A Parting of Ways

Recounting game sessions 4 and 4.5, Sunday, January 17th and 24th 2010.

In attendance:
Jacob/Archer (NG Elf Ranger) - both sessions
Jim/Tim (NG Half-Elf Sorcerer)
Kenny/Kentar (NG Human Wizard)
Matt/Marsh (CN Half-Elf Druid) - both sessions
Ted/Lagolas (NG Human Fighter)
Brian (DM)

Sure enough, the goblin camp was far below the Western edge of Kettle Ridge. The plateau was roughly 50 feet across N to S, here, widening as it stretched Eastward. How far it went in that direction was obstructed with thick, hardy tree growth left and center, and an rock ledge following the elevated Southern face.

Two groups were formed to explore beyond the immediate area, an effective dead end. Of the two narrow paths available, Tim, Lagolas, and Kentar opted for the woods, Marsh and Archer for the ledge.

The Wizard, Sorcerer, and Fighter eventually came out into a well-maintained grove a trees, an orchard of the rare gemberry. Turning the first corner, a startled creature appeared before them, small and crow-like, but humanoid. A Tengu. He yelled out and another, larger and more mature-looking Tengu caught one of the party from behind and forced them all out from the rows of fruit-bearing trees.

During this time, the Ranger and Druid found the ledge wide enough to walk slowly but steadily. Trouble did arise where the path had grown over with dry brush. Unable to simply push through the tangle of branches, the two were forced to crawl on hands and knees, cutting away the obstruction as they went. One particularly large portion fell away, followed by a light crash and series of squawks. Unfortunately for the two adventurers, the offending limb had hit squarely the nest of a griffin and his mate. The male began to attack Marsh and Archer, but found it difficult to both fight and navigate so close the the cliff side, especially as the two victims of his ire were nestled behind a bushy shield. After some frightful haranguing, as only a griffin could muster against two unarmed individuals huddled against a cliff face, the bird hybrid's efforts were abandoned and he returned to his equally perturbed mate.

Cautiously, druid and ranger moved onward.

They reached a point where they could climb upward and see beyond. By then, the rest of the party were being led to and interrogated near a cluster of buildings East of the gemberry grove. The two atop the cliff climbed down to a stand of trees below them, inside the small valley where their friends were currently held captive.

After explaining their predicament with the goblins, the Tengu leader, Kowan-Keen, had their bindings cut and made them guests in the larger meeting house. Archer decided to make his presence known and joined the group for a much-appreciated respite of food and drink. Marsh decided he would hold off, leaving at least one of them as a wild card against whatever dangers the situation might present.