Gai-len [IC]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The world: Gai-len
Gai-len is a world different from those most are familiar with. The greatest and most flourishing civilizations consist of Orcs and Goblinoids, which live in relative peace alongside plenty strong and proud tribes of Giants of all sorts, Kobolds, Lizardfolk and many more monstrous beings. The element that disrupts the peace of this world the most is the relatively small and scattered population of Humans, Elves and Dwarves. Gnomes and Halflings exist, but only in captivity. They are being cultivated by the Orcs for their superior qualities as servants and mobile side tables.

Ages ago, the monstrous humanoids (this includes Orcs, Goblins, etc.) decided that the Humans, Elves and Dwarves deserved a place of their own. All humanoids were provided with free passage to a continent far overseas where they were left in peace, as promised. In return, being regarded a pest, the humanoids were outlawed in all other continents and mercilessly hunted down. Being once, in a distant past, the dominant creatures of this world, the humanoids slowly developed a sense of entitlement, however. This was their world and they felt they had every right to be wherever they wanted to be.

Over many, many years the humanoids developed a tradition in which the second and fourth born son and daughter in every family underwent rigorous military training and was then sent off to the continents of the monstrous humanoids. Their mission was simple: through whatever means necessary, which usually implied guerrilla warfare, attempt to disrupt the monstrous humanoid society and, if possible, start settlements. One important element of this tradition is that this is a one-way trip. Return to the humanoid homeland is not an option: A simple matter of pride. The main characters in this story are guerrilla warriors sent to the monstrous continents, and about to find out that the repopulation tactic of their ancestors had not quite been successful.

Introduction
Two and a half months at sea had taken its toll on most of the troop you were sent with. Out of 50 men and women, 20 had died of malnutrition and disease. The remaining warriors were weakened, yet determined to succeed. Each and every one of them wanted to slay at least three monsters for every friend they had lost. No one, nothing would stop them from doing so.

The giants that were travelling alongside the sun-scarred beaches disagreed, however. After landing and leaving their vessel, and after congratulating one another on surviving the trip the warriors set out on the beach, discussing the next step.

As if through magic they were surrounded by four colossal dwarves. Although....as if? Their pitch black skins were only visible on their with fierce red hair covered forearms, the rest of their bodies were covered with chain armor. Four devastating sweeps with huge hammers and a few seconds later only a few of the proud warriors remained. Swiftly running back to their boat, they managed to evade a certain death. The giants were not planning on entering the water. Dozens of bodies were stripped of valuables and the band set off, leaving the disillusioned warriors afloat.

You are these warriors. There was one more, Durgol, a dwarven barbarian. In almost all ways a typical dwarf: stout, strong, far from comely and with a determination only surpassed by the length of his pitch black beard. He only lacked the sense of organization and calm typical for his kin. Too terrified to enter the beach again, you stayed afloat for two days. During the second day you noticed two small vessels, quicker than and with more maneuverability than your ship, approaching you, packed with Orcs. If it weren’t for your shattered morale, you would have gone down fighting.

Shortly after your incarceration the Orcs found out about your abilities as magicians and escape artists, which made them decide to transport you bound and gagged. As long as you stay calm you can breathe through your noses and, if necessary, you can communicate using variations on ‘murr’, ‘hnng’ and ‘gaah’. Your feet are tied by ropes to one another, leaving just over one foot of room for careful treading. Your hands are bound behind your backs with small manacle-like contraptions and, in order to make sure none of you wiggles out, they are fit so tight that your skin is torn beneath the edges. Every movement of your hands leaves you in fear of breaking your wrists. These precautions made them so confident to decide to have you escorted by only four Orcs, two of which look distinctly daft. Moreover, you are carrying your own equipment: you seem harmless and it saves them energy.

During the past two weeks you have been escorted through what strikes you as a savannah, travelling from one source of water to the other. The frequency and density of the bushes is slowly diminishing and you realise you are heading towards a desert. You are heading perhaps towards a mine of some sort to be put to labour or maybe to tribes living on the other side of the desert to be sold as slaves. Durgol, the dwarf, is the only other captive on this transport. You have noticed that with every day his face looks more and more grim. During the past three days you have been hearing distinct whimpering... he is either in a lot of pain, or he is about to crack mentally. Or both. Then, right after a short stop in which the Orcs drank some water and offered you and the dwarf a sip of a mixture of sand and water, a most peculiar event takes place.

It all started with a faint snap, or was it the feral roar? Either way, right after, Durgol leaps forward towards the two Orcs in front of you as you see the manacles hanging from his left wrist and a bloody stump on the end of his right arm. Raging and howling the dwarf smacks the manacles, as if it were a flail, into the back of the head of one of the Orcs. The Orc topples as the dwarf turns his attention to the other Orc. The two Orcs behind you shout and draw their axes while they see the berserker effortlessly snapping the neck of the terrified Orc. Both remaining Orcs charge at Durgol and probably due to his uncertain footing in the sand the first Orc fumbles his attack horribly, cleaving his buddy in half. For a short moment the dwarf and the last remaining Orc gauge one another as Durgol decides to reach for the axe of one of the dead Orcs. His lapse of defence proves fatal when the rusty blade of a greataxe gets planted in the side of his head.

Merely 10 seconds after the snap and the roar, the Orc pulls the axe out of the dwarf’s head with some effort. He turns around and glares at the both of you. “So...let that be a warning for you” he grunts in the Orcish language. “Let’s move, pinkskins”. As the Orc reaches out to collect the few valuables he can carry this story starts....

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Your current state
If only being bound and gagged was the worst of your condition. Alas, it isn’t. You are strained to the point where normal mortal souls would have succumbed. It is only through cannibalizing your arcane energy that you managed to stay afoot and conscious. A mere swing with a rotten club could take you out of commission swiftly. At least, that is how you feel. The only exception is Nala. She is exhausted and winded, for sure, but she seems to possess the strength and stamina to endure the punishment you received through pure physical and mental power. Still, she has the same scary dreams about rotten clubs.

This exercise also exposes your weaknesses in a painful way, and a good example of this is Jakkun, the Dwarf. While extremely stout, he was never the strongest and right now his strength has drained to alarming levels. He wobbles on his feet and has been supported by Nala during the past few days, as well as by an inner fire that is alien to humanoids, a fire that powers dragons to live for aeons. Velethi and Vrishchika, both ladies clearly not cut out for heavy physical endeavours, are hanging in but struggling. Their arcane power leads their feet and allows them to think straight, but only barely so. With Nala being occupied with pulling Jakkun through, Velethi and Vrishchika have been taking turns in helping the other over and through tough moments.

If you only had been vaguely familiar with one another by the time the ship landed, that has changed now. This has been a team-building extraordinaire experience, so far, in which each of you depended on the others to get through....and this was only the beginning. Still....something has to happen....for you are literally dying slowly and this, well, this may very well be the moment. You share a common insight: poor Durgol. We cannot have him die for nothing....because if he did, so will we.


OOC: First of all Siel, the Fey, is not with you. She will come in later, the opening scene is for the other four characters.

The strain I described above results in the following temporary conditions (there are some exceptions for Nala, which I grant her because of her feat selection and because she is the (only) physical character). No worries, you will get rid of it soon enough:
-Your Str and Dex are reduced by 4 points (to a minimum score of 4). Nala, your Str and Dex are reduced by 2.
-You have a -2 penalty on attacks, saves and ability checks (including skills), this is superimposed on the -4 Str/Dex penalty. Nala, your penalty is -1.
-Your hp are low, very low. You don’t know exactly how low, but you are sure it is less than 50% of your standard maximum.
-Spellcasters, binders, invokers, breath weapon users and eldritch blasters have used up their arcane soup. You still know/have memorized all your abilities, but you have the energy left to execute/capitalize on just one move. One spell, one invocation, one blast, one breath. Make it count, if you can.

This may come across a bit harsh, and that is the whole purpose. No worries, you will get to full power soon enough and I will not rid you of your powers again (well, not like this). It is just the way this campaign kicks off.

[Steamsaint]

Jakkun, Dragonfire Adept

Jakkun's eyes widen as he sees Durgol fall, and as soon as he can do so without letting the lone Orc see he nudges Nala in the side, gesturing feebly at their one remaining guard. He nearly chokes on his gag in what could only be called excitement.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Barely able to keep her eyes open, she looks to Jakkun and Nala, nudges Velethi and nods toward the last orc. With her movement, a tiny spider emerges from her coat, scampers about over the front, and comes to rest on the bottom hem.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

A small map of the situation, to prevent confusion:

{table]--- | -A- | -B- | -C- | -D- | -E- | -F- | -G- | -H- | -I-

1 | | | | | | | | |
2 | | | | | | | | |
3 | | | Ve | | N | | | O |
4 | | | Vr | | J | | O | OD |
5 | | | | | | | | O |
6 | | | | | | | | |
7 | | | | | | | | | [/table]
Orc
Durgol
Nala
Jakkun
VRishchika
VElethi
Orc that died

Since Jakkun and Vrishchika are the first to seek contact, you may both make a bluff check to see if you can relay your motives well (a bit like innuendo used to work). The DC is 3. The others can use Sense motive against you (DC3, +1 for each point the sender failed his or her check by (if applicable)).

[Steamsaint]

Bluff: 1d20+3=[roll0]

[Derjuin]

Bluff to convey message: [roll0]

[TinselCat]

Nala

Nala hadn’t moved the entire time while Durgol made his stand because of shock, confusion, general pain and the constant need to keep Jakkun on his feet. If anyone falls over no one but that now remaining single orc will have the hands needed to pick him back up. After seeing two meaningful glances from Jakkun and Vrishchika, she considers the opportunity that Durgol had abruptly given them. There is only one left. An armed one. But, so is she. In fact, she has a six foot long pointy stick strapped to her back in a stable and potentially useful position.

But the orc is standing too far away for comfort. She doesn’t want any of them to have to approach the orc. But how to make him come over? After a brief second she glances down at Jakkun and gives him what she hopes is a clearly very apologetic expression, and gives him an unceremonious shove with her shoulder.


Sense motive:[roll0]
Bluff to say "Hope your plan can be accomplished prone...": [roll1]

[Kiyia Aeroth]

Velethi

Barely able to keep her eyes focused, Velethi nods slightly at Vrishchika, before devoting what little energy she has to try and slip free from her bonds.

Escape Artist- [roll0]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Meaningful glances are being exchanged as the Orc kneels down to collect some of Durgol's gear. The clear need to act is visible on the faces of the ladies in the back, but at the same time one can see a frustration of not being able to do something.

Jakkun is clearly up to something as he notices Nala's apologetic expression. Nala drops the support and Jakkun lands on his side, facing the Orc that is 12 feet away. Nala watches the Orc as he turns around and sees what happened.

Now what? Hrm...I was never told that dwarvies were that weak. He chuckles with a mean undertone. Oh, well....he was slowing us down anyway. We're better off like this. The orc starts to walk to Nala and Jakkun, planning to rid Jakkun of some valuables before deserting him.

Everybody is entitled to one standard 'surprise' action in between the orc starting to walk and arriving at Jakkun.

[Steamsaint]

Jakkun draws a deep breath and exhales, a golden gas creeping out of his mouth and enveloping the orc. Then he closes his eyes and prays to any god that will listen.

I use my slow breath on the orc, using up my one ability in this fight in order to have these effects:
Rather than dealing damage, your breath weapon slows all creatures in its area for 2 rounds. A successful Fortitude save reduces the duration to 1 round. A slowed creature can take a single move action or standard action each turn, but not both (nor can it take full-round actions). Additionally, it takes a –1 penalty to its Armor Class and on its attack rolls and Reflex saves. A slowed creature moves at half its normal speed (round down to the next 5-toot increment), which affects the creature's jumping distance as normal for decreased speed. Multiple uses of this breath effect on the same creature don't stack; use only the longer duration. Slow Breath suppresses any haste effect on creatures in its area for the duration of the slow effect. You can apply this breath effect only to a cone-shaped breath weapon.

[TinselCat]

Nala waits and waits as the orc approaches, not daring to move until it is in range. She catches a glimpse of some creeping gold gas emanating from Jakkun and hopes that, whatever it is, it is intentional and not some sort of magical accident.

She shifts her weight just slightly and summons some desperate, hidden reserve of energy. Since the orc stands several inches above her, this shouldn’t be impossible to pull off, hopes one stray thought in her exhausted mind. As he reaches a point a few feet away from her, she abruptly ducks and twists to bring the shaft of the spear sticking out above her shoulder swinging rapidly down toward their captor.

Standard action
Melee attack: [roll0] Factors in -2 to Str and -1 to attacks
Damage (if it's a hit): [roll1] Factors in -2 to Str and not using 2 hands.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Jakkun, breathing drains the last of your reserves. Your vision blurs a bit as you see the orc fighting the gas. Suddenly, a spear wielding a human darts through your view. It all looks as if you are dreaming...

As the cone of gas creeps towards him, the Orc startles and tries to avoid it, but to no avail. You stinking rat!

Fort save [roll0]

As the cloud envelops him, his muscles strain and panic shoots from his eyes. When Nala lunges towards him he let's out a grunt, trying to avoid her. He would have, if it weren't for his slowed physical state. Nala drives the tip of her weapon into his chest and he topples.

Nala, make a jump check, please. You are going to fall and end up randomly. However, if you hit DC15 on the jump, you can remain standing after your leap attack, or decide to land right on top of the Orc.

The first real round starts now. If you want to do something, please roll initiative and describe your action.

I will be in the mountains today, so I'll report back in ~10 hours.

[TinselCat]

For a moment Nala thinks she has missed, but the pained grunt from beyond her field of vision proves her wrong. But, her unnatural movement and the sudden (and admittedly somewhat unexpected) jarring hit to the orc had unbalanced her and she hits the ground with a thud. She needs to act quickly before their captor has a chance to recover his wits.

Init: [roll0] (-2 Dex means no bonus for me)

If within reach, will attempt to kick orc, if in range, from ground position. Preferably the face, but hey, I’ll take anything. No idea about the penalties to such a roll, but I’ll roll unarmed damage and you can alter (or reroll) as you see fit.

Attack: [roll1] (with current Str mod, BAB and the -4 penalty for attacking while prone)
Dmg if hit: [roll2]

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Not bothering with trying to cast a spell, Vrishchika wills her spider companion to creep from her and attack their solitary foe, while she works at removing her own bindings.


Initiative:

Escape Artist:

Spiderfamiliar crawls from my space on the map directly toward the orc - if the orc is within 20 feet, Spiderfamiliar moves into its space (provokes AoO) and bites it. [roll2] for 1 damage, plus Poison (Fort DC 12, deals 1d2 Strength initial + secondary).

Spiderfamiliar has AC 22, regarding the AoO.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

While Velethi and Vrishchika try to wriggle free, the Orc is slowed, unarmed, prone and injured. To make matters even worse, he is clearly afraid of spiders. At least, for the big ones. When he sees the big hairy spider moving towards him, he lets out a shriek that is far too girly for an Orc of his posture. Right after this shriek, you see a flock of birds flying up from a large group of trees 100 yards away followed by a small stampede of startled deer fleeing the woodland. He flails his arms and legs at the spider, but the critter is too quick. He gets bit in the hand and starts whimpering Please, no, please...I didn't mean to... as Nala puts in an effort to swing her legs at the sitting Orc's head. Her boots create a nice thud as they land on his temple, after which he falls over. Knock out.

Orc Fort save
[roll0]

[Steamsaint]

Jakkun let's out a long sigh of relief, his prayers answered, then rests a moment before rolling onto his back.

He mumbles into his gag for a moment, then realises no one can understand him before bursting into relieved tears. He eventually starts struggling with his bonds.

I take twenty on an escape artist check.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Soon enough every one of you finds out that you do not have the ability to escape from the bonds. It is either impossible, or just too hard for the untrained. You also realize that you will need water soon enough and would definately benefit from shelter from the sun.

The four of you could manage to get up and move around if you want, but you will have to leave Durgol and the Orcs behind.

Vrishchika:
Your knowledge of mother nature comes in handy here. Since there were apparently large mammals fleeing from the patch of woodland, it is likely there is water there. This notion is confirmed by the tones of green you see in the foliage: it is brighter and more varied than in other woodlands and shrubs you can see.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

In lieu of not being able to talk, Vrishchika begins hobbling toward the treeline, making sure to retrieve Spiderfamiliar on the way. She turns and nods toward it, trying to make it look as if where she's going is where everyone should go.


Rolling in OOC for the bluff check to send the message

[TinselCat]

After a few false starts Nala struggles to her feet and manages to avoid tripping herself once again. Reluctant to shatter her wrists by struggling against the bonds, she believes that right now they need to avoid exposure to the harsh sun. At least Vrishchika appears to have an idea, or at least a hope, of where to find shelter. So Nala gives her a tired nod and looks back to make sure Velethi can stay on her feet for that much longer and moves to help Jakkun as much as she can again. Hopefully they can make it that far before their strength gives out. Only then can they think about getting fully free. She glances back once at the orcs and at Durgol. There is no way they can bury their comrade in return for the help he had given them. Hopefully anyone who crossed this site would think that Durgol had been alone and he and the orcs had killed each other. Either way they need to get away from this site quickly.

Sense motive roll on Vrishchika…
[roll0] (with -1 skill)

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The whole situation with Durgol was unexpected and eventful; the scene after that was unanticipated but succesful. The stress, however, is not over yet. Nala sees Vrishchika nodding and returns with a hopeful glance. Together the three of you get Jakkun on his feet and head for the patch of woodland.

The journey may very well be the longest you ever undertook. Slowly the lush area closens and as you reach it you are welcomed and warmed by shadow and comforting bird songs. As you lean aginst a tree you see a small lake about 40 feet ahead of you. There are large reptiles bathing in the sun on the coast and fairly fat friendly looking hairless cow-like beings in the water. The water is perfectly blue and fresh....how that makes you feel in short: heaven on earth. The long version: heaven on earth! The question is: who is in first?

Vrishchika
knowledge nature: [roll0]
Alarm! The reptiles are Caiman...they are fairly harmless when compared to their bigger nephews, but the fat creatures in the water are hippopotami (?). They are agressive and territorial and known to tear an Ogre apart in one go. Inhabitants of the oasis are familiar with this, but your comrades are not.

[Kiyia Aeroth]

Velethi

Upon arriving within the miniature Eden, Velethi chooses to relax beneath a tree, not worrying about food or water thanks to the ring the orcs had failed to confiscate. After sitting down, she notices Nala's spear, and makes an attempt to gesture her bound hands towards it, indicating that they could try to pierce through the knot.

Bluff- [roll0]

[TinselCat]

Nala doesn’t quite trust this apparent oasis, no matter how nice it looks, especially since it’s inhabited. She remains further back, trying to stay out of sight but not willing to abandon this refreshing area. After catching Velethi’s glance and gesture, she beckons with a nod and slowly sits down behind a tree and facing away from the lake, making the spear orient sideways at an angle. Hopefully the others could use the tip to saw their bonds off.

Rolls:
Sense Motive [roll0]
Bluff for communication [roll1]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The material your hands are bound with is a form of leather and there are metal wires there, either to reinforce it or to join both sides together, that is not quite clear. Since Nala's spear is pointy, and not jagged, it is far from the ideal tool to use to get rid of them. It may work, but it is going to take you long....an hour, maybe....maybe more?

Your feet are bound by normal rope. You can walk with these bonds, but putting in a few minutes of effort and Nala's spear may free you of them and offer you some more freedom.

Your gags are some form of cloth and, given enough time and a person that is somewhat proficient at making and untying knots, you cold undo them fairly fast. It just requires some awkward positioning and patience.


As you are settling down and figuring out how to release yourselves and in what order, the ambience of the oasis penetrates your senses. The rustling sound of the wind playing with leaves is as comforting as the birds chirping and it slowly driving the stress out of your system. If you listen carefully, you can hear voices every now and then. Distant, faint and soft, it sounds a bit like children's play and laughter. You cannot pinpoint it and it is very irregular, but it seems like you are not alone.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

After a few minutes the serenity in your vicinity gets a bit disturbed. You hear distinct shuffling in the bushes, about 7 feet away from where you are sitting and standing. Something is out there...it is not approaching you, but rather seems to be hiding and observing you.

[TinselCat]

Once discovering the strength of their bindings, Nala grumbles to herself in annoyance. Considering that she has little to no skill with knots, and her own distance from the point of the spear way over her head, there was nothing she could do for the rest of them at the moment. She sits and waits.

When the shuffling in the bushes alerts her to their watcher, she immediately looks over to try to spot who or what has taken an interest in them. Wanting to be fully prepared in case of hostilities, she stands up slowly and tiredly once again, and looks directly towards the noise. Hopefully whatever is the bushes would know that they wouldn’t be taken by surprise. With an awkward gesture she tries to invite it out of the bushes to where they could see it.

Rolls:
Untrained spot check: [roll0]
Bluff check to communicate with bushes: [roll1]

[Steamsaint]

Jakkun, half asleep against a tree already in the relative serenity of the place, is jolted awake by the rustling in the bush. He realises that it isn't one of his comrades and immediately coughs, a feeble attempt at kindling at least a small spark in order to burn away the gag so he can warn the others.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Finally able to do something about her bindings, Vrishchika begins chewing intently at the gag in her mouth, her teeth sawing across it in an attempt to rip it apart. Though she acknowledges the rustling just beyond the group's location, she continues her biting, her eyes keeping watch on the bushes.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

He who is in the bushes is enjoying quite an extraordinary view. There's a lady with small horns and a general sinister aura surrounding her calmly gnawing the cloth that is in her mouth with her fierce teeth. There's a man that is too short to be an orc and too big to be a goblin who is coughing up puffs of smoke and fire....and seems to be enjoying it. Then there are two ladies that look far too fair skinned to be an orc, though one of them looks tough enough to be one. All of them are bound. One of the last two ladies is trying to rip her bonds with the spear the tough lady has on her back. What is the story behind this? Whatever it is in the bushes, it for sure does not try to be silent and remain undetected.

You are all, with the exception of Nala, working on your bonds. Vrishchika and Jakkun are making steady progress. Velethi a bit less: the bonds she is working on are tougher than the cloth gags and the instrument she is working with is pretty lethal. All of you hear the shuffling and Nala is the first to react. She calmly stands up, making sure not to impale Velethi, and takes two steps to the bushes. She inspects the area closely and then turns around. She looks at you with a meaningful glance, she is obviously trying to tell you something. It is either a very complex message, or she is not doing a very good job conveying it.

Please make a sense motive roll.

Rolls for Nala [roll0]
[roll1]

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika's Sense Motive:
[roll0]

[Steamsaint]

Jakkun's Sense Motive:
D20+0:[roll0]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

A New Map (https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dDZRWWFLc2hwTGZWTW45Ti12QXVma 3c&hl=en_US&authkey=CLjFmfMO) (thanks for the tips, Personman)

While Velethi is still consumed by her bonds and checks to see if they have weakened yet, Nala exchanges looks with Jakkun and Vrishchika. She is having a hard time making sense, and you are having a hard time making sense of it.

Vrishchika:
Something is up, that much is clear. Did it go away? Did she spot it and was it armed? Is it someone she knows?

You honestly have no clue.

Jakkun:
Your roll was actually 2 lower, as you did not apply the penalty of -2 you currently have, I think. Just pointing that out so you are aware that you did not roll 20 (which was, unfortunately, the DC to hit).
Okay...something is wrong. Her eyes are shifting left to right. She is looking around. Is it gone, but maybe she thinks it is still around?

All:
Nala is not around and while I will roll-play for her, I will not role-play for her (well, a bit, but this is as far as I'll go). So, it would be helpful if someone else takes over the initiative here.

[Steamsaint]

Well, actually since I have no positive modifiers originally that means it's a natural 20. I forget with skill rolls whether I have to confirm though.

[Kiyia Aeroth]

Velethi

Giving up on her bonds for the time being. Velethi gets herself up and starts to pay attention to her surroundings again. Noticing the movement in the bushes, the girl slowly moves to the other side of the bushes, in case the creature within tries to flee.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Velethi:
you walk up to the other side of the bushes and have a good look. You hear it again, something is definately there. Maybe Nala has seen it, given her alarmed expression that you noticed while walking up a moment ago.

You hear the sound again and check the bushes once more. What is there? You don't see anything, but it should be right under your nose. Maybe a small rodent, but the sound is really too loud.

All:
Allmost aminute passes by in this way, with Nala and Velethi inspecting the bushes and trying to communicate and Vrishchika and Jakkun working on their gags. You are making steady progress and are almost about to get through the cloth.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The shuffling in the bushes turns into a concert when you hear some shuffling in the tree on the other side of your temporary encampment. Right after, a strange being graciously jumps out of the crown of the tree.

The figure that just came into view slowly stands from the crouch it dropped into, straightening and pushing the jet-black hair from its face to the side with one hand. It becomes clear that this being bears quite a resemblance to a human female, but its pure-black eyes and hair seem to indicate a completely different heritage. The being's skin is so pale that it seems like even a moment in the sun would burn it, and the ears are elongated, but unlike elven ears they have gaping holes in the sides, giving a further inhuman feel to the creature.

The odd girl-being's torso is clad in what appear to be heavily cut and stitched old robes, with covering of metal loops resting on it. The metal seems to be covered with liquid, constantly moving down it in rivulets that never seem to touch the robes beneath them. The metal comes to an end just below the belt of similarly stitched-together pants, with small tufts of fur, each a slightly different color, adorning the very bottom, just above the ends of worn traveling shoes.

At the side of the pale being is a sheathed weapon, a sword with a pure black crystal as the only adornment of the hilt. The pale being's right hand rests lightly on the weapon, a barely visible dark blue-almost black-aura surrounding it.

Suddenly the creature smiles, her head tilting to the side as she speaks, her voice both obviously unnatural and something alluring at the same time. I greet you, unknown visitors of my abode. She raises her left hand and snapping her fingers. The moment she does so, the sounds from the bush stop and a wisp of light blue seems to rise from it. That was an interesting encounter you had with those orcs. Would you mind if I ask you some questions? The being asks, her smile fading slightly. Although we'll have to get rid of those odd restraints that you're wearing first, won't we? She adds, raising her hand from the hilt of her weapon.

*!New updated map!* (https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dDZRWWFLc2hwTGZWTW45Ti12QXVma 3c&hl=en_US&authkey=CLjFmfMO)

[Kiyia Aeroth]

Velethi

Intrigued by the being, but still wary after her experiences so far, Velethi stays where she is, watching the figure carefully.

[Steamsaint]

Jakkun turns his head at the voice and jumps at the sight of this new apparition, then falls backwards against the tree he was leaning against.

[TinselCat]

When the rustling from the trees starts, Nala jerks slightly and whips her head around to face the newcomer. She wonders briefly if this figure from the oasis had anything to do with the thing in the bushes, and when she moves to (Nala suspects) dismiss it, it is confirmed. What is the purpose behind this game? Nala studies her appearance and her words intently for a long moment. She does not seem hostile, but she had used this odd magical distraction on them and separated them from each other. And she cannot decide whether this newcomer is exactly humanoid or monster. The initial glimpse looks human enough, but yet there is so much about her that is out of place. Her offer of help, and her admission of watching them escape, makes Nala think that she is for some reason sympathetic to their peril. Even if that is not the case, getting free is a high priority. Eventually Nala nods to her, with a bit of nervousness. She will accept the help. Warily.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

All (OOC):Up untill now I have been pming back and forth with Personman and acting for his character based on his descriptions. We discussed today he would enter the thread with the post below. Since he has not done that yet, I assume he has been unable to post since my last reply.

However, since I prefer to have the game rolling on a daily basis, I decided to post this for PersonMan (I hope that is ok with you). I decided to do this because the story is pretty much 'stuck' on Siel's action right now.

So, in short, this post was written by PersonMan. Please treat it as such.

The creature smiles slightly, moving to undo the gags of the group, starting with Nala.

Well, then, now that you can speak, how about introductions? The being asks as she deftly works to take apart the knots of your gags. I am Siel. Siel Vartas, to be precise. She says. Now, I'd like to know why you were being held captive by those orcs... The girl asks, slowly cutting through your bonds.

[TinselCat]

Nala winces a little as the newcomer sets to work. Is seems all of her muscles have badly stiffened up over the past hours. Her mouth is dry and painful, but at least she can talk again. After she looks over to the rest of the party to make sure everyone is getting taken care of and is not suffering much distress, she begins hoarsely, “I am Nala Cygnis. We were captured by orcs because…because we are not one of them, I suppose.” That is a reasonable way to put it, she thinks.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Vrishchika continues gnawing her way through the cloth, pedantically determined to cut it herself, though she offers the bindings on her wrists for Siel to remove. She figures there isn't much hope of getting the bonds off herself, so risking getting stabbed in the back is worth it.

[Kiyia Aeroth]

Velethi

Velethi, the last (presumably) to have her gag removed, speaks shortly after, not lying but withholding details. "We're from overseas... here to see what the human population on the main continent is like. We weren't in the best state when we reached land, and were captured while weak." Velethi's gaze drifts over to the oasis. "Is it safe to drink?"

[PersonMan]

Siel nods as these strange humanoids explain their presence. Interesting. So your peoples and the orcs have some sort of vendetta against each other, then? She asks, glancing back out into the grass, where the dead orcs lie. As far as I know the water is fine, but you might be different enough from me that you drink a different kind of water. The fey considers.

Although you mention checking on the humans here-that's odd, since I haven't seen a single one before all of you. Siel adds after a moment, her eyebrows rising.

[TinselCat]

“Not a one?” Nala repeats thoughtfully to herself, sounding a bit disappointed. “I’m not surprised, though.” Abruptly she turns to the rest of the party and asks, “Is everyone alright? No lasting injuries: sprains, infections, broken bones? Illness? ...Anything?”

After she asks, she reaches back and finally, after days of carrying it, takes off her pack and removes the spear. Her shoulders hurt from carrying the weight without a break – in fact, everything still hurts. Quickly she checks the spear and crossbow for any signs of damage, counts her bolts, and ties the dagger to her belt. That, she thinks very sheepishly, will be the last time I pack that away where I can't reach it.

[Steamsaint]

Jakkun, seeing that the others don't seem to have fallen prey to deadly fey magic, is the last to offer up his bonds to Siel.

"Well... maybe they live underground with us dwarven folk then? I'm sure that we could teach even humans how to survive in a mine."

His tone isn't insulting, more one of quiet contemplation. He doesn't even seem to notice the potential insult in his words.

[Kiyia Aeroth]

Velethi

Her bonds removed, Velethi stretches her arms, feeling a trickle of eldritch energy start to flow through them along with the freed bloodflow. While the conversation hasn't exactly sunk in yet, Velethi turns to face Nala. "I'm alright, Nala... as far as I can tell anyway." Turning to the fey, Velethi bows slightly. "Thank you for helping us, by the way... My name is Velethi Kanerias."

[PersonMan]

Siel nods, her expression settling into one that shows no emotion whatsoever.

At Velethi's show of gratitude, the fey shrugs. I've been spending the past few weeks waiting for my next subjects to arrive. I've been doing research on humanoid emotions, so learning how yours work interests me greatly. As Nala asks her companions about their injuries, she adds If any of you are injured, I could heal you. Although, I would need to gather some of your suffering first, though, as I won't have enough otherwise.

[TinselCat]

“You what?” Nala growls. First this “Siel” creature shrugs - a recognizably humanoid gesture - and then goes on to say these bizarre things that sound so foreign and suspicious. And she does not like what she has gathered from it. She pulls herself upright from an exhausted lean on her spear shaft and her hand tightens reflexively around it. She also shifts slightly sideways to superimpose herself between this creature and the rest of the party. “Subjects.” She states flatly. “And gathering suffering. Frankly, I don’t like that sound of that. Answer us this: what exactly are you and what do you want with us?”

[PersonMan]

Siel tilts her head to the side, jet black eyes staring directly at Nala. I am Siel Vartas, a fey that is conducting research into the emotions of humanoids. What I intend to do with you is study you and your feelings in exchange for providing assistance on your quest, which you appear to sorely need at the moment. She explains.

As to the gathering, you needn't worry about that-I've been told by previous beings I've used it on that it is an entirely enjoyable experience. Siel adds, waving one hand as she speaks, as if to dismiss the issue.

[Kiyia Aeroth]

Velethi

Rising from her bow into a defensive posture, Velethi glares at the fey. "So then what happened to your last subjects, if your gathering is so enjoyable?"

[PersonMan]

Siel raises an eyebrow. Once I completed my research, I left them. She says. I'm not sure where they are now, but when I parted ways with them they seemed to be in good health. The fey adds, seeming slightly confused. But I don't see what my research has to do with this-I'm just asking if I could take your grief so that I could heal you. She says, frowning slightly.

[TinselCat]

“Well.” Nala frowns, “I'm not quite sure about this 'grieftaking', but if, as you say, no harm has come of it, I suppose I shouldn’t worry about it. I'm not keen on the idea, however. It would be courteous not to attempt any research other than passive observation.” She puts emphasis on the last two words. “If that is understood, I can't see too many problems arising. It doesn’t appear that we have any serious injuries that a little rest cannot fix.” She looks over at the lake. “I need to drink something. If I keel over, take warning,” she adds to the rest of the party, and heads carefully but with determination over to the lake.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

As soon as she is through her bindings, the first thing Vrishchika does is warn Nala of the larger creatures in the lake. "Be careful, hippopotami can be territorial and dangerous territorial, especially with their powerful bite..." she rasps, her voice coarse from their torturous journey so far. She turns back to Siel and gives an awkward and curt bow. Uh, thanks for helping us. You can call me Vrishchika. If you're looking for grief to take, I've got a tragedy treasure trove right over here," she says, stretching her sore arms and legs.

[PersonMan]

Siel frowns slightly. Well, I'd like to inquire as to the nature of your emotions-which I consider necessary for good research and active observation-but if you're vehemently against it I won't. As Vrishchika mentions having lots of grief, Siel smiles and nods. Well, then, I'll go ahead. She says. After a moment she begins to sing in an impossibly clear voice and soon you can feel happiness rising in you. Shortly after this, faint blue light begins to rise from you and flow through the air to the fey, sinking into her form.


Rolls:
Perform(sing): [roll0]

Notes:
Perform(sing) result is a 30.

Using the Extract Grief Scream of Suffering ability, 8 left for today.

If it matters, you all have a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls and saves vs fear.

[Steamsaint]

Thoroughly creeped out by the fey's demeanour and now this display of power, Jakkun watches Vrishchika carefully for any signs of... anything really.

He isn't likely to step forward as the fey's next experiment no matter how the others might trust it.

"Perhaps we er, should think of what to do next?"

[TinselCat]

Nala stops fifteen feet away from the edge of the lake and eyes it. “Territorial, huh,” she echoes Vrishchika’s warning with a frustrated grumble. “And dangerous. Siel,” she calls over to the fey. “You live here. Is there any way of making sure we won’t be attacked? I really don’t want to deal with an angered ...one of those things.” She backs up slowly and once far enough away that she feels safe, she turns back to the rest of the party. “Jakkun has a point. I don't advocate that we abandon this place before we're fully rested, but we do need to get an idea of where we are or where we should be going. This oasis could be one of many, or we could be completely isolated out here.”

[PersonMan]

Siel stands with her eyes closed for a moment, letting the newly collected energy flow through her inhuman body. Those things? If you avoid sudden moves and keep a good fifteen feet away from them, it should be fine-that's what everyone here does, and it seems to work well. She says, reopening her pure black eyes.

So, then, I have enough energy for one removal of pain for each of you-which of you wants to be healed first? The fey asks, raising her open hands to the others, both of them lightly glowing with fresh suffering.

[Kiyia Aeroth]

Velethi glances between the others before stepping forward. "I guess I'll go first... I mean if you were trying something Vrishchika would probably be noticing something by now." As she waits for the healing, she turns to Jakkun. "I agree, we need to figure out what we're doing... we could continue with what we were tasked to do, but I don't think the four of us... well, five with Siel's help... could really do all that much."

[TinselCat]

Nala remains a bit wary of glowing hands as a general policy, but after hearing Velethi’s reasoning, she finally decides to nod. “I don’t think we can turn down help at this point,” she admits. While Siel is occupied healing Velethi, she cautiously returns to the lake to finally get some long awaited water, taking care to avoid the creatures in or near the water. Upon her return to where the rest of the party is gathered, she sits down in the grass against a tree. “There aren’t really any other options except to continue with the expedition’s task, are there? But there’s so few of us remaining, it's going to be hard to progress.”

[PersonMan]

Siel considers the situation for a moment. There is another option for you to take, actually. The fey says, a slight smile coming to her face. I could show you a portal, of sorts-a pathway to far-away land. It is, like this one, inhabited by orcs and others of their kind-which seem to be your enemies-but far more densely so. There are...side effects, however, of using the portal if you are not a Fey, although even I am not entirely aware of what they are. She says.

Healing:
Velethi: [roll0]
Nala: [roll1]
(If they agree to it, I haven't heard anything from them about it.)
Jakkun: [roll2]
Vrishchika: [roll3]

[Steamsaint]

Jakkun accepts Siel's healing with suspicion, and only after the others have done so first.

"Side effects... not something that I'd particularly want to attempt but I guess I don't want to be left behind. And I suppose we're like as not to die in this land any other way. Hells be damned, we're likely to die on the other side of the portal too.

[TinselCat]

“A pathway to a far-away land?” Nala echoes as she thinks. “A portal that leads to another place still on this continent?" The concept seems difficult for her to fully accept and she struggles to reason it out. "Magic," she eventually shrugs dismissively. "But," she admits, "Jakkun’s right. We have no guarantees of survival no matter what we do. A denser population will increase our risk for discovery and capture, but it at least means food. And supplies. Now, about those side-effects. Do you have any reason to suspect that they would be fatal? Or crippling? Do you know why only Fey can use them safely? I’m not saying for certain that we should jump right in, but it’s certainly worth checking out.”

[Kiyia Aeroth]

Velethi lifts an eyebrow at the mention of the portal. "Is it too much to hope for that these side effects are of the 'gives magic-shooting eyes' kind?"

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Vrishchika eyes the fey warily now, carefully considering the possibility of cahoots. "I'll be more inclined to investigate this portal if you give me a moment to...prepare, something." She walks a little away from the group, and begins drawing something in the dirt.


Creating a seal to summon and bind Malphas - DC 15

[roll0] Binding check

It takes 1 minute to make the seal, and 1 minute to make a pact with Malphas. I draw the seal with my finger, and he has no special requirements.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Vrishchika walks away a bit and starts drawing in the sands with her finger. As you are watching her with perhaps some curiosity you hear the children's laughter you heard upon entering the oasis again, but then much closer. It is swiftly increasing in volume untill it suddenly dies out.

Och, my child. If you want to learn how to shoot magic from your eyes, ask the lady over there. A fairly small creature has appeared from the bushes and stands next to Siel, while pointing at Vrishchika. She deploys an art I haven't seen in use in aeons....interesting.... As you turn around you have a hard time to decide whether you would call this creature very weird or very friendly. It certainly has the looks of both. It walks on two legs, has two arms and a head. And two leathery, but transparant wings. His skin is like that of an amphibian and he has the looks of a big, humanoid, toad. His voice is somewhat belching, yet soft, friendly and bears the tremble belonging to a man of age.

The toad-man folds his arms behind his back and stares at Vrishchika. When he notices people are glaring at him he points at Vrischika again. Look!

Vrishchika is just about done fidgeting with the sand as you see seven or eight white doves crawl out of the sand. Did she just dig out a dove's nest, or...?. The doves proceed to sit on her outstretched arms and she whispers a word to them after which she brings her hands together swiftly for a loud clap. The doves fly up and crash into one another and disappear with a 'puff'. Many white feathers sink back to the ground and start forming into the body of an elf. His skin is as pale as Siel's, contrasted by his black feathery hair, black eyes and black clothing. His eyes are fixed on Vrishchika and it seems he does not even notice you. They start to briefly converse in a language you don't know, after which he disappears.

As the elf is there strange thoughts invade your minds. -You know, for a dwarf, Jakkun looks pretty good... -Who is that toad guy? He is weird, but really nice. He could make for a good husband... are just some examples.

As the elf disappears, Vrishchika turns back to you again. Before you can comment on the weird things that have happened, the toad speaks. Yesss....yessss....lovely. Just lovely.

Siel
You know the creature that just appeared. He is a fey that is old....very old. There is not much hierarchy among fey, but he is in general respected for his knowledge, wisdom and experience. He is helpful and inquisitive and he was all over you when he found out about your grief-taking abilities. If there is a head-honcho here, it would be him.

Siel, Siel....you have made friends and haven't shown them to us yet? Visitors from the human lands, even. Such a rare sight. Expedition you say? To what purpose, hummm? And you wish to use the portal, hummm?

The toad-man smiles broadly. Och, my manners....I apologize. My name is Froad. Froad sits down and fetches some dust from his belt pouch. He belches a bit as he tosses it into the space between you. A big cloth sheet appears with a variety of fruits and vegetables on it, as well as a large plate full of big, dead, grasshopper-looking insects. He opens his mouth and grabs a pair of the grasshoppers with his tongue as he gestures to you, insisitng you sit down. Eat, recover, and help me, by telling your story, helping you. He smiles....sort of.

[Steamsaint]

Jakkun preens for a moment before realising the voice was in his head before staring at the others warily, both trying to discern where the voice came from as well as if any of the others noticed what he had been doing.

At the fey's invitation he almost sits before realising that this is yet another strange creature offering friendship and help at no obvious immediate cost.

[TinselCat]

Throughout this experience Nala glances back and forth between this mysterious magical walking-talking-winged-toad-man to Vrishchika, a comrade who even now exercises powers that Nala could not even begin to identify or understand. Shaking the creepy feeling of overhearing random thoughts, she throws her hands up in the air in a gesture of surrender. “Casters!” She declares, not directly addressing anyone present, “I give up. And I’ll pass on those magic eyeballs of yours too.”

She uses the interjection to weigh her options to Froad’s invitation and decides to accept, sitting down near the edge of the sheet. She isn’t sure whether she was doing it for the sake of these strange creatures or for her comrades, but one of them has to make a show of reasonable fearlessness or the situation could quickly degenerate into hostilities. Without any previous or current sign that would hint that they were in danger, it is hard to project more than a rudimentary suspicion. Although after years of being told to mistrust non-humanoids, that most basic feeling is often the hardest to shake.

She takes one of the more recognizable fruits and inspects it closely while she tries to better explain their situation. “It sounds like you’ve heard of the human lands; we do, in fact, come from there. The human lands have a policy of sending out expeditions to these lands,” she refrains from mentioning the ‘monster/monstrous’ label that is often associated with it, “in order to make settlements and find others like us.” Again, withholding the aggressive disruption orders they had been given. “However, the natives here – like those orcs who captured us – do not like us humanoids. All of these expeditions are in danger from them.” That is about as delicate as she can put it. “We were members of a…larger expedition. We fell under attack. Most of us did not make it. We were captured and eventually escaped.” She summarizes shortly and with hopefully hidden discomfort. “Anything else?” She asks the rest of the party, hoping they had caught her tactical omissions.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad seems happy with some of the expedition sitting down. He points at a brown/yellow coloured fruit and says: That is a fruit that fills you up like a banana, but has the nutritional value of an orange. Too bad we can not grow banana here.

He proceeds by answering Nala. Expedition, yessss...hostility, humm? Tell me, how would your people react to orcs crossing the big ocean? He breaks off a bit of cabbage and starts sucking on it. Sjome mjight claim your endjeavours here are acts of war, no? He puts down the cabbage. Was not the ancient agreement that you would stay there, and they would live here? He points at the fruits again. Please do sample the strawberries....they only exist here because of my magics, I would hate to see them go to waste.

Please, don't get me wrong. I am neutral in this matter. I am just observing. And I observe you are here to oppose the orcs and that you may have a wish to use our portals, no? He looks at you with a serious look in his eyes. You do realize that by using the portal you would volunteer to become a friend of us, the fey, whether you want to or not?

Froad rests a bit before continuing. It is all the same to me. There are orcs here to oppose...and plenty giants, oofh! I do not mind, I will just be observing.

What are your wishes?

[PersonMan]

Siel seats herself quickly, crossing her legs and observing the new arrivals in the oasis. After a few moments, she picked a few fruits and ate, content to observe, for now. The way they responded to Froad's questioning could shed some more light on how their minds worked...

[TinselCat]

Nala knows exactly what her wishes are, but isn't about to share it with this prying creature. Instead she addresses another part of his speech. “An act of war? Well…I don’t think I can deny that perspective to those that wish it. I personally do not want to start a war. It would be messy and risky, to say the least. There’s just so many of them. However, we have explicit orders and I’m sure there are good reasons behind them. Or all these lives trained for it would be wasted.” She shrugs a bit. “I don’t feel knowledgeable enough to accurately guess at them.

“Now, that portal. I do not wish to be your enemy; however I do wish to know about the nature of this friendship you speak of. If I were sure about it…I probably wouldn’t object, but I do not know the risks such an alliance would bring us. Does this ‘friendship’ mean the same thing to you as it does to us? What obligations does ‘friendship’ entail? Are there any compulsions,” she thinks briefly about the possibility of magical compulsion, “that will come with this? Since you implied that the friendship would happen the moment we step through the portal, my suspicion is that there is some obligation involved and one that cannot be shaken off. While I am not opposed to using the portal, I’m not willing to dive into it without knowledge. I hope you can understand that.”

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Those that sample the food feel re-invigorated. This food is apparently more than just nutritional.

All:
You gain 3d8 hit points if you eat from the meal. While you do not know your current hp total, this puts you pretty much close to your total hp, especially after Siel healed you.

You are right, of course, young lady. And cautious, which is never wrong. Act of war sounds a bit heavy, I agree. Could we agree on calling it a provocation? He reaches for a stash of red fruits. Hmmm...these strawberries...

It is funny you should mention compulsions, I guess this is what it is all about. Experience has taught us that those that used the portal once were more likely to be subject to compulsion effects created by fey... and only by fey. I don't know why, I guess it is the way the ancient elders wanted it. Legends tell that those that use the portals twice lose the resistance against fey compulsions completely. There are no records of non-fey using the portal three times that I know of.

This sounds fairly heavy, but please do believe me when I say that fey are good-hearted beings. The worst that could happen to you is a comical prank....unless you decide to oppose us, or mother nature, of course.

[TinselCat]

Nala thinks closely over these compulsions. It certainly sounds harmless, considering that they have no quarrel with the fey and no sign of dislike from them. She would have to take Froad at his word about their good intentions. While being subjected to a comical prank (and what would be comical to a fey?) does not appeal to her, it is a relief to hear that the compulsion will not be impossible to resist if they only use the portal once. But, she notes to herself, under no circumstances will there be a second time.

“I don’t think that us opposing you or…nature…will be much of an issue. I think we should start considering this plan in earnest,” she suggests to the rest of the party. “Unless anyone has strong reservations about it.” Back to Froad she asks, “Can you tell us anything more about this land beyond the portal?”

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad nods. Yes, I can. Actually, this portal connects to multiple places and I can allow you passage to three of them. That leaves you with four options, I guess.

Froad starts drawing with his finger in the sand. (https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0BwBF08i13s81OGQ1NjZhMDItZDExZC00NDM2LTg1N WMtZWI4ZTNlNDRlZTM5&hl=en_US) My drawing is not so good. Please bear with me. This be a schematic drawing of this continent.

Froad marks an X on the centre left. Hereabouts there is grasslands, desert and woodlands. It is not all as barren as what you have seen so far. You will find wildlife here, several karavan routes and some settlements. Mostly goblinoids live in these parts, but others do as well. Their ties to the main orc capitals are fairly strong, and they are the link between the orc lands and the resources found in the south. Also, a lot of tribes of giants of all sorts live here. Most of the ogres are employed by the orcs to protect their karavans.

Far to the south lie the jungles. Lots of wildlife there and I would say the place is perilous. It is a popular travel destination for dragon-spotters. Dragons of all types live there, and also many dragonkin, such as kobolds. He draws an X with a circle on the bottom part of the map and looks intently at you. You do know what kobolds and goblins are, hum? Anyway, the ties between the jungle region and the orc capitals are very weak. Many precious ores and gems are found here and since orcs are somewhat scared of the forests and its perils, they trade with the dragonkin and let them be. Perhaps that is the best place to go if you do not want to be found. By orcs.

Far to the east lie the fertile grasslands that the orcs control. Many a farm you will find, little wilderness. Most large orc cities are in this region. You will find orcs, goblins, kobolds and so on here and also some giants. Lesser giants, though. Not the really big ones. This nation is highly organized and you will run into military patrols and law enforcement very regularly. This is the best place to go if you want to be found. By orcs. I guess I would advice against going here, but you lot seem well trained, perhaps you can cope.

Finally, way in the north lie huge mountain ranges which feature boreal forests and alpine regions. Many many wildlife here. Good fishing as well, I hear. It is usually very cold and most humanoids avoid the place. Bands of barbarians, that's how the orcs call them, live here in a loosely-knit society. As far as I can tell, they do not have ties with the orcs. The orcs let them have their warmth-forsaken lands and the barbarians allow the orcs to harvest the fluids they have become so dependent on during the past 50 years. This may be the safest place to go, provided you can handle the cold.

There are many more regions, but I cannot allow you passage to those. Either to protect you, or to protect ourselves. Froad smiles. Does that answer your question?

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Vrishchika turns back to the group, just in time to have the apparent regions of the continent explained to the group by the frog-man. In a moment of capriciousness and creeping paranoia that she can't seem to shake, though, she changes her mind about portals. "Actually, I would prefer if we didn't go through any portals that made us more susceptible to charms and the like. West, here, wherever we are for me."

Though her voice doesn't tremble a bit, her eyes seem to avoid contact with the others when she speaks.

[PersonMan]

Siel nods, placing her hands together under her chin. Well, then it seems like you've decided to stay here-any plans, then, for how you'll be going about this settlement-establishing that you've been sent here to do? The fey asks, curious. If they had been part of a larger expedition, perhaps they could have done so, but with only 4 or so of them remaining there was no hope of founding any sort of long-term village, especially with the constant danger of orcs and their allies.

[TinselCat]

“Well, find more of us, of course,” Nala declares. “Another excellent reason to stay here in the west – it’s more likely another expedition would have landed here than across the continent.” The idea of passing though the portals certainly intrigues her, but the general discomfort that she and the others share makes it a bit too difficult to follow through with. But she won’t forget about them, in case need arises. “If there are any expeditions around, we might be able to find them by looking for clues. Like groups of orcs or other creatures that are…” she was going to add 'already disrupted' but instead finishes with, “already on the alert for people like us. It's going to be difficult to achieve anything significant for a while, especially considering our significant loss of comrades, equipment, skills, knowledge, manpower...we are particularly vulnerable. We shouldn't try anything too ambitious too early. Maybe we should just start with getting the lay of the land." She is reluctant to abandon this safe oasis so soon before they even have a plan or destination.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Very well, Froad smiles, you are very welcome to stay here in the oasis for a while, if you please to do so. There are a few ground rules, though. I hope you understand

Froad makes a wide gesture gesture with his arm, as if he tries to point at the oasis as a whole. We are proud of this place and like to preserve it. So we will not allow you to make permanent structures or harvest living plant material for other things than food...and please do not slay and butcher more than one animal per week. Also, please don't pee and ehhh.... you know, in the water. Lastly, should an orc karavan pass, no problems and conflict should come from it.

You are welcome to stay for two weeks. I expect you to have a plan by then. If not, chances are our hospitality will have to be rewarded with some form of compensation. Froad stands up. How does that sound?

[TinselCat]

“Your offer sounds both generous and reasonable,” Nala nods, not wanting to offend their host, but she immediately makes a mental note to be ready to leave not a minute later than the two week mark. Who knows what compensation the fey would expect from them? And that comment about the caravans…was it merely saying that the caravans wouldn’t cause trouble around here, or was it a hint not to go messing with them using this oasis as a base? Not that she is planning anything right now but…maybe she’s just reading too much into what he is saying.

Already she’s thinking of how to manage their supplies. If they can catch two animals – maybe those large river cows – it would be more than what they need for two weeks, and then they can preserve and carry the remainder. But meat does require fire, and that would definitely be worth checking with these nature-conscious fey. “One last thing: your offer of catching meat leads me to assume a small, controlled fire for cooking won’t be out of place? And the necessary harvesting of wood – deadwood and not living – would be understood?”

[Autopsibiofeeder]

I can provide you with food, but that will be vegetables, insects and fruits. If you want meat, you can cook it using dead wood, or magic. If you use wood to heat stones and then bury the stones with the meat for two hours, it will cook with a minimum wood expenditure.

Froad had noticed Nala's eyes glancing past the hippo's a short moment. I do hope you do not plan on feeding on meat for two weeks? Froad's face twists with the thought alone. With two animals I meant two small herbivores, like these funny deer that visit this place. He holds his hand up as to indicate how large those deer are: not larger than a shepherd dog. That would provide you with perhaps 15 pounds of meat....that is.... a quarter of a pound a day for each of you. I must admit that I would appreciate if you could do with half that amount. Or do your bodies require more meat?

Wildlife is fairly sparse here.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

"Your terms are acceptable; thank you for your generosity," Vrishchika says awkwardly, unused to such shows of hospitality. A sort of half-smile finds its way to her face as she sits down. "Don't worry about me - I don't intend to eat any meat so long as we have some vegetables or fruit on hand." She finishes and grabs a few of the red berries, popping one into her mouth, careful not to show too much of her teeth or tongue.

"I wouldn't recommend tangling with the hippopotamuses in any situation. They're rather brutal creatures, even by nature's standards, if I remember correctly." she quietly adds to Froad's request.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Yes, indeed. And they fling poo with their tails. Froad smiles and then his face straightens as he thinks. I am not sure which property I find worse.

I am pleasantly surprised to learn that you value the life of animals and that you have, apparently, invested time to learn about nature. Froad says while adressing Vrishchika. Well, I will leave the dinner to you. Feel free to sleep in the bushes, on the beach or in the trees. I assure you, you will be safe. Froad gets ready to leave. Unless you have any pressing questions?

He turns to Siel. I trust you will guide and advice our new friends during their stay in the oasis?

[PersonMan]

Siel nods. I'll be staying with them to gather information anyways, so I'll be there f they have any more questions. She says, thoughtfully chewing one of the magical fruits.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Several days pass in which you recover to full strength. You have no nasty encounters with the local wildlife and manage to shoot two small deer. Froad has even offered to cast a preserving enchantment on the meat. He would prefer that none of it goes bad and is wasted. You also find out that there are more Fey living here. Most of them are shy and avoid you, but you have had a few conversations with a few inquisitive sprites. The past few days have had an air of peace and rest which you did not associate with this continent before you came here.

You also learn a great deal about the lands you are currently in. You are, more or less, on the border of what could be called 'civilized lands'. Towards the west is the ocean, where you came from, and about 35 miles to the east start the first small goblinoid settlements. You learn that the lands are more vegetated where the goblinoids live. The soils are more fertile and there is more rain.

The area Siel and the other Fey are familiar with is roughly a thousand square miles and contains at least 7 other oases like this one. Apparently some of the Fey in these oases keep in close contact (not Siel, per se...she is, although Fey, somewhat of an outsider to them: A very welcome outsider, though). The majority of these oases is frequented by Orc karavans. You learn that this oasis sees at least two karavans each moon cycle. The Fey do not seem to mind the visits by the karavans. Apparently the Orcs behave in a respectful manner and the Fey feel an obligation to share the resources of their homes.

On the fifth day, Siel wakes you in the morning. She holds her finger over her mouth and then points, to urge you to be silent and follow her. She brings you to a hiding place near the water and looks and nods.

You see (and hear) a group of twenty men on the shore of the lake, some 30 meters away. Scattered around them are five, seven...no, maybe ten camels drinking water, chewing on leaves or just staring around blankly. Next to the camels are big bags, such as one might use on a pack mule, filled with goods. The men are clearly Orcs. A tad bigger than you are...muscular, but not as bad as the stories made you believe. Green, is what you've been told, but not that green. Some are brownish in skin color and some quite pale. They all wear robes that cover much of the body, probably to protect them from the sun, and a scimitar-like sword. They chat, have a laugh, eat some or are resting.

Two of the orcs are hauling quite a large container full of water away from the lake to a second group of persons. These guys are fairly huge. Nine, maybe ten feet long and terribly strong, by the looks of it. They carry no protection from the sun, but instead a chain armor and a variety of large, mean looking weapons. Their skins are strongly tanned and adorned with tufts of hair here and there. They are looking, in addition to daft, very happy with the water that is being brought. Are they being spoiled, or are they just not keen on entering the water?

Orcs, Orges....and camels Siel whispers.

Nala
I will draw you your map later, I hope this info suffices for now.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

I fashioned two maps for you. They are very basic, mostly because there are not much real features (like cities) involved.

Map 1 (https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dDYxLTJVYy1tVHJmVzZ2N2F4SE84Y Wc&hl=en_US) is a map of the surroundings, covering the ~1000 square miles I mentioned.

Map 2 (https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dE51cjNGVVJ5TWFzLWhaOWduZ0pub 1E&hl=en_US) is a larger scale map, covering all the area you have learned about so far.

(do note the scale, upper left corner)

[TinselCat]

Camels, Nala thinks. Now that would be nice for desert travel. They look strong and hardy. Perhaps they should consider getting one if they plan on doing a lot of walking. Pack animal, riding animal, shelter in a sandstorm, warmth at night, emergency food, numerous uses to consider. But it might give them away if they need to hide suddenly. And they'd need to feed and water it. Worth thinking about, though. She remains perfectly still in Siel’s hiding place, not wanting to be spotted by the caravan members. They are too far outnumbered to stand a chance in combat if discovered, and she didn’t think the apparent safety and hospitality of the oasis would apply to the orc caravans. But just from watching them she can learn a lot about desert survival. Something tells her they’re going to see a lot of it in the near future.

The ogres, though, really catch her attention. Huge and formidable, they would be quite a challenge to encounter. She doesn’t want to cross paths with many of them. But it doesn’t look like they are quite capable of noticing their hiding place, in fact, they appear somewhat stupid. She watches them carefully. Why are the orcs fetching water for them? Are they of a higher rank in the caravan hierarchy? That's almost a ludicrous thought, but anything is possible with these creatures. Or is it simply to keep them satisfied so they won’t start using those huge weapons?

She whispers back to Siel in a low voice, “What the matter with the ogres? And how long are they staying here?”

[PersonMan]

Siel turns to Nala, her gaze going from the caravan to the human slowly. The ogres fear open water, due to encounters with fey in the past. She explains with a shrug. Most of the time, the caravans stay for one day and then leave, but occasionally they stay for two before continuing. The fey adds, her head turning slightly to the side and examining the facial expression of the mortal, still curious about every display of emotion she can find.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

If you decide to spy on the Orcs for their stay, you can do so without being noticed. As the sun sets, they pack up their stuff and prepare to get going. What strikes you most is that the Orcs were very well behaved. They did not make any mess, for example they fashioned a toilet area and covered and cleaned everything up.

There was, at some point in the morning some drinking. Quite a bit even, but that is not uncommon seeing how they were all men. It ended up in a little bit of a brawly atmosphere, but not more than would have happened with a group of human men and for sure less than happens on a typical dwarven come-together. Some dice are rolled and cards are being shuffled. At some point one Orc gathers the attention of the others and starts telling stories and jokes. For those of you that understand Orc: the guy actually has a good sense of humor and gets away with an Ogre joke or two without the giants getting upset.

They have metal cans and pots to make tea (or something) and food in, which show a remarkable degree of craftmanship. Some of the orcs eat with fork and knive. Two of the Orcs spend a good deal of time working on the cargo they are carrying: gems. They have grinding and drilling implements that work automatically...perhaps some form of magic? They are little cubic boxes with a grinding stone coming out that keeps spinning. Quite crafty.

They sleep for the most of the afternoon and early evening, leaving only two guards that do not seem to be particularly weary.

((I am giving you an opportunity to act if you want while the Orcs are there. Tomorrow night I will carry on if nobody acts.))

[TinselCat]

The expression that Siel can most often observe on Nala's face over the the day is an alternating combination of astonishment, puzzlement, curiosity and thought.

She spends the time watching the orcs carefully from the bushes. Their behavior is surprisingly recognizable, and it is almost astonishing to hear humor from them. Their craftsmanship is just as fascinating. She very badly wants to get one of those boxlike drilling tools to hold and fiddle with and study, but she knows that it was not the right circumstance to do something so risky. She can wait. But she files away everything she has learned about orc caravans. All in all, this was a useful and very educational venture, but definitely not something she wants to get directly involved in to risk their safety during their resting days in the oasis.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The next morning, just after you wake up, Froad stops by and starts up some small talk. He has done that before, but this time he is not leaving after a minute or five. It seems he has something to say and needs some time to get to the point. Say, my young friends, he begins at some point, adressing you all, you are very welcome to stay here, of course, but ehh...Usually people can stay here without paying or returning a service. So it is not like that. I mean, that also goes for you. That you are welcome. Foad strikes you as a tad confused and clearly is not comfortable with what he is about to say. Uhhhh... he looks at the ground, thinks hard and then continues.

I would like to ask a favour of you guys and girls. You look like a well trained bunch and we have a problem we cannot solve with a few tricks, a dart or two and a funny charm. His face becomes more stern. We have recieved a distress call from one of the oases in the south. It apppears that a group of goblinoids and ogres have entered the forest and have started clearing it, probably in order to build some permanent structure. This is very much not ok....if you get what I mean.

I asked the Orc chief of the caravan that was here yesterday and he told me he had no idea what was going on. Whether or not that is true, I strongly believe this practice has to stop. His face saddens. However, the local Fey have tried to oppose and as far as I know at least three of our brothers and sisters have been killed. Slowly tears start to fill his eyes. This is...and...we don't know what to do! After a short moment of composing himself he continues.

With some reluctance, I would like to ask you if you could go there and help us out. I will provide quick travel, with no strings attached, and I promise you we will make an effort to find a suitable reward for you. I am sure the collective Fey population of this area will have something worthy as reward and will be happy enough to donate it.

He stares at you with big eyes, filled with anticipation.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Already intending to help pay back the hospitality shown to the group by the Fey, Vrishchika's decision is cemented upon hearing of a reward. "Consider your favour accepted, at least by me," she says somewhat enthusiastically. She carefully considers the possibility of cahoots being involved, and keeps the idea tucked in the back of her mind, just in case. She also begins hatching ideas, mostly about the reward, in the case cahoots aren't involved.

[PersonMan]

Siel remains stone-faced, although she does seem to stand slightly more upright and it almost looks like she's gotten a bit taller as Froad tears up.

I will accompany those who undertake this task and aid them. The fey says simply, seeing a great opportunity. A site like the one they would be going to would be full of pain and sadness-and this was a perfect chance to observe her new comrades in a high-stress situation...

[TinselCat]

Nala listens silently to Froad’s confession and request. From what she has begun to learn about the fey, this clearing of the forest seems like a serious attack especially because the fey do not appear at all warlike. Thus they must be incredibly vulnerable to direct attack. It is true that Froad had told them they wouldn’t have to repay the generosity they had been shown, but it would sit better with her if she felt that she had done something for them in return. Besides, this would be a good opportunity to see these goblins and ogres in action: fighting style, strategy and how well they work together. “Asking for our help is a smart move. I for one will do my best to help you. Our combat expertise should be very useful."

She looks over at her pack and checks her weapons once more. "How long will it take to get there? Do you know how many there are? Where is their current position? How much have they cleared?” She stops her questioning. It might be a bit much for the distressed fey to process.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad looks clearly relieved as he hears you are willing to help him. Thank you! He turns to Nala. Well, we can get you there in ten minutes, but don't you want to prepare a bit? He smiles. I do not know their current position, other than that they are east from the portal in the oasis. From what I hear, there are a handfull of Goblins, more than one Ogre and at least one of them big, strong Goblins. I must admit I have not had the courage to check it out myself. He shrugs.

So...do you guys have a plan....a standard tactic. Any preparations you need help with? The local Fey will help you orientate in the oasis. I will inform them you are coming.

[Steamsaint]

At Nala's assent to Froad's request, Jakkun is the next to step up. "If Nala goes, so do I." he says gruffly. He's not happy, but he's already learning to trust Nala's apparent defacto leadership, especially after their ordeal. "But what of this enchantment that you said would be placed on us if we went through the portal? Did I misunderstand when I assumed that it was the portal that conferred it?

As part of my preparations, I ensure that everyone travelling with us is placed under Endure Exposure, as well as using Aquatic Adaption on myself just in case.

[TinselCat]

“Ten minutes,” Nala looks visibly impressed. But if only there was more information to be had. She starts pacing, trying to recall and apply her years of military training and in the process completely missing Jakkun's important question.

“Our plan. Since it seems like we’re outnumbered, two-to-one or more, we have to avoid a pitched battle. We want something with a lot of cover from the trees.

“First we’ll watch them, count targets and account for all of them. This is very important: we don’t want to be the surprised ones. Identify the leader if possible. Then start picking them off at range from inside the cover of the trees. My crossbow and any helpful magic.

“The leader is always a high-priority target; because he’ll be the one with the plan and the authority to direct the others. If we can figure out who he is – I’m expecting it will be the ‘big goblin’ – try to take him out first."

Pausing in mid-stride she asks Froad, “Are you and the local fey of a ‘just drive them off’ or ‘kill them all as an example to others’ mentality? Because" she explains, "if we need to kill them all we need to drop as many little goblins as early as possible. We need to lessen their numbers quickly if we’re going to stand a chance against all of them. If we just want to drive them off, we should soften up and take down the ogres before the little ones. The little ones are more likely to flee if their larger comrades are dropped.

She resumes pacing and considers the next stage of the plan. “When we start sniping at them, they should want to come find us. Our positioning means we should be able to see them, but not be easily seen, so we can ambush them in the trees. Those that don’t like close combat should keep moving and sniping to cover those in melee combat. I’ll do my best to take out the ogres, but I’ve never had to face one down before.

“Now, instead of trying to chase us out of the woods, they may just hunker down and return fire if they have ranged weapons. But we should have good cover and, since they’re busy clearing everything, they shouldn’t have much. As long as we don’t use up all our ammunition we should be able to sit and harass them until they have to make a move.

“If things start to go really badly don’t hesitate to cut and run. As long as we’re alive we can try something else.

“It would be nice if the fey could help us find the best position where we will have the most shelter from being seen and from any ranged weapons they might have. If they can help us make solid cover behind which we can hide and snipe from, if would be very helpful. I won’t ask them to fight; it would be too dangerous.

“What I don’t know as well as I’d like to,” she adds directly to the rest of the party, “Is if there’s any useful magic that we can use in our favor. Think about your abilities that might be useful – not just blasts and missiles but anything that’s defensive or can cause trouble for them. Does it fit into this plan? Am I making sense?” She stops pacing and talking to waits. Yes, moving quickly is nice, but they don't sound too pressed for time and rushing carries its own set of hazards.

OOC:
I'm afraid, I really like to write for tactically-minded characters.

EDIT: Now would be a good time to ask: are we full healed from the last few days of rest?

[PersonMan]

Siel considers the possibilities for a moment. Well, I have the sound-illusion I used when you first arrived, as well as several agonija Naudoja* that can be used to coordinate our efforts. When combat begins I can also absorb or imbue us or enemies with suffering to improve or inhibit combat ability. She says. I also am capable of imbuing physical attacks with raw loss a few times a day, which can greatly aid in the elimination of single targets in short combats. The fey adds, her voice empty of any intonations that might indicate emotion.

*"agony uses" in Lithuanian. Seems like they capitalize nouns, too.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad gives Jakkun an understanding nod. A good question. You are right, but we can bypass that effect. No need to worry about that. He then turns his attention to Nala. He is visibly impressed by the meticulous analysis she offers: he apparently has never thought a combat encounter through on that level. When Nala is done, he starts answering her.

The Fey will help you as good as they can. Positioning, secret paths, beneficial magic if they can. Chances are some of them will join in the fight, but I cannot promise that. I also cannot promise that those brothers and sisters that would be wise to keep out of it will be able to keep their heads cool. Froad starts rubbing his chin before he continues. About the killing or driving off. I guess it would be more our style to drive them off, or better, negotiate, but seeing how your status here is somewhat, uhhh...illegal, hmmm? He raises an eyebrow. I guess we will understand if you decide to kill them.

Also...if you could manage to question one of them to find out what on earth....or why they are doing this. That would be great.

[TinselCat]

Nala seems happy with the types of help that Froad’s fey comrades seem willing to offer. She considers his request for questioning. “We can try to take one alive, but won’t compromise our safety to do it. No guarantees. If we can't, watching and listening around the caravans might lead to some clues instead.

“And as long as we know ahead of time which of you would like to help out, we can coordinate. We can plan a few escape routes along those secret paths and they can remain close to them to help where they can and slip away if needed. But we need to make sure no one will try something dumb and heroic. My favorite instructor insists that untrained improvisation is the messiest type of combat. If you know of any individuals who might cause problems, it would be best to relocate them to this oasis for the duration of the sortie.”

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Thank you, Nala. Also, I will transfer your wish for the Fey to lay low in combat. Or at least not interfere. Well... Froad prepares to head off. I will give you a moment to prepare. Siel knows where to find me when you are ready. But please, don't take too long. Froad gives you a friendly smile before turning and heading to his home.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

ALL:
I am assuming you will want to sleep a day to prepare the right spells etc.

The next morning, after preparing, Siel brings you to Froad and he takes you to a part of the oasis you have been quite a few times already. You are standing in front of a ~3ft high bush. Behind it is a small trail and a few broad leaved trees. Froad instructs you to push the bushes aside a bit and have a look. If you look through the bushes, you see a large pond, surrounded by palms and fern-like plants. It looks completely different from what is actually behind the bush.

That is a portal. You can step through it and you will end up in a different oasis. You will not find a pond in the direct vicinity there. It is just a....ehm...visual cue that comes with these portals. About 50 feet to your left beyond the portal, you will find two barenut trees. Froad looks at Vrishchika and Siel and they both nod, indicating they know the type of tree. In between the two trees is a bush just like this. That, again, is a portal and it will take you to the troubled oasis. Here, take this he hands everybody except Siel four berries eat these before heading through the portal. You will then find no negative effects of your travel. There will be Fey awaiting your arrival in the troubled oasis. Good luck. Froad smiles at you as you step through the portal, one by one.

Stepping through the portal is not as weird an experience as you might have thought it would be. It is just as normal walking, except that the change in sounds at the two connected localities creates a weird sensation in your ears for a short moment. You swiftly find the second portal and step through.

As you arrive in the troubled oasis, a small creature approaches you. Small....well, actually it is a huge praying mantis, about 1.5ft tall and 3ft long. It has six razor-like fingers on each front set of legs and it is using one of these fingers to cover its mouth and indicate that you need to be silent. A second finger, on the other hand, is used to indicate that you have to follow it. In some way, it looks remarkably friendly for a huge insect of prey. The environment here looks very similar to Froad's oasis. The huge insect crouches through the bushes and, after moving for about three minutes, she (it is definately a 'she') whispers. We are allmost there. Look beyond those trees.. Your hostess moves ten feet into a hiding position and stays there, absolutely motionless.

As you move into a position to have a peek (from a safe distance, so there is no chance you are being heard or seen moving about) you see an area of the oasis that has been cleared, just beyond a narrow body of water. The cleared area seems to be about 25x25ft. At the edge of the water, you notice six goblins busy building a house, or some other structure. The foundation has just been laid. They look fairly proficient at carpentry. As you hang around to check out what is happening, you see more. Every now and then, two bugbears arrive at the building site with pieces of wood that have been sawed and chopped in pieces usable by the goblins. They are performing their sawing and chopping about 15ft beyond the structure that is being build. You hear the constant sounds of axes battleing wood. From a bit north-east of the structure, you see, at some point, two ogres carrying a fairly huge tree to the site where the bugbears are working. As you keep looking, you don't learn anything more, except for the fact that these guys have a nicely efficient thing going on here.

Your huge praying mantis hostess is looking expectantly at you.

Also, here is a map (https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dGdNaTJoeF9VNHNtUmh6MzU3TF95M 2c&hl=en_US)

[TinselCat]

It had been hard to sleep through the night after knowing what the next day holds. It had been hard to stop thinking about plans and tactics and hypotheticals. But thinking only does so much. Now it's time to act. “Interesting,” She mutters so that only they can hear. “It looks like they intend to settle here. Or at least make some sort of permanent structure. I can’t tell who’s in charge, though.”

She looks around at their surroundings. “We appear to be well hidden here. But the water was not something I expected. Anyone crossing it will be more vulnerable. It makes it less likely that they will charge after us.” Then something occurred to her. “It’ll definitely slow the ogres down. They won’t want to cross the water. They’ll have to go all the way around. That should give us some time.

"And it looks like all of them are in range of my crossbow. Can everyone else reach them? Since a lot of this plan depends on how they react, once everyone’s ready we can let loose the chaos.”

[Derjuin]

Vrischika

Vrishchika nods to Nala. "I can reach them from here, even. There are several spells I've prepared that can help delay the ogres and goblins at bay even longer," she offers. "An enchantment to put them to sleep, or a spell to make the ground as slick as ice. There are others, but these seemed the most appropriate to the situation." She says, and conjures a small white bird onto her shoulder. "Should we need a better view, I have a nigh-infinite supply of these things to spy for us."


Changes to spell list:
-Charm Person
+Sleep

Used Bird's Eye Viewing from Malphas to create a dove on my shoulder, not using it to view at the moment.

[Steamsaint]

"My lungs are big... but they ain't that big. I'll need to get to..." Jakkun measures the distance with his eyes. "At least to the waterline before I can properly give those goblins their predestined roastin!"

my breath's range is 30ft in a line and 15 in a cone, and I don't have any other weapons.

[TinselCat]

“I can try to cover you from the waterline,” Nala tells Jakkun. “I want to be near the front to be ready for when we reach melee range.”

She moves quietly forward until she is almost to the edge of the water, still keeping low so that the goblins might not be able to notice her approach. She keeps her spear close at hand and pulls the case of crossbow bolts to a convenient position. After glancing back once to see if everyone else is prepared, she takes careful aim at the nearest little goblin working on the foundation and fires, hoping for a quick and decisive hit to start the battle in their favor.

Rolls:

Attack: [roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[PersonMan]

As her comrade begins to move, Siel lets out a whistle, low enough to not be heard from very far away, and begins to draw in the suffering in the air. After a moment she seems to be biting off pieces of some invisible substance and swallowing them, and the air around her gains a slight blue tinge.

OOC/Actions:
Using Extract Grief, so you all have a +1 morale bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls and Will saves vs enchantments or fear effects.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Unmoving from her position, Vrishchika begins an incantation, and finishes by uttering clear, arcane words of power and pointing a finger at the group of goblins at work.

"Sleep!"

OOC/Actions:

Casting Sleep on the Goblins in N9, O9, N10, and O10. Up to 4 HD of goblins must succeed on a Will save (DC 17) for fall asleep for 4 minutes. They won't be awakened by sound, but "vigorous shaking" or damage will wake them up.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

DM rolls:

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]

Siel [roll9]
Nala [roll10]
Jakkun [roll11]
Vrishchika [roll12]

Nala and Jakkun head for the water line and stay hidden, while Vrishchika and Siel stay back and work their magics. Jakkun has announced that he will use his entangling breath when enemies get close. Vrishchika's incantation has three goblins dropping where they stand, soundly asleep. At the same time, Nala's bolt strikes true, and, empowered by Siel's song drops the goblin where he stands, soundly dying.

This leaves two goblins standing. One of them notices his companions dropping and is gazing at the situation with a daft look on his face. The other one has noticed something, however, and shouts something in the Goblin tongue.

Nala, Jakkun and Vrishchika:
The goblin shouts: 'Hey, HELP, we are under attack!

You hear an immediate reaction in the distance from the bugbears and ogres. You all get one standard action or move action before they reach the site and initiative starts counting.

All:
Your initiatives are as follows:
Siel (1d20+1)[11]
Nala (1d20+1)[13]
Jakkun (1d20+2)[14]
Vrishchika (1d20+7)[9]

Please all roll a hide check and tell me what standard/move action you wish to take.

[PersonMan]

Siel moves up towards the water, drawing her sword in the process.

Hide:
[roll0]

[TinselCat]

Nala hunkers down after firing her shot, hoping that there is too much confusion to tell where it had come from. With a soft click, she loads the crossbow again.

Rolls:
Move action: load crossbow
Hide check: [roll0]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The last remaining goblin peers in your general direction [roll0] but does not appear to see anything special. As you move into position you notice two bugbears and two ogres arriving at the scene. The bugbears are big, the ogres are huge. They have been working unarmored and barechested and you can tell from a distance they are so strong they could knock a grown man out with a single blow. One ogre carries a really big axe. Not a fighting axe, but still a dangerous object. The other ogre carries a small tree, by the looks of it. One of the bugbears does not seem to be carrying a weapon and the other carries a large saw, one that requires two large men to operate: An unconventional weapon, but you can imagine losing a limb fighting this guy.

For now, they seem unaware of your position and are questioning each other, curiously peering into the forest every now and then and ready to retaliate any moment.

Nala gets to act first (Jakkun is still readying his breath), depending on her action, some of the foes may react.

New map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dGdNaTJoeF9VNHNtUmh6MzU3TF95M 2c&hl=en_US)


G [roll1]
B1 [roll2]
B2 [roll3]
O1 [roll4]
O2 [roll5]

[TinselCat]

Nala scans the potential targets. The ogre with the axe and the bugbear with the giant saw strike her as the two most dangerous foes on the field by virtue of their superior arms. But between the bugbear and the ogre, striking the ogre would make the best effect at the moment, so she takes careful aim and fires directly for the huge axe wielder.

Quickly she loads the crossbow one more time. Hopefully she can get in one last shot before the fight reaches melee level.

Rolls:
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
EDIT: fixed spoiler tags

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Nala's bolt hits the Ogre in the shoulder, which leads to your opponents making new spot checks:

G [roll0]
B1 [roll1]
B2 [roll2]
O1 [roll3]
O2 [roll4]
Both bugbears and the ogre with the tree spot Nala. The unarmed bugbear responds with a charge towards your location. The water is shallow enough for him to run through. As the unarmed bugbear crosses the water, Jakkun makes a snap shot decision and decides that a fire breath may be more useful here.

The bugbear takes an unarmed swing at her, after dealing with the breath weapon. Seeing this happen, the ogre with the axe knows what to aim for. While the water is actually shallow, he decides to run around it, denying him a charge. As he arrives, he takes a powerful swing at Nala.


DM notes
G [3]
2-B1-unarmed [17]
7-B2-saw [8]
4-O1-axe [18] 6 damage
8-O2-tree [6]

5-Siel (1d20+1)[11]
1-Nala (1d20+1)[13]
3-Jakkun (1d20+2)[14]
6-Vrishchika (1d20+7)[9]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The bugbear takes the full load of Jakkun's breath. Most of his fur burnt he lashes furiously at Nala, but misses. The ogre, however, plants his axe sucessfully in Nala's chest and deals 17 damage.

Siel is up and then Vrishchika. Then the other foes get to act.

New map. (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dGdNaTJoeF9VNHNtUmh6MzU3TF95M 2c&hl=en_US)

Initiative order:
Nala
Jakkun
Bugbear unarmed
Ogre axe
Siel
Vrishchika
Bugbear saw
Ogre tree

rolls:

Bugbear reflex save: [roll0]
Jakkun's fire damage: [roll1]
Bugbear unarmed swing: [roll2]
Bugbear unarmed swing crit confirm: [roll3]
Bugbear damage: [roll4]

Ogre's axe swing: [roll5]
Ogre's axe swing crit confirm: [roll6]
Ogre's damage: [roll7]

DM notes

G [3]
2-B1-unarmed [17] 11 damage
7-B2-saw [8]
4-O1-axe [18] 6 damage
8-O2-tree [6]

5-Siel (1d20+1)[11]
1-Nala (1d20+1)[13]
3-Jakkun (1d20+2)[14]
6-Vrishchika (1d20+7)[9]

[PersonMan]

Siel steps away from the fighting and continues her wailing song, draining the fear from her comrades.

Actions:
Five foot step to I9.
Keep singing IC for +1.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Duly noting the clump of foes on the other side of the water, Vrishchika steps only a bit closer to the action and looses another spell.

"Grease!"

Actions:

5-foot step to E9, casting Grease on squares N9, O9, N10, and O10; creatures in the area must make a DC 17 Reflex save or fall (and must repeat the save each round for 4 rounds if they stay in it).

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Both the bugbear with the saw and the ogre with the tree have the intention to charge in and join the fight. The ogre loses his balance immediately, however, and falls flat on his back while the bugbear just manages to stay afoot. The ogre spends the whole round to get up and the bugbear needs all his attention to battle the grease.

The goblin quickly falls down and is happily pretending to be decapacitated. With both brutes craftily removed from the battle, at least for one round, the next round starts. Jakkun sneaks off towards the water and gives the ogre and bugbear that stand in the grease a taste of his breath, which also means the end for the last goblin.

Nala is up.

New map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dGdNaTJoeF9VNHNtUmh6MzU3TF95M 2c&hl=en_US)


Ogre reflex: [roll0]
Ogre balance to move: [roll1]
Ogre reflex save 2 (if balance fails): [roll2]

Bugbear reflex: [roll3]
Bugbear balance to move: [roll4]
Bugbear reflex save 2 (if balance fails): [roll5]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Dm rolls and notes:


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

G [3]
2-B1-unarmed [17] 11 damage
7-B2-saw [8] 11 damage
4-O1-axe [18] 6 damage
8-O2-tree [6] 11 damage

5-Siel (1d20+1)[11]
1-Nala (1d20+1)[13]
3-Jakkun (1d20+2)[14]
6-Vrishchika (1d20+7)[9]

[TinselCat]

Not keen on being caught between the bugbear and the ogre, Nala sidesteps to focus on the more formidable foe. Since Siel has a sword and the bugbear is unarmed, Nala doesn’t think she should be in too much danger from the angry creature. Now that they’re in too close quarters for her to use the crossbow again, she drops it and draws her spear, then stabs defensively at the ogre. That hit of his really did some damage, and she doesn’t want to have to take another one of those this early in the fight.

Actions and rolls
Free actions: 5-ft step to I-10, drop crossbow in I-10.
Move action: “draw” spear (not AoO provoking)
Standard action: attack ogre, using combat expertise (drop to hit mod from +10 to +7 and get AC 17+3 = 20 for the next round)
To hit: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

While your nostrils are being filled with the scent of burnt fur and flesh, you see Nala impaling the ogre in his abdomen with her spear, causing some serious injury. She pierced him so deep she even has a hard time pulling her weapon out. For now it looks good, it seems you are on the winning side. However, the doom of several enormous brutes pounding on you with their tools is still threatening you, so you will have to remain careful.

The unarmed bugbear sees, hears and smells is allies burning and pierced and decides to make a run for it. Apparently he is not getting paid enough to get slaughtered. He runs a bit and then turns around to see what is going on, ready to flee the scene completely. The ogre with the axe is enraged, though, and tries to smite Nala. It appears her defensive stance is paying off: he misses her and plants his axe in the ground.

Siel and Vrishchika are up. New map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dGdNaTJoeF9VNHNtUmh6MzU3TF95M 2c&hl=en_US).


Unarmed bugbear morale check: [roll0]
Unarmed bugbear attack roll: [roll1]
Unarmed bugbear damage roll: [roll2]

Ogre axe swing: [roll]1d20+7[roll]
Ogre damage: [roll3]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

reroll because of typo

[roll0]

[PersonMan]

Siel steps out of the reach of the ogre, continuing to ingest the magic-infused grief she's drawn into the air.


Actions:
Five-foot-step to H8.
Continue omnomnoming sadness.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

With a quick motion of her hands, Vrishchika sends a strange crackling beam at the ogre taking swings at Nala, the hint of a grin spreading across her face. Take this, you big, dumb brute, she whispers to no one in particular.

"Ray of Clumsiness!"


[roll0] Ranged touch attack vs. Ogre1 (at J11) for Ray of Clumsiness
If it hits, it deals [roll1] Dexterity damage (minimum 1).

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Vrishchika's ray hits the ogre and drains his agility, though that is actually hard to notice on such a far from subtle creature. His eyes sparkle with hatred as he looks at the magician that just tried to enchant him, but apparently he feels as though he shrugged the spell off and he focuses his energy on Nala again.

The bugbear and ogre that were previously greased by Vrishchika seem to start to be able to handle the situation better: they are standing durefooted, without risk of falling but they are still unable to move an inch. Trapped they stand, watching their bugbear friend now deciding to run off as fast as he can and their ogre buddy facing off the group's warrior. Not to mention the grinning dwarf facing them, puffs of smoke still coming from the corner of his mouth.

New map (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgBF08i13s81dGdNaTJoeF9VNHNtUmh6MzU3TF95M 2c&hl=en_US)

Nala and Jakkun are up.

DM rolls and notes:

Ogre tree reflex: [roll0]
Ogre tree balance: [roll1]
Bugbear saw reflex: [roll2]
Bugbear saw balance: [roll3]

2-B1-unarmed [17] 11 damage - fleeing
7-B2-saw [8] 11 damage - Greased
4-O1-axe [18] 19 damage – 3 dex damage (-2)
8-O2-tree [6] 11 damage - Greased

5-Siel (1d20+1)[11]
1-Nala (1d20+1)[13]
3-Jakkun (1d20+2)[14]
6-Vrishchika (1d20+7)[9]

[TinselCat]

Nala glances briefly over to their other opponents - it seems that they are stuck for the immediate moment. "Keep them in place, Jakkun," she calls to the dwarf. Still not wanting to take any chances with them getting out of that mess and charging her, she sidesteps again to put the ogre more in their line of sight. Hopefully Vrishchika's spell would take its toll on this tireless ogre. Maintaining her caution, she stabs at her foe again.

Rolls:
5 ft step to I-11
Attack (use combat expertise to keep AC at 20) [roll0]
Damage [roll1]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Nala fells the ogre with her last blow: he sinks to the ground grunting softly. He is not dead yet, but for sure incapacitated. Jakkun decides to breathe fire one more time. The brutes are pretty helpless and perfect, willing recipients right now. The bugbear dies a horrible fiery death and the ogre is in a very bad shape. The unarmed bugbear decides to run for it and disappears in North-Eastern direction, soon to be out of sight.

Siel and Vrishchika are up.

DM Rolls:

Bref
Oref{roll]1d20+0 *13, rerolled this on my desk, didn't feel like double posting
Fire dam: [roll1]

2-B1-unarmed [17] 11 damage - fleeing
7-B2-saw [8] 25 damage - Dead
4-O1-axe [18] 29 damage – 3 dex damage (-2) - Incapacitated
8-O2-tree [6] 25 damage - Greased

5-Siel (1d20+1)[11]
1-Nala (1d20+1)[13]
3-Jakkun (1d20+2)[14]
6-Vrishchika (1d20+7)[9]

[PersonMan]

Siel lowers her head, licking her lips as if savoring the taste of some invisible food. The fey's mouth closes for a moment, before opening again to release an unnaturally clear note, which seems to hang in the air, accompanied by the strange confidence felt by those affected by her song.

Actions:
Ending Scream of Suffering. Effects last for 5 more rounds.
Perform, yo: [roll0]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

It seems Vrishchika is convinced of pending victory and decided not to use more of her magical repertoire. With all the goblins dead, one bugbear dead and one fleeing and a slowly dying ogre at Nala's feet, she may very well have a point. The only foe that is currently still up is the ogre that is standing in the grease. You can all see him fighting the slipperiness and horribly losing that fight.

If you look well, you see a certain fear of death in his eyes. You can't blame him for that: all his friends are defeated, and he is trapped by magics he does not understand. It is likely it is this fear that makes it impossible for him to bring up the focus and agility to get out of the grease.

Nala and Jakun are up.

DM rolls and notes

Ogre ref and balance
[roll0]
[roll1]

2-B1-unarmed [17] 11 damage - fleeing
7-B2-saw [8] 25 damage - Dead
4-O1-axe [18] 29 damage – 3 dex damage (-2) - Incapacitated
8-O2-tree [6] 25 damage - Greased

5-Siel (1d20+1)[11]
1-Nala (1d20+1)[13]
3-Jakkun (1d20+2)[14]
6-Vrishchika (1d20+7)[9]

[TinselCat]

With only one foe standing, and one that doesn’t appear to be able to make an attack at that, the opportunity that Froad had asked for seems to have come. Nala isn’t sure how how much the dim-looking ogre could tell them, but between this one and the three goblins still in the magical slumber Vrishchika had put them in, they might be able to get the answers the fey wants.

Nala bends down and scoops up her crossbow, still loaded from when she’d dropped it in a hurry, and moves closer to the greased patch, still staying well outside of any reach the ogre might have. She takes careful aim at the unsteady foe, making it very clear that she can and will fire at a moment’s notice. Not knowing what language it speaks, she chooses goblin, the language of its fellows for this excursion. “Sit down,” she orders as clearly as possible in the foreign tongue. “Give up.” In case it doesn’t speak goblin, she takes one hand and points firmly to it, and then the ground at its feet. That is hard to misinterpret.

Readying an action to shoot if he charges. Not that it's likely to happen, but still.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Perhaps I have not been clear on this, but the sleeping beauties have all been thoroughly roasted by Jakkun.

The ogre seems to admit defeat and begins to seat himself. With the grease still being active, this procedure is far from elegant: as he bends his legs, he slips once more and ends swift and prompt on his behind. With a lot of chagrin on his face he looks at you and says, in goblin: "What you want?" with a deep and booming voice.

[TinselCat]

Oooh, whoops. Seems I didn’t catch that. Thanks for mentioning. That would have been a bit embarrassing when it caught up to me.

Nala follows his ungainly decent with the tip of her crossbow, not willing to lower it even though he isn’t in any position to attack. These ogres are formidable enough that she doesn’t want to take any more chances than she has to.

She can think of a lot of questions to ask him – finally a chance to learn something concrete about their enemy, but decides to limit it to a few and keep them simple and repetitive. She isn’t sure of the extent of the ogre’s intelligence. The ones they had seen earlier didn’t appear to have the sharpest minds. She keeps her voice, high and soft compared to his, as firm and clear as possible. “What were you and the others doing here? Cutting down trees, building something. What were you doing and why?”

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The ogre glances at each of you with a foul look on his face. We build building, you see that. Dumb question. Buildings are shelter and safety for travelers. He then continues to peer more intently at you, Nala in particular. What you are? Elfies? He grins at Jakkun and proceeds to spit at the ground. You kill me?

[TinselCat]

“This place belongs to the fey,” Nala tells the ogre. She was hoping for more of an answer than he gave, but she wasn’t expecting much more. “They fey do not want you to build here. This is their home. They want you to go away. They asked us to make you go away. If you leave and tell your people that they cannot build here, we will not kill you.” She wasn't going to kill him in cold blood, and it would be more productive of him to bring the news back to any others around the area. And she certainly wasn’t going to tell the ogre anything about who they were. That could not end well.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

"We won't kill you, as long as you leave and tell your friends that cutting down this forest and building in it aren't good ideas." She reiterates Nala's points, hoping to add emphasis. "But if you try it again..." she trails off for a moment, drawing her cutlass and waving it menacingly at the ogre. "We might just have to cut you down." She hoped the sword would enhance her threat, even though she barely knew how to wield it and certainly wouldn't be the one doing the cutting.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The ogre stares at you as he is obviously pondering your proposal. If ogre expressions are somewhat similar to human expressions, he seems to have trouble understanding your logic. After a few seconds, he nods and shows a faint grin. Okay. You don't kill me. I tell boss not to build. He looks at you questioningly: Right?

I can go now?

[TinselCat]

“Yes,” Nala says. She tries to make her meaning as clear as possible. “You tell boss not to build. If you try to build here again, we will not let you go. If you build here, we will kill you. Now go.” She is of half a mind to follow the ogre when he leaves, but that might be a bit too risky. And she did promise Froad the little information that they were able to gather from the ogre first. It might be better just to let him go in peace. She could only hope that the warning he would convey would be effective. But, at least they completed the mission. Since she would survive the injury the other ogre had given her, no one else had gotten hurt, and the building was stopped for now, that counted as a success.

[PersonMan]

It seems like we've completed our mission here. Should we return to the other oasis now? Siel asks, turning to her companions, the taste of their anguish still on her tongue. The water that seems to be running down her chain stills and eventually stops as Nala and Vrishchika speak with the ogre.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The ogre uses his huge hands to rub the ground and check whether it is still slippery. Once satisfied it is safe, he stands up and heads towards the place Nala has been fighting the other ogre, to check up on him. In passing he gives Jakkun a small grin. Funny man breathes fire, he mumbles.

[TinselCat]

Nala holds back a small smile at the ogre’s mumbled comment. She remembers being just as baffled the first time she had seen Jakkun do his firebreathing, and it had taken her a long time to wrap her brain fully around it. It seemed odd to her that he didn’t seen too angry about his friend being killed, but she didn’t know how close of friends they were, anyway. At least he didn’t seem aggressive. “Go on,” she orders. To Siel and the others she says in Common, so that (she hopes) the ogre can't understand, “I’m going to wait until he’s gone, and then I’ll be right behind you.”

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The ogre heads to his comrade. He slaps him a few times and starts lifting him over his shoulder. It seems his body is not completely void of life: apparently, he was incapacitated, but not dead yet. The ogre speaks to his friend in giant, but none of you speak that language. You do recognize the word orcs and goblins use for 'shaman'. It looks like he intends to take his friend to the doctor.

The ogre leaves with his friend over his shoulder and pays no attention to the smoldering heap of goblins. He turns one last time to you. Thank you. Be careful near the water. It is cursed by the weird creatures.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The ogre leaves the oasis and it seems your work here is done. After a few moments, as the near-silence typical for these oases takes over, your hostess, the fey that looks like a praying mantis, steps out of the bushes. She looks at you with some form of expression on her face, but in all honesty the meaning of this expression gets lost in the translation from insect to humanoid faces. ”Thank you. The fey of the oasis-islands owe you a great debt. I am confident Froad will make sure you are rewarded. Please, allow me to guide you back to the portal.” The expression on her face changes again. This might very well be a smile she offers you as she brings you to the portal. ”May the earth mother be with you.”

As you appear in your ‘home’ oasis you see Froad nervously pacing around. As he spots you, you notice his eyes darting, counting your numbers, followed by a small sigh of relief as he realizes you all survived. ”How are you? Are you wounded? Och, my child…” he says as he rushes to Nala to mend her wounds with his nature magic. ”Tell me, how did it go? No. Sit, first…eat some. Are you well?” He is obviously frantically panicked at the whole situation of having friends undergoing violence on his behalf. He runs around arranging palm leaves for you to sit on and hastily conjures some food into woven baskets and places them in front of you, his wings flapping irregularly, but he does not fly. As he finally, after a minute or two, settles down he seats himself and looks at you.

”So, now we have calmed down….please, tell me all. How did it go? Are the aggressors gone? Did you manage to get some information?”

[TinselCat]

Nala breathed a comfortable sigh of relief that her injury has been taken care of. She sits down across from Froad and briefly summarizes the adventure before reaching for something to eat. “It went well. Apart from my injury which you so graciously healed, that was our only trouble. There were four or so goblins, two bugbears, one of which fled during the attack. And two ogres. Both of those survived,” she did admit her surprise that the hardy creature had survived their duel, “and one was able to give us some information, although it isn’t much. I take it that ogres aren’t known for their grasp of the complex. But he said that they were building… well, buildings. Shelter for travelers, it sounded like. He said that he would leave and tell his boss that they can’t build over there, and I think he and his friend will definitely remember today whenever they’re in the area. Assuming the message is faithfully delivered and heeded, the oasis should be safe.”

She did remember one thing the ogre said, and even if it was nonsensical superstition, she was curious enough to ask. “The ogres also appeared to fear the water around here. Do you know why that is? It is any different than water outside the oasis?”

[PersonMan]

Siel turns to her comrade when she mentions the water. "It's an old superstition of the ogres caused by fey in the distant past." She explains, remembering now that her allies wouldn't have known why the ogres were staying away from the water either of the times they had seen them.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad nods and grins faintly at Siel’s explanation. ”I am glad it all ended well. And thankful,” Froad sighs. ”I knew this day would come. For years and years it went well. The orcs were our guests and treated us and nature with respect. However, progress happens in such a society and at some point other things get priority. In a sense, I cannot even blame them. They are humanoids after all.” He eyes you apologetically. ”No offense, but it seems these things work differently for fey. Progress. Society. Priorities.”

“I will see if I can set up a meeting and discuss matters. I know some orcs that can, ehm, ‘pull some strings’.” Froad appears to be thinking hard for a moment and then continues. “So…but if I understand correctly, you were seen by two ogres and a bugbear that survived? The ogres are not a problem, but I fear you may have underestimated the bugbear. They tend to be smart, relatively educated and well-informed. Chances are that he recognized you for what you are.” He looks at each of you with a stern face. ”Illegal is the word, if I am not mistaken.”

“I suggest you take some rest and replenish your spirit and focus for tomorrow. I also suggest…no, I insist you lay low for a few days and see what happens. Hide in the oasis. You will be safe here while we wait to see if the orcs will come for you. Chances are they are patrolling right now to track you down. Let us hope for the best”

All
I am fast forwarding to the next day now. If you want to study different spells or change other ‘daily’ options, feel free to let me know in your next post retro-actively.

The next morning you feel as good as ever. There is something about this place that makes rest count double, in a way. While normally after a battle, the next day you might feel a bit stiff or bruised (even after magical healing), you feel completely refreshed. It does not take long before Froad checks up on you. ”Good morning. I hope you all slept well?”

“Come, gather. I have something to tell you. It seems your presence has not gone unnoticed. Yesterday night I had a small meeting with someone that heard reports about ‘outlanders’ that were involved in the conflict at the oasis. Now, it appears to me that this man has no ill intentions. He has asked me to meet you. I told him I would forward the request and that I would let you decide. Now, I trust this man and can give you my word that you can as well, but nothing more. He is currently here, in the oasis, but he does not know you are here. You can find him near the bent palm trees, next to the water”

“Since I did not tell him anything about you, I decided it be fair that I do not tell you further about him. If you are curious, go and have a look. Curiosity is nice….tends to pay off.” He smiles. ”I’ll leave that to you to discuss and decide. I have to leave now. I have a meeting with an orc captain set up. He assured me he was willing to negotiate the situation and I have good hopes for a good ending to this miserable episode.” Froad stands up and is about to walk away. ”Near the bent palm trees.” He winks at no one in particular and takes off. ”See you tonight!”

[TinselCat]

Nala isn’t quite sure what to expect; Froad’s announcement is unexpected. It makes her nervous to know that word of their existence had gotten out so fast, and that would make her wary of anyone searching around for them, except that Froad said he trusts this man, and that they were in the oasis where the fey would not tolerate violence. They should be safe. And Nala certainly can’t pass up an opportunity to meet someone (supposedly) trustworthy and (hopefully) informative in these circumstances.

“It would be nice to take a first look from afar,” she decides. “Just to see what to expect. I intend to talk to him directly, though, no matter what we find.”

With that she heads in the direction of the palm trees Froad had mentioned. She doesn’t take great care to move as softly and hidden as possible, but doesn’t try to make too much noise or noticeable movements. She doesn’t want to hide and give the impression of fear to this newcomer. It would be a good sign to come unarmed, so she makes sure to leave her spear strapped to the back of her pack and her dagger sheathed out of sight.

She stops the moment she can spot the stranger, and takes a moment just to assess what there is to be seen.

DM:
Taking 10 on move silently check (total of 14). Not threatened or stressed, just cautious.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Nala, and those that follow her, approach the lake. Trying not to give yourself away at first, you peak through the bushes and see an unexpected figure sitting comfortably.

It is an ogre. That is for sure. An ogre...an ogre warrior even. It has to be a warrior, you can clearly see the shield strapped to his back and the enormous club and curved sword laying on the ground right next to him. On the other hand...is this an ogre? He is huge, but he is sitting at the shoreline, even worse: he has the pants of his leather armor rolled up and the lower part of his legs are in the water. This is, even for Siel, the first ogre you have ever seen embracing open water.

Your first impressions are that he is strong...to a brutish level, yet with a very content friendly smirk on his face. He had just used his giant strength to gently uproot a water lily and has been scraping brown-greenish stuff from the rootlets and putting the harvest in a little leather bag. With great care, the water plant is being re-planted.

The ogre is bald and is wearing, besides his leather armor, necklaces and arm bracelets composed of flowers, wooden sticks and what appear to be (animal?) bones. A few meters behind him you can see a fairly big metal pot, one that one might use to cook a nice stew over a camp fire.

An ogre, that's for sure. A weird ogre...that's for sure.

[PersonMan]

Siel's expression is void of any surprise or recognition; she might as well have been looking at a rock. Internally, however, she quickly came to a conclusion: this ogre was a nature-dweller, like the one she had known in the past. The memory of his suffering released some anguish from her, giving the fey a slightly changed appearance. For one of the humanoid races, this might be happiness. For Siel, however, all that changed was that her eyes, already clearly inhuman, began to glow blue at the outlines. The pure black and blue are clearly separate, and from an angle it might seem as if the fey's skin had changed color.

Hmmmm. Is all Siel says before shifting her weight forwards and lifting herself from hiding, giving no thoughts as to the oddity of either her appearance or her sudden 'arrival'. Striding confidently through the brush, spurred on by curiosity and the interesting prospect of finding another source of the particularly well-cultivated sorrow like her former mentor, the fey comes close to the ogre before tilting her head slightly to the side.

It seems that you are our visitor. You dwell in nature, do you not? Siel asks, her tone unnaturally clear, simultaneously laden with sadness and without any inflection.

[TinselCat]

Of all of the possibilities Nala had prepared herself for, this is definitely not one of them. She stops in shock for a moment, and then takes a mental step back to reevaluate the situation from scratch. This defies everything she thought she had learned: an ogre sitting and touching the water that she had thought they all feared, and one who doesn’t look quite as brutish as the others she had seen. This makes little sense, but, she considers, she is still learning things about this world.

Siel had already moved by the time she finishes recovering her wits. Nala notices out of the corner of her eye that Siel looks a little different than usual, an expression she cannot quite translate from fey to human. She notices it with a little less surprise than before – even if she does not understand it, she is slowly getting used to the fey’s odd behavior.

So Nala decides to follow on Siel’s heels. She stops somewhat further away, instinctively picking a spot out of the ogre’s formidable reach. She doesn’t add anything to what Siel said, wondering what exactly a nature dweller was, and how that was different from the lifestyle of the fey. As far as Nala was concerned “nature dweller” couldn’t describe anyone better than the fey. She is very interested to see the ogre’s reaction to the intrusion before doing anything other than making her presence known.

[maestrodesigns]

The Ogre quickly turns his head to see where that sound came from. The expression on his face is a combination of serenity and anticipation. He doesn't seem startled from the sudden approach, as if he'd been waiting for it.

With a broad grin he gets up and turns around, towering over the fey. Suddenly though he seems to lose his footing in the mud and he slowly topples backwards. Even though he weaves his arms wildly to recover, he goes down with a splash.

Before anyone can react he gets up again. A deep loud laugh accompanies a goofy look on his face. He wrings out his cloths somewhat while taking a good look at the two strange beings in front of him. strange folk... probably more fey.

After a while he addresses them in sylvan, which sounds slightly strange in such a booming voice... "Hello there little fey! I guess you could see me as a visitor, yes. I don't come here often. As for the nature bit; I have the Ancestors to guide me, but I guess you could say I have some close ties to mother nature yeah."

The Ogre looks around as if expecting someone, then turns his attention to the fey again. "I am Tralkor by the way, that's Burt" The Ogre points at a large toad sitting near his equipment, that strangely appears to nod his head in the direction of the fey. "And who might you two be? Ow and ... eh... would you happen to have seen some outlanders around here? I am kinda hoping they would be willing to meet me..."

[PersonMan]

Siel probably would have smiled, if she was a mortal. She wasn't, however, so there was no change in her expression. When the ogre fell, she closed her eyes to keep the water and mud from splashing into them, but otherwise ignored it. Everything that touched her felt, and was, completely foreign to her, she didn't really understand why one would react differently to other substances.

Sylvan:
I appreciate that you are speaking the melody of sorrow, but my comrades are not beings such as myself. Their ears and tongues are probably unable to harmonize with it as we can. Perhaps you can speak the tongue of travelers?

Others hear: Suprantu, kad jūs kalbate liūdesio melodiją, bet mano bendražygiai yra ne tokie, kaip aš būtybės. Jų ausys ir liežuviai tikriausiai negali suderinti su juo, kaip mes galime. Galbūt galite kalbėti keliautojų liežuvį?

Turning to Nala, she begins to speak in the aforementioned language. This is Talkor, his frog is Burt. He has connections with his ancestors and with nature. He is searching for 'outlanders' and is hoping that they will speak with him. I've asked him to speak your language. The fey informs her.

OOC:
Making up a few terms up for Sylvan, as until I'm, as far as I know, the only PC speaker of it.

'tongue of travelers' is referring to Common. 'melody of sorrow' is what Siel calls Sylvan, due to her...unique perspective of the world.

DM:
Using Lithuanian for Sylvan. Think it makes sense to put in some stuff people can't read when I say something they don't understand.

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor seems slightly surprised by the fact that the other being in front of him apparently doesn't speak the fey tongue. could this be one of them 'outlanders' then... perhaps... His attention turns from the pale fey in front of him to the other being and he takes an extensive look at it. it does fit some of the descriptions, but it could also be one of them half-orcs...

He shrugs and redirects his attention to both beings in front of him, switching to the common Orcish language:

Orcish
"Ehm.. Yeh. As I said then. Hello there and nice to meet you. The name's Tralkor. Tralkor Kron, from the Black Sun Tribe to be precise. I am a shaman, or druid as some call it, from an oasis near here. I live there with my tribe, but I'm on important ...ehm... other... business now. Things are slowly changing for the worse and I've heard there was a group of outsiders that were involved in some incidents in the oasis near mine. I could use ... a talk with them. I'm curious to know what their involvement and their motives are."

"Ehm .. Yeh. Mar a dúirt mé ansin. Dia duit ann agus deas bualadh leat. An t-ainm ar Tralkor. Tralkor Kron, as an fine Sun Dubh a bheith beacht. Tá mé shaman, nó draoi le roinnt ghlaoch air, ó ósais in aice le anseo. mé i mo chónaí ann le mo treibh, ach tá mé ar tábhachtach ... ehm ... eile ... ghnó anois. Tá rudaí ag athrú go mall le haghaidh an níos measa agus chuala mé go raibh grúpa outsiders go raibh páirteach i roinnt eachtraí sa ósais in aice le mianach. raibh mé in ann úsáid a bhaint ... caint leo. Tá mé fiosrach a fháil amach cad iad ar a rannpháirtíocht agus a n-inspreagadh."

Tralkor takes a pause, frowns slightly while rubbing his head, peers at the two in front of him, nods in the direction of the frog and continues with a slightly distracted look in his eyes.

Orcish
"Would you two happen to be acquainted to these strangers? Or able to tell me more about them perhaps? It would be a great help for both them and me ... I hope."

"Ar mhaith leat dhá a tharlóidh a bheith eolach ar na strainséirí? Nó in ann a insint dom níos mó mar gheall orthu b'fhéidir? Bheadh ​​sé a bheith ina cúnamh mór don dá dóibh agus tá súil agam ... dom."

OOC
I used the Irish language as a substitute for Orcish.

[PersonMan]

Siel's expression, as usual, don't change, although she does feel confusion at the ogre's words. After a moment, she realizes that he may not even speak Common.

Orcish:
Ah. Well, the 'outsiders' you speak of are my companions. We recently returned from an...well, an intervention of sorts, in another oasis. The one with me is Nala. I believe I made an error while communicating with you; the traveler's tongue I referred to is the language of humanoids. I am unsure about whether or not they speak the traveler's tongue of these lands.

Ah. Bhuel, is iad na 'seachtracha' labhraíonn tú mo companions. Táimid ar ais le déanaí ó ... go maith, le hidirghabháil de cineál, i ósais eile. Is é an ceann a bhfuil liom NALA. Creidim Rinne mé botún agus cumarsáid a dhéanamh leis leat; an taistealaí teanga thagair mé é sin le teanga na humanoids. Tá mé cinnte faoi cibé acu atá nó nach labhraíonn siad an taistealaí teanga de na tailte seo.

Siel turns to Nala and speaks, again in Common. It seems like he does not speak your tongue. Do you have a mastery of the Orcish language? She asks.

[TinselCat]

Nala’s initial thought when the ogre trips, is that she’s glad she’s standing out of range. But as the ogre stands and laughs and starts talking in that strange language she had overheard once from the fey, the look on her face changes to complete, unrepressed bafflement. This ogre makes absolutely no sense with everything she thought she had learned since coming to this strange place. Even with Siel’s translation, what she says does little to clear up the confusion. (Who names a frog? she wonders)

Tralkor’s introduction helps… slightly. She doesn’t know ‘druid’, but ‘shaman’ is something she recognizes and remembers the ogre from before saying. She expects he’s some sort of tribe doctor. What would he be doing away from his charges? His suggestion of “a talk” with the outsiders puts her on edge, but she does her best not to make her uneasiness noticeable.

Nala made as if to step in and say something, but Siel, not noticing Nala’s interest since she is standing in front of the human, continues on. Nala winces visibly as Siel readily identifies her, and then recovers. Up until that point, it seemed there was a chance that the ogre did not know what she was. Well, now there was no point in trying to fish for information subtly now.

“Labhairt liom a dhéanamh ar an taistealaí teanga de na tailte seo.” She looks over and up at the ogre suspiciously, speaking in her most unaccented orcish. “Agus tá mé ar roinnt ceisteanna. Cad é do ghnó linn? Agus conas a chuala tú duine againn?”

Orc:
I do speak the traveler’s tongue of these lands. And I have a few questions. What is your business with us? And how did you hear of us?

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika stays back, letting the older people talk to the ogrey-looking thing. Maybe I won't need to use my amazing powers on this one, she thinks, a somewhat disappointed smirk crossing her face. She makes a mental note to review her orcish, just in case she actually needs to talk to it, or perhaps to other things in the land.

[maestrodesigns]

A happy smile appears on Tralkor's face after listening to the fey. Lovely, it appears I've found the 'outsiders' and even better, they seem to be willing to talk to me. He nods enthusiastically and then looks around. He spots at least one more of them 'outsiders' just a little further away. This is great. I wonder how many of them came here... This might just be the help I need.

As the one called Nala starts speaking he stares at her in slight awe. This has to be one of them ... what were they called again.... humans! Yeh. They kinda look like small and slightly frail Orcs... They don't seem as barbaric as the stories tell...Gheh

He quickly recovers again though and with a thoughtful look, he starts answering the questions fired at him by the supposedly human creature.

"Lets start with the easy one. How I came to hear of you. That one is actually dead easy. You see, with me being somewhat of a local doctor, I'm a one-stop-shop for wounded or troubled tribesmen. And as you might recall, you released two of my tribesmen after your assault on the other oasis. I'd like to thank you for that by the way. They told me of everything that happened there and that inspired me to contact you. And luckily for me my local fey friends knew just the person to speak to for more information; the one you call Froad. He promised me he would contact you and see if you're interested. And voila, here we are!"

Tralkor takes one more thorough look at the folks in front of him and then walks towards his cooking pot. "The second part is slightly more ... complicated so to say. I suggest we all take a seat, enjoy a nice hot cup 'o tea and I'll tell you all about it."

[PersonMan]

Siel nods when Tralkor suggests that he continue his explanation with tea. A creature such as herself didn't really have need for such things, but she was curious about what the ogre had to say and didn't want to delay the continuation of his story by arguing about whether or not tea was really necessary.

Then let us do so. The fey says, following the shaman.

[TinselCat]

Tralkor’s answer to how he heard of them is mostly expected, except for the part about him having contacts among the fey. The fey didn’t seem to her a kind of people that would interact much with the barbarians living outside the oasis. But even Froad had mentioned negotiating with an orc captain. Maybe there were a few reasonable individuals among the mass? It still takes her aback just to listen to the ogre speak.

“...Alright,” she agrees to his suggestion, although somewhat reluctantly. Her thirst for information is much greater than her thirst for tea, but refusing would be a hassle she doesn't want to deal with.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Tralkor goes ahead and brews a nice cup of tea. Actually, this may very well be one of the nicest cups of tea you have ever had. This is for sure an ogre, and perhaps an (evil) barbarian. Nevertheless: He can brew. As you sit down and commence drinking your tea, you notice the rustling in the bushes you have come accustomed to here. Apparently, the fey, and perhaps some of the animals, are taking interest and attendance, curious about where this is heading.

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor takes a long thoughtful sip of his tea and then looks at the 'outsiders' and their fey friend. They don't look too powerful, but then again, looks might very well be deceiving, I know that as no other, gheh

He then takes a careful look around, as if he's making sure there's no one listening in that shouldn't. spot [roll0]

"Well then... Since most of you are new here, I'll go for the slightly longer version. You have come to a world probably quite different from what you might have expected. The 'monstrous' races" Tralkor deliberately accentuates the monstrous part "have actually become quite organised, civilised even. Especially the Orcs. Yeh... Especially them..." you see a slight hint of frustration, maybe even anger in Tralkor's expression, but he quickly recovers and continues "They are effectively the ones in charge in most parts of the world and even built a few of them huge cities to serve as a home to their leaders. Until now they lived in relative harmony with most of the local tribes and kept a healthy respect for our lands. Lately things have changed though it seems... As a matter of fact, I believe you folks have seen their newly found expansion drift first hand. Building permanent structures in the oasis... Attacking the local fey..." Tralkor lets out a deep growl "They really shouldn't have done that."

Tralkor pauses for a bit and then smiles. "I believe I haven't even thanked you yet for aiding the fey, and mother nature out there. So, eh... Thanks!
Which brings us to your question" Tralkor nods at Nala "As you might have seen ...and guessed I myself am a friend of both nature and fey. The violent invasions of nearby oasis lately are an outrage and have to be stopped at all cost! Alone, I won't stand a chance. With your help... Who knows...
So that's where we get to the answer. I'd like to join forces with you. In short: You could help me defend the oasis and I could perhaps help you find your way in these lands." Tralkor looks at the rest expectantly So, what say you?"

[TinselCat]

Nala listens with a bit of amusement to Tralkor’s tone. It seems that someone else isn’t a fan of orcs. It is surprising to know that not all of the monstrous races get along with each other, although it makes sense that there wouldn’t be all harmony and unity against humanoids over here. His proposal is very interesting: taking up the mantle of watchers and defenders of the oasis in return for the knowledge and help of a native to the area.

It doesn’t feel like a particularly hard choice to make. As hesitant as Nala is to run into something, no matter how good the deal sounds, she has a gut feeling that no matter how long she thinks about the deal, she is going to end up taking it eventually. Possibly the deciding factor: she and the remnants of the expedition have already decided to toss in their lot with the fey the moment they went to defend the other oasis, and here was a trusted friend of said fey, doing the same and offering his goodwill to them.

“Your proposal is very interesting,” she says neutrally, trying to keep all of these thoughts out her expression. “Not only that you came all this way at the first word of outsiders at the oasis, but that we seem to share a dislike of orcs and others who interfere with things we care about. It could be beneficial to build a favorable relationship with each other, but it also asks for a lot of responsibility on both sides. The decision is not entirely up to me.”

Nala turns to Vrishchika. “What do you think, Vrish?” Nala may be all for it, but she's not casting her vote until everyone else does. She wants to hear their opinions without being clouded by her own.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Tralkor:
You do not spot anything unexpected. You also don't really spot any fey, but they are there, fore sure. They are curious and nosy and, in the end, this is their home.

[Derjuin]

Stepping forward, Vrishchika brings one of her hands to her chin, looking over the ogre and pondering the proposal. Another chance to oppose the orcs would technically be furthering the original expedition's goals. And if the ogre's words rang true, perhaps it would bring in another ally. Maybe even more knowledge? A guide to the area and its peoples would be a great asset to the group.

But can he be trusted? The thought loomed in the back of her mind. The fey wouldn't allow him into the oasis if he wasn't trustable, would they? But maybe he's only pretending to be trustable, and is secretly in cahoots with the orcs...

Shaking her head, Vrishchika makes up her mind in a hurry, ignoring the prodding questions and (possibly paranoid) uncertainty. "I think we can trust him. He seems to be an enemy of the orcs' expansionism, and if he wants to join us against them, then all the better." Despite tossing in her proverbial hat, she makes a mental note to keep an eye on the ogre, just in case.

[PersonMan]

Siel doesn't really consider the ogre's offer in the same way her comrades do. That is, she doesn't do any sort of cost/benefit analysis or try to determine whether or not such an alliance would aid her in any sort of mission. Instead, she thinks of what this would mean for her mortal allies. If he betrayed them, no matter who won, there would be plenty of grief and pain. If he was a trustworthy ally, then they would be facing the orcs. The orcs were, if Siel was understanding the ogre correctly, the most powerful faction, in the area if not the entire continent. This meant that their conflict would be long and almost certainly result large amounts of sadness over time.

Then there was the aspect of his apparent standing with her fellow fey. He clearly was an ally (would-be or true) of her people, but Siel didn't have much of a connection with most of her kind. Froad was a cross between a patron and ally, but in general there wasn't really a connection. Siel was a being made from suffering, she fed on the grief and misfortune inherent in nature and sentient beings; she didn't really have much use for companionship apart from study (at the moment she had little to no interest in fey) or nourishment. Fey, while an adequate source of energy, were inferior to the mobile, self-refreshing banquets that her allies from across the ocean were.

However, Siel had never actually had much contact with ogres or orcs. This was a fairly good opportunity to increase the efficiency of her study, as well as...well, she believed that ogres had more in common with humans like Nala than fey like Froad, which meant that his soul would be like a ripe fruit, almost dripping delicious pain and easy to drain the energy she used to cast her spells with from. Even better, he would probably have a unique taste, just like the other two had. Nala's was strong, but matured, as one might describe a fine wine (Siel wasn't exactly sure what wine was, but her elf tutor had mentioned it and explained the basics to her), while Vrishka's was more subtle, less true misery and holding several interesting tastes. If the ogre had similar quirks to his feelings, then her hypothesis about the mortal races might be correct. If every single one had such a unique flavor, then...

I see no problems with an alliance. Is what Siel says, the supernatural blackness of her eyes making it easy to hide her though process. After all, who would expect her to be almost mentally salivating over the thought of thousands of new tastes, rather than considering how trustworthy the man before her was? As long as you have no problem with me modifying your emotional state to fuel my spellcasting, there should be no conflict. The fey adds, hoping that the ogre would be less suspicious than her foreign allies had been.



DM:
So, here's the part where we run into a spot of trouble because I didn't ask you about this during, or shortly after, character creation.

I've assumed that, to survive, Siel sort of passively absorbs suffering from those capable of feeling it/those who have felt it in the past. As such, it would make sense for her to have a sort of sense for how much pain, grief, etc. a being has. If she had such a sense, she'd employ it now, as she's interested in how much nourishment he can give her.

So:

-Does she have such a sense?
-If so, what does she feel from Tralkor?

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Siel
I am absulotely very fine with that approach. I think it adds something unique to your character and that is important in this game. The only restriction is that whatever you sense does not affect others, and that is far from the case here.

I must admit that I find it hard to tell about Tralkor in terms that fit how you see your 'ability' and how Maestrodesigns sees his character, but here goes:

For most people, the flow of pain is like a river close to the mountains. Often low stands, but also regular flash floods of emotions and a path of flow that changes and is to some degree unpredictable. Tralkor's flow is more like that of a river close to the sea. It is usually in equilibrium, stable and predictable. That is typical for people that are able to see the bigger picture, that wait with passing judgment and are able to relativize. However, when it does stir, it wreaks massive havoc: it can flood massive landscapes before calmly reverting to it's stable state. Apparently he has a few topics about which he is so passionate that he would resort to extreme means to undo what is wrong in his eyes.

He combines the somewhat primal intense emotional palette typical for ogres with the seasoned and balanced taste of meditating monastery-dwellers and patiently praying priests.

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor chugs back the rest of his tea, wipes his mouth and grins wide. "Well then, I guess that settles it. I bet this could work out... work quite well even. Let's see how them cityboys like a little wrath of nature." His grin appears to grow even wider and he slowly cracks the coconut half he'd been drinking tea from in his hand.

He then suddenly slightly tilts his head somewhat in Siel's direction. "I have no idea what you just meant by the way, but I guess I'm not too fondly attached to any particular emotional state... as far as I know that is." Tralkor chuckles and nods at Siel. "So do whatever ye need little fey! Just not when I sleep if it can be helped, Burt tends to get cranky when we don't get our rest."

Tralkor then stands up, straightens his back with a satisfied groan and walks towards his pack. From there he grabs a bunch of stoppered coconuts and hands one of m to each. "Here ye go, a token of good will. These little concoctions will make you feel quite a bit better if you're trying to recover from a painful fight or something. And in the near future, if you ever find the need for more of my brewings, feel free to ask."

He peers around with a thoughtful look and mumbles a bit: "Now where's that Froad when ye need 'im?..."

[TinselCat]

Nala shifts uncomfortably a little at Siel’s blunt summary of how her magic works. Even though there hasn’t yet been any harm done to her from it, it still makes her uncomfortable when she thinks about it. She doesn’t like losing control of her emotions, especially to a force she doesn’t fully understand. Tralkor’s fast acceptance of it shocks her. His whole carefree attitude confuses her. Granted, she thinks, he doesn’t have to worry about his safety in this land quite like we have to…

But she accepts the coconut container from him, taps it, shakes it, sniffs its contents and eventually stoppers it again, satisfied that whatever it is probably won’t hurt her, unfamiliar a substance as it is.

“Do you have any particular plan of action already in mind,” she asks Tralkor, setting the coconut aside, “Or were you holding off on the planning until you were certain we would be helpful?”

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor looks at Nala with a bit of incomprehension in his expression. "A plan you say... I ehhh. Well. ...ehm.. Right. I kinda thought we'd simply defend the oasis that would be in need of help. Aaaand... The fey could of course tell us which ones need help, and point us in the right direction. Yeh. Indeed."
His face clears up phew, talked me out of that one... "But if any of you'd happen to have a more strategic kind of plan..thingie... I'd be more then willing to adapt myself of course." he pauses and seems to think things through
"Perhaps Froad can tell us a little more about the troubles. He has a few more connections to the other oasis."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

After about two and a half hours Froad returns to the oasis. You see him walking, muttering to himself and not noticing you and the expression on his face is far from happy. As he notices you he forces a smile on his face and heads in your direction. "I see you have met. Very good. I hope you had a fruitful conversation." He walks around a bit, reorganizing some leaves on a patch of grass near the water. "It is always good to see strange paths combine and especially on a beautiful day like this. Isn't it a beautiful day?" He puts some effort into lifting a small log from the water to the shore. "I like to sit on this, but these water cows keep putting it in the water." He forces a small giggle. "Ah, let's call it their sense of humor, eh?" As you are wondering what on earth he is on about, you hear some voices shouting from the bushes in the Fey language: "Pastāstiet viņiem! Lūdzu!".

English:
Tell them! Please!

"Right." Froad sits down and starts fidgeting and looks over the water. After a short moment he looks up, as if something just occurred to him. "Oh, yeah, there was something I wanted to tell you. There was a meeting today. I thought I was to meet an orc officer alone to discuss the recent hospitalities, but I guess I was wrong. It appears someone has struck a great metal mine somewhere in the jungles in the south. I don't really get it, but it appears this stuff is more precious than gold and I understand there is a lot of it. As a result the intensities of caravans will increase." Froad lets out a small sigh.

"So, there was the officer and some of his helpers. There were a few representatives of the ogre tribes, several goblinoids and three funny little men. They had the posture of a goblin, but no fur....actually, they had a scaly skin and pointy teeth. Like a reptile. Nervous, also."

"Anyway, the reptile people were there because they apparently own the mine. They had long lists of products they would want to get in return for the metal. The ogres were there to tell that they were willing to remain in business with the orcs, but if there was more fighting to occur they demand the orcs provide them with weapons and armor and financial compensation for loss of ogre life. The orc chief informed us that there were plans to create a good infrastructure through these lands. I heard a device has been invented that can carry more than ten camels combined! At various tactical points shelter and facilities are to be made in the oases. The goblinoids were upset, fearing they would lose their business in their towns, so they were there to demand that they would be involved and granted the right to exploit these 'Oas-inns' as they called them. The orc seemed not to care and granted everybody their wishes. I guess this metal is really valuable."

"Oh, yes. Me. I was there so I could be told that we were not to meddle with their plans and that any obstruction and violence would be countered by armed forces." Froad silences and looks over the water again. He clears his throat twice and sighs deeply. Then his shoulders begin to shake. ""Mēs visi gatavojas mirt!" he blurts out as he starts crying.

English:
"We are all going to die!"

His grief is so intense and heart-felt that after a few seconds of enjoying absorbing it you have to shield yourself from it Siel, or become litterally overwhelmed. After a minute he eases, dries his tears and looks at you. "So, I guessed you'd want to hear how my day went..."

[PersonMan]

Siel gazes at Froad for a moment when he bursts into tears, her face almost expressionless. The only change is that the blue aura surrounding her eyes begins to spread rapidly, and soon her entire body seems to be radiating it, an almost invisible corona of blue quasi-light. As this aura grows stronger for a few seconds she turns to the mortals. As much as this was like basking in perfect weather, Siel didn't enjoy such suffering for very long. It was all too often tainted by other emotions, forming a blend of fear, sadness and shock. The resulting mixture was fine at first, but after a short time it grew bitter and entirely unpleasant. Better was the pain felt after a minor tragedy, almost entirely pure. Froad's pain had always had a particularly sweet taste, and Siel disliked feeling it reduced to such a pitiful mixture. She might have even gotten angry, although at most she felt mild annoyance. While extremes might bring her to feel more, for the most part her emotions were all but unchanging. Curiosity was one of the strongest responses to this new situation.

So, it seems as if we are in an...unfortunate situation. The fey says, considering her own situation in all of this. In her current state, she could survive it if the oases were made into pit stops for the new metal caravans. Siel would probably use her abilities to assist in making a relaxing, effectively anti-stress environment, sucking the day-to-day sadness from the workers as they passed. The other fey, however, would probably be in a much worse position. Those that lived might be able to find a place in the oasis-inns, but the ones that couldn't would quite possibly die fairly soon. We have a few possible courses of action. The first is resistance. Guerrilla warfare from the oases. This will almost surely end in all of our deaths. The second is acceptance. We attempt to cooperate, compromise, and adapt to the changing circumstances. The third is movement. We may be able to find a suitable place to stay on the other sides of the portal. Siel considers, her gaze traveling from one member of the group to the next as she speaks. We may be able to destroy the mines, I would place this under resistance, but with this discovery the world of the orcs has almost assuredly changed. Turning again, her eyes fall upon Froad once more. How many do they plan to build? She asks, her tone seemingly softened in a manner almost inaudible, round stone rather than the usual sharp granite of her expressionless speaking.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

"Huu?....Ten? I guess...." Froad swallows another outburst. "And we cannot leave. Most of us can't. We are tied to these places. As the oases get hurt...destroyed, we slowly die..."

[TinselCat]

Siel’s glowing is more than a little disturbing, so Nala turns her gaze entirely to Froad and tries to ignore it. But as the story unfolds, Nala completely forgets about Siel’s odd behavior. She listens with fascination and amazement at the story. Valuable metal? A device that could carry more than ten camels? What she would give to get her hands on either of those… but she decides to keep that thought far away from the distressed fey. She can understand that his worries are significantly different than hers, and that he must hold little to no interest in the technologies she wants to discover.

The fighter listens to Siel’s assessment of the situation. It certainly tells her a lot about how she thinks. Nala coughs. “I beg to differ on the guerrilla warfare point. I don’t recall is explicitly saying this, but one of the key purposes for the expedition Vrishchika and I were a part of was to engage in such tactics. However,” she continues, “even with the use of the portals, defending ten oases simultaneously would not be possible with our current resources.”

After saying that, Nala hesitates. When she had agreed to defending the oases, she had no idea that the fey were facing a problem of this magnitude. If everything she heard is true, they would be at this for a long time. The goals of the expedition would have to be put off until it is over. But, she thinks, looking over at Vrishchika, they were all that is left. Are they really an expedition anymore, or are they just the remnants of something that once was? She doesn’t want to accept the failure. Part of their orders had been to disrupt and resist, so this could certainly qualify as part of the expedition’s directive. We’re not dead yet, she thinks. We’re still on the right path.

“I do like the sound of destroying the mines.” Nala was impressed Siel thought of that. “There are significant risks to this: the mines are far from the oasis, they will almost certainly be guarded and in use. And we have no information about the size of the mines. And even if we collapse one of the structures – even the entire mine – if the orcs and lizards are dead-set on getting that metal, they will just start digging again. I don't think we can do anything to entirely remove this resource from their control. It will certainly delay them, though.”

“If acceptance isn’t an option – which Froad says it isn’t and I say it would be near suicide to agree to – we need to engage in resistance. There are many ways we can resist. It would be ideal if the early stages were difficult to see: equipment failure, difficulties in their construction. Things that they could attribute to other, less hostile, causes.

“Another thing I noticed from your story, Froad, is the fear of those goblins. Their fears of being left out can definitely be exploited. How do you think they would react if suddenly all of the goblins at the oases just started vanishing? Would they think that the orcs and ogres were trying to leave them out?

“I don’t want to give the false impression that this will be easy,” she finishes softly. “But this is something that we cannot afford to ignore.”

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor patiently hears Froad and the others out while gently chewing on a reed. His eyes burn with an inner fire but his expression and posture both remain relatively calm. Although the situation appears to be as bad as he feared, maybe even worse now that he thinks about it, not all is lost. These new allies might be the unexpected wild card he'd need for a chance in defeating this threat.

Seeing Froad in such despair pains his heart, and his determination to battle those he once considered his allies is strengthened once more. The Orcs seem ruthless in their hunger for power and if nature and it's allies are to stand a chance they need a few powerful allies and/or defenders. He himself is definitely willing to be one of them and it appears the 'outsiders' will be as well.

He's kinda surprised at the fey's reaction. He expected something similar to the reaction of Froad and the other fey, but this one seems... odd... Apart from the strange glowing ...stuff.. it seems somehow slightly emotionless, or at least different in that matter. Even from a druid's point of view, this strange creature is quite fascinating... Nothing Tralkor encountered or heard of so far has been anything like this one.

The human on the other hand seems quite passionate. He can't put his finger on it's exact motives yet, but their goals seem to match for now at least. And.. from what I've heard, this human single-handedly defeated one of our tribesmen... Which is quite a feat for such a small creature in itself.

Tralkor disrupts his own train of thoughts and joins the conversation. He starts by addressing the poor Froad-fella: "Don't you worry too much little fey, things will be all right. I promise you we'll help you and your people defend the oases. One way or another, we'll be able to stop these invaders from defiling our lands. The elements shall be our weapon and nature shall be our protection."

He then turns to the human called Nala: "Nala was it, right?" not even awaiting an answer, he continues "You keep showing extensive tactical insights, far beyond anything I could ever come up with.
So. I'm more then willing to follow any plans you come up with that could potentially further our common goals.
I really hope we'll be able to defend the other oases and their inhabitants though. These fey are no match for the powerhungry and well trained Orcs and their allies. Soww... lots of casualties, ... on their side ..., can be expected if no-one comes to their aid.
If I can help you in any way with planning and prepping some effective counter strikes, please lemme know."

[TinselCat]

Nala nods at Tralkor. The first impression that comes from the ogre is an easygoing nature, but there is something underneath of a stronger nature. His defense of the fey and the meaning behind his words – if not the way he says them – hints that he’s more of a force than most might be led to expect. The ‘power of nature’ thing still threw her... but that might have made more sense to someone like a fey. “I agree that the fey would be vulnerable without our assistance. I’m sure your knowledge of nature will be essential to protecting the oases. I’d like to talk to you later about your capabilities. As a shaman I’m sure you have some ability to interact with nature,” that was the most neutral way she could put it without getting too much into speculation “And that could be particularly useful to us as something the orcs don’t have.”

She doesn’t want to distress Froad any more than he already is, but she turns to him once more. “I’m afraid, Froad, I still have a few more questions. The most important piece of information we are missing is a timeline: when they are starting and where they are aiming first. My guess would be the oasis closest to the mine, but some concrete information would be good to know. Depending on how much time we have until they begin, we can take advantage of it with preparations.”

[PersonMan]

Siel nods, turning to Froad as well, curious about what else he may have learned during the meeting.

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor fills up another coconut half with tea and hands it to Froad. "Before you go into all the details that might help us, take this, you'll feel a little better."

Looking down at the half he crushed some moments ago, he chuckles and grabs another from his pack. "Good thing these things come aplenty around here. Ghehe." While his grin slowly fades from his face he looks at the rest "Anyone else for a refill?" and fills up anyone that looks even remotely interested.

He then sits back down and turns his attention back to Froad, awaiting whatever more the fey would have to say to them.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika accepts the coconut from the ogre, eyeing it warily for a moment before setting it aside. After listening to Nala, Froad, Siel and the ogre, her gaze turns down slightly as she assumes the position of thinker. Though thoughts are flowing about her mind, a single dark memory hides in the back, unmoving. Stop being so useless. Do something with that intellect, girl. A scowl forms on her face as she seems ready to speak.

"Let me sort this out. There's a mine somewhere near this collection of oases that contains a large amount of expensive ore. The orcs and their toadies wish to mine out the location, while the goblins want to get on board purely for monetary reasons..." She pauses a moment before continuing.

"In addition, the orcs want to tear down parts of the oases to build their little towns," she feels the urge to pace back and forth, but resists. "And resistance would be met with retaliation. We can't protect everyone while we're away fighting off the orcs, and most of us certainly can't be in several places at once. It seems relocation is impossible, and cooperation will result in ...unfavorable, circumstances."

After mulling over their options, she seems to settle on one that piques her interest. "We could abuse the goblins' paranoia and greed, stir them to desire the mine for themselves. Egg them on with fake promises of more gold - or whatever monetary system this continent uses. Get them to 'rebel' against the orcs and simultaneously damage their relations with the orcs and surreptitiously increase our odds of resisting. Do you know much about the logistics of the goblins, Froad or ogre...uh, Tralkor? Tribe size, location, average intelligence, et cetera? These things could be useful to know if we are going to manipulate them into fighting for us." She gesticulates somewhat wildly during the less complete sentences of her idea.

Perhaps I'm thinking too grand," she mutters quietly, hoping the goblins aren't numbered in the millions or something crazy-unbearable like that.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad takes a moment to process all the comments, plans and actions, takes a deep breath and starts answering. "I don't know that much about goblins, to be honest. I believe they tend to be subservient and a bit cowardish, mostly out of fear for the bigger and stronger races. But that's the small ones. The bigger goblinoids hold their own in the orc world. The biggest problem is that there are many, many of them. Unless you have some awesome tactic, I do not see how you could influence them all that easily. There are dozens of settlements with each over a hundred inhabitants and I think they prefer benefiting under the guidance of orcs over rebelling based on information provided by...outsiders."

"As for timing, I am not sure. Guess they will start building soon, within days perhaps. But I do know they won't be building all of the 'Oas-inns' at the same time. I think they will start with two building teams, each on one end of the route. This is not something that will happen overnight. The big carrying machine was invented somwhere far in the north and it will take at least two months to arrive here." He stops to think a little. "If you talk about demoralizing a component...I think Tralkor will agree that perhaps the ogres are the easiest target. They are in this for the money, but they can survive on their own easily. Can't say that about the goblins. If we could cause some heavy losses on their side, they will start thinking differently about the profitability of working for the orcs."

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor sips his tea and listens intrigued to Vrishchika while she lays out some more interesting ideas. These outsiders keep amazing him with unexpected levels of intelligence and corresponding signs of insight in various fields of expertise. He always thought that the banished humanoid races would be more ... barbaric. More savage. Yet somehow they seem more in line with the orcs. Intelligent, calculating creatures that seem focused mostly on acquiring more power.

He slowly nods at the end of her clarification, his mind still trying to make sense of what he was learning of these outsiders.

Just before he's able to give a coherent reaction, Froad starts answering their questions and filling in some of the blanks. Most of it is familiar to him, and he nods and mumbles in agreement to the goblin and ogre statements. The timing and planning part was new to him too though and he tries to imagine what such a terrible machine should look like. The idea of some huge nature-swallowing device brings up feelings of fear and rage at the same time.

After Froad concludes his explanation with the suggestion of 'corrupting' the ogres, he feels it's time to step in. He slowly looks around while rasping his throat. "Yeh. I have to agree to most our friend Froad here just said. The goblins are just too large in number and too weak on their own, so encouraging them to rise up against their natural supremes, the orcs, is nigh impossible. It's like them deer, no matter how large their numbers are, they won't think of rising up against a handful of lions."

he scratches his chin a bit and stares in the distance "And about my brethren..." a wicked grin plays along Tralkor's face "I guess most of it is true. The ogre tribes are mostly independent, but most are on an orc payroll as mercenaries. We can either try to pay them more, but I assume you folks don't carry around huge amounts of gold, or, like Froad suggested, we need to dramatically reduce the profitability of their current business with the orcs. Be aware though, that the ogres are physically strong, independent and particularly headstrong. Pushing them away from their usual allies might be easier then with the gobbo's, but it most certainly won't be a walk in the park."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

At the end of his last sentence, Tralkor gets interrupted by a little voice in the distance swiftly approaching you. "Orcs...slēpt! Orcs...hide! Orcs!" Froad quickly gets up. "Bah...let's hide, guys." He heads towards one of the spots known to you as a great hideout from which you can spy on the water.

[TinselCat]

Nala, about to speak, instead clamps her jaw shut and nods, looking into the distance as if trying to spot the orcs. Making sure that everyone else is following, she trails Froad over to the hiding place. She pulls out her crossbow before getting low to the ground. Just in case they get spotted. With Tralkor's size, it's a pretty risky position to be in. What are orcs doing here? It doesn't sound like they are expected visitors.... She keeps her spear close at her side.

OOC:
Good timing. You beat a post from me by just a few minutes.

Rolls?
Hide check if needed: [roll0]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Hurried on and encouraged by Nala and Froad, you head for the hiding spot. You can sit there safely without being noticed, even Tralkor: the fey have groomed their surroundings to suit their nosy and shy nature.

After a few minutes of silence you hear some dark booming voices in the distance, followed by some rustling in the bushes some sixty feet away from you. A big bugbear clad in leather armor steps out of the bushes. He peers around intently while sweeping the area with a drawn longbow. He takes ten seconds for his inspection and then turns around and starts speaking in Orc.

"There is no point in this if you don't shut up, Borf. Anyone here will have heard us way before I start scouting." What must be the strongest and tallest orc you have seen so far in your life steps out of the bushes and joins the bugbear. "BWAhaa, hehe...take it easy. There is noone here. I am afraid of nobody anyway." If his shaven and scarred skull is not his most impressive feature, the gigantic axe on his back must be. The orc starts taking off his chain shirt. ""Let's go swim! Or do you need to check the demimeter there as well? Bwaha!" The orcs rushes to the water as the bugbear turns around to face the bushes again. "Perimeter...." He continues to mutter some soundless words with a hopeless expression on his face, adressing the two last figures coming out of the bushes. The small robed goblin has her attention fully focused on a scroll she is holding, but the orc, clad in a nicely ornamented full plate, that follows the goblin shows some understanding. He makes a calming gesture and sais: "Let him. The man is excited to see water and this place seems peaceful enough, huh?" The orc smiles at the miffed bugbear and the three of them proceed to sit next to the water.

As the orc swims around and produces some weird exclamations of joy and encouragement for the others to join him, the goblin sits quietly and keeps reading her scroll. When offered a drink from a watersack she waves it away absentmindedly, not even looking up. The orc and bugbear sit together and have a small conversation about how they have been travelling for three weeks now and how the last part of their travels through this relatively flat and barren land has been quite swift. The bugbear also repeatedly makes the point that they should be more cautious and allow for better and more scouting. The orc in general replies that he should have more faith and that they enjoy protection from 'above'. During a short period of silence the bugbear looks around lazily as he suddenly sits up. "We are being watched." He starts drawing his bow as suddenly the goblin speaks up: "It is the Fey. Don't worry, they are harmless." The female sounds very certain, but does not take the effort of looking up to confirm her theory. The bugbear is now focused on the ground surrounding them. "People were here. Orcs...females? Hmmm...and ogres, I think." "It is a trading route, my friend. Many an orc and ogre will be frequenting this place, no?" It seems the bugbear is satisfied, as he puts back his bow and continues to lazy about. "Yeah...let's camp here."

"WOO HOO!" The orc splashes some water on his companions on the shore before he leaves the water and yields some annoyed comments. "So. We camping here, huh? That's good. I approve of this. When I retire, I am going to build me one of these. Oasis, huh? Haha!....Two oasises even!" Apparently his companions are used to the nonsense the orc produces: he does not get much response.

"So...Yana. We are almost there and we are far away from cities and people, right?"

"Hmmm...."

So...you get to tell me what we're doing, no?"

"Hmmm....."

"I mean, is it far to the south...towards the end of the world? The world does end somewhere, no?"

"Hmmm...."

"Hmmpf."

"Tell him, Yana. Otherwise I will. With my head for detail, you might want to do it yourself, no?"

"Yes!"

*sigh* "Do you remember the big machine...that brings wood to the city?"

"Yes"

"Do you know why it moves...out of itself?"

"Yes...magic"

"No, magic can not do that. Well, it can, but that would be too expensive."

"No, it is magic, I am sure"

"God kill me...please"

"Hey!"

"Sorry, but come on!"

"Guys, I am speaking. Okay, Dorf, it is magic"

"Yes"

"Buuut...it is special magic. It requires a special stone to function. A gem"

"Yes, a magical gem"

"No, not a magical gem"

"Then, what's so special about it?"

"Well, it is green. It is also very big. Almost as big as your head"

"As big as YOUR head?"

"Uh, yeah. And it is warm to the touch. Hold it for too long, and you will burn your hands"

"Okay"

"So, the gem for the second machine was found a while ago. They are very rare, we may never find a third"

"Ohhh....lucky finder"

"Yes, but it was stolen"

"No!"

"Yes"

"By who?"

"Dark elves"

"No way? Dark elves??"

"Yes"

"Yana?"

"Yes?"

"What is a dark elf?"

"Dark elves are evil creatures that live deep underground"

"Evil? Isn't it dark there?"

"Yes, they can see in the dark"

"No way!"

"Yes....if my information is correct, there was a time when your kind could do so as well"

"Wow. So....where are we going?"

"Endar..."

"Right. Borf, we walk for maybe two weeks to the south and find maybe ten more oases"

"Oasises. Ten is more than one."

"Yes. The landscape will turn to jungles. Very funny forests. We should be able to see two volcanoes...mountains....very large hills. We then go to the right one. At the foot of the big hill is a mine. That is where the gem got stolen. The drakefolk that live there have made carvings in the trees that lead us to the entrance of the dark elf lair. From there on, we are on our own"

"Oh....Yana?"

"Hmmm..."

"The world does end somewhere, no?"


The conversations continue, but this was obviously the most interesting part. The party intends to sleep here and travel on the next morning. If you want to, you can let them pass without them noticing you. If you want, you can confront and/or disturb them. If so, now is the time.

[PersonMan]

OOC:
Woah. Lots of stuff happened while I was asleep.

Is it just me, or do I post from school really often?

Anyways, I'm looking forward to the next scene, as I have some fun things in mind. I can disguise myself as a goblinoid-y-thing or go in as a fey...

Siel motions to the others to withdraw to a place where theys won't have to worry about being seen. This could be our chance to find out more about the situation. Perhaps Froad or I could speak with them later. I'm not sure if it would be a good idea for any of you, She indicates Nala, Vrischka, and Tralkor, to be seen by them. It's probably best to keep our connections to ogres secret. You are, at this point, our 'secret weapon', Tralkor. The fey mentions quietly.

[maestrodesigns]

You all notice yourselves blending in with the surroundings much more then usual. Almost as if you and your outfit change colour to match the bushes around you. Then you recall Tralkor muttering something about chameleons and making some weird hand gestures while you were retreating into hiding.

Even Tralkor is able to move relatively unseen with the help of his magic, and he quickly follows Siel to a somewhat safer location. better not to wait till the magic expires, don't want to be seen by m.

"I have to agree with Siel. Although it would be nice to learn more, I sure as hell don't wish to make contact with them. Aside from the 'secret weapon part', they might expect me to join their cause and I would definitely cause some trouble if I refuse. Even though the ogres are powerful and somewhat independent, they are still expected to follow the lead of any orc that is willing to pay enough coin."

I've cast Mass Camouflage to cloak our retreat. +10 circumstance bonus to all hide rolls for everyone, as long as no one moves more then 60 feet from the nearest group member.

[TinselCat]

Nala lingers, and is the last of them to withdraw to the safer location. She grits her teeth in frustration. That conversation was the most intriguing thing she had heard since coming here. Even the way the creatures interact kept her entranced. Is this typical behavior? I would almost call them friends…

And whatever this big machine they were referring to is, it sounds even more fascinating. As she had done many times before, Nala wishes that she could see this thing, to touch it, to study it, to learn about it. How can these orcs and goblins and other critters be capable of inventing such a thing?

She wants to interact with them – to ask them questions, to have them tell her about this mysterious thing and any other major accomplishments of the monstrous races. But that just could not be, and she knows it. Resisting the urge to kick a tree, Nala tries to find some way to work around the predicament.

She knows that some of her frustration must be visible on her face, so she tries to explain as best she can. “I’m curious. I’m very, very curious about all this. I have a lot of questions, the answers to which only they might be able to give.” She takes a deep breath. “I want to talk to them. It’s not that I don’t trust you or Froad, Siel, but I want to be able to participate, to ask any questions that might occur to me, whenever they occur to me.

“Look,” she adds, before anyone can object. “I have something that will allow me to look like an orc. Or half-or-more-orc, at least. It’s a magical powder that I got from one of my teachers back from home. I will disguise myself as an orc. I will claim – and you two fey can collaborate on this – some story like I was injured and my caravan left me behind to recover, or I came here alone a few days ago to rest. Then we can say hi, chat for a while and get some information. I can’t let this opportunity pass me by.”

OOC
I'm talking about my Dust of Illusion. Works like Disguise Self spell, lasts 2 hours.

[PersonMan]

Siel nods slowly, but then something comes to mind as Nala explains her plan.

You may have to pretend you lost your memory - they might expect you to know things that you do not. The fey says, considering what she knows about the human from the other continent. Disguising yourself as an orc could be a hinderance, as your speech, posture and the like will not match your story. If they think you are injured they may want you to stay with them, and I doubt that this powder will last forever. I don't think their reaction will be friendly if their strange new orc friend turns into a human woman. She considers using her own magic to disguise the human, perhaps as a fey, but she remembers that it is limited to personal use and therefore useless unless she wanted to change her own shape. In a rare display of emotion, she frowns slightly and ensures Nala that I understand how you feel, but if you are to put yourself in this situation we must plan for the potential difficulties with this group.

[TinselCat]

As correct as Siel's points are, Nala is not to be deterred. “I accept the difficulties. It will be me alone. I don’t expect you or anyone else to get involved in this unless you so desire. If anything goes wrong, it will just be me who is in danger. It doesn’t sound like this group knows anything about the ‘outsiders’ before coming here, like Tralkor did.” She considers Siel’s suggestion about the story. “I like the idea of losing my memory. And as for the issue of if they want me to remain with them, I can say that I’m not ready to leave yet because I haven’t recovered fully, my memory still hasn’t returned, and in return for you helping me, I promised you I would stay here and help you with… something. And since, once given, I never go back on my word, I have an obligation to stay for a time that I will fulfill. Just suggest me an orcish name to fill out the rest of the story, and that’s all the information I will give them. My accent isn’t that bad, is it? And any imperfections can be attributed to memory loss. Head injuries are a finicky thing,” she shrugs. I'll just have to remember to include some kind of scar in my orcish disguise. “Are there any severe objections?” She asks, hoping there won't be any.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad frowns a bit and nods every now and then. "I think you are all bringing up sensible points and I also think I see why you are so keen on speaking to them. Nevertheless, I wonder: Do you see a tactical advantage in them not knowing you are here and may have heard them?"

[maestrodesigns]

"Hmmm....." Tralkor carefully picks up Burt and gently pets his head while his mind wanders "I don't know. It seems pretty risky. And don't get me wrong, I will uphold my end of our agreement and assist you, whatever trouble you get yourselves into, but what more do we wish to learn from these folks? I'd say we've been able to overhear most of the important stuff they had on their agenda. Perhaps we might even be able to get our hands on that second stone before they do. That could mean quite a blow to their expansion powers."

[PersonMan]

Siel nods. I will accompany you, playing the role of an inquisitive, harmless local creature. As far as names go, I cannot aid you, as the entirety of my instruction left out any mention of such things. She explains. If necessary, I will aid you if you need to extricate yourself from the situation. It would be...quite unfortunate if you were you be captured. Your presence leaves a blue tinge on the world. The fey says. Her final comment is something that you haven't heard before, but her tone seems to imply that it's an important compliment. She focuses on Nala for a moment longer before turning to Vrishchika, the blue aura around her beginning to fade as she does so. Her eyes seem to be...different, somehow. If they weren't completely black, it might have been possible to read her expression.

You gain powers from these beings you contact, yes? Are you aware of any which would help in this situation? Siel asks, her tone tinged with the normal curiosity she expresses while speaking of Vrishchika's powers.

[Derjuin]

"There is one," she says after a moment. "But seeing as I am currently still bound by pact to the Turnfeather, I can't actually make another pact until this one becomes void. We would have to wait until the morning to make use of the Grinning Hound's gifts. Until then, the best I can do is spy on them with birds." Vrishchika shrugs, a look of annoyed defeat appearing her face for a moment.

"However, with my magic, I can disguise myself or read their thoughts. It might make getting what information we need out of them easier, if we decide to do so soon. If we wait until morning, though, I'll be able to prepare a little better for interrogating - er, I mean interacting with - them." She says, rather enthusiastically. She liked reading thoughts; it was like opening up someone's personal journal and peeking through the first couple of pages. What little gems of information might be hiding in the rough of these natives' brain activity?

[TinselCat]

“Mind reading,” Nala says flatly. She covers her eyes with a hand. “Mind reading,” she repeats. “Vrish, that is quite possibly the most useful skill I could think of for this situation. That changes everything. As long as there are no big caveats to its use that would prevent you from using it from a hidden spot nearby, it will be a much, much more reliable way of getting the information we want. So much better than asking questions and hoping they’re feeling chatty.”

It’s an inner conflict to admit it. As much as she wants to do something about this herself, and feel that she is accomplishing something, failing to take advantage of this option would be more than negligent on her part. It is much safer, and, as she continually reminds herself after the disaster that wiped out the rest of the expedition, that is the highest priority right now. “Let’s scratch my end of the plan in favor of Vrish’s. We can have one of the fey be the curious one, my presence won't be significant, since Vrish will be able to seek out the answers to the questions I would have asked from a distance. Vrish, if your mind reading does its thing, we should have all the information we need with significantly less risk.”

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor passively awaits whatever plan the others would come up with. He keeps learning new, and more importantly fascinating stuff about these beings. All of them seem to be quite intelligent, insightful and full of surprising special skills and/or powers. mindreading... wow. never thought that stuff was for real... Good thing then I never really keep any secrets... gheh.

He mumbles something about standing by for whatever he would be needed for and keeps to himself for the rest of the conversation. His frog Burt sometimes croaks softly to him, almost as if it's trying to tell him something. But that would be silly.

[PersonMan]

Siel nods. If necessary, I can inquire as to what they were discussing before, to bring the thoughts to the front of their minds. Unless this mind reading of yours is stronger than that? She asks, considering what Vrishchika had mentioned about waiting until tomorrow. How long do you need to wait? If they leave early in the morning, we may miss them if we wait. The fey considers. The blue tinge in the air around her continues to fade, with only the energy around her coal-bloack eyes remaining in an amount easily visible.

DM:
Did I 'get a reading' with my suffering sense from them before?

[TinselCat]

“That would be much appreciated,” Nala tells Siel. She feels that the curious fey will not to reveal anything more than she is willing to in a discussion. By not reacting emotionally to anything, that will do well to prevent an accidental outburst of something no one wants said. “Vrish, you can decide when we go.” She doesn't want to wait for morning, but wants to leave that decision up to Vrishchika, since she needs to decide on a time when her powers are working optimally. “There are a few things in particular that I’m curious about.” Nala wants to tell both Siel and Vrish these things, so both can be on the lookout for them. “I want to know more about the nature of this big green gem, and the machine that it belongs to. Why the dark elves stole it, and how long ago. What are dark elves, anyway? The explanation that the bugbear gave the orc was… simple. And how powerful is this little group? Not that I’m planning on attacking them,” she assures the others hurriedly, “But I can't gauge the strength of non-humans very well yet.” She can think of other things to say, but these, she decides, are the most important.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The group of adventurers continues to lazy about: they are clearly taking a day of rest here. There are ample opportunities to approach them. If you want to do so, please go ahead ((there is really not much I can do right now to advance)).

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor sends Burt into the pond to keep an eye on the travelers. He himself stays near, but out of direct sight. Burt will function as his 'eyes' for the moment.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Siel:


Sorry, I still owed you this bit. It slipped my mind. I must admit that I am still not entirely sure where you want to go with your 'sense'. If my replies work for you, that's good. If not, let me know how you see your 'sense'.

Yana, the female goblin. As many a female her woe smells coloured. Red, in her case. It is wide and long and scattered with darker red dots. You interpret this as her having many fears, which is common amongst goblins. She also has a lot of anger, but it is controlled yet easily sparked. You noticed she gets easily annoyed by Borf's stupidity, for example. She is a control freak, a thinker.

Endar, the male bugbear scout. Many a void surrounded by ink-dark nebulae. This man has no fear, he is a warrior at heart, a brave heart at that. He is more likely to act out of sense and justice than out of anger. However, his mind and judgement is clouded by suspicion and distrust.

Borf, the orc warrior. Anger in short rapid bursts smelling like intense burning fire. It seems aimed at all that surrounds his aura, with a weird kind of fearlessness. He is not afraid to confront many things, but at the same time it looks as if he fears many other things. Possibly the things he does not understand. Possibly many things...

The Orc in full-plate: this man has the most mysterious aura. It is actually very similar to that of Tralkor, yet more tranquil. He possesses similar qualities, but perhaps his life has been too good or sheltered to have experienced much fear or anger. Alternatively, this tranquility is typical for beings that have utter confidence and trust in external factors, such as deities a mortal lord.

[PersonMan]

DM:
It's good, but I was thinking more in the area of 'detects suffering' than 'detects general emotions'.

So I might get a bit of info on their fears, but it's mainly just what makes them suffer (maybe why?), if they're sufferin right now, etc.

I think this is the first time I'm complaining about my power being too broad in scope. It's not something I expected to do in the past.

[TinselCat]

Nala put herself in a god position to be able to hear and see while still remaining undetected. She keeps her crossbow out and spear nearby, but doesn’t plan on using them. She just waits to see how the first encounter will go.

[PersonMan]

Siel quietly moves away from her comrades, hoping to keep the chances of them being discovered as low as possible, before kneeling in the brush for a moment. There she works the energy stored within her, chiefly that released from Froad's grief, until it comes to the surface of her form. There she imbues it with color, specific tones and covers herself with it. The fey's normally coal-black eyes transform, becoming white with dark green pupils and normal sized irises. Similarly, her hair turns light green, the color sweeping from her scalp down.

Content with the layer of sadness covering her, Siel stands up, brushes her hair back and makes her way towards the clearing, making absolutely no effort to contain the noise of her advance. As she came into view, the fey brings a smile into her face, a spring into her step and no longer looks like a being of suffering. Pushing through the last few bushes, she half-skips towards the camp, coming to a stop just before whichever member of the group is closest to her and greeting them with a wave and an ecstatic Dia dia!

Orcish:
Hi hi! (shortened version of hello, in this case)

DM:
Bluff? [roll0]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Siel/All:
I am assuming that the transformation you described was just fluff concerning how for example your mood alters your appearance, or did you actually cast a spell?

And, you are using Fey language, right? Since using different real-life languages IC is/might become a trend, it would be handy to note the language you are IC using. Else I fear at some point I will get horribly confused :).

The adventuring group is idling near the water as you come out of the bushes. The robed goblin lady looks up shortly, glances without interest and continues to read. Then, she slowly lifts her head again and peers at you intently. The bugbear glares and looks as if he is snarling, albeit soundless, a bit at you. The orc in full plate smiles warmly at you: "Hello there". Borf, the orc warrior, sits up and gives you an innocent and disarming smile. "Hello...Dia dia, pretty fey" He turns around and asks softly: "Is that a fey, huh? What is dia dia?"

It seems you are safe around them, though perhaps it is best to be cautious around the bugbear.

[PersonMan]

Taking notice of the varying reactions of the group, Siel tilts her head to the side. While her mentor and her instinctual knowledge had impressed upon her the importance of caution, fear itself was an emotion alien to the fey, apart from when it was mixed into the pain of others. As such, rather than being gripped by powerful tension and being on her metaphorical toes, Siel easily slips into the role of carefree curious fey creature - after all, it is partially what she is.

I haven't seen a group like yours here before! Are you going to be staying long? Siel asks, giggling slightly as she speaks. The fey is surprised, herself, by how easily this comes to her. Of course, her performance is enhanced by her truly being curious as to the nature of the group's visit. It was quite the unusual collection of beings that had come here, in only a few weeks...

[Autopsibiofeeder]

"Nooo...we have to leave soon. We are on a mission" As borf pronounces his last word, he puts his finger on his lips and winks. "Borf...we discussed this. Stuff it". The other orc looks at you friendly and sais: "No, we will be leaving soon."

Vrishchika starts her mind reading from hiding and asks those around her who they feel is the best target for the magic.

All:
I am stepping in a bit for Derjuin here, but I am trying to drag it a bit and am trying to leave the executive side on the plate of the party :)

[PersonMan]

Siel's smile droops slightly as the orc says that they won't be staying long. You said a mission? What kind of mission? Is it important? She asks, shifting her weight again. I heard there are going to be buildings here soon - do you come from places with buildings? They say they make them from wood and people can stay there. Why do they want to come, though? Isn't it so nice here already? The fey continues, allowing her genuine ignorance on the topics of construction and the precise motives for doing so to improve her performance.

[TinselCat]

In answer to Vrishchika’s question Nala answers in a very quiet voice, “The orc in full plate.” He seems fairly intelligent, knowledgeable and a little friendlier than the other two. She hopes that Siel noticed the look that the robed goblin had given her. Hopefully she didn’t see through the disguise. Nala watches tensely, waiting for the orc’s reply.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Vrishchika nods at Nala as she starts focusing her magic and glares at the others, to see whether they have opinions. "Hmm, I would aim for the feeble-minded" is Froad's short contribution.

Borf looks disappointed. "Hmpf...I am not in the current position of authoriti....zation to give information." He eyes the others: Did I do well?

"Buildings? Who told you that?" The orc tilts his head a bit as he gauges Siel. "We are not in the know of urban planning, I am afraid. In general, though, our kind prefers to sleep under the protection of roofs and walls, sheltering us and giving us comfort. Our ties with nature are not so strong."

The bugbear looks at Siel with above-average suspicion, but keeps quiet.

DM roll
[roll0]

[PersonMan]

Siel frowns slighty again, but her smile returns when the orc asks her about the construction plans. After a moment it grows into a mischievous grin. Another fey told me. I could tell you who, and some more, but I'd want something in return. The fey shifts her weight from one side to the other as she speaks. At least tell me your names, so I know who I'm talking to. Siel asks and, after a moment, performs an elaborate maneuver something like a fusion of bow and curtsy. I'm Siel, if you're curious. Siel Vartas.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The orc points at the other orc and sais: "that man is named Borf, and I am called Amders." Two swift glares from the others follow and he continues: "my friends prefer not to let strangers know their names. Safer in a world full of evil and magic."

"So, Siel, you fey-kind are in contact with local mankind, hm? I did not know that."

Vrishchika:
As your detect thoughts kicks in, you notice that besides the people you have seen and met there are quite a few intelligent creatures here. Quite likely all fey. Many of them are less than tiny: you even see a butterfly flapping by that clearly registers as fairly intelligent. You notice at least three 'extra' intelligent creatures in the few seconds and the small area you are investigating.

[PersonMan]

Well, only sort of. Siel admits with a shrug. Someone here went to some meeting. They said something about finding important things in the south and that more caravans would come. The buildings are there for the caravan people, I guess. Are you going to the south, too? Are you looking for these important things they found? The fey asks, her tone changing to an excited mixture of discovery and curiosity as she asks them about their destination.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Amders thinks for a moment, while the other travelers watch your conversation in silence but you can see that Borf is actually dying to enter the conversation and share his knowledge, which he is apparently not allowed to do. "I don't know much about the caravan business here. But I can see how that concerns your kind. I guess you bump into caravans often here?"

"Well, we are heading south, but not to look for whatever the caravans are trading in. We are on a mission that was issued directly by the Orc government. I can't tell you more than that, I am afraid. It is a secret mission."

At that point Yana, the robed goblin, chips in. "I don't know much about economics, but I believe the trade route from the south here provides mostly in gems, dug up in the jungle mountains. Some rare metals as well, I presume...gold, platinum. It is of relative low value to the barbarian tribes living there, but holds great value in our society. This makes the trading economically beneficial to both parties."

Vrishchika:
At this point you notice first that you are fortunate enough to be surrounded by smart team-mates. Not by far as smart as you, but still. All three are of above average intelligence. Surprisingly, the warrior Nala and the ogre Tralkor have the mental fexibility needed to become a wizard. An average, yet decent one.

Borf is probably a crossbreed between someone that's fairly dumb and someone that's fairly stupid (Int 6). Amders, the other orc, is about as smart as Siel (Int 12). The bugbear is about as smart as your warrior and ogre friends (Int 14). Yana, the goblin is as smart as normal humanoids come (Int 18). Seeing how she is robed and permanently fixed on her scripts, she is at least a scholar but could even be a wizard. These are very much above average people. More and more you get the feeling that this group might at least be a match to your group.

Froad, who stands beside you would make a formidable wizard (Int 17).

[PersonMan]

Siel shakes her head. Well, not that often, actually, so I don't really understand why they need those building things here. I guess more are going to be coming through now. The fey considers. At the mention of the mission being secret she frowns. Always so many secrets. The ones who came before had secrets, too, and they always talked about finding this orb they needed. Siel's tone is filled with exhasperation. But enough of secrets...You said gold, and platinum. What are those? I hear they're shiny metals, but why are they dug out of the ground and then brought way up to the north? She asks, changing the subject as her disappointment fades and turns to further curiosity.

DM:
Another Bluff, maybe, for that specific lie?

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Siel:
Yes, please.

[TinselCat]

Nala sits and watches, biting her lip with the tension of listening. She wants to be able to do something, but knows that any circumstance in which she needs to be doing something means that their plan has been ruined. So she waits.

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor remains quiet and hidden as well, relying on Burt's senses to alarm him if anything goes awry. The past few years of attuning himself with the Ancestors had taught him to appreciate patience as a virtue. He would know if and when he'd be needed.

[PersonMan]

DM:
Here's my bluff, then.

[roll0]

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Amders, the orc looks at Siel with a small frown, sunken in thoughts. The bugbear, Endar's eyes dart about, seemingly slightly panicked. Borf gasps in excitement and blurts out an "Oeh!" while he raises his finger before he realizes he needs to shut up. Yana looks at Siel in a very composed manner and sais: "They are dug up and brought north because of their value. The metals are used as a currency and can be traded for many things. Moreover, metals and gems can be fashioned into jewelry...like necklaces. Most are to make people prettier, but some can be magically enhanced and help its wearer in many ways." Her gaze then becomes more stern and she waves towards you with her right hand. "But who are we kidding here? Looking at you, you are very much aware of enchanted items and materials, not? Please don't tell me you don't know about the value of gems." Yana carries on reading her piece of parchment.

Highly focused, Vrishchika mumbles: "I am in his mind...the orc with the full-plate. He is buying Siel's story."

Vrishchika:
Based on Nala's advice, you target Amders, the orc, with your detect thoughts (I know you can target all of them, but I prefer to rule you read one person at a time, otherwise it becomes a mess: both in the thread as in Vrishchika's head). You can switch at any moment, let me know and I will roll a new save.

Amders has a strong will, but it appears you have pierced it. As siel talks of the orb, he thinks: No way...could she be talking of the same orb we are after. That we are not the only one after it? But why? A guild?...merchants?...terrorists? We must hurry!

DM rolls:

WS[roll0]
SM[roll1]

[PersonMan]

Siel nods as the goblin explains the value of gold and platinum. As she mentiones enhancement via magic, she smiles. Ah, I see now. So, your people can 'enhance' things with magic? I was wondering if there were mortals who could do that like the fey. Is that magically enhanced? And that? How about...that? The fey asks, pointing first to Amders' armor, then the parchment and finally Borf's axe, giving the orc a wink as she does so, her finger making a slow twirl as she goes from pointing to the goblin's parchment to his weapon.

While she was curious about the goblin, Siel was more curious about whatever is was Bort had to say. He didn't seem to be a very secretive orc, and probably very much enjoyed explaining things he knew.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Borf nods slightly, yet enthousiastically at you, Siel. At the same time his expression emanates disappointment, as he is not permitted to speak right now. "Hmpf...you have no idea..." Yana mumbles as Amders takes over again: "So...these people talking about that orb, were those orcs as well? Or ehh, do other people come here to speak about orbs...?" He smiles with some doubt on his face, not entirely happy with the way he phrased things.

Vrishchicka:
Your second advised target is someone feeble of mind. Borf is the obvious candidate, but given the conversation you witnessed a while ago he does not know more than you do right now. Yana is 'in the know' but currently not very engaged, so you aim for the bugbear. He does not manage to resist the spell and you get the following thoughts:

Amders: Crap...think before you speak...

Endar: "I don't trust her. She knows something....Why? What could have tipped her off? Who could have sent her? Did we say something she might have overheard?"

DM rolls and whatnot:
WS[roll0]
I[roll1]

[PersonMan]

Siel looks at Amders for a moment before smiling mischeviously. It's clear that she's enjoying being the one 'in the know' now.

It's a secret, I can't tell you~ The fey says in a singsong tone. Maybe we can make a deal? You tell me yours, I'll tell you mine? She asks, her smile turning into a simply friendly one. C'mon, don't be a spoilsport. Besides, this mission is important, right? If you tell me, it won't matter because I won't tell anyone else, but if you don't know about these other people your mission might not work out. It'd be a shame if someone else got the orb first...

[Autopsibiofeeder]

I don't get it...what makes you think our mission has anything to do with that, uhh...orb? I don't see how they are related." While Amders adresses you, the bugbear gets increasingly nervous.

DM rolls:
[roll0]

[PersonMan]

Siel considers the armored orc for a moment before frowning. I thought it did, but I guess it doesn't. Oh, well, secrets are secrets. She says, clearly disappointed. The whole thing about the secret entrance near whatever 'the mine' is probably isn't important. The fey says, turning to go. I guess I'll talk to you all later, then. She says.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

“No, wait!“ Amders smiles at you and you notice that all the others regard Amders intently, curious to what he is up to. “Allright…I will tell you where we are going, if you tell me who, what kind of beings, you saw or heard talking about this orb”. If you turn again and re-engage him, he smiles his most friendly smile at you and says: “Ladies first, though.”

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Vrishchika:

You also manage to penetrate Yana's mind at this point.

Amders: Can't let this happen...if there's someone else after the orb, we have to know it.

Endar: What is he up to...is he going to blow our mission....idiot!

Yana: I wonder...if fire comes in a ball and lightning in a line, it should be possible to create a line of fire. What if I....huh? What the hell is he up to?
[roll0]

[PersonMan]

Siel turns back to the orc with a smile, a spring once more in her step. Well, She begins, I didn't get a good look at them, but it sounded like there were two goblins, an ogre and a weird-sounding orc. There was also another voice, with a funky accent. They always complained about how bright it was. As the fey describes the group, she shrugs. Now then, where are you all going to be going? She asks, curiosity filling her tone and expression.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

"Right. Hmm, we are heading south, to solve a crime: something has been stolen and it needs to be retrieved." Amders continues: "Butehh...these people, did they wear any specific uniform...a banner, did they mention an organization, or a boss? You see, if they belong to a criminal organization I know, we had better contact the authorities..."

Siel:
Would you mind rolling a bluff check for the last bit?

DMroll:
[roll0]

[PersonMan]

DM:
Sure.

[roll0]

Siel nods. Interesting. What kind of thing was stolen? She asks. I don't think they had any sort of uniform, but I couldn't get a good look at them, they seemed to be in a hurry to get where they wanted to go before someone else.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

"Well, it is hard to say...it""STOP. this. right. now." Yana looks at you, Siel, while she glares angrily at Amders from the corner of her eye. "Enough of this. Lady, I don't know who you are, or what you want, but we are on a classified mission and this exchange of information is over." She coughs and wipes something from her robe, it seems. "I am sorry about that. Have a nice day."

Amders opens his mouth as if he wants to say something but decides not to, looking at both you and Yana in turns.

Vrishchika:

Amders: "Crap!"
Endar: "Good!"
Yana: "Dude!"

[PersonMan]

Siel frowns. Well, alright then, if you're going to be like that about it, go ahead. The fey says, turning and walking back into the thicker foliage of the oasis, making sure to go away from her comrades and be out of sight before looping back around to rejoin them. So, what did we figure out? She asks Vrishchika.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

All:
I am going to give Vrishchika some time to respond. Perhaps Derjuin is reading and feels like jumping in here. If not, I will answer for her (and send out a pm).

As you walk back, Siel, you hear the adventurers talking. Snide comments are answered with apologies. However, they hush their voices because you are still near, and you don't get the details.

Vrishchika:
Yana's mind is full of indignity towards Amders' stupidity. Endar's mind is racing about where this conversation came from. Had Siel overheard them, was she an agent of an unknown force trying to destroy their mission?

Amders' mind is more useful. Apparently he is ignoring the contents of Yana's lecturing, while he quickly sums up the implications of recent events:

"Man, this is not ok. If the other group gets to the gem before we do, we are screwed. No reward. But also, the whole venture here in the desert is going to fail. No gem, no machine, no transport of goods through the desert. I bet the builder's contracts have already been signed....how many ogres and goblins does it take to build a dozen Oas-inns? That is going to cost...the boss will be pissed, not to mention the governmental council. So much for promotion to high priest...but this is not about me. The greater glory of the Orc Nation is. We have to act now. Stop yapping, woman, we need to go!"

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika

Forcing herself to keep quiet, Vrishchika quickly and eagerly reveals as much of what she gleaned from the other group's minds as she can. "Well, a few things. They are traveling to find a gem to power one of those transportation things, and it seemed like most of them bought your story. At least one of them...Amders, was it? Believes they are not the only ones looking for it, which I guess is sort of true! Apparently there is a lot riding on this gem, from governmental affairs to corporate interest to personal gain. Amders' mind was like an open book, and he pretty much spilled the beans. All of the beans." She chuckles quietly, apparently amused by her own joke.

"Should we find this gem first and manage to steal it away, we'll cause quite an upset within the Orcish nation, or at least a part of it. The 'oas-inns' require the machine to transport goods, and there is a good chance the contractors have already signed and paid for their construction. We would waste their time, money, and effort just in that venture alone. Apparently their government is involved in this as well, and possibly a religious sect - Amders mentioned a promotion to High Priest. I am unsure whether or not this would be a good thing for the oases and the fey here, but it would definitely halt their progress in constructing the 'oas-inns'." She ponders the situation, trying to weigh outcomes and extrapolate the future, but gives up. She just doesn't know enough about the political climate to guess.

"However," she glances back in the direction of the other party before continuing. "Endar - the bugbear guy - seemed extremely suspicious. He may think someone sent you to spy on them or obstruct their mission." Under her breath, she comments that she likes the way Yana was thinking, and wonders if a line of fire is possible.

[TinselCat]

Nala listens closely to what Vrishchika says. This mind-reading ability is incredibly useful. I'm glad we're on the same side. The idea of having her thoughts read makes her more than a little uncomfortable, but she doubts that Vrish would spend her free time rifling through her thoughts.

What she hears makes her feel a slight amount of relief. From the sound of it, this gem is an important part of the construction process, and when there is one important factor rather than many, plans become that much easier to disrupt. She had no idea that so much is riding on this gem. If they can get their hands on it, she definitely wants to know more about what makes it so powerful, and what kind of potential it has. Maybe if she could see one of those machines, she could figure out how it works…but she puts that thought aside. Acquisition and safety before study.

Unfortunately, she thinks before making her reply, if this party suspects that they’re going to have to race for the gem, it’ll be a fight for her and her own party. Maybe Froad will be willing to let us use the portals for a shortcut again, once he hears how it can help the oases.

"Let’s back off," Nala whispers, "Find somewhere safe and hide until they leave. Then we’ll get Froad to let us hop over to the closest oasis and snag it before them. Should be our best bet to disrupt these ‘oas-inns’. But first, let's let them move on without seeing us or having any reason to worry."

[Autopsibiofeeder]

"Ahem." Nala, as you look next to you, you notice the little Froad coughing. Apparently you were so consumed by the events that you forgot he was actually with you all the time. "Yes, let us seek a safer haven, there will be fey looking out and informing us if things happen." By the look on his face it seems he does not mind you talking as if he was not there.

"And, yes, that is a smart plan, Nala. I might be able to let you use the portals again. Might, mind you." Froad looks way up towards to Tralkor. "You brew potions, not? Magical potions?" Froad rubs his chin. "Have you worked with Forthroot before? Do you think you can work it so that, if combined with palm heart and a spider's web, it does not fizzle and bubble?"

"If so, then maybe I have an old recipe lying around. Hasn't been used in ages. 'Twas used by our ancestors...I think a gift from a dragon." He looks up again. "You can read Draconic, I hope? Ahh...else I'll help you. I think I might be needed to perform magic in the ritual anyway. I don't know" He starts pacing enthousiastically away from the lake. "Come on!"

Tralkor:
Yes, of course you can. Well, you read about it once, for sure...You need to slice it. Not too thick and not too thin. Crushing or tearing it causes the bubbles, cutting it in cubes makes the fizzle.

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor was quietly awaiting the other's conclusions, sitting somewhat aside, minding his own business. This wasn't up to him to decide anyhow.
His eyes and face made clear that he was definitely interested in the outcome of it all.
He didn't really understand all the fuzz over some gem, but perhaps it was some ancient heirloom or something... Who knows.

Froad's questions surprise him somewhat. He'd never thought them fey were trained in the ancient arts of herbalism and brewing. He always thought of them as somewhat more 'pure' users of magic, but then again, he didn't really know where his ancestors picked up the art of infusing magics into the herbal brews. Might very well be something learned from fey or other magical creatures.
While his thought drift off somewhat, he realizes that Froad was still talking to him and was probably expecting an answer. While following him away from the lake, he stumbles over an answer:
"Ehm yes. Brews... Potions. Most definitely! Dunno about that fizzling though... So what was that again about a Dragon? It doesn't need any of their parts I hope?"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

After a little while Froad stops treading and turns around. He looks at each of you and speaks: "Oh...sorry. I am ahead of events. I was assuming...well, I shouldn't. Sorry. Would you guys mind? Going there and grab the gem before they do? Of course, you don't have to..." He smiles and looks again at you all. His apologetic posture changes and he looks at you with what is best described as with 'puppy eyes'.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika nods to Froad, and assumes as stoic a pose as she can manage, even flipping her veritable mane of hair back. "We'll get the gem. You can bet on it," she says. "Though as Nala said, it would be a lot easier if we could use the portals. I'm actually curious as to what would cause us to be unable to use them," she gives Froad an inquisitive look.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad nods. "Yes, yes, I can. Or...I think our friend Tralkor can. Yes, I think he can." He darts further to his 'private space' -it is not far- and starts rummaging between some Ironspine bushes. It takes him a minute, but then he retrieves a scroll. "Here, Tralkor, can you work with this?" He quickly hands the scroll over and continues searching. You hear a muffled voice: "There is this script. It is really old....it tells us why non-fey can not use the portals. But it is so old....we do not speak the language anymore. I have no clue what it says. All we no know is that it is really dangerous. Here! No...that is the eagle-tea recipe. That is what we remember, what tradition tells us. Don't do it more than once, unless you can brew the brew. Dangerous... Hmmm....here! Yes!"

Froad looks up and hands Vrischika a piece of parchment. It contains scripts in a language most of you do not know, though the symbols are somewhat familiar. "Can you read this?"

Tralkor:
It seems like a straightforward recipe. It is written in Draconic, which is no problem for you. If Froad knows where to find the correct herbs here, you can pull it off. There is just one problem: it requires the blood of a friendly Fey...quite a lot of it. One third of a pint per dose. That's almost 1.5 litres for the whole team. That would leave Froad, for example, almost lethally ill...

Vrishchika:
This is where other players tend to peak into the spoilers and where I say it might be better if you stop reading now if you are not Vrishchika. Of course, you are metagame-resistant and whatnot, but seriously. It would be nice if you'd stop reading now. I am writing this only because I am the type of guy that has a peek, out of curiosity. That is okay with me, but do me a favour and resist for once :smallsmile:.



No really.




The script is in elven...well, sort of. It is an extremely archaic form of elven and has, much to your surprise, quite some aspects, both in symbols as in grammar, of infernal. Therefore, it reads funny, but this is what you make of it:

This is to the portals our gift on the nature dwellers. Because we share our fate, destination, to dwell on both axes of the spine. For the travel is the go on the protection of what is precious. We care, and you. Nature shares our state of mind. Torn between the wicked and the willing. It is the fact that only you use it. Others of nature can not, lest they transform. Their fate is the being of nature-dweller. There is the exception: A drink. The recipe was shared with those that share our fate: those on four legs that fly and are the torn between the spine. Them that will deserve might be allowed the usage. Those that use the portal without the taking of the drink will become one of you: nature-dwellers. For the remember: not too many can there be of you, so do not allow those that are not torn between the spines access to the portals more than once. For we, you, nature and the wise flyers are of one blood, and such should stay pure.

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor accepts the recipe and reads it carefully. He mumbles in some kind of strange tongue. After a while he looks up at the rest with a smile and shrugs.
"Sure. Should be quite doable. I'm gonna need some time though."
He turns to Froad and his face turns serious. "I'm going to need your help though. And... Ehm... I ... Ehm. Yeh. You ain't going to like what I'm going to ask of you. Please meet me after you are done here."
He turns around and walks away, mumbling in the strange language once more. His mind clearly in some other place.

[TinselCat]

Nala follows them and watches the back and forth quietly. She doesn’t like the sound of this recipe and ritual. Anything old and not well understood is a significant risk to take. Froad’s comment of ‘really dangerous’ did not escape her notice, and Nala catches Tralkor’s serious expression and frowns as he walks away. But they had already gone through the portal once. Were they just lucky? Or was there something else going on that she did not understand? All this heightens her sense of alarm. “Vrish,” she says slowly, with a wary tone in her voice, “What does it say?”

[Derjuin]

Scratching her head and looking at the parchment, she tries to make heads or tails of the script. She turns it over a few times, muttering some of the phrases that make decidedly less sense to her. Metaphors in the original language, probably... "Yeah, sort of," she says to Froad, then turns to Nala. "It, uh...I think it says only demons and fey are supposed to use the portals a lot. Once is okay, but if someone who isn't a demon or a fey uses it more than once, they...get turned into a thing of nature? I'm not quite sure what it means by that, but I have a feeling some those intelligent butterflies I saw earlier may have been, uh, not-butterflies in the past..." Her face contorts a bit, trying to imagine life as an intelligent insect.

"There's something about a 'drink' in here, too. It doesn't say what the drink does besides let us pass through without transforming, but I'd assume that's the recipe for the potion?" She turns her head toward Froad, looking for any signs that she might be right about it.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad looks at you with minor amazement. "I honestly don't know about the butterflies." He turns his head around to have a look at the surroundings, as if he is looking for signs of intelligent insects. "But the drink, potion, part makes sense." He looks back at you and pulls a face: 'don't you think?' . "I mean, I gave you the scroll because I can not read it."

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika looks back over the scroll again, taking a more scholarly look at it. "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Okay, I see. These are pretty clearly metaphors in the original language, I think, or I was just interpreting the characters wrong," she says, her finger tracing gently along the lines of script. "Yes, the drink part is right. No demons are involved, though. I think I mistook 'dragons' for 'demons'," She absentmindedly nods toward where Tralkor was once standing, mumbling about the recipe being in draconic making sense now.

"Well, there's someone else involved in the portals too, but I can't really figure out who they are just from this. The dangerous part involves..." Squinting at the parchment, she shakes her head. "Okay, had that wrong too. It's a transformative process, but I don't know if it's as complete as I thought it was. I don't think the butterflies are really connected to the portals like I thought they were. Basically, only fey should use it, so those that aren't fey become fey, or at least more like them. I think. The potion is like a sign of trust, allowing someone to pass through the portal without changing." She thinks for a moment, and hands the scroll back to Froad.

"One moment, I need to check something..." she mutters, retrieving an old-looking book from her haversack. She finds a suitable place to sit and begins flipping carefully through the pages, mumbling something in a strange tongue.

(OOC: she's mumbling in Infernal)

Could this possibly be a way to actualize her legacy...?

[TinselCat]

As Vrishchika vioces her suspicion about the intelligent butterflies, all the color leaves Nala's face. When she clarifies, the color starts to return slowly, ever so slowly, but not entirely. It's a moment before she can speak. "And we risked that?" she says, with more horror than accusation. She looks down at her hands, which were almost shaking. "Only if you use them more than once...we have to assume that means round trip. I don't feel any different," she mutters rapidly to herself. She closes her eyes briefly, heaves a sigh and puts her hands down by her sides again. When she speaks again, it is in a level tone. "I would rather race them to the other oasis on foot than be altered by this thing. This potion you speak of. If you aren't absolutely certain it's going to work..." she shakes her head."Then no. I will still do my best to help, Froad. But will not risk what I am for you."

[PersonMan]

Siel is silent, merely watching her comrades as they make their preparations and discuss the text. The portal business didn't really concern her; as a fey she would not be changed by it, and the thought of mortals who used it turning into insects didn't really change much. As Vrishchika discovers her mistake, she watches Nala, but still stays silent, her eyes once more their inhuman pitch black color.

[maestrodesigns]

While the others discuss, Tralkor returns to his previous camping spot, builds a nice little fireplace, sets up his collection of pots and kettles and gets everything ready to start brewing. With the newly acquired recipe in hand, he then starts searching his bags for the right components, mumbling to himself somewhat.
"Let's see if I've got the stuff needed for this..."
Halfway through the search a frown appears on his face. I'm going to need to consult the ancestors tonight though. Hopefully I can somehow avoid this sacrifice from becoming any grimmer then it already is." He continues rummaging through his pack, still mumbling now and then. Most of it incomprehensible.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad hangs around and regards your actions and words. "Just let me know, Tralkor, what you need. I can help you in many ways. Might even be able to pull a few favours I have standing out left and right." He also steps towards Nala. "So, you are not confident this drink, this gift of our ancestors, will actually protect you from the portal's magic, hum? I understand I can not force you and you should not take risks you find unacceptable..." With some regret in his eyes he thinks and then his eyes dart towards Vrishchika and Siel: "Hey....but you two are mages of sorts, not? Is there a way you can determine the effects of the potion after Tralkor made it?"

[PersonMan]

Siel shakes her head. My magic is merely a manipulation of the energies that comprise my existence. I have no extraordinary ability or talent, nor do I possess the training required to identify other forms of magic.

[TinselCat]

"If it works, I'll do it," Nala says to assure Froad, herself, and anyone else who might be listening. "But if doesn't look right, or there is good reason to suspect that it won't work as planned, things will change." She recalls Tralkor's comment about 'grimmer than it already is', but doesn't voice that reservation out loud.

She shifts her weight from foot to foot. It sounds like the potion will take a long time to brew, and just standing around fidgeting will only make her more uncomfortable. "I'm going to keep an eye on these fellows," she indicates the other party, "To make sure they stay where they belong and get out of here without being any the wiser. If anyone needs my help, I shouldn't be hard to find." She creeps back into the brush, not quite out of earshot, to resume her sentry position. Trust the mages to deal with the magic, she thinks to herself. It's their job to understand these things.

[Derjuin]

Vrishchika looks up from her book, appearing somewhat distracted. "Oh, yeah, I can probably do that as long as it's a magical potion. I don't really know a lot about alchemy specifically..." her eyes sneak down to the book again, before she finishes her thought. "...but magic is supposed to be my thing, you know? So maybe that'll be good enough," she says, shrugging and carefully tucking the old book back into her haversack.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Froad nods. "I guess..." and heads off to get Tralkor involved. "Tralkor, this potion can be called magical, no?" He waits just a split second for an answer and carries on: "So, tell me. What do you need? Let's get this thing going, huh?"

Nala:
As you head off to find the orc party, you are just in time to see them leave. The orc in full plate is in a hurry and is a bit pissed at the axe-wielding muscles for taking so long to get his stuff together after he took one last dive.

Tralkor:
Yes, this potion is magical, for sure. You can readily find the materials you need. The fey blood is the only really exotic component. Luckily, you have found out that you will not have to drink his blood, in the end. The blood has to be put in a kettle under the kettle you are brewing in: it will have to boil there for the duration of the brewing, enveloping the main kettle in its evaporating moisture. That is still pretty morbid, of course, and a brewing practice you have not encountered before.

You might decide it be wisdom to not inform or show the rest of the group what is going on, but that is of course up to you.

[maestrodesigns]

Tralkor nods at Froad. "You could definitely call it magical, yeh. I've got the basics gathered, but I'll need something special. Something only the fey can offer. Tonight, I'm going to confer with the ancients to help me with this ancient process. I have some preparing to do for now, but please meet me here again at the setting of the sun."

Tralkor turns to Siel and Vrishchika. "I think it would be wisest if I conduct this experiment alone. I have no idea what will happen exactly, for this is an ancient process I haven't conducted ever before. No worries though. I'll see you folks again at dawn with those potions ready for consumption."