[IC] The Delivery Quest, Part 3

Yarbi also finds a comfortable spot on the boat...

Once everyone is boarded, Regis pushes off into the murky river. He quietly and gently steers the boat with a single oar, alternating sides, following its windy and confusing path.

A whole set of new sounds can be heard in this part of the forest: new kinds of insects with a distinct chirp, as well as unrecognizable animal sounds that call amongst the darkness. The scent of muddy soil be can detected in the cool air.


At some point glowing mushrooms can be seen illuminating either side of the river...



Finally, Regis lands the boat on a dock next to an old dead tree.





"When you are ready to return, knock on this tree three times. I will expect your payment then."


Innis whispers very quietly, "Thank you again for getting me back to the dark forest. Do you have a particular destination in mind?"

"It should be safe to make camp here. And I'll do my best to guide you in the right direction in the morning."



Another trail leads from the dead tree off into the trees.

It is now the evening, nighttime.

What does everyone do?

Innis senses some concern, "As safe as camping in the wilderness can be, I suppose. We'll be safe... as long as we stay by the dock."

Innis adds "There are a great many things in the dark forest, not often known to outsiders. But I suppose it's especially spooky at night. Things will lighten up in the morning. The dark forest is quite beautiful you know."

"Where was it you were headed again?"


Yarbi finds a dry spot not far from the dock and starts to unpack his bedroll, "I don't suppose we still have some of the extra food or game we brought," he says to Vincent and the others with a yawn.

Yarbi helps the others layout a dry area, divide up a ration of the bread, cheese, dried fruit, nuts and game, and prepare a small fire, before looking about ready to doze off...

Though Yarbi also observes Esther, with a baffled look on his face, wondering what she's up to as he watches her begin to chant...


In a munchkin-like voice,

"Happy to meet you all. It's not often I meet outsiders, and you all have such unique talents! I am so fortunate that you were willing to help me back to this side of the river. "

"The oracle! Well, there are others with comparable talents to be sure, but that could only mean one individual: the oracle. She lives in the Swamp of Dim Lights. Legend has it that spirits roam those swamps at night, but I've never seen any such thing myself. And I've been there on many occasion. It is north west of here and I'd be sure to lead you to the right path tomorrow morning."

"Oh and edible... berries, sound delicious, by the way."

Innis seems oddly human-like, even going so far as to nibble on some of the shared food and to lie on its side for rest.

Esther's protective spell is successful...

Aspect: Night Guardian

As long as I can have a good night sleep, that is enough for me.

Thank you Esther for this protection

With Esther's ghostly Night Owl keeping a protective watch over the group, the night passes uneventfully. The next morning brings a clear view of the surroundings. Small pixies flutter about the river. Strange forest animals call out, off in the distance.




Innis gets prepared for the journey ahead, then leads the way

"Well, it's time for my part of the bargain. Follow me. There's a trail this way. It leads to the swamps, where the oracle lives,"

He says as he walks towards the trees, in a north and slight west direction.


Yarbi rolls up his bed and gathers his pack, ready to follow...

Aspects: Night Guardian

After hearing Ivario's question, Innis suddendly seems a little anxious...

In munchkin voice, "Oh... um... ... Excellent question... Nice of you to ask... I did have parents... I was an only child... My parents weren't exactly like as you see me... nor any others in the forest, for that matter... Anyway, where was I? Ah yes, here we go... the trail is this way!"

Innis is clearly trying to change the subject while looking ahead for the correct path.


Before catching up to Innis, Yarbi throws open the 'sacred' map while still near the camp site, and quickly adds a few rough details to it with some ink.

Suddendly, just as Innis is talking...

"Yikes! I can't move!"

Innis has been grabbed by a wooden hand... One of the trees has come to life! And it's holding the little mushroom-folk firmly in place!



Then a high pitch voice cries out from above, "That's the one! Get the mushroom! That's the one master wants!"

Two not particularly nice looking winged sprite creatures (about 3 feet tall) come flying down from above. They look about ready to attack Innis with sticks.