Back in town the party hears rumors of the kind of problems that an adventuring party is well suited to resolve.
- a tree within the Whist Wood forest with runes is to be brought back for further study.
- a shrine with great riches may exist toward the south.
After much debate the party decides that, because they have an existing goal to explore the village north of Whist Wood forest in the mountains, they should get more information regarding the rune tree. With luck they may come across the tree in the forest as they travel north. The party is told that there is a tree in the forest with strange runes carved into it. A man requests that the party bring the section of the tree with the runes back for further investigation.
Before beginning travel Maleth purchases cold weather supplies. Richard purchases a saw for cutting the tree.
As the party travels north through the forest, Brahi reviews the lore that has been gathered regarding the griffin. The griffin in the forest is significantly larger than what is typical. Griffins are known to prefer to eat elves. They also have a taste for horses. The griffin in the forest was described as being as large as a red dragon and has taken bug bear.
Ember reveals that her true name is Idolia. She was once arranged for marriage, but left before the ceremony and does not want to return to the south. Leaving her past behind her as been difficult and she is grateful to have met the rest of the party.
The party travels through the day and breaks to make camp for the night. The night is uneventful.
Day breaks and the party continues their journey through the forest. They come to a river. The river is too big to cross safely. Traveling upstream hoping that the river eventually will become passable, the party comes to a huge stone bridge. The bridge appears to be in good condition. Strange runes are carved along the sides of the bridge. Maleth and Richard attempt to decode the runes on the bridge, but they are unable to translate the foreign language.
Idalia travels across the bridge to ensure that it is safe for the horses and the wagon. As she nears the far side of the bridge an aberrant horror forms on the bridge. Idolia moves toward the aberrant horror. Richard mounts one of the horses and rides toward the aberrant horror coming within 60ft of the abomination. Maleth shoots and hits the abomination with an arrow. Jarvis herds the horses out of sight of the abomination for their safety. Brahi rides out toward the horror. Brahi shrugs off the fear effect from the horror. Brahi charges and hits the horror. The horror in staggered. Idolia continues to move toward the horror and gets within 40ft of the abomination. Idolia is able to continue despite the horrors fearsome aura. Richard rides up to the horror and leaps off his horse. The horse continues past the horror as Richard brings his silvered hammer down. Using the favor of his god, he imbues the attack with his holy smite. Upon being struck the horror folds in on itself until it leaves existence.
The party gathers up all of it’s members, the horses, and the wagon and continues makes camp for the night.
During the night each person suffers from disturbed visions in their dreams. Taco dreams that while performing surgery on a creature with a lower body of a dwarf and the upper half being a horror. Idolia drams that she is in a wedding ceremony that she is unable to escape. The dwarven horror creature being part of the wedding. Maleth dreams of taking watch for the night with Jarvis. The dwarven horror creature attacks and takes a sizable bite out of Jarvis. Brahi dreams of being backstage at a tavern. Brahi’s little brother is onstage and Brahi is cued that he should prepare for his turn on stage. His little brother turns out to be the dwarven horror. Richard dreams of being back in Northgate acting as an acolyte serving at the alter in the temple of Argona. Richad performs his duties for the priestess of Argona who morphs into the dwarven horror.
Morning comes and each party member recounts their strange dreams to each other. The party continues to travel north from the bridge. The foliage is lush. The party finds shelter. Taco discovers a staircase and calls for the party to see his discovery. Taco lights a torch. Richard and Maleth each light their hooded lanterns, The party finds a sturdy door at the bottom of the stairway. Maleth looks for traps on and around the door. He finds no traps.