Introduction

A few years ago, I started a regular Dungeons and Dragons campaign in my Skyfell setting that I called The Rise of the Glutton which has since been renamed to Lost in the Feywild. I wanted to provide my players with a log of their adventures and then realized that such a log might make for fun blog. See Rise of the Glutton/Lost in the Feywild in my Session Index for a complete listing.

The cast is:

Tabbi (played by Jeff) - male tabaxi, Sorcerer monk (Divine Soul)
Drekzhar (played by Dan) - male minotaur, Bardic rogue (College of Swords, Swashbuckler)
Tauffae Twofeather Topshelf (played by Rodney) - male orc, Fighter (Champion)
Meribore Softwalker (played by Laura) - female fitbolg, Druid (Circle of the Moon)
Onyx (played by Leslie) - female tabaxi, Rogue (Swashbuckler)

Session 42 - Test of the Trunk: Step into a New Season

Preparation

The conclusion of Session 41 marked the end of the first of three stories that fall under the Misty Mountain arc. Naturally, then, 42 would be the start of a new story. And naturally, then, there was more preparation needed than previous couple of sessions. But it was the holidays and I was a slow in getting around to it. I already had the equivalent of an elevator pitch defined for the story. That was fortunate. But I didn’t really have any of the details.

My awesome wife threw out an intriguing concept. While it wasn’t an exact fit for the setting and the situation, it was really neat. That idea became the foundation of the story. I had more clearly come to understand the theme of this arc while writing up the Session 41 summary as well. Understanding those two pieces of information was the hardest part of preparation. The rest, such as putting together the NPCs and working out the beats for the next couple of sessions, were much easier.

In the week leading up to the session, Dan (Drekzhar’s player) dropped his Song of Ferguson Florpiss into our Discord channel. It is brilliant and wonderful and all the things that make this group so much fun to game with. With permission, I’ve added it to the Supplemental Section below. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

And if that weren’t enough, if I you have been following this blog, you know that I am a Whovian of sorts. The fourth episode of this year’s Christmas Special really tickled me and gave me a much appreciated burst of inspiration.

Pre-game

Given the less than consistent nature of the campaign recently, I wanted to add a little spice to this particular session. I decided to make some pumpkin chili. It's a recipe I've been refining over the years and given the nature of the coming session I thought it might make a nice treat. Since I make it in our crock pot, the only real work is making sure I've got all the ingredients. The crock pot does the rest. (If I ever get back to doing videos on YouTube, I might create one for this recipe.) It wasn't really ready to eat until a little after we started, but I'll still count that as pre-game here. (I'm the dungeon master. I can do that.)

Pumpkin Chili, Anyone?

In-Game

"I'm happy to see you, my friends," said Zardoz as he embraced Tauffae and the others. "It's been three months since you left. I was starting to wonder whether you were ever coming back."

Zardoz and Mimzeef
Source: Monstrous Compendium

Our heroes were flummoxed. They were discombobulated. They were stymied. They just didn't understand what the heck could Zardoz mean?

Even more strange, the Howling Wind II was parked in the Autumn Meadow. (See the I Messed Up and No One Noticed section below.) Even now, its crew was disembarking and hurrying over to welcome their comrades; the entire crew minus Fizzlestick that is.

As this reunion began, Mimzeef and their children set up the firepit area for a gathering, bringing out fresh breads, a rich stew, and beer.

Eldith, as the acting captain, explained that despite their general orders to return to Dead Island if the party were gone for more than a couple of weeks (and three months certainly qualified as longer than a couple of weeks), they had sought out the Autumn Meadow on their own in the hopes of finding the party instead. They had even attempted to ascend the mountain, first in the ship and then by foot, but the winds had proved too dangerous for the former and the terrain too treacherous (devious, one might even say) for the latter. They had elected instead to remain in the Autumn Meadow and wait it out. In the meantime, they would busy themselves with tasks. To that end, Edlith had set about reorganizing the ships' stores and directing a few modifications in its layout to maximize space and mobility. Huru and Gubrash had practiced their fighting skills, even setting up an archery range and sparring ring. When they hadn't been practicing, they had done a little hunting and gathering in the surrounding woods. They had also started helping Zardoz to maintain his fields. Springeye had started working on plans to spruce up the lightning balista. Fizzlestick had worked with Zardoz to replenish the ships' rations with dried fruits and meats, nuts, and other edibles that could be harvested from their immediate environs. He had also taught Zardoz how to make funnel cake.

After a month and a half, though, the crew had lost hope. Their compatriots must have died in their adventures. With that conclusion, the crew had all voted to return to Dead Island to make that place their new home. They would decide on what to do from there. This meant there would need to be a shuffling of the living spaces and some other changes to account for their new reality. Fizzlestick had insisted on renaming the vessel. (In fact, as this tale unfolded, Fizzlestick joined the party with healthy helpings of incriminating paint splattered on his clothes, face, and hands.)

Of course, now that the party had returned, Eldith would immediately return leadership back to Drekzhar and the crew would revert any changes they had made. They were simply grateful that the party was alive.

While Eldith related this tale, Meribore and Tauffae noticed that Huru and Gubrash were quite comfortable.. familiar, one might even say...with each other. They stayed close together and were caught exchanging flirtatious (for orcs) glances more than once. They were also each wearing wooden pendants similar to the one that Zardoz wore. It was the symbol of Eldath, goddess of peace and quiet places, and protector of groves.

Symbol of Eldath
Source: Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

After the group finished their meal, Tauffae took the crew aside to dress them down for not following orders, for messing with the ship, and for trying to rename her. The crew promised to return it all back to the way it was, especially the name which currently, and sloppily, announced itself to be ~~Howling~~Fizzle Wind II.

Tauffae then met with Huru and Gubrash to grill them about their relationship and the pendants. After a few moments of hesitation, they explained that over the lasts couple of months, without the threat of combat, they had grown close and were now bonded to each other. This place had also helped them to see the possibility for a new way of life as farmers back on Dead Island. They had learned a lot from Zardoz about tending fields and gardens. Some of that knowledge included an understanding of and appreciation for Eldath, whom Zardoz frequently called upon in his work. While they were by no means ardent adherents, they certainly found value in keeping the pendants nearby while working the land. They swore neither their relationship nor their newfound interest in the deity of peace would affect their duties.

The party and the crew remained in the Autumn Meadow until the following equi-light. The entire time, they could hear campestri across the area all singing The Song of Fergus Floorpiss that Drekzhar had composed while returning to the meadow. (See the Supplemental Materials section for the lyrics to this tune.)

After a quick breakfast and kind farewells, the group returned to the Misty Mountain village where they were greeted by Varic Sedri, the leader of the firbolg tribe, and Olofir Taltint, the firbolg warrior whom Tauffae had challenged to a respectful bout (see Session 38). The firbolgs were surprised to see the group, assuming, much as the crew of the Howling Wind II had, that they had perished during their quest. They were pleased to not only see them alive but to hear that they had actually accomplished their first task. (The news did also explain the strange song that the local campestri had started singing shortly after the previous mid-gloom.)

Meribore requested an audience with Thel-isara. Varic agreed to begin the ceremony to reach out to the evermore tree to consult with her about the party's success and their next steps.

Meanwhile, the rest of the party milled around the firbolg village. Onyx and Tauffae again spent some time chatting with Mother Brightblossom, the village's treant. They couldn't help but notice that her branches were full of new blooms. Clearly, Father Thistletwig had heeded Onyx's message and had paid his arboreal wife a visit.

Mother Brightblossom
Source: Pexels with Digital Manipulation

After a little time, Varic invited Meribore into the temple for her audience with Thel-isara. (See Session 38 for a complete description of this room.) The rest of the tribe was already arranged in a circle in the shadowy chamber. The druid leaf smoke was already lazily trailing up from the half dozen censers positioned about the room. The campestri were also present, humming a strangely calming, ethereal melody despite its characteristic discordance. (Only briefly did any one of them break their harmony to fall into a round of The Song of Fergus Floorpiss before Mihana--the tribe's priestess--gently admonish them back to the ritual. In this way, Meribore noted that these campestri were named Aye, Bae, Che, Dji, Ee, Aef, and Gi.)

Druid Leaf Smoke Fills the Temple
Source: Pexels

Shortly, the translucent form of an elderly woman materialized around the young tree at the center of the temple, radiating the now familiar, healthy green energy of tree spirits. The firbolg all kowtowed before the spirit half of the great evermore tree whose protection defined every aspect of their lives. Meribore joined.

"You have completed your first test?" Thel-isara asked.

Meribore explained what had transpired on the mountain top and how they resolved the issue.

"Then you have indeed passed your first test. But what has this test taught you?"

Meribore considered this. She explained that it showed them the importance of being kind and understanding because first appearances can sometimes hide the true nature and circumstances of a thing.

Thel-isara smiled. "This is a truth that is worth keeping in mind. In the Feywild, things certainly are not always what they seem. And remaining open as you say will help you learn when it is wise to appeal to the vanity of the fey to ease tensions or sway someone to your favor. The fey are a vane people by habit, who think highly of themselves, their accomplishments, and their appearances. Find out how to fix admiration, whether real or feigned, upon that thing and you will likely find favor. Do not forget this."

Meribore thanked the tree spirit for her wisdom and respectfully asked how it was possible that while the party had been gone for only a few days, a few months had passed for the others.

Thel-isara apologized, explaining that time was not something she fully understood. She recognized that beings like the firbolgs perceived events in a linear fashion, but that was not necessarily the case for fey beings, and especially not true of the Thel. Time, as Meribore experienced it, was an illusion. (Lunchtime, unfortunately, doubly so.) It could have just as easily been three months earlier as three months after, or no time at all. This was another aspect of the Feywild for which to be aware.

Meribore thanked the Thel for her wisdom and asked about the next test.

"You are ready for the Test of the Trunk. You must find and calm the frightened stone. You can begin this journey in the Spring Meadow. Return to me when you have completed your test."

With that, the tree spirit faded away.

The party left for the Spring Meadow the next equi-light in the Howling Wind II. They left the runabout behind at the firbolg village. It was a fair distance east of the Autumn Meadow, tucked away in a broad, flat saddle between two higher ridges. Here, there was a homestead of the same style as the Zardoz homestead, a confoundingly elegant combination of orc construction (including ribbed walls and oblong windows) and elfey accents (with swooping roof peaks and organic knotwork). Nearby was a secondary structure that looked like a barn, though one of its walls was missing and a light smoked sighed out of a thick chimney that poked out of the center of its roof. Vast fields of flowers spread out in all directions from these structures with paths cutting through them like the spokes of a wagon wheel.

As the Howling Wind II landed, Meribore and Tabbi recognized many of the flowers as belonging to species used for medicinal, magical, and other purposes. They also noticed that there were a few rather large rocks scattered around the neatly-arranged fields. Only after careful monitoring did they realize the rocks were moving ever so slowly, almost as though they were on lazy patrol.

The party disembarked and were greeted by an orc dressed in overalls and donning a wide-brimmed, straw sunhat. Various gardening tools were tucked into the overalls' numerous pockets. Tauffae stepped forward to introduce himself and the rest of the party and explained why they were there.

The orc introduced himself as Shum, botanist, herbalist, perfumer, and potioneer. His wife, Borba, and three daughters Glub, Shuga, and Durza (all the same age as Zardoz's sons) also introduced themselves. While none of these folks knew anything about a "frightened stone" and therefore couldn't help them, they could offer the party a nice meal and an invitation to their new-season ceremony for which they had been preparing.

Our heroes accepted the offer.

Borba and the daughters hurried to put out extra settings. Meribore asked after Shum's work and he happily took the party on a little tour of his homestead, pointing out the barn where he dried the flowers, herbs, and other flora he grew for his work. He talked excitedly about the various concoctions he produced and was more than happy to share the knowledge of their creation.

It was during this tour that the rocks from the fields joined the group. They plodded around Shum's legs on pseudopods, yipping at him with the excitement of devoted pets. Their mouths just sort of "appeared" with each little noise they made but then immediately disappeared, leaving behind only what appeared to be solid rock. The scene would have been strangely adorable if not for the fact that the mouths of these pet rocks were lined with razor fangs.

Eventually, Borba called the group over to a firepit situated behind the house. They were offered soup, fresh vegetables, and beer. After the meal, Shum explained that at the beginning of every new season, they took a moment to reflect upon one act or event that they each regretted from the last season and to contemplate what they might do in the coming season to fix, mitigate, atone for, or improve upon that thing. With the help of some druid leaf tea, they would then leave behind the old season and step into the new.

As our heroes were served their tea, they each considered their regret.

The brew was strong and immediately put everyone into a sedated state.

Slowly, a bright light flickered into life just where the trees met the meadow behind the house. The effect grew larger, at first appearing as a tear in reality but then widening to form a sputtering ring. The trees behind the light were now visible through the ring but they looked different somehow. They were more vibrant? Had to grown younger, and therefore more energetic? Had they grown older, and therefore more wise? Whatever the cause, they were different.

Shum invited our heroes to walk through the ring of light, leaving behind their regrets and opening their minds to future happiness. He and his family then passed through the ring to the other side. They cheered and did a little ceremonial dance to welcome the new season.

The party entered the ring as well.

For Onyx, she felt regret for taking something though she still could not for the life of her understand what it was she might have taken. As she moved through the ring, she heard someone whimpering. It was a pitiful sound, sorrowful and filled with fear. She promised that she would return what it was that she had stolen and make amends with whomever she might have hurt.

For Meribore, she felt regret for losing Bronte and essentially "giving up" on finding him. As she moved through the ring, she was filled with memories of the time they had spent together in their youth, the moment she had told him that she must leave their home because her dreams demanded it of her, their travels together to Doraku and their subsequent adventures, his doubts in his faith, and his ultimate sacrifice. She promised that she would renew her efforts to find him and let nothing distract her from that quest.

For Drekzhar, he felt regret for the suffering of his crew. As he moved through the ring, he experienced their injuries just as surely as they had been done to his own flesh. He felts Bronte's suffering from the loss of his arm, Meribore's death during their search for the Thesselhydra, Oma's suffering from the exploding clockwork companion, Tauffae's horror have having his throat torn out by the Necromancher's spider, and Tabbi's pain at losing Motherwind. He promised that he would better prepare his companions from now on, planning more and leaping less.

For Tabbi, he regretted the loss of Motherwind above all else. It was, after all, his fault. He had taken her into combat. As he passed through the ring, he was filled with memories of their pairing, of the first time they left the Tabaxi homeland, of her nuzzling him after a long flight, and of her death cries onboard the Necromancer's ship. He promised that he would keep a closer, and more protective, watch over his friends and if he should ever find another companion that he would never put them in harms way.

For Tauffae, he regretted accidentally murdering Oren as they were infiltrating the temple ruins back on Dead Island. As he moved through the ring, he felt the moment of fear and instant reaction that had taken over in him, felt the tug of his sword as he cleaved the gnomes body in half, and the vibration in its handle as the blade clanked into the ground. He promised that he would do all he could to bring Oma back from wherever he might be and in this way, there would be some little atonement for his mistake.

And then they were, all together, through the ring.

They stood at the head of a trail that had not been there before. It wound into the trees a few yards before splitting into three different directions. Neither Shum nor his family were present. And while the homestead and their ship were still behind them, they were eerily still, as though time itself had halted. There were no bird chirps, no rolling breeze, no rustling of leaves. Everything had stopped. Everything, except our heroes.

End Session 42.

Experience earned:

Drekzhar - 360 (75,247 total)
Meribore - 360 (75,221 total)
Onyx - 370 (75,044 total)
Tabbi - 350 (75,154 total)
Tauffae - 350 (75,560 total)

Supplemental Material

I Messed Up and No One Noticed

If you have been following along, you might have noticed that in this session, the Howling Wind II was parked in the Autumn Meadow. In fact, the party had used the runabout for the first leg of their trip to appease the jealous wind; the Howling Wind II had remained back at the village of the Misty Mountain tribe (see Session 37). This explains the curious memory we all had during the session that Tilt was in the village. It didn't make sense to any of us at the time, especially since there were stables on the top deck of the ship. Tilt would have remained with the Howling Wind II, which had remained at the firbolg village and not at the Autumn Meadow.

Oops.

Fortunately, my players are forgiving and the retcon I put into the retelling is easy enough to account for the mistake.

The Song of Fergus Florpiss

My players are creative. I think that has been demonstrated more than once throughout this campaign. Here is yet another wonderful example of that energy. Dan--Drekzhar's player--was overcome with inspiration and wrote the following tune for The Song of Fergus Florpiss that Drekzhar would have composed on their way back to the Autumn Meadow. Sing it to the tune of the Can Can song.