Just a few days back, macabre crimson lightning broke the sky around the Refuge Of Degannwy, and crashing could be heard through the forest, both phenomena apparent from miles away. Sounds of war-cries and of battle and of the massive use of offensive and defensive spells sounded through the night, and afterwards word came out of what happened, much of it fragmentary. Those who had investigated before the battle reported defenses built over a sizable area in front of the ravine which normally forms the main barrier, and that inner zone around the village of Elves and fey beings was protected by a glowing mystical defense. Despite the building turmoil parties of adventurers braved the woods to add themselves to the ranks of defenders. Others arrived merely to investigate the growing cataclysm only to become caught up in the confrontation.
The ingredients necessary for a cure of the recent terrifying contagion had been obtained, but the cure also required a long ritual, and stopping this was the aim of the creator of that contagion.The renegade Avalan's power had grown far beyond what anyone could have anticipated, and his forces threw the defenders back several times only to have them rally and regain their positions. Despite the defense, the outer layer of works was broken a little more in each rush, so that the defenders finally retreated to avoid being overwhelmed. Avalan took to the field as an enormous treant, and he tried to mystically breach the barrier while the ritual neared its completion, but even with the defenders cast back their line held even with many barely able to stand.
Finally the ritual finished, and Avalan's power broken, and his form shattered. Those afflicted by his contagion at the site were treated directly and quickly showed signs of recovery, while messengers were sent to carry it to anyone afflicted not present. Despite the victory it seemed like it would take the woods near the refuge some time to recover from the battle which rocked the heavens themselves.
