Defenders of the Forest - Liber Fanatica

Chapter XII: Revolutions
in Progress
Ga m e k e e p e r Ca m p
Hidden amidst some trees are a tent and four bedrolls around
a smouldering campfire. Two of the bedrolls are occupied by
rangers who have been strangled to death. Behind the tent are
the gory remains of the gamekeeper who was on watch when
the Lilids attacked. Searching the tent reveals foodstuffs, 3
backpacks, 3 bows with 22 arrows, hammer and nails, and five
placards bearing Vaubon heraldry which are used to demarcate
his land.
PCs finding the remains are startled by sudden movement when
a Lilid in War Form charges from concealment. After 2 Rounds
of combat the trees part, revealing a tangled path onto which
the Lilid retreats.
After the Encounter
After fleeing from the Lilids, Marianne knew the way to the
Scrying Pool, so she took her brother there. They will spend two
days regrouping at the pool before continuing to the Sacred Yew
Grove through the lake portal at Misty Hollow. PCs might be
able to find them at the Scrying Pool by following their trail or
receiving directions from Alonara at the House of Galadrin.
• A ferret approaches and chatters excitedly at whoever is carrying
the Handmaiden’s bloody robe. This is the dead Elf’s animal
companion, Loba. If followed, he guides PCs to the House of
Galadrin (2).
• Attempting to track Marianne and Jean-Michel more than 1
mile into the forest requires a Hard (-20) Follow Trail Test to
eventually reach the Scrying Pool (4). Failure leaves would-be
rescuers Lost in the Forest instead (see sidebar).
• Following Loba or tracking the twins into Loren triggers a
special Trial of the Forest, the “Riddle of Zephyr” (see sidebar).
• PCs who pursue the Lilid from the Gamekeeper Camp will
traverse the Shadow Walk directly to Strangle Wood (8).
Dr a m a t i s Pe r s o n a e
Alonara: Anointed Priestess of Isha; member of the Glamourweave
Kindred responsible for educating human Damsels.
Advocated the Vaubon children’s release and dispatched envoys
to Quenelles. A gentle, raven-haired Elf accustomed to dealing
with humans.
Cerulan: Anointed Priest of Loec; Alonara’s companion and
member of the Glamourweave Kindred. Believes the spirits have
decreed that Jean-Michel must stay. A lithe, bare-chested Elf
who wears only an animal tooth necklace and breeches.
Radulan: Bladesinger of Loec; brother of Cerulan and leader of
a Wardancer troupe at the House of Enreth. A heavily tattooed
Elf who wears dreadlocks and smells of stale sweat.
Ho u s e o f He a l i n g
If PCs follow Loba to the House of Galadrin (2) and manage to
see through its illusion (see pg. 123), a smiling Alonara greets
them with Loba sitting on her shoulder. Alonara’s smile fades
when she hears about the Lilids or her slain handmaiden, but
she assures the PCs that “if any human can survive in Loren, it’s
Marianne”. When additional Elves arrive to observe the party
from above, one protests against involving humans in Elven
affairs. Alonara points out their Fay-blessed laurels however, and
invites the PCs into her treetop dwelling.
The interior of Alonara’s home is a veritable herb garden with
cushions strewn around the main living room in lieu of furniture.
She introduces the PCs to her companion Cerulan who
is preparing dinner. Alonara is a generous host, tending any
wounds while informing the PCs that Lilids serve a cruel forest
spirit called Bhati. Characters passing Common Knowledge
(Bretonnia or Athel Loren) Tests might recall tales about
“Bhati” or “Batileth” (see pg. 126). Each PC may recover
1d5+TB+2 Wounds from a combination of herbal salads,
poultices and blessings of Isha.
Gu e s t s o f t h e El v e s
Time: Arrival at one of the Elven Houses (2, 3)
Locations: House of Galadrin (2), House of Enreth (3), Scrying
Pool (4), Sacred Yew Grove (6)
The Elven handmaiden who was killed at Le Preneur served
Alonara, a priestess of Isha. PCs might follow the dead handmaiden’s
animal companion Loba to the House of Galadrin, or
possibly arrive there by following the stream from the Scrying
Pool. If the House of Galadrin isn’t noticed, 2 Lilids appear as
Grail maidens (-20 Perception Tests to spot their disguise) and
try to lure PCs to Strangle Wood (8) with siren song.
129
Allow characters to interact with the couple over dinner. Alonara
is surprisingly open for a Wood Elf, assuring the party that
Bretonnian children are expropriated for the greater good and
are never harmed. Cerulan glares periodically at Alonara when
he believes she has revealed too much. Through conversation,
Alonara reveals that:
• Marianne spent time at the House of Enreth after completing
her studies.
• Jean-Michel is a controversial topic amongst Elves, some of
whom consider his release a breach of an ancient treaty.
After the second point is revealed, Cerulan tells Alonara (in
Eltharin) that the spirits have decreed the boy must stay in
Loren. Alonara disagrees at first, but eventually yields to her
companion’s stubbornness. Cerulan then informs the PCs that