Session 10
General Summary
Today was a special day for Zandrill to begin his quest, for it was Walpurgis Day, a holy day to
the druidic faith. After some final words of advice from the Yoshiko, the Archdruid, we headed
out north east, cross country, towards Hikone. In preparation for a traditional Walpurgis Night
bonfire we collected firewood as we went. Our journey was rudely halted by a large band of orc-like creatures which Heremod identified as "oni". They'd been lurking atop a bluff and in some
woodland. Despite their leader dropping both Ethulwulf and Colby, the Oni were soon vanquished
and Zandrill applied the necessary healing to his injured comrades. That evening a large bonfire
was lit and there was a fire jumping contest and other merriment in celebration of Walpurgis
Night.
The journey continued, passing through the thorpe of Tetsu. Three large ogre-like creatures,
identified by Heremod as "daiyoni", attacked but a nifty display of spellcasting by Ermenred
blinded and stunned them leaving them easy prey. Mountains and jungle were now apparent on
the horizon. The night was spent camping alongside a large Imperial patrol, which turned out to be
a wise decision as three more daiyoni attacked but were easily outnumbered and killed.
Today the Albioners reached Hikone, a bustling frontier town framed by jungle-clad mountains.
They immediately made enquiries after Siroo and were directed to a small house on the outskirts.
After some confusion as Heremod mistakenly identified Siroo's apprentice as Siroo, the group
were welcomed in. Zandrill explained that Yoshiko had sent him to assist Siroo with his
"problem" in whatever way necessary. Siroo described how there had been 4 apparently
motiveless arson attacks in Hikone in the past 4 months. Three houses and, most recently, the only
inn had burned down. Fortunately there had been no casualties. There seemed no pattern to where
the fires were located within the town and they had occured both at night and in the day. He also
described how local hunters were now avoiding the jungle, as they'd spotted fierce reptilian
humanoids. Nobody had been attacked and no contact made, but the hunters were wary of having
disturbed areas sacred to primitive tribes. Siroo also described a strange light that had been seen
out in the jungle. Sometimes it was steady, sometimes it pulsed. The intensity varied and it had
been seen at both day and night. Its one constant feature was its location, atop a hill some 20 miles
deep into the jungle. Hoping to find clues, the group toured Hikone, accompanied by Siroo. They
visited the scenes of the 4 inexplicable fires but found nothing of importance.
Suddenly Sirro pointed - the strange light had suddenly appeared, shining very bright from the
jungle hilltop, just as he'd described. Then a nearby house burst into flames, with the blaze starting
on the side facing the strange light. By coincidence(?) it was Siroo's house! A bucket chain was
started to douse the flames but they spread to 2 neighbouring buildings before being brought under
control. Ethulwulf smashed down the back gate to free Siroo's jaguar companion. There followed
much debate and theorising as to what manner of device, presumably magical, might project such
heat over such a long distance. The one thing everyone agreed on was that they ought to visit the
scene of the light to investigate its source. Siroo provided mosquito netting which he said would
be vital in the humid jungle conditions. Much iron rations were also purchased. Then the group
settled down to an early night so they'd be rested to head out first thing the following morning.
Report Date
10 Apr 2024
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