D&D Campaign One: Scalebreakers - 010
The return of the guardian
After a night of rest and resonance, the heroes were gently awakened by Jebeddo’s violin playing. The mist hung heavy over the Wildwood as they set off together with Korrin, the Aarakocra, toward the old ritual site, an abandoned chapel deep in the wounded heart of the forest. Even en route, Keithara and Arrin sensed that something was wrong: the water in the streams was flowing backward, and the wind rushed unceasingly toward the chapel. Arrin recognized the truth: the ritual was either already complete or nearing its end.
Before the ancient walls, a scene of horror awaited them. Sorched earth, rotting bodies, and decayed animals. Victims of an ancient, dark rite. But before they could investigate further, an ear-splitting crash sundered the ground. From within the chapel, a monstrosity burst forth. An Anathema, a godlike serpent of flesh, stone, and poison, embodying Zehir’s will. The battle was merciless, but the group fought wisely. Using Entangle spells, swift maneuvers, and perfect teamwork, they kept the monstrosity pinned until it finally fell.
The chapel quaked, walls collapsed, and the heroes escaped into the open just in the nick of time. Outside, the forest was silent. Then, small, glowing roots began to grow from the ground. Ran felt his vine-like tattoos begin to pulse. The green light of the Wildmother coursed through him. Life returned to the forest everywhere: animals crept from their hiding places, young plants broke through the scorched earth, and in the distance, survivors of his tribe appeared.
The group returned to the camp, where Livandra and Orly welcomed them. With tears in her eyes, Livandra placed a crown woven of twigs and blossoms upon Ran’s head, bestowing upon him the title "Guardian of the Forest." Ran bowed, yet his intention was clear: he remained in the service of his group and would return only when the quests of each of his friends were fulfilled. Korrin simply nodded and constructed a small shrine where Ran’s crown would rest until the Guardian came home. As the sun rose over the slowly healing Wildwood, the survivors and the heroes celebrated together. Not the victory over Zehir, but the return of life.
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