The Foresters Guild is looking for intrepid individuals to accompany Torch paladin and scholar Sorin Luminova on an expedition into the Forest of Loss, to examine a site currently designated under Category E (mysterious ruins, apparently ancient) - which may offer us a singular tactical advantage in our efforts against the Forest. While a small garrison has been established at the site, applicants will be expected to accompany Luminova on any excursions they deem necessary during their time there, ultimately ensuring that they return to Rastaban unharmed.

The Guild will be grateful for services rendered in this manner.

• Eli Jin
• Elias of Estaban
• Gemini Doubt
• Jasine
• Jeremiah Stingelhelm of Telemere
• Kaeris Oriole
• Lyra Averick

The party meets with Sorin Luminova, Devout of the Torch, a fiery and uncompromising preacher with a strong (stronger than usual) hatred of anything connected to the Forest of Loss. Luminova is not at all comfortable about the prospect of travelling with a couple of Forest Touched, but grudgingly recognises their utility in this endeavour.

It turns out that the ruins Luminova and their escorts are to explore only appeared recently, although… well, they’re clearly old, really old; what’s more, they are said to have some ability to hold back the forest. Luminova expresses skepticism - only the Muses have the power to defend us against the Forest. Still, the Foresters Guild have established a garrison there, headed by Isolde Rotheld, a much-respected soldier - the plan is to liaise with Rotheld and establish the rationale behind the claims of sanctuary.

A little way outside the city walls, the party receives its first demonstration of the dangers posed by the Forest - here, a number of Moss Poppets and Crooked Men are assailing a group of farmers. Our heroes manage to drive back the forest creatures and ask the terrified farmers why they continue to live in the shadow of the forest. The farmers deal with the adventurers' naivety with good grace (given that they did just rescue them) - this is just what life is like, out here beyond the city walls. It is the fate of those who lack sufficient privilege or street-smarts to thrive in Rastaban to instead eke out a poor existence on this frontier, with little control over their lives and the constant threat of incursions from the Forest.

Passing under the eaves and into the embrace of the Forest, the party soon comes upon a wounded wolf on the path ahead of them. Eli tries to heal the creature - and they are immediately beset by wolves on all sides. After a difficult fight, they kill the beasts - and Luminova, letting rage overcome their self-control, turns on Eli, accusing her of showing undue sympathy for the forest creatures. This was a coordinated ambush - the 'wounded' wolf was used to bait the trap they had walked into - and Luminova is concerned that Eli and Gemini are no different. Everything touched by the Forest is under the control of the Forest, Luminova emphasises.

As they progress deeper into the Forest, our heroes notice that the trees are streaked with a slimy residue. Eli tastes a little of this substance - it seems to be fungal, and leaves Eli feeling strangely light-headed and disinclined to take the threat of their predicament seriously. Jeremiah is appalled, and fears that Eli has exposed herself to the Forest's malign influence. He takes a sap sample from Eli, noting that it seems more viscous than he might have anticipated… but then, he doesn't have much to compare it to. He takes a second sample from Gemini, noting that the two are of near-identical viscosity. Unbeknownst to Jeremiah and the rest of the party, Gemini has secretly sampled the slime as well, and is currently feeling more paranoid than normal.

(To be completed - only showing favour for now….)

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