Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

*Toshiro walking deep within the forestlands of cloakwood reads the note and sets out to find Galen'ael.*

"Druidic runes are carved in a giant oak in the Cloakwoods. To those few who have the knowledge to interpret their esoteric meaning they read:"

Today my old body almost fell on this very spot. I almost had to face my own demise when an agent of Bane, refering to himself as "The Hooded Menace", struck me down with little warning. Allegedly he thought I was affiliated with the Elder Circle but I am merely a wanderer new to these lands. His words of warning were clear enough though, stating the time of the Elder Circle, and other druids alike, has come. That the minions of the Dark Lord will hunt them down and eradicate them. Take heed and tread lightly, my fellow druids!

Falagar

*Tarsakh takes his daily strole through the forrest escorted by his giant companion and the elemental guardian and happens by the tree. After reading the warning he quickly says a renewal of the tree and removes the warnings from the tree. He thinks to himself "I must return to the grove and warn the others, I will also tell the others to keep an eye out for this wander." And with that last thought he turns rushes to the sanctuary of the grove.*

*notices are left throughout the city and commonly traveled places of Baldurs Gate*

Let be it known, by all walkers of the Forrest Path...Druids and Rangers alike that that foul rumors spread about the Keepers of the Circle.

These rumors are slander pepertrated by the followers of the evil Church of Bane and his followers...who openly hunt the members of the Circle.

We will not stand for their slander and will meet their machinations with like force.

In these times, it is important for all of Us of like mind who love the Wild Lands to stick together.

We are always seeking new blood to serve the wild places and protect that which matters.

If you are interested, seek me out or leave word upon this note. I personally will pay 10 thousand gold for the body or head of a Banite.

((screenshot proof required for coin))

--Galen'ael Glenstalker
Keeper of the Elder Circle
Ambassador to the City of Baldurs Gate.

Falagar, an elderly druid recently arrived from the Silver Marches, read the message, and the wrinkles on his weathered face seem to grow even deeper.

He then mumbles to himself, as the elderly sometimes do, but in druidic so any bystanders would just think he is babbling like a senile, old looney.

"It would seem that I arrive in these lands in times of turmoil and distress. Woeth us! Instead of travelling farther south, I should remain here and aid my fellow druids. Yes! That is what I must do. It is all very clear to me."

He then walks off toward the gate...

*A letter is brought to the Grove by a large Raven and given to a Keeper*

I am not a member of the Circle, but have this message, nay, warning for you. In my travels I have encountered a peculiar individual. A gnome with an evil light in his eye. He pretended to be my friend while we talked for a while, but as soon as I turned my back on him to leave he attacked me. We fought for a while. Fortunately I was with a friend, Frah, who was able to help me in the fight. We eventually defeated our foe. I did not let him die, however, as I wanted some questions answered. So, I healed him just enough to bring him to consciousness.

He calls himself the Hooded Menace, or someone else has named him this. He has been given instructions by his Master to kill all Druids on sight. He is vehemently against the Keepers and all Druids. He makes boast of serving the Dark Lord Bane. He has struck down at least one other Druid, Falagar, but fortunately did not destroy him. Falagar recovered from his injuries and has posted sigils on the trees warning others of this Hooded Menace. The evil gnome possesses a magick I am not familiar with. It does not seem arcane or divine. I know not how he channels it, but he is powerful.

If you have need of more information, please seek me out. I am often in the deeper parts of the Cloakwood, but now I will spend time investigating the happenings in the Wood of Sharpteeth as there is an old Temple to Bane there.

*The note is signed...*

Faerynn
In Service of the Oak Father

*Elohir steps foot onto the tradeway for the first time in many moons. He has not breathed the air here for a long while, but he is glad to be back from his long trip. Elohir has returned home from a trip to the Falls of Tumbling Stars where he gained much knowledge while participating in prayers and meditation, and the Four Feasts, all to Our Lady of the Forest.*

As he slowly walks down the tradeway toward the Shrine of Mielikki, he does not notice any other walkers of the forest way. As he reaches the Shrine, he kneels before Our Lady and begins to meditate. After a short period of introspection, he gathers himself and heads to the hidden Grove. There he finds the note that has been left behind by Faerynn. As he reads it, anger consumes him. He has arrived back just in time to aid the Keepers in this time of turmoil. The members of the church of bane shall feel the sting of his arrows.

*The night is clear and silent, only the sounds of insects chirping can be heard. In the distance, a Raven caws. It swoops in and drops something to the ground, looking around with cocked head, then flies away.*

*A note is brought to the Keepers, and on the note is the title, Arch-Druid Tarsakh, Keeper of the Elder Circle*

To the Arch-Druid Tarsakh, and to my brothers and sisters of the Oak Father and the reverent Lady, I bring greetings.

I have met with the Dryad at the Statue of Mielikki, feeling the call of Nature to bring me to that place, only a couple days ago. Her words of wisdom filled me with awe and respect, and she humbled me on that holy ground of the Lady. She told me to send word to you, Arch-Druid, to begin my quest to become a Seeker. Therefore, I humbly request a meeting with you to begin my long journey. I am at your service.

Your servant in the Oak Father and Reverent Lady,
Faerynn

Despite the lack of freshly made tracks, a note has recently been pinned inside the entrance to the druid's secret lair. Elegantly written druidic runes, radiating with a faint blue glow, cover the parchment upon which a message is written:

Heeding the desire of the Elder Circle that retaliation should come quickly to the vile minions of Bane who have assailed our kind of late, my second encounter with the "Hooded Menace" turned out in our favour.
This time I travelled better prepared, and I was able to best my adversary in combat upon the slopes of the Cloud Peak mountains.
When realizing his defeat was imminent, our foe chose to retreat, fleeing in panick, and only my benevolence stopped me from persuing him and smiting him on the mountain side.
No doubt he will bring the details of this event to his foul companions of the Dark One who might take news into account and stop their aggression toward us.
However, it might also invoke an even greater ire amongst them in which case we must stay even more vigilant of ourselves and each other.
But the message is indisputable - we druids are not going to be overrun or forced into submission. We will resort to force if needed be, and we will defend ourselves and everything we hold dear.

So tread lightly, my fellow druids, and do not hesitate to seek me out if assistance is required...

Falagar

*Elohir enters the woods of sharp teeth with a keen eye. Ever watchful. He had heard rumors that the temple was located in the woods of sharp teeth and he could smell death in the air. He could hear the foot steps of the orcs many paces away, and was able to avoid them as he made his way through the forest, following the obvious path of those who worship the dark lord. As he made his way to the temple, the stench of death grew ever greater. The darkness seemed to get darker and the air itself seemed to get thicker. Finally the temple came with in sight, and he could see a few fires burning on sticks. Using his skills to hide, he moved slowly toward the temple. He didn't notice anything unusual other than the fact it was the temple of bane. As he approached the temple he could hear chanting coming from inside the temple. As he gets closer to the temple, he can make out the words of the chanting...It appears the church of bane are coming for the keepers of the elder circle.*

*Elohir leaves a note inside the grove for all to see*

It appears a battle is immanent against druids, and the Keepers. As a Ranger of Mielikki, I have sworn to protect the forests, and its inhabitants. And I am also sure that I speak for all the rangers within the Keepers that we will stand against this evil and destroy it. My bow is ready, and I stand against all evil that infests the home of Our Lady of the Forests, and against our brothers and sisters with in the Circle.

*Faerynn bows respectfully to Keeper Galen'ael on the bridge in the Farmlands as he walks away. Faerynn has just been made a Seeker, and he knows that the journey to becoming a Keeper will be dangerous, but for him, it is worth it. He stands on the edge of the bridge, leaning against the rail staring at the peaceful water contemplating what he must do now and reflecting on their conversation. He hears some loud talking, and what seems to be arguing and a woman's voice. The commotion is coming from the other side of the bridge. It seems that the Fists have captured a drow. He glances their direction as they take the prisoner to Baldur's Gate wondering how many days left this drow has to live before she dies. He sighs... and is amused at how Nature, and the Balance, has an amazing way of keeping itself in check. He glances back out at the lazy river flowing below him and ponders his next move. Keeper Galen'ael has tasked him with gathering information on the Banites, not a small task in the least.*

"This is not so unlike the trials to join the enclave of the Shadow Druids in the High Forest," he muses to himself. "I shall enjoy the trial."

He reflects back on the trials of the Shadow Druids, a slight hint of pain crossing his face as he remembers some of the more... painful... aspects of the trials. "No, similar, but different. I suppose that is a good thing."

He pulls his hood up over his head and mutters a few words. A raven swoops in and lands next to him on the bridge.

"Hello my friend, I am in need of your service once again." The raven just stares at him.

Faerynn pulls out a small piece of parchment and quickly scribbles a note in Elven, rolls it up and ties it to the raven's leg with a string.

“I need you to take this note to my brother, Elohir. We should meet soon. Fly quickly my friend, be safe, and return to me when the note has been delivered.” The raven flies away quickly, seeking Elohir.

“Soon, very soon, we will strike against the Banites. They will wish they had picked a weaker foe.”

He looks up toward the sky, the sun beginning its decent into the West and clouds rolling in from the North.

"Clouds forming, perhaps we will have rain... Yes, I think we will." a smile forms on his face

"Perhaps I should contact the head of my Order in the High Forest," he thinks to himself. "They may have dealt with this kind of enemy before."

He walks off toward the Cloakwood, content to be a Seeker.

A raven lands in a tree near Elohir's camp, with a note tied to its leg.

The note reads:

El, we should meet very soon. I have become a Seeker, and tasked by the Keepers to discover what I can about the Banites. I may need your help. Please meet me at your earliest convenience or send word by this raven who I have instructed to return to me. You will know where to find me.

F

The note ends there, and the raven looks at Elohir, head cocked to one side, and then snatches a bug from the ground and eats it.

*Elohir sees the raven on his final approach course and sticks out his arm for the raven. The raven lands ever so gracefully and Elohir removes the parchment from its leg. As he reads the note he begins to stare off into the distant sky, thinking back to the time when he was going through his trials to become a member of the keepers. It is a long journey, but one that is well worth it. He mutters to himself, 'the banites will have a personal meeting with the force of nature.'*

*Elohir quickly jots down a note to Faerynn,*
'In three days time, meet me at the Shrine of Mielikki along the tradeway just north of Beregost when the moon is highest in the sky. There we shall discuss our plan regarding your trials and the banites...until then brother.'
Elohir

*He ties the parchment back onto the ravens foot and sends it off to return to Faerynn. As the raven flies off, he stands there by his campfire and stares into the burning embers, thinking about the times they had together in the High Forest. They have both come a long way since then.*

*The raven returns to Faerynn, a note attached to its leg. Faerynn opens the note and reads it*

"Three days... ", Faerynn restates the time. "That is soon. I have much to do before then. I must find this Hooded Menace character and try to get more information out of him," he says to himself.

"I must be patient. I will send word to my Master in the High Forest. He will know what to do."

*Faerynn begins to write a message*