Episode 26

After fighting off Aldronoth and his followers and aiding with the restoration of the protective layer around the demon stone, the party takes a well deserved rest in the company of Guardian Killian.

Taman decides to sleep late for once. When he finally awakes around 10am, Nok-Nok approaches him for some training. Taman, being used to training troops in his previous life, quickly teaches Nok-Nok how to correctly wield a two-handed weapon. Killian observes the party from a distance, taking a keen interest in the complex social dynamics at work. After observing Taman's willingness to help his fellow companions and noticing that the group relies on Nok-Nok for most of their leadership, he imparts some additional knowledge onto Nok-Nok after which he turns his attention to fully replenishing the protective powers surrounding the demon stone. The newly acquired knowledge allows Nok-Nok to bolster himself during a battle, allowing him to push a little harder than usual, should it be required.

Cade summons Maya back to his side. The others immediately notice that he seems a lot more relaxed with her there. Nok-Nok sets the desired key properties and divides the treasure found between the party members (420gp each). Nok-Nok attempts to convert Taman to his ways, waving his pamphlet in his face.

Cade, not happy that he let the means to access a demon stone slip through his hands so easily, decides to take Jeffel's map to Killian hoping to find some more information on the marked locations. Killian is surprised to see an old map in such good condition, noting that it is more than 700 years old. He shares some information which allows Cade to update his map.


 * The large tree marked on the map toppled over more than 200 years ago.
 * The spiders nest is no longer as big as it used to be.
 * North-east cave has collapsed, but can be found if dedicated enough.
 * Area marked as "Dangerous" in the hungry mire is overrun by trolls.
 * Graves are interesting, but be careful in the area.

Killian learns of the Eonic Drifter and is surprised that Rawlin did not inform him. He asks the party not to share their knowledge of Denis with others, in order to protect him.

The party notices that Killian had repaired all the holes and entrances dug by Aldronoth and his followers and it reminds Taman that they still have a prisoner which he put in a crate in the ruins. They head out to find him, but he is no longer in there. Taman mentions the archer who ran away to Killian. Killian takes note of the information, but is unable to provide more detail with the lack of description provided.

Killian decides to show the party the mushrooms he told them about. He harvests two doses for each of them. The party notices some magic flowing from Killian to the mushrooms while he harvests them. Killian asks them to only use it in a safe location as the effects may be a bit strong. Before the party leaves, Killian informs Galhaphé that he can be contacted via The Wardens, should they wish to speak to him again. He also lets her know that she is welcome to send him messages using her abilities. Killian asks that he is excluded from any discussions or tales of their adventure, to which the party agrees.

The party leaves for Wharram. During their trek through the forest, Cade attempts to catch a Cotton Mouth to extract its venom. Galhaphé notices that Cade's ignorance of creatures and their abilities is potentially going to get him killed and steps in to help him. She manages to use her druidic abilities to convince the Cotton Mouth to give up some of his venom instead. Cade does not know exactly how to use the venom yet, but he knows that with some training he could make it into something powerful. Galhaphé tells Cade that the wardens use the poison to coat their arrows and that it is very dangerous to make.

Taman spend some time studying the area closely as they travel towards Wharram. He looks for land marks and builds up his internal references, improving his overall knowledge of the area. During this time he also gathers enough tealeaf for five tea brews. Each night they rest, he takes some time to write a letter to his mother.

Galhaphé find signs of other druids and a message hidden amongst the roots of a tree. The message reeds "Health to all". The other party members are surprised that she sees anything but when she points out what they need to look for they easily find it. They also notice the forest in the immediate area of the message looks a lot healthier. She explains that the messages are used to greet, inspire and motivate other druids along their travels. Galhaphé leaves her own message on a nearby tree, it reads "Safe travels" to those who know where to look.

Cade feels that his party has done enough to deserve favors from him. He hands each member a gem to the value of 50gp and in the color of their choice. He tells them that they can at any point return the gem to him in exchange for one favor.

One evening while setting up camp, Cade contemplates taking on of the doses of mushroom provided by Killian, but decides to wait for a safer location. Taman has the same thought, but decides to throw caution to the wind and takes half a dose right before he goes to sleep and without the others knowledge. The next morning, his companions find him unresponsive, slumped over and drooling. Galhaphé notices quite quickly that this could be the doing of the mushrooms, she decides to leave Taman be for the day and goes off looking for plants she can give to Wharram to help with their shortage of healing. Cade joins her while Nok-Nok stays to keep an eye on Taman and cook food.

Galhaphé and Cade manage to find some additional plants for medicinal use.


 * 2x Ground Ivy
 * 2x Blue Bell
 * 2x Fairy Bell
 * 6x Wood Bell
 * 2x Blood Blanket

On returning to camp, Galhaphé and Cade find a dead squirrel half tucked into Taman's pants and a grinning Nok-Nok. They laugh a bit and then decide to mess with Taman as punishment for making a stupid decision. Cade stuffs Taman's hands into his pants, next to the squirrel and Galhaphé messes up his military like hair by adding dirt, sticks and leaves to it. After eating, Galhaphé decides to cast a restorative spell on Taman, hoping it will end the effect of the mushrooms. It works and Taman wakes up. (See Taman's Experience for effects of Killian's mushrooms on Taman)

Taman decides to give the remaining one and a half dose of his mushrooms to Nok-Nok telling him that the experience was interesting, but not one he would want to have again. After seeing the effects of half a dose on Taman, Nok-Nok warns Cade not to take too much of the mushrooms as his smaller stature may be affected much worse. This seems to come from a fatherly perspective.

The party reaches town and the guards send for Paddy and Burk. Cade and Galhaphé make a theatrical entrance while walking into town. After Paddy greets them, the party learns that Burk is up at the infirmary. They share information and Paddy informs them that the spider left earlier that morning to return to their nest. He also points out that the construction of the wall is nearly completed, with only a day or two's work left to construct the final gate.

They all head into the sleepy hollow to get some food and drink. Cade gets exceptionally drunk and tells the tale of their adventure. With every retelling, he exaggerates the details more and more. Taman stays sober enough to interrupt Cade with a loud cheer or asking him to retell another part of the adventure when he is about to mention the demon stone or Killian. Nok-Nok finishes a barrel of ale through the course of the evening. Taman also slips Mary a platinum coin to cover expenses, even though they are allowed to eat and drink for free. Taman takes a moment to discuss the party's current state with regards to The Black Shield. Nok-Nok informs him that they are no longer under contract with his employers until such time as they receive word from them again. With everyone happy to stay as a group, Taman thinks it is a good idea to name their group. After many discussions they decide to each write a suggested name on a piece of paper and pull a random one from a hat.

And so the "Devastatingly Impressive League of Dangerous Outcasts" or "DILDO's" for short is formed.

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