Turn 11 -- Hog Brook

After some questioning and discussion you all decide to follow Kuiper to the Hog Brook and search for clues to Jelenneth's disappearance. Druckner points out that there is the offered reward from Tauster after all. After speaking to one of his farm hands, Kuiper readies his equipment and food and you set off. He ferries you all across the Churnett River and leads you to the brook, stopping periodically to look for tracks and signs of passage from the girl. Between Kuiper, Zir'zool, and Kersath they are all unable to find any signs of her passage. After a few hours of searching, you hear a rustling coming from the bushes ahead of the group. A grey wolf steps into view, followed a moment later by a woman in ragged cloak and robe. Kuiper motions you all to keep still and then cautiously advances to the woman and speaks to her in a language that none of you understand. After a few moments, he motions for you all to join him.

"This is Oleanne, a druid of the woods here," says Kuiper as you approach. You see before you a woman with an extraordinary appearance. Somewhere under the dirt there is a remarkably pretty young woman, but it's hard to tell as her hair is long and unkempt and her clothing little more than rags. She is 5'5", lightly built with dark eyes and auburn hair. She speak Common haltingly with an unplaceable dialect which makes it difficult to understand her. She has two large grey wolves that are always by her side.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance," says Kre with a large smile on his face as he moves to take the woman's hand. At a growl from both wolves as he approaches, Kre drops his hand and moves back to join the group. A chuckle comes from both Beleg and Brother Randor as Kre is thwarted by the wolves.

"It seems we have a new problem friends, the lady Oleanne has told me about a young boy from Krynen's farmstead, just south of the river and northeast of the Thornwood, who fled his home recently. She then saw him transform into a werebear!" says Kuiper.

"It appears that he has been unable to change back and has become very confused and frightened. Oleanne tried to approach him but he got scared of her and the wolves and fled. The boy must be Maxim, Krynen's son. Krynen must be worried sick."

"We're having no luck with Jelenneth, but I want to find this boy," says Kuiper as he pulls out a couple of weighted nets from his backpack. "Will you help Oleanne and I find the boy and subdue him without hurting him?"

"I want it to be clear that the boy is not to be hurt though." says Kuiper.

After easing Beleg's fears that you would not be assisting an evil creature by aiding the boy (now werebear) Maxim you all decide to help Kuiper and Oleanne find the boy and help him in any way possible. Kuiper gives one of his nets to Beleg for when you find the boy and instructs the rest of you to try and stay out of the combat unless the bear attacks you.

"If you must fight, please use the flat of your weapons or any blunt items you have. We want to subdue the boy, not kill him," says Kuiper as you set out.

You set out in the following adaptation of your normal marching order:

                         Oleanne
 
            Zir'zool        Kuiper              Kersath


                 Beleg    Druckner    Gnore

                 Ras      Dain    Brother Randor

                Kre      Ortho      Talimar

The three rangers and the druid are ahead of the group searching for signs and clues of the boys passing. Oleanne frequently has to double-back to help the party move through the dense forest and is visibly agitated at the lack of woodland skills of some of the party. She seems to glide through the dense wood as brambles, tree branches and thick roots appear to be no problem for her that normally catch on every boot, strap, or loose-fitting piece of clothing that you have. You travel the remainder of the day hunting through the forest with no sign of the boy or Jelenneth before Kuiper finally calls a halt to the search due to darkness. You set up camp once again and settle in for the evening, enjoying another delicious meal prepared once again by Dain.

As penance for his behaviour at the Hound and Tails, Kre sets about to take care of the dishes as the rest of the party settles in for the evening. Everyone once again enjoying the sounds of Beleg's lute as they look inward to their own thoughts.

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