Session 3

General Summary

Immediately after speaking with the High Priest of Oshozi, the trio high-tailed it back into Antiek'Vee Forest in pursuit of the "Lady of the Night" ("The Heel of Varoona"). After Rani located a small set of tracks - with a familiar chubby heel print - The Widow was able to identify the make and model of the shoe: a relatively high fashion shoe fashioned in and commonly purchased in Varoona.
As promised, the True Followers found the trio. Or, more specifically, a large wolf - with a collar of twine decorated with carved wooden pendants - led them to the current campsite of the True Followers. In the past few days, the True Followers have obtained additional information on the odd "disease" that is sweeping the Forest.

1. Speak with Animals failed when Yemaja attempted to cast it on a creature that was far gone in the clutches of ravenous hunger.
2. Speak with Animals worked when Yemaja attempted to cast it on a creature that was behaving oddly, but was not exhibiting signs of hunger. It spoke of hunger, sleep, and having no more to give.
3. The shaman also revealed that he detected a cocktail of magic permeated from the "infected": necromancy, abjuration, transmutation, and enchantment.

Before beginning the pilgrimage, Rani requested her companions sign NDAs - which both did. With the True Followers serving as guides, the party proceeded on the pilgrimage to the Heart of the Forest. Rani traced the dextrous steps of Yemaja, weaving through branches, while Newt and The Widow brute forced their way after Talon - with The Widow ensuring that Newt's wings didn't snag on branches. Alhaya guided Rani's climb, Newt managed to snag his wing on a branch, and the Widow landed flat on his ass. Progressing further, spectral beasts began to follow along, staying within the trees. Following Yemaja up an incline, the trio were attacked by a mix of "infected" beasts - wolves, hawks, and swarms of squirrels. Although quite beat up - and The Widow waking up in a graveyard of squirrel bones - the "infected" were dispatched and burned.
With absolutely NO HESITATION, all three took the leap of faith, plummeting into the inky blackness below... to emerge within a glorious, spectral garden filled with a variety of flora and a diversity of wildlife. At the far end of the cavern, a gazebo composed of interlocking stone-roots marked the start of the Trial. Within, the white stag of Oshozi awaited.
In the first phase of the trial, 8 regions from across the continent produced two plants, incredibly similar. Rani wandered into the seemingly real desert of Lark'Hal, selecting a black-as-night berry that granted her the ability to give bardic inspiration, provided she speak in haikus. The Widow returned to the lush, fertile land of his home region, expertly identifying the Eltartem fruit from its deadly counterpart. Newt, on the other hand, failed to differentiate between two very brain-like mushrooms. On top of the brimstone smell, he experiences some bad stomach rumbles accompanied by periodic and unpredictable loud farts.
The second phase of the trial was in honor of the smaller, often forgotten beasts of Oshozi's domain: insects. Newt gathered some traveling companions - two little triggers that helped themselves to his arm. Rani and the Widow became victims of two acid-bombing termites. Newt struggled to hit a prone, non-responsive cockroach. Having many encounters with the creepy-crawlies of the maze, the trio returned to the gazebo.
Finally, the gazebo opened to a white, misty arena where a single humanoid figure stood. Only Rani understood what the humanoid signed. Now standing alone, The Widow watched the figure morph into a hulking bear with long, sharp talons and a maw full of teeth. Meanwhile, Newt and Rani watched the figure morph into an earthen dragon, with deer-like antlers and bark-like skin. After going up against these monstrous creatures and Newt going unconscious, Rani and The Widow successfully felled the beast.
Oshozi praised the party for their successful completion of the trial, allowing them to select one item from his Court. Reunited with Yemaja, she thanked them for their assistance with clearing the "infected" from this holy area and congratulated them on their successful completion of the trial. She welcomes you to the Blessed of Oshozi.

Rewards Granted

1. Oshozi's Blessing - a relatively small jade gemstone with a white stag carved onto its surface. It feels warm to the touch and glows faintly with white-green light. When placed near Rani's map, it caused the symbol of Oshozi to glow and white-green tendrils to snake across the region, fading when they reached the borders of Ragna, Varoona, Lark'Hal, and the sea.
2. Sand Seal Mask of Archery (Rani) - a wooden mask carved with the depiction of a sand seal of Lark'Hal. It operates like the Bracers of Archery. It also grants you a burrowing speed of 15 feet, but only in sand.
3. Volcanic Mandevilla Vine (The Widow) - from the deep jungles of the volcanic island of Therarask, this vine is a dark green with leaves that fade into a deep pink and purple.
4. Cloak of Beasthood (Newt) - a simple, normal-looking deep emerald green cloak. When worn, you can assume the shape of any beast of your size. Anyone who attempts to discern your true form has disadvantage to do so. 

Missions/Quests Completed

You have completed the sacred pilgrimage to the old Temple of Oshozi. Having overcome the trials of the god of the hunt and the god of nature, you are now Blessed of Oshozi.

Report Date

18 Mar 2021

Primary Location

Antiek'Vee Forest

Related Characters

• Oshozi
• Yemaja