Kaaric and Cousins

As Kaarik whirls and fires he catches a flash of a form and instantly knows what he is facing.
Meenlock as small vicious fey with the ability to project emotions, typically fear, manipulare darkness and shadows, and teleport through it as well. The preferred harassing creatures and picking of the solitary and weak first. Likely there was a small nest nearby but Kaarrik had never known as he had always traveled this route alone. One he could likely handle but if he spent too much time dealing with it more might arrive.

As the thing slipped into the shadows and disappeared, likely stepping out some other shadow in these deep woods, Kaarik felt waves of panic crash against him.
Roll a save test, 2d6, and any success means you can ignore it. If you fail then attacks on the Meenlock are at disadvantage, only 1d6

at you call you hear a chittering that seems to echo from all around. You see shadows ahead of you deepen and stretch, likely the Meenlock is manipulating them to block your path. . . Then the patter of little feet alerts you ant you jump, turning, to the side to see the twisted fey rushing at you to swipe with it's claws, slashing into your thigh, (1 damage) before dodging back to melt into the darkness of the forrest..
Meenlock actions : attack & move
You have time for one action before it vanishes back into the shadows

As you reload your bow and search the area, moving cautiously towards the road you hear sinister chittering here and there. The shadows stretch, growing hands and a wave of fear blasts over you from deeper shadows ahead of you.
Meenlock move & Fear attack
Another save test VS fear. If you fail your next attack or other test that is not a Save is at disadvantage, 1d6

As the bolt strikes the little fey it hisses at him but Kaarik can tell it is severely wounded. Another hit will take it out completely. However before you can reload and fire again the fey slips into the shadows.

Making your way quickly back to the road you press on knowing that fey will likely now hold a grudge against you and may be off collecting comrades to hunt you down. Alternating between a slow jog and a fast walk you reach the Tower ahead of schedule.



Making your way up to the main door you clap loudly to announce your presence, knowing better than to strike the door foolishly as is the human norm. After seconds pass to minutes you wait patiently then the door opens to reveal your cousin.

Ah, cosin Kaarik you arrived! she exclaims and smiling pulls you inside and closes the door before giving you a hug in familial greeting. Leaning back she looks you over, noting the gashes in your clothing. And had an adventure on the way? she queries with a raised eye brow. But regardless it is clear you mean to go through with your plan. I will send you on your way in the morning, but tonight you must eat, relax, and tell me all about it

Giving you a pointed look she sighs in exasperations. You do recall this is a mage tower and I am said mage, yes? Of course I have a "a book or two". You borrow them often enough, Which ones were you looking for this time?

you both head to the cozy library, easily the 2nd largest room in the tower, the largest being her laboratory, and she points out the relevant sections and recommends specific titles she feels are "at your level".

In the morning you discuss your plans with your older cousin. She explains that she has a couple of suggestions to help you begin your path to gaining a better understanding and greater power to help create peace for others. She is in contact with the fey and through them has learned of a region that houses a city from before the Shattering. Several of the outside forces are trying to collect powerful artifacts. To what end the fey no not but assure Skylla it is unlikely to be a good thing. A second options is to go to the aid of a distant fey hag who is not in contention with the local populace over her lost daughter.

Skylla has the means to send you to either location and has prepared a talisman that will allow her to summon you back should you desire or need to return. In addition she hands you a pouch with various materials for crafting enchantments "To help you get started"

You eat your breakfast and you spend a relaxing morning preparing for the journey you are about to undertake. Just before noon Skylla joins you and asks if you have decided which of her two options you would like to travel to. She will send you there by her powers but then you will be on your own, save the return talisman.

Skylla takes you to a room with a large checker pattern of black and white squares in the middle. Performing a ritual that shifts the black and white pattern she frowns, mutters, and tries again. After several other attempts with variations she sighs and smiles.
Turning to you she informs you Well, the initial plan is out as someone has taken control of the Node I planted two send you to. However I may have found an alternative. It seems someone has returned to one of our answers homes near the originally intended destination.
Your can either stay with your cousin or they can send you in to the city. Remember, the return talisman can always return your to my tower.