In the Woods, in the Woods [IC]

[HuskyBoi]

Tonight, High Spire is celebrating. Winter has been cleared, the frosts have receded and the sun is returning. It is time for the Feast of Cold Wine, and all across the city people of all races and faiths are drinking, feasting, playing games, participating in traditions that make little-to-no-sense, and being happy. It is a good night. The Hunt of the Mad March Hare will soon begin in various locations across the city, and at midnight magical fireworks will be set off to light up the sky. And in five souls in five parts of the city, it is time for a story to begin.

Dylan and Laucien
You are down at the Arena, where you are partying with the other mercenaries and competitors in the seats around the giant sandy ring. The two of you are sat in a bunch with seven or eight other adventurers, enjoying an impromptu barbecue set up by a jolly, one-eyed dwarf, one of the regular competitors in the arena. Although you have watched some of the mercenaries around you compete, you are not intimately familiar with them. To both of you, these surroundings are relatively new.

The Arena is slowly filling up, for the Mad Hunt will soon begin, and as more and more spectators get more and more drunk, more and more of them decide to become competitors, and head down to the entrance. The Hunt is open to anyone, and although no-one has won it in years, points are awarded for enthusiasm and good humour. A substantial purse of gold is awarded to the winner.

OOC for Lerriano:
As a long-time resident of the city, you will be familiar with what the Mad Hunt involves. All competitors are given a four-foot-long horn full of fortified wine. They must drink it as fast as possible, and then, at a predetermined time, a brown hare is released into the ring and runs along a sort of obstacle course. The inebriated competitors must chase it, and in theory, the winner is whoever can catch it without harming it.

As you sit on the steps you hear the other warriors and competitors talking about upcoming matches, taking guesses at the 'mystery beast' to appear in a week's time, and speculating how the creatures are sourced from the forest. An elf, drunk out of his mind, wanders past you both towards the ring, his mind set on being crowned King of the Hunt. In his current state, it's unlikely, but you can't fault a man for trying, especially when it's Tradition.

There are mercenaries around you, the competition ahead, the whole city is alive. What will you do?

Felicia:
Finally, your journey to High Spire is complete. You have travelled by Ottorino whale to the Aerium, and then travelled by carriage to the Tower Guild. At Eruadan's advice, you have messaged ahead to arrange lodging at the Tower Guild. On your carriage ride through the city you saw the drinking and partying citizens enjoying their festival.

As you arrive at the guild and step down from the carriage, a man comes to greet you. He is tall and bald, with a slightly rectangular head. He wears rust-red robes and a very sombre black sash. He does not look happy, and greets you curtly.

"I am Professor Snarey," he says. "Come on, we haven't got all night". Then he turns and quickly leads you through the university buildings, through hallways and corridors that seem to go on forever, until finally reaching what appears to be some sort of dormitory.

"We have these rooms available for guests," he explains. "You'll be sharing with another visitor, so be sure not to disturb him". Then he opens the door, and steps through. You hear him talking to someone, explaining that you are their responsibility now. Then, not even waiting to explain any more, he strides off. If you step forwards into the room, you will see a small rat-folk waiting inside. The two of you are left together.

This is Aaron's character. Feel free to discuss how you'd like to roleplay this meeting.


Tettik:
Night is just falling outside, and in your dorm in the Tower Guild, you can hear the revels of the Feast of Cold Wine outside. The citizens of High Spire are having a very happy time getting drunk out of their minds, while you are preparing to leave.

It's an extremely risky business leaving the city. The forest is a realm of nightmares that many citizens refuse to even mention or acknowledge. The wall of the city has no gates into the forest- the only way out is over the top, past the Stalwart guards, who are alert and very, very fierce about their duty. But it just might be possible.

As you make the final preparations, you hear a knock on the door. Immediately the door opens, and the dorm warden, Snarey, steps in. He never waits for people to answer the door.

"You there, ratfolk!", he says, checking a list in his hand. "Um… Tittik. New roomate for you. She's just arrived in the city, come from some piddling tiny village. Look after her, show her the ropes. I'm sure you'll have a lot in common, seeing how you're both… well, you know. Anyway, she's your responsibility now"

Then not waiting to answer any questions, he turns and strides off, leaving behind your new room-mate: a small lady fox-folk. She steps into the room, carrying several bags, and the two of you are left together.

This is Yasina's character. Feel free to discuss how you'd like to roleplay this meeting.


Lady Kalaryn:
It's a cool, clear evening in High Spire, and Lord Urabran's party is going magnificently. Exotic and exciting wines are flowing, food is plentiful, and the guests are mingling well. You have been invited as a representative of house Defrain to this party among the nobles, celebrating the Feast of Cold Wine, a celebration which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Lord Urabran is known for his generosity, and as one of the great dwarf thanes, tends to exhibit it with feasting and a lot of drinking- many of his human guests are struggling to keep up.

As you wander around his spacious house, you are greeted by a variety of representatives of the nobles houses that Urabran is on good terms with, and of the Tower Wizards and the Engineers too. You recognise several faces, and chat with a variety of important dignitaries.

But the peace is shattered suddenly when a shout rings through the hallway. Heads turn, and it appears two guests are having a tiff that looks frighteningly close to coming to blows. A tall stern-faced wizard with a white beard down to his knees and a young red-haired woman in smart, modern attire are having a loud argument, which none of the guests appear to be stopping, even as the debate grows ever more fierce.

You can make a knowledge (local) or (nobility) to recognise either of these figures. Then the debate is there for you to either pick a side or wait and watch.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian raises the piece of meat that he's eating and speaks to the Dwarf, Fantastic meal friend, truly a great start to the festivities. He will clap the closest man on the back, probably a little too hard, and laugh before taking a sip of whatever drink is in front of him. So could one of you please enlighten me, I'm new to town, what is the 'Hunt'? Who competes and what is the goal? Are any of you going to toss your hat in the ring? Laucian attempts to be friendly and jovial, but having few friends as a youth, social situations never seemed to go the way he believed they should.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik stares for a second at the new person, then darts to the door and shouts out at the dorm warden "It's Tettik with an e! My uncle was Tittik and he was a drunkard." Then he comes back into the room, and offers his hand to the fox-folk before him.

"My name is Tettik, as you might have overheard. I'm new here also but it seems like a fairly nice place. Unfortunately I don't think I can show you the ropes because I'm going to be leaving soon for the woods, even though everyone insists that's suicide. I need to go into the woods for my wonderful awesome goal that would blow your mind if I could actually tell you but its a secret so I cannot. Still I have some time, maybe I can show you around after all." Tettik speaks quickly, and doesn't always leave spaces in his words for simple things, like breathing. He is clearly exited about something, though. He smiles warmly.

[Lerriano]

Excited by the carnival atmosphere and the thrill of having just left home, I can't help but get caught up in it all!

OOC for all
Dylan is an Undine, a race of blue or green skinned creatures, but has the alternative class feature 'Flesh Chameleon', which enables her to alter her appearance (in terms of skin/hair tones etc, nothing to do with her gear or actual features) so as to appear pretty much elfish (pics of Undines on google throw up a very elfin-but-blue' type look), so my race won't be readily recognisable as extraordinary. My eyes are always blue.

I hear this person that I definitely don't recognise from previous Hunts asking about it, and, over my cup of mead and ambitiously-sized turkey leg, call out:

Why don't you sit over with me, outsider! I'll tell you all about it!

Regardless of his reaction, I take another chomp out of the bird leg and smile in what I hope is a friendly way.

[Yanisa]

"Felicia." She says while shaking the creatures, Tekkit, the hand. She heard him blabbering about the forest but that wasn't what she was interested in. She was interested in this being that looks like a half-rat... kinda like her natural form. Finally she met someone else who was kinda like here, half animal, half human. "I just came from a forest, nothing special there. Unlike..." She started at his rattish features, wondering how to say it polity. Then she figured to just say it bluntly, because she wouldn't be sharing her room for long with him it seemed. "Are there more like you? But different animal features?"

[XianTheCoder]

Did anyone else notice that Husky put the 2 lowest CHA characters together... this should be interesting. :)

Very appreciative that someone responded, Laucian grabs his cup and plate of food and comes around near the woman to take a seat. Are you a local? I'm Laucian, and this is Mooky. Laucian will indicate the monkey that rests on his shoulders.

[Lerriano]

I take a chunk off the leg and put it up to Mooky

Hey Mooky!

Then I turn my attention back to the newcomer:

He's great! My name's Dylan!

I hold out a hand to shake.

You're dressed like an adventurer! Do you go on adventures??

[XianTheCoder]

I guess you could say I am an adventurer, mostly I am just trying to make my way in the world like everyone else. Laucian shakes Dylan's hand. So what can you tell me about the Hunt?

[AaronGrimstone]

"Felicia." She says while shaking the creatures, Tekkit, the hand. She heard him blabbering about the forest but that wasn't what she was interested in. She was interested in this being that looks like a half-rat... kinda like her natural form. Finally she met someone else who was kinda like here, half animal, half human. "I just came from a forest, nothing special there. Unlike..." She started at his rattish features, wondering how to say it polity. Then she figured to just say it bluntly, because she wouldn't be sharing her room for long with him it seemed. "Are there more like you? But different animal features?"


"My crazy uncle Tittik had grey fur and white eyes. And my drunk mother was missing a tail. I'm a Ratfolk and there are plenty of us, unfortunately we don't live that long, which is why I'm going on my super secret woods adventure, so I can find a way to extend our lives without resorting to demons. Why do you ask?" Tettik doesn't seem to realize that he's supposed to take offense at anything Felicia said. "What race are you?"

[Lerriano]

Well it's all about catching a rabbit, but first you have to chug nearly a yard and a half of wine!

Fancy giving it a go? I think you'd have a fair shot!


Bluff check - [roll0]

[Lerriano]

I smile sweetly and give the wink that only a young barmaid could ever get away with.

[XianTheCoder]

Well it's all about catching a rabbit, but first you have to chug nearly a yard and a half of wine!

Fancy giving it a go? I think you'd have a fair shot!


Bluff check - [roll0]

If the purse is big enough and the chance of death is small then I see no reason not to enjoy the festivities and partake in the local traditions. Unless better opportunities present themself of course. Laucian will look around at the competetitors. I'm not sure I would enter already inebriated though. Laucian will look back at Dylan, Are you an adventurer?

[Lerriano]

I break eye contact.

Me? I'm more of a...

I pause for a second.

I guess you could say I'm a bit of a beginner when it comes to adventures. I've heard about hundreds of adventures, but so far my biggest was leaving home. And that was yesterday, so maybe I am! Yeah! I'm on an adventure, so sure, I'm an adventurer!

Pleased with this logic, I feed another bit of turkey to Mooky and fuss him a bit.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn really looked forward to gatherings like this. She relished the chance to socialise with some of High Spire's brightest guiding lights. All around were people of wit and distinction; Wisdom and intellect. The people who would help lead this great city into an even greater future. It was a pleasure to meet and talk with them.

Of course, not everyone here lived up to that standard. Also in attendance were the usual collection of dimwitted blue-bloods, who spoke at great length about nothing at all. Though Kalaryn would rather have avoided such creatures, she made sure to circulate amongst them anyway. As a representative of House Defrain, it was her duty to make a good impression. Thankfully, her emotional link with Drask made it much easier to feign interest in their ramblings.

When the shout rang out, Kalaryn had been cornered by a particularly dimwitted minor noble. Thus, the disturbance almost came as a relief. She rushed over to the arguing figures, in order to ascertain the source of their argument.

Knowledge (Nobility) checks to identify the man and woman, respectively: [roll0]; [roll1]. Kalaryn will listen until she learns why the two are arguing.

[HuskyBoi]

Dylan and Xian:

As you sit chatting, the crowds starts to buzz and a palpable tension fills the stadium. Down in the ring, a man walks to the centre and blows a high, loud note on a trumpet- the last call for bold participants into the Hunt! All around the stadium the watchers begin to chant the song:

"Silver and gold! Silver and gold!"
"Catch the hare! Drink the cold!"
"Silver and gold! Silver and gold!"

Down at the entrance, the contestants line up at a long bench, almost twenty of them- but there are still spaces at the bench for more contestants. Now is the time to volunteer, and to claim that silver and gold!


Anyr:

The elderly man is Minister Deacus, one of the high-ranking wizards of the Tower Guild and their representative this evening. Within societal circles he is viewed as something of a busybody and a traditionalist. Although you don't recognise the woman, you see she wears a stitched badge on her sleeve- a black hammer on a red background, the symbol of the Engineers guild, possibly the cause of the commotion- Engineers are rarely invited to noble gatherings. The argument continues:

"Frankly young woman, it's a disgrace to see you here at all, let alone that you insist on discussing the boorish advances in crude machinery with such enlightened members of-!"
"Minister, I meant no offence, now will you please calm down. Lord Urabran has invited me here to discuss the guild's recent work, I see no reason why-"
"You see no reason, of course you see no reason! You are young and foolish, even by the standards of your so-called guild. Why, were there any sort of standards in Lord Urabran's guestlist...

He then continues to rant at length about the declining standards of society and how anybody can be a somebody these days, it's a wonder we even uphold the noble houses at all, and so on. The young Engineer stands with her arms folded and rolls her eyes, but no-one is forthcoming: Minister Deacus is in full swing, and most of the guests would rather just let him be.


Tettik and Felicia:

OOC:

Discussion's going really well, feel free to keep it up!
Tettik:

So many spoilers. In answer to Felicia's question about "are there more of you", you know from the time spent doing your research that there are many anthro races in the city, and even a district in which they congregate and many of them live together, on the north-east side of the city.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian doesn't know what to make of Dylan, clearly very childish with a touch of innocence, but mature enough to leave home on her own. Laucian begins to respond but is cut off by the announcement. After listening, Laucian shrugs, I'll only live once, wish me luck. Laucian stands and goes to stand in line. Feeling in his pockets while he walks he looks for anything that will give him a tactical advantage, Perhaps I should have asked what's allowed and what's considered cheating...


Husky: What possessions does Laucian have with him?

Strictly speaking monkeys can eat meat, but it's very uncommon except in some situations were they hunt in the wild as a pack. It's highly likely Mooky plays with the food but doesn't actual eat it unless he's really hungry.

[Anyr]

The Minister's rant would soon be interrupted by a polite tap on his shoulder. While he'd been distracted by the first redheaded woman, another one had flanked him from behind.

"Excuse me? Minister Deacus?"

Kalaryn's voice was free of reproach. She hadn't come here to reprimand Deacus for his deplorable behaviour. On the contrary: Her manner was obsequious and respectful. She gave him a formal bow, appropriate to a man of his station.

"Lady Kalaryn Defrain: Summoner of the third circle. Could I possibly beg your indulgence on a matter of arcane lore? I'm currently writing a paper about the construction of grounded transplanar portals. If it's not too much of an imposition, I'd greatly appreciate your perspective on this subject. The opportunity to consult a Mage of your stature is rare indeed."

Kalaryn was not the sort of person who fought fire with fire. If she could defuse this situation with calm words and a completely legitimate request (since she really was writing a paper about grounded transplanar portals), then so much the better.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik remembers something else, and adds,"There's a district of races that have animalistic characteristics in the city. I learned about them during my research and can take you there if you have the time though we have to leave now if that is the case so I have time to go later."

[Yanisa]

"I don't know if I got time." said Felicia doubtfully. "I believe you should tell me if I got time. You are showing me the ropes, right?" She added, eying Tekkit slightly suspiciously. "So by extend if you got time, I got time..."

[AaronGrimstone]

"I have to have time so that you can have time for me to take your time and show you the ropes. But if your time is dependent on you having time, but that is the only way I'll have time to help you then that means neither of us can have time unless the other does which is a logical paradox that creates an Unsolvable Problem!" Tettik takes a deep breath and calms himself down. "I have time, let's go." Tettik pats his attire too make sure he has all the alchemy supplies he needs to fight in case their's trouble. "Let me take a minute to mix an infusion real quick, then we'll be off!" He mixes an infusion of Shield, leaving him with three unmixed infusions to go. Tettik will take Felicia through the shortest path, regardless of where that path is.

[Lerriano]

I watch as this monkey-wielding foreigner joins the crowd. Having seen my fair share of drunks chasing bunnies, I know that this will be pretty fun to watch, especially if the monkey has to drink too!

Good luck Laucian! Maybe you'll bag the bunny if you're quick, but don't let the wine go to your head! And don't get distracted by the others! Oh, and I can't stress enough how hilarious it is if you get stuck in a tree! The rabbits can't even climb, and last time this one guy, he got stuck in a tree!

I laugh at the memory of an insanely drunk dwarf trying to get out of the tree, and get steadily more excited at the prospect of this newcomer trying his luck!

OOC
About the monkey and meat thing. I know that, you know that, Laucian probably knows that. But I'd bet a few coppers that Dylan doesn't know that, and is basically going on the logic of 'it tastes good to me, so the cute animal can have some too!' :smallwink:

[HuskyBoi]

Dylan and Laucien:

Dylan sits and watches with the remaining mercenaries as Laucien heads down to the entrance of the arena. He jumps down from the seats and walks over to the starting bench, where several other adventurers- dwarfs, human, elves, and many other kinds, are lining up, clapping one another on the back, bragging and getting hyped. As Laucien reaches the bench, a halfling walks along the top of it, and lays down the horn in front of you- it's almost four feet long, and must be stood on a stand to prevent it from tipping over! Peering inside, Laucien sees it's full of pale-green wine, which is making patterns of light dance around the inside. As Laucien looks at it, the halfling shouts for the attention of all the competitors.

"On your marks..."

A loud blast from the trumpet rings out, and all the competitors raise the horns and begin enthusiastically drinking, spilling wine everywhere!

If you join in, Xian, make a con check (to see how much you drink) and two fortitude saves (against drunkenness) in the OOC.


Tettik and Felicia
You both set off through the city towards the distant district where the anthros congregate. Taking the shortest route involves skirting through two of the noble estates, where fancy parties are in full swing. A couple of the nobles eye you suspiciously as you scurry past, but no-one stops you. After a half-hour on foot, the streets begin to appear less well-tended to, and the buildings a little more dilapidated. But all the same, the bunting and the coloured lanterns are up, and tables are out in the street crammed with food. The streets are so tightly packed with animal-folk in all sorts of colours that you have to push them aside to walk through. Rat-folk and snake-folk and pig-folk mix with half-dragons and other strange races. Some of them don't even appear to be of this plane- all of High Spire who fit nowhere else come here to gather, and form a union of others. And yes, among them are fox-folk too, some in simple work clothes and some in long, flowing robes. At the head of one table is seated a family of five, all of them drinking- even a cub, barely a few years old. The streets are loud with barking, chittering dialects, and the smell of the food on the tables runs through the air.

Lady Kalaryn:

The Minister appears flustered for a moment, but then seems to deflate.

"But of course, my Lady. The complexities of these portals can seem daunting, but with a clearly-implemented procedure and simple steps, the process can be made far simpler. What specifically did you require assistance with?" He turns and walks away from the Engineer with you, giving you his full attention. Behind him, the Engineer looks relieved.

As you begin your discussion with Minister Deacus, you notice Lord Urabran hovering nearby.

OOC:

If you want to roleplay the discussion with the Minister, feel free to do so- or you can conclude it swiftly and rejoin some of the other festivities.

[XianTheCoder]

Hearing Dylan yell, Laucian is once again struck by how odd she is. I would guess her parents were happy when she decided to leave home.... Laucian nods to her after recieving what he assumed was supposed to be encouraging words.

As the halfling drops the horn in front of Laucian he is struck with a thought, Is my stomach even large enough to drink all that? Scanning across the ground, Laucian begins looking for small rocks and pebbles, anything solid enough for him to throw with authority to help him corral the hare by causing him to change the its running path.

At the sound of the horn Laucian begins to drink rather carefully and cautiously. Seeing that other competitors are spilling wine, Laucian lets some spill as well to keep himself from having to drink it all. He is careful not to let more wine spill than any the majority of his competitors. While drinking he continues to watch the other competitors, formulating a plan.

[Anyr]

"Well, I don't quite understand how the stability of such apertures can be maintained over long periods. Would not Rudibeck's Principle of Transplanar Variance cause the eventual decay of any self-sustaining thaumic flow?"

Kalaryn would probably spend a fair amount of time talking to the Minister. Though she'd only started this conversation in order to rescue that poor engineer, the topic was of genuine interest to her. She would thus avail herself of Deacus' expertise until he either:

A) Got tired of hearing his own voice (assuming such a thing was possible); Or
B) Was supplanted by a more important/interesting distraction.

[Yanisa]

Felicia took in the sights with admiration. She didn't liked the crowds, the buildings were ugly, the noise was overwhelming and the smells confusing. Yet still there was room for a sense of awe. She wondered she could ever found her parents, or any one in this small and narrow street filled with hundreds of like minded. She looked at Tettik and said "If you ever need a guide trough the forest, I can show you where the short cuts there are. I's probably a lot easier to navigate then a busy city." She said half sarcastically, half promising. "But I got business here first... If I can ever find it."

[Lerriano]

I sip gently from my mead in stark contrast to the hideous display of gluttony, and giggle as one by one the various races choke down the superwine.

I take a moment to look around me, slide my left hand up my right sleeve and double check that my weapon sling is primed, just to reassure myself.

Perception check to see if Laucian is trying to get away with any tricks [roll0]

[AaronGrimstone]

If there was ever a part of Tettik's brain that cared about recognizing sarcasm it was cut out long ago to make room for various cheese recipes. His eyes widen gleefully, and he immediately shakes hands with the nice fox-lady. "It is a deal! After your done with your business we're off to the Cimmerwood!"He pauses, looks around. Then in an accidental stage whisper says "P.S. I have your back in a fight." While the lady goes about her business he mixes an infusion of cure light wounds, in case things go badly.

He was also exceedingly proud of himself for finding such a wonderful shortcut!

[HuskyBoi]

Dylan and Laucien

As Dylan continues to watch, Laucien starts to work through the wine. It's ice-cold and sharp to drink, but you down a hefty amount. As you work through it you feel confident that your head is clear, but as you set it down, a sudden wobbling sensation runs through your legs. You set the horn down on the table, and not a second later, a loud BANG sounds, and you see a brown shape sprint across the sand in front of you, to disappear in a maze of barrels, boxes and fences. With a mighty roar, the various adventurers charge off after their quarry, some stumbling to their ground even before they're past the benches. The Hunt has begun!


Tettik and Felicia

You wonder around the celebrations, looking for anything familiar to grasp onto. As you gaze at all the happy people, you hear someone calling.

"Yai, yai! Fox-girl!" It's the father of the fox-family sitting at the table. He wears a long scarlet coat, which clashes horribly with his orange fur, and is smiling and waving at Felicia. "Come over, and join us! I know every fox-maid and fox-man in the city, but your face is new to me! Have you only recently arrived? Come and sit with us, and your companion too!" A younger fox-man, possibly his son, pulls up two empty chairs and starts pouring drink into goblets. He hands you both the goblets, and the drink inside smells spicy and warm.


Lady Kalaryn

"Aha! I can see you have indeed done your research. Well you are indeed correct, most transplanar portals beyond a certain size simply cannot sustain themselves permanently, in accordance with Rudibeck's Principle. Although in fact, many noted scholars of conjuration- myself and our Archmage included- believe that Rudibeck's Principle is inherently flawed, and actually it is a collaboration of many different effects that causes the breakdown of these portals. The Archmage and I are writing a thesis on this very subject at present. We believe that by defining the specific factors, we it will be possible to extend the stability of these portals. Perhaps you could visit my office tomorrow and I could take you through some of our findings?"

[Anyr]

"A most generous offer, Minister. I shall certainly avail myself of it. Until tomorrow, then."

So saying, Kalaryn parted ways with Deacus. How fortunate that things had turned out this way. Now she was free to enjoy the rest of the party, without fear of losing the Minister's expertise. After securing a glass of excellent wine, Kalaryn once more began to circulate.

[XianTheCoder]

Trying to keep his legs under him Laucian steadies himself while he watches the crowd of competitors charge off. Realizing he's not going to make much headway following the crowd Laucian decides that he needs to gauge where he believes the hare will go, based on those that are chasing him. Once he decides on the hare's likely path based on what he thinks his competitors will be doing, Laucian begins making his way over to the area where he thinks the hare is likely to move. While making his way in the direction he thinks the hare will move, Laucian pulls his Travelers Any Tool out and visualizes it as an Animal Call whistle, changing it into a tool to attract the hare to him. With his other hand Laucian pulls out his small steel mirror and ducks behind a barrel. Using the mirror he waits patiently for the hare to come into view, once it does he will blow on the Animal Call a few times and wait to pounce on the hare as it comes around the barrel. Once the hare is running in his direction, Laucian will swap the Animal Call for a small stone from his pocket, preparing to strike the hare with it, in hopes of disorienting him.

Laucian will wait a few minutes, if he doesn't see the hare, then he will revise his tactics or move to a new location based on the new positions of the competitors.


This is effectively what Laucian does:

1. Laucian watches the crowd to determine where he thinks they will move
2. Determines based on those movements where the hare is likely to move
3. Creates the Animal Call and retrieves his mirror
4. Positions himself behind a barrel/crate/etc where he will be in a prime postion to pounce on the hare when it passes.
5. Uses mirror and animal call to attract and mark the progress of the hare's movement.
6. Strike passing Hare with a thrown pebble to disorient it.
7. POUNCE!!!

Some rolls (Take what you need, discard the rest)
Sense Motive (Determine what the crowd does): [roll0]
Knowledge Nature(Determine what the Hare does): [roll1]
Survival (Find a proper hiding spot): [roll2]
Stealth (Stay Hidden/Sneak up on Hare as it passes): [roll3]
Range Attack (Strike Hare with small stone/pebble): [roll4]
Grapple (Capture Hare): [roll5]

[Yanisa]

Felicia frowns and looks suspiciously at the family while slowly approaching them. "Name's Felicia..." She says after some thinking, unsure how to act or what to say. After a moment she sticks one of her fingers in the drink and tastes it carefully then spits it out again. "Ewww, what is this?" She mutters in disgust and looks somber at her finger.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik takes the drink offered him and drinks from it without complaint. He frowns a little at Felicia, who he sees as being a it too rude. "It tastes delicious, you should try it=." Other than that he simply observes. This is Felicia's show right now.

[Lerriano]

I sit back, sip in what I think is a ladylike fashion (but is probably quite common) and enjoy what is about to be the most entertaining few minutes of my week so far.

[HuskyBoi]

Laucien and Dylan

The crowd charges drunkenly off into the arena, stumbling over barrels and each other to try and catch the hare. Laucien though, has a cunning plan, and settles down behind a pile of boxes. The sound of shouting, drunken adventurers rings all around the arena, and it's fairly easy to pinpoint where they are. The hare is slightly trickier to pinpoint, as it moves incredibly quickly and quietly. But from your hiding-place, Laucien sees it sprint past. The wine addles your senses a bit, but you are able to get a shot off quickly with the flung stone. It zips quickly through the air, and although it strikes the hare, it is just a glancing blow and the tiny beast quickly recovers. It changes direction to move away from you, lightning-fast, and the hunt continues!


Felicia and Tettik

Tettik examines the liquid in his goblet closely, sniffing it with his sensitive nose, watching how it swirls, checking for sediment, even testing it with a few small droplets of universal indicator. He does a small taste sample too, drawing on the full breadth of his alchemical experience to test the sample he has been given. His skill enables him to determine that it is a slightly acidic solution, the main component being vitis vinifera, but it has fermented over a long period of time. More recently, someone has added additional agents, including the bark of the cinnamomum tree, dried murtacae buds, and several large, rough-cut slices of citrus sinensis. Adding together the facts and examining them as best he can, Tettik concludes that he has been offered a goblet of mulled wine, and it is delicious. The young fox-folk offers you a refill on your goblet.

The fox-father looks rather surprised by Felicia's reaction to the wine, raising his dark eyebrows.
"I see you, uh, are not a fan of our glow-wine? No matter, we have some water and beer. It is not well to have a dry throat on a happy night like this. I am Father Dann, a priest of Ehlonna here in the city, and this area is my parish. So long as you stay in High Spire, you are welcome to be part of our family. Where have you come from, if you don't mind me asking? And what business have you in High Spire, that I might be able to help with?"


Lady Kalaryn


As you begin to circulate, another member of the gathering walks up to you to engage in conversation: Lord Urabran, your host. The dwarf noble wears a rich green and gold doublet, the colours of his clan, and wears many jewels. On his right hand is the famous Urabran signet ring, a magical heirloom of the family. He bows so deeply that his nose almost touches the floor, using one hand to hold his brown beard in place.
"Lady Kalaryn- who's eyes are like the earth's deepest sparkling gems, and who's reputation for duty is strong as thrice-folded iron. Might I compliment you on the grace and tact with which you diverted the Minister just now. I feared that our gathering would turn sour if someone did not intervene. I wonder if you might spare me a moment of your time. I have an opportunity which may interest you..."

[Anyr]

Kalaryn was somewhat taken aback by the sudden stream of compliments. She hadn't been expecting quite so warm a reception. Had Drask been here, he'd have instantly suspected a trap. "This man" (he'd have said) "is buttering you up. If he asks you for a favour, think very carefully before saying 'yes."

But Drask was not here. And since his master was far more inclined to give people the benefit of the doubt, she did just that. Putting all mistrust aside, Kalaryn accepted Urabran's words at face value.

"Of course, Lord Urabran. A moment is the least I can offer to our gracious host. By all means, lead the way."

[XianTheCoder]

So close, I had the correct idea... After his first attempt narrowly failed, Laucian pulls back to take a new vantage of the scene and watch what direction of the hare runs.

Seeing the bumbling idiots crashing in every direction, Laucian attempts to make new assessments of which direction the hare will be pushed. Once he completes his assessment Laucian decides that a deceptive cornering may be required given the hares fast reflexes. Laucian quickly attempts to move boxes and barrels into a tunnel like structure that should the hare attempt to run through would effectively be trapped. He then proceeds to hide and wait, employing the same mirror tactics he did in his prior attempt.



Laucian attempts to create a structure that resembles this:
__
--| |--
--------

When the hare begins traveling down the tunnel, Laucian will block the front of the tunnel, he will then run to the back and block the back. he would then slide a barrel/box through the tunnel, effectively minimizing the space within the tunnel until the hare has no where to run. The purpose of the extra little cut out is to make the tunnel appear as though it's not a tunnel and there are openings and options for places to run.

Sense Motive (Discern Crowd Movements): [roll0]
Knowledge Nature (Discern Hare Movement): [roll1]
Survival (Create Tunnel): [roll2]
Stealth (Hide): [roll3]
Acrobatics (Close the Tunnel ends): [roll4]
Range Attack (Strike Hare with small stone/pebble): [roll5]
Grapple: [roll6]

[Yanisa]

"Glow-wine?" Felicia repeated curiously, her refined tastes only used to simple water and mud. "Well I'm from the forest... a forest..." Not sure if she was willing to completely trust a random friendly stranger that is being nice she decided to sort of tell the truth. "And I came here to find a friend..."

[AaronGrimstone]

"Well you found one! Unless that isn't the kind of friend your talking about, or its too forward to say we're friends when we only met each other a few hours ago which is likely. You know what, your probably talking about a specific person." Tettik takes a deep breath, and drinks some of the delicious mulled wine.

"Funny. You come from a forest, and I'm planning on going into a forest."

[Lerriano]

Having watched a small amount of the hunt itself, an idea hits me.

I look around and see if there are any places nearby where bookkeepers are offering odds on the competitors.

Perception [roll0]

[HuskyBoi]

Lady Kalaryn

It is well that Drask was not in power at the moment, as Lady Kalaryn knows. Custom dictates that a dwarf lord must always compliment his guests, as a sign of grace. The more compliments offered, the higher the station of the lord. Although radical in many ways for a dwarf, even Lord Urabran is firmly founded in the customs of his people. He beckons you to one side, and speaks in a hushed tone.

"I wished to congratulate you on the tact with which you handled the Minister's little argument. He can be prickly, to use a human term. But you did your duty admirably. Now, if you will follow me to my study, I have something that I have been instructed to pass to you"

Lord Urabran turns and walks towards a door at the far end of his hallway.


Felicia and Tettik
"Ah yes" Father Dann replies. "High Spire is home to many people of all races and walks of life. A lot come here looking for friends. Most of the anthros- if indeed, your friend is anthro- gather here in this part of the city, though not all of them. Some study with the guilds, and Lord Orthan lives in noble estates on the fair side of the Aerium. If you wish, I could put in some enquiries and maybe we can find your friend. It is possible that he is even part of my congregation. Of course, if your friend is not anthro, he might be harder to track down."

Father Dann takes a drink of his glow-wine, and smiles.

"Of course, it's even possible that he is here tonight. And if he isn't, there's no knowing where he might be. Might I suggest you and your friend- for it seems he is more than willing to be one to you- join us for the festivities?"

He leans past Felicia and extends a hand for Tettik to shake.

"You are most welcome to join us, young rat-man. Might I ask your name, and what you do in High Spire?"

Dylan and Laucien

All around the arena, the watchers are cheering at the drunken antics of the crowd, and the ingenuity of the rogue trying to build traps. "Fifty gold on the rogue!" one adventurer cries, and his bet is snapped up by a dwarf two rows in front of him. "One hundred gold says he gets stuck in the trap himself!" another cries. The wagers are flying fast between the cheering audience members.


Down in the ring, Laucien is moving fast to complete his trap. He throws the pebble and it strikes the hare firmly on the hip, but once again it quickly recovers. But now it is trapped in a small area- it has only ten feet in any direction to run, and starts running back and forwards in a panic, looking for an exit. It only needs the slightest opening to escape- can it be caught first? The crowd is cheering louder than ever as Laucien braces himself to catch his quarry!

[AaronGrimstone]

"Ratfolk, ehm." Tettik reaches out and shakes the fox-folk's hand. "I'm Tettik, and I study the wonderously volatile arts of alchemy! I make bombs! And I would love to stay and enjoy the festival, but will only stay if Felicia stays because I'm showing her the rope and can only do that if she's around me to actually show the ropes so if she wants to stay then I'll stay but if not then I'll regretfully have to depart. This is delicious mulled wine by the way."

[Yanisa]

"She anthro..." She pauses for a moment and adds silently "I think..." She stares at her feet as she mumbles further. "So if want to ask around.... Errrm... Enquire... She probably looks like me... Is about twice as old as I am..." She fell silent again,realizing how hard it is to find someone you have no clue how that person even looked like.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn obediently followed Lord Urabran to his study. Funnily enough, she felt no desire for Drask's company as she did so.

Some Summoners kept their Eidolons with them at every waking moment. For Kalaryn, that wasn't really an option. The sort of events she attended usually didn't regard Drask as an acceptable '+1'. Thus, she was forced to navigate high society without the benefit of his *ahem* wise counsel. What a shame.

[HuskyBoi]

Felicia and Tettik

"Hah, hard enough to find someone in this city even knowing their race! Or what they do... does this person even know you're looking for them? My life, you've a tough search on your hands, young fox-maid. But I will endeavour to help. Does your friend have a name? Who is this person? More wine, my young rat-man?"


Lady Kalaryn

Lord Urabran leads you down several flights of stairs into what at first glance appears to be a cellar- but you quickly realise it is too well-furnished. Like many dwarfs who have moved to the city, Lord Urabran clearly keeps his sleep and work quarters below ground level. He stops at a wooden door, and takes out a simple iron key, with which he unlocks it.

""My study is in here. Mainly it contains relics of interest from my adventuring days, and a few prizes I valued too much to sell. But sometimes items of a more unusual nature come my way. It is one such item that I have been instructed to pass on".

He unlocks the door, and steps into the study. Inside is a small room, just large enough for a desk and a few glass-fronted cabinets. A suit of steel armour, covered by the brown and gold robe of one of Moradin's holy paladins, is on a stand in the corner, and the metal gauntlets clutch a heavy mace. The cabinets house various treasures- gold boxes, a jade statuette, a rolled-up scroll, a strange skull that appears to be made of rock, and other objects fill them up. On the desk are several letters, as well as a quill and inkwell and other writing tools- you instantly notice the seal of the Urabran clan. His Lordship steps over to the desk, and unlocks a draw, out of which he pulls a slender wand.

"No instructions, I'm afraid. I was simply told you would need this, and I am honour-bound to follow these orders."

[Anyr]

Kalaryn couldn't help but raise a quizzical eyebrow. This gift was unusual, to say the least. Nonetheless, she reached out to take it without hesitation. Taking precautions first would have been (in Kalaryn's view) an insult to Lord Urabran. Besides, she trusted that he had her best interests at heart.

"Thank you, my Lord. I will of course accept your offering in good faith. Would it be appropriate to ask about the history of this intriguing item? I must admit to being immensely curious."

[Yanisa]

Felicia felt unease, it was like her father always said. 'The most beautiful things are poisonous and the most helpful things want to eat you.' But at the other hand this seemed as a rare chance to actually get some help and she already realized it was pretty hard to find anyone if you don't something about them. And what was the worst that could happen? She collected all her courage and mutters: "She might be sort off my mother... Who left me at birth... I guess..."

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian pulls off his short sword (with the sheath still on) and uses it to help him corral the Hare into one of the corners, he then attempts to pounce on the Hare again before it escapes to freedom. All the while he keeps his eyes out for other competitors trying to capitalize on the Hares entrapment.


Perception to watch other Competitors: [roll0]

Laucian will continue making attempts each round until he succeeds, the hare escapes, or another competitor comes and he's forced to free the Hare before someone else catches it.

Grapple: [roll1]

Grapple: [roll2]

Grapple: [roll3]

EDIT: SIGH...

EDIT2: Actually... that might be a success (there are no stats for Hares/Rabbits that I can find, but using the Cat as a Proxy it's CMD would be:
10+BAB+STR+DEX+Size = 10+0+(-4)+2+(-2) = 6 CMD

Obviously the Hare will have different stats, but I wouldn't think they are so different to give him 11 additional points to his CMD.

[HuskyBoi]

Lady Kalaryn

"If I'm quite honest, my Lady, I was rather hoping you could shed some light yourself," Lord Urabran replies."I too am curious as to it's origin. What I can say is that is was given to me, two days ago, by a friend of some time- Lord Orthan. Yes, I am friends with the infamously reclusive Lord Orthan, for reasons that go back likely further than you do, my Lady. He instructed me to give this wand to you- he said you would need it, and that he would contact you shortly with... well, he said he would contact you."

Lord Urabran sighs, and it is clear that he is confused."Lord Orthan is my great friends, but he sees and understands far more than I do. I can only trust that what he does is for the best. Is there nothing you can tell me about this wand? You had not been expecting such a gift?"

[AaronGrimstone]

"Oh, that is sad. My family is both drunk and crazy, but I would hate not knowing them. I wish I had a potion to help you, but I don't think they make one for that. " Tettik turns to the fox-folk. "No thank you, I need a clear head tonight for something extremely and very important. And I'm a ratfolk, not rat-man. That's a two-bit superhero no one likes. Your help should be super appreciated, though!"

[Anyr]

"Alas no. This is the first I've heard of it. Still, Lord Orthan isn't our only source of information. Are there not several skilled mages attending this very party? Surely one of them can divine the wand's function."

Kalaryn herself had little talent in that area. When it came to identifying magic items, she usually relied on the 'fiddle with it until something happens' method.

[Lerriano]

I realise that the bets going on a clearly out of my price band and go back to watching this crazy show with curiosity. This elfin outsider clearly has some nonce about him! Might even catch the hare!

Then he takes out the sword and my opinion of proceedings takes a very dim view very quickly.

Don't kill it! It's supposed to be a capturing hunt!

[HuskyBoi]

Felicia and Tettik:

"Quite right young man, that is sad," Father Dann shakes his head sombrely."Well, I will try to help if I can, but it sounds like a difficult task you have on your hands, and not exactly something we can ask after discreetly. Now let's see, do you happen to know her name? Even a family name might help. And when might she have come here? I can ask my boys to put in some enquiries, if you like? The more information we have, the better, and we are always willing to help a friend in need!"


Laucian and Dylan

Laucian reaches out with both hands towards the hare, cornering it in it's trap. It darts left and right, looking for an escape, but it's too late! He can't find one in time, and before you know it, you have grabbed hold of the beast by the scruff of it's neck! Just in time too, as the barrels go hurtling aside, and a big group of adventurers and bruisers comes barging in, led by ferocious-looking half-orc with a mohican almost a foot tall.
"Oi! Get your 'ands off 'im! That prize was for me, you piddlin' little elf!"


Lady Kalaryn

It would appear that you know rather a lot about Lord Orthan, insofar as anyone does. He is very much a recluse, living in his estate on the southwestern side of the Aerium, very close to the Tower Guild. Although he has lived in the city for many, many centuries, he has almost never been sighted in public, preferring to defer tasks about town to his servant, a half-elf. On the rare occasion that Lord Orthan is ever seen in public, he wears full robes and a veil that conceals his every feature. The reason for all this secrecy is not known, though rumours abound, of course- people have guessed everything from plague to a a permanent case of invisibility.

Of course, the more educated (yourself included) know a little better: the most likely theory for his secrecy is that Lord Orthan is some type of creature not native to High Spire, or even it's surrounding world, and he prefers to keep that a secret. As for his business, he is inscrutable. No-one knows what he involves himself in, but he has contacts everywhere who keep him intimately well-informed about things happening in the city. If Lord Orthan takes an interest in one's business, one had better be both very flattered at his involvement, and very afraid of what is coming.

"Ah yes, I'm sure many of the guests will be able to help. Good thinking, my Lady! Shall we return to the hall to question some of our educated guests?" Lord Urabran gestures to the open door of his study, directing you back upstairs.

[Yanisa]

"Errrm... How many babies are abandoned in the forest here?" Felicia frowned, hoping that should have been enough information. "Well... My father... foster father... He said my last name is Hazel. Both for my eyes and well... He said the name was also on the blanket he found me in... Besides I don't why she should be buy my dad said it was the best place for looking and he probably has his reasons..." She sighs.

[XianTheCoder]

Once his hands are on the hare, Laucian will bring him in tight to his body, protecting him from being stolen or squirming away. As the other competitors charge through Laucian breathes a sigh of relief, Just in time. At the aggressive confrontation from the Half-Orc, Laucian nimbly hops out of his trap to the opposite side.. There is always next year friend. Laucian will smile and back away, raising the hare above his head for all to see his victory.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn obediently exited the study and climbed back towards ground level. Like Lord Urabran, she was eager to solve this new mystery. Once the two of them rejoined the party, the search for a likely 'wand wrangler' would begin. She was looking for a Mage with the skill to solve her problem, the middling social status appropriate to such a mundane task, and the discretion to keep quiet about it. After all, there was no telling what magic the wand contained. If its effect turned out to be something gossip-worthy, Kalaryn didn't want tongues to wag. She'd learnt that lesson the hard way, back at the Academy. Oh, tongues had most certainly wagged that day...

[AaronGrimstone]

"No one abandons things in these woods, I think. They're all deathly afraid of them. They'd probably take a trip to another part of the world just to abandon someone in 'nicer' woods."

[Yanisa]

"I wasn't abandoned in the woods here but farther away... My dad didn't even let me travel alone trough the woods nearby, but it didn't seem that scary. Stil he recommend to start search here..."

[Lerriano]

Seeing the half-orc challenge the rightful winner, I decide to try and help.

I vault the barrier between spectators and the hunt and rush up to the half-orc, tap him on the shoulder with my left hand and put my drawn kukri hard against his nethers, then look him straight in the eye and say as bravely as I can muster.

I would step away, if I were you. This one's an outsider and he'd ruin your day, but only after I've swapped your gender.

Rolls
Acrobatics to vault the barrier [roll0]

Intimidate [roll1]

Well... he is a bit taller and more robust than I am...

[HuskyBoi]

Felicia and Tettik

"Aye, it'd have to be a desperate situation indeed to abandon something in the forest. Though of course, many of us here find our family origins there- usually some generations back, of course. My great-great-great-great grandfather was a guard in the Trickster God's palace. Terry over there-" Father Dan points into the crowd, at what looks like a young man who is part badger- "is the many-times-grandson of one of the Broch clans. None of us have any desire to go back, of course. The stories our grandparents and great-grandparents tell are... well, enough to make us happy we got away, let's put it like that. Now, more wine? Or water, for the lady?"


Laucien and Dylan

The half-orc turns to look at Dylan, and draws his teeth back in a snarl. Mercifully, before he can come up with any retort, the halfling who started the contests comes in between you and marches up to Laucien.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner! The hunt is completed! The silver and gold is won! Congratulations young elf, you have done well indeed. Come, come, to the winners podium!" And he leads you merrily towards the benches- with the hare still in your hands- where the contest began.


Lady Kalaryn

Rejoining the party, you are somewhat spoiled for choice as to a likely wand-wrangler. The most likely candidate seems to be a female elf who taught you during your years of schooling at the Tower Guild, though of course there are more: the Minister is still here, a few other guild wizards who are friends of his Lordship, as well as a few priests of some of the larger temples, more personal friends of Lord Urabran.

"You are already acquainted with Master Scholar Merisiel, aren't you?" Lord Urabran asks, indicating the elf from the Guild. "Perhaps she can help us with our conundrum?"

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian ignores the Half-Orc, but smiles at Dylan in appreciation for the support. Now I'm not sure if she's odd or a loose arrow, at least she seems to have taken a liking to me. Laucian follows the halfling to the podium, where he will turn to the spectators and raise the hare, encouraging applause.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn's face lit up when she caught sight of her former teacher. She had many fond memories from her days as a student. It was much easier to enjoy school when you didn't have all those negative emotions weighing you down. She nodded approvingly to Lord Urabran. They had found their candidate.

Kalaryn approached Merisiel from across the room, in a way reminiscent of earlier years. She walked like someone proceeding down the aisle of a classroom, to write an answer on the blackboard. Old habits died hard. When she spoke, her voice had likewise regressed a few years.

"Er, Master Scholar? Perhaps you remember me. I'm a former student of yours."

Once reintroductions had been made, she would show the wand to Merisiel and request an appraisal.

[Lerriano]

I feel slightly foolish and overcome with realisation, put the weapon away and sheepishly look at the floor as Laucien soaks up his lime light, desperate to avoid eye contact with people, especially the half-orc.

[Yanisa]

"Water is fine, not much else in the forest to drink." Felicia says and finally decided to sit. She still feels a bit unease, but decided to just go with the flow... Nothing bad will happen here. "I don't know where great great great great great grand parents hail from... But if I heard my father talk about his parents, it seems he was also glad to be away. I liked the forest though... I would want to go back one day."

[AaronGrimstone]

"Nothing more to drink." Tettik says without thinking much about it. He pushes it away. After all Tettik will need a clear head for his trip and he didn't like being drunk like his family. "My parents, grandparents, great grandparents along with assorted others all came from cities, so we don't have a drop of forest wanting in us. We ratfolk don't really like living in places full of hungry predators larger than us, bad enough surrounded by humanoids larger than us."

[HuskyBoi]

Laucien and Dylan

The halfling walks Laucien to the benches and up to stand on top of them. Apparently a winner's podium is not happening tonight, but the applause from the audience is more than enough to make up for it. The halfling speaks to the croud, in a surprisingly large voice:

"Lllllllllladies and gentlemen, we have our winner! This year's winner of the Mad Hunt- the winner of the silver and gold- is the talented, the dashing, the deadly LAUCIEN NAILO!" He turns and mutters to you, or to your navel at least, in a much quieter voice "We'll handle the purse in a minute. Just wave for a bit now"

He turns back to the crowd, and applauds you, signalling the crowd to do likewise. Once you've had your fill of adulation, he can lead you back into the Arena offices, were you are awarded the winner's purse: 500gp. He also takes a small silver badge, in the shape of a running hare, and hands it to you.

"First win in a few years, well done. Now go and enjoy the celebrations!"


Felicia and Tettik

At Felicia's mention of going back to the forest, Father Dann shudders a little, and his voice becomes terse.
"Young lady, I fear you are mistaken. And if you are not, you would be advised to keep such sentiments quiet- no-one LIKES the forest, certainly not within this city. And the people of High Spire don't look kindly on people who claim to have an affinity with that place. We have a hard enough time looking as we do- but thank Ehlonna and the other blessed gods, the people of this city have at last begun to look past that, and we can live safely. Stay here, in the city- you can look for your mother safely, and we will help you. You have the chance of a happy life here. If you return to the forest... well, I shall pray to Ehlonna that you reach whatever afterlife safely."

Father Dann looks up and around. Some of the guests are leaving- the night is clearly winding down.

"It is getting late. If you have no-where to stay, you are welcome to join me and my family tonight. I am sure we can find space for you"


Lady Kalaryn

Master Scholar Merisiel turns, and instantly recognises you.
"Ah, the young lady of house Defrain. Kalaryn, yes? I see you have done well with yourself, to be a guest of Lord Urabran. Now, what can I help you with?
The Scholar takes the wand from you, and begins to inspect it. She turns it this way and that, examining it in detail. The wand is almost a foot long, and very supple- it appears to be made of willow. There is a heavy wood handle at one end, and peculiar runes run up the length of it. As the Scholar inspects it she casts a spell, which you easily recognise as Detect Magic. Further divinations also follow. More than once, she mutters: "Interesting..." Finally, the Scholar clears her throat, in a manner you recognise very well as meaning she is about to give a lecture:

"Well, it's certainly unusual, my Lady. This wand enables the user to cast the Knock spell. I'm not sure you are familiar with this spell, as it is not usually learned by Summoners, though I understand you have some teaching in the special use of magic items? The design is not reminiscent of any culture I recognise, nor the personal style of any Tower Guild wizard I know. The runes are particularly baffling, I have never seen this sort before. But what really confuses me is the charges- most wands are made to hold fifty charges, but this one has only three- and as far as I can tell, was built to contain only three. Perhaps the runes will indicate why?She hands the wand back to you."I hope that was helpful to you, my Lady. I am afraid I can offer little more assistance."

She bows respectfully, and turns to leave. You notice that Lord Urabran is making farewells to many guests- it appears the night is winding down.

[Anyr]

"Thank you for your help, Master Scholar: Both now and in the past. I'm truly grateful to have had you as my teacher."

Kalaryn lingered while the other guests departed. Lord Urabran would no doubt want to hear what she'd learnt about the wand. Perhaps he'd be able to make some sense of this new information. As far as Kalaryn herself was concerned, the whole thing might as well have been an elaborate prank. She really had no idea what Lord Orthan was trying to accomplish.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian smiles and raises his hands waving and accepting the praise, It might not be a GREAT deed, but it's a start. Calling Mooky to him, the monkey runs and jumps up on his shoulder. When the applause begin to die down, Laucian will allow himself to be lead to the offices, where he collects his prize. Very appreciatively, he leaves the office. 500GC!!! What was I doing making people chairs and tables?? Clearing adventuring is the way to go, I have the gold now to craft a whole new and better bow finally, this one is getting old and lacks the distance and power I need from it. After collecting his winnings, Laucian will return to the BBQ pit, accepting any praise and retelling the thoughts going through his head as he constructed the traps. To Dylan he says, Thanks for explaining the challenge to me, it was helpful and made the victory possible.

[Yanisa]

Felicia was so surprised by the raise in tone she almost jump out of her chair again... "Okay, okay... No forest. Fine." She started to feel this was a bad idea and looked at Tettik. "I think we got a place to stay."

[Lerriano]

Aww it was nothing! Apart from 50gp. It was 50gp's worth of nothing.

I try my hardest to come across as cutesy and wink playfully, well into my classic barmaid tricks.

Diplomacy
[roll0]

And we can be adventurers together!

I smile lots at the prospect of being helpful and going on an adventure.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik looks at the foxfolk. "We already have quarters, but thanks for the offer." He looks at Felicia, "Unless you do want to stay with them it might be good to return." He gestures for Felicia to lean closer to him.

"These folk are superstitious and fear what they don't understand. I can take you to the forest and help you track your mother! I'm already planning on going there to search for special ingredients and could use the company." He tries to speak quietly but doesn't make any special effort to conceal his words. The people of High Spire's foolishness does not overly concern him.

[HuskyBoi]

Felicia and Tettik

Hearing Tettik's words, Father Dann shakes his head. "My prayers go with you young ones. I am afraid I must join the festivities. I hope you can be happy for the rest of tonight, at least" With that, he rises and disappears into the shrinking crowd to make some farewells. The night is moving on, and many partygoers are starting to peel away and head home. The streets are quieter now, and the air is cool. Much lower down the mountain, you can see the great city wall, and the forest beyond it.


Laucien and Dylan

Round the barbecue a few members of the crowd are sitting and drinking, and of course wanting to come over and clap the winner on the back. But it is evident that with the competition over, the night is done, and many are peeling off to go home, ready for monstrous hangovers the next morning. The jolly dwarf is packing up his barbecue, and soon the crowd is all but dispersed, leaving the two of you enjoying the last of the drink.


Lady Kalaryn

Lord Urabran finishes saying good-night to the next of his guests, and approaches you to ask about what the Scholar had to say.
"Very strange, for sure. Lord Orthan's plans tended towards the complex, and I must confess I too have no idea what he is trying to accomplish. Maybe tomorrow I will visit him and see what he has to say. Until then my Lady, I fear the night is drawing in. It has been a pleasure, as always, to receive House Defrain in good faith." Although his tone is friendly, you sense that this is him wishing you a good-night. Outside the air is cool, and it is only a short trip by hansom cab to the estate of House Defrain.

[XianTheCoder]

Am... Am I being shaken down? Laucian thinks with amusement and alarm, I'll have to watch this one. Laucian smiles, 50gc is more than a hired soldier makes in three months, even a doctor wouldn't earn that in less than 2 months. Are the prizes typically that large? Perhaps because I'm a foreigner they felt they could payout a smaller reward. As a side note, even if there was that kind of margin in the reward, a 50gc kick back for something that the Halfling would have explained for free would seem a bit steep. Laucian shrugs, clearly not interested in the topic further. What kinds of adventures did you have in mind?

[Anyr]

Kalaryn rode home in silence. This night had left her with a lot to think about. Every so often, she'd take out the mysterious wand and examine it again. She was still turning it over in her hands when she stepped out into the night air.

The Defrain estate's gates squeaked slightly as they swung open to admit her. Kalaryn walked through moonlit grounds which were beautiful, yet orderly. Every flower, tree and hedge was laid out with elegant precision, according to a grand design. Rather than stopping to smell the flowers as she usually did, Kalaryn went straight inside and up to bed. Given what she knew of Lord Orthan, she had a feeling that tomorrow might be an eventful day.

[Yanisa]

After saying goodbye to Father Dann she looks at the rat-folk with questioning eyes. "Tekkit... do you mean this night or later? going to the forest, I mean! I don't advise traveling at night but I don't know what special ingredients you want. Night has the darkness and the deadlier animals prowling, which can make it hard to travel."

[AaronGrimstone]

"Ah, but tonight the festivities are a distraction. I bet even the wall guards are a little more relaxed today! If we don't go tonight then we can't use the festivities as a distraction that will allow us over the wall. The woods can't be that dangerous. Its all superstition and ridiculousness. I mean how could a town get here if the woods were impassible and full of nightmares in the flesh that hound and torture you for days. If there wasn't a little exageration going on then High Spire wouldn't be here. Plus we're quick, and capable and can take on any nocturnal animals prowling."

"But it absolutely has to be tonight or we won't stand a chance of making it over the wall. Besides I already packed and I wouldn't want to unpack anything again."

Going to roll diplomacy in the OOC

[Yanisa]

"I don't think it's nightmares you need to fear in the forest... The forest has a lot of existing things that would be scary for an untrained person." Felicia says awkwardly, wondering what kind of nightmares people would have about a forest. "I haven't even unpacked, so I guess tonight is as good as any day. So let's go."

[AaronGrimstone]

"Great, then let's go! First to the dorm to pick up my supplies, then to the wall to wander into the Cimmerwood!!"

Tettik leads Felicia back to the dorms to pick up his supplies, then heads to the best spot on the wall to get over it, probably close to the festivities.

[HuskyBoi]

Tettik and Felicia

After a quick moment to pick up supplies at the Guild, you walk down the southern side of the mountain, taking care to swing a little westwards- too far to the east, and you would run straight into the headquarters of the wall guards. But the route you take instead takes you through a large apartment district, with cramped, narrow streets and mess all over the place. Already the streets are clearing up, and only a few late-night carousers are heading home, being careful not to loiter. No eyes follow you along the tight street.

Finally, the city wall looms up ahead. It stands almost forty feet tall, and is at least that wide at the top. There are tower houses every so often with stairs inside to the top of the wall. The wall itself is very smooth and difficult to climb, almost as though it has been carved from a single, giant piece of rock. But another advantage of this area is that the densely-packed apartment buildings might have enough handholds to help get onto the wall top- if you can jump from them to the wall. Silhouetted against the clear night sky, you can see two Stalwart guards patrolling along the top of the wall.

So... how to proceed?

[Yanisa]

Felicia stares at the wall for a moment and whispers to Tekkit: "That's a smooth wall... I got a piece of rope and a grappling hook to help us up a bit but it's still a long climb. As for the guards I might be able to distract them but that might also cause alarm... But it sounded like you got a plan."

[Lerriano]

I put on a blatantly fake pout of grumpiness.

Aww you're clever! Never mind, I guess the drinks are on you though!

I'll have a big one and another chicken leg!

Our adventures should go into the forest. I'm bored of these streets, I know all about them! Let's get out and see something new!

[AaronGrimstone]

"From what I gather the Stalwarts are largely to keep things out of the woods, while no one really wants to go into them. I figure they're weaker from ths side than from the outside and might not even stop us. Still, we have two options, depending on your skill set. We can climb up the buildings, until we reach the end of them, then using two of my infusions we take a leap of faith onto the wall, drop the rope and grappling hook on the other side and scale down."

He takes a breath and continues.

"Or we find a way to sneak up the towers in the wall, but that will be difficult without some way to hide our passage. The second part would remain the same. I prefer the first plan, but maybe the second wouldn't be terrible."

[XianTheCoder]

The Woods... The ones that everyone seems to be scared of... That's an idea. Though not a very good one. Considering you are new to adventures, don't you think you may be a bit aggressive in your choice for a first adventure? Perhaps something slightly more focused and less broad then 'Go into the Woods'?

[HuskyBoi]

Felicia and Tettik

As you stand in the streets planning how to cross the wall, you suddenly notice the guards react to something on the far side. They pick up their weapons, and one runs into the sentry tower to the right. Your ears pick up a muffled roaring the begins to grow louder, more and more until it is almost deafening. A whole manner of roars and screeches and howls are filling the air. Then suddenly the sky is lit up with a flash of white light, and with a roar like crashing waves, a huge winged shape flies across the wall and straight over you, it's massive wings carrying it up the mountain. Lightning flashes from it's mouth, and further up in the city you hear screams and the crash of thunder.

But that isn't all. Directly in front of you, the terrible roaring voices on the far side of the wall reach a peak. More Stalwart guards are running to the wall, and you see some of them beginning to cast spells of protection. There is a deep, impacting boom against the wall that shakes the ground. Then a second time, and a third- and with the third boom, the wall implodes. Rubble flies past you and you hear the crash of falling rock and the cries of the guards falling from the top of the wall. Some fly up high, some stumble to their feet on the ground. And the doors of hell are opened, and the wild demons of the forest come pouring in through the wall.

Hundreds of monsters come dashing and leaping over the rubble- giant brutes with horned heads, centaurs with lion's manes and bodies like carthorses, hags and smoke-wolves and giant beasts that look like bear and wolf and lion combined. Higher than the wall flock hideous winged shapes that shriek with a sound that tears at your ears. The Stalwarts at the breach draw their weapons, and one sends bright red lightning up into the air; but the outpouring of monsters will soon overwhelm them like waves over a sandcastle.

Before your very eyes, the city is breached. The battle is started.


Laucien and Dylan

As you sit talking, you hear a sudden rumble like thunder behind you, then a flash of light illuminates the city. Looking around, a shock is waiting for you. Not far away, towards the very southern end of the city, you can see a huge winged shape fly across the wall, straight past the Stalwarts. Although it is hard to tell what it is at this distance, a sudden flash of lightning from bursts from it's mouth and razes the ground below. But suddenly, you hear something much closer- the beat of giant wings. Another giant flying creature passes directly over the top of the arena, and you see black scales, a skull-like face and sweeping horns, before a long sinuous tale follows it. The creature flies up the city, and circles the mountain, and from this one's mouth comes a cloud of sickly black smoke.

But worst, and finally, you hear the army. At the south side of the city, barely ten minutes to sprint from you, comes a cacophony of roaring, shrieking, howling as if every demon in hell had gathered to terrify the city. The roars grow in volume, and you hear three great strikes that echo across the city. On the third strike, red lightning fires up into the sky.

The red lightning has not been seen in the entire history of the city, but you know well what it means. The city is breached. The wall is broken. Battle has been joined.


Lady Kalaryn

You are suddenly woken by the door of your room being flung open. You look up to see your father, the Lord of Defrain, standing against the door.

"Kalaryn, get up! Now! The city is under attack! Dragons, at least two of them. And they say the southern wall is breached, we are being invaded. We need to make safe the city" He runs over to the bad, grabs your arm, and pulls you up."We need to help, my girl. The city needs us. I have ordered the servants up to the Aerium to try and get away, but we have to stay and help the citizens. Gather what equipment you need and come downstairs quickly. Do it now, Kalaryn, now!"

[Yanisa]

"You still want to go into the forest?!" Felicia shouts, more to herself then Tekkit. Her training and instincts instantly calls her out to stop staring in disbelieve. She looks at Tekkit and shouts, to overcome the noise, loudly: "Flee or hide?" She also tries to judge how much time they have before becoming in danger.

[Lerriano]

I look at the massive shape in the sky and the army approaching and swallow my fear.

Come on, outsider. Looks like that adventure's come to find us!

I pull my shortbow and quiver out of the haversack and put anything heavy into it.

Try not to fall behind! I know these streets like the back of my hand!

I dash for a street that I know will take me to the wall on the far side of the city, away from the battle so as to buy a little time.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn stumbled unsteadily out of bed, blinking the sleep out of tired eyes. She couldn't quite comprehend what was happening. Nonetheless, she felt her body moving to obey, even as her mind reeled in confusion. Years of strict training had left their mark on the young noble. With practised movements born of many surprise drills, Kalaryn began summoning her most powerful weapon.

The Eidolon ritual took its usual minute to perform: But this time, that minute felt like an eternity. When (or if) the hulking form of Drask eventually materialised, his master would immediately start moving again. Having stood still for so long, she didn't intend to do so for another second.

"What's-"

"The city is under attack."

Conversation over. Rather than waste time donning a uniform, Kalaryn just slipped a dress over her nightclothes. She then retrieved a stowed backpack of supplies from under her bed, put it on, and shot out the door; Only just remembering to grab the mysterious wand as she went past. Kalaryn Defrain was ready to join the fray.

[AaronGrimstone]

"Hidehidehidehidehide Hide!" Tettik yelled in response. He looked around quickly for a place to hide, and decided on trying to enter a house. "How bout hiding in that house over there?!" He yelled in a high pitched squeaky voice. "Okay, so it isn't just superstition. Still after they get taken out by the guard their won't be enough to worry about in the woods!" Tettik's plans did not change in the slightest, the small reasonable voice in his head knew that his goal was worth braving any danger to achieve, even if his conscious mind never realized it.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian flinches as the first thunderous bang erupts behind him. Realizing an attack is under way, Laucian jumps to his feet and draws his Longbow. As Dylan yells to follow, Laucian falls in behind her and tries to keep up. Get me close enough to use my bow from cover!


Laucian attempts to use his knowledges to discern the type of creatures attacking the walls.

Aberations/Oozes
Knowledge Dungeoneering: [roll0]

Humanoids
Knowledge Local: [roll1]

Animals/Fey/Monstrous Humanoids/Vermin
Knowledge Nature: [roll2]

[Yanisa]

Felicia looked at Tekkit and realized he probably wasn't so fast as her... hiding was indeed the better pick. At his suggestion she runs towards the house he pointed and tries to open to door to hide inside. She hears Tekkit talk and doubted the guards would win... easily... but decided not to say anything.

[HuskyBoi]

Felicia and Tettik

Not two hundred feet in front of you the battle is met. The beasts and demons come pouring through the gap, overwhelming the few Stalwarts in front of them, by simply trampling them underfoot. One of the first past is a centaur with dreadlocks like giant snakes and a huge stone axe wielded in both hands. He charges up the street knocking Stalwarts from their feet. Behind him more beastmen and centaurs and minotaurs flood through. They will be on you in less than thirty seconds.

Felicia quickly dives towards the house and rattles the door handle, and mercifully it opens. It opens up to a grubby open hallway, and already people are spilling out of bedrooms into it. A large bearded man has picked up a sword from the shelf and is rushing to the door- he sees Felicia and swings with his sword, screaming wildly, but mercifully it misses.


Dylan and Laucien

From the arena you run up the mountain to where the beasts are circling, and as you start to run you see a third shape appear from the clouds and begin to attack the city.

Laucien

Dragons. Three dragons are attacking, and they are huge- wurm-sized at least. It's too far to see what's down at the wall breach.


They are circling the Aerium and causing havoc in the area below. The breach in the wall will take about ten minutes to get to if you run, or you can take a detour to pick up supplies from the inn at which you're staying- only a couple of minutes away if you run. Around you adventurers and mercenaries have begun to appear from houses and inns, and are running confused. Some scream their battle-cries and charge towards the breach, others look far more concerned with getting to safety.


Lady Kalaryn

Down in the hallway your father is already ushering members of the House into positions and giving orders, with all the practised skill of a great knight. As he sees you approach, he shouts commands.

"Kalaryn! I need you outside, the wizards at the guild are teleporting people out- get outside and try to shepherd some of the civilians there, protect them! Move quickly. And take care of yourself!"

Outside, the streets are in a mad panic. Civilians run everywhere, guards try to find weapons and prepare for battle. Further down the mountain you can see a swarm of dark bodies in all shapes and sizes pouring through a breach in the wall, and already running up through the streets, houses burning and toppling around them, while in the sky above, three giant winged creatures are circling and breathing gouts of acid and lightning down at the buildings beneath.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik immediately jumps into the house after Felicia, then shuts the door quickly and quietly. He turns to Felicia and sees the other occupants. "Quiet!" He whispers. "Your fabled wall has fallen and monsters are invaded the town. If we don't remain quiet the stragglers of the horde that have just burst into the city will hear us and attack."

Tettik reasons that a good strategy would be to burst into the city with the heavy hitters to clear a path, then clean up with the weaker members. This is not because he has suddenly become wise in the world.

[XianTheCoder]

Having no need for additional supplies, Laucian charges his way towards the breach to help defend the city.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn will cast 'Mage Armor' on herself and Drask before setting out."...You too!"

With a last backward glance at her father, Kalaryn ran from the mansion. It was hard to leave him in this time of crisis. She'd much rather have stayed to fight by his side. And from the sounds of Drask's telepathic growling, he had his own reservations.

[Your dad isn't just sending the civilians to safety. He's sending you to safety.]

[Father's orders are purely strategic. In battle, I'm no different from any other soldier under his command.]

[You're his daughter. He loves you. Do you honestly think that he can put those feelings aside whenever he likes?]

[...]

Once in the streets, Kalaryn would gather as many civilians as she could reasonably protect. Going forth with confident bearing and resonant voice, she tried to act as a beacon for the desperate and frightened. She would do her best to herd the 'flock' in the right direction, while keeping them in some semblance of a formation.

[Yanisa]

"Errr, hello person that tried to kill me and the others... " then Tettik states everyone should be quiet and Felicia does so. She does wonder how long the attack would take...

[Lerriano]

I am hit by the sudden realisation that my foster parents are somewhere in the middle of this. I change my course to head back into the warren of the city back streets and make as quick a dash to the Inn as I can.

[HuskyBoi]

Tettik and Felicia

The man swinging his sword stops in his tracks, warned by your words, but although you are all as quiet as fieldmice, it's no use. Barely a second later, a crush like thunder makes the house shake, and around you the walls are torn apart. You look up to see a giant, taller than the house itself, swinging a giant stone-headed club in a wide arc. He wears scaly armour and his long hair is braided with thorn vines. His eyes lock on yours, and he raises his club high to strike at the ground. In the rubble outside, thousands more creatures pour into the streets.


Laucien

You sprint towards the breach, surrounded by other adventurers and warriors, but you don't even have to travel that far. Beastmen, centaurs, and other monsters of the forest are already spreading through the streets, torching buildings and attacking citizens. In a wide street, twenty feet across, in a warehouse district on the way to the breach, you find a swarm of monsters moving up the city and ransacking the giant storehouses. Hundreds of beastmen are moving up, with centaurs sprinting ahead of them wielding stone axes and enormous lances. You hear a guttural roar at stomach height, and a dwarf barbarian runs towards them, axe held high. On your left a heavily-armoured human with a shaven scalp begins to chant and fire envelops his hands before he hurls a ball of flames at the charging swarm. Warriors, wizards, and the worst of the worst of the city's adventuring types charge into a pitched battle in the streets, and the sound of thunderous weapons and bestial battle-cries mix with the roars of the dragons above.


Dylan

You quickly turn and start to sprint up towards the Aerium, at the height of the city. You have a long climb ahead of you, but your family inn is at the top of the mountain, and your foster family could be in any amount of trouble. You run through housing and shopping districts, across one of the city bridges, through the noble estate, and all around you, battle and destruction are everywhere. You are lucky- you arrive at Zephyr Street to see that the destruction has not yet arrived here, but already citizens are fleeing and panicking, and soldiers are appearing, ready to fight.

"Dylan!" You hear your foster mother cry out, and turn to see her and your foster father being pushed int the opposite direction by the crowd- up towards the Aerium, where already hippogriffs and eagles and giant flying whales are trying to carry civilians to safety.


Lady Kalaryn

Outside is chaos, but you manage to shout orders to the civilians to move down the mountain, towards the Tower Guild, and they begin to move that way. You head south down the mountain over one of the city bridges, and soon the Tower Guild arrives in your view. But on one side you hear roars and shrieks, and looking around, you see a giant centaur with thorn vines braided into his dreadlocks come charging towards you. He carries a stone axe in both hands, and as he charges, he swings it wildly at you.


Attacking Lady Kalaryn:
[roll0]
Damage if hits:
[roll1]

[AaronGrimstone]

Yanisa, the character's name is Tettik, not Tekkit. Not a big deal but my slight detail obsession makes me mention it.

Tettik yells "Get ready to fight! Now is the time to stand strong and die with minimal complaining!" Tettik pulls out a thick vial made out of iron, pulls out the cork to reveal a bubbling, smoking, and pungent liquid he then downs in one gulp. His arms elongate, his vision grows keener, and he becomes more lithe. Then he mixes a bomb in the blink of an eye and throws it at the giant.

Tettik drinks a mutagen then makes his bomb attack, hopefully having enough time to do so.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Splash damage: 6
I have precision bomb which allows me to exclude four people in the splash radius if it hits which I automatically use.

[Yanisa]

Felicia was already half in the motion to run when Tettik suddenly decided to attack. She could have left the little critter here and then, but decided against it. There probably weren't a lot of safe places left and she barely knows the city, if anyone would know a good place, it would be him. Last hing she needed was here only source of information be smashed down. Besides, worst case, she could always flee after he gets smashed.

She takes a deep breath, looks at the giant, concentrates. She stretches one arm towards his weapon and suddenly a large vine shoots out her hand and tangles around the weapon. She gives it a strong pull, trying to tug the weapon out of the hand of the giant.

Using my bloodline power: Tanglevine (7/8 left)
Disarm Attempt = [roll0]

[Anyr]

As the axe pierced Kalaryn's skin, Drask let out a scream of rage. In a flurry of claws and teeth, he sought to destroy the enemy who'd dared to injure his master. The fact that Kalaryn had only suffered a minor cut didn't dampen his anger in the slightest.

Drask full-attacks the centaur.

Bite: ([roll0]); Crit confirm ([roll1]); Damage ([roll2]
Claw: ([roll3]); Crit confirm ([roll4]); Damage ([roll5]
Claw: ([roll6]); Crit confirm ([roll7]); Damage ([roll8]

[XianTheCoder]

As Laucian runs and sees that ground forces have penetrated the walls, he fires off several arrows before drawing his rapier and charging into the nearest enemy ranks. With his rapier striking and piercing, Laucian weaves his way through the invading force carefully picking his spots and strikes. Eventually he pulls back, draws his bow and begins letting arrows fly.


Unless you have specific combat that you want me to roleplay out, you can assume that Laucian continues to move into and out of combat using whatever tactics seem most appropriate. When the battle moves or the enemies are all dead, he will follow the yelling and sounds of battle to the next location and engage. If any place seems suicidal then he will either withdraw, wait for reinforcements, or try to rally whoever is around to help him fight.

Also, if he runs into any of the other PCs I will happily roleplay that scene out.

[Lerriano]

Seeing that the crowd is too thick to get through, I wave goodbye and run to a house with a high level that overlooks the city, and watch carefully as the battle rages on in the lower levels.

[HuskyBoi]

Lady Kalaryn

The centaur roars in fury at being struck, and rears high, flailing it's hooves and swinging it's axe down at Drask.


Full attack at Drask
Axe [roll0] damage [roll1]
Hoof [roll2] damage [roll3]
Hoof [roll4] damage [roll5]


Behind him, the rest of the hoard is approaching, the faster members already drawing close. They will be upon you in but a matter of seconds. Behind you the crowd is fleeing down the street through the gates of the Tower Guild, and heading for the main building. At the gates you can see guards and wizards arriving to raise defences, but they stay within the walls of the Guild.


Dylan

You burst through the door of a house nearby- the door is not locked, as the family has already evacuated, and sprint inside. The house is well-decorated with tapestries and plants, and two suits of elven armour stand to attention at the door. Up the stairs in the hallway you arrive on the second floor, where there is a large bedroom with a balcony overlooking the downhill side of the city. If you head out to the balcony, you can see the mountainside descend away beneath you, and you get an excellent view of the city beneath. Far to the south at the city wall you can see the perimeter breach, through which tides of monsters are still spilling. They have overwhelmed the Stalwart guards and now are surging up through the city, burning buildings and attacking civilians. In some districts, adventurers, guards, or other citizens are skirmishing with the monsters and forming barricades. Flashes of magic fly back and forwards. In the sky above, bat-like monsters and griffons zip and flit in aerial combat with the city rangers, mounted on hippogriffs, who are trying to protect the magical creatures taking off from the Aerium.

On the streets much nearer to you the brawl and battle continues. On the street directly below the balcony is one of the city bridges, where battle has already been joined. Not thirty feet away you see a Lady of one of the noble houses battling a wild, ferocious-looking centaur wielding a giant stone axe. She is assisted by some strange beast that looks nothing like any of the forest creatures, but more like a giant suit of animate armour who is fighting hand-to-hand with the centaur. Not far beyond them, civilians are being shepherded through the gates of the Tower Guild and into the main buildings. Mere seconds up the street, with the Lady in between them and the civilians, the horde of beasts is charging.


Laucien

You keep to the edges of the fray, jumping in and out and striking when the foes are distracted, stabbing in the back. The foes are numerous, but the adventurers are ferocious, and manage to push through. With a roar they charge forwards to the breach in the wall, and you are swept up with them. Here, hordes more monsters are pushing through, and the last pockets of resistance are still fighting. A few Stalwart guards stand back-to-back, surround by beastmen and keeping them at bay with long halberds and tower shields. Nearer to you, a vine suddenly shoots across your reach, and you see a strange sight. A fox-maiden and a rat-man are battling a giant ogre; she is pulling the weapon from it's hand with a length of vine that grapples with a life of it's own, and he is throwing explosive vials at it. The beast roars as the giant stone axe is snatched away from it, and it attempts to pummel the fox-maiden with it's bare fists.


Felicia and Tettik

The vine shoots from Felicia's hand and wraps around the giant's stone axe, pulling it free with a mighty tug. The beast roars in fury at being disarmed, and begins to attack Felicia with it's bare fists. As it leans in to strike, the fiery bomb detonates in it's face, and it screams in fury.


Full attack Felicia with unarmed attacks, going for lethal damage.
Attack [roll6] damage [roll7]

[XianTheCoder]

Not wanting to risk hitting the fox maiden with an arrow, Laucian draws his Rapier and rushes up behind the ogre attempting to skewer it in the back.


Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Anyr]

[Retreat!]

The citizens' escape route (such as it was) had been secured. Having done their duty, Kalaryn and Drask fled towards the guild entrance. They'd make their stand from within its walls.

Both will Withdraw, then Run for the guild.

[Lerriano]

I waste no time in drawing an arrow into my bow, but as I line up the shot I scream to this mysterious lady

Look out, lady!

Giving her just (by which I mean barely) enough time to step aside I open fire at the centaur.

[roll0]

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik shouts "Drink this! It will help." He tosses Felicia one of his wonderful infusions, then he continues to throw bombs at the ogre. He does not notice the man trying to stab it in the back, as the ogre is busy being all up in their face.

If the attack hits he will throw her his infusion of cure light wounds, if it doesn't then he'll throw her his shield infusion. Then he throws another bomb.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Splash is always 6 damage
Why does the forum roller hate me?
5 bombs remaining

[Yanisa]

Felicia easily dodges the attack and wonders if disarming did help them or if his fists are as deadly as the axe. When Tettik offers her a potion she, looks at it, decides to trusts Tettik and drinks it. Then she grabs her crossbow, not having a lot of offense options, aims and shoots.

Because the giant didn't hit (natural one, eh) I assume the infusion is a shield one, so Felecia's current AC = 21.
Crossbow --> Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[HuskyBoi]

Felicia, Tettik and Laucien

All of you together combine to fight the giant, surrounding it and confusing it. Laucien's rapier drives into it's back, drawing blood, and it roars furiously, turning to swipe at him with a boulder-sized hand, but Tettik and Felicia's attacks bounce from it's hide armour.


Unarmed attack Laucien: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]


In the midst of combat, you hear a terrible sound...


Dylan

Your arrow hits the centaur in the shoulder, and it gives a grunt of pain. It reaches up with an arm to yank the shaft out, and turns to see you up in the balcony. In a furious gesture, it flings the shaft back up at you, points with it's giant stone axe, and shouts to you in a guttural, braying language that you don't understand. It then turns to gallop further up the street. Behind it, the tide of monsters surges up the street, and the lady and her strange companion turn and flee through the gates of the Tower Guild. Just then, you hear a terrible sound...


Lady Kalaryn

You turn and flee through the gates, and the centaur does not give pursuit- something else appears to have distracted it as you flee. You run through the gates and are greeted by one of the guild wardens, who runs, panicking, towards you.

"My lady Kalaryn, the citizens have been escorted into the hallway and the senior mages are teleporting them to safety now! But there are so many, we don't know if we can save them all, and there are more elsewhere in the city! What should we do?"

Before you can reply, you hear a terrible sound cut through the city...


Everyone

A sound like an explosion rips through the sky, and all the city seems to stop. Beasts grind their charge to a halt, civilians stop and cower. Everyone is listening.

From the dark clouds in the night sky above, a fourth giant shape appears, plummeting towards the city like a meteorite, coming close and closer, faster and faster. With another crack, it spreads it's giant wings and lands on the Tripartite Temple, the high temple of worship in the city, crushing the stone roof beneath it's feet and bringing the temple crumbling down. Enormous black wings spread in a span hundreds of feet wide, and it tilts back it's horned, serpentine head to roar and cry out. The great red dragon opens it's mouth, and speaks:

"Invaders! Encroachers! Defilers of my home! Flee this place, or you will all be consumed! Leave! LEAVE!"

Then it turns around and looks directly up to the Aerium. With the fury of a furnace, it exhales a huge wall of flame. The buildings of the Aerium catch fire immediately, and panic takes over. The dragon turns back, dives from the mountainside, and take wing, joining it's three allies in the carnage, and the beasts of the forest charge once more.

[AaronGrimstone]

"OhcrapOhcrapOhcrapOhcrapOhcrapOhcrapOhcrapOhcrapOh crapOhcrapOhcrap." But kids, he wasn't saying crap.

Tettik shook his head, what was he thinking about? He didn't have kids and he wasn't currently talking to him, and this wasn't currently happening as a flash back. He got a little crazy when he got stressed, and he was stressed.

"Thedragonfrombaldmountainwilleatoursoulsandforceus intohiseternalwildhuntifwedon'runnowithink!" He yelled. He threw another bomb at the creature, hoping that it would strike true.

He tried to slow down the second time. "I think we need to leave the city, it's the only way we're going to survive!"

If the bomb misses it lands in a random square and blows anyways, and anyone who gets caught in the blast takes the splash damage, which is a reflex save for half damage, DC 15
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian dodges out of the way of the giant fist. To his short ratfolk companion Laucian yells, I agree! The city is going to fall, we need to retreat! As he speaks, he takes another stab at the ogre, hoping he can bring him down quickly.


Attack: [roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[Lerriano]

I look for a a set of roofs to jump to, put everything heavy into my haversack and start the least treacherous path I can perceive across the tops of buildings with a view to finding a way out of the city without getting bogged down in the tide of monsters.


Perception [roll0]

Acrobatics [roll1]

[Anyr]

Kalaryn knew well the taste of fear. It was an emotion that Drask refused to absorb, lest it weaken him. But the fear she felt right now was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. Gazing upon the ruins of her home's greatest monuments, she was forced to accept a terrible truth: The city was lost.


What should we do?"

"Prepare to retreat."

Kalaryn hoped that her voice conveyed only a fraction of her true anxiety. Now more than ever, she needed to lead by example.

"This is not a battle which our forces can win. We must withdraw, regroup and return later. Start gathering every means we have of escaping the city: Whether it be a magic carpet, or an apprentice with 'Feather Fall'. Once teleportation stops being an option, those of us who remain will take our chances in the woods below. Move quickly. There isn't much time."

[Yanisa]

"Errr aren't the monster coming out of the forest?" Felicia protested softly, thinking the only the forest would be safer if all these creatures wanted to settle down and live in the city, but there wasn't a lot time to think or complain in the midst of battle. She tries to steady her crossbow and shoots again. "Fine, whatever, forest is fine." She says as she looks her bolt soar trough the sky, towards the giant.

Rolls:

Crossbow --> Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik jerks his head in the direction of the Laucian. "Where did you come from? Nevermind instantaneously teleporting elves, thanks for the support though I really appreciate it."

Tettik turns to Felicia. "The city is unsafe, and the only course is to try to flee from the monsters, plus the dragon has made it clear that our presence in the city is the element he disapproves of most. Our only hope is to sneak behind the invading horde and put enough distance between us and the city that they won't think to come looking for us. At least, that's my reasoning so you know me and the elf aren't just crazy. Let's make a dash for it once this big fellow falls."

[HuskyBoi]

Laucien, Felicia, and Tettik

The beast is harmed by your combined attacks, but is still fighting strong. Around you the waves of beastmen and other monsters are thinning, and there is space enough in the wall that you could easily get through. It's about a hundred feet to the wall, with rubble from the wall and surrounding buildings all over the street. With no Stalwarts remaining, the last of the attackers are running straight through and up to the heights of the city. The four dragons are still circling and blasting at the buildings below with their elemental breath, tearing the city apart. The buildings surrounding you are crumbling, as giants and ogres lay them to waste.


Dylan

The city is a sea of monsters running and destroying everywhere, but they are beneath you in the streets. High up on the roofs, you are able to scramble and run down the mountainside to the south side of the city- towards the breach. Down here, the waves of monsters are thinner, as they have all surged upwards. In places, you have to duck out of sight as hideous flying creatures zip past, or giants stride through the city, their shoulders level with you on the rooftops. It takes time, and caution, but you make it down to the wall without being spotted.

Lady Kalaryn

The wizard nods and runs away from you, shouting a hasty "Yes my lady!" as he runs. The wizards, while not prepared, have many ways to get civilians out, and even with the Aerium destroyed, the Engineers and some of the temples have help to offer. You turn to see the wave of beastmen approaching the guild, and the remaining guards and wizards summoning barriers and monsters to defend their home- but it is only to delay the force, not stop them. Suddenly, yuo hear a voice you recognise: your father, though he is nowhere to be seen.

"Kalaryn. Our family is safe. Wizards are teleporting civilians. Several have fled to the forest. Your duty, follow and protect them. Take care Kalaryn. Be brave" The voice then ends, but you recognise a sending spell- and know that means you can reply.

[XianTheCoder]

After one finally stab at the ogre, Laucian calls the fight a loss and begins his retreat, Follow me! Laucian dashes towards the break in the wall and attempts to slip out while avoiding the notice and attacks by any of the attackers.


Final Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Anyr]

The message came as a great relief to Kalaryn. It was so good to hear her father's voice again. Despite this, her reply started like that of any other soldier. She ducked into an alcove (away from prying ears), and spoke in a clear, professional fashion.

"Understood. Not enough time to teleport everyone. Will gather survivors in woods, then escape together."

She made it a whole fifteen words before the mask broke.

"...Scared, but okay. Will make you proud. I love you."

When Kalaryn stepped out of the alcove, her face had once again been wiped clean of worry. She immediately rushed to find a good vantage point, in order to search for survivors. Her original plan had been to leave with the other guild members. But if (as her father said) there were isolated civilians who needed her help, she'd try to reach them instead.

[AaronGrimstone]

"Let's go!" Tettik yells. He waits just long enough for Felicia to follow, then darts away from the ogre. He waves for the family to also follow them as they run past the monsters.

Tettik, after gettting away from the monster will try his best to be stealthy while following Laucien.

Taking the -5 penalty for moving faster than half my speed. [roll0]

[Yanisa]

Felicia stored her crossbow back on her back and followed the rat-folk and the person she hadn't met before into the forest where all the dangerous monsters didn't want to be. But then again, at this point any plan seemed better then any other plan.

[HuskyBoi]

Laucien, Felicia, Tettik

You stumble over the rubble around the breach, running for the gap in the wall. Mercifully, the giant seems to decide you aren't worth pursuing, and instead continues up into the city. You pass through the hole in the wall, cross a short stretch of open grass less than thirty feet wide, and enter the forest.

Inside, there is very little light, as the thick canopy blocks out what little silver light the moon gives. The trees around you are covered with moss and lichen, and the ground is uneven with undergrowth, risen roots and dead logs. All around you the earth is churned up by the thousands of feet that passed over it not an hour ago. The mountain slope continues to descend steeply before you, down into the darkness. Ahead, the forest is silent. The only sounds are the lingering echoes of battle in the city.

You have entered Cimmerwood. What will you do?


Lady Kalaryn

You ascend the stairs onto the walls of the Guild perimeter to scan for vantage points. Wizards and beasts are still duelling around you, and the night flashes with bursts of light from fireballs and lightning bolts, and the ground shakes with the footsteps of giants. You try to ignore this though, and look around. To the southern side of the mountain, you see that there are no remaining beastmen coming through the breach, and it stands empty. Since that is now the only entrance and exit that anyone might leave the city to get to the forest through, it seems a sensible direction to head. That said, there may be civilians anywhere, either barricaded in their houses or seeking hiding-places in the rubble. Looking south to the breach, you can definitely perceive a few individuals fleeing into the woods.


Dylan

It is difficult to get across the rooftops, as the streets are wide at times, and there are still flying creatures overhead, occasionally flapping low to attack civilians on the streets, or plummeting down with the arrows of airborne rangers in their bodies. But you manage to get to the breach, which is now entirely clearly of both defenders and attackers. The bodies of a few Stalwart guards litter the floor, as well as far fewer bodies of beastmen and other monsters. The rubble from destroyed buildings is piled high. Just ahead of you, through the gap in the wall, you see a small group of humanoids- one of who you were egging on in the Arena only a few hours ago- disappear through the trees and into the forest.

[XianTheCoder]

Well this is plesant. Laucian will look around the forest, trying to gather his bearing. In a low voice, Laucian will ask of those that made it out with him, Is everyone alright, any injuries?

[Anyr]

Before departing, Kalaryn would try to waylay a trustworthy guild member, and tell them where she was going. Then she'd set off towards the southern breach; Preferably via a route that wasn't swarming with enemies. Along the way, she and Drask would watch for people in need of help.

[Yanisa]

Felecia nods at Laucian. "The big dude wouldn't hit me if I was the size of the house!" She looks at the probably many unlucky civilians and wondered if she could have said it more tactful.
"So, anyone got a plan?" Felicia asks, looking at Tettik first and then looks around her to get a feeling for terrain. "If not I suggest we take an easy route trough the forest away from the city. It will be probably a couple of rough days but we don't want to make an camp near the city full monsters." She tries to remember any wise lessons from her father, but he never told her what to do when is close to a city full of things that want to eat you...

[HuskyBoi]

Lady Kalaryn:

It takes a while to navigate the city streets, avoiding trouble as you go. Mercifully, the hordes of monsters are moving further up, and moving south and down the mountain takes you away from them. Above, you can hear the last sounds of destruction fading away as the city is taken. Three of the dragons withdraw into the clouds, but the red dragon- the one who spoke, and ordered the invaders out- settles again back at the summit, where the Aerium once fed the city.

Finding a guild member who isn't busy fighting or fleeing also proves a challenge- the streets are now deserted. Unfortunately, contact with the guild might now have to be through magic.

As you arrive at the breach, you see a few scattered individuals fleeing into the forest ahead of your- it looks like a family. It is a mark of how desperate they have become that they are willing to flee into the forest... but maybe the hell they imagine seems better than the battle they saw.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn rushed to catch up with the fleeing group. She ordered Drask to hang back as she approached, lest he be mistaken for a monster.

[These people had better appreciate our help. We'd have been much better off staying with the guild.]

[No, father was right: This is where we belong.]

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik responds to Laucien first. "I'm fine, that brute of a beast couldn't hit anything smaller than a house. Are you fine? I have an infusion if your not. They don't taste terrible, right Felicia, by the way my name is Tettik and this pretty foxfolk is Felicia." He looks around, bunching over himself in an uncharacteristic moment of self-conciousness. He hated how the mutagen made him look, the unnaturally long limbs, and the ugly overly smooth skin.

The mutagen lasts for thirty minutes, so you might have to tell me when it wears out in game time.

"I think in this case safety relies in numbers, and we should gather at least a small group before heading to deep. Plus someone needs to help the poor saps who didn't want to explore this wonderful wood unlike myself who totally wanted to all along. I think I inherited that from my crazy uncle Tittik. We really need to find a secluded, easily defendable spot where we can sleep until morning comes. Otherwise we might get killed." Tettik says most of this in one breath, or parts of breaths. He looks around to see who might be in the area, but doesn't really see anything.

Tettik will not even roll.

[HuskyBoi]

Felicia, Tettik, Laucien
Just as you are discussing your options, you hear panting and footsteps behind you- someone is approaching from the city. You turn around to see three figures moving towards you through the dark. At first it is difficult to make out who they might be, but as they draw nearer, their shapes become silhouettes, and the silhouettes become faces. There is a young, pale, elfin-looking girl who will look familiar to Laucien, carrying a bow and wearing a long coat. Not far behind her is a second figure- a female half-elf wearing what appears to be noble dress. A third figure hangs back near the edge of the forest, shrouded in darkness. The nearest two run up to you until they are close enough to address.

OOC:
These two are Dylan and Lady Kalaryn, the other two PCs. No clues as to the third figure


Dylan
You dash across the open ground between the breached wall and the forest, and enter the Cimmerwood- the place your foster parents always told you that bad dreams come from, and from which fair folk come to steal away naughty children. It takes a certain amount of fortitude to cross the threshold of the forest, and the inside is no more inviting than you might imaging. Gnarled mossy trees muffle the sound around you, and there is little light through the canopy. The ground is uneven with trampled undergrowth and protruding roots, and the walking is not smooth.

Ahead of you, you see a trio of figures: one of them is Laucien. You do not recognise the other two, a fox-girl and a rat-man. They are talking in low voices, and they look around as you approach.


Lady Kalaryn
You enter the forest, and Drask hangs back at the border, so as not to provoke aggression from anyone who might mistake him for a beast. Running ahead of you is a young elf girl in a long coat- she suddenly stops when she comes across a trio of figures in the forest. One of the figures is a familiar enough face- and elf- but the other two are strange, a fox-girl and a rat-man. Denizens of the forest, or one of the city minorities? You know that a scattered few animal-kin live in the city, but after tonight, caution might be wise. Five of you are now gathered in the forest, in barely enough light to make out one another's face. The silence is thick between the trees. Will you approach this group? They have noticed you.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn peered through the darkness uncertainly. Was this the group she'd been sent to find? It was hard to tell. Perhaps she should stay back and evaluate the situation...

...No. If these were indeed the refugees, then she needed to make a good first impression. Skulking in the shadows wouldn't encourage people to trust or follow her. It was time for a little good faith. Kalaryn walked slowly forward, with arms outstretched to show that she was unarmed. She addressed the group in a calm, reassuring tone (while silently hoping that she'd made the right call).

"Don't be afraid. I am a Knight of High Spire, sent to aid those who wish to flee the city. Are you in need of such aid?"

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian responds to Felecia and Tettik while continuing his scan of the forest, Please call me Laucian. I agree with finding defensible location away from the city, exactly where that will be is the question.. Laucian goes quiet and draws his weapon as he hears the intruders.

Laucian finds the comments and questions from the newcomer a bit confusing, and with him not the best with social interaction, he fairly bluntly asks, Wouldn't you have more luck finding people in need of help from, say, inside the city? Not outside? He then gives a nod to Dylan, Hi Dylan, good to see you made it out, I guess you will be getting that adventure in the forest that you desired. Turning back to the knight, One thing that would potentially be helpful is telling us what you know about those dragons and why the big red one thinks the city is his home all of a sudden.

[Anyr]

Laucian's rudeness washed over Kalaryn without effect. She didn't even seem to notice it.

"My first assignment was indeed to shepherd civilians within the city. But now I've been ordered to follow and protect a group (presumably yours) which was seen fleeing through the southern breach.

As for the dragons: They are a complete mystery to me. I have no knowledge of their identity or motives."

[XianTheCoder]

Well no one in this city knew I existed more than 3 hours ago, so I believe your assumption to be incorrect. Perhaps these others are those you were sent to protect though. You are welcome to join us until you find those you were sent to protect. We intend to head deeper into the forest until we can determine the best course of action.

[Yanisa]

Following on Lauciens words "I think barely ten people knew I was in the city... and it was my first day as well... So unless it was a foxfolk or a member from the magic school thingy I don't think you are looking for me. Hi, by the name, knight. Names Felicia."
She tried to not sound to bitter, more people would mean more difficulty going trough the forest, easier to get spotted and any safe place needs to be bigger and wild require more work. "In hindsight sticking in the forest would have been the safer option." She says, thinking out loud.
"Best of course of action is getting as much distance between us and the city. Everything that you could ever call scary is in that city, so I don't suspect a lot of monsters left here."

[Anyr]

"It doesn't matter how long a person has stayed in High Spire. From the moment that they cross the border, they are under our care. You think yourselves too obscure to warrant a Knight's attention? I assure you that that's not the case."

In the shadows nearby, a bestial figure shifted restlessly. He saw little point in all this idle conversation.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian will nod without saying anything, If he wants to try protecting us then why should we stop him, we made it clear we weren't who he was looking for. Shall we set off? I would hate to be overrun by a horde of monsters while sitting in discussion.. Laucian sheaths his sword and swings his shield to his back, drawing his bow and reading an arrow instead. Once he's prepared he starts to pick a direction and walk. Calling over his shoulder, Knight, who gave you orders to protect the group? Is there likely a contingent of high ranking survivors that will mount a resistance?

[Anyr]

"The orders came from Lord Defrain. And yes, there may well be powerful allies gathering in this forest. Unfortunately, I have no way of contacting them directly. We'll just have to manage by ourselves until we find the main group."

Kalaryn caught up with Laucian, and began to walk beside him. Now that she was close, her features were easier to make out. She had long red hair, green eyes, and a face free of malice. Strangely, she was wearing a dress: Not exactly standard attire for knights.

Somewhere behind the group, the bestial figure followed at a distance. He hadn't yet been told that it was okay to approach.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian glances at the woman as she falls in to step beside him, Unusual attire for a Knight. And what is the deal with your slinking friend in the back?.

[Lerriano]

Despite the terror of High Spire being overrun, I remain stupidly excited and somewhat starstruck at being in the presence of so many seasoned warriors and listen intently as they discuss a plan of action, then awkwardly interject with a big smile.

Hello, my name's Dylan! It's...er... a pleasure to meet all of you!

In turn I reach out for a shake of hands to each of the party. When I get to the fox-lady I get extra excited, perhaps too much so.

Ooh you look so pretty! I love your fur! Can I hug your tail a little?

If you would like a diplomacy roll, take the following result!

[roll0]
... Ouch. Fair to say I was probably reaching to grab it without permission?

[Anyr]

Laucian glances at the woman as she falls in to step beside him, Unusual attire for a Knight. And what is the deal with your slinking friend in the back?

"The attack came while I was asleep. In the rush to prepare, I just grabbed the first garment in reach. Thankfully, there should be an extra uniform in my backpack: I'll change into it at an opportune moment."

When questioned about her Eidolon, Kalaryn looked confused (and slightly impressed).

"How did you know he was my friend?"

Then Dylan came along and offered a hand to shake; Which Kalaryn accepted with a welcoming smile.

"Greetings, Dylan. I'm Lady Kalaryn, of House Defrain. It's a pleasure to meet you too."

[Lerriano]

I vigorously shake her hand and smile wide-eyed.

The pleasure is all mine!

I turn to Laucian.

I know right! Adventure here we come!

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik was surprised when other people appeared, and for a strange amount of the conversation he remained silent apparently due to the shock and not at all for reasons dealing outside of his universe.

When the excitable lady shook everyone's hand he shook hers also. "I'm Tettik." He said. To Laucien he said. "I think what the knight lady meant was someone saw us leaving the city and said go protect them most likely in an important tone of voice. Our group is big enough to warrent protection from one person at least, and they wouldn't know some of us were fighters but they would probably assume so. Anyways we're all in this together is the appropriate cliche so let's find a place to rest."

When Laucien points out the eidolon he says "Is that friend your eidolon? I can tell it's an eidolon because of the obvious glowing sigil on it's forehead that matches the one on your forehead."

While walking Tettik decides it would be adventagous to mix an infusion of enlarge person.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn didn't quite know what to make of Tettik. She'd never met an oversized talking rat before. Still, he seemed nice enough. His comment about the sigil produced an embarrassed cough from her.

"A-ah, of course. I usually keep that covered..."

She also usually kept her long hair restrained with clips; But those had been left behind as well. Such was the price of dressing in a hurry.

"And yes, this is indeed my Eidolon. His name is 'Drask'. Say hello, Drask."

"...Charmed, I'm sure."

The words were spoken in a tone usually reserved for phrases like 'I hope you die.'

[XianTheCoder]

To Kalaryn, He arrived at the same time from the same direction as you, whether he is an actual friend or simply some shy companion you picked up in the flight from the city I didn't intended to imply. The slinking in the woods is a bit disconcerting though.

To Dylan, Ah yes, Adventure. He says it in a rather bland tone, clearly less excited than Dylan about the recent events.

At the introduction of Drask, Laucian showed little interest, the tone of its voice further pushed the pathetic creature from his mind. He wasn't sure what to make of the knight, the rat, and the fox, he certainly had already come to a decision regarding his opinions of Dylan, unfortunately he sensed this motley crew were going to be his companions and ulimately he was going to have to rely on them to watch his back, not exactly the group he would have chosen if given the choice.

This is Mooky, Laucian says, as he points to the monkey on his shoulder. He bites. Laucian smiles, reaches into his pouch and pulls out a nut, holding it up for Mooky to take from him, he then scratches his head and gives him a pet. At least I know I have one true friend and companion I can 100% trust.

Laucian continues to move deeper into the forest, looking for signs of other refugees and a defensible place to camp for the evening.


Survival: [roll0]
Knowledge Nature: [roll1]

[HuskyBoi]

You start to walk south, down the mountainside and into the forest. It is still very late at night, so it is hard to see very much. The trees are densely packed and between them are walls of bushes and briars. You advance slowly, pushing aside low-hanging branches and clusters of cobwebs.

Laucien

After twenty minutes of walking, you see to your left the ground drops away. If you walk over to inspect the area, you will see that you are on top of a bank twenty feet high, beneath which the forest continues. In the wall of the bank is a tunnel entrance, large enough for a human to enter- it is about five or six feet wide, dug into the earth, though from this angle it is impossible to see how deep it is. As you peer down over the edge of the bank, something else catches your eye- a tiny, emerald-green spider with black legs scuttles over the edge and climbs down the bank.


The forest is a labyrinth, and occasionally howls or yips echo from a distance. As much as has poured into High Spire tonight, it appears the forest is still not emptied.

Tettik

After half an hour or so of walking, your mutagen wears off, and you return to your normal size and shape.

[Yanisa]

Felicia coldly glares at Dylan, before slowly saying. "Hi Dylan... I am Felicia and I prefer if you keep your eyes on the wood, where the danger is, instead of tail." meanwhile thinking to herself: "What kind of weirdo grabs anyone's tail in the middle of the forest, especially mines!". Even though not saying it aloud, her thoughts are still clearly readable in her expression.

As the groups introduces more, Felicia wonders. "An eidolon... A monkey... What kind of circus is this becoming?" She rolls her eyes and tries to keep at a distance, it felt like a disaster traveling like this, but she was at least curious what would happen and worse, she could always flee.

During the trip she says to Tettik: "Well it's bit dark now, but I promised to show the 'short cuts' of the forest. Often animals walk the same route, because if one succeed, it means a safe way for others. And when many animal walk it, the plants get trampled making it even easier to walk on." Felicia pauses when she get stuck in another cobweb. "I do wonder... We are running in a lot of stuff. Are there not a lot of animal here or is the person in charge, Laucian, just oblivious of the trails?"


Trying to figure out the trails of animals here
Survival [roll0]
Knowledge (Nature) [roll1]
Perception [roll2]

[Anyr]

Kalaryn eventually slowed to let Laucian get ahead of her. He didn't seem eager for company right now. Trying to force the issue would likely just push him further away. Instead, Kalaryn drifted back towards the family of refugees. She had a feeling that they could use some moral support. Giving them all (especially the children) one of her most reassuring smiles, she fell into step beside them.

"So, how is everyone holding up? Is there anything you need?"

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian motions for everyone to halt. It appears we are at the edge of a cliff. There is a cave of indeterminant depth not far past the ledge. It may provide cover, or it may be infested with monsters that will kill us and devour our remains. Is anyone interested in being hoisted down to perform an inspection?

[Lerriano]

I jump at the chance to have an adventure.

Yeah! I'll go! Pick me! If for no other reason than I'm the lightest!

And I've got these!

I pull out a couple of torches and some rope.

Plus I can carry fire and not risk anyone's gorgeous fluffy tail!

Despite (but not, I hasten to add, in spite of) the previously cold reception I smile at Felicia.

Needless to say by this point I'm grinning eagerly.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik listens with interest to what Felicia says. He adds, after she is finished. "Could such tracks, I wonder, and how they move also show if some plants have medicinal properties? Such as if the animals deviated form their standard routes often enough to show that some plant helped them from time to time?" He muses out loud and to himself. When the mutagen wears off he visibly relaxes, and stops hunching over himself. He resumes his normal posture and regains his self-vanity.

About Laucian he says "I don't think he can see them from all the way up their."

When Dylan volunteers he says "Hold on hold on hold on hold on." He uses his last infusion to mix Keen senses and gives it to her. Drink this, it will make your senses get all sharp and keep you from getting jumped by a bunch of hidden badgers. They're everywhere. But if you drink that you'll be completely fine."

It adds +2 to your perception and gives you low-light vision. If you already have it it doubles the distance you can see in low-light.

[XianTheCoder]

I guess Dylan will serve a purpose after all. If she is eaten we know to avoid an area. Thanks for volunteering Dylan. Here let me tie that rope around you. Laucian proceeds to tie the rope around Dylan, then locates a few sturdy trees to use as a pulley/Lever. When she is ready, he starts to lower her down. Somebody should probably grab the end of the rope with me... just in case.


Since Use Rope is no longer a Skill, I'll just roll Dex

[roll0]

[Lerriano]

I drink the potion without a second thought that it could be literally anything and that I don't know this rat at all.

Ahh that hit the spot! Oooooh! I can see all sorts! Thank you Rattik! Those badgers sound scary, I hope they don't nibble my feet!

I hand the flask back to Tettik and help Laucian tie the rope.

Then I light one of the torches and peer over the edge.

I'm ready!

I hold the torch away from the rope in my off hand and draw my kukri as I get lowered over the cliff edge.

I call out gently into the gloom as I look around.

Heeeere badger badger badger!


Perception
[roll0]
That's d20 + My mod of 8 + 2 from the super seeing solute. Dylan has darkvision so it only bestows LLV (unless it has any benefit to darkvision as well?)

[HuskyBoi]

Feeling suitably warned about hidden badgers, Dylan is lowered over the edge. She weighs barely anything, and with help from a sturdy tree, you are able to lower her down.

Dylan

The bank is about twenty feet high, and the cave entrance fills the bottom five feet of that. It appears to just be a rough, earthen tunnel that has been dug out. There are no signs of struts or anything supporting it, but it seems to be holding firm. You can see sixty feet down it with your darkvision, and it runs back into the cliff face for at least that far. The floor is bare, but there are no prints or tracks that you can see. A few animal bones lie around the front, but they are old, and grass has grown up around them. Something catches your eye at the top of the cave- a tiny spider, no bigger than a fingernail, with black legs and an emerald-green body, scuttles into the cave and starts to crawl along the ceiling.


While this is going on, Kalaryn is talking with the family of refugees who came along- a father, mother, an elderly relative, and two young children. The father responds to Kalaryn.

"I don't like it here, this is no place for us to be. What happened tonight? Where were the guards that were meant to protect us? How did the defences fall? I suspect treachery, High Spire couldn't have been invaded without help from the inside"

One of the children, a little boy with bright orange hair, dressed in brown trousers and an oversized shirt, looks up at Kalaryn. He can't be more than eight.

"Excuse me, miss... you said you were a knight. Does that mean you'll protect us from the monsters?"

[Lerriano]

I relay everything I see up to whoever's listening, adding a few comments about how big the badgers must be if they're digging holes like this.

The cave goes deeply into the hillside, I'm going to untie the rope and have a rummage! Wish me luck!

I promptly untie myself and tiptoe into the cave trying to suppress a nervously excited giggle.


Stealth
[roll0]

Perception
[roll1]

Survival
[roll2]

[Anyr]

Kalaryn had no answers for the father. The fall of High Spire was just as much a mystery to her as it was to him. But when it came to the child's question, she was able to answer with absolute conviction.

"That's right. Anything that wants to hurt you is going to have to get through me. And what's more, they'll have to get through him."

She pointed towards the armoured beast behind her. Drask gave the child a toothy grin, and flexed his claws.

"We'll both do everything in our power to keep you safe."

[XianTheCoder]

Holding the rope, Laucian waits until Dylan has untied herself, then ties the rope off to the sturdy tree. He listens to the others, but keeps himself out of it, giving no responses to anything that is said. While waiting for Dylan to perform the inspection, Laucian will take out another rope, measure out the proper distance down to the cave entrance, and begin tieing knots into it, so the less agile and strong could easily climb down to the cave entrance.

[AaronGrimstone]

Before Laucian climbs down Tettik tugs at his shirt and hands him the infusion of Enlarge Person. "Take this in case something attacks. it will make you big, big, big!" He looks down at his empty hands, sad that he is now without any infusions.

"Keep an eye out for any magical or awesome plants, please!"

[Lerriano]

I stomp into the cave not really paying attention to anything.

I whisper very loudly.

Heeeeere badger badger badger! Come out and plaaaaaaay!

I just keep going until I find something interesting.

[HuskyBoi]

Dylan ventures into the cave. It slopes gradually downwards into the mountainside, and goes back for almost eighty feet before coming to a dead end. The earth is a little moist and the cave smells damp. Small roots from plants above protrude from the ceiling. For the whole length of the cave, there are no hidden badgers, or bears, or lions, or anything else intent on clawing the young adventuress apart. As best as you can tell, it is just an uninhabited burrow.

Meanwhile on the surface, the young red-haired boy is looking at Drask with an expression torn between glee and wanting to wet himself with terror. He turns his attention back to Lady Kalaryn.

"Are the rat-man and the fox-lady monsters Miss? Mr Rat talks funny."

[AaronGrimstone]

"I do not talk funny, Mr. Red-haired boy! I talk like myself. And myself isn't funny. I don't even know that language. But I know I'm not a monster, at least not right now though earlier you could say that I was at least similar to a monster in some respects though thinking like that makes me uncomfortable. And I'm almost basically kind of positive that the young foxfolk here is not technically a monster by the common definition as in she hasn't requested to devour anything living and I would be somewhat surprised if she revealed that side of herself. No, she is at least 37% not monstrousish. Though I should probably let her talk for herself. I'm Tettik, not Tittik, and definitely not Tekkit. Tekkit was my dog. "

Tettik says this in his usual manner, though for a second he is able to muster up an air of hurt dignity this is subsumed under his normal personality, as his brain couldn't figure out what Tettik was trying to do.

"And I'm a rat-FOLK, not a rat-MAN! I do not live in the sewer, I do not scavage in garbages, at least not anymore! And I never did carry diseases, at least not in the sense of having them in my blood stream except for the times I did, and then I did experiment with viruses for a little while..." He trails off, forgetting that he had managed a whole two sentences of actual outrage.

[Yanisa]

Felicia frowns. Her? Monstrous? Perhaps. "If the fox scares you... I can do this." She concentrates for a moment. Suddenly her fur retracts, her face flattens and her tail shrinks and disappears. In three seconds she changed from a fox-girl into a normal looking human-girl. It feels a bit a odd, because she didn't use her other form much. She stares at her non furry hands, forgetting why she transformed in the first place.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn waited for Tettik's rambling (and Felicia's more restrained response) to die down. Then she answered the boy.

"You see? They're people, just like you and me. They only seem strange because we've just met them."

[Actually, I'm pretty sure the rat really is strange...]

[Please don't say that out loud. I'm trying to build bridges here.]

[Lerriano]

Once I've had a thorough poke around I go back to the rope.

Hey guys! This cave is totally safe! Come down and let's cook some food for those poor families!

I go back into the cave and sit in the curve of the tunnel and get out my locket to look at it. When I see the others I try to put it back discreetly.


Sleight of Hand
[roll0]

Eurgh... Dice! Who'd have 'em!

[AaronGrimstone]

"Yes yes yes. Perfectly normal people without any strangeness or oddities, especially..." Tettik was about to say Felicia when she changed. He stared at herfor a long second. Then when Dylan spoke he jumped a little.

"Let's go down into the nice hole away from all the angry badgers and other creatures that purportedly live in the woods. Then in the morning we can all travel deeper into them like a giant happy family or maybe not family but somewhat large group." Tettik yawns, suddenly tired.

[HuskyBoi]

Once Dylan has scouted the cave out, everyone else follows it, climbing down Laucian's knotted rope- the elderly gentleman among the refugees needs considerable help, but makes it down eventually. Everyone gathers in the cave, and finds room on the damp earth to bed down. The cave is almost eighty feet deep, and there is no light inside- the floor is rough and uneven, and you have to walk with care to avoid slipping. But it appears to be uninhabited, so should well be a suitable place to spend the night.


OOC: There's no light in the cave, so for everyone apart from Dylan and Tettik, some form of illumination will be needed. Also, the floor counts as difficult terrain, so you move at half speed and can't charge or run.

I'll assume conversation is done unless people post otherwise, but if anyone wants to stand watch overnight, they can post that. Otherwise we'll quickly move it on to tomorrow morning! Well, later this morning...

Also, spellcasters, remember your sleep was disturbed by the invasion, so unless you get a full eight hours now you won't get fresh spells in the morning.

[XianTheCoder]

After a quick inspection Laucian climbs back outside and collects as much wood as he can carry into the cave to create a series of torches and a small fire. Unsure whether a creature may return to this cave in the future, he wanted light for visibility and fire for potential protection. Once he has enough wood he will make a small fire in the center of the cave, and create few torches along the perimeter.


Survival: [roll0]

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik helps gather wood for a fire, because he needed to see the color of some of his chemicals to make sure they were the right ones. Then while everyone is spreading out he starts to mix another mutagen. He looks around the room, deciding on who might be best to converse with. Then singles out Dylan, because.

"So what were you doing before the woods decided to eat High Spire? How do you know the swordster here? What's your favorite color? Anything you really can't stand?" He asks, simply trying to make conversation.

How bad is it that I didn't know Tettik had Darkvision? Really bad, I think.

It takes him one hour to mix a mutagen, but since remains good until he drinks it.

[Anyr]

Feel free to defer this timeskip until it's appropriate. I don't want to cut anyone off in mid scene.

8 hours later

Kalaryn woke slowly, amid lots of of tossing and turning. Still half-asleep, she tried in vain to find a comfortable lying position. Why was her bed so terribly cold and hard this morning? It felt like the mattress was made of earth...

...Oh. Right. Cave. She opened her eyes and (upon confirming that she was not in a well-furnished bedroom) sighed gently. The fall of High Spire hadn't really sunk in yet. Taking care not to wake any sleepers, Kalaryn started readying herself for the coming day's journey.

[Lerriano]

I am starting to cool down from the sheer rush of excitement that the day brought, though still very excited by what's happened.

Hi! You sure ask a lot of questions don't you!

I smile warmly.

I worked in an inn with my parents. Not my real parents, but I don't know who they were.

The smile flickers for a fraction of a second.

My favourite colour is blue. I love loads of blue things! I've got blue eyes and... Well it's a great colour!! I wouldn't say that I know him, I only met him this afternoon. He seems pretty brave though, he caught the hare and everything!

I grab my bedroll out of my haversack, bring my clothes around me and stare at Tettik as he works.

What are you mixing? And what did you make me drink? I was seeing in colour in the cave! I never see colours at night!

I attempt to poke a finger in the newest brew.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik smiles back, though its not easy to tell considering his rat-like physique. His voice is generally kind, if quick and high-pitched."My parents were all we're too busy raising the latest litter of eight babies to pay attention to you. If you can walk and feed yourself our jobs done." He says in a falsely stern voice, obviously mimicking the aforementioned parents. "I hope the people who raised you are nice. And questions are the best way to learn about someone. I tried to do the same with Felicia, but she doesn't like to answer very many questions but I learned that by asking her many though indirectly."

When she tries to poke the mutagen he deftly maneuvers it away without seeming rude or snatching it. "This is a mutagen! It's an incredibly potent brew that momentarily rewrites a persons biology to increase one of their physical attributes, though in exchange it weakens one of their mental attributes. So it slows your thinking in exchange for making you more muscular. Be careful. You can touch it without ill-effect, but if you drink it it will make you sick to your stomach. I can only drink it because its attuned to me and I've conditioned my body to withstand it."

He takes a deep breath and continues, incredibly pleased to have an audience. He's not one of those magical people who tries to keep secrets. "I gave you an infusion of magic! I learned how to make them, and when you drink them you get a random spell. Its like if I cast it on you as if I'm a wizard but I'm not. I make these infusions which are like potions and hand them out so that when a person needs them they can use them to get awesome benefits. I gave you an infusion of Keen Senses which heightened them for a time, allowing you to see color though not granting darkvision which you must have like I apparently do! I can make tons of other infusions too, and am studying to learn how to read and make more!"

He takes a deep breath after he's done, and looks like he might continue but the mutagen poofs slightly and his attention is redirected to his work.

[Yanisa]

Felicia hangs around against a wall, grumpily looking at these people trying to cause their own doom. A campfire in a cave, in the best case the smoke will clog the exit, preventing people from both entering and exiting. Worst case they will all choke in the smoke, but it didn't seem that dire.

Also all that talking didn't seem like a good idea. She frowned a bit more when she heard her name... 'Asking question?' She thought to herself, Her father always taught her that people that talked in the wilds, probably shouldn't be in the wild. Talking was for cityfolks. And that wisdom proved itself here.

Still she felt some what responsible for the most of them, especially Tettik. 'And what were the others named? Dalyn, Kalyn and Laucyn? No, no, Laucien.' She murmured to herself, not realizing others might hear her. She never had to remember so many names before... and she didn't even remember if the family had introduced themselves.

Not having much to do, she decided to keep a eye on the smoke.

[Anyr]

"It's Kalaryn, actually. Kalaryn Defrain."

There was no hint of offence in the voice. Kalaryn was simply trying to be helpful. She smiled at Felicia from a respectful distance, while tending to her own supplies; As if to say 'I'm here if you need me.'

[Lerriano]

I yawn heavily as Tettik explains how mutagens work, though it's genuine tiredness and her eyes start drooping.

That's.... *yawn*.... amazing!! I want to know all about them!

....
...
.

In the morning, maybe!

But, with the best will in the world, I'm clearly not going to keep awake for much longer. I wrap my cloak around my shoulders and lie down on my bedroll and let sleep overwhelm me.

[HuskyBoi]

After discussion is finished and the fire is lit, one-by-one everyone beds down but the watchmen, Felicia going first. Although it's already the very early morning, there is enough time for everyone to sleep, even if the ground is uncomfortable and the setting unfamiliar.

When the sun rises in the morning, it is slow to push through the canopy, but a few determined rays manage to battle through and illuminate the world outside the cave. The torches are long-since died down, and the campfire has receded to a few glowing embers and a whispy trail of smoke. Thanks to Laucian's survival training, it has not torched or choked everyone to death during the night.

Outside of the cave, a noise begins to become apparent. It starts as a mild snuffling and a rustling in the undergrowth, but soon grows closer, and much louder. You can hear heavy breathing, and feet dragging through the undergrowth, and a low snorting sound. Something is approaching the cave. Tettik and Dylan notice it first, but soon the sound is loud enough for everyone to hear. Moments later, a large, dark shape appears against the cave mouth. The light behind makes it difficult at first to tell what it is, but as your eyes adjust you recognise the shape of an enormous boar, as big as a carthorse. It moves into the cave and sees you all further down, but shows no sign of stopping. Instead it just ambles directly towards you.


There's time before it enters the cave to draw weapons if you wish to. From there, it's your move!

[Anyr]

Kalaryn stands ready; Quarterstaff in hand. With Drask gone, she'll have to rely on some of her lesser servants for this fight.

Initiative roll: [roll0]
When able, she'll cast 'Summon Monster 2' to summon a small Earth Elemental (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/bestiary/monster-listings/outsiders/elemental/elemental-earth/small-earth-elemental). The elemental will immediately charge the boar, using Power Attack.

Slam: [roll1]; Crit confirm: [roll2]; Damage: [roll3].

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik jumps up and grabs one of his bombs. He mumbles some equations under his breath, notes angle of trajectory, and throws the bomb at the boar before it gets to close to the rest of the group.

Initiative: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]
Splash 6 damage Reflex Save Half

He's using Precise bomb, so four allies that would normally be in the splash radius are excluded from damage.

If the bomb misses it follows the rules for thrown weapons and lands in a random square causing splash damage around the area it falls in.

[Lerriano]

I get up, visibly excited at what is going on. Rather than draw a weapon, it appears that I've reached for some of the leftover food from yesterday's evening meal.

I promptly start running straight towards the boar holding the morsels aloft.

A piggy! A piggy!! Look! A PIGGY! Here piggy piggeeeeee!!

As the rest of the team start to engage I run on regardless.

HERE PIGGEEEEE!!


Initiative [roll0]

[Yanisa]

Felicia feels her fight or flight instinct instinct waking up, and she prefers fleeing.

Initiative: [roll0]
Readying a Vanish spell, to be cast at the first sign of combat.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian draws his rapier and prepares himself for combat. If the boar decides to charge Laucian will attack, if not, then Laucian will choose to exit the cave when its clear.

Initiative: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

[HuskyBoi]

At first the boar lumbers into the cave, taking almost no notice of it's current occupants. Weapons are drawn in anticipation or just out of caution, and Laucian carefully edges around to the edge of the cave. But the beast does not slow down as it approaches, and as it gets more uncomfortably close, Tettik throws a bomb forward. It sails through the air and impacts directly between the eyes of the boar, exploding in a flash of fire and shrapnel. The sound of the explosion and the roar of the monster echo through the cave, and it's piggy eyes narrow.

In a flash, Felicia disappears into thin air, and Kalaryn is quick to summon an elemental to aid in combat. A squat rocky creature bursts from the cave floor and charges towards, pounding at the boar with it's fists, but the blows seem to have no effect. The boar strikes back at the elemental, trying to gouge it with it's enormous tusks. In the midst of all this, Dylan dashes fearlessly forwards to try and feed the enraged eight-foot tall pig.


Map of the cave:
http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u525/danhatfield/boartunnelupload_zpsd3583c6f.png?t=1374984651
Characters represented by the first letter of their name, and B is for the Boar and E for Kalaryn's elemental. The 5 N's are the family.


The boar attacks the earth elemental:
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Anyr]

"Dylan: Please withdraw!"

Protecting civilians was already hard enough, without them running directly into harm's way. Kalaryn could only hope that the Boar would continue to focus on her Elemental; Rather than the (apparently) harmless Dylan. While said Elemental continued to pummel its foe, Kalaryn fired a small orb of acid in support.

'Acid Splash' (ranged touch): [roll0]; Damage: [roll1].
Slam: [roll2]; Crit confirm: [roll3]; Damage: [roll4].

[Lerriano]

I hold out the food in one hand for the piggy and call back.

I'm ok! He just wants some food! Stop making the stone man hit the piggy!!

With my spare hand I slap the rock man.

Bad rock! Here Piggy!


Attack roll
[roll0]

Damage
[roll1]

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik sighs to himself. He is almost out of explosives, which is always sad. Then he perks up. But soon his regents would be ready to make more!

"I think killing the side of bacon would be far more conducive to our overall survival. Because then we could eat it and the family could eat it and who knows how long until we run across food that will just walk right up to us on a silver platter."

"I'm almost completely out of alchemically thingies, by the way so we should wrap this fight up soon." I should probably learn weapon finesse, or just start throwing rocks, maybe.

Throwing another bomb. Same drill as always. Only two left, after this, but that shouldn't be a huge problem.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
Reflex 15 splash damage 6 excluding rock man and Dylan.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian didn't think he could be anymore surprised or annoyed by Dylan... He was wrong. With explosives being thrown and Dylan trying to feed the boar, Laucian decides that he'll hang back with his bow. He drops the rapier, letting it hang from the weapon cord, and draws his bow. After knocking an arrow, Laucian lets fly an arrow.


[roll0]
[roll1]

[Yanisa]

Felicia decided to bail out of this situation. Being cornered is never good, and these guys are either being too trusting or too aggressive against the boar. She decided to squeeze past the boar, towards the outside, towards freedom.

Actions:
Squeezing past the boar:
Tumble (Acrobatics): [roll0]

[HuskyBoi]

The roars of the pig and the explosions of Tettik's bomb echo around the caving, mixing with magic incantations and cries of "Feed the piggeeeeeeeeee!". Laucian's arrow fires straight and lodges into the boar's tall hunched back, while Tettik's bomb explodes too soon but still rains blistering fire onto the boar's skin. Unseen to everyone, Felicia manages to slip in a tiny gap between the cave wall and the furious boar, making good her escape. Kalaryn and her elemental continue to hammer at the boar, and the elemental's fists leave deep bruises, while the boar strikes furiously back at the elemental with it's tusks. Dylan, poor Dylan, is still trying to feed the pig, which appears not to have noticed.


The boar attacks Kalaryn's elemental:
[roll0]
[roll1]

[Yanisa]

Felicia was all for ditching these guys, when her conscience kicked in. These people were nice, shared a campfire She sighed and figured she might as well help.

Actions:
A couple of movements away, then starting to cast Summon Monster I

[Anyr]

The Elemental ignored Dylan's assault; For now. It would likely turn to her once the greater 'threat' had fallen. Meanwhile, its master continued to plead for sanity.

"A few morsels aren't going to placate so large a creature! Were we to 'bribe' all the beasts we come across, our food reserves would soon be gone!"

'Acid Splash' (ranged touch): [roll0]; Crit confirm: [roll1]; Damage: [roll2].
Slam: [roll3]; Crit confirm: [roll4]; Damage: [roll5]

[AaronGrimstone]

"Plus that thing is made out of food, why feed food to food, it makes no sense!"

He throws a bomb, in a completely unexpected turn of events.

Let's maybe roll both good damage and good attack for once.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] Splash 6 Reflex save 15 for half

Yes! Good roll. I also exclude Felicia, if she's within the splash of the bomb. though since I'm throwing it up front she probably isn't.

[Lerriano]

Perception check to connect the dots that are going on around me and no keep trying to aid this otherwise blatant antagonist

[roll0]

I take a five-foot-step back from the boar and drop the food, then flick my on-hand, springing forward a tiny pistol into my palm.

I'm sorry, piggy!

I try to aim for the eyes, or at least the head, and close my eyes. I hope I don't get in trouble for firing it indoors like last time...


Due to the way this forum occasionally poops itself, and that my acting relied solely on the other roll, my attack and damage are on the OOC for this attack.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian draws and nicks another arrow, letting fly.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[HuskyBoi]

Xian's arrow zips forwards and strikes solidly, burying itself in the boar's brow just above it's eye. The beast grunts and snorts but shows no sign of slowing down... until Tettik's bomb arcs through the air, coming to land just between Dylan's feet. It bounces under her and rolls a little way up the cave floor, and just begins to roll back down before the fuse runs down completely, and a colossal explosion booms out. Fire engulfs the boar and shrapnel fires up into it's underbelly. The smell of crackling meat fills the air of the cave, mixed with smoke and gunpowder. With a surprisingly soft flumping sound, the boar collapses onto the floor, it's eyes closed. It does not get up.


Felicia, Kalaryn and Dylan's actions are all saved- spells not lost, ammo not expended, etc, since it died during Tettik's turn. Well done folks, let me go and tot up some XP!

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian immediately pulls his knife out and begins carving slabs of meat off the giant boar. Starting with the areas that will stay unspoiled the least length of time, which he hands to whoever is close to him, Someone get these on the fire, I'm sure people are hungry. Laucian will then concentrate on carving out slabs of meat that will stay unspoiled the greatest length of time, and finding the necessary herbs/salts to keep them unspoiled.


Survival: [roll0]
Knowledge Nature: [roll1]

[Anyr]

Kalaryn dismissed the Elemental before it got a chance to pummel Dylan. As it disappeared, she gave silent thanks for its aid in the battle. Then she turned her attention to those allies who were still present on this plane of existence.

"Well done, everyone. Considering that we've never fought together before, I think that battle went quite well. Laucian, Tettik: Thank you for your support. Dylan: Please take more care in future. Felicia: ...Felicia?"

Kalaryn scanned the chamber with growing concern. Where was Felicia? Had she perhaps fled while everyone was distracted? If the Kitsune didn't appear quickly, Kalaryn would dart out of the cave in search of her.

"Felicia? Are you there? It's safe to come out now!"

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik lets out a whoop when the boar finally falls and immediately rushes over to clean the boar. He ends up following Laucian's lead in cleaning and preparing the meat. He does add some expertise, along the lines of "Don't use that part, on account of the glass imbeded in the meat. Glass is not a good spice, I can tell you for a fact." And "I think that part was tenderized nicely by that stone man thing."

He also fingers the last of his vials of bombs. "I hope nothign else comes, because I'm pretty much out of toys."

Tettik will Aid Laucian with both survival and nature checks to clean and preserve the boar.
Survival [roll0]
Knowledge: Nature [roll1]

He personally hands Dylan a nicely cooked slab of boar with the words. "See this tastes super delicious! It goes great with sandwiches and mustard, and is far better as food than as a pet!"

Tettik, though he likes Felicia and would worry about her does not have the presence of mind to notice she is apparently missing.

[Yanisa]

Felicia reenters the cave, trying to look as nonchalant as a she could. She didn't feel really bad about trying to ditch, just maybe a little guilty, but she figured with this minor victory the group was safe enough to travel with and she didn't want to seen as a liability. So she choose to explain her actions in a different light. "I was taking the tactical route... to flank and attack from behind."

OOC: For everyone who wants to roll a sense motive:
Bluff check: (1d20+5)[21] (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15748698&postcount=114)
If you make it, you will know that Felicia clearly didn't sneak out for the tactical advantage.

[Lerriano]

I was a little sad to see the piggy get exploded.

But on the other hand, the meat Tettik just gave me is pretty tasty!

This is really good! We should kill everything we come across to see what it tastes like!

My eyes linger just a little too long on the family in the back of the cave...

Then I snap back to what's going on. I take out my knife and nab a tusk.

I can always use this bit later if I need to!

I stick it in a pocket of my coat and get my haversack from the back of the cave where I was sleeping.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn accepted Felicia's story without doubt or mistrust. She just showed honest relief that the Kitsune was safe.

"Ah, I see. You did well to slip past the Boar so stealthily. It's comforting to know that we have so many capable fighters travelling with us. At first, I assumed that the civilians would only have me to protect them. Your assistance is appreciated, Felicia."

She then departed to check on the family.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik gives some of the meat to whoever is hungry, including the family in the back. When he sees Felicia come back all nonchalant he ruins the image by filling her hands with boar.

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian mostly ignores the conversations as he works on carving the meat off the boars bones. When he's finally done he sits down to eat some himself. After we are done eating we should depart from this cave. The question is in which direction. I am of the mind to try and find surviving nobility or military commanders and see what their plans are.

[Anyr]

By this point, Kalaryn had finished visiting the family. She sat down near Laucian, took a handkerchief out of her dress pocket, and used it to pick up a piece of cooked meat.

"Agreed. Due to the haste of my departure, I was unable to arrange for a Sending. Of course, it's possible that someone will contact me anyway. But I suspect that there are more pressing concerns than a single missing noble."

She then began to eat the hunk of flesh in an absurdly polite manner. Her gentle nibbling was completely at odds with the meal's grizzly nature.

[Lerriano]

I plonk down next to Kalaryn and stare at her. The gentle nibbling has caught my eye.

What sort of lady are you?

I chew noisily on the piggy.

I was a barmaid, but now I'm an adventurer! On an adventure and everything! What's it like being noble? Do you have servants and soldiers and a big house? Ooh! Do you have a sky whale?

I make a broad approximation of the sound of a sky whale. Eyes wide with awed respect at the prospect that Kalaryn might own a sky whale, I smile broadly and chew.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik eats like a mouse, furtively, quickly, and by filling his cheeks to near bursting. As he does so he spreads out his alchemical supplies and propping his formula book. Then he begins to mix his various concoctions.

I'm preparing my maximum bomb vials back to seven.
As for my infusions I mix one Ant Haul right away. I also prepare a use of Shield, and one of True Strike. I leave my last infusion blank for now.

As he works he replies to Laucian. "I want to head deeper into the woods because that's probably where the plants our I'm looking for, but I'll have plenty of time to do that and its possible the ingredients I need are somewhere else, I guess. So I'll go along with whatever everyone else wants."

[HuskyBoi]

As everyone is tucking into their fresh, free-range and organic breakfast, the sun climbs steadily outside. Outside the cave mouth, the forest is brightening up. The scene is cut across however, by a dark silhouette appearing at the mouth of the cave, alerting those facing towards it. The figure holds a bow, and is pointing a drawn arrow into the cave. With the bright forest behind it, it is difficult to make out quite who or what it is, but one thing is very clear: it's loaded bow is aimed at Tettik. The figure waits calmly until it is noticed, all the while not letting it's bow waver from it's target. When it has the attention of enough people, it speaks, slowly, and authoritatively, in Common.

"No weapons. Put them down, or I will shoot. Now if you want to live, answer me this:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.


He speaks the line, and waits for an answer. All the while, the bow is pointed towards Tettik.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik is worried. There is a bow being pointed at him, and he hasn't even finished his alchemy yet! He stares at the bow for a moment then says the first thing that pops into his head.

"Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky?"

Literally no other reply pops into his head.

[Anyr]

I was a barmaid, but now I'm an adventurer! On an adventure and everything! What's it like being noble? Do you have servants and soldiers and a big house? Ooh! Do you have a sky whale?

I make a broad approximation of the sound of a sky whale. Eyes wide with awed respect at the prospect that Kalaryn might own a sky whale, I smile broadly and chew.

"What's it like? Well, I suppose we do live quite comfortably. As you say, we have servants [I hope Eri's okay], soldiers and mansions. But we also bear the burden of-"


"No weapons. Put them down, or I will shoot. Now if you want to live, answer me this:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.


Kalaryn was unfortunately interrupted before she could talk about the downsides of being a noble; Thus leaving Dylan with only the 'we're filthy rich' part of the speech. She addressed the newcomer calmly.

"Sir, it should be obvious that we are not denizens of this forest. Why are you pointing a weapon at one of our number?"

[Lerriano]

Servants and soldiers and mansions?! Wow!

I go back to my food, pleasantly oblivious to this new intrusion. Even after I notice I shrug and go back to my food.

I whisper to Kalaryn
Twinkle twinkle little star, if you fight then you'll be barred! That's what the rules were at my foster parents' tavern!

Then back on to the delicious pork.

[Yanisa]

"He is a Tettik." Felicia proclaims. "Not a Tekkit, not a Tettek... And not a ratman!" She wasn't sure why she was saying it, but she wanted to say anything to cause a distraction. Something that this opponent must think about, something confusing. And when he is pondering, Felicia will strike.

Felicia readies an action to use her Tanglevine to steal the crossbow

[HuskyBoi]

The shadowy figure squints and examines Tettik closely. Apparently the answer satisfied him, and he lowers his bow.

"That'll do, I suppose. I'm sorry my friends, but given recent events we've had to take extra precautions. There's more than just boars n beastmen in the forest. He steps forwards into the cave, and extends a hand to shake Tettik's. Once inside the cave, with the sunlight behind no longer obscuring your view, you can finally make out some details about him. He is an elf, smaller and stockier than average, with his brown hair cut short. He wears a brown leather jerkin, striped with random patches of green and grey. A small insignia is pinned to his chest.

"I am Yarrenin, a rider of High Spire's Wide Patrols. Me and my squads are scouring the area for refugees like yourself. Though it's good to see some can handle themselves, at least a bit. We're gathering survivors at a camp nearby. My duty is to lead you there as fast as possible. Are there any more of your company nearby?"

OOC:

Can everyone make a perception check please.

[Anyr]

Now that the newcomer was no longer pointing a weapon at Tettik, Kalaryn rose to greet him. Her relief at the promise of reinforcements outweighed any caution she might otherwise have felt.

"Greetings and welcome, rider. Your offer of assistance is most appreciated. If you'll allow us a few minutes to prepare, we'd be pleased to follow you to your camp."

Kalaryn took no offence to being labelled a 'refugee'. She didn't exactly look like a soldier at the moment. Hopefully she'd soon get a chance to change into more appropriate attire.

Perception: [roll0].

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik eagerly shakes the man's hand. "Hello, I'm Tettik, though not a per say the difference is neglible. This is Felicia the Quiet, Kalaryn the Summoner, Laucian the Stabber, and Dylan the Super Nice. " He smiles to himself at the title's he has given everyone. Though he was a little bit sad that he couldn't think of a title that fit Kalaryn's personally.

He smiles at the man, especially since he isn't being threatened by a bow anymore. Then he goes back to finishing his infusions. "I have to finish these, first."

Tettik has so far missed that Kalaryn is a noble.
Perception: [roll0]

[Yanisa]

Felicia only nods, focusing more on Tettik naming everyone again. "All these names are so confusing." Then she turns to eye the newcomer suspiciously, and also honor her new title as 'The Quiet'.

Rolls:
[roll0]

[Lerriano]

I finish my pork and walk over to this new ranger, I look him up and down, sniff a little, and look to Kalaryn.

He doesn't look like he'd be very tasty! Are we going to let him live or go full piggy?

I then proceed to get my kukri out and waggle it in his face.

Don't threaten people with hurting them! It's not nice to have a weapon pointed at you! Big elven meanie!

Having made my point in (what I consider) the best possible way, I put the blade away and go back for more pork.

Dylan will waive her perception check to start enjoying some more pigbits.

[Anyr]

Assuming that Dylan's stunt hadn't immediately started a fight, Kalaryn would attempt damage control.

"Please forgive Dylan, rider. She's somewhat...eccentric. I'll be sure to speak to her about this matter, and explain why such behaviour is inappropriate."

She sounded rather like a mother apologising for her child.

[XianTheCoder]

As the rider gives his speech, Laucian is overwhelmed with joy, Thank the Light! Please let there be normal people at the camp. Cleaning his tools and packing things away, Laucian silently prepares to leave.

[HuskyBoi]

The Ranger narrows his eyebrows at Dylan. It's uncertain whether he's angry or confused, but either way, he doesn't react drastically, other than to chide Kalaryn.

"You need to keep your children under control, picking fights is a dangerous game here. Make sure she doesn't wander off. Now we have to move quickly, that carcass is going to attract predators quickly. Get your things together, we're moving out now. You sir -he addresses the elderly gentleman at the back- can you move quickly? If not, I suggest you be carried. We can't afford to be slowed down."

He quickly shoulders his bow, checks the entrance of the cave, and leaves indicating you to follow. As he leaves, something as small as a marble and as blue as the sky scuttles out of the cave.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik sighs, sweeping his stuff up. He was pretty much done anyways. He did not notice the blue thingy.

"She's not just a child, but a kind and intelligent young woman who doesn't always realize how she comes across. I can relate. You should be more forgiving of her. Plus, Kalaryn is just a nice lady who is helping watch over us, it isn't actually her appointed duty to guard us. She'd have to be some sort of Knight for it to be her duty to guard us." Tettik did not realize how close to the truth he was when he decided to run away from it completely.

[Anyr]

The misunderstandings were really starting to accumulate. Kalaryn didn't know whether to fight this oncoming tide, or just go with the flow. She wished that there'd been a chance to change into her uniform: That alone would have cleared a lot of confusion. But no, apparently time was of the essence. She did insist on stopping to summon her Eidolon, though.

A minute later, she and Drask rejoined the others. Drask regarded the Ranger with (surprise surprise) great suspicion.

[Looks like we have company.]

[Indeed. He's an ally, from one of the Wide Patrols.]

[Or so he claims...]

Perception check for Drask (if needed): [roll0]

[Yanisa]

"A forest doesn't allow haste." Felicia bluntly states, not willing to get riled up. She figured she would still follow, if not for the deal with Tettik, then to see how horrible others are setting up camp.

[XianTheCoder]

Once Laucian is packed he will climb back up his knotted rope to the edge of the cliff and await the others before collecting his rope. As he waits he'll take a survey of the surroundings, looking for signs of other humanoids, dangers, or things of interest.


Survival: [roll0]

[Lerriano]

I grab my things, chuck them into the bag and sling it over a shoulder and stand next to Tettik.

I'm packed and ready! Let's gooooooooo!

This is shouted almost inappropriately loudly, and I follow it up with a petulant sticking out of my tongue towards this new rangery type.

Then I turn to Tettik

Why can't we eat this one?!

[AaronGrimstone]

"He can talk and doesn't want to kill us yet...Plus he's an elf and they don't have any meat on them at all. Its like trying to eat sticks. Plus I think he'll be friendly if we give him half a chance." He replies to Dylan. He finishes packing his supplies, rolls them up into his backpack, except for his extracts, and walks out with Dylan and Felicia.

[HuskyBoi]

Yarrenin exits the cave, but before he sets off, he turns to look back up at the ledge overlooking it. He places two fingers in his mouth and gives a surprisingly high, shrill whistle. There is a rustle of something large moving, and suddenly a huge shape bounds over the edge of the cliff to land next to Yarrenin. Wide, grey, feathery wings tuck neatly in, allowing the rider to get a bit closer to his mount. It is a hippogriff, with appoloosa flanks and granite-grey feathers. It's taloned front feet, and the socks on it's back feet, are matching white. Yarrenin strokes the long mane-feathers on it's neck, and points to the elderly gentleman.

"You should ride her, sir. She's quick and strong and won't let you fall off easily. Come now, she has a very gentle disposition" And with some coaxing, the grandfather mounts up. The children are absolutely delighted.

OOC

Anyone who can make a Knowledge (Local) check to High Spire of DC 10 knows that the wide patrols use hippogriffs as mounts. If you beat DC 15...

You know the hippogriffs are not imported from the forest as some assume, but rather are bred in a distant city and flown to High Spire.


Once everyone is ready, Yarrenin leads as quickly as possible through the dense undergrowth, trying to aid those who are struggling but mainly moving quickly. The hippogriff follows him up at the front, with a strange, awkward trot born of it's mismatched feet. It looks almost like it's skipping, it's front feet lollopping through the air. You travel south, away from the mountain. Yarrenin explains as he walks.

"It'll take a couple of hours to get there. You're lucky, you didn't travel too far. We've adapted one of the old ranger lodge-houses we have near the city, but it's far too small. We've already found around a hundred refugees in the forest, and we think there may be a lot more. The wide patrols AND the long patrols are all out looking. We're hoping to find a way to relay our location to the survivors, but no luck yet. And we also have to keep an eye out for the attackers coming back down and finding us. Soon we'll make a reconnaissance into the city, but that will have to wait for now. I expect the Captain will explain it when we arrive. How's everyone doing back there?"

[XianTheCoder]

Laucian walks alongside the ranger. It's good to hear that someone is attempting to take charge. Has information about the reason for the attack been discovered and distributed down the ranks? And is it thought wise to make camp so close to the overrun city?

[Anyr]

"Quite well, thank you."

Kalaryn also fell into step with Yarrenin. She hadn't actually intended to stray ahead of the general group: But before she knew it, her militarily-trained feet had matched the Ranger's brisk pace. Drask stayed behind to guard the family.

"Perhaps you could you tell us about the military strength of your force. How many soldiers does it contain? What's their average level of training? Are any of them spellcasters?"

[Lerriano]

Naturally, the excitement of more animals is quite a treat.

EEEEEEeeeeeee! A hippy!

I dash back into the cave to carve some fresh piggy.

Here you go, hip-hip, have some of the stupid piggy!

I attempt to feed the beast some fresh giant boar.

[AaronGrimstone]

As the party travels Tettik becomes more focused on keeping an eye out for plants that would be useful for alchemy to engage in much conversation.

He meanders along their path, careful not to slow down the group, but not bothering to remain up front either.

I'll make the checks in OOC, so I can figure out what I need to search for alchemical ingredients.

[HuskyBoi]

Yarrenin listens to questions, and answers briskly.

"We chose somewhere convenient and close. I suspect once we've found more survivors, we'll start to move further from the city, but for now our priority was finding everyone and getting them to safety quickly. There are wounded and frightened, they can't travel far, and we are only a few in number. The only force we have currently are what rangers were out on patrol at the time, so were not present to defend the city. There are thirteen of us, altogether: eight long patrollers, and four wide patrollers, including me. Lieutenant Ban-Simba is leading us. And there are a few combat-trained civilians, adventurous types and mercenaries. One of the Engineers is with them too. But we really aren't many to look after so many civilians. Sadly our magic is limited, but we've sent messenges as best we can to try and get help. As for why the city was attacked, I think someone said we'd do a reconnaissance soon, but nothing set yet. Perhaps you'll be able to help with that.

He suddenly flings an arm out in front of Kalaryn, stopping her in her tracks, ushering a quiet warning to stop. In front of you the ground drops away suddenly, into a small chasm. The divide is only about six yards across, but runs a long way either side, disappearing into the trees. Peering down into it, you can see tree roots snake from one wall of the chasm to the other, forming a peculiar, earthy web.

"Time to climb," Yarrenin says. He unslings a length of rope from across his shouler, ties it firmly around a tree root, and lets it drop into the chasm. One by one, he directs everyone down into the chasm, going last himself.

The chasm goes down for a long way, almost forty feet, and only gets narrower, so by the time you reach the bottom, it is barely wide enough to squeeze through. The hippogriff has not followed you.

"Tunnel straight ahead of you" And indeed there is, a narrow tunnel leading into the side of the chasm. Mercifully, it widens out quickly to be a good seven feet wide, and easily tall enough to walk along. Burning torches that give off no smoke illuminate the walls, and the clamour of voices soon echoes down it. After around a hundred feet, the tunnel opens into a wide chamber, full of rangers and refugees.

"There's food and drink, bedding, a couple loitering around who might be able to tend to your wounds if you have any. You can make yourself comfortable, as best as possible. Or better yet, you can make yourself useful. I'm sure the Lieutenant would be interested to speak to you"

[Anyr]

Kalaryn sighed as she gazed down into the chasm. She would have little trouble climbing up or down that rope; But the same couldn't be said for Drask. These hideouts had not been chosen with quadrupeds in mind. Drask telepathically summed up their options.

[If you take me down with you, I probably wouldn't be getting back up; If you go alone, we'll strain the life link too much; And if you dismiss me, I'll be gone for a whole day. That only leaves one option.]

His master was forced to agree. As the others climbed down the rope, she told Yarrenin of her problem.

"Rider: I don't believe that my Eidolon will be able to exit your base. If that's the case, then we'd prefer to stay up here. Dismissing Drask would make me considerably less useful to your cause. It makes more sense for us to wait here, until you find a mission suited to our talents."

[Yanisa]

Felicia just follows along, glaring at the elf and then glaring at the Hippogriff. There wasn't a lot for her to say, other then the fact she doesn't trust any one bit of this all, but she figured the rest of them were also on their toes and last she wanted is to tip off any possible anybodies or ruin the chance of an alliance by starting out with openly mistrusting them.

Knowledge rolls:

Knowledge Local for the Hippogryph (untrained, maximum = 10) [roll0]
Knowledge Nature for the Hippogryph [roll1]

[Lerriano]

Still riding the high of all this excitement, and still chewing on a bit of pig, I decide to take the lead.

We're the most useful people in the world! We're adventurers!

Take me to the leader, elfy! Come on foxy and lady! Wench power!

I grab Kalaryn and Felicia by the hand and attempt to skip off towards... well forwards, but the Lieutenant is probably forwards, right? Got to go forwards to go forwards, after all!

Strength check to pull the others along
[roll0]

[Anyr]

Kalaryn blinked at the hand which suddenly grabbed her own.

"What are you-Whoa!"

And then she was in motion. Kalaryn tried in vain to stop herself from being dragged off by a 95 lb girl. The sheer audacity of this act had caught her completely off guard.

"Dylan, please stop! This is most inappropriate!"

[HuskyBoi]

Yarrenin shrugs at Kalaryn. "Of course, it's up to you. But if you do stay up here, I'd ask that you move a considerable distance away, you look uncomfortably like a sentry, and the last thing we want is people providing clues to our hideout. And hunters can come by without warning. Even with your ally and the hippogriffs, I doubt you would be safe up here by yourself. Also, the Lieutenant will be able to give you a full briefing of the situation, where I can only give you what I know. Your choice, but the choice is come down or move along"

[Yanisa]

Felicia, barely stronger then the young Undine, gets dragged along. "Errr Dalyn... I mean Dylan... I can walk myself..." She blurts out, feeling more annoyed by the fact everybody must be watching them by know then the fact she is getting dragged along.

[AaronGrimstone]

"To the lieutenant! TO the Lieutenant I say!" Tettik chirps up as he follows Dylan., and the two ladies.

"By the way does anyone here have any knowledge of the layout of this wood or knows of any plants inside that are special? Also what are the creatures of the forest like? Also what is the actual landscape like? Also do you have any food, or people who specialize in Alchemy in the camp? Plus, what is yours and the lieutenants favorite color?"

[HuskyBoi]

The sight of newcomers generates curiosity from among the survivors in the camp, though it's possible too that the sight of a young barmaid dragging an lady and a fox-girl might be causing something of an extra commotion. Yarrenin guides you through the main hallway and into one of several tunnels branching off, though the family stay behind and try to find food. The tunnel is lit by more smokeless torches, and the walls and ceiling are shored up with wooden beams. Here and there, hairy roots dangle through the ceiling, and torches make stripes of shadow slash across the wall. At the end of this tunnel is an open room, each wall a good twenty feet long. There are cabinets and tables and maps strewn around. There are also three people, two of them deep in discussion: a woman in heavy plate armour, and a stout man with a huge mane of hair, who appears to be in charge, or at least is speaking more loudly. In the corner of the room is a hooded dwarf, not saying much, who is smoking a pipe nearly three feet long, which engulfs the ceiling in a thick haze of deep, green smoke. As you enter the room, the man with the mane of hair looks up, and speaks.

"Welcome, rider. Report"

Yarrenin salutes, palm-forwards. He rattles off his name, rank, and number, and gives a quick relay of how he discovered you all, and brought you here. Then the man dismisses him, and he leaves. He also dismisses the woman in plate armour, who clanks past you and out of the room, looking concerned. Then the leader addresses you all.

"Well, welcome to Ranger Lodge twenty-three. I am Lieutenant Mafalma Ban-Simba, highest ranking officer of the rangers in this camp. I'm sorry I can't offer you seats, but we haven't had a lot of time for luxuries lately. But there's food and water and I think Bronsson has got a small brewery set up, devils-know-how. Now, I imagine you all have some questions. Time is not a luxury I have a lot of, but Rider Yarrenin suggests you might have some useful skills, so this is a good opportunity to find out if you can be any use to me, and help you understand. So, questions? Incidentally, young rat-man, my favourite colour is red, but that colour is already taken.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik nods in solemn understanding. Then his ears twitch slightly. "Actually I am a rat-Folk. As in a kind and majestic race of noble and intelligent people. But I'll excuse the slip as you are a man of high stature who probably wasn't fully aware of the difference. The difference is that rat-men eat garbage and carry the bubonic plague. I also did want to know if you have any alchemical supplies or poisons though don't worry I won't use those for anything other than self-defense unless people keep calling me a rat-man. Just Kidding. Mostly. Though seriously, please do not call me a rat-man. My name is Tettik."

If Tettik wasn't so preoccupied by figuring out about alchemy he might have gotten a bit more angry about the lieutenants misuse of the phrase rat-man.

[Anyr]

Kalaryn hastily extricated herself from Dylan as they entered the room. She really needed to have a serious talk with that girl. But before that, she needed to make a good first impression. By the time Kalaryn stepped forward to introduce herself, she was once again the picture of composure.

"Greetings, Lieutenant. I am Lady Kalaryn: Knight of House Defrain, and Summoner of the third circle. I've been tasked with protecting the refugees who fled from High Spire. Since it seems that our goals are in accord, I place myself at your disposal."

[Lerriano]

I get a very excited grin on my face.

Hello! My name's Dylan and I...

I flick my wrist and out pops a tiny brass pistol, barely bigger than the palm of my hand. I take aim at a cup on one of the tables with a view to scooting it to the back of the room for extravagant effect.


See the IC for another bloody abysmal d20 roll, something to the tune of my fourth or fifth natural 1?

Damage
[roll0]

The gun snaps loudly and misfires, sending sparks off in various directions and, rather than scooting the cup, hits it as a target.

Having failed completely, my face flushes and I desperately try to avoid looking into anyone's eyes.

...erm... Never mind...

I jump behind Kalaryn in case I've caused offence.

[Yanisa]

"Felicia, and I do wonder what skills you need or with what you need help?" Felicia introduces herself, somewhere between suspicious and curious. Her suspicious did turn from expecting an ambush to more a feeling of being used as a pawn.

She frowns at Tettik's explanation. "Your kind of seriously just 'ratfolk'? Because..." before she could finish a loud noise interrupts her, and Felicia instinctively hisses, before realizing the source. She looks at Dylan and mumbles "I guess don't aren't the skill they want..."

[HuskyBoi]

The Lieutenant smiles to himself, and doesn't seem in the least bit perturbed by the eclectic crew standing opposite him. It's possible he's used to it.

"Well I'm glad to have some offers of help, as we're fair stretched in numbers and there's a lot to be done. If you're all willing to help immediately, then there's plenty to be getting on with. I'll understand if you don't want to go back into the forest straight away though. Down the mountain it can get rather, ah... well, how would you describe it, Bronsson?" He turns to the dwarf sitting in the corner, who takes a long look up at the ceiling, and a deep, slow puff on his pipe.

"Hrumph-errr. Scary. Very scary"

"There, you see, couldn't have put it better myself. So yes, if you're willing to head back out, we need to continue sweeping the area for more refugees, at some point we'll need to make a reconnaissance of the city to see if the beasts are still there, and we're also planning on asking some of the friendlier- "Hrumph, hrumph-err" "denizens of the forest if they know anything about the attack. The first task is exceptionally dangerous, and will require constant, yes constant, vigilance, no small amount of stealth, and great care and attention. The other two...well they'll need much the same. But the third one will require someone who speaks Sylvan. Oh, and all three could benefit from conserving one's ammunition, but take that more as a friendly hint than hard advice. Gunpowder is scarce round here, much to Bronsson's frustration"

"Hrumph. Aa-hrumph, ah, brff, fggit"

"So, thoughts?"

[AaronGrimstone]

"Yes, alchemy, do you have it here? That is important. Also I would want to help and don't personally care which option we take though i should note that I do not know any Sylvan. Not even slightly."

[Anyr]

"Neither myself or my Eidolon have any knowledge of Sylan; Nor are we very stealthy. However, we both possess care, vigilance and combat ability in abundance. We are willing to undertake whichever of these missions you think most urgent.

I would prefer to delay departure until tomorrow, so that my strongest servant can be resummoned. But if necessary, I can leave on a moment's notice."

Kalaryn studiously ignored the fact that Dylan was using her as a shield. It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep a straight face around that girl. When Dylan botched that gun trick and blushed so adorably, Kalaryn had almost giggled. Thankfully, she'd been able to suppress that unprofessional impulse before it became anything more than a twitch. She really, really needed to impose some order on the more chaotic members of this group...

[Lerriano]

I use my ability to repair misfires, load the pistol and wind it back up into my sleeve.

I can't speak Sylvan, but I can speak to drunk people, and that's pretty much the same!

Delighted that someone else might understand the plight of my resources, I skip over to the dwarf.

Gunpowder was silly-rare in the city too! Nobody would sell it to me! Meanies. I bought a shortbow just in case I ever needed to do any fighting. It's more... erm... cheap. And less break-y... and shoots further... And easier... Um... I basically keep the gun because it's pretty.

[Yanisa]

"Sylvan is far more then talking to drunk people!" Felicia responded, raising her voice. Yet she wanted to sound more angrier then she did, but it was hard to be mad at Dylan. "It is a magical language, summing up all that is primal about nature, what nature stands for and how the world works! It also is a good way to impress elves and druids." Felicia felt a bit silly, standing in the center of attention, drooling over the awesomeness of a language. "Errm, I learned a bit of Sylvan from a couple of pixies... A natural talent they called it... I do suffer from a bad accent..." She continues, a bit less sure of her words after all her shouting directed all the eyes on her.

After the attention of that horrible embarrassing outburst was gone, she did voice a couple of her others thoughts. "I have lived in the woods, but not this one, for my entire life. I can handle myself out there, although I do suspect it is different here then I'm used to. I do wonder if I can resupply my bolts here. My mentor did thought me to carve my own, but I never really picked up that talent and tend to fumble up a lot of wood."

Felicia also made a mental note to herself to talk with Kalaryn, she kept saying she is a summoner. 'maybe she can help?' When Felicia realized she was staring she quickly looked the other way, staring at an unimportant wall.

[HuskyBoi]

Lieutenant Mafalma leans back from the table and strokes his beard. His enormous eyebrows contract, and he looks as though he is thinking hard.

"Well it's good to meet with some enthusiasm and co-operation at least. Sylvan will be useful to us, and there are precious few among us who speak it. And alchemy... hm. Bronsson's been meaning to make a reconnaissance of the city, since he wants to check on the Engineer's guild while he's up there and salvage what supplies he can. That'll be a good place to source gunpowder, and alchemical supplies. Both are important jobs. What do you reckon Bronsson? Do we send them to the dragons or the broch?"

"Frrgt't. Alc'my's m'call. Ffrrgn brrjs ltrr. Harrumph-err"

"Thought you might say that. Well then you're leading them. Mafalma turns back to you. "My esteemed colleague has, in his own special way, expressed a desire to enter and scout the city, and I don't doubt we'll find a use for you there. If you take it on, you have three jobs. Establish what enemy presence remains in the city, search for survivors, and reclaim what useful supplies you can. Bronsson will help you establish what counts as 'useful'. Personally I'd see you set off sooner, but if you need to recover supplies, spells, and so on, we can wait until morning to set you on your way. Any more questions? If not, I need to go and get a further debrief from rider Yarrenin."

[Anyr]

"I will of course accept this mission. And I am prepared to set out at whatever time you think best."

Kalaryn was secretly pleased by the Lieutenant's orders. Now she would get the chance to see how much of High Spire still stood. Truth be told, this was the assignment she'd most desired. But since that desire was purely personal, she'd thought it selfish to speak aloud. Such whims of the heart had no place when assigning soldiers to their posts.

If permitted, Kalaryn would stop to change clothes before leaving. She would find a secluded spot where she could be sure nobody was watching; And finally don the uniform which was (presumably) waiting in her backpack.

[AaronGrimstone]

"That would be a task of which I would find some use, though eventually searching the woods would be a must, so that will happen in its own time of course. Hey, Felicia." He turns to Felicia. "Ratfolk and Ratmen are very distinct and different species and it is definitely not just a pet-peeve of mine that I have blown out of proportion because of my own excitable nature. That is absolutely not the case, because Rat-men are disgusting. But would you mind going back into the city, at least briefly? Then we could go and explore the woods far more in-depth like, and I could get some chemicals that would allow me to make awesome bombs and maybe even poisons."

[Lerriano]

I walk back over to the team and link arms with Kalaryn and Tettik.

Let's get out adventure on! I'm so excited! We can call ourselves "The Super Adventure Club"! What do you say, Foxy?

I give a very excited smile and fidget slightly with glee that another, even better adventure has landed in my lap.

[AaronGrimstone]

Tettik is not even a little upset even though he was most likely lifted into the air by Dylan's exuberance. Instead he chimes in "Or we could be the Lone Gunwoman and Friends. Then when people are confused by the contradictory nature of the name we get the advantage!"

[Anyr]

Kalaryn quickly extricated herself from Dylan's grip. Fun as it was, this carefree attitude could no longer be tolerated. It was time to assert some authority. She turned to face both Dylan and Tettik, then made sure to get their attention. She addressed the two of them in her best 'no nonsense' voice, which left no doubt that she was completely serious.

"Dylan, Tettik: This has to stop. Your antics are amusing, but they put us all in danger. This is not a game; This is not a merry adventure. It's an important military operation. If you are to accompany us, you must calm yourself, stop acting impulsively, and obey orders. Is that understood?"

[Lerriano]

Spurred on by Tettik, I clap loudly.

Yes! We can be the Gun-Girl and the Bomb-Rat! It'll be so much fun!

And after the swift sharp telling off, my mood appears to decline somewhat and I force a heavy sigh.

Ooookaaaay Laaadeeey... But I think that adventurers who don't like adventures are better off knitting socks and washing tankards.

I make a ridiculous knitting gesture whilst sticking my tongue out, then put a lot of emphasis into folding my arms and stick out my bottom lip with a cursory 'hmph', playing the moment for all it's worth.