The Chronicle, Session 9

Dramatis Personae

• Tori, mixed-heritage Shamaness from Gal City
• Kildun Graax, Hyperborean Necromancer from the City-State of Khromarium
• Tyrm, Oonish (androgynous clone) Warlock from the City-State of Khromarium
• Saya'da, Yakut Berserker from the Plains of Leng
• Fiadhan, Keltic druid local to the Bryn Celli region

Sun, the 8th of Sagittarius, CAE 582. 4:00 PM. Skies clear to partly cloudy, 35 degrees F.

The company of Tori, Kildun Graax, Tyrm, Saya'da, and Fiadhan had entered Hollow Cairn prepared for a desperate struggle, but the encounter unfolded far differently than expected. Rhodric, caught between man and beast, fought visibly against the curse that gripped him. Even as his features shifted and a wolf's snarl escaped him, he pleaded with the company not to attack, warning that violence might cause him to lose what little control remained.

Kildun, who had already begun preparing a spell to Command the afflicted ranger, reluctantly abandoned the attempt after seeing Rhodric's struggle. Tyrm ordered the mercenary hirelings to remain behind the front line while Saya'da stepped forward alone, placing herself between Rhodric and her companions. She urged him to keep fighting the transformation, warning that he must allow himself to be bound or she would be forced to stop him herself.

While Fiadhan produced a rope, she told Rhodric that the company had found his letter to Eluned and the ring he had intended for her. They had spoken with the young woman, and she had not abandoned hope. Tori, standing nearer the rain-pool within the cavern, called out that if matters turned against them she might be able to help restrain him there.

The danger gradually eased. Hearing that Eluned still believed him alive, Rhodric's resolve strengthened, though the transformation continued to wrack his body with obvious pain. He spoke of death as a mercy if no cure existed, only to be told that the druids knew of remedies, however uncertain. Tori explained that druidic traditions offered hope, while Fiadhan described the dangerous belladonna treatment that might cure lycanthropy but carried its own mortal risk.

Saya'da's patience eventually wore thin. "Listen! She loves you, you love her. Let's make this happen. Fight this thing, or I'm gonna have to kill you!"

At last Rhodric accepted their offer. If there truly remained any chance of salvation, he would submit willingly. He urged them to move quickly before the beast within grew stronger.

The mercenaries helped hold him while Saya'da securely bound him with Fiadhan's rope. Rhodric offered no resistance, warning only that his strength increased whenever the transformation overtook him.

While the bindings were being secured, Kildun questioned him about the origin of the curse. Rhodric spoke of only "the Master," a creature dwelling beneath Hollow Cairn in tunnels below the cave. He warned them not to descend there unless thoroughly prepared, saying the Master hunted the surrounding lands and had left him alive, alone, waiting for the curse to complete its work. He knew little of any other servants, recalling only wolves coming and going while fever and delirium clouded the passing weeks.

The company then discussed the greater danger beneath the hill. Saya'da suggested sealing the cave if it proved to be the only entrance, while Tori proposed collapsing it altogether. Tyrm doubted there was but a single way below, though he agreed blocking the known entrances might still hinder whatever lurked beneath.

As Rhodric continued to suffer through violent spasms and feverish trembling, Kildun attempted to question him further about lycanthropy itself. The ranger was by then in too much pain to answer.

Before departing, the company searched the cave one final time and found Rhodric's discarded ring mail and longsword. He explained that the agony of his transformation had forced him to remove both armor and clothing. He insisted they keep the equipment until such time as he might someday recover. Tyrm accepted both items for safekeeping, recognizing that their enchantments would require proper identification before their full nature could be understood.

Saya'da lingered beside the bound ranger for a final warning, nudging him with the haft of her axe. "I'm watching you. I have a problem with this whole 'true love' thing, but if you mess with them..." She gestured toward her companions. "You're dealing with me."

The mercenaries then carried the hog-tied Rhodric from Hollow Cairn. The company paused only long enough for Saya'da to recover the rope she had earlier secured to a standing stone above one of the cave shafts.

The march back to Bryn Celli passed without interruption, though Rhodric's condition worsened. His body shifted continually between human and wolf-like forms, the ropes fortunately holding despite each violent convulsion. Saya'da remained close beside him throughout the journey, prepared to react at the first sign that his restraints might fail, while the others eventually covered his head with a burlap sack to spare him and themselves further distress.

As they approached the village, Kildun went ahead to apprise the gate guards of their arrival. After hearing the circumstances, the guards agreed to house Rhodric in the empty dungeon while keeping him isolated from the townsfolk. A detachment accompanied Kildun back to the party, escorting the strange procession through Bryn Celli with enough discretion that curious eyes saw as little as possible. Even the captain remarked that children should not witness the ranger's terrible transformations.

Within the dungeon the company prepared a clean cell for Rhodric. The guards finally cut away the ruined ropes, concluding that the restraints themselves had become another source of suffering as the transformations twisted his body.

While leaving the dungeon, Tyrm quietly suggested to Kildun, in Hyperborean, that they should keep silent about the Master beneath Hollow Cairn until the company had agreed upon its own course of action. Kildun nodded in silent agreement.

The discussion continued as they walked to Kildun's recently rented house near the tannery, where the unpleasant smell of curing hides drifted constantly through the poorer quarter of town. Tyrm believed the Blood-Reeve might be persuaded to reward them further for dealing with the greater threat beneath the hill, perhaps even granting permanent silver weapons. He further suggested they might leave this small town for greener pastures. Kildun, having only recently secured his modest home and already planning a small tannery for producing parchment, showed little interest in leaving Bryn Celli. Tori argued that the village offered opportunity enough for adventurers willing to build a reputation there, while also cautioning that confronting the Master immediately would likely exceed the company's present abilities. Saya'da, though eager for battle, agreed that a better plan and perhaps druidic assistance would be needed. Fiadhan remained chiefly concerned with Rhodric's cure and whether Eluned should be informed of his return.

During the conversation the company finally noticed Kildun's skeletal cat quietly sitting nearby, still performing the motions of grooming despite possessing neither flesh, hair, nor tongue.

A knock at the door interrupted further debate.

Chief Druidess Aera entered after Kildun admitted her. She had already heard reports that Rhodric had been brought back alive and was relieved to learn the rumors were true. She then apologized for making funeral arrangements during the company's absence, explaining that Cire's body could not be left unattended longer. The druids had completed the necessary preparations and wished to conduct the burial that very evening if the companions agreed.

The company accepted without hesitation.

On their way through the village they stopped briefly at Blood-Reeve Maelcon's hall, where the seneschal arranged an audience for the following morning. They intended to report not only Rhodric's capture but also the greater danger beneath Hollow Cairn.

The burial took place beyond the village ramparts in the common barrow field, where low cairns marked the resting places of generations of Bryn Celli's people. Standing stones rose among the nearby hills, marking older and more distinguished tombs. Fiadhan explained that while prominent families sometimes reused ancient mounds, common folk were laid to rest among the many stone cairns of the field.

Nearly fifty townsfolk gathered there. Cire's body, freshly wrapped within a clean burial cloth, was lowered into a shallow grave by Dafydd Barrow-Born and several others. One by one the assembled villagers stepped forward, each placing a single stone upon the grave until a modest cairn slowly rose above it.

As they worked, Aera spoke.

"Stone remembers.
Root remembers.
Water remembers.
Though flesh returns to earth, no worthy deed is ever lost.

Our friend, Cire, passed before he was able to complete the deed, but these new friends of ours set out in a most worthy attempt to find out what had happened to our beloved Eilleann. And now, even today, they have also given us help and discovered what happened to the ranger Rhodric. I'll not say more on that at this time—we are here to remember Cire—but let it be said that he began a most worthy deed, and we are here to pay respect to that."

When the villagers' line grew short, Tori, Tyrm, Kildun, and Saya'da each joined in, placing stones of their own upon the cairn. Fiadhan remained beside the druids, quietly assisting with the closing rites.

Tyrm and Tori each offered prayers according to their own faiths. Kildun laid down his stone and quietly promised that Cire would never be forgotten. Saya'da approached last. After setting her stone, she drew her axe across her own palm, marked both the tattoo she had taken in Cire's memory and the cairn itself with her blood, then spoke only three words:

"Blood for blood."

When the rite concluded, Aera thanked those assembled before dismissing them. Many townsfolk remained behind for a time to introduce themselves and express gratitude for the company's efforts on behalf of both Eilleann and Rhodric. Darkness gradually settled across the barrow field as lanterns and torches drifted back toward Bryn Celli.

Before departing, Aera told the company she wished to speak further with them, though the matter could wait until morning.

The companions returned to the Sheep's Rest to raise a final cup (Tyrm, of course, drank milk) in Cire's memory before seeking their beds.

The following morning Torla apologized for missing the funeral, explaining that duties at the inn had kept her away. She thanked the company for all they had done for Bryn Celli and insisted that breakfast be served at no charge. Over the meal they discussed how best to approach Blood-Reeve Maelcon, considering whether they should seek additional aid against the Master, request permanent silver weapons, or send word to Gal City in search of one learned in lycanthropy.

Maelcon received them in his hall with his usual blunt manner. Having already questioned Rhodric himself, he admitted that finding the ranger alive in the dungeon had surprised him greatly, for he had expected only a merciful death. Tyrm explained both the belladonna treatment and the possibility that greater knowledge might be found in Gal City. Maelcon granted the company unrestricted access to Rhodric's cell and ordered each member rewarded with a purse of coin.

When Tyrm revealed the existence of the Master beneath Hollow Cairn, Maelcon replied that Huntsman Taran had already informed him. Men equipped with wolfsbane and silvered weapons had already been dispatched to block the cave entrances.

At Fiadhan's request, Maelcon also agreed that Eluned should be permitted to visit Rhodric, warning only that the ranger no longer remained bound because the restraints themselves had become unbearable.

Before dismissing them, the Blood-Reeve invited the company to remain in Bryn Celli for the coming Festival of Plutonia two weeks hence. Hearing that Kildun had rented a house within the village seemed to please him.

From there the companions visited Aera within Ashen Oak Grove. She spoke candidly of her uneasy relationship with the Blood-Reeve, noting that he had refused her request to see Rhodric the previous evening. The company immediately offered to accompany either Aera or another druid during future visits, easing any concerns between the two authorities.

Aera agreed she could administer the belladonna cure when the necessary herbs had been gathered, though she reminded them of its grave risks. She also intended to send word to Gal City requesting the aid of a more accomplished druid, even knowing that such assistance would require months to arrive. In the meantime she would prepare medicines to ease Rhodric's suffering.

Saya'da quietly observed that keeping Rhodric calm would likely prove just as important, since anger seemed only to strengthen the curse.

Discussion then turned again to Hollow Cairn. Aera already knew of Maelcon's efforts to seal the cave entrances, though she expressed some doubt that the work alone would solve the problem. At Saya'da's suggestion she nevertheless agreed to have wolfsbane planted around the known entrances wherever possible.

Fiadhan remained anxious that everyone connected to Rhodric should be informed. Aera assured her that Eluned had already received word, while confirming that Rhodric had no family in the region. Satisfied that nothing had been overlooked, Fiadhan allowed the matter to rest.

With several days available while Aera gathered the necessary herbs, the companions turned their attention toward establishing themselves within Bryn Celli.

Fiadhan sought acquaintances who might help her establish an apothecary. She strengthened her friendship with Dafydd Barrow-Born, whose curious tales of disturbed burial grounds and whispering skulls hinted at older mysteries beneath the surrounding countryside. Through him she met Iestyn the Stonewright, a mason fascinated by the ancient Hyperborean road whose buried paving stones, he claimed, sometimes rang beneath certain moons. Iestyn agreed to let her establish a small apothecary table within his own workshop.

Kildun spent his own coin furnishing his house while searching for someone capable of obtaining unusual goods. His efforts introduced him to Seren ap Cadfan, the lamp-lighter and watchman, whose nightly rounds gave him knowledge of those who moved through Bryn Celli after dark. Unfortunately, drink loosened Kildun's tongue, and before the evening was over he had loudly pledged before several witnesses that he would personally clear Hollow Cairn of its dangers.

Saya'da commissioned another tattoo, this one depicting a wolf, while listening for rumors. She heard the tale of a shepherd who had wandered near the mysterious "land of endless noon" (the first time any in the party had heard this name) and returned to town believing himself one of his own sheep. Before the evening ended she also became involved in a drunken brawl that left Torla's common room badly damaged. Unable to pay the cost of repairs, she instead found herself owing the innkeeper a favor.

Tyrm chose quieter pursuits, furnishing his own modest rented house and establishing a small shrine dedicated to Helios.

Tori, having learned that Lunaqqua was honored by the druids of Bryn Celli, visited Ashen Oak Grove and there met Talan ap Rhydderch, the dock foreman. Grateful for the company's recent service, he offered whatever assistance lay within his power and readily agreed to help carry messages as far as Gal City through the loose network of merchant-captains and couriers who passed through Bryn Celli. In return, Tori accepted a favor owed, one that required her immediate attention.

Thus passed a relatively quiet day as the company strengthened its ties to Bryn Celli, made new acquaintances among its people, and began laying the foundations of lives that seemed increasingly likely to remain rooted in the village. Yet Rhodric still lay imprisoned beneath the Blood-Reeve's hall, the Master remained somewhere below Hollow Cairn, and Aera's preparations for the dangerous cure had only just begun...

The Chronicle, Session 8

Dramatis Personae

• Tori, mixed-heritage Shamaness from Gal City
• Kildun Graax, Hyperborean Necromancer from the City-State of Khromarium
• Tyrm, Oonish (androgynous clone) Warlock from the City-State of Khromarium
• Saya'da, Yakut Berserker from the Plains of Leng
• Fiadhan, Keltic druid local to the Bryn Celli region

9:00 AM, Sun, the 8th day of Sagittarius, 582 CÆ. Cold and clear, 12 degrees.

The Tree and the Cairn

The morning dawned bitterly cold. During the night, freezing rain had coated the forests around Bryn Celli in a thin shell of ice, every branch and blade of grass glittering beneath a pale winter sun. Though the sky had largely cleared, the temperature had fallen still further.

Before departing, the party took one final look through the belongings recovered from Rhodric's hunting cabin. Hidden beneath the mattress they found a small silver engagement ring and a folded letter addressed to Eluned. The note was simple and heartfelt, asking for her hand in marriage. It painted a picture of a humble man whose thoughts often turned toward the woman he loved, making his disappearance all the more tragic.

With Taran once again serving as guide, the company set out for the place where Rhodric's broken bow had first been discovered.

The journey took nearly two hours, bringing them to a small clearing dominated by a lone ash tree. Deep claw marks scarred its trunk, reaching to about the height of a grown man. Taran explained that Rhodric's shattered bow had been found here, along with wolf tracks and the tracks of a man's boots, almost certainly the ranger's own.

The claw marks drew everyone's attention: they counted only four claws, not five. Whatever had left those wounds was no bear.

Saya'da examined the gouges with growing enthusiasm, clearly eager to test herself against whatever creature had made them. Kildun quietly readied a sling bullet.

Fiadhan admitted that until now she had assumed Rhodric himself had been the werewolf. Seeing the evidence before them caused her to question that belief. Tyrm suggested another possibility—that Rhodric had survived an attack by a werewolf and now suffered the curse himself. Combined with the missing time described in his journal, it seemed entirely possible.

If so, there might now be two werewolves haunting the forest.

Searching more carefully, Saya'da discovered tiny scraps of dried leather caught within the claw marks. Taran agreed they might well have been torn from Rhodric's hunting leathers, though nothing could be proven.

Fiadhan climbed into the ash itself, searching its lower branches. There she found old, dried blood, suggesting Rhodric had climbed the tree in desperation while his attacker clawed upward after him. Tyrm examined the damage and concluded that the beast had not attempted to climb, but had merely reached up toward someone already in the branches.

When Tori asked about the timing of the attack, Taran explained that the blood had already dried by the time the site was discovered, though the tracks were only a few days old. He could not place the attack upon any particular full moon, only remarking that Phobos waxed full every seven nights.

Another question caused Taran to pause in thought: Had anyone visited Rhodric's hunting cabin shortly after this attack? After a moment he remembered doing exactly that. The cabin had still been intact, meaning whatever had later wrecked the place must have happened more recently.

The party widened their search around the clearing. Hidden beneath fallen branches lay a crushed leather quiver. Most of its arrows had been broken, but three silver-tipped shafts remained intact.

None recognized the quiver itself, but the arrows were anything but ordinary. Each bore an unfamiliar rune, while strands of wolfsbane had been woven into the fletching. Tori believed the rune to represent death, suggesting they had been fashioned specifically for hunting and slaying lycanthropes, though only proper magical identification could confirm her suspicions.

Tyrm, Fiadhan, and Tori each kept one of the arrows.

Before leaving, Taran suddenly remembered one final detail. When the clearing had first been discovered, large wolf tracks had continued eastward—toward Hollow Cairn.

The ancient burial mound stood upon a wooded hill several hours away. Long before the company reached it, the standing stones crowning its summit could be seen rising above the surrounding trees.

Taran explained that no one knew who had raised Hollow Cairn. The place had already been ancient when Bryn Celli itself was founded more than a thousand years ago.

Fiadhan remarked only that many old tales surrounded the cairn, stories better told beside a warm hearth than while standing in a frozen forest.

As they approached, four wolves circled lazily around the hill. One caught their scent upon the wind, gave a short bark, and the entire pack disappeared into the eastern woods.

Saya'da answered them with an animal call of her own. Tyrm quietly nocked an arrow, Kildun prepared his sling.

Taran seemed unconcerned, observing that ordinary wolves usually preferred avoiding men whenever possible.

Near the cave entrance the party found numerous wolf tracks, some entering the cave, others leaving it. Mixed among them were scattered barefoot human footprints and the occasional print from an unusually large wolf. The tracks overlapped so completely that no single trail could be followed.

Tyrm climbed the hill to examine the standing stones. Time had badly weathered the carvings upon them, but traces of ancient artwork and worn glyphs remained visible. The stones themselves appeared to be nothing more than local rock, raised by forgotten hands.

Meanwhile, Kildun tied fresh wolfsbane to his lantern. Tori reminded the others that Phobos would be full again in only three nights. Though the full moon strengthened the curse, everyone knew that a true werewolf could transform at will.

Before the others had reached any decision, Saya'da and Kildun had already entered the cave.

The entrance opened into a broad chamber where the still air felt noticeably warmer than the frozen world outside. The smell of wolf musk lingered heavily throughout the cavern.

Kildun hesitated, wondering whether they ought to wait.

Saya'da's curiosity carried her onward.

Only after following her several paces did Kildun turn and call back toward the entrance. His voice echoed loudly through the stone passages, causing Saya'da to laugh.

The remainder of the party soon joined them.

Taran did not, choosing instead to remain outside, unwilling to disturb whatever lay beneath Hollow Cairn.

The company formed a cautious marching order. Their mercenary shield-men advanced first with long spears tipped in wolfsbane. Immediately behind came Saya'da and Kildun with his lantern, followed by Fiadhan and Tori, while Tyrm guarded the rear.

Before venturing deeper, they discussed Rhodric. If they found him alive, even as a werewolf, they would attempt to capture him rather than kill him. Only if no other choice remained, would they strike to slay.

The passage sloped slowly downward until it opened into another chamber where sunlight filtered through a crack overhead. Water dripped steadily into a shallow pool below.

Burial alcoves lined the walls. Many had already been disturbed, and bones lay scattered across the floor.

Fiadhan searched the ancient dead but found nothing of value. Whatever precious metals might once have accompanied them had long ago been stolen, while the few surviving fragments of bronze and iron had almost entirely corroded away.

The skeletons themselves proved far more remarkable. They resembled no modern race: heavy brows, long arms, broad chests, and bowed legs suggested an ancient people unlike any now living. Possibly beast-men, or Vhuurmis, though the party members did not have first-hand knowledge of either.

Fiadhan quietly remarked that she knew old tales concerning such folk, but chose not to elaborate. Instead she gathered lichens growing beside the pool, explaining that they possessed useful medicinal qualities.

Kildun released his undead cat to wander among the alcoves.

The next chamber was similar, though its stonework appeared noticeably finer.

While Kildun searched a collapsed burial niche without success, Saya'da noticed another crack leading upward to the surface. Using Tyrm and Kildun for support, she climbed through the narrow opening until she emerged atop the hill. There she secured a rope to one of the standing stones before descending again, leaving the escape route available should it later become necessary.

Another passage led only to a foul-smelling pit descending into darkness. Saya'da tossed a stone into its depths: no sound answered, yet every instinct warned her to keep her distance.

The party wisely withdrew. The remaining tunnel descended into the largest chamber yet discovered.

A low growling echoed from somewhere beyond the lantern's reach. Not entirely animal, nor entirely human.

Another shaft of sunlight illuminated a shallow pool while ancient burial alcoves lined the walls. Tori noticed the faded remains of sacred wards carved into the stone. Whatever warnings they once conveyed had been lost to time. Kildun searched for signs of forgotten lore but found little. Age and decay had claimed nearly everything.

As the strange growling came again, the party quietly discussed what little they actually knew of Rhodric. Only then did they realize an awkward oversight: none of them knew what the ranger looked like.

Kildun suggested using his Command spell immediately should they encounter him, and Fiadhan agreed.

Moments later a man's voice echoed through the darkness. "What? Who's that? Who is there? Stay away!" The speaker had seen their lantern.

To avoid appearing threatening, only Fiadhan, Saya'da, and Kildun advanced while the others remained several paces behind. Kildun quietly asked whether he should cast his spell at once.

Before anyone could answer, the unseen man cried out again. "No one is putting me to sleep! Who are you? Why are you here? Get away! You're in danger—terrible danger!"

The three continued forward until the lantern finally revealed its owner. The figure before them was neither fully man nor fully wolf. His body seemed trapped somewhere between the two, shifting uneasily from one form toward the other. He shrank from the lantern's light, snarling one moment and speaking the next, as though humanity and beast fought constantly for control.

Kildun began the words of his Command spell. The werewolf saw him begin the casting...