PCs:Druantia Leonalenen Longstride/CTS research
((moved here from your CTS page)) --Analgesia 14:41, 24 September 2009 (CDT)
Druantia's Research
(You see what appears to be a rather empty notebook with a few entries and some decent, but not great drawings; a few water stains on the cover from the recent deluges of spring rains, and some ink smudges that vaguely remind you of fingertips. The writing is in an easy-to-read, flowing script. It is obviously the hand of a woman. On the facing page a notation: The notes of Druantia, Companion Research)
Month 5, Day 28.
I have just heard the news of the research project from Yantri! I am so very excited by the prospects of being involved in something that may benefit the lands...especially in these dark hours. It will do much to take my mind off of the overwhelming darkness of destruction that worries me so much at this time. My only fear is that we may be too late, and with the sickness and death of animals in the land, that species heretofore uncatagorized and untested will be lost to us forever.
With that in mind, I have immediately released my companion, Uther. Oh, the look in his eyes....we had only recently bonded and began training. I know he was greatful for the opportunity to return to his habitat...but there was much sadness for both of us. El'gos seems not to know what to do without the great tiger to scratch behind the ears; but he is very suportive of my endeavors nontheless.
I am not sure I am quite the one for this....I feel that I have so much to learn, yet. Ah, but perhap we will learn together, the creatures and I. How gratifying that will be!
Month 6, Day 2, Hour 15
I was alone today and casting about for something to do. While in the wilds of T'Nanshi, I thought to seek out the cat that I admire above any other. I have been watching them for some time....So just above the fairy gardens, I went.
I noticed no druids of Verossa there today, which was a bit odd. They seem to be about for no other reason that to harrass the felines that make that habitat their home (or to torment the travelers on the way to Deglos or Zvid). There was only one Kirre that I noticed. I immediately put away my bow, and stood quitely at some distance, so as not to frighten the cat. I say cat....it does look decidedly feline, but not being an expert....
The Kirre appeared to be somewhat skittish. It looked at me for some time, making eye contact--although neither of us moved. My observation was that this particular Kirre seemed somewhat smaller than I am used to seeing--perhaps in the size of 70 pounds--so I presume that it could have been a female. It's coat is a light color, not quite white or ivory, but not dark enough to be a tan. There is a smattering of dot patterns also. I do not know if it's markings are at the tip only or run all the way to the hide. It's eyes were a lightish color. I was not close enough to determine a bluish or gray.
Suddenly, the Kirre cast invisiblity upon itself! I have seen them do this before, prior to an attack on the Verossans, but it did catch me off guard. It seemed as though we were quite content to just stare. The stealth attack brought me quite a few rather painful scratches and a nasty bump when I hit the ground!
It is my practice not to attack any animal that Dru'El has blessed us with, so naturally, I ran! Perhaps not very valiant of me, but I was unprepared to meet the attack of this regal creature, and those claws are incredibly sharp!
As I crossed into the fairy gardens, the cat followed me. It's movements are decidedly cat-like...much like my panther, Emrys, the companion that Dru'El gifted me with when I arrived in Avlis.
I hurried to change my gloves to the animal handling gloves that I purchased recently, and donned the Fauna Ring gifted to me from another druid. I then turned to the Kirre and was able to dominate it. What joy!! It still stood some distance from me, but did not resume the attack. Oh to have this great creature as my companion! We warily befriended each other, a bit nervous, a bit shy and not wholly knowing what to expect. It still stayed a few steps from me and seemed unsure as to what I wished it to do. I was able to have it accept a few simple commands such as follow ( the same commands that my God gifted companion was able to preform)...but was reluctant to attempt anything to difficult as we were still unsure of each other.
I did attempt to complete the binding ritual. It was odd, the cat would not accept a name from me. I have not had that happen before. I went a distance and released the creature from my domination. It did not immediately attack--as has happened with other wild beasts that I have dominated in the past; but watched me for some time. I definately sense something odd about the creature.
I thought to rest and try again. Unfortunately, the Kirre had other ideas and attacked me as I was down catching my breath. Definately feline behaviour! Ah well. She trotted off to her habitat after she had finished with me. My wounds were fierce, but Dru'El saw fit to allow me to return to this life after doing a small service for O'Ma...so no great harm done!
We did encounter a short time after I recovered my belongings. The Kirre did not attack this time, but stayed some great distance away. Again, I saw only one in the area. It immediately cast invisibility upon itself....perhaps she was concerned that I might try again!
Month 6, Day 6, Hour 5
Coming through the Blandenburg Protectorate, I encountered the Leaping Hounds. They have never molested me in the past, although I know that they are fierce creatures that cause stunning. I would assume them to be related to the wolves in some way.
They are not overly large for canines...actually a bit on the thin side and very wiry. Perhaps this is due to their foraging nature and if one were in captivity of some kind, it might become more fleashed out--but who is to say?
I was not able to dominate any of them....my skill is too small as yet. But as I said, I have never had one attack me. The just sniff at me and turn away. I have, however, seen them attack the residents of the area while I was in my guise as a panther.
Perhaps with some more training and augmentation of equiptment, I will be able to approach a hound with success. It is to be thought of....
Heretofore, I have only had feline type companions, due to my fylgia being panther. I have learned from Yantri that it is possible to take on other creatures that do not fall into my fylgia--but that the training would be difficult. I don't mind a challenge, but I am partial to felines. However, this is not about my preferances--it is a research project.
Month 6, Day 8
I have been to the grove and spoken to Emrys. There were several gloves of greater animal handling in storage and so he suggested that I switch my lesser pair for those. Perhaps they will aid me in my studies.
Month 6, Day 8 (later that day)
I have run into Tupaia just outside of the grove. I told her a little of my attempt with the Kirre. She related to me that she was going through that area and noticed that the Verossans were quite "buffed" and one even summond elemental to attack the cats. She did not know the outcome of the battle between them, for the Verossans also felled her. But perhaps that is why the she Kirre seemed so untrustful of me...and also why I have been noting only one in the area.
Month 6, Day 9 (very early in the morning)
On the way to the grove for some crafting. The champions area already attacking creatures in the area of the Minds Eye Trees. It seems this is happening more and more. I have no quarrel with them slaying the spiders or ettercaps....but the others? Why is it necessary? It was an odd pack--a few bear, a dire wolf and a winter white wolf. I tried to draw the animals away--at least one. Their fate is certain death! I was unable to bring them away from the champions who slaughtered the lot. With animals dying all over avlis, is this really necessary? Ah, but the pack was quite odd--they don't usually travel together these....more study is definately needed.
I have made plans to travel with Tupaia to see what we can find together. It will be safer than only just one. And perhaps later in the time of things, El'gos will have some time to assist me with more difficult animals. It is always good to have my mage around!
Month 6 Day 20 Hour 20
After spending a great deal of time with the T'nanshi Warmaster (freeing the slaves), I needed to travel again into the wilds and thought to go to Blandenburg to speak with Cairn--he is often difficult to find. The slaves of the lizard men disturbed me greatly! I wanted to speak of plantings and growth and how I might help the work at the ANRA.
Unfortunatly, not being blessed with the best sense of direction--although I ask Dru'El continually to assist and guide my steps--I headed south from our postion. The woodlands were strangely quiet to my thinking. It is almost disturbing; and I wonder if the evil has progressed that much.
I ran again into a leaping hound in the drylands in the protectorate. He did not immediately attack, but sniffed a great deal as I stood quite still. This one was by himself, which I found odd, since they usually run in packs. He looked quite hungry and lean, though. Skin and bones, really. I felt quite sad for him. Any attempts at domination or befriending were met with half hearted attacks and I wonder if he was quite well. He (it was a male, of that I am sure) was the proper height....his head was about thigh high to me....but so undernourished. As he appeared to be in some distress, I applied some bandages and left the area.
As I came closer to Blandenburg proper, i found myself on a table land. I saw nothing at all around me, but suddenly i was hit with a disease spell. Thankfully, I was protected. It was only after then that I noticed the hyeana standing behind me. He was a large creature, up to my chest and very powerfully built. His coat was tan and spotted, with a white underbelly. He apparently has invisiblity capability as well, and is incredibly stealthy. He, himself, did not seem to be overly aggressive. I do not know the M'Chekian Hyena species well, and have not seen them before....so I am not a good judge of their behavior. I would say that the fylgia most associated with them would be that of the canine (wolf), but again, I am unsure. He was not averse to my domination and followed the simple commands well. We were able to complete the ritual with some difficulty. He was very curious and he appears to be an intelligent creature with a great capacity for learning. He was accepting of a name and I have called him Toth, as it seemed to be appropriate.
I do not know if the species is one previously bonded in Avlis. I would wonder, indeed, why anyone would try. Hyenas are thought to be dirty and scavengers--not an overly nice creature. However he is mightily strong, and may be good to have about in a battle situation.
We began some light training. He is not as easy for me to train as a feline....panther being my fylgia....but he did obey some commands and is making small amounts of progress.
I sent him off for a rest, for he seemed a bit tired to me. I was then attacked by two more of the beasts, both of which were resistant to any attempts at domination. They attacked fiercely, but the Father saw fit to heal my wounds and I was able to escape them.
I think I will train Toth a bit more before releasing him to his habitat. Then he will be amenable to bonding with someone else in the future.
Month 6 Day 22
After a rest, Toth was more amenable to inspection. I find him to be taller than I first thought....his head stands about my shoulders. He is very large, I would say at least 200lbs. He has the most unusual eyes for a canine--yellow irises with a dark greenish pupil. He is very alert and seems quite intelligent. He holds his head to one side when you speak to him. Initially, he followed me distantly, but as time passed he began to get closer.
I was able to teach him some of the tricks and he did well. He did have quite a stubborn streak--when he didn't want to do something, he would shake his head and then wag his tail. He seemed to be quite good natured for a beast that most would avoid. I feel he is definately canine, though....perhaps the fylgia of dire wolf would be more suited to training him.
I have released him. He seemed a little reluctant to go...he was slow to move away, actually. He had been well fed and I think he will do well back in his habitat.
Month 6 Day 22 Hour 22
I was speaking with Kirak and he said he'd like to see if he could try with a donkey. I remembered the one in Ferrell and since I was there decided to give a try.
I found the donkey...but chose the pony in the stall instead. Not a formidable creature by any means; but fun to try! The domination of the pony was quite easy. She seemed rather friendly, in any case. She is small yet , her head only at shoulder level. She is a beautiful shade of dark tan, with a dark brown mane and huge brown eyes. Of course, she appreciated the lump of sugar from my pocket.
We befriended without difficulty, but could not complete the ritual. I felt a strong tie....really interestingly strong...and some number flashed through my mind. What is it? A year, a date...I have no idea. However, I could not tame her to a companion level.
So, another lump of sugar and she went back to picking at the grass by my feet.
Hmmmm....2037, what does that mean? I will have to ponder on that.
Month 7 Day 8
It has been some days since I have had time to devote to the study of animals. There is so much chaos going on...and so many things to get involved in. I found myself working with the T'Nanshi Warmaster a few days back--releasing the Shaahesk's slaves. I don't think I will ever recover from the horror of that night.
I have been several times throught the Kirre habitat, and found nothing....no cats and no Verossans. I only hope that someone has learned to tame these wonderful creatures and that they have not come to harm from the druids or succomed to the disease that spreads.
Month 7 Day 9 Hour 8
I went with FEAT this day to Nightfang. I had not been there before. Such a beautiful place and yet such evil occurs there. There were some bullettes--but as they were surrounded and controlled by the Gnolls, there was no way to approach them. Sadly, they perished in the fight that ensued.
When our quest was completed, we travelled off on our separate ways. I wandered again in the wilds and found myself near to M'Chek. I decided to visit the Mikonan stone and speak with Drem. He has quite a task, and I assisted with some beetles that were harrassing him. I don't think he really needed my help!
On my way back into the wilds, I passed nearby to the inn, once called the Wererat. I stopped to look at the deer that can frequently be found there. There was a small pack of leopard just down the lane. They did not seem to be intereseted in the deer. Although I walked in the midst of them, they did me no harm. In fact, after some curious glances, they all but ignored me. I was able to befriend one of them, who seemed more curious than the others.
The creature is sleek! So much like a panther, that there is no question of the fylgia. The one I studied had a very light, almost ivory coat with ringed spots of varying sizes. Outer rings are black and they are filled in with a tan or brown coloration. It appeared to be a male. It's size was slightly larger than the panther that I am used to, and it seemed to have a small amount more muscle. It had beautiful light yellow cats eyes that showed a great intelligence. When I spoke, it would look straight at me, it's ears slightly back as if listening intently, head cocked slightly to one side.
Again, unfortuantely, I could not complete a bonding ritual. Again the numbers seemed to float in my mind....93. I have no idea what they mean and why they are different than the other number that grazed my perception.
As I continued study, a pack of worg came into the area. I assume that they were there for the deer, but the leopard did not appreciate the violation of their territory and a tussle ensued. I attempted to draw a worg away from the others for study. I was able to dominate one....however a group of M'Chekian Soldiers also heard the animals and promptly dispatched them without a thought. Not even a care for the way of nature dealing with it's own selection.
Month 7 Day 9 Hour 10
I had not thought to make another note this day, however, Dru'El had other ideas! As I finished my rest and my notation, I noticed a falcon that seemed to be hovering quite near to me. The bird was watching me with almost unblinking eyes and perhaps was trying to decide if any part of me might make a morsel of food!
I approached slowly so as not to startle the creature. The bird was dark brown, with some white tipped feathers on it's wings, which I estimate to have a four foot span. It's talons were noted to be very sharp and yellow like it's curved beak. We were able to befriend each other and to my surprise, complete the bonding ritual. It is of the hawk fylgia--which I have never worked with or encountered anyone who has.
The bird was quite uninterested in any training, faking a broken wing and flopping on the ground when asked to do even the simplest commands. It did warm my heart and make me laugh several times, though, with it's antics! I believe Dru'El knows that my heart has been heavy and sent a clown to play with me!
After feeding it some food from my pack, I released it to return to the others that were there. I had no problem with it taking the food from my hand, it was quite gentle, and was quite willing to perch on my arm for a short time.
Month 7 Day 14 Hour 11
As I was going to the grove, I came across the Champions of O'ma again. Why they stand in that place, I'll never know. It's true, there are wild animals that frequent there but no more than in other places in the wilds...
I pack came through and were attacked by the Champions. I was able to dominate and save a winter wolf; and then lead him to the grove. After reaching the safety of the entrance I attempted the bonding ritual. I was so excited when it worked for he is truly a beautiful animal! I've named him Frost--as that seems appropriate. He is quite the character!
Frost is pure white, slightly larger than a regular wolf but smaller than a dire wolf. His coat is rather thick and he has quite a bushy tail...oh the shedding! His eyes are a pale, pale blue--almost to the point of being transluscent. I would estimate his weight at about 85 pounds. Of course, his fylgia is wolf which makes training somewhate difficult for me.
We began training immediately. He is quite humorous in his refusal to preform simple commands--prefering to play rather than work. He wriggles his whole body in a "no" movement which makes me giggle and I find it quite difficult to be stern with him--especially when he winks an eye at me. At this point we have only mastered the simplest of commands, but we are learning down, lie down and play dead. He prefers the play dead as he thinks it is a game and of course expects a treat afterward.
Month 7 Day 20 Hour 5
I have lost poor Frost in Visimontium. It was entirely my fault. I was attempting some more training and had some problems...and accidentally released him from his bond. I tried to call him back--but his playful nature had him galloping off into the snow on the mountains. I'm hoping he'll be quite happy in the colder weather.
Month 7 Day 25 Hour 9
I came across a quite wounded Leaping Hound outside of Blandenburg today. I was able to dominate him, perhaps due to his wounds. I quickly healed him and fed him, for he looked quite undernourished. He was gray in color, with rather dark eyes. His coat was dull and his ribs were quite visible, poor creature. He probably weighed about 60 pounds--but i would venture to guess could weigh more, if well fed.
After some time coaxing and allowing him to sniff and get aquainted, I was able to befriend him. We traveled to a nearby open area and I attempted the bonding ritual but was unsuccessful as he refused to bond. A shame, really. I feel that he needed some care.
I left him there with some extra food, after being sure his wounds were quite healed.
Month 8 Day 6 Hour 23
I came across a Jaguar today! What a large cat! It's been some time since I've had or tried a cat and I was hoping for success with this creature.
She (I am almost positive it was a female) was rather heavy, weighing about 120 pounds. It's markings are similar to the leapord, but the coat is a darker tan and the spots are actually just brown rings--the tan again in the middle. The spots are different sizes and seem to be in no particular pattern. It's head is slightly darker than the body--almost a very light brown--and came to my shoulders. The eyes were a beautiful amber color. Fylgia, I am supposing, would be the panther.
We befriended easily, but again, I could not complete the bonding ritual. Yet again, I had a number--98--flash through my consciousness. I continue to ponder the meaning of these numbers...
(You see various drawings and doodles of the animal, and you're eyes are drawn suddenly to the next page where you notice a long, squiggly shape)
Month 8 Day 8 Hour 6
El and I went down into the Orcscourge today to see what animals we could find for my project. It's wonderful for him to come with me--but quite dangerous as well. He used invisibility so as not to be harmed.
We ran across a pack of usual mixture. I was able to dominate a crag cat--and attempted to move to safety without attacking the other animals. Unfortuantely, a winter wolf had quite a different idea and attacked the cat and killed it before I was able to complete any study. We moved quickly from that area as a rest was sorely needed.
Descending into the chasm, we found snakes almost immediately. I am not particularly fond of snake or bugs of any kind....but this is research and so I began my study with a slight shudder!
The Huge Forest Viper measures around 7-9 feet long. I didn't quite dare to stretch one out, but El laid down next to one to allow me to get an estimate! The viper has bluish-gray scales with a ringed pattern that includes white and black, as well. The head is diamond shaped and they appear to be quite posionous--but none attacked me. I have no clear idea of the fylgia--perhaps spider? Although I wouldn't think that it would necessarily be so.
I led one a short distance from the others and attempted the bonding ritual. I was somewhat relieved when it did not work. But again, a number...1225...seemed to be a key, somehow.
I begin to think that perhaps the number represents the family, if not the species of the animal attempting to bond. The rarer the creature, it seems, the lower the number. I will have to do quite some more research on this idea.
(a line of question marks across the bottom of the page...)
Month 8 Day 9 Hour 18
We were at Cornath today. What a wonderful place--and so appropriate for the wedding! Plans continue slowly, but they are progressing.
Outside of the grove we found some Elven Mircats. Quite a lovely creature. They are the size of a panther, with a smaller head, and rounded-tipped ears. The coat was a yellowish-tan, almost butter colored and the eyes were almost the same. They have a white underbelly and chin which blends quite well with the rest of the coat. I would estimate on general they weigh about 90 pounds. I believe the fylgia to be the same as panther.
They seem to be quite friendly creatures. Even El had no issues with them. Although he loves all animals (I think he secretly would like to be a druid or ranger), often they don't appreciate him! The pack gathered around us, mingling and sniffing our packs for food.
I led one a short distance from the others so as not to disturb them. We befriended quite easily--so much so that I was quite hopeful for a bonding. Alas, it was not to be! Again I had a flash of numbers--203 this time. I really am beginning to believe it has much to do with the prevelance of the species. I released the cat back to the pack, for which it was greatful.
We continued into the grove and in the temple I besought the guidence of Dru'El in my endeavors.
Month 9 Day 11 Hour 4
Kirre! The Kirre is back in it's habitat! I spoke with Jwol about them, as he lives just beside them, and he told me that they are not native to Southern Avlis, but were brought here during the war. Perhaps this is the reason I cannot bond to one? We can befriend without difficulty--but the animal is quite odd and will not respond to bonding.
Month 10 Day 4 Hour 11
Champions again. I am so exasperated that I hardly know what to do, except to try to save the animals from their attacks. I was able to pull aside a winter wolf again--as it was closest to me. It winked as it looked at me and seemed as if we knew each other....Frost!! I suppose we will begin training again as soon as he has had a rest and a good feed.
(you see a few pages that are extreamly hard to read...the notes are almost scribbled and practically illegible. There are drops of brown that appear to be dried blood, and some spotty green areas; most likely due to squashed glowmoss. the cover itself is beginning to fray at the corners, and the once quite handsome book looks old and worn.
as you flip through the pages that have entries, you can only make out a few words here and there)
Month12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia
Dav, El and12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)caves12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~~M'chek. 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~beset upon12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT), so we tried12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~. Dav12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~beast12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~so large and intimidating.
12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)key is 205. 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~~Gray Render, but12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantiadon't know12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~. Suspect fyl12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)bear. It12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~claws that12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia. How12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantialight? I've12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~~outside. Habitat would12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)and I12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)to do that.
12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~Day 2212:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~~
I now12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Dire Wolf! I think12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)awhile. Since I am12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantiaand there is12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)time is so limited.
(here the scribbles begin to show an air of frustration and the writing presses deep into the page.)
12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)
I need more study on kirre.12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)~meygle pass.12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT).
Jwol said12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)migrated12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT). It seems12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)DruantiaFerrell are12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)dangerous and viscious. Perhaps12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)Druantia 12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)used to seeing12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)have adapted to12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT)12:22, 30 March 2007 (PDT).
(two pages are torn jaggedly from the binding. pressed in between the next few pages are odd flowers that you have never seen anywhere in Avlis. there is only one note left)
I hate being off world! Other than than interesting flora there is nothing. Oh the beasts here are lovely and interesting but I can't study them at all. I miss my forest and the sea at Nireth. And to think we are making yet another trip! At least in Tairis we know to aviod the spiders and perhaps we will visit Al. The only good thing about Hala is the price on magic bags....