after his health.

Runa has also visited the glade and spoken to the treekin Gami to ask for a bird to replace Wenchurch. Gami summoned several birds, but Runa chose a second eagle which she tells us is called Phon.

Phon

I have asked Aravashnial for advice regarding dealing with situations such as the dwiergeth, where I found myself challenged to use my magic against such a creature as it is immune or resistance to many forms of energy and is also innately resistant to magic. Aravashnial has made some recommendations which I will take to heart.

Further. I have been overlooking my discovery that I have the ability to re-shape my wooden sword into any variety of weapon I choose and wield them as if I had trained in their use. The wood becomes as hard as ironwood when I exercise this ability. I should have recalled that when the dweirgeth consumed me. I shall make greater effort to practice and use this ability when faced with foes that are difficult to affect with my magic.

I have also been awarded the ring we found among our reward for releasing Sir Alrys' spirit. It is an enchanted ring in the form of a ram's head which can send out a wave of force capable of pushing creatures away. I must make use of it to make it more difficult for enemies to move closer to me or my friends.

Ring of the Ram

Jiro and Zosta had gone to the glade to visit Gami. While there they observed that the people who have begun to tend to the glade are quite absorbed in that task, spending all of their time at it and appearing to be almost spiritually reverent toward the treekin. While there they observed a person they did not recognize, robed and with hood drawn up, walking from plant to plant and touching each one. This person appeared to be avoiding any contact with the glade tenders.

Jiro questioned the tenders, who told him that they did not know this individual and this person avoided speaking with them. Zosta in her forthright way decided to approach the unknown person, but on seeing her approach that person began to withdraw. Zosta increased the speed of her steps and the other person responded by moving faster to keep ahead of her. This progressed rapidly to the stranger sprinting away at a very swift pace, so much so that Zosta could not overtake him. Though the fleeing person did not make any effort to avoid the plants of the glade, his steps did not do them any harm. Such was his speed that his hood fell back and Zosta was able to glimpse his face. She did not recognize him, but was able to give Jiro a description of him.

When Zosta abandoned her pursuit and returned to Jiro, he asked Gami about the stranger. The treekin of course perceives things differently than we do, but Gami told Jiro that  this man did not seem inclined to converse with the treekin, and he had said that he was a druid. Gami had also observed that the word he spoke most often to the tenders was 'no', which he had also said to Gami when the treekin asked if he needed help or wanted to be friends. Jiro made a drawing from Zosta's description and this has been shown to Anevia, who is interested in any stranger in their midst out of concern that supporters of the demons may infiltrate the community at the Citadel. Jiro had also questioned the plants the man touched and they told him they found the contact pleasant.

Bohgong

After their conversation with Gami, Gami asked after Bohgong, who was not with Jiro at that time. The spirit monkey has been very subdued since the event with the dweirgeth. Jiro invited Gami to leave the glade if the treekin was willing, to which it agreed. Jiro took it to see the wall around the Citadel and the dry riverbed below. He reports that the sight of the treekin departing from the glade seemed to greatly disturb the glade tenders.

Sosiel the priest has presented Runa and Jiro with most admirable gifts. To Runa he gave a golden shield marked with the sigil of Iomedae. To Jiro he provided several scrolls inscribed with very useful spells. Jiro has also sought out additional spells which can be used to consecrate and hallow those places defiled by the presence of evil.

We will set out again tomorrow to continue our missions near the Worldwound. We have decided we should seek the missing priest of Erastil first. I am concerned that the longer we do not seek him, the less likely it is that we will find him. Runa agrees with my concern. I think that Jiro and Zosta have greater desire to seek out the Ivory Labyrinth cultists, and Zero has expressed no preference. But Jiro and Zosta have agreed to look for the priest first of all.

Next: part 58, Cave of Monsters