PAXOKU (TOKUNO), PAXLAIR and THE PAINTED CAVES - January 4, 2006

After hearing tell of the curious cave paintings that the Painted Caves gets it’s name from, Visago of House Ellindale decided to dispatch Arden his most trusted mage to investigate. The following is the report by Arden to Visago, Steward of House Ellindale:

Under the helpful protection of Lady Winmere, Nanoc of Dragons Watch, Roseleigh of House Ellindale, Angel of the Daggar Pirates, Fleuri of House Ellindale, and Cymbria Devereux, we ventured to the site from the PaxOku Hunting Hall.  Here we met with stiff resistance as is often expected from the hoards of troglodytes.  Quickly, however, we made it to the first room and I was able to complete a quick sketch found in this alcove.

With a foothold secured within the caves, I had a safe place to gather my notes together and venture forth into the second alcove.  With the din of battle behind me, and the troglodytes effectively distracted, I began my second sketch.  Lady Winmere stood close by to assist as well, the heathen troglodytes are known to spring from the earth without warning!

If only these two sketches were enough, but the examination would be incomplete without a complete exploration.  It was rumored that the most spectacular murals were to be found in the back-most alcove.  Of course this is also where the chief of the troglodytes makes his home and where we met our stiffest resistance.  The barbarians came at us from all sides and multiple times was our party repelled as it neared the ramp up to Lurg’s lair.  Many a grievous wound and scar was earned by the party that night.  Though the troglodytes had numbers and strength on their side, we had cunning and magic.  While the main party drew Lurg and his bodyguard away from his lair, I was able to quickly venture forward to complete my notes while invisible.

The Third Painting

Now safely back in my study, I can begin to contemplate the notes.  As one would suspect, the first alcove’s images were that of a savage people.  Though these people, upon close inspection, wielded spears, which the troglodytes do not.  And the barbarous garments actually resembled specific animal hides.  The second alcove’s images were much the same, except there were several depictions of creates that did not appear native to the lands south and west of Trinsic.  Nor even to Trammel at all from the Ecology books housed in our libraries.  What I did find though is the depictions closely matched ridge backs found in Ilshenar.  A very strange thing to have made it all the way to this cave.  The third cave depiction however was the oddest.  Amongst the hand prints was a scene of chaos.  A city nestled in the mountains writhed in flame, or some kind of exploding fire.  People fleeing the fire move all about the image and what appears to be ruined buildings.

Of the first two depictions I can hazard a guess that they refer to the Savages found in Ilshenar.  Perhaps the troglodytes are some lost tribe of theirs corrupted by sorcery some how.  That would require a separate investigation.  The third depiction, I can not say as of yet.  Perhaps a party can be formed to travel to those lands and see what clues can be found there.  The Savages of Ilshenar appreciate outsiders as much as the troglodytes do, so an armed group is advisable if this is deemed worthy of further study.

Your loyal servant,

Arden
Battle Mage of House Ellindale

Editor's Note: This report is part of a continuing series of adventures launched from the PaxOku Dueling Arena and Hunting Hall, 800 Monks Crossing, PaxOku, Tokuno, PaxLair Statehood, Chesapeake every Thursday night at 9 PM ET.