Scenario 2 - The Infected Trees

It has been less than a week since the destruction of Lorenthia and the appearance of the Shadow Deep but, in that time, the world has seemingly gone mad. Reports of strange creatures are flooding in from all along the new border. Even with every soldier, ranger, and volunteer mobilized, the kingdom is stretched thin. Three days ago, a veteran ranger by the name of Aventine went out to investigate reports of an attack on a nearby village. He has not returned. Determined to find the missing ranger, you have gathered what companions you can and set off for the village. It’s an eight-hour hike over difficult terrain

 

 

Scenario 2 - The Deserted Village

Examining the bodies of the zombies, along with the other clues from the village, left little doubt. The village had been attacked by some horrific species of giant spider, whose venom reanimated the dead. Thankfully, such creatures move slowly. Likely, they will have retreated to the nearest shelter to slowly feast upon the missing villagers. Your duty is clear. Taking just enough time to patch up your wounds, and make a quick pyre for the dead, you set off after the spiders, following their faint, but unique tracks. After nearly a day’s pursuit, the tracks lead into a small forest. Chances are the spiders are not too deep in the woods. You must find them, destroy them and any nests they might have made, and, if you are lucky, rescue any survivors.

The young rangers and their companions push on, after the horror of the Deserted Village.  They know that Giant Spiders are up ahead, and press the pace, hoping to rescue at least some of the villagers.  No-one was thus surprised to come upon the spiny nesting trees from which these evil creatures spring forth, and the cocoons enclosing their victims...and their eggs.

Author's note : unusually, unpainted lead is on the table, as my youngest hasn't finished painting her guys.  I figured getting them onto the tabletop would be encouragement  : )

What was unexpected was an encounter with these gigantic creatures [just scatter terrain for the moment, ndlr].  Rumours of them following the progression of the Jungle Deep had reached Lorenthia, but were dismissed as fairy tales.  This particular species appeared to be herbivorous, although the wicked claws it sports, each longer than a Ranger's sword, hint at what it needs to protect itself against other threats.

Keila was bitten by a giant spider and badly affected by its venom.  A healing spell from Akriss stabilised her, but Pattashin volunteered to stand guard over her as the others pressed on.

Two companions were caught up in particularly dense patches of spider web, but managed to hack their way out (or, in the case of Jabir, dissolve the strands with the poison secreted through his skin, yuck).

The company did splendid work, burning down no less than six nesting trees.  The only casualty was Akriss' Cobra, who went down staunchly defending its master.

 
Sadly, not one villager was left alive, the cocoons contained only dessicated corpses, their juices sucked dry [yuk,enough of that, this is good clean family fun].

Elated by their victory over evil, and by surviving a day's march into the Jungle Deep, the company overcame their disappointment and turned back north.  They emerged to make their report to the King...only to learn, hours later, that they were being sent back out again, to look into the fate of Tor Varden.

 

The Cobra had its Health reduced to 0 in this encounter, but the Survival Table indicated full recovery, no doubt that cobra venom is stronger than spiders'.

The Rangers add up their XP.  We have decided to implement a house rule : instead of Rangers getting equal XP, each Ranger gains XP for what s/he and his or her companions achieved, which is then doubled (as we have 2 Rangers).  This doubling is not applied to XP gains that, by nature, benefit both rangers.

The Twins and their companions (played by Agathe) killed off 5 spiders, unravelled 3 cocoons and burnt 2 nesting trees, bringing in 36 x 2 = 72 XP, +8XP for having burnt all the nesting trees, for a total of 80 XP.  This brings the Twins up to Level 2, gaining +1 Shoot.  They retain their spells.

Akriss and his companions (me) whacked 9 spiders, undid 2 cocoons and burnt 4 nesting trees, for 46 x 2 = 92XP, +8XP for having burnt all the nesting trees, for a total of 100 XP.  Akriss reaches Level 1, gaining +2 in Ancient Lore, +2 in Track and +1 in Navigation.  He retains his spells too.

All Companions gain 2 Progression Points, except the Cobra who gets only 1.  We are also trying another House Rule : a Companion gets an additional PP for each 10 XP [FRD] he personally acquired for the Ranger.

This means an addition 2 Progression Points for Pattashin, the Slayer of Spiders with Aventine's magic sword; +1 for Jabir; and +2 for Bohwihsh, whose swift-footedness truly paid during this fight.

No Companion yet goes up a level.

All Heroic Abilities and Spells used are regained.

The Twins treasure are Gloves of Climbing (5), whereas Bohwihsh found an Amulet of Leadership.

The company redistributes their gains from the scenario, with the Twins and Bohwihsh swapping their respective treasures.

Akriss has a Spellbook, into which he rewrites his Heal spell, having cast the previous one from the book.

This is the end of a Mission.  Upon returning to Lorenthia, Pattashin relinquishes Aventine's mighty blade to the King.  The Twins recruit a Battle Ram.