I actually did sleep fairly well in Zingu's house on the eve of my greatest adventure to date. However, I keep hearing these ghostly howls that manifest in my already darkened dreams into some of the greatest and most fierce monsters I have ever studied.
Once my companions came inside to find breakfast, I heard them speak of strange ghostly sounds in the night as well. I suppose it was more than a bad dream. Those who stayed up to keep watch of the area also saw movements in the jungle that may or may not have been tricks of their eyes. I believe we are in for quite the adventure.
Kalina runs into the dining area, excited to go. As soon as we eat and pack our gear we head out. Kalina leads the way with a pack tied to the end of a stick over her shoulder and Guarda by her side. It was here while I followed them with my senses on full alert into the forest, that I recognized the symbol on Guarda's collar.
We move along the sembalance of a path through thick forest. Everyone keeps a quick, steady pace moving easily through the underbrush except Mara, who curses and cut her way from the rear of the pack.
It is quite hot outside, which slows us down more than anything, also causing us to ration our water. Kalina leaves red paint marking the trees to find our way back--an old druid survival trick I remember reading about in my studies.
About an our into the jungle, Kalina turns sharply to the left off any sort of worn trail. We follow with out questioning her. She is still marking our path.
The further we head into the thick jungle the more I notice small changes. The birds and other animals begin acting strangely aggressive.
Kalina slows, her eyes are wide open. She whispers urgently, "We are getting close to the wall. Follow my lead. If I tell you to run, don't question it, just run--fast."
The small girl no longer looks ten or innocent. She transforms before our eyes into a wise guide beyond her years. I knew my companions trusted her in this moment, same as I did.
SNAP!
A tree falls close to us. We all freeze immediately. Kalina crouches down into the underbrush. We all follow her movement before she can even signal us to.
A shadow covers the forest. We search for the source that completely blocks the sun. We don't have to look long, for it lands directly in front of us.
It is an Elder Arrow Hawk. Ironically, this creature did make an appearance in my nightmare last night--only this one is much closer and ready to strike.
Mara takes an aggressive stance while Corin hides and Bren unsuccessfully tries to wrangle the beast--crazy old druid.
The hawk dodges Mara's first attack. In the meantime, Flynn sneaks behind the beast and delivers a massive, unexpected blow with his rapier. I begin to sing the songs of heroes past to inspire courage for my companions and myself, giving us extra strength against our large feathered foe.
We all attack the hawk unrelentingly causing him to stay on defense until he begins fumbling. Bren trips the beast onto his face. It seems strange the winged creature has stayed on the ground. We take advantage until the monster stands up, stumbles and then falls over dead.
After a deep breath, I inspect the magnificent beast. Curiously, his under feathers are branded with a reoccurring symbol of the fire fountain. I wonder what order governs this symbol. It might help explain what is really going on here. For now, I have no way to find out. I gather some feathers, both branded and unbranded, and store them in my sack.
I try to take in my surrounding, looking to the sky, further into the jungles and to my companions. What could possibly be next?
...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave
Chapter 7: The Tomb
Chapter 8: Meet Corin
Chapter 9: The Dead Prince
Chapter 10: Port Veya
Chapter 11: Kalina and Zingu
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
I Think I Can
If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't you won't. Either way, you will be right. ~The Little Engine That Could
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Chapter 11: Kalina and Zingu
While investigating Port Veya a young girl surprises us by saying, "you must be the ones I'm looking for."
I for one am shocked by this revelation. I didn't know anyone knew we were coming, though it answers the question of where to go next. I sense that this girl is good, pure and even a little adventurous, but I want to know what she knows. I ask her, "You were looking for us?"
"Yes, my father asked me to keep a look out for the next band of travelers to come to the island. And here you are--finally." the girl answers.
My companions and I remain silent for a moment, looking at each other. In my opinion, the situation seems to easy, but no one can sense any alliterative motives. The girl sees our hesitation and takes a step, really more of a skip, in my direction. "Hi, I'm Kalina."
I have to admit, I like this girl. I bet she doesn't need to go on crazy, dangerous adventures to prove herself. I introduce myself and my companions. She especially enjoys Corin the cat.
"You must come meet father, he will be very excited that you made it. You will stay with us as well--he will insist." Kalina turns to lead us towards the town.
"Who is your father?" I ask as we being to walk.
"He is a tradesman in rare artifacts. He is one of the few who ever leave the island. I can't wait to go with him. It will be so exciting to see the world."
"I thought the same thing once. You know, it is pretty exciting." I say. "What is your father's name?"
"Zingu."
Kalina leads us all the way through town to a house right on the edge of the jungle under a palm tree. The small cottage, backed by the forest, reminds me of home. I wonder what mother and father would think of their little girl now.
Kalina and I chat as we walk. My companions follow us, most still a little tense. Mara is right behind me, watching my back as usual and covered in armor with her spear loosely in her hand. Aramir is surveying the scene, surely keeping an eye and ear out for any signs of danger. Flynn is looking sneaky on the edge of our group--I hope he behaves himself. Bren looks like he is having the time of his life. Corin, walking beside him to bring up the rear, looks scared and fascinated at the same time.
We are quite the sight in this small, sleepy town. The people looking at us with various levels of interest. I suppose it is a big deal when a band like ours comes to town, especially with the number of legends associated with the islands.
Zingu greets us with a smile and a table of food. I enjoy the apples, the starchy soup and especially the tea. We make small talk as we figure out exactly what we have gotten ourselves into.
Zingu is friends and trading partners with Noctis, the man who hired us for this crazy adventure. Noctis let him know to expect a band of people and hoped we would make it. Zingu also shared Noctis good feeling about this group. He is more than willing to host the group in the attempt to obtain the crone's egg, a rare artifact indeed.
Zingu explains the ancient wall built between us and the jungle. He mentions the danger in this journey and that not many even attempt the feat.
Kalina, however, is already an adventurer in her own backyard and is the best tracker to find the wall. She will act as our guide as far as the ancient wall. Zingu forbids her to cross the wall to the other side. There are no maps to aid us to the wall and beyond it is completely unexplored territory. Beyond Kalina's guidance we will be on our own.
That makes enough storytelling for me for one night. I believe my companions feel the same. We have our quest, now I'm just thankful I don't have to watch my back for one night. My companions don't feel as secure though.
Even though Zingu opens his house to use and tells us to make ourselves at home, Mara, Aramir, Bren, Barbarrel and Corin decide to sleep in the stables. Flynn sleeps on the hearth by the quickly dying fire.
I debate about sleeping outside in a tree, a favorite thing to do back home in Elmwood forest. However, I've heard one too many horror stories and eerie legends about this particular jungle so I decide against it. Instead, I retire upstairs to a bed. I am determined to have one good night sleep to go with the delicious dinner before we begin our adventure into the jungle. I go to sleep hoping this isn't my last good night's sleep.
...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave
Chapter 7: The Tomb
Chapter 8: Meet Corin
Chapter 9: The Dead Prince
Chapter 10: Port Veya
I for one am shocked by this revelation. I didn't know anyone knew we were coming, though it answers the question of where to go next. I sense that this girl is good, pure and even a little adventurous, but I want to know what she knows. I ask her, "You were looking for us?"
"Yes, my father asked me to keep a look out for the next band of travelers to come to the island. And here you are--finally." the girl answers.
My companions and I remain silent for a moment, looking at each other. In my opinion, the situation seems to easy, but no one can sense any alliterative motives. The girl sees our hesitation and takes a step, really more of a skip, in my direction. "Hi, I'm Kalina."
I have to admit, I like this girl. I bet she doesn't need to go on crazy, dangerous adventures to prove herself. I introduce myself and my companions. She especially enjoys Corin the cat.
"You must come meet father, he will be very excited that you made it. You will stay with us as well--he will insist." Kalina turns to lead us towards the town.
"Who is your father?" I ask as we being to walk.
"He is a tradesman in rare artifacts. He is one of the few who ever leave the island. I can't wait to go with him. It will be so exciting to see the world."
"I thought the same thing once. You know, it is pretty exciting." I say. "What is your father's name?"
"Zingu."
Kalina leads us all the way through town to a house right on the edge of the jungle under a palm tree. The small cottage, backed by the forest, reminds me of home. I wonder what mother and father would think of their little girl now.
Kalina and I chat as we walk. My companions follow us, most still a little tense. Mara is right behind me, watching my back as usual and covered in armor with her spear loosely in her hand. Aramir is surveying the scene, surely keeping an eye and ear out for any signs of danger. Flynn is looking sneaky on the edge of our group--I hope he behaves himself. Bren looks like he is having the time of his life. Corin, walking beside him to bring up the rear, looks scared and fascinated at the same time.
We are quite the sight in this small, sleepy town. The people looking at us with various levels of interest. I suppose it is a big deal when a band like ours comes to town, especially with the number of legends associated with the islands.
Zingu greets us with a smile and a table of food. I enjoy the apples, the starchy soup and especially the tea. We make small talk as we figure out exactly what we have gotten ourselves into.
Zingu is friends and trading partners with Noctis, the man who hired us for this crazy adventure. Noctis let him know to expect a band of people and hoped we would make it. Zingu also shared Noctis good feeling about this group. He is more than willing to host the group in the attempt to obtain the crone's egg, a rare artifact indeed.
Zingu explains the ancient wall built between us and the jungle. He mentions the danger in this journey and that not many even attempt the feat.
Kalina, however, is already an adventurer in her own backyard and is the best tracker to find the wall. She will act as our guide as far as the ancient wall. Zingu forbids her to cross the wall to the other side. There are no maps to aid us to the wall and beyond it is completely unexplored territory. Beyond Kalina's guidance we will be on our own.
That makes enough storytelling for me for one night. I believe my companions feel the same. We have our quest, now I'm just thankful I don't have to watch my back for one night. My companions don't feel as secure though.
Even though Zingu opens his house to use and tells us to make ourselves at home, Mara, Aramir, Bren, Barbarrel and Corin decide to sleep in the stables. Flynn sleeps on the hearth by the quickly dying fire.
I debate about sleeping outside in a tree, a favorite thing to do back home in Elmwood forest. However, I've heard one too many horror stories and eerie legends about this particular jungle so I decide against it. Instead, I retire upstairs to a bed. I am determined to have one good night sleep to go with the delicious dinner before we begin our adventure into the jungle. I go to sleep hoping this isn't my last good night's sleep.
...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave
Chapter 7: The Tomb
Chapter 8: Meet Corin
Chapter 9: The Dead Prince
Chapter 10: Port Veya
Monday, April 23, 2012
Upon the Wind
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Faeries, come take me out of this dull world,
For I would ride with you upon the wind,
Run on the top of the disheveled tide,
and dance upon the mountain like a flame.
~William Butler Yeats,
"The Land of Heart's Desire" 1894
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Chapter 10: Port Veya
We just killed the prince of the spiders. I still can not believe it. However, right now the most important thing to do is figure out how to get off this island. We have our boat, which is amazingly still in tact--except it is still caught in the spider's web.
Flynn uses one of his newly acquired healing potions on Malcolm, our sea captain who was passed out in front of the cave from the effects of a zombie merfolk bite. It must have been a powerful potion because Malcolm jumped up with a start like Flynn pumped him with pure adrenaline.
I try to calm down our frightened captain and catch him up on what is happening. His eyes go wide when I retell how we killed the spider prince. He becomes borderline panicked when I mention Corin. Bren comes up behind me shrugging his shoulders and says, "I made a friend."
I can't help but laugh at it all. The last couple days have been quite an adventure. The overwhelming majority agrees we need to get off the island as soon as possible.
Malcolm shakes his head like he is trying to forget everything we just told him. He stands up and goes to his boat. I don't know exactly what he does, but the web is magically gone and the boat floats freely in the water.
Darkness surrounds us so we decide to rest until day break. In that time Flynn manages to decipher Corin's request for sunglasses. It will be interesting to see how Corin does outside of the tunnels, not to mention how others will react to her. Then again, I, along with my other companions, don't really care. In our minds, Corin is Bren's pet and he can deal with her. At least she is useful enough to tell us that Prince Eron is the current leader of the spider people since the king had died. This adventure just keeps getting better and better.
It is a little before light when we set out. None of us could stand to stay on the island any longer. The sun is still high in the sky when we reach our destination--Port Veya.
The port is the only civilized port among the group of islands. It is small, but clean. Glancing into the town, it appears the houses are a modest size and made of wood and mud. There is quiet activity with light strings music drifting from the middle of town. There is also a pleasant smell wafting from the right. I have a good feeling about this town--it's just what is beyond it that worries me.
We are all looking toward the town we don't notice Malcolm loosening the boat's ties intending to sail back to sea. He clears his throat to get our attention and bids us farewell and good luck. He sincerely thanks us for saving his life and healing him. He states that this is as far as he goes and he leaves us in peace. As his boat begins to drift toward the seas I shout, asking, "how are we suppose to get back to the main land?"
He replies with a shrug, "I don't know, I wasn't paid for that."
Great. That told me something that I honestly knew the whole time: no one expects us to come home. Well, I hope we prove them wrong. I for one quite enjoy living.
Flynn uses one of his newly acquired healing potions on Malcolm, our sea captain who was passed out in front of the cave from the effects of a zombie merfolk bite. It must have been a powerful potion because Malcolm jumped up with a start like Flynn pumped him with pure adrenaline.
I try to calm down our frightened captain and catch him up on what is happening. His eyes go wide when I retell how we killed the spider prince. He becomes borderline panicked when I mention Corin. Bren comes up behind me shrugging his shoulders and says, "I made a friend."
I can't help but laugh at it all. The last couple days have been quite an adventure. The overwhelming majority agrees we need to get off the island as soon as possible.
Malcolm shakes his head like he is trying to forget everything we just told him. He stands up and goes to his boat. I don't know exactly what he does, but the web is magically gone and the boat floats freely in the water.
Darkness surrounds us so we decide to rest until day break. In that time Flynn manages to decipher Corin's request for sunglasses. It will be interesting to see how Corin does outside of the tunnels, not to mention how others will react to her. Then again, I, along with my other companions, don't really care. In our minds, Corin is Bren's pet and he can deal with her. At least she is useful enough to tell us that Prince Eron is the current leader of the spider people since the king had died. This adventure just keeps getting better and better.
It is a little before light when we set out. None of us could stand to stay on the island any longer. The sun is still high in the sky when we reach our destination--Port Veya.
The port is the only civilized port among the group of islands. It is small, but clean. Glancing into the town, it appears the houses are a modest size and made of wood and mud. There is quiet activity with light strings music drifting from the middle of town. There is also a pleasant smell wafting from the right. I have a good feeling about this town--it's just what is beyond it that worries me.
We are all looking toward the town we don't notice Malcolm loosening the boat's ties intending to sail back to sea. He clears his throat to get our attention and bids us farewell and good luck. He sincerely thanks us for saving his life and healing him. He states that this is as far as he goes and he leaves us in peace. As his boat begins to drift toward the seas I shout, asking, "how are we suppose to get back to the main land?"
He replies with a shrug, "I don't know, I wasn't paid for that."
Great. That told me something that I honestly knew the whole time: no one expects us to come home. Well, I hope we prove them wrong. I for one quite enjoy living.
Now that we finally arrive at our original destination, the modest Port Veya. Now what?
We talk about the best way to figure out where we need to go. Corin is hiding, Bren and Barbarrel are surveying the pier, while Aramir, Mara, Flynn and I are about to set off into the town to gather some information.
Just as we begin to move forward a stray dog approaches us. It seems Barbarrel is talking to the peaceful pup. Sure enough, Bren begins to translate the conversation as Barbarrel learns about the town. It is a fishing town with very old families rooted here. They have little to no trade and live completely off the land. They love animals of all kinds, which is good for the strange ancient cat, Corin, travelling with us.
A girl about ten years of age comes towards us calling, "Guarda!"
The stray dog runs over to her. She stops with one hand petting the pup and really takes a look at us. She smiles, "You must be the ones I'm looking for."
...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 9: The Dead Prince
Friday, April 20, 2012
"Yuzz-a-ma-tuzz"
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Chapter 9: The Dead Prince
Bren wants to be alone with our apparently new cat friend, Corin, so I go with the others to scavenge the entrance room of the cave once again. I get lost trying to read the engravings on the wall, though there aren't as many in this room as the actual tomb. It seems like no time before Bren is motioning for me at the door.
As soon as I was in earshot, Bren says, "I got the pearl! Can you go talk to the spider man outside? Turns out Corin's people are super enemies with them."
I want to know many things, first of all how he got the pearl from the cat, but I shake my head and say, "I can do that."
"There's one thing though," Bren continues, "You need to try and get some safe haven for the ancient cat race so tell the spider man to stop attacking them."
What? I'm trying to follow his train of thought, but he turns away to re-enter the tomb once again before I get to ask any of my questions.
I turn to face the rest of my companions with the pearl in my hands. I don't know what to say at first, but they see the pearl and want to know how Bren acquired it. I tell them I have no idea, he didn't say.
We decide to go outside to meet the Spider creature at once. I'm thinking, the sooner we can get this over with the sooner we can get out of this creepy cave and back on track to our original mission.
We walk outside where the spider creature is waiting for us, he seems on edge. I walk up to him flanked by Mara and show him the pearl. His eyes light up.
I decide to see what he knows about the cat people, but when I mention the ancient race the spider creature clams up and adds anxiousness to his being already on edge.
The next several seconds blur together. I think I say something else to him about the cat race, but the next thing I know I am on my back with the pearl still in my hand. The spider creature tries to run me over. Thanks to Mara he fails, miserably. Mara is on him, immediately following her are Flynn and Aramir's arrows. I begin to sing and barely manage to get a shot off with my bow. The Spider creature does not even get a hit in before he is motionless on the ground. My companions and I have pulverized him.
That is really weird. I have no idea he was going react that way at even the mention of the ancient cat race. I am very thankful my companions have my back. I get up, shake myself off, and go to look at the body.
Aramir steps back to reveal a small circular metal shield with the inscription "Prince Eron." Well that is probably less than ideal. However, it is very curious why he became so hostile so quickly to begin with.
I catch a glimpse of the spider's crest under his name. Just before Aramir slings the shield over his shoulder.
Barbarrel trots outside the cave as Mara finishes cutting up the Prince's body. We decided to spread the pieces out over the first room of the cave. We try not to leave any traces that it was us who killed him.
Bren and Corin come into the room as we finish. Corin freaks out, squealing, "Is it dead?"
No one took the time to respond to the unique cat, though I did see Mara's eyes roll. The halfling comforts his new companion while we turn to more important matters--like getting off this island before the spider people demand retribution for killing their prince.
...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave
Chapter 7: The Tomb
Chapter 8: Meet Corin
As soon as I was in earshot, Bren says, "I got the pearl! Can you go talk to the spider man outside? Turns out Corin's people are super enemies with them."
I want to know many things, first of all how he got the pearl from the cat, but I shake my head and say, "I can do that."
"There's one thing though," Bren continues, "You need to try and get some safe haven for the ancient cat race so tell the spider man to stop attacking them."
What? I'm trying to follow his train of thought, but he turns away to re-enter the tomb once again before I get to ask any of my questions.
I turn to face the rest of my companions with the pearl in my hands. I don't know what to say at first, but they see the pearl and want to know how Bren acquired it. I tell them I have no idea, he didn't say.
We decide to go outside to meet the Spider creature at once. I'm thinking, the sooner we can get this over with the sooner we can get out of this creepy cave and back on track to our original mission.
We walk outside where the spider creature is waiting for us, he seems on edge. I walk up to him flanked by Mara and show him the pearl. His eyes light up.
I decide to see what he knows about the cat people, but when I mention the ancient race the spider creature clams up and adds anxiousness to his being already on edge.
The next several seconds blur together. I think I say something else to him about the cat race, but the next thing I know I am on my back with the pearl still in my hand. The spider creature tries to run me over. Thanks to Mara he fails, miserably. Mara is on him, immediately following her are Flynn and Aramir's arrows. I begin to sing and barely manage to get a shot off with my bow. The Spider creature does not even get a hit in before he is motionless on the ground. My companions and I have pulverized him.
That is really weird. I have no idea he was going react that way at even the mention of the ancient cat race. I am very thankful my companions have my back. I get up, shake myself off, and go to look at the body.
Aramir steps back to reveal a small circular metal shield with the inscription "Prince Eron." Well that is probably less than ideal. However, it is very curious why he became so hostile so quickly to begin with.
I catch a glimpse of the spider's crest under his name. Just before Aramir slings the shield over his shoulder.
Barbarrel trots outside the cave as Mara finishes cutting up the Prince's body. We decided to spread the pieces out over the first room of the cave. We try not to leave any traces that it was us who killed him.
Bren and Corin come into the room as we finish. Corin freaks out, squealing, "Is it dead?"
No one took the time to respond to the unique cat, though I did see Mara's eyes roll. The halfling comforts his new companion while we turn to more important matters--like getting off this island before the spider people demand retribution for killing their prince.
...
Missed an installment? Catch up on the adventure of Morrow Island...
Chapter 1: It Starts...
Chapter 2: The First Battle
Chapter 3: On the Docks
Chapter 4: Getting Nautical
Chapter 5: Ghost Currents
Chapter 6: Into the Cave
Chapter 7: The Tomb
Chapter 8: Meet Corin
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