Naer'eanque - The rustling of the leaves

[Sundown]

A matter of faith..

No one knew how deep the darkness would be into which the group would venture. What horrors awaited them. What suffering they would see or even suffer themselves.
The thoughts of what might lie in wait for them were depressing. Every day of preparation held this vision of what could be before their eyes.
Even their own demise was not inconceivable. Or even a worse fate.
Would the Seldarin find the souls of those whose path would end in such a darkness?
A glowing shaving that might be enough to light the darkness.
A spark of hope that might make the burden on their hearts more bearable.
Something you could hold in your hands and see.
A last hold, in case someone threatened to fall into the void.

Naer'eanque remembered an old custom: Talismans or lucky charms.
Someone could smile at it, because it did not arise from rational thinking.
Risen from archaic thought.

For some of the mission participants, she made small lucky charms out of natural materials, which could be attached to armor, for example, or carried comfortably in a pocket.

She blessed each of the lucky charms with prayers and ritually cleansed them with water that she had consecrated herself. Every morning, the lucky charms bathed in the light of the morning sun, accompanied by devotional rites of consecration and prayer.
The Glimmerwood was her cathedral, the golden tree was her shrine and the ground before it was her altar.
She did not conjure luck, which connected humans with Tymora.
She conjured the blessing of her patron – Rillifane Rallathil – Lord of Leaves, the Wild One.
And with him, also the Seldarin as a whole.

She was not blind or foolish. She knew that she was not performing true enchantments with her rites, which would be rationally noticeable in magical charges.
They were not marvels she created.

They were gifts that came from the heart and perhaps warmed the hearts of those who received them. Something to remember when the darkness engulfed them.

It was also a comfort to her own soul, knowing that she had done everything she could in her preparation.

But there was the hope that perhaps something of her consecration would cling to the lucky charms.

Not explainable with logic.

A matter of faith.

[Sundown]

One of the prayers at morning...




Hear my words, Lord of the Leaves, Old man of the Forest...
The harmony of the forests and of life is threatened by those who no longer live.
They also threaten those from elven blood and they will not stop after they had hunted our kin.

We will descend into the darkness to prevent those who hide there from fulfilling their desires.
These talismans shall serve us.

To be a light for us, like the moon that illuminates even the darkest night.
To be a sign of our hope, like the sun that heralds the morning even after the darkest night.
To be a sign of our intention to restore harmony and not to waver.

I ask for your blessing.
Fill these talismans with a spark of life, so that our hearts may remain steadfast.
Fill them with the scent of the forest, so that we may never feel lost in the darkness.
Fill them also with the power of the hunter, so that our claws may serve the cycle.

With these talismans, these charms, we take our faith and our confidence with us.
Praise be to you, Rillifane.

[Sundown]

The list of charms

Solrialyn –Strands of crow black hair braided with dried juniper leaves and a midnight blue ribbon. The Ends of the braid are interwoven to form a circle, ended with a white quartz. Like a fullmoon into a darkblue night.

Aerakiir – A sky blue feather whose keel is enclosed by a leather strap. The leather strap binds rowan twigs to the feather. Surprisely the rowan seems just a little bit dried, but not withered. A little azure-blue aquamrine stone was also tied at the feather.

Rathal – A piece of flaky brown bark from a felsul tree, painted with a crescent moon. The paint seems made of a fine powdered, grey stonylike substance. The minerals within the stone powder, seem to sparkle in the right angle of a light source.

Micar‘Vilchi – A finely crafted arrow, with silver filigris decorated and black fletching. A dark-blue ribbon bind a bunch of feathers of raven, eagle and falcon at the Arrow. Like the whole arrow would be a bird of prey with a sharp beak. (The basic arrow was not made from Naer'eanque)

Rachel – A wooden Disk with a carved clefts, which are forming the outline of a detailed butterfly during the flight. White hair was pressed into the clefts to fill it and make the outline looking like snowhite lines. On the second look the hair could be from the fur of a white wolf.

Caelian – A piece of duskwood formed to a disk. The symbol of an Oaktree, drawed with fine lines, decorate it. It seems, that the paint smells somehow like nuts and fresh leaves. In the right angle to a lightsource previously hidden letters, written in sylvan, can be seen: „Find hope in the promise of the Leaflord: The Trees will ever bloom again“

Vanira – Beautiful, smooth stones washed out of the river of the Glimmerwood were threaded onto a leather cord, alternating with small pieces of various semi-precious stones. The semi-precious stones were threaded according to the colors of the rainbow.

Lylan‘Synor - Finely polished, thin pieces made from whitish birch bark have been assembled to form a blossom. There is a passionately sparkling fire agate in the center of the blossom.

Natariel - Dried, but not withered little flowers were arranged into a bouquet. The bouquet seems to be attached to a wooden disk and could be worn as a brooch.

For herself – She threaded various nuts and acorns onto the leather strap that held her holy symbol (an acorn encased in amber). Her own charm was simpel, but what could for her more a sign of faith, as her symbol of faith?

[Sundown]

About the questions of an acorn for the oak...

She had been in the region for a year now, and it felt like a decade.
Filled with wonder and horror. Blood and darkness. Hope and laughter.
The sun rose every morning, bringing light and warmth and reminding her to keep her heart open.

Despite everything, Naer'eanque was still a young priestess.
Still an acorn, a novice of the Oakhearts.
She had spoken to Mizzrym about communicating with the divine. Although Mizzrym could not offer her much insight, her wise words were nevertheless a little support.

One morning, she gathered her courage. This time, she wanted to extend her morning prayer at the Golden Tree. She had three Mathora rangers stand guard at a distance, just in case any unwelcome visitors tried to disturb her.
Instead of being dressed in sturdy leather, this time she knelt before the golden tree in a thin, simple dress made of plain, undyed fabric. The hem only reached her calves and the loose cut was designed not to restrict her movement.

She placed a wooden bowl in front of her and put the nuts, acorns, and berries she had collected into it. A symbolic offering to her god and at the same time a gift for the smaller animals of the forest. She placed her hands on the sides of the bowl.
Words in sylvan were flowing over her lips:

Grown. Thrived. Gathered.
A gift taken from the forest.
A gift given to the forest.
Honored be your roots.
Honorred be your leaves.

Finally, she raised her hands toward the canopy of leaves.

You know the wildness of my heart.
You know the calmness of my spirit.
You know the restless thoughtfulness of my soul.

Please allow me to ask two questions...

She lowered her hands slowly. And crossed her arms and placed her palms on her shoulders.
Three questions echoed in her mind.
Meanwhile, she remained in her pose. Silent. Persistent. For quite some time, before she got up and went back to the village. Questions had been asked. Answers would come, or not. She kept her senses open for omens...

[Sundown]

The unworthy end of Venom Viper...



She watched the horses with a blank stare. Saved from a cruel fate.
Raindrops fell and gathered in her red hair. It was as if the drops were like her, hesitating. But unlike her, the drops finally gained confidence and bravely sought their way down to the ground.

Her own tears merged with the tears of the sky.
She had had the chance to end it. She only had to raise her voice, as she had done at the beginning of this farce. The last step. But she felt pity.
The opportunity passed. On the one hand, she had achieved what she wanted, but at the same time she had failed.
She was given two names and would pursue them. Perhaps this would lead to a new solution.
But she was overcome by the feeling that these names had never existed. It stung even deeper into her tormented soul. A cold sting that intensified with each of the sky's tears.

The legend of Venom Viper came to an end. An end that was not worthy of her.
The furious hiss of triumph ended up as a despondent babble.
Venom Vipers knew what had to be done. She would have stepped forward with all her wrath and cunning and done what had to be done. But Naer'eanque took over and once again she probably chose the wrong path. The curtain had not yet fallen, but she had not played out the furious spectacle to the end.
She may not have been cowardly, but she was far from brave.

She was to Venom Viper, Serpent Goddess, unworthy. Even if it was only fiction, the name became a symbol for her. She never saw herself in it, so it was only logical that it ended the way it did. But without Venom Viper, there was... emptiness.
Would there be a second chance? Who knew?

A deep sigh. Suffocated by the patter of rain.
She would at least try again to wrest command from this madman.
Even though she knew that the story had maybe come to an end. And that it is too late.

But she owed it to the legend to try anyway. She owed it to Venom Viper.

Somehow, she now felt the need to hiss to give herself courage.
Maybe there was something of the courageous Viper in her after all?



(It isssss really the end?)

---
((Music:))

Hidden: show

https://youtu.be/LsQtnBu3p7Y?t=269

[Sundown]

((OOC Note: This book will be soon provided to a few ingame-factions, and only they will know about the content))


The cover was made of very thin and robust walnut veneer. The title was written on the cover, while a squirrel was depicted on the back.
The squirrel was portrayed in a pose like from a mystical creature, its paws raised to embrace a shining acorn.

The Squirrel's Handbook: Abyssal Black Grass
(First Edition)
- written by Naer’eanque, faithfull of the Leaflord, Councilor of Doron Amar -

1. Preamble
2. Description
3. Notable Characteristics
4. Origin and spreading
5. Security Measurement
6. Seed-sickness and Sister Carys Cure
7. How to: Destroying a single plants
8. Acknowledgements and Sources

1. Preamble

This book is a summary of research results. Its based on reports I got and meetings I was attend.
I would particularly like to mention Ferrick and Laei Saenei. Many of the results are thanks to them.
Under sometimes extremely difficult conditions, they verified results and made new discoveries in the field.
I also want to mention Niyressa for her research and leadership in the researching group.
My greatest contribution will now be this book. In this way, I honor all the efforts that have been made.
More names I will mention at chapter 8.

This book will refer exclusively to the Black Grass and will not provide a final solution for the aftermath of Ulgoths Beard incident (Year 1360/1361).

This book will be updated, after new insights will be found.


2. Description

*Drawing of a grass-like plant. Important parts were shown with more details in separate individual images. Especially the points, where the seeds are be placed, are highlighted in this way. The pictures are less work of arts, then more educational with the aspiration to accurately reflect reality. Made by a skilful hand*

Also notable:

• Tiny seeds, hidden on top of small stalks.
• Slightly variants are possible!

3. Notable Characteristics

Significantly reduced effectivity of healing spells within reach of the grass.

Dark taint can be noticed, and signs of corruption are be spread into the soil, where the Grass take root.
The effect resides around the plant. It seems not to spread itself via corruption, but it will taint the place, where it will be found.

As a result on this fact, normal plant-life will wither over the time.
The life that usually reside in the soil, like worms and other small insects, will vanish and die.
Over the time it will also affect every kind of living beings.

It’s possible to harm the Black Grass on mundane way or with elemental forces or other kind of destructive energy (negative energy, for example). After treating the Black Grass in such way, the Grass will release their ripe seeds in a black mist. (see also 4. Origin and spreading).
Only destroying the surface part of the plant will not prevent a regrowth after short time.

Reaction on Holy blessings:
Consecration – A consecration will interact and fight against the Black Grass. But the effect of the consecration will be small. Not enough to destroy the Black Grass. Anyway, it can be useful in addition to other measurements.

Holy Water, strong – Works regarding the Black Grass like a poison or salt in case of other plants. Far more potent as a consecration.

Circle against Evil – see 5. Security Measurement


4. Origin and spreading

The origin of the grass are the depths of the abyss.
In the case, that had leaded to this book, the grass couldn’t be banished like summoned creatures of the abyss. There are assumptions, that the spreading grass could be a half-breed between native grass and original abyssal grass. It’s hard to find clear evidence about this theory. But it would explain how it can remain in our plane.
The grass spread itself via seeds. These seeds are fine and can be easily inhaled. This should be avoided (see further).
When the seeds are released, they appear like a black mist.


5. Security Measurement

Most important is a spell of Circle against Evil.
Within the area of this spell, the grass will not spread its seeds and it will provide security against the evil influences.

Another important point is, that its necessary to clean yourself after dealing with the Black Grass. Cleaning with strong Holy Water will be the general method.

At best destroy all, what was coming in direct contact with the plant. Or clean it as example with fire, in combination with holy water afterwards.
As additional, important warning:
The fine seeds should not be inhaled! They appear like a black mist.


6. Seed-Sickness and Sister Carys Cure

If the seeds would be inhaled, it will begin with symptoms like hallucinations.
The effect will bring up personally mentally weakpoints to the surface and increase them.
If this illness will not be cured, the body will change and become thinner and twist into “something”.

Sister Carys of Ilmater (Shrine Baldurs Gate) invented a cure against this sickness.

The patient should be surrounded by a “Circle against Evil” during the time of sickness. The blessings “Remove Disease” and “Remove Curse” must be given in quick succession in every session of the treatment. Afterwards the patient will then vomit the seeds. It is important that the seed is collected in a container (a bucket, for example). This container should have been filled with strong holy water beforehand.
Its necessary to repeat the treatment, with breaks for relaxation between, until no more seeds are spit out.
The spilled seeds should be contained in safety. For example in cold-iron container.


7. How to: Destroying single plants

Currently the most effective method of destroying the Black Grass is to make them wither with a druidic technique called “Blight”.
In short explanation: This technique works like to opposite of encouraging plants to grow. The details of casting are druidic secrets, but shamans in tune with nature should also be able to use a similar spell with their own traditions. Sadly “Blight” is only a solution for singular plants.

But its not sufficent to cast only this spell – for more see below. A regrowth is possible but should at least enough for several tendays.

Another way is to drench the plant in holy water. The plant will sizzles and dissolves.
With enough amont of Holy Water the plant will vanish entirely.
At this point, the problem is, to reach down to the last point of their roots. Regrowth will be possible.

With both methods no black Mist will be emitted.

Example - Destroying process with “Blight”:

Preparation
Protect your hands with something, that can be destroyed after usage. Like a piece of fabric. The remaining clothing should be able to withstand a cleaning by fire or should be completely destroyed afterwards.
It’s also necessary that strong holy water in sufficient quantity will be by the hand. It will be used in a direct way at the plant and later for cleansing.
A sickle or sharp knife will be also needed. Aswell as a sealable, waterproof container. Like a glass bottle, for example.

Procedure

1. Placing a Circle against Evil around you and make steps toward the abyssal plant.
2. Call the forces of nature for the spell of “Blight”
3. The Black Grass will now wither. Hold on with the spell, until the Grass seems completely dead.
4. Pour holy water over the plant.
5. Use the sickle or knife (or similar) for cut the stalks. Be careful at this point, because of the fine seeds.
6. Put the stalks, together with the seeds, into the container.
7. Fill the container at the end of work with holy water and seal it.
8. After the work is done, destroy the cover of your hands.
9. At best also destroy the whole clothing you wear or clean it with fire and afterwards with holy water. Also clean yourself with Holy water.

8. Acknowledgements and Sources

This work is also based on reports of Gavin Kremond and Archmage Maraav.
Also to mention Lord Osric Vale and Morgan for revealing that “Blight” would work.
Sister Carys of Ilmater for her invetion of the treatment against the Seed-Sickness
Finally I want to mention Natariel Alstrarra, Druid Sane and Halcyon Aerakiir as parts of the group, who made together with me a few of the first findings.