Danger on the Road

Having only returned not but a week, Sophia, the Watchful Sister of the House of Plenty, has not just been attacked but her actual body was whisked away to some Necromancer's Lair, where in she heard an unknown voice hiss to another.

"How hard was is it to trick the dead into agreeing, I gave you one task." The voice would have hissed "Though it matters not, I can still use this body, and raise it as a Vampire, a Child of the Night."

It would have been at this moment that Sophia, would have forcefully pushed herself up off the ground, gathering her bearings. "I think not, Necromancer"the Chauntean would remark "I will not bend to my knee in service of something most foul"

After some exchange of words, the Necromancer would have unwittingly spoke of "The Coven", their plans to Destroy Shadowdale, and how they are able to free imprisoned Shades and Undead from their tombs. Upon which the Young Necromancer would have become fearful and teleported Sophia into the Heart of Shadowdale.

          Several days later, Sophia would be talking with a newly befriended Mage, Keara, when a guardsman would have called out for a healer. Rush to the Guardsman's call for help Sophia would look upon the bleeding elderly woman, and whispering some prayers slowly heal the bleeding.
          Having, spoken with the now healed woman, she would explain that her shadow would have attacked her, but that was not the source of her near fatal experience, it was due to a black rod that was given to her by a farmer, who for all purposes had rushed towards Shadowdale crying out for help. His daughter had been taken hostage by a group of "Witches". Though as Sophia, Keara, the Elderly woman, known as Victoria, another woman, a Ranger, unknown in name (N'ardis) would watch a Shadowdale Captain and four Guardsmen stop for a moment, then wander off.
          Chasing after them Sophia would offer them some advice as she had already had a run in with this group "The Coven" once before, and blessing them with Blessings of Chauntea, she was greeted with contempt and discord, from the Captain. Turning her back, she walked to the fire, if to gather some stock, Potions and scrolls, and with the aid of the other women, the four ventured off after the Guardsmen.

          Leaving Shadowdale they ventured to the Southward direction, as the Ranger spotted heavy tracks leading in that direction, towards Harper's Hill Edge. While scouting this region which many have done, Sophia felt it wise to take on Animal form to show the beasts of the wild that they meant no harm. Several moment would pass and the tracks would lead to the bug-bear cave, where in the sound of Swordplay could be heard.
           Deep inside the sounds of sword clashing would stop and now the group, ventured about seeking the Guardsmen, but all over they found the bodies of felled Bugbears. until eventually the entered the Ritual Chamber of the Shamans. It was here that the group seen the lifeless bodies of Bugbears and Guardsmen. The young girl was there as well as a Woman and a man weilding a two-handed blade, and once the woman teleported away, he gave an order "Attack them now, men", to which both Bugbear and Guardsmen attack the group.


      Hours later, Sophia would awake, naked,suspended high and nailed to a tree just east of Shadowdale, but not far off the road leading to the Bandit Encampment. Screaming, sobbing, she could hear Keara, screaming and crying too. The pain unbearable. Was it not for the passing of Amartia and her ally, his name unknown to Sophia (Kin), with Victoria, not far behind, the two women would have possibly died on the trees. A Visible sign hands bound around both Sophia's and Keara's Waist      "The Coven cannot be stopped!"

Having been taken down, care was required though it was not always possible, the two women were freed from the nails, and healed by the unknown ally of Amartia. A Soothing wave of Positive energy flooded and swept over all within the area of the burst. Waiting behind a tree, Sophia covered herself in a wood like spell, almost resembling a Dryad, which allowed her to dress herself, with her discarded clothing which was tossed not so far from her.

In the aftermath of yet another attack revolving around the Coven and their undead, two druids, Arch Druidess Lhanir and soon-to-be Harvest Mistress Sophia began a slow, steady process of cleansing the small hills of Fox Ridge where the gnolls roam, sweeping away whatever possible contaminations, scars or diseases may have been left over.

Following this was the general spells of healing, prayers in a guttural language, and practiced mending upon the still living plant life to ensure it would survive to see another day.

As they return from Fox Ridge, after, Elder Lhanir, and the "pup"* Sophia, began the heal process, to cleanse the land. Sophia felt a resonance of guilt. having watched Karovir do his best to resurrect the five fallen guardsmen, where only two had returned to the Living, the other three remained still, lifeless. She gave the order that the bodies were to be burned to prevent reanimation.
                          Though something that Aureco said to her earlier that day, still lingers in her mind, and she wondered and pondered to herself "If these are in-fact Disciples of the Vaunted, then we must all prepare for more of these attacks."  Leaving the Rangers camp by way of Shadowdale Wood, and meandering across the bridge, Sophia would stop and peer into the river, sighing heavily, fearful of what is yet to come.
                 This would be her third encounter with this so-called "Coven" and so far they have proven to be more dangerous than any that have threatened the Land, the People and Life itself. But there are things to do, people to speak with, and lands to toil on, as the Cycle must never stop, not for one second lest it all fall asunder. Should she meet Sedrin , she would gesture him toward the House of Plenty.

Bandaged, bruised, possibly a blackened eye, from last nigths attack on Shadowdale west. having battled the re-animated Zhentarim, that rose from the crater ruins of the Twisted Tower. Sophia stillholds the Terms of surrender on her person. And should the Elders agree to meet her, She will give them said terms.

       But this very Morn, wandering through the Crossroads, and meeting the oddest pairing of people, with "Rob", a Druidess and her Elemental, A masked Man in White, Another masked woman in Green , and Amatria's friend. Sophia started of in a terrible mood, watching everyso often a man arrive at the dock and wander south. Having enough of it, She would have called on nature to bind and root the next man.

     Sometime later, when the air had grown quiet of hostility, Sophia would have joined the others to the South, where they stumbled into a Graveyard, with the Coffins, upturned and empty. Suddenly, fire rained down up them and a hooded figure would have been on the Cliffs edge, so she notched several arrow one after the other releasing them at the spellcaster. She would flee, the Caster, deep into the Goblin cave.

      Following her through the ground level entrance just north of the graveyard, Sophia and the others would fall open the bodies, and see the two, "Rob" and the Woman in Green, standing over the Coven members corpse. Examining her remain, there would have been a fould stench, rancid and befouled and riddled with disease. Though, her search was ill timed, and brushing her hand off a soft hued Red crystal, the entiure Tunnel around the corpse erupted into Flame. Thankfully Sophia and a few others were "immune" to the Fires.

    With just just and charred remained left, Sophia left the Cave and returned to Shadowdale. Pondering all the while. "What are we to do about this Coven"she would think to herself

Following her coronation within the Gardens, Shadowdale towards Eastern Gate , behind the House of Plenty, the newly appointed Harvestmistress of the House of Plenty within Shadowdale, Sophia accepting a glass of Harvest Wine, for a seemingly genuine soul, drinks down the first mouthful. Having never had such a beverage before, she had inquire to what it was called. The man would turn to face her, a foul wicked smirk upon his face, as he told her "....a gift....from The Coven...". Fleeing on that final word, he fled from the Garden. Crying out in horror, "Wh....Stop that man" Sophia, her throat, slowly sealing, her face turning blue, lips expanding, she gasps for air. Her life near ending, would feel the presence of the Mother on her, Anna rushing after her, ordering the Field Guardians to chase the poisoner down, the Watchful Sister would have there, prayed to Chauntea on Sophia's behalf.
The Hollowed fountain, the always flowing fountain erupts water splashing everywhere, the drops hit Sophia's face and lips, healing her of her ailment. Slowly pushing herself to her feet, while grasping the fountain, Sophia turns thanking Anna, and praising Chauntea's name, with reverence.  As Anna and Sophia look to see if any other had drank the wine, and seeing that none had Anna would usher everyone into the temple. As Sophia stood there, she prayed to the Mother the tangle Vine and earth to shield the barrels for being tampered with until she had a Mage on hand.
Leaving the Gadren after she would have looked around and disposed of the Glass. Sophia wanders to Bed as Anna asked of her.

((This was DM supervised in game))

Later that eve, the Alarms would go off, leaving the House of Plenty, Sophia would see several people rushing to the east. Slowly, softly following after them with Sedrin by her side, the two witness Undead Gnolls, Undead Goblins and Hulking corpses, attack, just near the Eastern walls. Aiding those to the best of her ability, as all present fended off the scourge of the land, walking abomination. Kin, have lead the assault on these monstrosities with Sedrin not far behind, The Akh-Velahr Scouts, Rangers, Liana, Sophia, Helt and Skellie releasing volleys of Arrow and bolt towards the Enemies. A hooded figure in green and another Gnome would do their best to fend these off along with the other.  As the encroaching enemy were last felled, a Monstrous spider would appear to be fleeing towards them, though trying to determine its action Sophia would see that it is highly agitated and moving in an easterly fashion. " Move back" She calls out. She too would have moved further back, not wanting to have the blood of a creature on her hands.

When the dust had settled and with Niamh offering to heal the wounded, The Akh-Velahr captain would ask that any healers could they if they would, heal his Men and Women, and with that Niamh began to heal. While doing that, and the other talking, Sophia wander towards Harper's Hill edge, to where other Akh-Velahr were stationed and holding guard, Sophia would remove any diseases and patch any injured up. Wandering back to the group She would sit under the tree near where Sedrin was standing, sighing softly. The Others would have been offered rewards, but Sophia would have turned the offer down before being asked. Though Kin was offered, and refused to accept any reward. After which he then went to talk to Preceptress Kesa, by the road.

a tangible fear seems to have settled over shadowdale as the peasantry an common is seem to whisper and spread rumours that the town is unsafe with the west completely undefended, they fear that the undead to the attack at anytime at any moment...

A figure in brown, weaving vine and moss, A single loop of Briar wraps her left arms full length, a cloak of silken lichen of faded greens and browns, boots that make little sound, can bee seen walking forth from the east, should anyone try to stop her, she would raise her hand, a determined look on her face. Should none stop her, she would push the doors of the Government buildings open and ascend the stair well.

Calmly she calls out Elders, I know that my letters have reached your eyes, and Now I come to you, asking, rather than demanding an Audience. What say you?

The Harvestmistress, is somewhat more.....determined than usual, but regardless she will wait there, until answered.

Sophia nods, a warm smile on her face, beaming at the guard. Such a smile could melt the coldest of hearts, metaphorically.
      Thy duty is important, and you informing that the Elder are busy in here, discussing their plans, while the people outside live in constant fear... She starts, would she continue
      ...The Elders do their task so diligently, that cannot be ignored, but to protect the township, they must first-hand see the wanton devastation that is being wrought. Clearly they are ebbing like the waters of the Ashaba, needless to say, dear inglorious* child, your demeanor towards those of faith, is lacking. Tell the Elders, that should they continue this charade that they are committing, of cowering in their chambers, that the people will grow angry, towards them as they are the proclaimed leaders of this township.
        She would further state The Mother, is the Eyes of Shadowdale, her eyes spread across off the lands where those whom toil on lands for Grain and Livestock dwell, Should her people be ignored, I would fear for those responsible. Should the townspeople look for answers, if the Drannorian are to leave.

     She would dip her head, without question May the Mother of All, protect you, Guard you, and Guide you.

She would turn her back and return to the Township, giving any she passes a comforting word or two, some coin, an act of Charity, then return to the Temple to Chauntea, The House of Plenty.

*no manner/disrepectful

Sophia would, while within the Altar chamber of the House of Plenty, sit with her legs crossed, in a still-like trance, her eyes flicker under her eyelids, as she meditates in a prayer chant to Chauntea, in regards to her purpose, with also the other intent that the Elders see reason, the Guards-woman Asha, find Faith in open her heart, that the Townspeople seek solace within the temple should Fear covet their hearts and minds.

*While in her meditation Sophia could hear a knock on the door.Would she open it then she would see Viktoria carrying a tea pot and a cup for you with faint smile*

Sophia would still be in a Deep Trance. Her surroundings are still familiar, the sound of the Door, opening would be still heard, but no sound would leave her lips save the Chanting. She would wait for Divine Intervention , and Should it come she would awaken, until then she will remain Chanting.

Sophia has no divine intervention. for whatever reason the answers to her question are not revealed, perhaps the wisdom and answers she needs, she must find herself.

*She would place a tea pot on some table in the room and wait patiently untill Sophia awakes*

Several of these Notices can be seen all over Central Shadowdale, and Along the Routes to the West and North. They must have been put up during the Night, while other slept.

Sargent Ironoath would look tear down all of the notices she came across, bar the one on the notice board where she would pen under it.

"Please avoid littering and keep your opinion and flyers to the notice board less I have the mages divine your sorry ass which will then be dragged into jail for the night.

Quote :

Also people of Shadowdale, Look onto your Guards, who give their lives willingly for you, look onto our Elven Allies who, though they need not be here, THEY ARE, who have fought and died with us, Look upon the men and woman, beside you and feel pride that we, have survived countless attempts to crush our moral, we have over came drow, zhents and all other calmitties that have been sent our way, and as long as you, the people and us guards still have life in our damn lungs, we will continue to defy any that attempt to destroy us!