Grove of Baldur: Introduction

(May 2nd)
Sycron has called all challengers to his tower at sundown for announcements. When New Warriors arrives, they find Yarsar's Avengers(1) already in the courtyard. Corrigan and Estaban trade a few jibes at each other as the remaining groups arrive.

When everyone has appeared, it is apparent the number of groups has dropped. Club Doom is noticeably absent, with the exception of Kerrick. It appears there are only 24 participants there for the challenge, down from approximately 70 at the beginning.

There is also a large gathering of onlookers, most noticeably the Barons Tallcastle & Kinsely, Randle Longaxe, and the Archbishop.

Sycon's appearance

As the sun sets, Sycron steps out on the dais. He congratulates the remaining cast before indtruducing James Samarian, Grand Duke of Highmoon. The Grand Duke thanks everyone involved in the Red Rasp on behalf of the king before bestowing gifts on members of challengers. Of note are the three pardons granted to Yarsar's Avengers.

In The Grand Duke's eyes, two groups went above and beyond the call of duty, those being Club Doom and New Warriors.

Bestowments

The Marquis (Kerrick) is knighted as a Knight of Gregora for Club Doom's deeds(2).

Corrigan is granted full membership in the Academy of the Library of Highmoon as a Fellow of the Library.

Verutbear is granted citizenship in Gregoria, made a Squire of Highmoon and is given a magical craghammer.

Dame Perasota is given a Brooch of Highmoon.

The Next Challenge

Sycron begins by announcing that two groups have left the challenge.

• Grugard did not return
• Club Doom has withdrawn to pursue other activities(3)

The standings are as follows:

1. New Warriors: 28
2. Yarsar's Avengers: 25
3. New Banner of Silvercloud: 24
4. Ceridwah's Rejects: 20
5. Silver Sabres: 19
6. Wolvers of Soramir: 17

The next challenge requires the retrieval of an artifact from a remote locale. As there are three artifacts, each in a separate locale, the teams will be paired off against one another.

• Northlands
  • New Warriors
  • Silver Sabres
• Jungles of Mullenuff
  • Yarsar's Avengers
  • Wolves of Saramir
• Pirate Islands of Birrago
  • New Banner of Silvercloud
  • Ceridwah's Rejects

The Silver Sabres

Mimas Tirabar, a paladin of Ceridwah, amicable gentelman
Human in breastplate, shield, carrying a longsword
A civilized Arbolic identified as a holy slayer
Elven female carrying a cudgel and main-gauche
Human of genteel poverty, wearing a holy symbol of Syrchros
Dwarf wearing Hierachists robes, mage spec in Ice & Cold

Quest Preparation

Before the groups leave the gathering, New Warriors is approached by a kender, introducing herself as Ellia, a friend of Kerrick's. She's been in Highmoon for the last year or so and claims she learned magic by accident. The group, along with Ellia, head off for bed before preparing for the quest ahead.

On May 3rd, they all head out in different directions to do what they need to prepare for the trip north.

Verut heads out to buy the necessary supplies.

Ellia researches stories on The Grove of Baldur, learns of 3 ways to get the mistletoe.

• (Sorry didn't catch the first story)
• By force
• Trickery involving a jealous god (Loki, Imhere, The Horned One)

Ellia also finds a group of 6 adventurers who went north in search of the mistletoe. Only 4 returned, 1 remains in Highmoon and his name is Gunnar Snorison. Gunnar apparently lost his eye during his trip north. Ellia finds him in a tavern in the Northlands section of Highmoon. After some drinking, Gunnar tells the story of his trip north. He gave his eye to the God's for knowledge. He believes the mistletoe is cursed, and that the God's do not want mortals to possess it. He claims that many who find the mistletoe quickly meet their demise, none last longer than one year. Two of his companions found the grove, only one came out, without his tongue or the mistletoe, he drew a picture of a large coiled snake. The grove is apparently guarded by druids who can not leave. Also says there is no gain without sacrifice.

Perazada looks for any recent departures going north for the mistletoe or any news coming from the north. Hears stories of dwarves who drank from the well of knowledge without paying the price, the final cost was their sanity. Also learns of conflict between the Fey and their 1/2 Fey brethren, as well as between the Fey and humans.

Corrigan find the grove is known to travel in the Forest of the Harts, which requires a week's journey across rugged terrain. Many die searching for it. Also common to find interesting wild life in the region, including intelligent boards. Fey folk are also common to the area as are a group of angry dwarves who are apparently hostile to all. The grove is said to reveal itself to the worthy which usually requires signs of courage, strength, and cunning. Some claim the god's provide clues to the grove's location. He also borrows one book from The Library.

The trip North

Not exactly as it sounds, the group arrives at Sycron's palace as ordered. They meet up with The Silver Sabres who appear unprepared for the journey north. Once there, they are lead into the lower levels by Sycron's beholder. They enter a room reminiscent of northern drinking halls with a large stone portal along one wall. With a flip of a coin, The Silver Sabres are granted first passage with New Warriors to follow 1 hour later. Sycron opens the portal for TSS. The group passes the hour speaking with Sycron and learning how he came across the portal before finally heading through the portal themselves.

Once in the northlands, they find no trace of TSS but do see a group of dwarves barreling down the mountain at them.

---

Footnotes:

1. Comprised of a 1/2 orc wielding a Falchion, a dwarf with an ax, an elven woman with a longbow, and a pale human (Estaban) with a krenshar.
2. At word that Kerrick is working for the public good, a few people leave the gathering.
3. At this the Wolves of Sorimer cheer.