Due to inconsistent summaries as well as the illness of Lord Arden a compilation of the last month and a half has been assembled as follows, broken into different aspects:
The Kobolds
Following the initial forays into the kobold territories the expeditionaries continued to attack time and time again, discovering new routes into the cave in the process. The party encountered a much stronger green-scaled strain of kobold and a trap-laden cavern with a giant door with a tree inscribed in it. After defeating the kobolds and their high priest and king they obtained a glowing green gem that fit into one of two inlays in the door. The party believed that the other would be held by Enduld Sveriss, who seemed to have a private room in the cave. See ongoing goals at the end for further updates on this
The Orcs
In order to pursue Enduld Sveriss safely and due to urging from some members of the group, it was decided that peace should be made with the orcs and trade established. After arranging a meeting with Oblika Buttermouth, the representative for the orcs, a meeting was held and the Bernard Accord was drawn up with terms for the peace and trade. A key aspect of this for Longreach was retaining the use of Splitriver Keep which both sides viewed as tactically important.
The Elves
While exploring the river west of Splitriver Keep a well-cared for altar was found along the river edge. In addition a water-filled cave that housed a large obelisk and aggressive animals was found. Unlike the one on Jago River these animals attacked elves as well.
Upon further exploration of these lands the party was surrounded by 5 elves who questioned the motives of the party given their possession of elven goods, a goblin companion, and dealings with the orcs. Lord Dieterich and the elves had disagreements on how the conversation should play out and tensions quickly escalated to the point where members on both side were injured. After Scorros defused the situation the elves decreed they would not allow members of Longreach to step foot on their side of the river until their trustworthiness could be proven by providing them the heads of King Bolt Eater and Enduld Sveriss. They also took the anti-blight gloves from Scorros to his dismay.
Here is the report from Scorros regarding the encounter:
For some time now, we have been hunting down Enduld Sveriss's unnatural creations to the north of Longreach. Although we've found the stronghold of one of these... growths... our numbers have been so suddenly and severely thinned that we have not been able to risk an assault. The enemy's numbers are too great and their position is too strong for a party lesser than that which once defeated the blight flower, Mauec.
In the meantime, we have done what we can with our lessened strength, exploring the areas around Longreach. Bernard and I have found several sites to the west of Longreach, each marked with similar symbols that appear to be of Elven make. These often control animals. It's an interesting parallel to the elven druid we hunt to our north, who controls plants...
Most recently, Lord Dieterich, Griknak and I crossed the river to our west and entered a dark wood. We soon realized we were being watched. I was able to find a set of light tracks, and instantly suspected that our watchers were my own people--fellow wood elves.
We followed the trail, and unsurprisingly, this was taken as a hostile move. The elves ambushed us and wounded Griknak before I was able to convince them we had come in peace. Negotiations were difficult. When the elves insisted Lord Dieterich surrender his sword, violence erupted again, and people on both sides were severely wounded before we came to another truce.
Ultimately, I was able to convince the elves to consider peace and perhaps even an alliance by telling them of our fight against Enduld Sveriss and how we had saved the Elder Tree. I also agreed to hand over the gloves that I had used to pull the spear from the tree. These were apparently created by the elves and were "not mine." Never before have I struggled so much to part with objects.
We now await the verdict of the elven elders. I can only hope they will join us in the fight, as if we have neither them nor the steady shields of the likes of Breknar and Kellen, I do not know how we will defeat the darkness of the north.
The following letter from Shava Liadon the elven council leader was delivered to the party following this:
Enduld Sveriss
The hunt for Enduld Sveriss began in earnest after finding his study in the kobold caves. In the study the party found a map and notes on what they believed were creations of his similar to Mauec the blight flower. Listed on this were the following: Mauec, Agarix, Vilgor, Tree of Gevelin Lisornus, and Bulpren.
The team agreed that Agarix and Mauec were creatures they had already eliminated and that the Tree of Gevelin Lisornus was likely the Elder Tree. Bulpren and Vilgor were unknown but the party figured that VS was where Bulpren was given its affinity for water and that VX was where Vilgor was since that was the only location not visited so far. On this basis they set off to defeat Vilgor, though found only small spawns of it and were simultaneously ambushed by gnolls they had encountered once previously. The main creature still appears to be at large.
The team agreed that Agarix and Mauec were creatures they had already eliminated and that the Tree of Gevelin Lisornus was likely the Elder Tree. Bulpren and Vilgor were unknown but the party figured that VS was where Bulpren was given its affinity for water and that VX was where Vilgor was since that was the only location not visited so far. On this basis they set off to defeat Vilgor, though found only small spawns of it and were simultaneously ambushed by gnolls they had encountered once previously. The main creature still appears to be at large.
Here is a report written by Scorros regarding the discovery of this:
While clearing out the kobold cave in the brambles, we discovered a note written by Enduld Sveriss. He listed five creatures: Mauec, the blight flower; Agarix, the bloated fungus in the Cave of Colors; the Tree of Gevelin Lisornus, apparently his name for the Elder Tree; and Vilgor and Bulpren, which we had not yet encountered.
Sveriss had written this about his abominations:
Vilgor - Self-propagating and free-willed attempt. Unsuitable for use. Control impossible.
Bulpren - Rapid growth allows for denial of lands. Best near sources of clean water and loam. Develop protection heart. Practicality questionable.
In a series of short expeditions, our group set out to hunt these down by following markings on a map we found with the note. Before long, we encountered two plant-creatures that seemed to match the descriptions above.
Vilgor spawn: A bloated, floating mass the size of a small house, trailing a mass of barbed, tentacle-like roots. Capable of grasping and crushing a warrior who gets close enough. If its body is slain, the roots will dig into the ground and grow a new one in a matter of seconds. A swift sword can cut them apart permanently in this brief window.
When facing Vilgor spawn, it is best to defeat the body from a distance, then close with purpose and destroy the tentacles.
I can only assume Vilgor itself is the sire of all the spawn we have encountered. Perhaps it is no greater in size or strength than its offspring. Or, perhaps it will make any man feel like a minnow facing a man-o-war.
Bulpren: A sprawling mass of tendrils covering miles of land. Every fifty strides or so, the tendrils group around a pod capable of spraying poisonous spores on threats. These spores seem to transform creatures killed by it into half-plant, half-undead servants, which are found all around Bulpren. These spore creatures can, in turn, be transported instantly between any two pods to defend their master.
It's worth noting that after an attack or after transporting spore creatures, a pod will go dormant temporarily. An active pod will display bright green sprouts. A dormant pod is helpless and an easy target. In either case, the pod can be destroyed with any weapon, including a well-placed arrow.
But even with pods destroyed, Bulpren is still a threat. The tendrils will attempt to grasp and crush anyone who stands among them. In our first encounter with it, it had slain a wolf, and its pack was standing by and watching it helplessly.
Both tendrils and pods will regenerate as long as they remain connected to Bulpren. If you sever all connections to the larger plant, that section will cease to regrow, but Bulpren will immediately begin to rebuild the connection from any of its nearby tendrils.
It seems the only way to defeat it is to find its heart and destroy it.
On their next foray to deal with Enduld they found that their garrison of goblins in the ruins of Haggard Keep had either betrayed them or been killed or imprisoned and the site occupied by Enduld's undead. After killing the traitorous Ooglarg and the skeletons and freeing Argabarg and the remaining 2 faithful goblins, the party continued on the the ruins on the lake. At the lake they encountered all sorts of Enduld's minions, from skeletons to green kobolds to gas spores and so on. After battling these forces for some time, Enduld himself came out to battle Lord Dieterich, Scorros, and Griknak. Luckily, Olivia and Bernard showed up just at that time, providing their aid at a crucial moment. As the battle waged on they managed to nearly drop the elven druid, however his use of Bulpren and a kobold shaman in the right place at the right time kept him alive long enough to retreat to an unknown location utilizing Bulpren. Then, in an attempt to cross the water to a small island Enduld was using to heal, Lord Dieterich quite literally stumbled into a submerged staircase. After mopping up what was left of the enemy forces, the group took a quick rest and prepared to explore the staircase.The first thing they came across as a magic barrier that seemed to separate the water from the air inside the chamber just past. Crossing through they found that the water on their exterior was wicked away and kept outside, drying their clothes and skin. Vines from the lake worked their way into the chamber along the stairs and a hall with different plants being grown in different soils lined the wall. At the end of the hall was a small room with a pool, books of research, and potions and solutions of various kinds. After taking a few potions they set to burning the place down, destroying any and all research so that it couldn't be used again. While investigating, they also found a false wall at the far end of the area and found it opened into a long cavern.Delving into the cave they found it went along for about 15 minutes before turning down sharply. After another couple minutes they found a large are, lit with torches with a pile of vines and buds intertwined with a head of corpses and skeletons. 6 animated skeletons stood unmoving in neat rows near the pile, between two large statues. Just past was a thicket blocking their way.Chopping through, Lord Dieterich found himself in a large chamber with the heart of Bulpren-a massive plant with a blooming red flower atop it-and Enduld himself. Having severed Bulpren's connections outside the room Enduld was trapped and the final battle ensued. Though hard fought, the party suffered no casualties in the battle, destroying Enduld's last creation before his eyes before finally putting him to rest by trapping him in a web, unloading arrows point blank into him, and lighting him on fire. Before he died however he threatened to take everything from them as they had from him and he said a magic incantation that dissolved the anti-water barrier at the entrance. Knowing the dangers, the party opted to loot Enduld as well as some chests in the room, as well as to remove his head for the elves. As they did so, the water from the surface began to reach them, slowly at first, a small stream, but then soon a torrent of ever-rising water. Up and up they pushed, against debris and breaking walls and the very lake itself. As they neared the surface they were completely enveloped by the water. Scorros and Bernard struggled for air as they had to lift the false wall-now jammed-to save themselves. Even as they made it through it was unclear if they would make it. Bernard made a last second decision to give their one bottle of water-breathing potion to Scorros and-seconds before passing out-they burst onto the noticeably lower surface of the lake, coughing up water and blood, but all had survived. Enduld had been defeated.
Current Plans and EventsThe Stone- A member of the Silver Sylvan artisans gave the group a gem that glows faintly. They were told it's glow has increased as it got closer to Longreach.Bandits- Bernard, Olivia, and Scorros encountered 3 bandits from Longreach to the south. After a discussion with them they convinced the group to give up their ways and return to Longreach while they still could.The Treant- Scorros and Olivia set off exploring east of Longreach. We found a treant afflicted by the blight. We want to cure the treant, but the known cure lies in the hands of the elves who were unwilling or unable to assist us when we tried communicating with them. Currently we are trying to transport the treant across the land to the elves in the hope they will come to their senses and let us use the tools we recovered to put an end to the blight. We fulled funded the stable to help us with this project.The Elves and the Head of King Bolt-Eater- To gain the trust of the elves the party needed to acquire the head of Enduld Sveriss and King Bolt-Eater of the orcs. Since they have Enduld's they are now looking to attain King Bolt-Eater's. In order to not break their pact they are contemplating battling him in honorable 1-on-1 combat, something the orcs understand. Their current plan is to infiltrate the orc lands to scout them by posing as armor crafters checking if the armor the town has made fits them properly as the armorsmith has never worked for orcs before.The Games- Sir Calen is hosting a set of games in Longreach to celebrate its first year and this will be held in the near future.
This ends the summary of the last 2 months.
The Orcs
In order to pursue Enduld Sveriss safely and due to urging from some members of the group, it was decided that peace should be made with the orcs and trade established. After arranging a meeting with Oblika Buttermouth, the representative for the orcs, a meeting was held and the Bernard Accord was drawn up with terms for the peace and trade. A key aspect of this for Longreach was retaining the use of Splitriver Keep which both sides viewed as tactically important.
The Elves
While exploring the river west of Splitriver Keep a well-cared for altar was found along the river edge. In addition a water-filled cave that housed a large obelisk and aggressive animals was found. Unlike the one on Jago River these animals attacked elves as well.
Upon further exploration of these lands the party was surrounded by 5 elves who questioned the motives of the party given their possession of elven goods, a goblin companion, and dealings with the orcs. Lord Dieterich and the elves had disagreements on how the conversation should play out and tensions quickly escalated to the point where members on both side were injured. After Scorros defused the situation the elves decreed they would not allow members of Longreach to step foot on their side of the river until their trustworthiness could be proven by providing them the heads of King Bolt Eater and Enduld Sveriss. They also took the anti-blight gloves from Scorros to his dismay.
Here is the report from Scorros regarding the encounter:
The following letter from Shava Liadon the elven council leader was delivered to the party following this:
Here is the report from Scorros regarding the encounter:
For some time now, we have been hunting down Enduld Sveriss's unnatural creations to the north of Longreach. Although we've found the stronghold of one of these... growths... our numbers have been so suddenly and severely thinned that we have not been able to risk an assault. The enemy's numbers are too great and their position is too strong for a party lesser than that which once defeated the blight flower, Mauec.
In the meantime, we have done what we can with our lessened strength, exploring the areas around Longreach. Bernard and I have found several sites to the west of Longreach, each marked with similar symbols that appear to be of Elven make. These often control animals. It's an interesting parallel to the elven druid we hunt to our north, who controls plants...
Most recently, Lord Dieterich, Griknak and I crossed the river to our west and entered a dark wood. We soon realized we were being watched. I was able to find a set of light tracks, and instantly suspected that our watchers were my own people--fellow wood elves.
We followed the trail, and unsurprisingly, this was taken as a hostile move. The elves ambushed us and wounded Griknak before I was able to convince them we had come in peace. Negotiations were difficult. When the elves insisted Lord Dieterich surrender his sword, violence erupted again, and people on both sides were severely wounded before we came to another truce.
Ultimately, I was able to convince the elves to consider peace and perhaps even an alliance by telling them of our fight against Enduld Sveriss and how we had saved the Elder Tree. I also agreed to hand over the gloves that I had used to pull the spear from the tree. These were apparently created by the elves and were "not mine." Never before have I struggled so much to part with objects.
We now await the verdict of the elven elders. I can only hope they will join us in the fight, as if we have neither them nor the steady shields of the likes of Breknar and Kellen, I do not know how we will defeat the darkness of the north.
Enduld Sveriss
The hunt for Enduld Sveriss began in earnest after finding his study in the kobold caves. In the study the party found a map and notes on what they believed were creations of his similar to Mauec the blight flower. Listed on this were the following: Mauec, Agarix, Vilgor, Tree of Gevelin Lisornus, and Bulpren.
The team agreed that Agarix and Mauec were creatures they had already eliminated and that the Tree of Gevelin Lisornus was likely the Elder Tree. Bulpren and Vilgor were unknown but the party figured that VS was where Bulpren was given its affinity for water and that VX was where Vilgor was since that was the only location not visited so far. On this basis they set off to defeat Vilgor, though found only small spawns of it and were simultaneously ambushed by gnolls they had encountered once previously. The main creature still appears to be at large.
The team agreed that Agarix and Mauec were creatures they had already eliminated and that the Tree of Gevelin Lisornus was likely the Elder Tree. Bulpren and Vilgor were unknown but the party figured that VS was where Bulpren was given its affinity for water and that VX was where Vilgor was since that was the only location not visited so far. On this basis they set off to defeat Vilgor, though found only small spawns of it and were simultaneously ambushed by gnolls they had encountered once previously. The main creature still appears to be at large.
Here is a report written by Scorros regarding the discovery of this:
While clearing out the kobold cave in the brambles, we discovered a note written by Enduld Sveriss. He listed five creatures: Mauec, the blight flower; Agarix, the bloated fungus in the Cave of Colors; the Tree of Gevelin Lisornus, apparently his name for the Elder Tree; and Vilgor and Bulpren, which we had not yet encountered.
Sveriss had written this about his abominations:
Vilgor - Self-propagating and free-willed attempt. Unsuitable for use. Control impossible.
Bulpren - Rapid growth allows for denial of lands. Best near sources of clean water and loam. Develop protection heart. Practicality questionable.
In a series of short expeditions, our group set out to hunt these down by following markings on a map we found with the note. Before long, we encountered two plant-creatures that seemed to match the descriptions above.
Vilgor spawn: A bloated, floating mass the size of a small house, trailing a mass of barbed, tentacle-like roots. Capable of grasping and crushing a warrior who gets close enough. If its body is slain, the roots will dig into the ground and grow a new one in a matter of seconds. A swift sword can cut them apart permanently in this brief window.
When facing Vilgor spawn, it is best to defeat the body from a distance, then close with purpose and destroy the tentacles.
I can only assume Vilgor itself is the sire of all the spawn we have encountered. Perhaps it is no greater in size or strength than its offspring. Or, perhaps it will make any man feel like a minnow facing a man-o-war.
Bulpren: A sprawling mass of tendrils covering miles of land. Every fifty strides or so, the tendrils group around a pod capable of spraying poisonous spores on threats. These spores seem to transform creatures killed by it into half-plant, half-undead servants, which are found all around Bulpren. These spore creatures can, in turn, be transported instantly between any two pods to defend their master.
It's worth noting that after an attack or after transporting spore creatures, a pod will go dormant temporarily. An active pod will display bright green sprouts. A dormant pod is helpless and an easy target. In either case, the pod can be destroyed with any weapon, including a well-placed arrow.
But even with pods destroyed, Bulpren is still a threat. The tendrils will attempt to grasp and crush anyone who stands among them. In our first encounter with it, it had slain a wolf, and its pack was standing by and watching it helplessly.
Both tendrils and pods will regenerate as long as they remain connected to Bulpren. If you sever all connections to the larger plant, that section will cease to regrow, but Bulpren will immediately begin to rebuild the connection from any of its nearby tendrils.
It seems the only way to defeat it is to find its heart and destroy it.
Current Plans and EventsThe Stone- A member of the Silver Sylvan artisans gave the group a gem that glows faintly. They were told it's glow has increased as it got closer to Longreach.Bandits- Bernard, Olivia, and Scorros encountered 3 bandits from Longreach to the south. After a discussion with them they convinced the group to give up their ways and return to Longreach while they still could.The Treant- Scorros and Olivia set off exploring east of Longreach. We found a treant afflicted by the blight. We want to cure the treant, but the known cure lies in the hands of the elves who were unwilling or unable to assist us when we tried communicating with them. Currently we are trying to transport the treant across the land to the elves in the hope they will come to their senses and let us use the tools we recovered to put an end to the blight. We fulled funded the stable to help us with this project.The Elves and the Head of King Bolt-Eater- To gain the trust of the elves the party needed to acquire the head of Enduld Sveriss and King Bolt-Eater of the orcs. Since they have Enduld's they are now looking to attain King Bolt-Eater's. In order to not break their pact they are contemplating battling him in honorable 1-on-1 combat, something the orcs understand. Their current plan is to infiltrate the orc lands to scout them by posing as armor crafters checking if the armor the town has made fits them properly as the armorsmith has never worked for orcs before.The Games- Sir Calen is hosting a set of games in Longreach to celebrate its first year and this will be held in the near future.
