Session 09
General Summary
The Albioners then headed on, following the trail. As they approached a copse of dwarf pines,
they noticed a band of small, blue-skinned humanoids hiding in the undergrowth, they appeared to
be plotting something. As the group drew closer the blue creatures spotted them and ran to attack.
Heremod had seen nothing like them during his all his years in Honshu. Thankfully they were not
particularly hardy creatures, perhaps similar to goblins, and soon all lay dead. They had a strange
collection of items that they may have stolen. Pressing on, the group continued following the trail.
It soon seemed they had reached their goal. Ahead lay a gravelly hollow, with a small hut in the
bottom. It was covered with Honshu writing which Heremod translated as symbols of doom,
warning and evil. After moving closer, Ethulwulf spotted human remains piled in a small firepit
was in front of the hut. As the group edged closer, an old woman (very wrinkled and tanned skin,
bone white hair, no teeth) emerged from the hut and shouted at the group to leave. She then turned
her back and returned to the hut. As the group edged even closer they spotted a large striped
catlike creature lurking in the hut - had the woman shapechanged into it?
There then followed an impasse. The creature appeared to be waiting for someone to enter the hut
so it could attack them without being surrounded as it would in the open air. The Albioners lurked
outside the door hoping to ambush the cat. They tried taunting and goading it into leaving the
safety of the hut by flinging missiles at it. After a while they spotted their opportunity as the beast
had retreated to the back of the hut. This made space for Heremod and Ethulwulf to bravely charge
in. Just at that moment Colby weaved his hands in a distracting pattern, making the beast offguard
just long enough for Ethulwulf to smite it in half with his axe, with an even more powerful blow
than dealt to the troll a few days previously. Upon death, the beast resumed the form of the old
woman.
The group made a triumphant return. They informed the eta that the "spirit monster" was slain and
that they should return to work. An executioner was immediately despatched to Sapporo. While
Heremod went off to report his success to his master, the others watched the public execution of
Daigoro in the marketplace. Ethulwulf took a keen interest in the ceremony which was somewhat
different to that performed in Albion. Later that night, the Crane noble delivered a reward as
promised. The group then enjoyed sake and geisha in the inn, though were puzzled by the absence
of Heremod.
After a few days recovering from their exertions defeating the "spirit monster" and enjoying the
luxuries of the inn, there was still no sign of Heremod. The group went to Lord Nakamura's castle
and, after making enquiries, spoke to Heremod. He apologised for his absence but explained he
had many samurai duties to perform. Zandrill mentioned the desire to travel to Akihabara so
Heremod went to sort out travel arrangements. He was given new samurai duties - to accompany
the Albioners both to assist them and to ensure they behaved themselves.
After obtaining various supplies and equipment, the Albioners headed out of Sapporo. They now
left the well maintained highway behind and travelled cross country, through many rice paddies.
They made enquiries at villages they passed through and Zandrill used his druid powers to ensure
they were heading in the right direction.
After an uneventful journey, today the Albioners reached Akihabara - the Druid Home. At first
glance it consisted of nothing more than a circle of large stones carved into the shape of heads.
The area looked barren and devoid of animal life - strange for a druidic enclave. Once the group
stepped inside the stone circle it was revealed to all have been a protective illusion as the
surroundings were verdant and buzzing with life. In the centre of the stone circle, a beautiful
woman was preparing food. This was the Arch Druid - the most powerful member of the order in
the whole world! She gave a brief explanation of how the order was organised. Zandrill held the
post of Aspirant. To advance to the post of Initiate he would have to perform a duty. The given
task was to travel 2-3 days north east from Akihabara to the village of Hikone. A fellow druid
named Siroo was in need of assistance. Deliberately, no further information was provided.
Zandrill was warned that it was not simply the result of the task which was important, but the
manner in which he behaved. His companions were permitted to assist, though Zandrill would be
ultimately responsible for their actions and the completion of the task...
Report Date
10 Apr 2024
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