Chapter 3: The Song-Wind City

Novac's grin widened at Dalton's bite remark. "That plant monster definitely slashed me before it bit me... probably. Hard to tell when you're just trying to survive," he quipped with a laugh. "But hey, we've had some solid teamwork in a pinch. So, let's do this." He tried to hold back, but the next words tumbled out. Facing AJ with a big grin, he added, "Just try not to BBQ me again. Honestly, with your aim, you should probably shoot at me; then we'll know you'll miss." Novac snorted with laughter, the sound edging into hysteria. Was he cracking up? Gods, ability tests, plant-people, leshies... it was all so completely absurd. Maybe he was just dreaming this up from a psych ward. He took a deep breath, getting a grip. "Right, sorry. Not entirely stable over here. Let's keep going."

"Leshys are immortal spirits of nature temporarily granted physical forms," Lesedi explains. "Their vessels can resemble all sorts of different plants."

The Leshy Gardens are an overgrown section of the campus, a riotous tangle of trees, shrubs, and vines amid carefully cultivated green space, such as sparring fields and picnic sports. It is to one of these cleared sparring spaces that Lesedi leads you. Apparently, word has gotten around of your test, as several students have chosen prime spots around the field to watch, some with picnic lunches.

A small humanoid plant creature with a gourd for a head waits here, waving to Lesedi as she approaches. The petite elf speaks to the leshy, who nods her gourd-head enthusiastically. Lesedi turns to you. "Okay, they're all set here. Get ready!"

They clear the field. A few moments later, a loud rustle blows through the surrounding trees. Stepping out from behind the hedge are two 10-foot-tall constructs made of branches woven into humanoid frames. They hold wooden sparring swords in one hand and large wooden shields in the other. Within the constructs, plainly in control, are two smiling leaf leshys. One gives a brief wave. The constructs bow to you before assuming defensive stances!



Before you can react, the constructs move in and attack Dalton! They then raise their shields to ward off your attacks.