In the shadowy light of the evening sun, Teuvdar sits quietly at the edge of the forest. In the distance, he can see the edge of the enormous tower, site of recent adventuring by his party. From this distance, he spies movement on the ground outside the tower, and imagines it’s his Dwarvish companions, stacking gear and loot on the back of the cart. The protesting huffs of Torrig’s mule can be heard even here. Teuvdar smiles to himself, the first time in a week that he has done so, for his thoughts have been much troubled since emerging from the darkness of the keep.
The mood around camp had grown lighter in the last few days, particularly since the memories of what they had seen in the tower were beginning to fade. It would take some time for them to recede completely, and they would never be forgotten altogether. They had buried the bodies of some 40 gnomes, all of them found murdered in the tower. No one was spared, not even the women and children.
Teuvdar reflects on those recent events, wondering about his prospects as an adventurer under Zhed’s guild. During their inspection of the tower, it had taken all of his training to restrain himself from fleeing the scene. As if the grisly deaths were not enough, he was equally appalled by the abominations that had crossed their path. Golems, plane portals and Teiflings were each and all revolting to his senses. They had dispatched the Tieflings with some effort, but the party suffered wounds in the process. These villains were bad enough, but the tower was also filled with all manner of monstrous gnome-designed contraptions. They really did not know when to leave things well enough alone, did they? He felt a bit guilty for criticising a group of beings that were now slain, but his opinions on this were not easily subdued. At least, he thought with some relief, that hideous golem had stayed inanimate! (A mental reminder to check Shadowfoot's things when the opportunity arises...he is almost certain to have stolen some golem eyes...)
He could expect to see more carnage along these lines so long as he stayed in this line of work, that much he knew. Was this to be worth the cost to his soul? Perhaps. The acquisition of knowledge was at the very core of a Druid’s existence, seconded only by his desire to see Nature protected at all costs. Teuvdar thought about his brother, Tenveren, and how he had proudly seen him off on his journey to Zamora.
“Many strange lands and amazing experiences await you, Teuvdar. Approach them all with resolve and integrity, and you will come away from each experience with even more wisdom. And never forget your Druidic training. It can restore your spirit at times when you will most need it.” And with that, Teuvdar had said goodbye to the Grove. His masters and friends said that he would find his mission and calling out here in the world. So far, this mission had not revealed itself in obvious form to him.
This was one of those times when being close to the woods was critical to his well-being, and he had retreated to the forest for exactly that reason. His friends had warned him against straying too far, citing the possibility of attack by a Dire Wolf who had been seen in the area. Even this danger was not enough to keep him away from the woods. If nothing else, he needed to prepare for the next adventure, and there were certain things that could only be found among the trees. He had managed to craft a handful of Adder’s Balm (4 quantity- 1d4+1 HP heal, 25% hp recovery, +2 Heal Check) for his companions to use, particularly thinking of those who had a tendency to be on the receiving end of abuse. Although not perfect, the moon was nearly full and it made for an excellent harvesting of mistletoe, the Druid’s necessary spell agent.
He had seen no evidence of the Dire Wolf in the woods, or of any of the other foul beasts for that matter. Perhaps, he mused, these tales of woodland monsters were something the Gnomes concocted to scare away trespassers? The existence of such creatures was almost without doubt, but their intentions and purpose were what was of interest to this Druid. Teuvdar wished that the young Ranger from Bingley was here so that his tracking skills could be put to finding the creatures, and their motivations determined. Whether Evil of Good, if the creatures were here to harm the woods, then Teuvdar would have to come to the defense of Nature. He surmised that his allies might be willing to go along with this, but only if there were material loot to be had. When the time came, would Teuvdar be willing to lie to his friends to gain their assistance? He grimaced at the notion, considering his thoughts carefully while continuing to wrap herbal bundles. His thoughts had grown more mercenary, even more predatory, since leaving home. While this troubled him, it was necessary if he were to learn to survive. Perhaps he would grow to become an adventurer after all.
Nearby, his companion Hazelclaw the owl hoots in anticipation. The sun was almost hidden, and it would soon be time for the bird to hunt. The half-elf nods to his feathered friend, acknowledging the excitement. He sheaths his scimitar, freshly cleaned of Tiefling blood, and nods towards the owl. Back to the hunt for both of them...
