IC II Ljonarian Enigma: Imperial Affairs

[CWater]

Gastaraa Plains, Imperial Encampment

During the next two days the Imperial entourage stays camped on the same spot in the middle of the plains. While the original plan had been to set out on the following day, the sudden attack by fey creatures radically changed those plans. Thirty-four lives of Imperial soldiers and servants were lost in total, during the night the fey first appear and in the aftermath. At this point there are no more fey left in the camp; some were killed, others fled to the plains and a few simply disappeared to thin air. An attempt was made to hold some of the more humanoid-like fey captive, but they turned out to be too unpredictable, and in the end all either fled or died in attacking their captors.

Aerin, Rowan, Relik, Hawke and Sandra have been housed in a couple of rows north of the centre of camp, in a tent of comfortable size. They've been questioned a number of times about the events that brought them here, and what they know of Duchess Shalesse's plans and so on, until they're sick and tired of the whole damn story. Other than that however, there's not been much to complain about, they've slept on clean bedrolls, eaten with the soldiers at the mess tents, and been free to wander around the camp as they wish.

It's been two nights since they stopped the Duchess of Springhaven from carrying out her nefarious plan, and Preceptor Agiloor has sent a request that they come visit him around midday, apparently he has something important to discuss.

___________________________


Springhaven, Temple of Illyrie

Eglantine has spent two days in the tranquil temple. She met Mother Ethanna briefly on the day she entered and the High Cleric had a small spartan room prepared for her for “as long as was needed”. Lord Belgrede and his son Darian are also staying in rooms by the same corridor. Darian has been grumpy and expressed displeasure about the simple accommodations they've been put in, but the old lord has looked much better since he was rescued from the castle and appears to have regained his sanity, though he still likes to occasionally demonstrate how he would have liked to cut down all those evil villains with quick swings with an imaginary sword. He isn't happy to be apart from his wooden sword, but weapons are strictly prohibited in Illyrie's temple, and he's been forced to leave it in the care of Brother Gregor in the entrance hall. Eggy also had to leave her battleaxe and hammers there for the time being.

Life in the temple is peaceful as ever, but peeking out from the window Eglantine has seen that guards still keep watch outside. Sister Friesd, who leaves every day to make home calls brings in gossip from the city. According to her, there have been riots around the city. Representatives of the Duchess have been speaking against the Empire, and this has caused division amongst the people. Also, there have been more sightings of beasts within the city walls, which has further upset the populace, and some of the Tournament visitors are leaving early. And the Royal Castle is closed off, no one goes in or out. The guards posted outside claim that everything is fine, but the situation is obviously suspicious, and there are rumours about “lizardfolk” or some such walking on the castle walls.


So, around 40 hours have passed since the events at the end of the previous thread. Please let me know if there is something in particular you would like to do during this downtime, or if there's someone you'd like talk to, etc. Feel free to describe your actions!

[Athedia]

Eglantine spent the time after her narrow escape to the temple trying to help out. She used her small ability to heal as directed and helped with more manual labor once that was exhausted. Occasionally she used her tools to help do the sewing of new garments or patching of the old.

Every time Sister Friesd returned from house calls, Eglantine pestered her for information on Vindal and the shop.

She didn't want to express worry, but having not heard from Rowan in so long she was starting to be very concerned. She had never been apart from her brother for so long.

Finally having grown past the point of being able to wait calmly she went looking for Mother Ethanna.

[Table Flipper]

Hawke watched silently as Mushroom enthusiastically finished off his meal. Normally this would be the time when he would playback the past few days' events in his mind, but he had retold the story so many times that it no longer seemed necessary. Instead he simply decided to be glad that the charm effect had not lasted so long as he may have feared. He remembered how Mushroom had lowered his head and whimpered when the spell wore off, presumably in regret for having attacked him at the fey's direction. To Hawke's amusement though, it didn't take him long to get over it. He never let anything bother him for too long.

Hawke envied that about his badger companion.

Mushroom finished off his meal and then turned to Hawke, expectantly. "Ready?" he asked, petting him as he stood up. To any other party member currently present in the tent, he says "I'm gonna go for a walk. I'll catch up at midday."

Hawke and Mushroom leave the tent and set out to find Udara.

So basically, Hawke will want to find and talk to Udara like he had promised her before. I imagine that this is happening the morning before the midday meeting, but I suppose it could have happened anytime he had time during the past few days.

-Entangle (1)
-Summon Nature's Ally I (1)

[Kish]

Once she's satisfied that the battle is currently over, Aerin will seek aid with her injuries, particularly her ongoing clumsiness problem.

Other than that, she'll remain alert for any sign of further trouble. If anyone, in the party or outside, asks her about what happened, she'll answer bluntly. When the Preceptor's request arrives, she heads promptly to his tent.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan makes sure that his companions are more alive than dead, especially restoring the fine motor control poison had stolen from Aerin.

If he's questioned, Rowan answers honestly, but stresses that the Duchess wasn't the only conspirator. However, his only evidence for this is that a dead Cleric had told him so.

Otherwise, he does what he does best, and cares for those lucky enough not to be among the thirty-four dead. In particular, he keeps tabs on those whose lives had required more magical intervention than most to keep- Captain Macrul and the elf Syanadh.

When he's not needed, Rowan seeks to buy a few things that would make his life easier. Not really likely to be found in an imperial encampment but...trying wasn't bad.


1.) a backpack, since Rowan used his means of carrying items to make a stink bomb. (2gp, 2lbs)
2.) two platinum rings, expensive material component for being able to cast shield other. total 100gp.

[SirCatBeard]

After enduring the questions, employing only the tersest of responses, Relik will spend most of his time either with Mushroom (and Hawke as well) or with some of the camp soldiers. Though never really at ease within the camp, he does enjoy some level of camaraderie with the soldiers there.

When the Perceptor's request arrives, Relik is relieved, hoping that this means they will be leaving this place soon, and getting paid too.

At some point he will also try to get a new length of rope from a quartermaster (or find that tent with his old one, if it hasn't been confiscated already).

[CWater]

Springhaven


Eglantine spent the time after her narrow escape to the temple trying to help out. She used her small ability to heal as directed and helped with more manual labor once that was exhausted. Occasionally she used her tools to help do the sewing of new garments or patching of the old.

Every time Sister Friesd returned from house calls, Eglantine pestered her for information on Vindal and the shop.

She didn't want to express worry, but having not heard from Rowan in so long she was starting to be very concerned. She had never been apart from her brother for so long.

Finally having grown past the point of being able to wait calmly she went looking for Mother Ethanna.

After Eglantine has proved that she has patience in her soul by waiting in the lobby for an unnecessary long time, Brother Gregor lets her in to the High Cleric's tower. She climbs up the helical stairs up to Mother Ethanna's office and knocks. "Come in. It's good to see you Eglantine", the High Cleric invites her to step into the circular chamber. "...But I sense your mind is not at peace. Tell me, what troubles you?"

____________________

Gastaraa Plains


Hawke watched silently as Mushroom enthusiastically finished off his meal. Normally this would be the time when he would playback the past few days' events in his mind, but he had retold the story so many times that it no longer seemed necessary. Instead he simply decided to be glad that the charm effect had not lasted so long as he may have feared. He remembered how Mushroom had lowered his head and whimpered when the spell wore off, presumably in regret for having attacked him at the fey's direction. To Hawke's amusement though, it didn't take him long to get over it. He never let anything bother him for too long.

Hawke envied that about his badger companion.

Mushroom finished off his meal and then turned to Hawke, expectantly. "Ready?" he asked, petting him as he stood up. To any other party member currently present in the tent, he says "I'm gonna go for a walk. I'll catch up at midday."

Hawke and Mushroom leave the tent and set out to find Udara.

So basically, Hawke will want to find and talk to Udara like he had promised her before. I imagine that this is happening the morning before the midday meeting, but I suppose it could have happened anytime he had time during the past few days.

-Entangle (1)
-Summon Nature's Ally I (1)

Hawke asks around and finds his way to where Udara is staying. He notices the flag of Havet, a warship in a storm, flying under the empire's winged sun on top of her squad's tent. There's also a third flag which has a more complicated design, probably the personal crest of some noble family. It looks vaguely familiar, but he can't name who exactly it belongs to. Not the man he angered though, he's quite sure of that.

Udara runs to greet Hawke as soon as she notices him. "Brother! Good to see you're alright. I went to see the fallen yesterday and thank the gods you weren't among them. Would've been a sorry tale to tell Ma!" She has a partly healed tear with a bruise under it on her forehead herself, but looks to be otherwise alright.


Once she's satisfied that the battle is currently over, Aerin will seek aid with her injuries, particularly her ongoing clumsiness problem.

Other than that, she'll remain alert for any sign of further trouble. If anyone, in the party or outside, asks her about what happened, she'll answer bluntly. When the Preceptor's request arrives, she heads promptly to his tent.

A cleric is called to remove the stiffness from Aerin on the day after the battle, and see to any other injuries the party might still have. The man introduces himself as Calus Heren, Third Overseer of the Noble God Eskin. He speaks to Aerin and the others in a proud condescending tone that communicates that he considers this healing business to be totally beneath him, especially since the recipients have no official rank whatsover.


Rowan makes sure that his companions are more alive than dead, especially restoring the fine motor control poison had stolen from Aerin.

Despite his arrogant attitude towards the task, the Overseer seems annoyed that Rowan has done most of it for him, and treats the young healer with particular coldness.



If he's questioned, Rowan answers honestly, but stresses that the Duchess wasn't the only conspirator. However, his only evidence for this is that a dead Cleric had told him so.

Otherwise, he does what he does best, and cares for those lucky enough not to be among the thirty-four dead. In particular, he keeps tabs on those whose lives had required more magical intervention than most to keep- Captain Macrul and the elf Syanadh.

When he's not needed, Rowan seeks to buy a few things that would make his life easier. Not really likely to be found in an imperial encampment but...trying wasn't bad.


The healers taking care of the wounded in a promptly establish infirmary welcome Rowan's help much more warmly. They are mostly followers of Moelga with her emblem the grinning sun embroidered on the front of their robes. There's also one priest of Iszyl, the Goddess of Death, but he's more occupied by preparing the bodies of the dead for the funeral than healing the living, though he occasionally provides assistance when asked.

Commander Macrul, who should be thankful to not be scheduled to attend his own funeral, recovers quickly once all his wounds are healed, though the clerics advise him to take it easy for a few days. He thanks Rowan, a bit stiffly like soldiers are wont to but he seems genuinely thankful, then returns to his duties.

Syanadh however, is still pale in addition for the extensive scarring to the head and chest, and is ordered strict bed rest at the infirmary even after they appear to be completely healed. After hearing the details of the events, Moelga's clerics call Syanadh being alive a 'miracle indeed' and look at Rowan with new respect.

"Do you have a moment?", the elf asks Rowan on the second morning, when the latter has dropped by the infirmary to check on things, a few hours before he's due to meet the Preceptor.

You can make a Religion check for more information about Eskin, Moelga and Iszyl (separate checks), if you would like. Anyone can try this, untrained is allowed.




1.) a backpack, since Rowan used his means of carrying items to make a stink bomb. (2gp, 2lbs)
2.) two platinum rings, expensive material component for being able to cast shield other. total 100gp.


The clerics sell Rowan the rings for a price of 90 gold. A new backpack he easily acquires from the quartermaster for 2 gold and 1 silver.


After enduring the questions, employing only the tersest of responses, Relik will spend most of his time either with Mushroom (and Hawke as well) or with some of the camp soldiers. Though never really at ease within the camp, he does enjoy some level of camaraderie with the soldiers there.

When the Perceptor's request arrives, Relik is relieved, hoping that this means they will be leaving this place soon, and getting paid too.

At some point he will also try to get a new length of rope from a quartermaster (or find that tent with his old one, if it hasn't been confiscated already).

Relik finds his old rope still lying in the wreckage of the collapsed tent. It still looks serviceable.

[Athedia]

Springhaven



After Eglantine has proved that she has patience in her soul by waiting in the lobby for an unnecessary long time, Brother Gregor lets her in to the High Cleric's tower. She climbs up the helical stairs up to Mother Ethanna's office and knocks. "Come in. It's good to see you Eglantine", the High Cleric invites her to step into the circular chamber. "...But I sense your mind is not at peace. Tell me, what troubles you?"


"It's Rowan. I haven't heard from him and I can't reach him and I don't know if Vindal's okay and I am just an apprentice and the Duchess wants to kill me and I didn't want this I really didn't I wanted a small shop and just-" Eglantine's words stumbled over each other as she tried to get the thoughts out in any sensible order.

[Table Flipper]

"Hey sis." Hawke smiles and gives her a pat on the shoulder. "Glad to see you're okay too. Fey are an unpredictable bunch, and that tree..." Hawke smile drops to a more serious expression. "But anyway, how have you been? Before recent events I mean. How's Ma? How's... Father? How have things been since I... left?" As Hawke speaks, he takes a quick glance around.

Since Hawke is, as we've established, still not welcome back home, I'd like to roll a spot check to see if there's anyone near by who Hawke would rather not hear the conversation.

Spot: [roll0]

Also, I'll join the religion checks.

Eskin: [roll1]
Moelga: [roll2]
Iszyl: [roll3]

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Syanadh however, is still pale in addition for the extensive scarring to the head and chest, and is ordered strict bed rest at the infirmary even after they appear to be completely healed. After hearing the details of the events, Moelga's clerics call Syanadh being alive a 'miracle indeed' and look at Rowan with new respect.

"Do you have a moment?", the elf asks Rowan on the second morning, when the latter has dropped by the infirmary to check on things, a few hours before he's due to meet the Preceptor.



A miracle- maybe. Rowan still isn't entirely sure he'd done the right thing, keeping Syanadh alive. "Yes, of course. What do you need?" He sits so that he's not looking down at the elf.

[CWater]

Springhaven


"It's Rowan. I haven't heard from him and I can't reach him and I don't know if Vindal's okay and I am just an apprentice and the Duchess wants to kill me and I didn't want this I really didn't I wanted a small shop and just-" Eglantine's words stumbled over each other as she tried to get the thoughts out in any sensible order.

"We are at the beginning of tumultuous times, I fear our peaceful days may be over." The High Cleric smiles tiredly. "I realise that is not much comfort. But about Rowan- please have a seat", she directs Eggy to take one of the chairs placed at the side of the room and bring it closer to her desk. "About Rowan, he's only been gone a couple of nights, I'm sure he'll be back. He's accompanying some able people, and he's not powerless himself either. I wouldn't have asked him to go if I didn't trust that he'd come back."

______________________________

Gastaraa Plains


"Hey sis." Hawke smiles and gives her a pat on the shoulder. "Glad to see you're okay too. Fey are an unpredictable bunch, and that tree..." Hawke smile drops to a more serious expression. "But anyway, how have you been? Before recent events I mean. How's Ma? How's... Father? How have things been since I... left?" As Hawke speaks, he takes a quick glance around.

Since Hawke is, as we've established, still not welcome back home, I'd like to roll a spot check to see if there's anyone near by who Hawke would rather not hear the conversation.

Spot: [roll0]

Also, I'll join the religion checks.

Eskin: [roll1]
Moelga: [roll2]
Iszyl: [roll3]

Hawke doesn't see anyone pay much attention to their conversation. A few soldiers are around, but they're focused on a game of dice.

Udara's expression turns serious as well."Ma's well, money's scarce, but the families stick together as always, the Patebas' and Ulanti's help her out when she has a bad catch on the sea. And she returns the favour when my money gets delivered. I have decent pay now! I send some to her, but really, I hope I can move her to one of the cities eventually. If she'll agree... But", Udara looks away, "I'm sorry, Horatio. Da's gone. He didn't survive the winter after you left. It was a cold one and he was still recovering and had to stay still and then he started coughing and it just wouldn't stop. We tried, we tried every remedy we knew, but it was winter and we couldn't even get all the ingredients", she shakes her head, "I'm sorry, brother."


A miracle- maybe. Rowan still isn't entirely sure he'd done the right thing, keeping Syanadh alive. "Yes, of course. What do you need?" He sits so that he's not looking down at the elf.

"Well, er...", Syanadh hesitates, looking for the right words, "I uh.. understand I've got a lot to thank you for, saving my life actually", absentmindedly the elf brushes the scar on their face, "So thank you. Or your goddess. Or both of you. Sorry, not really sure how it works with these things with divine powers involved. Anyway, I was wondering if you could... tell me a little more about Illyrie? I must admit I don't really know much to begin with, just that she's the Lady of Peace, right? It's just that, back there after that tree had knocked me down, I had this... wouldn't really call it a vision, more like a feeling, of- damn I don't really know how to describe it. Of deep calm, or something like that. Does that make any sense to you?"

[Athedia]

Springhaven



"We are at the beginning of tumultuous times, I fear our peaceful days may be over." The High Cleric smiles tiredly. "I realise that is not much comfort. But about Rowan- please have a seat", she directs Eggy to take one of the chairs placed at the side of the room and bring it closer to her desk. "About Rowan, he's only been gone a couple of nights, I'm sure he'll be back. He's accompanying some able people, and he's not powerless himself either. I wouldn't have asked him to go if I didn't trust that he'd come back."


"No offense, but are we speaking of the same boy? The one who got himself arrested the other day? The one that cried for two days when he saw a cat eat a bird once? He is my little brother. And I promised to protect him and I am trapped here and he is gods know where and I failed."

[aReallyGreatAxe]

"Well, er...", Syanadh hesitates, looking for the right words, "I uh.. understand I've got a lot to thank you for, saving my life actually", absentmindedly the elf brushes the scar on their face, "So thank you. Or your goddess. Or both of you. Sorry, not really sure how it works with these things with divine powers involved. Anyway, I was wondering if you could... tell me a little more about Illyrie? I must admit I don't really know much to begin with, just that she's the Lady of Peace, right? It's just that, back there after that tree had knocked me down, I had this... wouldn't really call it a vision, more like a feeling, of- damn I don't really know how to describe it. Of deep calm, or something like that. Does that make any sense to you?"

Rowan nods, incredibly relieved that Syanadh doesn't seem upset or in terrible pain from his actions. "That makes sense, actually. You had an awful lot of Her magic keeping you alive, so... I can't say it's normal because the situation really wasn't, but it makes sense that you'd feel something. A lot of people's first experience with the Lady of Peace is like that- calm when the world's gone mad. Mine was, anyway." He rubs the edge of the holy symbol pinned to his cloak and smiles. "What do you want to know?" He stays by their side and answers as many of their questions as he can.

[Table Flipper]

Hawke doesn't see anyone pay much attention to their conversation. A few soldiers are around, but they're focused on a game of dice.

Udara's expression turns serious as well."Ma's well, money's scarce, but the families stick together as always, the Patebas' and Ulanti's help her out when she has a bad catch on the sea. And she returns the favour when my money gets delivered. I have decent pay now! I send some to her, but really, I hope I can move her to one of the cities eventually. If she'll agree... But", Udara looks away, "I'm sorry, Horatio. Da's gone. He didn't survive the winter after you left. It was a cold one and he was still recovering and had to stay still and then he started coughing and it just wouldn't stop. We tried, we tried every remedy we knew, but it was winter and we couldn't even get all the ingredients", she shakes her head, "I'm sorry, brother."

"I... see." Hawke pauses for what feels like an eternity as he attempts to fight the moisture building in his eyes. "I truly did fail that day then. I failed... and then I left the rest of you to clean up the mess. I'm so... sorry."

Sensing his best friend's anguish, Mushroom climbs his way onto Hawke's shoulder and buries his nose into Hawke's face.

[CWater]

"No offense, but are we speaking of the same boy? The one who got himself arrested the other day? The one that cried for two days when he saw a cat eat a bird once? He is my little brother. And I promised to protect him and I am trapped here and he is gods know where and I failed."

"I admit he is a little... naive at times, but he has a good heart and I wonder if that innocent look on life might be why he is in our Lady's favour. I realise you will probably always see him as your little brother, and there is no harm in that, but I also believe he has an important destiny ahead of him. I hope he will rise to the challenge."

"Speaking of challenges, I know I promised you could stay here as long as it is necessary, and I won't go back on my word. However, the City Guard sent a messenger here this morning, demanding that both you and Minister Akiba be handed over to them for questioning. I refused, referring to our ancient custom to provide sanctuary and old treaties giving us the right to act how we see fit to keep the peace. But I fear they will be back. We should make a plan of what to do should they force the issue."

Lamath Akiba is the Minister of Defense, who you caught in the castle after fighting Morderca. He confessed being involved in the conspiracy and he is currently held in the Room of Tranquility in Illyrie's temple.

_____________________________________


Rowan nods, incredibly relieved that Syanadh doesn't seem upset or in terrible pain from his actions. "That makes sense, actually. You had an awful lot of Her magic keeping you alive, so... I can't say it's normal because the situation really wasn't, but it makes sense that you'd feel something. A lot of people's first experience with the Lady of Peace is like that- calm when the world's gone mad. Mine was, anyway." He rubs the edge of the holy symbol pinned to his cloak and smiles. "What do you want to know?" He stays by their side and answers as many of their questions as he can.

Rowan spends a full hour or so talking about Illyrie and her teachings. Syanadh looks thoughtful, pondering what they learned. "Thank you, I won't keep you longer. But I'd like to speak to you again, if that's alright? And if you can, could you try convincing those Sun priests to let me leave? They keep insisting I need rest, but I feel fine. A bit... strange, though I can't explain how, save for the scarring and slight soreness they can't decide what could be wrong with me." The elf touches the face scars again and a wan grimace rises to their lips. The skin on the left side of Syanadh's face which bears most extensive marks of brutality is stiff and doesn't bend to the same expression as the right side. "I never thought of myself as vain, but... does it look very bad? Those damn clerics have refused to bring over a mirror, claiming they can't find one. Bah!"

_____________________________________


"I... see." Hawke pauses for what feels like an eternity as he attempts to fight the moisture building in his eyes. "I truly did fail that day then. I failed... and then I left the rest of you to clean up the mess. I'm so... sorry."

Sensing his best friend's anguish, Mushroom climbs his way onto Hawke's shoulder and buries his nose into Hawke's face.

"Brother, it's alright...", Udara steps closer to give Hawke a hug, trying to watch out for Mushroom. "We knew you had to run. Not knowing what became of you was tough for Ma though, she went to see the old seer on Shrimp Cliff, the spring after Da had... died, and she claimed you were alive. Tha' gave us comfort. And we prayed for Stormsoul to watch over you if you had gone to sea and I prayed to Mistress of Fate that we might meet again someday. It's been a while though, I'd almost given up hope... But-" She takes a step back and fixes her eyes on Hawke. "What really happened Horatio? They claimed-", she lowers her voice, "that you had stolen from the Navy and attacked one of the commanders. And for that you were either to hang or be sent to the salt fields!"

Stormsoul is another name for Susaeren, goddess of Sea and Storms, the main deity worshipped by the common people of Havet.

You can roll Religion to see if you know the other entity she refers to.

Salt fields actually refers to a long beach circling a cove of particularly salty water (aptly named Salt Cove) in western Havet. It's a desolate place, except for the sea salt harvesting, and most of the workers are criminals, exiles or other 'unwanted' people.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan spends a full hour or so talking about Illyrie and her teachings. Syanadh looks thoughtful, pondering what they learned. "Thank you, I won't keep you longer. But I'd like to speak to you again, if that's alright? And if you can, could you try convincing those Sun priests to let me leave? They keep insisting I need rest, but I feel fine. A bit... strange, though I can't explain how, save for the scarring and slight soreness they can't decide what could be wrong with me." The elf touches the face scars again and a wan grimace rises to their lips. The skin on the left side of Syanadh's face which bears most extensive marks of brutality is stiff and doesn't bend to the same expression as the right side. "I never thought of myself as vain, but... does it look very bad? Those damn clerics have refused to bring over a mirror, claiming they can't find one. Bah!"


Rowan studies them for a moment, mentally comparing the scarring to the face he'd, at best, only glimpsed before. "I actually don't have a mirror either. For real! Don't have one at home either. But I'm not going to lie to you. It's not the worst I've seen," After all, he'd melted the remnants of a face off that dead guy, he was pretty sure that counted as the worst. Or maybe Syanadh themselves before their head was back together. "But there's a lot of scarring. You'll probably never look much like you used to."
He shifts uncomfortably. "Sorry."


May I get a heal check? To see if Syanadh is recovered enough to leave. Yes the Sun Clerics say they're not but... Rowan would want to see for himself.
[roll0]

[Athedia]

"I admit he is a little... naive at times, but he has a good heart and I wonder if that innocent look on life might be why he is in our Lady's favour. I realise you will probably always see him as your little brother, and there is no harm in that, but I also believe he has an important destiny ahead of him. I hope he will rise to the challenge."

"Speaking of challenges, I know I promised you could stay here as long as it is necessary, and I won't go back on my word. However, the City Guard sent a messenger here this morning, demanding that both you and Minister Akiba be handed over to them for questioning. I refused, referring to our ancient custom to provide sanctuary and old treaties giving us the right to act how we see fit to keep the peace. But I fear they will be back. We should make a plan of what to do should they force the issue."

Lamath Akiba is the Minister of Defense, who you caught in the castle after fighting Morderca. He confessed being involved in the conspiracy and he is currently held in the Room of Tranquility in Illyrie's temple.

"I would suggest not handing him over. He was part of the plot and I suspect they look to use this to free him to escape. Do you have a way of reaching Rowan? If we can inform him so when he reaches the Emperor, well if anyone believes him...."

Eglantine paused in thought, her face covered in concern. "My fear is if the guards bring violence with them. I do not believe the creatures we fought in the castle respect Illyrie's Peace." Truth be told Eglantine was struggling with respecting it as well. She had taken to cleaning to burn off energy. Her concern turned to fear. "Speaking of the creatures. I do not know if they came from the sewers or burrowed into the castle from below. What if they break in here?"

[Table Flipper]

"Brother, it's alright...", Udara steps closer to give Hawke a hug, trying to watch out for Mushroom. "We knew you had to run. Not knowing what became of you was tough for Ma though, she went to see the old seer on Shrimp Cliff, the spring after Da had... died, and she claimed you were alive. Tha' gave us comfort. And we prayed for Stormsoul to watch over you if you had gone to sea and I prayed to Mistress of Fate that we might meet again someday. It's been a while though, I'd almost given up hope... But-" She takes a step back and fixes her eyes on Hawke. "What really happened Horatio? They claimed-", she lowers her voice, "that you had stolen from the Navy and attacked one of the commanders. And for that you were either to hang or be sent to the salt fields!"

Stormsoul is another name for Susaeren, goddess of Sea and Storms, the main deity worshipped by the common people of Havet.

You can roll Religion to see if you know the other entity she refers to.

Salt fields actually refers to a long beach circling a cove of particularly salty water (aptly named Salt Cove) in western Havet. It's a desolate place, except for the sea salt harvesting, and most of the workers are criminals, exiles or other 'unwanted' people.

Hawke returns the hug, and then wipes some moisture from his eyes and takes several moments to compose himself before replying (in a quiet voice, of course). "Blasted hypocrites. They stole so much from us, it was no wonder we had no medical supplies to help Father recover from his injury. So... I decided to take some back. They had so much, they likely wouldn't have even noticed it missing, if I hadn't been caught by Galadhon and that smug, self-aggrandizing attitude of his."

Hawke sighs. "He said that Father deserved what he got. In reply, I threw the potion I had in my hand at him. I wasn't thinking clearly, but that probably gave me the opening that allowed me to escape at all. And so I did, and I knew I couldn't go back home and bring their wrath down upon the rest of you."

Hawke's gaze shifts vaguely to the sky. "And so I left. I suppose I should thank Stormsoul that they didn't go after you all anyway. I just regret that I failed to do more. Maybe I could have done things differently, somehow."

Hawke stops talking in order to focus on maintaining his composure.

As you mentioned, Knowledge Religion: [roll0]

[CWater]

Rowan studies them for a moment, mentally comparing the scarring to the face he'd, at best, only glimpsed before. "I actually don't have a mirror either. For real! Don't have one at home either. But I'm not going to lie to you. It's not the worst I've seen," After all, he'd melted the remnants of a face off that dead guy, he was pretty sure that counted as the worst. Or maybe Syanadh themselves before their head was back together. "But there's a lot of scarring. You'll probably never look much like you used to."
He shifts uncomfortably. "Sorry."


May I get a heal check? To see if Syanadh is recovered enough to leave. Yes the Sun Clerics say they're not but... Rowan would want to see for himself.
[roll0]


"Yeah, figured as much", the elf replies and sighs. Rowan does a general check up, and finds nothing specifically wrong with Syanadh. They're a little pale, but otherwise seem to be well, the magical healing having fixed everything that was broken, save for the scarring. Still, Rowan understands the clerics' concern; people that are subjected to intense magic can occasionally manifest unpredictable symptoms later. Physically though, the elven guard is fit as a fiddle.

Spellcraft or Knowledge: Religion or Arcana might give some insight to what to expect, if anything.


"I would suggest not handing him over. He was part of the plot and I suspect they look to use this to free him to escape. Do you have a way of reaching Rowan? If we can inform him so when he reaches the Emperor, well if anyone believes him...."

"I'm afraid not. Sending, a spell that allows brief messages over long distances, seems unable to reach anyone outside our duchy at this time. Which in itself tells us two things, one that Rowan has left Springhaven, to southern Bestren if the Preceptor's traveling plan did not change. The other fact is that something is blocking Sending, perhaps other spells as well, as this is certainly not normal. I suspect someone has activated some of the old wards in this country, made by fey that once dwelt here. They have been long forgotten by most, but the old texts and legends claim they possess great powers."



Eglantine paused in thought, her face covered in concern. "My fear is if the guards bring violence with them. I do not believe the creatures we fought in the castle respect Illyrie's Peace." Truth be told Eglantine was struggling with respecting it as well. She had taken to cleaning to burn off energy. Her concern turned to fear. "Speaking of the creatures. I do not know if they came from the sewers or burrowed into the castle from below. What if they break in here?"

"That I can promise you is unlikely. Our temple also dates back to this ancient period and has its own wards that protect us from such intrusion. The City Guard is another matter however. I don't know if they're so brazen they would dare trying to storm the place through the front door, but they could keep us all from leaving and prevent anyone else from entering, and that would put a lot of people that rely on our support in trouble." She spreads her hands. "I've been trying to think where we could relocate you and the Minister, and maybe the noble Belgrades as well. But short of leaving the capital I can't think of anything else than maybe Sheirin's shrine. They're not as old as we are, and don't have the same protections. But if the Guard didn't know to look for you there it could be a safer option. Although, I'm not sure if they would agree to keep the Minister prisoner. The Sheirinites are... peculiar."

A Religion check could tell you about Sheirin, if you're interested.


Hawke returns the hug, and then wipes some moisture from his eyes and takes several moments to compose himself before replying (in a quiet voice, of course). "Blasted hypocrites. They stole so much from us, it was no wonder we had no medical supplies to help Father recover from his injury. So... I decided to take some back. They had so much, they likely wouldn't have even noticed it missing, if I hadn't been caught by Galadhon and that smug, self-aggrandizing attitude of his."

Hawke sighs. "He said that Father deserved what he got. In reply, I threw the potion I had in my hand at him. I wasn't thinking clearly, but that probably gave me the opening that allowed me to escape at all. And so I did, and I knew I couldn't go back home and bring their wrath down upon the rest of you."

Hawke's gaze shifts vaguely to the sky. "And so I left. I suppose I should thank Stormsoul that they didn't go after you all anyway. I just regret that I failed to do more. Maybe I could have done things differently, somehow."

Hawke stops talking in order to focus on maintaining his composure.

As you mentioned, Knowledge Religion: [roll0]

Udara grips Hawke's shoulder, her mouth a thin line. "We thought it must have been something like that. They're too proud to lie outright, but twisting the facts is fair game apparently. We were watched for some time, but eventually they gave up after realising we really weren't hiding you in the boatshed. You should know, Galadhon got appointed Governor last year", she makes a face, "He's as awful as you could imagine, if not worse. I'm glad I got to leave. I enlisted in Commodor Fyrhamn's fleet two years ago; he's a good man, despite being and officer and a noble."

Governor is basically the sovereign of Havet, like a non-hereditary kingship. Only army officers have ever been appointed for the position.

[Athedia]

"I'm afraid not. Sending, a spell that allows brief messages over long distances, seems unable to reach anyone outside our duchy at this time. Which in itself tells us two things, one that Rowan has left Springhaven, to southern Bestren if the Preceptor's traveling plan did not change. The other fact is that something is blocking Sending, perhaps other spells as well, as this is certainly not normal. I suspect someone has activated some of the old wards in this country, made by fey that once dwelt here. They have been long forgotten by most, but the old texts and legends claim they possess great powers."

"That I can promise you is unlikely. Our temple also dates back to this ancient period and has its own wards that protect us from such intrusion. The City Guard is another matter however. I don't know if they're so brazen they would dare trying to storm the place through the front door, but they could keep us all from leaving and prevent anyone else from entering, and that would put a lot of people that rely on our support in trouble." She spreads her hands. "I've been trying to think where we could relocate you and the Minister, and maybe the noble Belgrades as well. But short of leaving the capital I can't think of anything else than maybe Sheirin's shrine. They're not as old as we are, and don't have the same protections. But if the Guard didn't know to look for you there it could be a safer option. Although, I'm not sure if they would agree to keep the Minister prisoner. The Sheirinites are... peculiar."

A Religion check could tell you about Sheirin, if you're interested.



"Then send someone to Vindal. We sell small tokens that allow messages to be carried a long ways. I will pay for it, I swear. I don't want to leave here, not if Rowan is going to come back."

Could you roll, no access to sheet at current location

[Table Flipper]

"Well, that's a surprise," Hawke says in a tone that was more annoyed than actually surprised. "No bad deed goes unrewarded amongst their lot. Still, I'm glad to hear you're happy with your enlistment. Mother though... Maybe... maybe I can provide some aid in that regard. You said you send her money sometimes, right?"

Hawke glances around again before discreetly putting 70 gold into a bag and offering it to Udara. "I'm not sure how much it would cost to move her elsewhere, but hopefully this helps with that, or at least makes her current situation more comfortable."

[CWater]

"Then send someone to Vindal. We sell small tokens that allow messages to be carried a long ways. I will pay for it, I swear. I don't want to leave here, not if Rowan is going to come back."

Could you roll, no access to sheet at current location

"I will. And try to do so discreetly if possible, though I fear master Ebon's shop might also be watched. But I'll see what I can do."

There is a knock on the door. "Please enter", Ethanna replies and Brother Gregor steps in. After he has bowed to the High Cleric, he turns to Eglantine. "There's a young man in the lobby, asking to see you. Says his name is Iver Dhan and that you know him. Looked agitated, but who doesn't these days?" Brother Gregor scoffs.

Reminder: Iver is Eggy and Rowan's upstairs neighbour in Ms Mellow's boarding house. He's renting the overpriced attic room. He's a half-elf, and as far Eggy knows he used to be a wandering poet and bard. She last saw him the morning (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?481456-IC-Ljonarian-Enigma-Tournament-Chaos&p=22203786&highlight=Iver#post22203786) Rowan left.

The god of the dead and forgotten, Sheirin is both revered and scorned. The wealthy and prestigious rarely care for The Friend of Beggars and Outcasts, but the less fortunate are often less condescending and turn to him and his clerics for aid. Sheirin's clergy teaches understanding and forgiveness, and try to offer hope even to those that feel most lost. Some other gods like to mock Sheirin for his compassionate and refusal to bear grudges even when faced with injustice, and followers of other deities occasionally mock the followers of Sheirin saying 'he takes even the scraps other gods even don't care to hate'. Some of this sentiment is perhaps true, as Sheirin is often worshipped by outcasts, outlaws, beggars and other people that don't feel part of the society, however, underestimating these people and their god may not always prove wise.

It is said that in the ancient times Sheirin grew to pity the many souls who were neither accepted or claimed by any of the other gods, and were left to a sad fate to wander the nothingness alone for eons if they didn't find their way to reincarnation, and more often than not they became easy prey for greedy entities to exploit. With the help of his twin sister Melkin, goddess of Spring, Sheirin created the Garden of Souls, a resting place for all who have no other place after death, from where no one is to be turned away.

Temples for Sheirin are usually simple and practical buildings, but welcoming places for quiet contemplation and a sanctuary from persecution. His clerics generally establish enough hierarchy to keep things working smoothly, but even those higher up in rank are expected to get their hands dirty and do their part in the service of the Patient God.

Sheirin's nicknames include The Compassionate/Patient God, Friend of Beggars (and Outcasts) and Lord of the Lost/Forgotten Souls.
His symbol is a simple collection of lines that intersect in the middle.


"Well, that's a surprise," Hawke says in a tone that was more annoyed than actually surprised. "No bad deed goes unrewarded amongst their lot. Still, I'm glad to hear you're happy with your enlistment. Mother though... Maybe... maybe I can provide some aid in that regard. You said you send her money sometimes, right?"

Hawke glances around again before discreetly putting 70 gold into a bag and offering it to Udara. "I'm not sure how much it would cost to move her elsewhere, but hopefully this helps with that, or at least makes her current situation more comfortable."

"Horatio!", Udara exclaims, then lowers her voice "That- are you sure you can afford that? It would certainly help but...", she looks at him with some suspicion, "How'd you come by that much? You're not... involved in anything illegal or dangerous, are you?" She sighs. "You're risking your neck again, aren't you? You mentioned you were caught up in some plot or something?"

[aReallyGreatAxe]

"Yeah, figured as much", the elf replies and sighs. Rowan does a general check up, and finds nothing specifically wrong with Syanadh. They're a little pale, but otherwise seem to be well, the magical healing having fixed everything that was broken, save for the scarring. Still, Rowan understands the clerics' concern; people that are subjected to intense magic can occasionally manifest unpredictable symptoms later. Physically though, the elven guard is fit as a fiddle.

Spellcraft or Knowledge: Religion or Arcana might give some insight to what to expect, if anything.


"I'd really like to get you out of here, but the clerics are right- sometimes odd things can happen after a close brush with death. For example, some spells might think you're undead- the Autumn Lady's followers in particular might not be happy with that." He sighs. "I know it's hard to sit still, but think- it's just a few more days."


And just to be sure- after all, Iszyl's cleric was around here somewhere- Rowan whispers a quick prayer and his eyes glaze over with a dull bluish-white film, like a fish that's been sitting at the market too long.


Casting deathwatch and checking Syanadh. Unduly paranoid? Yes. Possibly useful? Also yes. Lasts 70 minutes.

[Table Flipper]

Hawke nods, still holding out the bag of money. "I can afford it, I promise. I also promise you that I'm not involved with any shady people or organizations, if that's what you're asking. As for the plot..." he shrugs and grimaces. "Well, you got me there, but in my defense it wasn't by choice. Some honest, temporary work as a guard in Springhaven found me in a castle full of dragonkin unleashed by the same Duchess who caused the recent trouble here."

"Anyway, for all the horrors that her plot has caused, it has given me the chance to see you again, and the chance to offer some assistance that until now I have failed to offer."

[Athedia]

"I will. And try to do so discreetly if possible, though I fear master Ebon's shop might also be watched. But I'll see what I can do."

There is a knock on the door. "Please enter", Ethanna replies and Brother Gregor steps in. After he has bowed to the High Cleric, he turns to Eglantine. "There's a young man in the lobby, asking to see you. Says his name is Iver Dhan and that you know him. Looked agitated, but who doesn't these days?" Brother Gregor scoffs.

Reminder: Iver is Eggy and Rowan's upstairs neighbour in Ms Mellow's boarding house. He's renting the overpriced attic room. He's a half-elf, and as far Eggy knows he used to be a wandering poet and bard. She last saw him the morning (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?481456-IC-Ljonarian-Enigma-Tournament-Chaos&p=22203786&highlight=Iver#post22203786) Rowan left.

The god of the dead and forgotten, Sheirin is both revered and scorned. The wealthy and prestigious rarely care for The Friend of Beggars and Outcasts, but the less fortunate are often less condescending and turn to him and his clerics for aid. Sheirin's clergy teaches understanding and forgiveness, and try to offer hope even to those that feel most lost. Some other gods like to mock Sheirin for his compassionate and refusal to bear grudges even when faced with injustice, and followers of other deities occasionally mock the followers of Sheirin saying 'he takes even the scraps other gods even don't care to hate'. Some of this sentiment is perhaps true, as Sheirin is often worshipped by outcasts, outlaws, beggars and other people that don't feel part of the society, however, underestimating these people and their god may not always prove wise.

It is said that in the ancient times Sheirin grew to pity the many souls who were neither accepted or claimed by any of the other gods, and were left to a sad fate to wander the nothingness alone for eons if they didn't find their way to reincarnation, and more often than not they became easy prey for greedy entities to exploit. With the help of his twin sister Melkin, goddess of Spring, Sheirin created the Garden of Souls, a resting place for all who have no other place after death, from where no one is to be turned away.

Temples for Sheirin are usually simple and practical buildings, but welcoming places for quiet contemplation and a sanctuary from persecution. His clerics generally establish enough hierarchy to keep things working smoothly, but even those higher up in rank are expected to get their hands dirty and do their part in the service of the Patient God.

Sheirin's nicknames include The Compassionate/Patient God, Friend of Beggars (and Outcasts) and Lord of the Lost/Forgotten Souls.
His symbol is a simple collection of lines that intersect in the middle.

"He's my neighbor. A poet? I don't know everyone mostly keeps to themselves. If he is worried I bet that witch of a landlady let folks into our room again. Mother Ethanna, I will consider your proposal even if just for myself. I really should see what Iver has to say."

She will go wherever needed to talk to Iver

[CWater]

"I'd really like to get you out of here, but the clerics are right- sometimes odd things can happen after a close brush with death. For example, some spells might think you're undead- the Autumn Lady's followers in particular might not be happy with that." He sighs. "I know it's hard to sit still, but think- it's just a few more days."


And just to be sure- after all, Iszyl's cleric was around here somewhere- Rowan whispers a quick prayer and his eyes glaze over with a dull bluish-white film, like a fish that's been sitting at the market too long.


Casting deathwatch and checking Syanadh. Unduly paranoid? Yes. Possibly useful? Also yes. Lasts 70 minutes.



"Undead? I hope you jest!", Syanadh replies nervously.

Syanadh doesn't ping as dead or undead by the spell. However, it registers them as alarmingly wounded and dying, even though Rowan just confirmed the elf is quite healthy.


Hawke nods, still holding out the bag of money. "I can afford it, I promise. I also promise you that I'm not involved with any shady people or organizations, if that's what you're asking. As for the plot..." he shrugs and grimaces. "Well, you got me there, but in my defense it wasn't by choice. Some honest, temporary work as a guard in Springhaven found me in a castle full of dragonkin unleashed by the same Duchess who caused the recent trouble here."

"Anyway, for all the horrors that her plot has caused, it has given me the chance to see you again, and the chance to offer some assistance that until now I have failed to offer."

"Yeah, it's so good to see you, after so long", Udara smiles. "I'm stuck in this post for now, but you can write to me! The letters never need to reach Havet, better not risk Galadhon hearing that you're alive, although I doubt he could do anything this far. Perhaps the bastard wouldn't even care by now", she adds wistfully, "Anyway, just send the letters by the Imperial post and direct them to the Beacon Regiment, they'll find me then. Promise you won't disappear without a trace again!"

Damn! I had forgotten about that Knowledge (religion) check! I'd formulated a reply in my head, but just now realised that I hadn't actually posted it! >_<'

Mistress of Fate is one of the title's of Virnil, Goddess of Luck and Fate. She is seen as a neutral unemotional figure, who watches the worlds with indifference, except for when something happens to pique her interest. Then she sets up her gameboard and poor are the souls who end up as pawns in her game of solitaire. Occasionally other gods may join in or place bets. While Virnil's Luck is no more bad than good, the high stakes she plays with make most people want to avoid her attention. This is why praying to her is a double-edged sword, you might get what you wish, but have little chance of ever living a quiet life.

Sometimes Virnil gets tired of chance and then she takes up the Quill of Fate and begins writing Edicts that shape the future still in the making. Unlike prophets who makes vague and uncertain predictions about the future, the destinies Virnil chooses almost certainly come true, only few have ever been able to change their fate after she has penned it down.

Virnil's other nicknames include Lady Luck and Writer of Destinies. Her symbol is a smiling and frowning face on opposite sides of a coin.



"He's my neighbor. A poet? I don't know everyone mostly keeps to themselves. If he is worried I bet that witch of a landlady let folks into our room again. Mother Ethanna, I will consider your proposal even if just for myself. I really should see what Iver has to say."

She will go wherever needed to talk to Iver

Mother Ethanna nods and Brother Gregor escorts Eglantine back to the lobby. Iver is there, fully sober too. "Miss Mata! You were here after all, good", he sounds relieved, "I have a message for you, well kind of..." His voice trails away and he glances at Gregor. The cleric pays no attention to them though, he's gone back to his desk by the door and continues to write in his long scroll. Nevertheless, Iver lowers his voice, "I don't know how to explain this, it's pure chance I'm even here telling this to you. You see, the night before last I heard this odd sound, like something hitting the wall from outside. It was past midnight! I was up after sleeping the whole day, the tournament can be quite tiring. Anyway, I was up and heard the noise and peered out from my window to see who was doing such a thing. I saw a young lad, not much older than your brother, throwing rocks at your window and crying for your brother. I was about to tell him to stop and go away, when he just collapsed." Iver shakes his head. "I didn't know what to do. I didn't know him, but it didn't seem alright to just leave another person like that. I tried knocking on your door but no one answered, so I went out and found the kid. He had a bad stab wound in the stomach and was delirious. I know tiny bit of healing so I stopped the bleeding but he was still in a bad shape. I asked if we should alert the Guard, but he said no. Actually he was really adamant about that. Not knowing what else to do I helped him inside, quietly, you know what Ms Mellow thinks about guests. Gave him my bed, since he was hurt and all. He kept asking for Rowan to fix him, but you clearly weren't home. I waited whole yesterday, but neither of you showed up, just my luck. So today I went looking, since the lad is not better, actually I think he's getting worse, even though the wound's healed and I don't know what to do! He told he doesn't want the Guard nor any clerics other than Rowan, to be honest I think he's rather scared. But something must be done, I don't want a body on my hands and I want my bed back! The floor is hard you know." The half-elf looks almost desperate.

[Athedia]

Mother Ethanna nods and Brother Gregor escorts Eglantine back to the lobby. Iver is there, fully sober too. "Miss Mata! You were here after all, good", he sounds relieved, "I have a message for you, well kind of..." His voice trails away and he glances at Gregor. The cleric pays no attention to them though, he's gone back to his desk by the door and continues to write in his long scroll. Nevertheless, Iver lowers his voice, "I don't know how to explain this, it's pure chance I'm even here telling this to you. You see, the night before last I heard this odd sound, like something hitting the wall from outside. It was past midnight! I was up after sleeping the whole day, the tournament can be quite tiring. Anyway, I was up and heard the noise and peered out from my window to see who was doing such a thing. I saw a young lad, not much older than your brother, throwing rocks at your window and crying for your brother. I was about to tell him to stop and go away, when he just collapsed." Iver shakes his head. "I didn't know what to do. I didn't know him, but it didn't seem alright to just leave another person like that. I tried knocking on your door but no one answered, so I went out and found the kid. He had a bad stab wound in the stomach and was delirious. I know tiny bit of healing so I stopped the bleeding but he was still in a bad shape. I asked if we should alert the Guard, but he said no. Actually he was really adamant about that. Not knowing what else to do I helped him inside, quietly, you know what Ms Mellow thinks about guests. Gave him my bed, since he was hurt and all. He kept asking for Rowan to fix him, but you clearly weren't home. I waited whole yesterday, but neither of you showed up, just my luck. So today I went looking, since the lad is not better, actually I think he's getting worse, even though the wound's healed and I don't know what to do! He told he doesn't want the Guard nor any clerics other than Rowan, to be honest I think he's rather scared. But something must be done, I don't want a body on my hands and I want my bed back! The floor is hard you know." The half-elf looks almost desperate.

Eglantine's face pinched more in frustration than anything else. Of course Rowan was taking his sweet time on something that she was firmly certain he would be an utter dead-weight on and she was left here to clean up his messes. Typical.

"Iver, I would love to help but I don't know if you noticed the rather...large Guard presence outside. I can't exactly leave, they know what I look like! I am sure someone from the temple here can go back with you." She looked desperately around for a semi free cleric.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

"Undead? I hope you jest!", Syanadh replies nervously.

Syanadh doesn't ping as dead or undead by the spell. However, it registers them as alarmingly wounded and dying, even though Rowan just confirmed the elf is quite healthy.


Rowan sighs in relief. "Don't worry, you're definitely alive. I think we'd notice, otherwise. Staying here is a very good idea though, magic seems to think you're in a lot more trouble than you really are." he launches into a rather muddled explanation of auras, even though he doesn't have the firmest grasp on magical theory himself where it doesn't directly deal with keeping people alive. That was Eggy's job.

A few minutes later, he's thoroughly confused himself and sits bolt upright, suddenly aware that he'd been talking to Syanadh for quite a while now. "I'm terribly sorry, but I have to go. There's a meeting. If you're ever in Springhaven, the Temple's quite nice, you'd love Mother Ethanna."


Ready to go see the Preceptor!

[Table Flipper]

Hawke nods. "Beacon Regiment. Got it. Would that I could similarly offer you a forwarding address, but I haven't kept myself settled anywhere long since I left. But don't worry, I promise to keep in touch this time."

Hawke glances at the sky and notices that midday lighting is already setting in. "Ugh... unfortunately I have to see the Preceptor soon." Hawke sets the bag of gold in Udara's hand and gives her another hug. "Love you, sis."

Unless Udara has anything else of major importance to say, Hawke will start heading off towards the direction of the Preceptors tent. He is also, when out of Udara's sight, going to take a single drink out of his flask, hoping to take the edge off of his emotions regarding his father. :smallfrown:

[CWater]

Imperial Encampment

Udara accepts the money from Hawke and gives him one last hug before letting him go. The ranger takes a moment to compose himself before heading towards the Preceptor's tent. Similarly, Rowan bids farewell to Syanadh, who looks a bit unhappy at having to stay in the infirmary, but they thank him for stopping to chat. Then he too heads to the scheduled meeting.

The two are joined by Aerin, Relik and Sandra, and all arrive at the tent together. A human servant is waiting outside and shows that they may enter. The tent has been set up for the Preceptor in a hurry, though it's still orderly, if spartanly furnished. Agiloor is inside, studying a map laid out on a table. Captain Avendii stands on the side of the room, looking somewhat bored. She's wearing a blue tunic instead of armour today, and this look brings out how young she really is; hardly much older than Rowan. Both illumians have their letters visible.

There's also a third person in the room, a tall woman is standing by the map with the Preceptor. They both turn when the party comes inn, and Agiloor nods in greeting. "Good afternoon. Yes Councillor, these are the people we all have to thank for being crucial in saving the life of our beloved Emperor and preserving the peace of the Empire, for the moment at least", he gestures to the woman, "May I introduce Councillor Xastra Mountainhall. Councillor, please meet Rowan Mata, follower of Illyrie, and warriors Aerin Thorn, Relik and Hawke."

The Councillor looks mostly human, though her purple complexion and dark violet hair are not something you usually associate with the race. She's dressed in white robes decorated with gold thread that forms intricate symmetrical patterns, and her hair is tied on a very tight bun on top of her head. She has the air of a strict school teacher. "Pleased to meet you in person at last", she says, enunciating her words very clearly. "I asked Preceptor Agiloor to arrange this meeting with you so I can officially thank you on behalf of the Empire. I regret nothing more grand can be arranged, since the details of this incident are of Imperial importance and must be kept secret as much as possible. I hope I can trust in your discretion?"

"You will of course be rewarded for your services to the Empire", she gestures towards the side table, and the servant collects five coin pouches and offers one to each member of the party. "You will find 500 platinum inside, I counted them myself so there is no error. I also hope you would consider continuing to aid the Empire with a new task."

Sorry you had to wait so long, Catbeard and Kish. Thank you for your patience.

You're given 5000 gp each, in platinum coins.

____________________________________


Springhaven


Eglantine's face pinched more in frustration than anything else. Of course Rowan was taking his sweet time on something that she was firmly certain he would be an utter dead-weight on and she was left here to clean up his messes. Typical.

"Iver, I would love to help but I don't know if you noticed the rather...large Guard presence outside. I can't exactly leave, they know what I look like! I am sure someone from the temple here can go back with you." She looked desperately around for a semi free cleric.

"Oh, I guess that would work.. Though if it's just the guards you're worried about, I can help you with that! I'm rather good with illusions, I can make it so even your brother wouldn't recognise you!", Iver replies with confidence. "Please Miss Mata, will you at least let me move the lad to your rooms?"

[Kish]

"Thank you," Aerin says, taking the pouch offered to her. "What is it that you need?"

[Table Flipper]

"Thank you," Hawke says as he takes the pouch. He then decides to just await the answer to Aerin's question.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan takes the bag and peeks inside, very conscious that this is more money than he'd ever held. "Thank you," he echoes Aerin and Hawke after a moment, his eyes now glazed over with shock as well as spell.

[SirCatBeard]

"About time." Relik mutters under his breath, contrarily. It took a while, but that temporary guard position at the tournament actually paid well in the end.

Absently staring at the floating letters again, he says flatly, "Depends on the task...."

[CWater]

Sandra accepts the pouch mechanically and stares at it, as if not being sure that it's is real.

Xastra nods to the party and addresses the question. "As you are surely aware, while Duchess Shalesse of Springhaven posed the most immediate threat, she has not been working alone. We have reason to believe that this assassination was plotted by a larger conspiracy. However, the Duchess has so far refused to reveal who else is involved, or how wide this betrayal has spread. The most immediate concern is the Duchy of Springhaven. What is going on in that small nation; is it getting ready to rebel, or was capturing the Duchess enough to stop the uprising? Unfortunately all Scrying and Sending to the duchy has been blocked by an unknown force."

"So, the only possiblity is to investigate in person. I intend to travel to Springhaven myself, unofficially and incognito if possible, with only a small guard. Since you all know Springhaven, at least to some extent, and have proven yourselves to be both capable and unconnected to this sinister plot, I ask if you would aqcompany me on this mission. The goal is to determine the state of the duchy and the loyalties of the key nobility and other people of power, find out if the dragonfolk that attacked the castle are still there, where they came from and what are their intentions, as well as extract Lamath Akiba, Minister of Defence of Springhave, from Illyrie's temple where he is being held and arrange for him to be delivered to Imperial custody. If we can discover anything else relating to the conspiracy that would be good also."

"It is likely that this task will require improvisation, and as I am told that is... not exactly my strong suit, it is only reasonable that I seek assistance. Since you have acted commendably in surprising circumstances, I deduce that you can help me. Therefore your insight into what actions to take could also be invaluable. And if neither the wish to preserve peace or loyality to the Empire is enough to make you accept, then let me assure you that we are prepared to pay a handsome reward for any success. However, I admit this task is likely to be dangerous, but the risks of inaction are also high."

The Councillor spoke long, clearly used to hold even much longer speeches. The Preceptor nods to her words and once she has finished, looks each of the present party members in the eye in turn. "We cannot allow a civil war, the consequences would be devastating. Please, help stop it."

[Kish]

"All right," Aerin says, opting not to mention her current geas; it hasn't significantly impeded her so far, concerned as she briefly was that it would cause Shalesse to escape earlier. "Do you know anything about this fey Archprincess's involvement?"

[Table Flipper]

Hawke gives no indication as to whether or not he's willing to help the Empire anymore, but he simply adds to Aerin's question, "Archprincess Mayirg'nialla was the name I gleaned from some of our guests."

"Fey can certainly be interesting to talk to."

So OoC, I know names can be a sticking point when it comes to fey. Mainly that you don't give a fey your full name, but I have seen some versions where "using" a fey's name may not be a good idea either. Of course, neither Hawke nor myself know what your rules are on fey etiquette in general.

I suppose the question is, can I make a roll of some kind to see what Hawke knows about fey etiquette? Given that Hawke learned the language at some point, it seems like he may have some familiarity with the topic, but I don't know that for sure.

[CWater]

"All right," Aerin says, opting not to mention her current geas; it hasn't significantly impeded her so far, concerned as she briefly was that it would cause Shalesse to escape earlier. "Do you know anything about this fey Archprincess's involvement?"


Hawke gives no indication as to whether or not he's willing to help the Empire anymore, but he simply adds to Aerin's question, "Archprincess Mayirg'nialla was the name I gleaned from some of our guests."

"Fey can certainly be interesting to talk to."



"I would say fey are most frustrating beings, completely unpredictable", the Councillor frowns, "Duchess Shalesse has thus far refused to share anything regarding the Archprincess, though she seems convinced that this being will rescue her from the predicament she has gotten herself into. I personally would not trust a fey to do anything, but we are still taking every precaution we can to make sure her grace will not leave Imperial custody. Unfortunately we have no one in the camp who could get more information from the Duchess at present, her fey blood makes her very resistant to simple charms that would encourage her to co-operate with us. I have sent word that a Mindprober be sent from the capital, but it will take some time until they arrive."

"However, based on the descriptions I have heard of Duchess Shalesse's transformation, I would say it is almost certain it was caused by the Archprincess in question. Also, examinations at the tent her grace commandeered only a little earlier have produced evidence that a gate was opened between the realm known as Faešei and Magterra, which is what our world is called in planar travel. This sort of magic is extremely powerful and I doubt her grace could have performed it herself, so it is more likely it was created by the Archprincess. So clearly she has aided the Duchess, but how deeply is she really involved we cannot say. Fey are fickle, it could well be that this whole plan is merely a diversion for the Archprincess, a way to alleviate boredom that often plagues ancient beings. Or perhaps one of the Duchess Shalesse's fey ancestors serves the Archprincess, or maybe the two are related directly. Or it could be something far more sinister is going on." Councillor Xastra rises her hand to her forehead. "This is all just conjecture, for the moment we simply do not know enough. Still, the fey have a particularly strong connection to this land. The Gastaraa plains, as well as Springhaven, were fey lands in ancient times, and I have heard some of the fair folk may still live in the local wilds."

"Indeed they do. We met a couple of small fey on the way here, fairies or pixies I assume," Agiloor adds.

"Right, I hope we can avoid them while travelling. The Archprincess's name, Mayirg'nialla is not familiar to either of us, however, we are hardly experts on the subject. The name is important, and Preceptor Agiloor has agreed to research the matter once he gets back to civilization. The Emperor's entourage will naturally not continue to Springhaven now, they will head to Mhiran instead. That country is not exactly famous for its learnedness, but I am sure their libraries will have something."

[Athedia]

Springhaven



"Oh, I guess that would work.. Though if it's just the guards you're worried about, I can help you with that! I'm rather good with illusions, I can make it so even your brother wouldn't recognise you!", Iver replies with confidence. "Please Miss Mata, will you at least let me move the lad to your rooms?"

Eglantine turned to go request a cleric and paused. They were all busy and if a guard stopped them... well they couldn't defend themselves. She let out a frustrated groan. "Ugh fine. Do your magic. I need a chance to get out of here anyway. One request, on the way there I need to buy a small trinket."

[Table Flipper]

Hawke slightly rolls his eyes at Xastra's random condescension towards Mhiran, but says nothing on the matter. "Right, fair enough. Anyway, regarding your mission, I'll give you Alfhan's name for free. He's the castle guard commander. When Sandra and I reported the castle attack to him, he ended up sending some pathetic lackeys to try and silence us. Speaking of which... I'm pretty sure everyone here is known to the conspirators. I trust you have some good disguises if you wanted us to come with you?"

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan listens to Xastra's speech- it was a speech, really, not just a conversation.
"Disguises are an especially good idea for me. There was a misunderstanding with some nobility, and I don't think now would be the best time to resolve it." Said misunderstanding including technically being an escaped prisoner and accused thief, but somehow he didn't think the Councillor needed to know that. "You should also take care in planning our route back- we met with some trouble on the way, unquiet spirits in an abandoned village."
He doesn't bother to accept the Councillor's offer- as a servant of Illyrie, wanting to prevent a civil war should be obvious.

[SirCatBeard]

Relik's eyes have glazed over by about the third sentance of the second speech. Wow. How much she talks. 'Talk less, say more'. An old mantra, but always relevant. He continues to stare at the letters around the Preceptor's head, mesmerized.

So, question. Can Relik surreptitiously use the SLA for Read Magic? If he can do so without being too overt or distruptive, he would like to see if he can make any sense of these weird floaty letters.

[CWater]

Springhaven


Eglantine turned to go request a cleric and paused. They were all busy and if a guard stopped them... well they couldn't defend themselves. She let out a frustrated groan. "Ugh fine. Do your magic. I need a chance to get out of here anyway. One request, on the way there I need to buy a small trinket."

"Certainly, certainly, anything you want, Miss Mata", Iver replies, immeasurably relieved, "Shall we go right away, or do you still have something to do here?"

_____________________________


Gastaraa plains


Hawke slightly rolls his eyes at Xastra's random condescension towards Mhiran, but says nothing on the matter. "Right, fair enough. Anyway, regarding your mission, I'll give you Alfhan's name for free. He's the castle guard commander. When Sandra and I reported the castle attack to him, he ended up sending some pathetic lackeys to try and silence us. Speaking of which... I'm pretty sure everyone here is known to the conspirators. I trust you have some good disguises if you wanted us to come with you?"


Rowan listens to Xastra's speech- it was a speech, really, not just a conversation.
"Disguises are an especially good idea for me. There was a misunderstanding with some nobility, and I don't think now would be the best time to resolve it." Said misunderstanding including technically being an escaped prisoner and accused thief, but somehow he didn't think the Councillor needed to know that. "You should also take care in planning our route back- we met with some trouble on the way, unquiet spirits in an abandoned village."
He doesn't bother to accept the Councillor's offer- as a servant of Illyrie, wanting to prevent a civil war should be obvious.

"Yes, illusion disguises can be arranged. I was planning on using one myself and it should not be a problem if you need them too."

Xastra frowns at the mention of Alfhan, "The Commander is a significant threat. He has reputation as an experienced fighter, and an expert tactician. I will add to the mission that we should try to either capture him or at least stop him from acting in favour of the conspiracy."

To Rowan's warning she replies, "Your concern is noted, Initiate of Illyrie. We will not travel close to the village, but take the main road. It may not be as fast as the shortcut you took on your way here, but it should minimize the risk of encountering any undead or fey that might reside in the area. You might be interested to know that Caretaker Howdlin, our cleric of Iszyl, is planning an expedition to the abandoned village you discovered, to put all those restless souls that roam about finally to rest."


Relik's eyes have glazed over by about the third sentance of the second speech. Wow. How much she talks. 'Talk less, say more'. An old mantra, but always relevant. He continues to stare at the letters around the Preceptor's head, mesmerized.

So, question. Can Relik surreptitiously use the SLA for Read Magic? If he can do so without being too overt or distruptive, he would like to see if he can make any sense of these weird floaty letters.

Service-level agreement? XD

Yeah, he can cast Read Magic. To do it discreetly, please roll a Sleight of Hand check, please.

[Athedia]

Springhaven



"Certainly, certainly, anything you want, Miss Mata", Iver replies, immeasurably relieved, "Shall we go right away, or do you still have something to do here?"



"Go stir crazy. I will want to grab my axe on the way out.
Do you magic Ivar and lead the way."

[aReallyGreatAxe]

To Rowan's warning she replies, "Your concern is noted, Initiate of Illyrie. We will not travel close to the village, but take the main road. It may not be as fast as the shortcut you took on your way here, but it should minimize the risk of encountering any undead or fey that might reside in the area. You might be interested to know that Caretaker Howdlin, our cleric of Iszyl, is planning an expedition to the abandoned village you discovered, to put all those restless souls that roam about finally to rest."



Service-level agreement? XD

Yeah, he can cast Read Magic. To do it discreetly, please roll a Sleight of Hand check, please.

"Interested is one way to put it," Rowan says guiltily. When push came to shove, he'd smacked the undead just like the others. "I know they're not supposed to be walking around but...I guess he's the only way to give them peace."

He sighs. "The only question I have is 'when do we leave'?"

[CWater]

Springhaven


"Go stir crazy. I will want to grab my axe on the way out.
Do you magic Ivar and lead the way."

"Excellent, let us go immediately! After you, miss", Iver follows Eglantine to the entrance hall, where she collects her weapons from the frowning Brother Gregor, who can't resist the temptation to pass up a change to lecture on the folly of violence.

Before they step out of the door, Iver casts an illusion on Eggy, turning her into a blond elven girl with large blue eyes. "I shall follow your lead, miss", he says jovially and opens the door for her.

Where are you going first?

______________


Gastaraa Plains


"Interested is one way to put it," Rowan says guiltily. When push came to shove, he'd smacked the undead just like the others. "I know they're not supposed to be walking around but...I guess he's the only way to give them peace."

He sighs. "The only question I have is 'when do we leave'?"

"Today, in two and half hours, from the main gate. The Empire will supply rations for the journey and mounts if you do not have your own. If you need any other supplies, the quartermasters can provide them at a fair price. Assuming of course, that you will take this mission. I have yet to hear a decisive answer from most of you?" The question is strong in her tone.

Suddenly, she frowns again. "What are you casting?", she demands Relik.

The spell confirms that the symbols floating around the illumians' craniums are not just decoration. Most of the words are a strange language Relik doesn't recognise and their function is complicated and not immediately obvious. However, both have two words of power that the spell can read.

Agiloor's are "Naen" and "Krau", meaning "Mind" and "Magic". They enhance his intelligence and magic powers.
Avendii has "Aesh" and "Hoon", which mean "Vigor" and "Life". They amplify her strength, constitution and, perhaps surprisingly, also wisdom.

[Athedia]

Springhaven



"Excellent, let us go immediately! After you, miss", Iver follows Eglantine to the entrance hall, where she collects her weapons from the frowning Brother Gregor, who can't resist the temptation to pass up a change to lecture on the folly of violence.

Before they step out of the door, Iver casts an illusion on Eggy, turning her into a blond elven girl with large blue eyes. "I shall follow your lead, miss", he says jovially and opens the door for her.

Where are you going first?


Eggy walked out feeling a little awkward in the disguise and started off for Vindals. She had to get a message to Rowan and she knew exactly the item she needed to do so.

Vindal's she wants the bird token thing that can send a message to 1 known person.

Also as I lost all my progression notes at some point I need to ask about some crafting/future build stuff for Eggy

[SirCatBeard]

Gastaraa Plains

"Today, in two and half hours, from the main gate. The Empire will supply rations for the journey and mounts if you do not have your own. If you need any other supplies, the quartermasters can provide them at a fair price. Assuming of course, that you will take this mission. I have yet to hear a decisive answer from most of you?" The question is strong in her tone.

Suddenly, she frowns again. "What are you casting?", she demands Relik.

The spell confirms that the symbols floating around the illumians' craniums are not just decoration. Most of the words are a strange language Relik doesn't recognise and their function is complicated and not immediately obvious. However, both have two words of power that the spell can read.

Agiloor's are "Naen" and "Krau", meaning "Mind" and "Magic". They enhance his intelligence and magic powers.
Avendii has "Aesh" and "Hoon", which mean "Vigor" and "Life". They amplify her strength, constitution and, perhaps surprisingly, also wisdom.

Relik mutters something inaudible, "Hmpm...talk too much...bore...pass time somehow" but otherwise does not answer.

"To the point, if there's pay like this, I guess I could lend a flail. I enjoy a good fight, but war benefits no one."

[Table Flipper]

Hawke gives a brief half smile at Relik's antics before speaking up. "I'll go too. People like that aren't fit to rule."

[CWater]

Springhaven

Eglantine and Iver leave Illyrie's temple and head towards Trader's Track. The guards posted outside the temple eye them as they step out, but don't approach or try to stop them. The streets have grown much quieter than how they were on the previous Tournament days, and all of the merry atmosphere is gone.

No one bothers them on the way. When Eggy reaches Vindal's shop, she notices that the 'CLOSED' sign has been placed on the door. However, she sees Olyvar through the window, he's standing next to a workbench, apparently actually working for once.

________________________________


Gastaraa Plains

Sandra nods. "I'll help too, if there's anything I can do. For everyone who died in the castle", she says in a quiet voice.

"Excellent. If you have no other questions, do any preparations you have and meet me at the gate." The Councillor gestures to indicate that the meeting is over.

"Gods be on your side", Agiloor says and bids the group goodbye, "For everyone's sake."

As they exit the tent, Avendii follows them outside. "Good luck with her", she nudges her head towards the tent, "She's a dozen times worse than uncle, you're biggest challenge will be to resist the urge to strangle her to shut her up. Still, I'm kinda sorry I can't go with you and get back at those schemers. But I need to guard uncle, the Empire's got its own internal dangers."

[Table Flipper]

"Yes, good luck with all that." Hawke gives Avendii a nod before going off to make his preparations.

Should probably stock up on supplies, like we were able to do before. If possible/available in the army encampment, I would like to purchase:

-Buckler shield (estimated 15gp),
-Unless there is a +1 Buckler available, in which case I would buy that instead (so estimated 515gp, as I recall magic enchantments are half vanilla cost in this setting?)
-2 CLW potions (est 40gp)
-2 CMW potions (est 240gp)
-1 CSW potion (est 350gp)
-20 arrows (est 1 gp)

And, if I can locate Udara again in the allotted time, I would like to let her know that I just received a payment and would like her to pass a bit more money along to mother when she gets the chance. This amount of money would be 50 of the pp (so 500gp), in a pouch. Hawke would not mention out loud that it contains platinum, so as to be more discreet in the handing off of money.

I'll let you know if I think of anything else, and of course some of these estimated prices may be wrong.

[Athedia]

Springhaven

Eglantine and Iver leave Illyrie's temple and head towards Trader's Track. The guards posted outside the temple eye them as they step out, but don't approach or try to stop them. The streets have grown much quieter than how they were on the previous Tournament days, and all of the merry atmosphere is gone.

No one bothers them on the way. When Eggy reaches Vindal's shop, she notices that the 'CLOSED' sign has been placed on the door. However, she sees Olyvar through the window, he's standing next to a workbench, apparently actually working for once.


Seeing the closed sign Eglantine looked back at Iver in concern and then attempted to circle around to the back door to try that lock.

[SirCatBeard]

As they exit the tent, Avendii follows them outside. "Good luck with her", she nudges her head towards the tent, "She's a dozen times worse than uncle, you're biggest challenge will be to resist the urge to strangle her to shut her up. Still, I'm kinda sorry I can't go with you and get back at those schemers. But I need to guard uncle, the Empire's got its own internal dangers."

"Apparently. I make no promises."

If CSW potions are 350, would like to get up to 5 of them; if they are limited in supply, CMW would substitute. And 4 Javelins at ~1gp each. Since that stink bomb idea worked so well he would also like to grab a pair of empty sacks(2sp), just incase we want to try it again :smallsmile: I realize this is just a camp, but it is a fancy imperial camp and so must be full of snooty rich people, so I figure I'll ask: Is there any chance of more exotic magical stuff, beyond basic weapons/armor?

[aReallyGreatAxe]

As they exit the tent, Avendii follows them outside. "Good luck with her", she nudges her head towards the tent, "She's a dozen times worse than uncle, you're biggest challenge will be to resist the urge to strangle her to shut her up. Still, I'm kinda sorry I can't go with you and get back at those schemers. But I need to guard uncle, the Empire's got its own internal dangers."

"Good luck! And thank you for the warning."

"Speaking of dangers..." Rowan turns to the rest of the party. "Thanks to the Lady, I might be able to bring you back if you die! If I can get the clerics to sell me materials. There is a ...downside though. You'll be alive, but you won't necessarily be you. The magic makes you a whole new body rather than fixing the one you already have. I don't want to force that on anyone. Do you want me to bring you back? "


Just taking a 'who's okay with reincarnate' poll to avoid potential friction later. If what you the player is okay with differs from what the character is okay with, just let me know.



Rowan has now had Reincarnate added to his list, and wants to purchase the "rare oils and unguents" to be able to cast the spell... if possible, he'd like enough for two, three if they've got it. (Since we all know he's going to waste at least one on someone irrelevant.)

[SirCatBeard]

"Speaking of dangers..." Rowan turns to the rest of the party. "Thanks to the Lady, I might be able to bring you back if you die! If I can get the clerics to sell me materials. There is a ...downside though. You'll be alive, but you won't necessarily be you. The magic makes you a whole new body rather than fixing the one you already have. I don't want to force that on anyone. Do you want me to bring you back? "


"What? Like you come back as someone else, but still you, but not you? Not really sure how much sense that makes, but why not. Could be fun; I mean, how often to you get to try things from another body."

He casts a glance back at the fancy tent where they left the grumpy, long-winded lady and turns back to Hawke. "You know, I don't usually, but in the interest of not strangling people, I wonder if maybe I should find a flask as well before we leave."

One more preparation: If we are losing the Preceptor and getting this school teacher lady instead, Relik is going to need some whiskey and a flask.

[Table Flipper]

"Speaking of dangers..." Rowan turns to the rest of the party. "Thanks to the Lady, I might be able to bring you back if you die! If I can get the clerics to sell me materials. There is a ...downside though. You'll be alive, but you won't necessarily be you. The magic makes you a whole new body rather than fixing the one you already have. I don't want to force that on anyone. Do you want me to bring you back? "

Hawke considers for a moment before replying, "Uh, interesting... I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll just... stay alive."

To clarify, Hawke as a character would not be thrilled with the idea. I as the player think it could be interesting, but any final decision on my part would probably depend on the details of the situation at the time.


He casts a glance back at the fancy tent where they left the grumpy, long-winded lady and turns back to Hawke. [COLOR=#993300]"You know, I don't usually, but in the interest of not strangling people, I wonder if maybe I should find a flask as well before we leave."

"Yeah I could top off too. Hope they have decent stuff here."

I know I've used some of the rum, though I haven't been keeping track or anything. I'll top it off while here, if possible. Not terribly important.

[CWater]

Springhaven


Seeing the closed sign Eglantine looked back at Iver in concern and then attempted to circle around to the back door to try that lock.

Eglantine steps through the back door and finds the same inner door locked as before. Iver follows her, somewhat perturbed by her approach to the shop. "Um, Miss Mata, uh... Where is this going?"

____________________________________

Imperial encampment


"Yes, good luck with all that." Hawke gives Avendii a nod before going off to make his preparations.

Should probably stock up on supplies, like we were able to do before. If possible/available in the army encampment, I would like to purchase:

-Buckler shield (estimated 15gp),
-Unless there is a +1 Buckler available, in which case I would buy that instead (so estimated 515gp, as I recall magic enchantments are half vanilla cost in this setting?)
-2 CLW potions (est 40gp)
-2 CMW potions (est 240gp)
-1 CSW potion (est 350gp)
-20 arrows (est 1 gp)

And, if I can locate Udara again in the allotted time, I would like to let her know that I just received a payment and would like her to pass a bit more money along to mother when she gets the chance. This amount of money would be 50 of the pp (so 500gp), in a pouch. Hawke would not mention out loud that it contains platinum, so as to be more discreet in the handing off of money.

I'll let you know if I think of anything else, and of course some of these estimated prices may be wrong.


"Apparently. I make no promises."

If CSW potions are 350, would like to get up to 5 of them; if they are limited in supply, CMW would substitute. And 4 Javelins at ~1gp each. Since that stink bomb idea worked so well he would also like to grab a pair of empty sacks(2sp), just incase we want to try it again :smallsmile: I realize this is just a camp, but it is a fancy imperial camp and so must be full of snooty rich people, so I figure I'll ask: Is there any chance of more exotic magical stuff, beyond basic weapons/armor?




"Good luck! And thank you for the warning."

"Speaking of dangers..." Rowan turns to the rest of the party. "Thanks to the Lady, I might be able to bring you back if you die! If I can get the clerics to sell me materials. There is a ...downside though. You'll be alive, but you won't necessarily be you. The magic makes you a whole new body rather than fixing the one you already have. I don't want to force that on anyone. Do you want me to bring you back? "


Just taking a 'who's okay with reincarnate' poll to avoid potential friction later. If what you the player is okay with differs from what the character is okay with, just let me know.



Rowan has now had Reincarnate added to his list, and wants to purchase the "rare oils and unguents" to be able to cast the spell... if possible, he'd like enough for two, three if they've got it. (Since we all know he's going to waste at least one on someone irrelevant.)



Hawke considers for a moment before replying, "Uh, interesting... I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll just... stay alive."

To clarify, Hawke as a character would not be thrilled with the idea. I as the player think it could be interesting, but any final decision on my part would probably depend on the details of the situation at the time.


"What? Like you come back as someone else, but still you, but not you? Not really sure how much sense that makes, but why not. Could be fun; I mean, how often to you get to try things from another body."

"B-bring back? I guess, I would want to live, yes...", Sandra replies nervously.

Not going to pressure you into reincarnating an NPC, but considering it's something that Rowan would totally do... I'll have her answer as well.:smallamused:



He casts a glance back at the fancy tent where they left the grumpy, long-winded lady and turns back to Hawke. "You know, I don't usually, but in the interest of not strangling people, I wonder if maybe I should find a flask as well before we leave."

One more preparation: If we are losing the Preceptor and getting this school teacher lady instead, Relik is going to need some whiskey and a flask.



"Yeah I could top off too. Hope they have decent stuff here."

I know I've used some of the rum, though I haven't been keeping track or anything. I'll top it off while here, if possible. Not terribly important.

The rest of the party makes their way to the quartermasters. As they walks across the camp, they see how the tents are quickly in the process of being pulled down and packed for travel.

The quartermasters are busy supervising the business, but agree to trade with the party nonetheless.

Hawke
-Buckler shield +1
-2 CLW potions (est 40gp)
-2 CMW potions (est 240gp)
-1 CSW potion (est 350gp)
-20 arrows (est 1 gp)
-They don't have rum for sale, but you can get ale, whiskey, wine or mead instead

He can get all of the above for a total of 1130 gp

Relik
-5 CSW potions
-4 javelins
-2 empty sacks

Total 1750 gp

Axe
-3 spells worth of "rare oils and unguents"

Total 1500 gp.

Afterwards, Hawke goes to find Ulara, who is currently getting her things in order and ready for marching. She accepts the money pouch, gives Hawke a hug and asks a couple of more prying questions about his financial situation, though she doesn't have the time to stop to chat for too long.

[Kish]

"A new body? Would that mean--what exactly would be different about this body?"

Assuming, not a safe assumption, that Rowan's answer doesn't make it sound far worse than the clinical writeup of Reincarnation, she'll say, "I'd rather be alive than not. Hopefully it won't come up."

[Athedia]

Springhaven

Eglantine steps through the back door and finds the same inner door locked as before. Iver follows her, somewhat perturbed by her approach to the shop. "Um, Miss Mata, uh... Where is this going?"

"Don't worry, I do this all the time."

Eglantine knelt down by the door to try to listen for any voices. She felt for her lockpicking tools in case she didn't hear any.

Poor Ivar

Listen: [roll0]

Disable Device: [roll1]

[Table Flipper]

Once Hawke finishes his business, he goes to the main gate and waits for the others, just lazily observing his surroundings in the meantime.

[CWater]

"Don't worry, I do this all the time."

Eglantine knelt down by the door to try to listen for any voices. She felt for her lockpicking tools in case she didn't hear any.

Poor Ivar

Listen: [roll0]

Disable Device: [roll1]

Eglantine hears nothing and starts to work on the door. The lock poses no great challenge, she's done this before and knows how to twist the picks to smooth it open. Quietly she steps inside the workshop proper, followed by an increasingly nervous Iver.

There's no one in the back room, but she hears someone is working in the front workshop that you enter through the front door. It's probably Olyvar who she saw through the window. Otherwise there doesn't seem to be anyone on the ground floor. If Vindal is around, he must be in his personal quarters upstairs or in the basement.


___________________________


Gastaraa Plains

After finishing their shopping the party goes to retrieve their horses and gather at the front gate. Walking across the camp they must to watch out for tents that are being pulled down and servants that are running around carrying tools and packages and whatnot. There are a lot more horses and oxen around as they are being loaded for the road.

Councillor Xastra arrives at the gate exactly when she said that she would, accompanied by four guards. All are wearing loose capes and no imperial insignia are visible on their clothes or armour. They ride brown horses that look as inconspicuous as fine warhorses ever can. "Are we all good to go?", asks the Councillor and she dismounts to do a final check up of her horse and gear.

All except Rowan recognise two of Xastra's guards, the catfolk Mir that Aerin crushed in the armwrestling match and the half-elf Alfdel that was running the competition. Mir nods to Aerin and makes a gesture with his right hand as if it was in pain. Alfdel snickers.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

___________________________


Gastaraa Plains

After finishing their shopping the party goes to retrieve their horses and gather at the front gate. Walking across the camp they must to watch out for tents that are being pulled down and servants that are running around carrying tools and packages and whatnot. There are a lot more horses and oxen around as they are being loaded for the road.

Councillor Xastra arrives at the gate exactly when she said that she would, accompanied by four guards. All are wearing loose capes and no imperial insignia are visible on their clothes or armour. They ride brown horses that look as inconspicuous as fine warhorses ever can. "Are we all good to go?", asks the Councillor and she dismounts to do a final check up of her horse and gear.

All except Rowan recognise two of Xastra's guards, the catfolk Mir that Aerin crushed in the armwrestling match and the half-elf Alfdel that was running the competition. Mir nods to Aerin and makes a gesture with his right hand as if it was in pain. Alfdel snickers.

Rowan nods in response to the councilor’s query. However, before leaving he makes a point to introduce himself to the guards. “Is your arm quite alright?” He asks the elf curiously.

[Kish]

Aerin grins at Mir, and suppresses a chuckle when Rowan asks his question.

[CWater]

"Oh no, such pain in the joints! It'll never make a good sword hand again!", Mir replies in over-dramatic tone and holds the hand to his chest.

Alfdel chuckles and makes a dismissive gesture. "Don't mind him, he's perfectly fine. Just a sore loser.", the half-elf grins, I'm Alfdel Saeturna, the whining cat is Miranthus and these two are Yuli Caracas and Vethir Rhodenvale." He nods towards the two other guards, a human woman and an elven man, respectively. They nod in response to the party, though their expressions stay serious.

[CWater]

Once the Councillor is finally satisfied with how her packs are arranged, the party of ten humanoids and ten horses proceeds to leave the Imperial camp. The red-haired giants are up doing combat exercise, and the clanging from their weapons or the tremor of the earth when they charge can't be missed by anyone. Xastra rises her hand in greeting as they ride past the huge figures, and two of them that are currently not engaged in the practice respond with a wave and a nod.

They take the main road this time, and travel briskly but not at full gallop. The weather is cloudy and gloomy, it's in that weird state when the Rainmaiden can't quite decide whether she wants it to pour or not. A few random drops come down, but nothing more.

A few hours pass uneventfully. They meet some fellow travellers, going in the other direction. A group of human mercenaries, an elven courier, a few poor people on foot and a carriage transporting barrels, to name a few. None of them try to initiate much of a conversation, only the typical questions about the weather, roads and bandits, until they come across a group of halflings camped by the roadside. There are about a dozen of them, with all ages represented, an extended family perhaps. A small wagon and an even smaller carriage are set to the side, and a pony and a rather strong looking goat are chewing grass nearby. Most of the halflings are minding their own business, but one woman runs over to the road when she sees the party coming, waves and wails at them.

"Please, please, good folk! Can you help us?! Kind strangers, please!"

A man runs over to her and tries to pull her away. "Elsia, stop. Leave the fine folk alone, they got no time to spare."

[Table Flipper]

During the first few hours, Hawke keeps the usual eye out for potential threats, but is otherwise preoccupied with own own thoughts.

At the appeal for aid, though, Hawke brings himself back to the present moment and responds. "What's wrong?"

[CWater]

During the first few hours, Hawke keeps the usual eye out for potential threats, but is otherwise preoccupied with own own thoughts.

At the appeal for aid, though, Hawke brings himself back to the present moment and responds. "What's wrong?"

"Thank you, sir!", the woman replies, looking up at Hawke with desperation in her eyes, "It's my brothers, they're in trouble!"

"They're not!", snaps the man, "The lazy louts just went to a party, they'll be back soon!"

"No! It's been a day already! It isn't normal, there's something weird about that troupe! That's why we didn't camp there."

"We didn't camp there because you insisted. Aunt Hesta will bring the lads back."

"She's been gone for hours! It's not that far, I'm telling you something is very wrong!", she turns back to Hawke, "Please kind sir, could you see what's going on?"

During this short argument, the Councillor has ridden over. "We are sympathetic to your plight", she says, "It is a tragedy when one's dearest succumb to the folly of drunkenness and revelry. However, we do not have time to spare. We have business of our own that cannot wait."

"Yes, yes, of course you have, good lady", says the halfling man and makes another effort to drag the other halfling away, "Don't let us bother you, she gets anxious so easily."

"I do NOT!"

[Kish]

Aerin slides down from her horse and asks, "Have your brother ever spent over a day at a party before?"

[Table Flipper]

Aerin slides down from her horse and asks, "Have your brother ever spent over a day at a party before?"

Hawke ignores the Councillor and adds a follow-up to Aerin's question. "And additionally, where's this campsite?"

[aReallyGreatAxe]

During this short argument, the Councillor has ridden over. "We are sympathetic to your plight", she says, "It is a tragedy when one's dearest succumb to the folly of drunkenness and revelry. However, we do not have time to spare. We have business of our own that cannot wait."

"Yes, yes, of course you have, good lady", says the halfling man and makes another effort to drag the other halfling away, "Don't let us bother you, she gets anxious so easily."

"I do NOT!"


Rowan directs his own mount to the group, and speaks quietly to the Councillor so as not to interrupt the others' investigation. "If we don't stay too long, we should be able to help these people. It might be nice to have us all practice being incognito with a few strangers before we try it on a whole city. You said yourself you don't like improvisation, what better way to avoid that than a dry run?

If you don't want to stick around, we could even catch up with you before you reach the City. Our 'business' doesn't have to wait, at least no more than it already has. Where's the harm in lending a hand?"

[CWater]

Aerin slides down from her horse and asks, "Have your brother ever spent over a day at a party before?"

Elsia pushes the man aside and replies quickly, "They visit taverns sure, like anyone, but never like this, not on the road. And they would leave when we asked them to! Please, good lady, look for my brothers. That was not a normal party, I saw people lying dead in the grass."

"Passed out drunks, you're being hysterical, Elsia", the other halfling protests.

"They were covered in blood!"

"Spilled wine more likely."


Hawke ignores the Councillor and adds a follow-up to Aerin's question. "And additionally, where's this campsite?"

"Not too far, just an hour on foot, less on horseback. It's by the road, you'll be riding past it anyway, if you follow the road." She gestures in the direction the party was going. "Please, good sir, I wouldn't trouble you if I wasn't serious."


Rowan directs his own mount to the group, and speaks quietly to the Councillor so as not to interrupt the others' investigation. "If we don't stay too long, we should be able to help these people. It might be nice to have us all practice being incognito with a few strangers before we try it on a whole city. You said yourself you don't like improvisation, what better way to avoid that than a dry run?

If you don't want to stick around, we could even catch up with you before you reach the City. Our 'business' doesn't have to wait, at least no more than it already has. Where's the harm in lending a hand?"

"Well I...", the Councillor hesitates, "You make a point worth considering. Perhaps it would be good to... try talking to the common people. If they are coming from Springhaven, maybe they even have news. Alright, we can stop at this 'party', but only briefly. We cannot stay, even if it turns out to be completely harmless."

[Table Flipper]

They might have news, so long as you give them a chance to speak, Hawke thinks towards the Councillor before replying to Elsia. "Alright then. We'll handle it."

[aReallyGreatAxe]

"Well I...", the Councillor hesitates, "You make a point worth considering. Perhaps it would be good to... try talking to the common people. If they are coming from Springhaven, maybe they even have news. Alright, we can stop at this 'party', but only briefly. We cannot stay, even if it turns out to be completely harmless."

”If it’s harmless, we have no reason to stay,” Rowan reassures the Councilor, then turns to Hawke and Aerin.
“Either of you want to lead the way? I don’t have much experience with either wild parties or murders.”

[Table Flipper]

”If it’s harmless, we have no reason to stay,” Rowan reassures the Councilor, then turns to Hawke and Aerin.
“Either of you want to lead the way? I don’t have much experience with either wild parties or murders.”

Hawke nods and starts to continue down the road.

[CWater]

The party bids quick farewell to the halflings and continues their journey down the road. And indeed, on horseback it doesn't take them too long to reach the celebration that Elsia was so worried about, and they hear the commotion long before they pass the last hill. Music, laughter, shouting and all the sounds generally associated with a wild party. The first living being they see is a grazing horse, all saddled up but apparently left to take care of itself for the time being. Soon they spot other beasts of burden as well, all seemingly abandoned with all their gear still on. A pair of oxen in harness are standing in front of cart full of grain, clearly annoyed at the situation.

On the left side of the road the party is in full swing. Maybe about 50 people or so are present, dancing, drinking and playfully quarreling with each other. One is performing a dance on a table, which on closer study turns out to be a cart upside down. The wind carries over the scent of sweet wine with a hint of drunken stupor. A few individuals lie down in the grass, passed out drunk one would assume, the celebrators paying them no mind.

However, a couple of things set the alarm bells ringing in the minds of the new arrivals. For one, the instruments playing the music are doing so by themselves, floating in the air above the partygoers. Also, roughly half of the attendees are fey, dressed in the same kind of togas and stolas as those that had appeared in the imperial camp. Hawke and Aerin even recognise one of them, the fey girl dancing on the cart is the very same one that had ensorcelled Mushroom.

The other half of the crowd appear to be ordinary mortals, peasants, merchants and random travellers that have stopped to join the fun. As the party approaches a few of them turn to wave. "Hey there! Care to join? There's enough booze for everyone!"

[SirCatBeard]

Relik freezes, memories of equestrian dancing flaring up. "Of course it's too much to ask for it to just be a normal party." he mutters.

[Table Flipper]

Hawke brings his horse to a halt, hesitant to get any closer for now.

"We don't have time, I'm afraid. But uh, how long's this been going on?"

[CWater]

Hawke brings his horse to a halt, hesitant to get any closer for now.

"We don't have time, I'm afraid. But uh, how long's this been going on?"

The two revelers look at each other, then shrug. "I dunno, a while", replies one of them, "Not that long though, I'll need to get going soon."

"Yeah, don't we all", says the other one, "But one more drink first?" He offers a bottle.

"Certainly!", the first one grins and takes a big swig, "Want a sip?" He offers the drink to Hawke.

These two men are dressed like travellers, one is human, the other one a half-elf. None of the other people or fey have paid attention to the group yet.

[Table Flipper]

The two revelers look at each other, then shrug. "I dunno, a while", replies one of them, "Not that long though, I'll need to get going soon."

"Yeah, don't we all", says the other one, "But one more drink first?" He offers a bottle.

"Certainly!", the first one grins and takes a big swig, "Want a sip?" He offers the drink to Hawke.

These two men are dressed like travellers, one is human, the other one a half-elf. None of the other people or fey have paid attention to the group yet.

Hawke puts one hand up in front of him. "Thanks, but I must decline. But uh, listen. Have you run into a halfing woman named Hesta by any chance? We were supposed to meet up with her and some others before moving on."

[Kish]

"Is anyone in charge here?" Aerin directs her question to the fey girl dancing on the cart.

[CWater]

Hawke puts one hand up in front of him. "Thanks, but I must decline. But uh, listen. Have you run into a halfing woman named Hesta by any chance? We were supposed to meet up with her and some others before moving on."

"No-oo, don't think so.. Have you?", the human asks the half-elf.

"Dunno", he replies, "There's some halflings over there", he points to the other side of the crowd gathered by the cart, "Didn't ask any names tho. Sure you wouldn't like a drink? It's really good stuff."


"Is anyone in charge here?" Aerin directs her question to the fey girl dancing on the cart.

The girl on the cart ignores Aerin, fully focused in her dancing, but a few others turn in her direction and one of the fey starts to approach. "Hello! Welcome to our merry gathering!", he greets. This one has very long pointy ears that curl a little at the tips, full red lips and long brown hair that almost reaches his knees. A few leaves and twigs are stuck in the long locks. "No one's in charge! This is a party! Relax! Have fun! C'mon, leave the horses and let me get you some wine!"

Make a Will save please.

[Kish]

Aerin draws her sword and sweeps it through the air, possibly drawing attention from the fey (or the humans, for that matter), but primarily to regain the maneuver she just used. Then she says, "We consider tampering with our minds a hostile act--and at least one among you knows we're fully capable of making sure that if blood is shed, it'll be your blood, not ours. Release those you have compelled."

[Table Flipper]

Hawke's response is cut off before it begins by Aerin's ultimatum, at which point he draws his bow and an arrow and stares directly towards the fey that had previously charmed Mushroom.

"Best do what she says. Wouldn't want a repeat of before, would we?"

[CWater]

The fey's demeanour changes in an instant, the relaxed slouch turns into a feral stance and his smile widens to a wicked grin. "Oh, this what you want?" His right hand flies up and long claws come out.

The girl dancing on the cart stops moving and stares at the party with a curious look on her face. A few of the mortals and a couple of the other fey look in their direction, but most of them have not yet noticed anything is happened.

Aerin: [roll0]
Rowan: [roll1]
Hawke: [roll2]
Relik: [roll3]

Sandra: [roll4]
Xastra: [roll5]
Mir: [roll6]
Alfdel: [roll7]
Yuli: [roll8]
Vethir: [roll9]

F1: [roll10]
FD: [roll11]


F1 is the talking fey.
FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey.
Ms are mortals.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/HLSpj7k/Map-16-1.png

[Table Flipper]

Hawke moves to get clearer sight lines and and fires at the menacing fey.

Move so that Hawke is at Q5 and Mushroom at Q4 and attack F1 with arrow.

Attack: [roll0] (This includes -4 because F1 is next to a mortal that Hawke doesn't want to hit).
Damage: [roll1]

Sorry for the delay. This week's been... busy.

[CWater]

Hawke moves to get clearer sight lines and and fires at the menacing fey.

Move so that Hawke is at Q5 and Mushroom at Q4 and attack F1 with arrow.

Attack: [roll0] (This includes -4 because F1 is next to a mortal that Hawke doesn't want to hit).
Damage: [roll1]

Sorry for the delay. This week's been... busy.

As he tries his best to make sure not to hit an innocent bystander, Hawke's arrow just scrapes the hostile fey, though enough to draw blood. The fey looks displeased and growls with rage.

Vethir and Yuli ride forward to place themselves defensively in front of Councillor Xastra. Yuli draws her sword and adjusts her shield for combat, while Vethir follows Hawke's lead and shoots at the fey in front. His arrow also draws a little blood and the fey winces.

"Back off now!", Alfdel shouts and draws his blades, glaring down at the fey, "This isn't a fight you want to get into! Release these people from your thrall and leave, then no more blood needs to be spilled!"

F1 is the talking fey.
FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey.
Ms are mortals.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/wwXrHpV/Map-16-2.png

[Kish]

Aerin blinks out, reappearing standing on the cart directly in front of the dancing fey, her sword an inch away from her. "Boo," she says.

Shadow Jaunt to V14.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan slides off his horse as quickly as he can, patting the animal on the side companiably, and begins running toward the cluster of mortals. Maybe there was a way to end this, if not peacefully, then with a the least amount of people dying.


Going to attempt a fast mount/dismount, which as far as I can tell there is no negative to trying.
Ride check DC 20: [roll0]
EDIT: I believe that is a hard no on the fast dismount :smallbiggrin:
If success: double move to N19
If failure: single move to N14

[SirCatBeard]

Relik jumps down next to Rowan and, giving this slightly more diplomatic approach a chance, mutters "Clarity".

Well, let's try to fast dismount better than Rowan :smallsmile: 20 Ride: [roll0]
If yes: move to O14, else 5-foot to N13. In either case, activating Gauntlets of True Strike.

[CWater]

Rowan slides off his horse as quickly as he can, patting the animal on the side companiably, and begins running toward the cluster of mortals. Maybe there was a way to end this, if not peacefully, then with a the least amount of people dying.


Going to attempt a fast mount/dismount, which as far as I can tell there is no negative to trying.
Ride check DC 20: [roll0]
EDIT: I believe that is a hard no on the fast dismount :smallbiggrin:
If success: double move to N19
If failure: single move to N14



Rowan makes a valiant attempt at a quick and graceful dismount, but unfortunately his left foot gets stuck in the stirrup and his first steps are more like hops before he gets it loose.


Relik jumps down next to Rowan and, giving this slightly more diplomatic approach a chance, mutters "Clarity".

Well, let's try to fast dismount better than Rowan :smallsmile: 20 Ride: [roll0]
If yes: move to O14, else 5-foot to N13. In either case, activating Gauntlets of True Strike.


Relik's landing is more professional and quickly he moves to stand in front of Rowan. The gauntlets glow as he activates their magic.


Aerin blinks out, reappearing standing on the cart directly in front of the dancing fey, her sword an inch away from her. "Boo," she says.

Shadow Jaunt to V14.

The horse is left behind, slightly confused, as its rider suddenly vanishes. The fey girl shrieks in surprise as Aerin appears in front of her. ”Wow! That's a really cool trick! How'd you do that!”, she exclaims in Common, "Come! Let's laugh and dance!" She reaches forward, trying to take Aerin's hand and the warrior feels a enchantment touch her mind again.

Tha catfolk Mir grabs a greataxe from his back and holds it ready to strike should this become a battle. Xastra sits very still in her saddle and lifts both of her hands up muttering arcane words. A shining purple force shield appears in front of her.

The fey with the long claws glares at the party and lets out a sudden savage howl of rage, then charges at Relik slashing with his claws. However, the elf has quick reflexes and dodges the swipe.

Claw: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Sandra rides her horse to stand near Hawke and draws a fancy bow that she didn't have before today. Looks like she's invested her reward money as well. Once she has the claw-y fey in sight she shoots an arrow at him. It's not a great hit, but the arrow leaves another scratch on the fey's back.

Longbow: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

A pair of fey closest to the party look up from their conversation when their comrade howls and see him run to attack Relik. They glance at each other, share a grin and let out similar howls, then run past the confused mortals to join in the fight!

F2, claw: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

F3, punch: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Still regaining his balance after the first attack, Relik isn't ready for the second strike and the second fey's claws cut his arm. The third fey's punch comes very close to connecting as well, but at the last moment his protective ring diverts the blow.

FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/bmZmnQG/Map-16-3.png

[Table Flipper]

"Nice bow," Hawke says to Sandra as he continues his own attack.

Full attack courtesy of BaB against F1.

Attack 1: [roll0] (includes -4 due to target in melee)
Damage 1: [roll1]

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[CWater]

"Nice bow," Hawke says to Sandra as he continues his own attack.

Full attack courtesy of BaB against F1.

Attack 1: [roll0] (includes -4 due to target in melee)
Damage 1: [roll1]

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

"Thanks, I got it from the camp!", the elf replies. Hawke's first arrow deals another cut to the fey, who is now bleeding all over. However, he shows no sign of stopping his attack.

"Fine! If this is what you want!", Alfdel shouts and rides his horse directly at the closest fey, who snarls and kicks the incoming animal in the chest. However, the mount nonetheless slams into the fey and they fall down to the grass.

Vethir aims a shot at the fey on the cart, but as he tries not to hit Aerin, he also misses the target.

FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey. F3 is prone in the same square as Alfdel, O15.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/W0PHvS7/Map-16-4.png

[SirCatBeard]

Snarling aside at the clawed fey, Relik raises his flail high in two quick circles before bringing it down harshly in a diagonal sweep at the first attacker, trusting the magic of the gloves to guide the strike.

B.i.t.W.Stance. Rage(1/8). Full attack at F1(or at F2, if needed)
Attack: [roll0] n=7 Power Attack, True Strike
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2] n=7 Power Attack
Damage: [roll3]

[CWater]

Snarling aside at the clawed fey, Relik raises his flail high in two quick circles before bringing it down harshly in a diagonal sweep at the first attacker, trusting the magic of the gloves to guide the strike.

B.i.t.W.Stance. Rage(1/8). Full attack at F1(or at F2, if needed)
Attack: [roll0] n=7 Power Attack, True Strike
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2] n=7 Power Attack
Damage: [roll3]


The magic indeed brings the weapon in contact with the fey's skull and Relik hears a satisfying crunch. With the head a bloody mush, the body collapses. The fey next to the fallen figure freezes to stare at the sight, as if he didn't quite comprehend what just happened. This proves unfortunate for him, as Relik brings the flail down a second time, slamming it to the fey's chest and by the sound of it breaking his ribcage to a thousand pieces. He too, falls to the ground.

Wow, that was some hits!:smallcool:

F1 and F2 are down. You can make the extra attack granted by Cleave at F3, with your higher attack bonus (minus True Strike bonus) since either attack can Cleave. F3 is prone, so add +4 to the attack roll.

[SirCatBeard]

Following the momentum, the flail falls toward the third fey that had charged so confidently only moments ago.

Didn't really expect the second to hit, let alone crit. At least something is working.

Cleave attack: [roll0] (-7PowAt still, +4prone,+1 from Stance(assuming crit did confirm)
EDIT: Should be +11 rather than 10, so 14.
Damage: [roll1]

[Athedia]

Eglantine hears nothing and starts to work on the door. The lock poses no great challenge, she's done this before and knows how to twist the picks to smooth it open. Quietly she steps inside the workshop proper, followed by an increasingly nervous Iver.

There's no one in the back room, but she hears someone is working in the front workshop that you enter through the front door. It's probably Olyvar who she saw through the window. Otherwise there doesn't seem to be anyone on the ground floor. If Vindal is around, he must be in his personal quarters upstairs or in the basement.


Eglantine decided to check up the basement. It wouldn't be like Vindal to not be working somewhere.

[Kish]

Aerin growls ferociously, ducks the fey's attempt to grab her hand, and attempts to smash her in the face with the hilt of Aerin's sword. "Keep your filthy fingers out of our minds!"


Striking for nonlethal and recovering maneuver(s) again: [roll0] Critical threat check: [roll1] Nonlethal damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]

[CWater]

Eglantine decided to check up the basement. It wouldn't be like Vindal to not be working somewhere.

The stairs to the basement lead to another workshop and storage space. Eglantine knows this place has been especially warded and this is where Vindal does the more risky enchanting and handles the more dangerous crafting materials. It's disorganised, which is very typical of the absentminded craftsman, yet he always seems to easily find everything while he's working.

No one is in the workspace, but the door to the back room is ajar and Eglantine hears someone moving in there. The back room is special storage space and Vindal generally doesn't let anyone else in there, even Eglantine has only been there a couple of times.

Iver is still following and looking nervous, though also a little curious. "You sure this is ok?", he asks.

Question, has Eggy asked Iver to drop the illusion he cast or is it still active? It makes her look like a blonde elf girl.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Rowan dodges out from behind Relik and Alfdal and crosses the grass until he gets some space from both mortals and fey. The Councilor was right, these people had to be under some sort of thrall or enchantment.

"You don't want to be here," he calls to the nearby mortals, weaving magic into his words until they dance through the air like the commands of the fey. "Come on, please help us end this!" Of course, he couldn't tell them to do anything... but he could at least try to give them the ability to choose.

1.) Move action: move to O17 to... not be stuck behind everyone.

2.) Standard action: Casting mass resurgence, on M14-M21, as they are all within 40' of Rowan and 30' of each other. Assuming they're under the same enchantment, they get another saving throw against the ongoing spell, spell-like ability, or supernatural ability. If they succeed the save, the effect ends immediately.

If they're not under the same spell and Rowan gets to choose which one is affected, he will choose the one which affects the most people. If each is under a different spell, he'll choose to affect a halfling.

[Athedia]

The stairs to the basement lead to another workshop and storage space. Eglantine knows this place has been especially warded and this is where Vindal does the more risky enchanting and handles the more dangerous crafting materials. It's disorganised, which is very typical of the absentminded craftsman, yet he always seems to easily find everything while he's working.

No one is in the workspace, but the door to the back room is ajar and Eglantine hears someone moving in there. The back room is special storage space and Vindal generally doesn't let anyone else in there, even Eglantine has only been there a couple of times.

Iver is still following and looking nervous, though also a little curious. "You sure this is ok?", he asks.

Question, has Eggy asked Iver to drop the illusion he cast or is it still active? It makes her look like a blonde elf girl.

Eglantine did a wavering motion with her hand. It wasn't technically okay but she needed to let him know she was alive. She then gestured for Iver to drop the illusion, Vindal would definitely not react well to a stranger girl down here.

[CWater]

Gastaraa Plains


Following the momentum, the flail falls toward the third fey that had charged so confidently only moments ago.

Didn't really expect the second to hit, let alone crit. At least something is working.

Cleave attack: [roll0] (-7PowAt still, +4prone,+1 from Stance(assuming crit did confirm)
EDIT: Should be +11 rather than 10, so 14.
Damage: [roll1]


Despite being down on the ground and almost trampled by a horse, the third fey manages to roll out of the way before Relik's flail smashes to the spot of grass where they'd just been, sending dirt and grass patches flying.


Rowan dodges out from behind Relik and Alfdal and crosses the grass until he gets some space from both mortals and fey. The Councilor was right, these people had to be under some sort of thrall or enchantment.

"You don't want to be here," he calls to the nearby mortals, weaving magic into his words until they dance through the air like the commands of the fey. "Come on, please help us end this!" Of course, he couldn't tell them to do anything... but he could at least try to give them the ability to choose.

1.) Move action: move to O17 to... not be stuck behind everyone.

2.) Standard action: Casting mass resurgence, on M14-M21, as they are all within 40' of Rowan and 30' of each other. Assuming they're under the same enchantment, they get another saving throw against the ongoing spell, spell-like ability, or supernatural ability. If they succeed the save, the effect ends immediately.

If they're not under the same spell and Rowan gets to choose which one is affected, he will choose the one which affects the most people. If each is under a different spell, he'll choose to affect a halfling.

Rowan's spell sends forward an ethereal wave of force and the four mortals closest to him blink and look around in surprise and alarm.

I swear I rolled for them all, yet strange coincidence would have it that M16-M19 were the ones that managed to break free of the effect. It's fitting, I suppose. :J M18 rolled a nat 20 so I'll reward them with a higher spot in the initiative.


Aerin growls ferociously, ducks the fey's attempt to grab her hand, and attempts to smash her in the face with the hilt of Aerin's sword. "Keep your filthy fingers out of our minds!"


Striking for nonlethal and recovering maneuver(s) again: [roll0] Critical threat check: [roll1] Nonlethal damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]

This strike of Aerin's is more a warning than a serious attack and the fey girl jumps back with a shriek. "You're no nice at all!!

"These meanies are here to ruin our party! Defend me, and kill them all!! Tear them to bits! Everyone help!!"

She jumps down from the cart, trampling the closest mortal to the ground without even a glance and runs to stand behind a couple of other fey. Her cry seems to have alerted the other denizens of Faešei, who look up from their cups and idle chatter. Some gleefully throw their drinks away and extend their claws, while other groan and whine about the interruption.

A young half-elven man dressed like a messenger that had just snapped awake thanks to Rowan's spell moves to put some distance between himself and the party of fey. "What's going on?!", he asks while drawing his rapier.

Sandra directs her mount to a better position and shoots an arrow at the closest fey, hitting them in the shoulder.
Longbow: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Councillor Xastra continues casting and a translucent armour surrounds her form.

The remaining fey next to Relik scrambles up, taking a slash from Alfdel's sword as they do so. Snarling the fey launches a flurry of attacks at the half-elf, using all their limbs. Only one of the attacks manages to draw blood however.

Kick1: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Kick2: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Claw1: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Claw2: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

The fey next to the cart bare their claws and slash at Aerin, one of them also using her horns to gore the hafl-orc. She suffers some serious injuries as the fey savagely tear into her. A third fey runs over and jumps onto the cart. Her eyes burn with red fury and she attempts to grapple Aerin.
F4, full attack
Headbutt1: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

Headbutt2: [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]

Claw1: [roll14]
Damage: [roll15]

Claw2: [roll16]
Damage: [roll17]

F5, full attack
Claw1: [roll18]
Damage: [roll19]

Claw2: [roll20]
Damage: [roll21]

EDIT: 30 damage to Aerin in total. Ouch.

F9
Aerin gets an AoO first, if it hits, the following attempt does not occur.
Melee touch: [roll22] if hits, roll an opposed grapple check against the following
Grapple: [roll23]

A group of three fey charge past confused mortals to get to Rowan. Only the first of them gets to take a swipe at him before he can react. The claws are sharp and Rowan feels his flesh being cut open.
Claw: [roll24](charge)
Damage: [roll25]

The fey Sandra fired at grins wickedly and charges at her, followed closely by a second fey. They claw at her legs and leave them bloody. The third in their group casts a spell and Sandra's horse moves nervously but she's able to calm it, though it remains jumpy. The fourth fey glances up drunkenly and slashes open the throat of the human next to him. The others shout at him.

"Idiot! Not that one!"

F19
Claw: [roll26] (charge)
Damage: [roll27]

F18
Claw: [roll28] (charge)
Damage: [roll29]

A group of four fey talk in low voice amongst themselves and start moving north, circling around Hawke while eyeing the Councillor and her guards.

Two mortals dressed in peasant clothes glance around fearfully and run to get to the other side of the road. The last of the four that Rowan managed to release from the fey magic grabs the arm of the person next to her and tries to drag him away, but he's reluctant to move. The other people just stand in their place, still drinking and talking, or at most look around with a slightly confused expression but no sign of concern or fear on their faces.

FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicated that a character is prone and unmoving. Not marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/mhkY3Yt/Map-16-5.png

________________________________

Springhaven


Eglantine did a wavering motion with her hand. It wasn't technically okay but she needed to let him know she was alive. She then gestured for Iver to drop the illusion, Vindal would definitely not react well to a stranger girl down here.

Iver nods and ends the spell, looking around curiously like he's never seen a magic item crafter's workshop before. Perhaps he really hasn't.

Eglantine steps into the backroom. Unlike the main workshop, this one is neatly arranged, the shelves tidy and everything strictly in order. Only the table in the middle of the room is a bit of a mess, with papers and ink haphazardly scattered about. Vindal is inside, though only the upper half of the elf is visible; he's opened a hatch on the floor and is standing in the space with his back to the door. Though when he hears footsteps he quickly spins around and only relaxes a little when he sees his apprentice. "Eggy! You're back! That's... good. Yes, good." He clambers up to the main floor and hastily closes the hatch.

If you'd like to try to get a sneak peek of your teacher's secrets, you can make a Perception check.

[SirCatBeard]

Muttering darkly as flail impacts ground, Relik sweeps it in an upward swing at the rising fey's torso.


Attack: [roll0] (-7PowAt still, +4prone,+1 from Stance)
Damage: [roll1]

[Athedia]

Springhaven



Iver nods and ends the spell, looking around curiously like he's never seen a magic item crafter's workshop before. Perhaps he really hasn't.

Eglantine steps into the backroom. Unlike the main workshop, this one is neatly arranged, the shelves tidy and everything strictly in order. Only the table in the middle of the room is a bit of a mess, with papers and ink haphazardly scattered about. Vindal is inside, though only the upper half of the elf is visible; he's opened a hatch on the floor and is standing in the space with his back to the door. Though when he hears footsteps he quickly spins around and only relaxes a little when he sees his apprentice. "Eggy! You're back! That's... good. Yes, good." He clambers up to the main floor and hastily closes the hatch.

If you'd like to try to get a sneak peek of your teacher's secrets, you can make a Perception check.

Eggy snooping on this she shouldn't? Why she would nev- Spot (Gah, stupid 3.5): [roll0]

"Look Vindal, I had to sneak out. I don't know what the guard is saying right now but people are hunting my brother and me and I don't know what to do. I don't even know if it is safe for you and the shop. We can't reach him, we can't get any messages sent. I was hoping to uh... borrow or use or I don't know one of your items. We had those tokens, do we still have a bird one? I think that could get a message to Rowan. Let them know they need to get back."

[Table Flipper]

"Easy Maple," Hawke says to help calm his horse as he eyes the fey circling north.

Full attack with three arrows against F17, courtesy of rapid shot feat + high bab attack.

Attack: [roll0] (-2 due to rapid shot penalty)
Damage [roll1]

Attack 2: [roll2] (rapid shot attack made at highest bab)
Damage 2: [roll3]

Attack 3: [roll4]
Damage 3: [roll5]

[CWater]

Gastaraa Plains


Muttering darkly as flail impacts ground, Relik sweeps it in an upward swing at the rising fey's torso.


Attack: [roll0] (-7PowAt still, +4prone,+1 from Stance)
Damage: [roll1]


The weapon smashes into the fey and they cry out in pain, glaring at Relik with fury as blood seeps from their wounds.

Aerin also takes a swing at the enemy lunging at her and prevents a grapple attempt.


"Easy Maple," Hawke says to help calm his horse as he eyes the fey circling north.

Full attack with three arrows against F17, courtesy of rapid shot feat + high bab attack.

Attack: [roll0] (-2 due to rapid shot penalty)
Damage [roll1]

Attack 2: [roll2] (rapid shot attack made at highest bab)
Damage 2: [roll3]

Attack 3: [roll4]
Damage 3: [roll5]

Two of Hawke's arrows strike true and sink into the fey's side. She looks at Hawke in surprise.

Alfdel spurs his mount forward and the fey in front of them scrambles out of the way. Two of the closest enemies try to claw at the horse, but Alfdel directs it away from them and it suffers only a small scratch. Once he's passed, the half-elf turns back to take a swing at the badly wounded fey. His blade draws blood and the target is looking seriously hurt but still refuses to fall.

Vethir shoots two arrows at the cluster of approaching fey, but the creatures dodge and scatter and the arrows fall into the earth. Yuli turns her horse around and rides to meet them swinging her longsword at the closest one. The fey is hit in the shoulder and snarls exposing long canines.

FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicated that a character is prone and unmoving. Not marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/GRcw7Cy/Map-16-6.png

___________________________________

Springhaven


Eggy snooping on this she shouldn't? Why she would nev- Spot (Gah, stupid 3.5): [roll0]

"Look Vindal, I had to sneak out. I don't know what the guard is saying right now but people are hunting my brother and me and I don't know what to do. I don't even know if it is safe for you and the shop. We can't reach him, we can't get any messages sent. I was hoping to uh... borrow or use or I don't know one of your items. We had those tokens, do we still have a bird one? I think that could get a message to Rowan. Let them know they need to get back."

Oh, yeah Perception, sorry. Been playing so much Pathfinder. :P Unfortunately Eggy seems to be too distraught at the moment to snoop.

"Yes, I gathered as much. The guard's have been around, and while they've been tight-lipped, I could tell something's wrong. I don't trust them. Of course you can take a token, you helped make those, and this is an emergency. But I don't think you should tell Rowan to come back", Vindal strides over to the table and sets down a few papers that were in his hand and starts going through the others already there, "Instead, both of you should leave Springhaven, it's not safe for you here right now. It's possible hey're hunting you just because you're witnesses to the castle massacre and don't want you talking, though I have to say the intensity of their search is... worrying. Either way, you need to go." He gathers a stack of papers and arranges them neatly before handing them over to Eglantine, smiling a little sadly "I've written your journeyman certificate, I wish this could have been a happier occasion but... congratulations, your apprenticeship is over."

[SirCatBeard]

Relik glares back then, with a small, quiet smile, sends the flail in a horizontal sweep toward them.

5-foot step to O15. Full attack on F3 (F8 if needed)
Attack: [roll0] (n=4 Power attack, and flanking with Alfdel, I believe)
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Rage count: 2/8

[Kish]

Aerin disappears in a burst of darkness again, appearing on the far side of the fey dancer. "Going somewhere?" she asks, threateningly.

Shadow Jaunt to AD13.

[Athedia]

Springhaven



Oh, yeah Perception, sorry. Been playing so much Pathfinder. :P Unfortunately Eggy seems to be too distraught at the moment to snoop.

"Yes, I gathered as much. The guard's have been around, and while they've been tight-lipped, I could tell something's wrong. I don't trust them. Of course you can take a token, you helped make those, and this is an emergency. But I don't think you should tell Rowan to come back", Vindal strides over to the table and sets down a few papers that were in his hand and starts going through the others already there, "Instead, both of you should leave Springhaven, it's not safe for you here right now. It's possible hey're hunting you just because you're witnesses to the castle massacre and don't want you talking, though I have to say the intensity of their search is... worrying. Either way, you need to go." He gathers a stack of papers and arranges them neatly before handing them over to Eglantine, smiling a little sadly "I've written your journeyman certificate, I wish this could have been a happier occasion but... congratulations, your apprenticeship is over."

Eggy stared at the papers in her hands. She had spent so long working for these and yet... it felt wrong to accept it. She looked p at Vindal and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you. For everything. You have to stay safe okay and keep Olyvar and Ynna safe. We will be back. Springhaven is our home and I won't let any creepy dragon creatures take it over." She tucked the papers away and started to leave before hugging him again.

"You're the closest to a parent I've had since well... I owe everything to you."


She gestured for Iver to follow her and went to grab a token from storage.

"Iver, I could use a disguise again. And I don't know if you should stick around here long either. After we see to Rowan's friend."

[aReallyGreatAxe]

A goofy grin spreads across Rowan's face as a few people shake themselves free of the fey's control, only for the smile to die quickly away as he's clawed. Right, this was serious. "You've been enchanted! The fey are attacking us now." Rowan explains hastily to the rapier-wielding gentleman, then activates his armband and spins the new platinum ring on his finger.

Hopefully the Lady would help him keep Aerin alive, this time.


Can't 5' step or Aerin would be out of range: Pythagorean theorem says Aerin is 38.08' away, and Shield Other's only 40' range!
If I've miscounted, Rowan would go closer, regardless of AoOs from movement.

1.) Armband of elusive action: no AoO, only one charge so can't do this again
2.) Cast shield other on Aerin.

[CWater]

Relik glares back then, with a small, quiet smile, sends the flail in a horizontal sweep toward them.

5-foot step to O15. Full attack on F3 (F8 if needed)
Attack: [roll0] (n=4 Power attack, and flanking with Alfdel, I believe)
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Rage count: 2/8


Relik's flail smashes into the closest fey, removing the upper half of their head. The body collapses on top of their fallen companion. Unfortunately the hit causes the flail to bounce in a different direction and doesn't come close to hitting the second enemy.


A goofy grin spreads across Rowan's face as a few people shake themselves free of the fey's control, only for the smile to die quickly away as he's clawed. Right, this was serious. "You've been enchanted! The fey are attacking us now." Rowan explains hastily to the rapier-wielding gentleman, then activates his armband and spins the new platinum ring on his finger.

Hopefully the Lady would help him keep Aerin alive, this time.


Can't 5' step or Aerin would be out of range: Pythagorean theorem says Aerin is 38.08' away, and Shield Other's only 40' range!
If I've miscounted, Rowan would go closer, regardless of AoOs from movement.

1.) Armband of elusive action: no AoO, only one charge so can't do this again
2.) Cast shield other on Aerin.



This is a good idea, but unfortunately there are two problems with casting this spell. 1. the target of the spell must be wearing the other platinum ring and 2. if either the caster or target moves out of range, the spell ends. Rowan would know of these limitations so I'll let you change what you're casting and not waste a spell.


Aerin disappears in a burst of darkness again, appearing on the far side of the fey dancer. "Going somewhere?" she asks, threateningly.

Shadow Jaunt to AD13.

The fey girl screams when Aerin suddenly pops up behind her. "Leave me alone!!", she whines and steps back, while at the same time lifts up her arms palms open towards Aerin and burst of swirling colours fly out. Aerin and also two nearest mortals are momentarily engulfed by the confusing patterns.

Make a will save DC 15 or be stunned for 1 round.

Seeing the fey group approaching from the back, the catfolk Mir turns his mount around and rides to meet them with axe in hand. The heavy weapon slices the already wounded fey's chest and they bare their teeth and snarl in response. Xastra continues to cast, the effect directed at herself again.

The messenger man awoken by Rowan swallows and steps forward, thrusting his rapier at the fey in front of Rowan and piercing his shoulder.

Sandra directs her horse to back away from her assailants and fires an arrow at the one she already hit once. The arrow scrapes the fey, they appear unperturbed.
Composite longbow: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

The three fey by the cart look nonplussed by Aerin's disappearance, but shrug it off and glance around the battlefield for a new scuffle to join. Each of them sets on a target and they run in separate directions. One charges at Alfdel, another circles around Sandra and the third runs to get right in front of Hawke's horse. The fey on the other side of Alfdel spins around and together with her friend they claw at the half-elf. Both of the feys' eyes glow dark red and their faces twist to a horrible grimace. However, the imperial fights off all the attacks save for one that opens an ugly gash to his left leg.

The fey next to them retaliates for the messenger's attack by sinking both of his clawed hands into the poor man and rips his flesh apart. The half-elf screams in surprise and pain as his feet give under him and he falls down to the grass. The one next to him lunges at Rowan. The first attack just leaves scratches on the boy's armour, but the second cuts into his shoulder.

Claw1: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Claw2: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Also, poor messenger guy, he got in front of a really lucky hit there. Well, unlucky for him.

Two of the fey near Aerin back away from her and begin casting spells. Aerin feels a touch of drowsiness reach for her, but her resolve shrugs it away without concern. However the two closest mortals nearby, an elf and a halfling, fall asleep. She also feels a second magic effect that tries to worm itself to her mind. Still, still... just stand still. Do nothing, nothing...

Make a Will save DC 14 or be dazed for 1 round. (No actions can be taken, but you're not stunned.)

Your HD is too high to be affected by the Sleep spell.

The third fey grins and extends his claws, stepping forward to slash at Aerin. Both hands strike her chest and tear at her flesh. The tough warrior still stands, but she's badly wounded.

Claw1: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Claw2: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

EDIT: Since both attacks hit, she also suffers Rend damage. Rolled in OOC.

The fey pack next to Yuli and Mir let out an ear-piercing battlecry and three rush to surround the two warriors and claw at them. The fourth stays back and weaves a spell that catches Yuli off guard and she stops to stare blankly in to the distance.

The fey pair near Sandra step to follow her and try to drag her down from the saddle. However, the elf defends herself fiercely and they fail to grab a hold of her. A third fey attempts to walk over to them to help, but is too drunk and falls face first to the ground.
Sandra isn't holding a melee weapon, so no AoO.

F18, melee touch: [roll]1d20+7[/roll
Grapple [roll10] VS Sandra's [roll11]

F19, melee touch: [roll]1d20+8[/roll (if F18 was successful, this is an automatic hit)
Grapple [roll12] VS Sandra's [roll13]

In this circumstance, if the grapple is successful, they pull her down.

Another fey moves towards Hawke, though keeping her distance. She points a finger at the ranger and declares, "Isn't this all fun! Laugh with us!"

Make a Will save DC 15 or start laughing manically. (Take no actions.)

One lone fey left into the middle of the interrupted party starts to play a tune with his harp. The mortals around him all turn to face him, captivated by the music.

FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicated that a character is prone and unmoving. Not marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://ibb.co/GHvqYt1

_______________________________


Eggy stared at the papers in her hands. She had spent so long working for these and yet... it felt wrong to accept it. She looked p at Vindal and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you. For everything. You have to stay safe okay and keep Olyvar and Ynna safe. We will be back. Springhaven is our home and I won't let any creepy dragon creatures take it over." She tucked the papers away and started to leave before hugging him again.

"You're the closest to a parent I've had since well... I owe everything to you."


She gestured for Iver to follow her and went to grab a token from storage.

"Iver, I could use a disguise again. And I don't know if you should stick around here long either. After we see to Rowan's friend."

Vindal's voice is thick when he replies, "You've been a good student, Eglantine. But wait, there's one other thing", he clears his throat and goes to take out case from the shelf, bringing it to the table. He opens it and takes out three daggers that he arranges in a neat line, then retrieves two more daggers from his belt and adds them to the collection. All five weapons are excellent craftmanship, beautifully decorated and judging by the runes inscribed on the handles they are also enchanted. "Some of these are my own craft, others were made by my previous apprentices", Vindal smirks, "I dare you to tell the difference. Anyway, this is a personal send-off gift of mine. Choose one, Eglantine, carry it with you on your quest of learning. And one day, once you've learned enough and have perfected your skill, I expect you to forge a blade just like it and give it back to me. And if that work is worthy I will recognise you as a master of equal skill."

Each of the daggers has a different elemental enchantment; Flaming, Frost, Shock, Acidic and Sonic. (The two last are not found in SRD, but they function exactly like the other three.) They all do 1d6 elemental damage (of their respective tyle) on an attack, and also an extra 1d10 on a crit.

Pick any one of them you like.

[aReallyGreatAxe]

So, Blood of the Martyr has some kinda strange flavor, basically requires self-harm to heal another which is.... pretty dark for a [good] spell. I've put the flavor in a content warning because that can be upsetting.

1.) still using the armband of elusive action, avoiding the AoO from movement
2.) Move to M14
3.) Cast Blood of the Martyr on Aerin, +40 HP to Aerin, Rowan's HP 41->1


Seeing the fey claws tear into Aerin again, Rowan realizes that he can't possibly reach her in time should she fall. And he couldn't let that happen, not again!

Instead, he pulls a crossbow bolt from the quiver at his belt- the real type, this time, not the blunted toys he'd fired at the dragon-beasts. The Lady wouldn't accept mercy under this very specific circumstance.

One of the fey's claws had come dangerously close to causing some real damage to his shoulder... That made his job easier. Lots of delicate anatomy in the shoulder.

And if you knew just where to shove, say, a very sharp object...Rowan takes a deep breath and causes the most harm he's ever done to a living being. Won't be using that arm any time soon.


Not enough to kill, at least not in the next minute or two. Rowan made quite sure of that. But not far off.

[Athedia]

Vindal's voice is thick when he replies, "You've been a good student, Eglantine. But wait, there's one other thing", he clears his throat and goes to take out case from the shelf, bringing it to the table. He opens it and takes out three daggers that he arranges in a neat line, then retrieves two more daggers from his belt and adds them to the collection. All five weapons are excellent craftmanship, beautifully decorated and judging by the runes inscribed on the handles they are also enchanted. "Some of these are my own craft, others were made by my previous apprentices", Vindal smirks, "I dare you to tell the difference. Anyway, this is a personal send-off gift of mine. Choose one, Eglantine, carry it with you on your quest of learning. And one day, once you've learned enough and have perfected your skill, I expect you to forge a blade just like it and give it back to me. And if that work is worthy I will recognise you as a master of equal skill."

Each of the daggers has a different elemental enchantment; Flaming, Frost, Shock, Acidic and Sonic. (The two last are not found in SRD, but they function exactly like the other three.) They all do 1d6 elemental damage (of their respective tyle) on an attack, and also an extra 1d10 on a crit.

Pick any one of them you like.

Eggy let her fingers gently run over the different daggers before settling on the one with the sonic rune. "I will not only return you a dagger, but I swear to you it will be the best one a mortal has forged." She looked up at him, determined to not only survive but to prove her worth to Vindal.

Then the sheer urgency of needing to go came back to her and she looked for Iver. They needed to get back to the apartment and then they needed to flee.

[CWater]

Using the momentum of the flail, Relik smashes it to the shoulder of the fey next to the first. There is a sickening sound of breaking bone and the fey cries out, but doesn't fall.

Against his will Hawke's muscles start to cramp and a manic uncontrollable laughter pours out of his throat. For the moment he can do nothing but listen himself laugh like a madman.



So, Blood of the Martyr has some kinda strange flavor, basically requires self-harm to heal another which is.... pretty dark for a [good] spell. I've put the flavor in a content warning because that can be upsetting.

1.) still using the armband of elusive action, avoiding the AoO from movement
2.) Move to M14
3.) Cast Blood of the Martyr on Aerin, +40 HP to Aerin, Rowan's HP 41->1


Seeing the fey claws tear into Aerin again, Rowan realizes that he can't possibly reach her in time should she fall. And he couldn't let that happen, not again!

Instead, he pulls a crossbow bolt from the quiver at his belt- the real type, this time, not the blunted toys he'd fired at the dragon-beasts. The Lady wouldn't accept mercy under this very specific circumstance.

One of the fey's claws had come dangerously close to causing some real damage to his shoulder... That made his job easier. Lots of delicate anatomy in the shoulder.

And if you knew just where to shove, say, a very sharp object...Rowan takes a deep breath and causes the most harm he's ever done to a living being. Won't be using that arm any time soon.


Not enough to kill, at least not in the next minute or two. Rowan made quite sure of that. But not far off.

The pain is almost too much and weak from the bloodloss Rowan comes close to falling down on his knees. Fighting off dizziness he manages to stay on his feet.

On the other side of the battlefield, Aerin feels suddenly stronger and her wounds start to close. It's like a healing spell was cast on her, though she doesn't see the caster nearby.

Alfdel stares at Rowan in shock. "Damn these mindtricks!", he curses and his warhorse pushes the fey in front of him, however the enemy doesn't trip this time. The half-elf swings his blades at the fey Relik wounded, and a cut and stab later another fey body hits the grass.

Yuli attacks the enemy to her left, but the nimble fey dodges the blow. Vethir surveys the battlefield and decides to shoot at the one who ensorcelled Hawke. The fey is laughing at the success of her spell, when the first arrow hits her shoulder. Surprised, she turns around and then the other arrow sinks into her eye and she collapses.

EDIT:
FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicated that a character is prone and unmoving. Not marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/nQTfZ3z/Map-16-8.png
_____________________________________


Eggy let her fingers gently run over the different daggers before settling on the one with the sonic rune. "I will not only return you a dagger, but I swear to you it will be the best one a mortal has forged." She looked up at him, determined to not only survive but to prove her worth to Vindal.

Then the sheer urgency of needing to go came back to her and she looked for Iver. They needed to get back to the apartment and then they needed to flee.

"Big words, prove them right", Vindal smiles a little sadly and nods, "Go now, may Virnil grant you all the good luck, Fern lead your way and Fraemthin guide your work. Goodbye, 'til we meet again." Eglantine hasn't heard Vindal often mention gods, so it's odd to hear him name three in the same sentence.

He stays in the back room when Eggy goes to find Iver, who is still studying the shelves in the main underground workshop. "You have a really interesting place here", he says, "All these enchantments, fascinating! Ah, we're going? Alright, alright..." He pulls himself away and follows Eglantine, who grabs the token on her way out.

They exit the shop from the back door, presumably unnoticed and head towards Witches' Track. There's only a couple of people walking the streets now, even though it's midday and the tournament is still technically on. It feels eerie. Looks like few are comfortable with being outside, though every pub and tavern they pass are full of people, even if the mood is far from celebratory.

Eglantine makes sure to stay far away from all patrolling guards, just to be on the safe side, and they reach Ms Mellow's boarding house without incident. The street is empty and the door is locked, but Eggy hears chattering through the slightly ajar kitchen window. Ms Mellow and old Zandira, another tenant, are inside.

Do you wish to knock, or enter on your own? I believe Eggy has the key, which also opens the front door. (And presumably Iver has one as well.) If you'd like to try to sneak in so that Ms Mellow doesn't even notice Eggy, please also roll Hide and Move Silently checks.

[Kish]

Aerin is surprised by her wounds abruptly healing, but has no time to figure out who healed her, focusing on the enemies in front of her. She steps to her southwest and slashes ferociously.

Steel Wind, targeting F12 and FD.
Attack on F12: [roll0] Critical threat check: [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]
Attack on FD: [roll4] Critical threat check: [roll5] Damage: [roll6] Critical damage: [roll7]

[SirCatBeard]

Relik's gaze tracks Rowan as he moves away from the line of fey but the flicker of relief is quickly replaced with horror at what he sees. But he was still standing, mostly, and at least at a relatively safer location than in front of a quartet of clawed fey, so no time to deal with that now. He looks over at the last few of the fey that initially charged him, Alfdel, and Rowan. With a broad grin he leaps toward the nearer of the two, flail sweeping in a wide, downward arc.

Moving down to O17. Claw at the Moon at F7 (Jump: [roll0] vs AC for [roll1] extra damage on hit).
Attack: [roll2] (n=3 power attack, flanking)
Damage: [roll3]

[CWater]

Relik's gaze tracks Rowan as he moves away from the line of fey but the flicker of relief is quickly replaced with horror at what he sees. But he was still standing, mostly, and at least at a relatively safer location than in front of a quartet of clawed fey, so no time to deal with that now. He looks over at the last few of the fey that initially charged him, Alfdel, and Rowan. With a broad grin he leaps toward the nearer of the two, flail sweeping in a wide, downward arc.

Moving down to O17. Claw at the Moon at F7 (Jump: [roll0] vs AC for [roll1] extra damage on hit).
Attack: [roll2] (n=3 power attack, flanking)
Damage: [roll3]

Relik jumps high and brings the flail down hard on the fey's back. He screams in pain and staggers, but refuses to fall, red fury burning in his eyes.


Aerin is surprised by her wounds abruptly healing, but has no time to figure out who healed her, focusing on the enemies in front of her. She steps to her southwest and slashes ferociously.

Steel Wind, targeting F12 and FD.
Attack on F12: [roll0] Critical threat check: [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]
Attack on FD: [roll4] Critical threat check: [roll5] Damage: [roll6] Critical damage: [roll7]

Aerin swings at the two fey, but they manage to dodge out of the way.

"Leave me alone! Leave me alone!!", the noisy girl screams and runs away from Aerin and her sword, heading south and away from the fight.

Sandra guides her horse to back away so she gets a little space between herself and the enemies surrounding her. Then she knocks a new arrow and shoots it to the closest one's chest.

Composite longbow: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Mir swings his axe at the fey in front of him. The target almost gets away, but the edge of the weapon gets just close enough to open a new wound to their chest.

Xastra attempts to cast a spell at the enemy in front of Hawke, but the magic fails to take effect.

The fey Relik struck and the one next to him both turn towards the elf and claw at him, who manages to block half of the attacks.
F6
Claw1: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Claw2: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll6]

F7
Claw1: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]

Claw2: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll11]


The fey on the other side of Alfdel reaches for the half-elf and plunges all ten of his long claws through his chest. Alfdel makes a small coughing sound and falls down from his horse. He doesn't move after hitting the ground.

The enemy in front of Hawke launches a flurry of attacks at him. While he's crippled by the magically induced laughter, he's still able to defend himself against most of them, taking only one bad hit from the fey's horns.

Headbutt1: [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]

Headbutt2: [roll14]
Damage: [roll15]

Claw1: [roll16]
Damage: [roll17]

Claw1: [roll18]
Damage: [roll19]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll20]


The fey Sandra shot in the chest glares at her and lets out a howl of rage. Eyes flashing with red anger they step forward and sink their claws into her chest as if trying to gouge her heart out. The other fey follows and grabs a hold of the archer, pulling her down, though soon realises the motionless elf is not resisting.

F19
Claw1: [roll21]
Damage: [roll22]

Claw2: [roll23]
Damage: [roll24]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll25]

F18
Touch attack to grapple: [roll26]
Grapple [roll27] VS Sandra's [roll28]

The third one charges at Vethir, claws extended and cackling madly, but she's trying to swing too hard to have enough precision and the imperial avoids the attack.

Nearby, the fey Mir aimed for lunges at him savagely tearing at his flesh. The party see the catfolk fall. Yuli is also subjected to some heavy blows, but her full plate blocks some of them. However, the fey mage manages to grip her mind again and she doesn't lift a hand to retaliate.

On the other side of the battlefield, the two casters that tried to influence Aerin's mind look annoyed after failing. One of them stamps his foot and recasts the same spell, the other takes out a flute and begins to play.

Make a Will save DC 14 or be dazed for 1 round. (No actions can be taken, but you're not stunned.)

The one more inclined towards physical combat continues his attack. One of Aerin's just closed wounds is reopened, but she's had it worse.
Claw1: [roll29]
Damage: [roll30]

Claw2: [roll31]
Damage: [roll32]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll33]

FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/HYC7G3j/Map-16-9.png

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Now wouldn't be a good time to lay down and rest, no matter how much he wants to. He bends down gingerly as the world seems to be spinning a little, lays his good hand on Alfdel and prays for the Half-elf's welfare.... and his own, because staying alive was generally a good thing.


1.) Move to O15
2.) Use amulet of retributive healing, 2/3 charges now remaining.
3.) Burn Remove nausea to cast cure serious wounds on Alfdel, curing (3d8+17)[8 (lv+1)+3(cha)+6(2*splv)]
[roll0] HP to Alfdel and Rowan.

EDIT: Removed a reference to Alfdel as "Councilor Alfdel"....

[CWater]

Now wouldn't be a good time to lay down and rest, no matter how much he wants to. He bends down gingerly as the world seems to be spinning a little, lays his good hand on Councilor Alfdel and prays for the Half-elf's welfare.... and his own, because staying alive was generally a good thing.


1.) Move to O15
2.) Use amulet of retributive healing, 2/3 charges now remaining.
3.) Burn Remove nausea to cast cure serious wounds on Alfdel, curing (3d8+17)[8 (lv+1)+3(cha)+6(2*splv)]
[roll0] HP to Alfdel and Rowan.




The healing spell knits together the flesh Rowan had torn open and the sinking chill of death he'd felt changes to pleasant calm coolness. Alfdel also improves and his eyes flutter open. "What happened?", he asks, somewhat dazed, "You better?" Noticing the fight still happening right next to him, the elf starts to carefully crawl away from the feys' immediate reach, not too keen to give them an opening to strike right away.

"Get back!", Vethir shouts to Xastra, "Enemy's getting close!"

Vethir will delay until Xastra's turn.

Also, small note, Alfdel is not a Councillor, Xastra is. :)

FD is the redhead dancer.
Fs are other fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/YDv5rXm/Map-16-10.png

[SirCatBeard]

Relik mutters a curse at the current turn of events, but seeing no clear alternative, grimly focuses on methodically, finally eliminating this pocket of fey.

Full attack of F7 (F6 if needed/cleave) (n=3 power attack)
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Kish]

"If I ever see you again, I'll turn your skull into a drinking cup!" Aerin shouts after the fleeing fey dancer, then takes a step to the east and gestures with her sword. A small ball of flame appears in front of her, expanding outward into a cone as it moves to her northwest.

Reading the map, it looks to me like Aerin can hit F12 and F13 with Hatchling's Flame without hitting any non-fey. If that's not accurate, let me know and she'll do something else.

If that's what she does, F12 and F13 both take [roll0] fire damage, Reflex DC 16 for half.

[CWater]

Relik mutters a curse at the current turn of events, but seeing no clear alternative, grimly focuses on methodically, finally eliminating this pocket of fey.

Full attack of F7 (F6 if needed/cleave) (n=3 power attack)
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]


Relik's flail claims another victim, splitting the fey's skull open. Moving to the next target, he slams the weapon to another enemy.

First attack kills F7, so second attack is aimed at F6. You also get a Cleave attack.


"If I ever see you again, I'll turn your skull into a drinking cup!" Aerin shouts after the fleeing fey dancer, then takes a step to the east and gestures with her sword. A small ball of flame appears in front of her, expanding outward into a cone as it moves to her northwest.

Reading the map, it looks to me like Aerin can hit F12 and F13 with Hatchling's Flame without hitting any non-fey. If that's not accurate, let me know and she'll do something else.

If that's what she does, F12 and F13 both take [roll0] fire damage, Reflex DC 16 for half.

Unfortunately, it's not possible to aim a 30 ft. cone so that it only hits fey here.

Thus I assume you wish to do something else.

[Kish]

Aerin steps northeast and swings her sword at the fey in front of her.

Attack F12, regain maneuvers: [roll0] Critical threat check (on a 19 or 20): [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]

[CWater]

Aerin steps northeast and swings her sword at the fey in front of her.

Attack F12, regain maneuvers: [roll0] Critical threat check (on a 19 or 20): [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]

Her attack surprises the fey and the blade cuts open his chest and ruins his toga. A twitch of pain passes through his handsome features briefly, before the amused expression returns. "Did I understand that correct? The language of this land is so crass. You mean to make a cup of the little princess's pretty head? Such audacity!" The idea seems to entertain him. "I suppose we can't have that." He attacks again.

Claw1: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Claw2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll4]

The fey girl doesn't reply to Aerin's threat, still running farther and farther away from the fight.

The flute players gets bored of the tune and glances around eyes starting to burn with anger. They grab two discarded goblets from the ground and toss one of them at Aerin. The other caster is also throwing a tantrum after his spell again fails to take effect. Following the bards example, he also starts to gather goblets, bottles and other random objects left lying around from the party.

Goblet, thrown: [roll5] (ranged to melee penalty)
Damage: [roll6]

Relik swings the flail back at the fey a second time and they go down with a whimper. For a moment the elf has cleared his immediate vicinity of enemies, but then the fey that dropped Alfdel crouches under his horse and lunges screaming at Relik.

Claw: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]

Councillor Xastra nods in response to Vethir and rides off the road, circling behind the heavy cart and the oxen.

Her guard moves back a little and shoots twice at the closest enemy again. Only one of the arrows hits and the fey shows no sign of stopping. She runs to Vethirs side and attempts to drag him off the saddle, but the elf resists this attempt.

Nearby, the fey holding the unconscious Sandra quickly loses interest in the elf and unceremoniously drops her to the ground. She then runs over to the still ongoing fight and also attempts to pull Vethir down. However, the guard kicks her in the chest, preventing her from getting a hold of him. They're joined by the third fey in their small troupe, who tries to slash the elf with their claws, but stumbles and misses entirely.

The enemy next to Hawke continues her attempts to claw and gore the laughing ranger.

Headbutt1: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]

Headbutt2: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]

Claw1: [roll13]
Damage: [roll14]

Claw1: [roll15]
Damage: [roll16]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll17]

The fey surrounding Yuli continue to claw at her, and while some of the attacks are blocked by her armour, others manage to hit between the unprotected areas between the plates and she's bleeding badly by now. At the same time, the fourth fey keeps a hold of her mind, robbing her the chance to counter-attack.

In the middle of the ensorcelled mortals one fey continues to play his harp, seemingly as oblivious to his surroundings as they are. He sits down cross-legged and the mortals gather around, also sitting or lying down to the grass, listening to the beautiful harmonic music. The instruments that produce their music without the need of a player also float over and join the tune.

Two mortals that Rowan freed from the enchantment finish gathering their things by the roadside and proceed to run away from the scene. The third mortal in possession of all her wits stands still, looking at the gathering of people with a look of trepidation of her face.

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/945Bwx6/Map-16-11.png

[aReallyGreatAxe]

Sandra slumps limply to the ground- no, that wouldn’t do, not after Geoff and the Lieutenant! Rowan abandons the relative protection of his position to run to the unconscious elf and try to remedy the situation- and it put him closer to Hawke, best to do something about that situation soon.


1.) move action to O10
2.) burn peacebond for cure moderate light wounds on Sandra (bit late for peacebond, it seems!)
1d8+10

[CWater]

Sandra slumps limply to the ground- no, that wouldn’t do, not after Geoff and the Lieutenant! Rowan abandons the relative protection of his position to run to the unconscious elf and try to remedy the situation- and it put him closer to Hawke, best to do something about that situation soon.


1.) move action to O10
2.) burn peacebond for cure moderate light wounds on Sandra (bit late for peacebond, it seems!)
1d8+10



The elf stirs and her eyes fly open. "Ouch...", she mumbles.

Still down on the ground Alfdel considers his options and chooses to strike from his current position. The fey's attention is on Relik and is caught by surprise when the elf jams two blades through each of his legs. Judging by the amount of blood gushing from the wounds, he stroke a major artery. However, rage flares in the fey's eyes and he refuses to fall.

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/tPX2bZz/Map-16-12.png

[Kish]

"I'll chase her down," Aerin mutters. She raises her sword and then disappears.

Shadow Jaunt as far toward the fey F16 as possible; hopefully the fey she was fighting will be looking in the other direction in the belief that she's pursuing the princess. Shadow Jaunt lets her move 50 feet as a standard action; if I'm reading the map correctly that will put her in V7, after which, as her move action, she'll move U6-U5-T4-S3-R3. If I'm misreading it, she'll get as close to the fey F16 as she can without provoking attacks of opportunity from any other fey.

[SirCatBeard]

As Alfdel stabs the fey's legs, Relik brings the flail around to strike high. , he glances around after Rowan and moves toward the next nearest group of fey.

Attack F5:
Attack: [roll0] n=1 power attack
Damage: [roll1]

If [I]fey still standing
Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

elseif fey falls
Move to L8

[CWater]

As Alfdel stabs the fey's legs, Relik brings the flail around to strike high. , he glances around after Rowan and moves toward the next nearest group of fey.

Attack F5:
Attack: [roll0] n=1 power attack
Damage: [roll1]

If [I]fey still standing
Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

elseif fey falls
Move to L8


Relik swiftly finishes the job and smashes the fey skull like a disgusting watermelon. Then he runs to join the fight between Vethir and three gleeful fey. The archer backs away with his guard up. Unfortunately, the enemies are too close to aim a shot properly.

One fey strikes Vethir, sinking her claws to his side. Another gives up on trying to pull him down and instead claws the elf from the other side.

The enemy closest to Relik spins around when he arrives, c'ocks her head to one side and snickers, before unleashing a flurry of attacks at him. He dodges most of them, however one kick hits him in the stomach.

Kick1: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Kick2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Claw1: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Claw1: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll8]


"I'll chase her down," Aerin mutters. She raises her sword and then disappears.

Shadow Jaunt as far toward the fey F16 as possible; hopefully the fey she was fighting will be looking in the other direction in the belief that she's pursuing the princess. Shadow Jaunt lets her move 50 feet as a standard action; if I'm reading the map correctly that will put her in V7, after which, as her move action, she'll move U6-U5-T4-S3-R3. If I'm misreading it, she'll get as close to the fey F16 as she can without provoking attacks of opportunity from any other fey.

Aerin reappears on the other side of the battlefield and gets a better view of what's going on here. Hawke is still under some enchantment that forces him to laugh uncontrollably, though he's otherwise almost unharmed. The Imperial guards are not doing so well; Mir lies on his face on the ground and Yuli is badly wounded and dazed. Aerin arrives in time to see how one of the fey lunges forward, grabs a hold of the guardwoman and rips her throat out. She's pushed off her horse and falls down to the ground to lie motionless like Mir.

Another fey looks around for another opponent, spots Aerin and rushes over to punch her in the face.

Fist: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]

The spellcaster in the back row turns towards Aerin as well, grins and weaves a pattern in the air.

Please make a Will save DC 14 or be dazed (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/conditionSummary.htm#dazed) for 1 round.

The remaining enemy in this troupe chooses to join the party surrounding Vethir, though the elf evades her first swing.


"Thanks", Sandra nods to Rowan and shakily stands up. "I- I need to help Hawke, and the others. Stay safe!" She draws her falchion and moves towards the fighter who keeps trying to hit Hawke. The fey is growing increasingly angry when the ranger keeps dodging and blocking her blows and she lets out a howl of rage and her muscles bulge. However, even this fury doesn't help her enough to strike her evasive target.

Headbutt1: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]

Headbutt2: [roll13]
Damage: [roll14]

Claw1: [roll15]
Damage: [roll16]

Claw1: [roll17]
Damage: [roll18]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll19]

The three fey left on the western edge of the battlefield look confused when Aerin has disappeared. One of them runs forward and throws a metal cup in Sandra's direction, but she doesn't even notice it.

Cup: [roll20]
Damage: [roll21]

The chattiest of the trio shrugs after after Aerin disappears and he's lost his opponent. So he races across the battlefield towards the target his comrade sort of pointed out with the flying container. The third remaining fey runs after him.

The heavily drunk fey crawls his way to Rowan and tries to grab a hold of his foot. However, it is easy for the young healer to step aside and avoid the poor attempt.
Touch attack: [roll22]
If hits, grapple check: [roll23]

The woman freed from the charm earlier runs over to Alfdel and helps him up.

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/BzzLKjs/Map-16-13.png

[CWater]

Sticking to his conviction to save as many lives as possible Rowan immediately casts a spell on the fallen Yuli to keep her in this world a moment longer. Braving the danger, he runs over to Mir and begins healing his wounds.

Casting Delay Death on Yuli as an immediate action and converting Protection to CLW.
[roll0]

Alfdel nods to the woman that helped him, and with a quick motion swings himself back into the saddle. The trained warhorse had waited patiently in place, even though battle raged around it. The elf then turns the mount around and charges to strike the fey threatening Sandra. His rapier hits, though its only a flesh wound.

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/JxmRMm7/Map-16-14.png

[SirCatBeard]

There is no end to them, passes through Reliks mind, as he strikes once more at the fey.

5-foot step to K7. Full attack at F18 (F9 if needed/Cleave)
Attack: [roll0] n=3 power attack
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Kish]

Growling in irritation, Aerin steps to the west and touches her belt.

Healing belt effect: [roll0]

[CWater]

There is no end to them, passes through Reliks mind, as he strikes once more at the fey.

5-foot step to K7. Full attack at F18 (F9 if needed/Cleave)
Attack: [roll0] n=3 power attack
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]


The fey dodges the first swing, but the second strikes true, spinning the target around. She hisses at Relik, showing her sharp canines and lunges at him. Her attack is joined by second fey in reach, and the brutal attacks leave the even the tough elf badly bloodied.

F18
Kick1: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Kick2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Claw1: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Claw1: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll8]

F9
Claw1: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]

Claw1: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll13]


Vethir backs away from the enemies and shoots two arrows at the fey to his left, though only one just scrapes her shoulder. She snarls and rushes to attack the elf, sinking her claws deep into his stomach. Blood sprays out of the found and Vethir sags close to the horse's neck, barely conscious. But then another enemy runs over and rips open his face and he doesn't move after that.


Growling in irritation, Aerin steps to the west and touches her belt.

Healing belt effect: [roll0]

The healing has barely had time to take effect when two fey are trying to kill her again, their claws cutting deep into her flesh.

F15
Kick1: [roll14]
Damage: [roll15]

Kick2: [roll16]
Damage: [roll17]

Claw1: [roll18]
Damage: [roll19]

Claw1: [roll20]
Damage: [roll21]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll22]

F14
Claw1: [roll23]
Damage: [roll24]

Claw1: [roll25]
Damage: [roll26]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll27]

The sorcerer in the back makes a gesture, but nothing happens. He frowns, then shrugs and turns to run away from the fight. Mir grunts and rolls away from the fey, trying to assess the situation.

Sandra closes the distance to the fey attacking Hawke and sinks her falchion to her back.

Falchion: [roll28]
Damage: [roll29]

The nimble fey woman spins around to face Sandra, her beautiful face so twisted by rage that it doesn't even resemble humanoid anymore, and retaliates with powerful kicks that break the elf's ribs and force the air out of her lungs, causing her to fall down to the ground a second time in this fight.

She starts with Sandra, but if she falls the rest of the attacks are directed at Hawke.

Kick1: [roll30]
Damage: [roll31]

Kick2: [roll32]
Damage: [roll33]

Claw1: [roll34]
Damage: [roll35]

Claw1: [roll36]
Damage: [roll37]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll38]

The enemy Alfdel swung at turns around and reaches for him, but the half-elf blocks his claws. However this gives another fey an opening to swipe at his side.


Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/FxnhLSz/Map-16-15.png

[Table Flipper]

At this point, Hawke is filled with rage at... pretty much everything happening at the moment. Through his otherwise silent fury, Hawke does get one word out: "Attack!"

Hawke dismounts and, for the moment, ignores the fey in favor of using his healing belt on Sandra. She wasn't about to die on his watch.

Mushroom, responding to his friend's command word, dismounts and claws at the fey.

Both dismount as a move action. Hawke to R6 and Mushroom to S5.

Hawke uses all 3 charges of the healing belt to heal Sandra 4d8, accepting AoO.
Healing: [roll0]

Mushroom standard attacks F4 with a claw.
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: Will always be 1

[CWater]

At this point, Hawke is filled with rage at... pretty much everything happening at the moment. Through his otherwise silent fury, Hawke does get one word out: "Attack!"

Hawke dismounts and, for the moment, ignores the fey in favor of using his healing belt on Sandra. She wasn't about to die on his watch.

Mushroom, responding to his friend's command word, dismounts and claws at the fey.

Both dismount as a move action. Hawke to R6 and Mushroom to S5.

Hawke uses all 3 charges of the healing belt to heal Sandra 4d8, accepting AoO.
Healing: [roll0]

Mushroom standard attacks F4 with a claw.
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: Will always be 1

Mushroom hisses at the fey but fails to draw blood. When Hawke bends down next to Sandra, the fey aims a kick at his gut, but almost slips and falls down herself.

Sandra's eyes flutter and she groans, trying to get up.

Kick: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Seeing that Aerin is in a very bad shape, Rowan reaches to touch her arm and pass some healing energy to her.

Converting Heart's Ease to CSW: [roll2]
(I hope I got his modifier right ^_^' )

Alfdel swings at the fey in front of him with both of his swords and then his mount rears up and adds in a kick, leaving the enemy barely standing.

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/3hNN3DX/Map-16-16.png

[Kish]

Aerin growls again at the two fey in front of her now, slashing with her sword.

Steel Wind attack on F14: [roll0] Critical threat check: [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]
Steel Wind attack on F15: [roll4] Critical threat check: [roll5] Damage: [roll6] Critical damage: [roll7]

[SirCatBeard]

While some of severity of the wounds registers, Relik swipes at his latest set of fey.

Full attack at F18 (F9 if needed/Cleave)

Attack: [roll0] n=3 power attack
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[CWater]

Aerin growls again at the two fey in front of her now, slashing with her sword.

Steel Wind attack on F14: [roll0] Critical threat check: [roll1] Damage: [roll2] Critical damage: [roll3]
Steel Wind attack on F15: [roll4] Critical threat check: [roll5] Damage: [roll6] Critical damage: [roll7]

Aerin cuts the fey in front of her and they recoil hissing. However, the frenzy they're in appears to dull the pain as they are quickly back to clawing at her, moving almost faster than eye can see. Aerin is badly wounded by the first whirl of attacks and the second flurry knocks her down, they second enemy digging at her chest, appearing to try to gouge her heart out.

F15
Kick1: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Kick2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Claw1: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Claw2: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll8]


F14
Claw1: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]

Claw2: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll13]

In face of this horrible display, Rowan uses his second spell to keep Aerin from dying despite her terrible injuries. Next to him Mir grabs his weapon and pulls himself up.


While some of severity of the wounds registers, Relik swipes at his latest set of fey.

Full attack at F18 (F9 if needed/Cleave)

Attack: [roll0] n=3 power attack
Damage: [roll1]

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]


Relik downs yet another enemy and severely wounds another one. The fey screams a mad glint in her eyes and lunges at him, sinking her claws to his throat and bringing him down.

Claw1: [roll14]
Damage: [roll15]

Claw2: [roll16]
Damage: [roll17]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll18]

Nearby Vethir stirs, his face still a bloody mess. Having dropped his bow, he draws a dagger. However, the fey next to him quickly punches him back to oblivion. With the elf out of the count the other fey looks around for a new target. Spotting Hawke who conveniently has his back turned she charges to sink her claws to his back.

Claw1: [roll19] (flank bonus included)
Damage: [roll20]


Still on the ground Sandra reaches for her weapon and takes a swing at the fey threatening her, Hawke and Mushroom. However, her position is poor and she doesn't even come close to hitting the target.

Falchion: [roll21] (prone penalty and flank bonus included)
Damage: [roll22]

The enemy glares at the trio, then jumps to kick both Sandra and Musroom at the same time, and after landing attempts to claw Hawke. Most of the attacks miss, but Mushroom takes a bad hit.

Kicking Sandra: [roll23] (bonus from attacking prone target included)
Damage: [roll24]

Kicking Mushroom: [roll25]
Damage: [roll26]

At Hawke
Claw1: [roll27] (flank bonus included)
Damage: [roll28]

Claw2: [roll29] (flank bonus included)
Damage: [roll30]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll31]

Now riderless and way too close to this scary battle, Maple neighs and gallops away.

The enemies next to Alfdel claw at him and the half-elf comes close to losing consciousness again. The third fey decides that this fight has become boring and stupid and turns to run away.

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/9NgJLdK/Map-16-17.png

[Table Flipper]

Hawke repositions and, drawing his flail, attacks with all his might!

Mushroom becomes enraged, striking at his assailant with new vigour!

Hawke 5' steps to R5 and draws flail to attack F4. It occurs to me that he should be able to hold bow in off-hand without needed to drop or sheathe it, but can drop if necessary.

Attack: [roll0] (Includes +2 flanking with Sandra but -2 due to use of power attack.)
Damage [roll1]

Having taken damage, Mushroom now rages against F4, +4 to str, con, and -2 to ac. Mushroom might also gain hitpoints due to con, but not sure. Full attack.

Claw 1: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Claw 2: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Bite: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

[CWater]

Hawke repositions and, drawing his flail, attacks with all his might!

Mushroom becomes enraged, striking at his assailant with new vigour!

Hawke 5' steps to R5 and draws flail to attack F4. It occurs to me that he should be able to hold bow in off-hand without needed to drop or sheathe it, but can drop if necessary.

Attack: [roll0] (Includes +2 flanking with Sandra but -2 due to use of power attack.
Damage [roll1]

Having taken damage, Mushroom now rages against F4, +4 to str, con, and -2 to ac. Mushroom might also gain hitpoints due to con, but not sure. Full attack.

Claw 1: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Claw 2: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Bite: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

The fey is first beaten by Hawke's flail and then gets to face the full wrath of an enraged badger when Mushroom lunges, tearing at her flesh with claws and teeth. When she finally manages to extricate herself from the small beast she's full of deep cuts, bleeding badly.

Alfdel is also fortunate, decapitating the enemy in front of him. He misses the second one, however his mount kicks the target in the chest.

Aerin was down, but safe(?) for the moment, so Rowan runs over to Relik, ducking under the horse in the way. Invoking the powers he possesses, the healer sacrifices one of the more powerful spells Illyrie has granted for today.

Converting Sending to CCW: [roll0]

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/gVHgtT3/Map-16-18.png

[SirCatBeard]

As Relik's eyes open once more, his mind clears enough to register that the damage is probably bad enough to have to actually deal with. He rises, downing an imperial potion, and takes up a defensive posture beside the young healer.

Stand and chug CSW potion, though probably only one matters for AoO's.
CSW: [roll0]

Round 8/8 rage, so it either ends now or at the start of next turn.

[CWater]

As Relik's eyes open once more, his mind clears enough to register that the damage is probably bad enough to have to actually deal with. He rises, downing an imperial potion, and takes up a defensive posture beside the young healer.

Stand and chug CSW potion, though probably only one matters for AoO's.
CSW: [roll0]

Round 8/8 rage, so it either ends now or at the start of next turn.


Claw1: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

I'll say the rage lasts until the start of your next turn.

[CWater]

The fey claws Relik while he stands, but the potion brings the life back to his tired limbs. However this lasts only for a moment, as the bloodthirsty fey claws at him again, this time tearing open his throat.

Claw1: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Claw2: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll4]

Her companion, the one who was hitting Vethir, looks around with a confused expression on their face and mutters something in Sylvan. Then the fey slumps down to sit on the ground and yawns.

Still on the ground, Sandra takes another swing at the enemy next to her, hitting her calf.

Falchion: [roll5] (prone penalty and flank bonus included)
Damage: [roll6]

The stubborn fey woman screams, and despite her serious injuries continues to hit at everything in her reach. However, her aim is poor and doesn't actually manage to connect with anything.
Kicking Sandra: [roll7] (bonus from attacking prone target included)
Damage: (1d8+5)[6]

Kicking Mushroom: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

At Hawke
Claw1: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

Claw2: [roll12]
Damage: [roll13]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll14]

The fey next to Alfdel tears at his leg and the blood loss from all of his wounds is too much for the half-elf and he goes unconscious again, sliding off the saddle.

Mir grips his greataxe and glares at the two fey in front of him, their hands dark with blood. "Haven't you had enough?!", he snarls. At this time, the red fury fades from their eyes, and the two members of the fae folk glance at each other, looking somewhat dizzy and suddenly tired. One of them licks their fingers and frowns. "Bleh, I'd rather have some good wine." The other says something in Sylvan and the pair turns around and head for the pile of abandoned supplies. One of them shouts something over their shoulder.

"Hey! Charlnnáh! We're gonna have a drink, you coming?!"

One of the fey next to Hawke, the one not hitting everything in sight, looks over and waves. Some sanity also returning to her eyes and she shouts back a reply.

"Oh, yeah I guess! Shanrul's still in frenzy here, but I'll come over!"
She turns and starts walking that way as well.

Aerin returns to consciousness. She's standing on the plain, but everything in is quiet and misty. There are shapes around him but they are twisted and blurry, hard to make out. Then a white appears next to her, or maybe it had been there all along, it's hard to tell. We meet again, Illyrie's servant speaks to her and Aerin feels the mark on her shoulder feel colder, Yet, this time you are not dead. Not yet. The deer nods towards the ground and Aerin sees a copy of her lying there. Motionless and with a large hole in her chest that no living being should survive. The Lady's young servant is at it again, he truly wishes to save everybody. The voice sounds slightly amused but also sad at the same time.

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
Hmh, I seem to be unable to access the site to add an update map, so please note that Relik is unconscious again.
https://i.ibb.co/1LFkZm6/Map-16-19.png

[Table Flipper]

Hawke briefly addresses his allies regarding the fey leaving combat, "They say they're just gonna drink some wine! I say just let 'em and regroup!"

He then turns his attention back to the one he's still fighting.

"As for you, you'll be eating steel!"

Hawke and Mushroom continue full attacks against F4.

Hawke

Attack 1: [roll0] (+2 flanking, -2 power attack)
Damage 1: [roll1] (+2 power attack)

Attack 2: [roll2] (+2 flanking, -2 power attack)
Damage 2: [roll3] (+2 power attack)

Mushroom

Claw 1: [roll4] (includes flanking which I forgot before as well as weapon finesse, which badgers have but I forgot about too :P)
Damage: [roll5]

Claw 2: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Bite: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

[CWater]

Hawke briefly addresses his allies regarding the fey leaving combat, "They say they're just gonna drink some wine! I say just let 'em and regroup!"

He then turns his attention back to the one he's still fighting.

"As for you, you'll be eating steel!"

Hawke and Mushroom continue full attacks against F4.

Hawke

Attack 1: [roll0] (+2 flanking, -2 power attack)
Damage 1: [roll1] (+2 power attack)

Attack 2: [roll2] (+2 flanking, -2 power attack)
Damage 2: [roll3] (+2 power attack)

Mushroom

Claw 1: [roll4] (includes flanking which I forgot before as well as weapon finesse, which badgers have but I forgot about too :P)
Damage: [roll5]

Claw 2: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Bite: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

The fey just barely dodges Hawke's first attack, but the second gets her right in the head. Dizzy from the blow, she stumbles and is brought down by a ferocious Mushroom.

Rowan feels a pang of guilt when Relik falls down again. He reaches to heal him again and whispers, "Stay still, I'll distract her."

Converting Panacea to CCW: [roll0]

Then Rowan backs away and waves at the menacing fey, "Hey, claw-lady! Think you can catch me?!"

Relik wakes up to find his battle rage faded away and replaced by ache and stiffness.

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
Hmh, I seem to be unable to access the site to add an update map, so please note that Relik is unconscious again.
https://i.ibb.co/g7FkMz3/Map-16-20.png

[Kish]

"Hrgh," Aerin comments. "Bleck. Fey. Not making a good impression on me."

After a minute, if the spirit doesn't speak further, she says, "Rowan, huh? Looks like I'm out of that fight, anyway. If you have any advice for ways to get fey to back down--that is, to resolve conflicts with them without either fighting them, or letting them slaughter other people--it might result in less death."

She doesn't acknowledge the possibility that she might not return to life again.

[SirCatBeard]

Whether by sense or exhaustion, Relik remains still despite the desire to protect the young healer. However, he remains fully alert to the fey before him.

Total Defense, which should just serve to negate the AC penalty for Prone. Neutral Jing it is.

[CWater]

"Hrgh," Aerin comments. "Bleck. Fey. Not making a good impression on me."

After a minute, if the spirit doesn't speak further, she says, "Rowan, huh? Looks like I'm out of that fight, anyway. If you have any advice for ways to get fey to back down--that is, to resolve conflicts with them without either fighting them, or letting them slaughter other people--it might result in less death."

She doesn't acknowledge the possibility that she might not return to life again.

There are many kinds of fey, but these are one of the worst. The tone of disdain is unmistakable even in the deer's telepathic voice. They are called bacchae, and they spend all their days drinking, reveling and fighting. Which would not be so bad I guess, if not for their explosive rage. A single insult can lead them to kill without remorse, and when a group of them fly into fury together the result is often a massacre. Illyrie's servant sighs. At least they don't hold grudges, I suppose I have to give them that.

I see you have kept your promise. The Emperor of Ljonaria is safe, for now at least, and you have not killed since returning to life. I hope you will remember something of this in the future, and as promised I release you from this oath. The deer leans closer to Aerin and touches her shoulder with its head. The cold sensation intensifies for a moment and then disappears entirely.

With the fey down, Sandra finally stands up and runs to collect her bow from where it fell.

Mir moves next to Rowan, ready to strike at any hostiles that come close. The fey the healer taunted hisses and charges at him, but the imperial guard is ready and swings his axe in a wide arc hitting the enemy straight in the chest and she falls down on her back.

The fey that downed Alfdel is still maddened by rage and selects Hawke as his new target, charging to claw at him. However, the clumsy attack is easy to dodge.

Claw: [roll0] (charge included)
Damage: [roll1]


Whether by sense or exhaustion, Relik remains still despite the desire to protect the young healer. However, he remains fully alert to the fey before him.

Total Defense, which should just serve to negate the AC penalty for Prone. Neutral Jing it is.

The angry fey ran away, but her tired looking companion crawls over to Relik and begins rummaging through his pockets, muttering to themself.

A trio of fey that retreated from the fight have started to search a pile of abandoned supplies for wine.

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
Hmh, I seem to be unable to access the site to add an update map, so please note that Relik is unconscious again.
https://i.ibb.co/tqmzQ6P/Map-16-21.png

[Table Flipper]

Hawke scoffs at the newcomer's attack and retaliates with his own.

5'-step to Q6 for that sweet flanking bonus and full attack F11.

Attack 1: [roll0] (+2 flanking, -2 power attack)
Damage 1 [roll1] (+2 power attack)

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage 2: [roll3]

Since we don't know if F4 is dead or just unconscious, Mushroom will keep attacking F4 until confirmed death, as per the rules of badger rage.

Claw 1: [roll4] (All attacks include +4 for attacking unconscious target)
Damage: [roll5]

Claw 2: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Bite: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

[CWater]

Hawke scoffs at the newcomer's attack and retaliates with his own.

5'-step to Q6 for that sweet flanking bonus and full attack F11.

Attack 1: [roll0] (+2 flanking, -2 power attack)
Damage 1 [roll1] (+2 power attack)

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage 2: [roll3]

Since we don't know if F4 is dead or just unconscious, Mushroom will keep attacking F4 until confirmed death, as per the rules of badger rage.

Claw 1: [roll4] (All attacks include +4 for attacking unconscious target)
Damage: [roll5]

Claw 2: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Bite: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

Hawke hits the enemy in the torso and they spin around, however the crazed fury still burns in their eyes. Likewise enraged, Mushroom continues to claw at the fey woman on the ground until he's made sure she'll never move again.

With so many bodies lying on the ground, Rowan says a quick prayer to Illyrie to save at least all those still alive.

Casting Stabilize, which gives +1 HP to everyone in a 50 ft. radius from Rowan.

Seems like a thing he would do. :J

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/jwDg9z2/Map-16-22.png

[SirCatBeard]

A vile feeling, some idiot fey rummaging. Seizing the nearby flail, Relik stands to glower down at the fey. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." He snarls, as he brings the weapon down on the fey.

Attack F19 and recover Maneuvers
Attack: [roll0] +4 from prone target, n=3 power attack, EDIT: forgot additional +1 from BitW, so 15.
Damage: [roll1]

[CWater]

A vile feeling, some idiot fey rummaging. Seizing the nearby flail, Relik stands to glower down at the fey. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." He snarls, as he brings the weapon down on the fey.

Attack F19 and recover Maneuvers
Attack: [roll0] +4 from prone target, n=3 power attack, EDIT: forgot additional +1 from BitW, so 15.
Damage: [roll1]


The fey jerks back to get away from the flail's path. "Whoa! You were awake! Sorry, was just checking if you had any booze, no hard feelings?" They shrug innocently.

Mir moves in to attack the enemy still raging at Hawke. His axe cuts the fey's back, though not very deeply. Sandra takes aim at the same target and lets an arrow fly, hitting them in the thigh.

Longbow: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Despite all this, the fey keeps clawing at Hawke, snarling and hissing in a manner not unlike Mushroom. However, the attacks are not very accurate.

Claw1: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Claw2: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

If both claws hit, additional rend damage: [roll6]


Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/vV52GRQ/Map-16-23.png

[Table Flipper]

Hawke smiles at the enraged fey.

"Oh dear. You're really quite bad at this, huh?"

Hawke continues his attacks.

Mushroom rage subsides as he finishes off that awful fey and lets out a triumphant howl-like sound. He then decides that he should probably attack the other fey that's attacking his friend.

Hawke full attacks F11.

Attack 1: [roll0] (+2 flank -2 power attack)
Damage 1: [roll1]

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage 2: [roll3]

Mushroom's rage will subside with the defeat of F4, though I do not believe badgers suffer post-rage blues like barbarians. Anyway, he will full attack F11.

Claw 1: [roll4] (+2 flanking)
Damage: [roll5]

Claw 2: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Bite: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

[CWater]

Hawke smiles at the enraged fey.

"Oh dear. You're really quite bad at this, huh?"

Hawke continues his attacks.

Mushroom rage subsides as he finishes off that awful fey and lets out a triumphant howl-like sound. He then decides that he should probably attack the other fey that's attacking his friend.

Hawke full attacks F11.

Attack 1: [roll0] (+2 flank -2 power attack)
Damage 1: [roll1]

Attack 2: [roll2]
Damage 2: [roll3]

Mushroom's rage will subside with the defeat of F4, though I do not believe badgers suffer post-rage blues like barbarians. Anyway, he will full attack F11.

Claw 1: [roll4] (+2 flanking)
Damage: [roll5]

Claw 2: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Bite: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

Hawke knocks the fey down with a well aimed blow and Mushroom promptly finishes the job. For the moment, no one is attacking the party or their allies.

Now that no one else is going to die (hopefully), Rowan runs over to Aerin and starts healing her. The spell keeping her alive wouldn't last forever, but if he was quick he could fix her before it ran out.

[roll0]

Fs are fey.
Ms are mortals.
hs are riderless horses.
X, Al, Mi, Y and V are the imperials.
Me is the poor messenger.
* indicates that a character is prone.
() indicates that a character is prone and not moving. Not always marked if a standing character is occupying the same square.
Obviously dead NPCs are not marked.
Squares around characters indicate horses.
Brown squares mark the road and carts.
https://i.ibb.co/tpxSRLc/Map-16-24.png

[SirCatBeard]

The fey jerks back to get away from the flail's path. "Whoa! You were awake! Sorry, was just checking if you had any booze, no hard feelings?" They shrug innocently.

"Not for you." Relik snorts, then sighs exasperatedly. "Just, go, bugger off." He turns to walk over next to Rowan, alert, but less tense with no immediately apparent threats.

P9

[CWater]

The fey near Relik scrambles up and goes to join their drinking comrades. They all laugh and compare wounds taken in the fight. On the other side of the battlefield, the group of mortals still sit entranced around the single fey playing a harp, with magical instruments floating over their heads.

Rowan continues to heal Aerin until she regains consciousness. Then he moves quickly over to Yuli and starts healing her. Mir stays near him, glaring at the group of fey in the distance. Councillor Xastra rides over to them, her violet face pale. The woman who had snapped out from the charm thanks to Rowan's spell follows her nervously. "Alfdel and Vethir are not moving", Xastra says quietly, "Are they... dead?"

"I'll see to them in moment", Rowan replies hastily while still working on Yuli.

Rowan is using Touch of Healing but it takes a while since he doesn't have any higher spell slots left.

[Table Flipper]

Hawke wordlessly goes to check on Alfdel.

Put away weapons and checking Alfdel's status. I'll toss in a heal check if it's needed, though he should be stable if alive due to Rowan's one spell.

Heal: [roll0]

[CWater]

Hawke wordlessly goes to check on Alfdel.

Put away weapons and checking Alfdel's status. I'll toss in a heal check if it's needed, though he should be stable if alive due to Rowan's one spell.

Heal: [roll0]

Hawke finds the half-elf terribly injured, but alive and breathing. Thanks to the magical healing, his wound's aren't even bleeding.

[Table Flipper]

Hawke finds the half-elf terribly injured, but alive and breathing. Thanks to the magical healing, his wound's aren't even bleeding.

"Alfdel's stable!" Hawke informs the others before going to check on Vethir, assuming no one beats him there.

Heal check if needed: [roll0]

[CWater]

"Alfel's stable!" Hawke informs the others before going to check on Vethir, assuming no one beats him there.

Heal check if needed: [roll0]

Examining the elven archer reveals a sadder fate. Claws have torn open his face and chest and he shows no signs of life.

[Table Flipper]

Examining the elven archer reveals a sadder fate. Claws have torn open his face and chest and he shows no signs of life.

Hawke mutters something under his breath before addressing the rest of the party. "Vethir's gone!"

He then takes a breath and then addresses the fey grabbing drinks. As he does this, he pulls out his own flask in hopes of tempting them to tell what they know.

"Hey! How do we break the charm over these people? Is it the instruments?"

Since Hawkes essentially trying to get them to be cooperative, perhaps a diplomacy check is in order?

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[CWater]

Hawke mutters something under his breath before addressing the rest of the party. "Vethir's gone!"

He then takes a breath and then addresses the fey grabbing drinks. As he does this, he pulls out his own flask in hopes of tempting them to tell what they know.

"Hey! How do we break the charm over these people? Is it the instruments?"

Since Hawkes essentially trying to get them to be cooperative, perhaps a diplomacy check is in order?

Diplomacy: [roll0]

All but one of the drinking fey turn to look at Hawke when he approaches. They don't appear a single bit hostile at this time and seem to be in a cheerful mood, if a little tired.

"Oh hi! What a fight, right?"

Says the one who had torn out Aerin's heart, their hands are still dark with blood. They have a pair of long horns on their forehead and golden curly hair. Another one, with long pointy ears and some kind of antennae attached to their forehead nods towards the flying instruments and says:

"Nah, those are just for fun. The locals can choose tomorrow morning if they want to stick with us or leave. That's the bacchae rule. The only one that can't be broken."

"Well you know, I suppose if we disbanded, that would break the charm too. You need at least three of us for it to work. I'm pretty sure, I saw it happen in Suurallass once."

A green skinned fey with gold-colouered tattoos joins the conversation, looking thoughtful.

Rowan heals Yuli enough to wake her up and then moves to work on Alfhir. Mir goes to help Yuli up and they talk in a low voice. The Councillor sits very still in her saddle.

[Table Flipper]

Despite his past familiarity with they fey, Hawke's still quite taken aback about how nonchalant they are now after... after that mess. Whatever. Better just to roll with it and try to resolve it with little hassle.

Hawke gathers a goblet or some similar container for each fey that joined the conversation and pours a little alcohol from his flask into each as he talks.

"That's good to know. If you disbanding would end this sooner, that might be for the best? The residents of Magterra are quite sensitive about being charmed and are less quick to forget about fight you see. You can take some of this alcohol for your troubles."

Hawke gestures towards the laid out cups he just filled.

[CWater]

Despite his past familiarity with they fey, Hawke's still quite taken aback about how nonchalant they are now after... after that mess. Whatever. Better just to roll with it and try to resolve it with little hassle.

Hawke gathers a goblet or some similar container for each fey that joined the conversation and pours a little alcohol from his flask into each as he talks.

"That's good to know. If you disbanding would end this sooner, that might be for the best? The residents of Magterra are quite sensitive about being charmed and are less quick to forget about fight you see. You can take some of this alcohol for your troubles."

Hawke gestures towards the laid out cups he just filled.

The fey exchange glances.

"Well... a good drink is always welcome", says the green one, greedily eyeing the goblet.

"True enough, but what if we don't want to disband?", asks the horned one, moving their flawed fingers in an unsettling manner. "I like being with a group much better."

"We could always reform the band later, you know", adds the one with antennae, "But while a drink is always a good trade, I'm not sure it's enough. What else do you have?"

The last question clearly directed to Hawke.

[Table Flipper]

The fey exchange glances.

"Well... a good drink is always welcome", says the green one, greedily eyeing the goblet.

"True enough, but what if we don't want to disband?", asks the horned one, moving their flawed fingers in an unsettling manner. "I like being with a group much better."

"We could always reform the band later, you know", adds the one with antennae, "But while a drink is always a good trade, I'm not sure it's enough. What else do you have?"

The last question clearly directed to Hawke.

"Well, my vocation requires me to travel light, but I could offer some food to go with it and maybe a couple of healing potions to help ease your wounds, although in the latter case I would need some assurance that you wouldn't turn around and attack us again. And in any case, it's not that I want to interfere with your right to party."

Hawke gestures towards the crowd of mortals.

"I just want to protect these people's right to choose. If you can release them now without disbanding, that's perfectly fine as well."

[CWater]

"Well, my vocation requires me to travel light, but I could offer some food to go with it and maybe a couple of healing potions to help ease your wounds, although in the latter case I would need some assurance that you wouldn't turn around and attack us again. And in any case, it's not that I want to interfere with your right to party."

Hawke gestures towards the crowd of mortals.

"I just want to protect these people's right to choose. If you can release them now without disbanding, that's perfectly fine as well."

"You know, healing's always handy too", says the green fey, "And you know, Ezel's got the locals distracted with his playing, so I think we could just leave and they wouldn't follow. We need to find others anyway, we don't have enough here for a good time."

"That's why we should keep the locals, turn them proper. Then there'd be plenty of us again", argues the one with bloody claws.

"Eh, speak for yourself, I want a healing tonic and more booze", announces the antennae-head and grins at Hawke. "We make you a deal. You give us the healing things and the drink, and in exchange the four of us will go away from this place and promise not to return before tomorrow. Deal?"


The clawed one grumbles, but is silenced by their comrades, who all nod in unison.

[Table Flipper]

"You know, healing's always handy too", says the green fey, "And you know, Ezel's got the locals distracted with his playing, so I think we could just leave and they wouldn't follow. We need to find others anyway, we don't have enough here for a good time."

"That's why we should keep the locals, turn them proper. Then there'd be plenty of us again", argues the one with bloody claws.

"Eh, speak for yourself, I want a healing tonic and more booze", announces the antennae-head and grins at Hawke. "We make you a deal. You give us the healing things and the drink, and in exchange the four of us will go away from this place and promise not to return before tomorrow. Deal?"


The clawed one grumbles, but is silenced by their comrades, who all nod in unison.

Hawke empties the rest of his flask into the goblets and hands each of the three fey a potion (2 CLW, 1 CMW, with the CMW potion NOT going to the uncooperative fey).

Not having been born on the day prior, Hawke then consumes a potion for himself before looking at the fey once more.

"Satisfied?"

[roll0]

+ caster level, but I don't know how that applies to potions.

[Kish]

Aerin rises and studies the battlefield, staying out of Hawke's negotiations.

Crafted items normally default to the minimum possible caster level to create that item--level 3, in the case of a potion of cure moderate wounds. It's possible to pay for higher-caster-level versions.

[CWater]

Hawke empties the rest of his flask into the goblets and hands each of the three fey a potion (2 CLW, 1 CMW, with the CMW potion NOT going to the uncooperative fey).

Not having been born on the day prior, Hawke then consumes a potion for himself before looking at the fey once more.

"Satisfied?"


The fey nod and greedily grab the goblets and potions. The grumpy one sulks, but follows the others' example. Then they just start walking off to the plains. The green fey turns to wave at Hawke, and soon the four of them disappear behind a hill.


Aerin rises and studies the battlefield, staying out of Hawke's negotiations.

Many a fey lie dead in the grass, as do the bodies of Vethir and the messenger woken by Rowan's spell at the start of the battle. The woman who also came to her senses has walked over to one of the enchanted humans and smacks him on the shoulder. He looks up startled and clambers up, appearing confused. The woman hugs him, then more or less gently smacks him again. The other mortals still sit around the harp player, the one the other fey called Ezel, their attention solely on him.

The only otherwordly creatures left on the scene are this harp player and the very drunk fey who is lying face down on the ground and has started snoring.



Crafted items normally default to the minimum possible caster level to create that item--level 3, in the case of a potion of cure moderate wounds. It's possible to pay for higher-caster-level versions.

This is correct. So in this case add +3 to the healing.

[SirCatBeard]

Rowan continues to heal Aerin until she regains consciousness. Then he moves quickly over to Yuli and starts healing her. Mir stays near him, glaring at the group of fey in the distance. Councillor Xastra rides over to them, her violet face pale. The woman who had snapped out from the charm thanks to Rowan's spell follows her nervously. "Alfdel and Vethir are not moving", Xastra says quietly, "Are they... dead?"


Examining the elven archer reveals a sadder fate. Claws have torn open his face and chest and he shows no signs of life.


Hawke mutters something under his breath before addressing the rest of the party. "Vethir's gone!"

Relik stalks over to Xastra, eyes alight with renewed intensity. "Maybe if a certain person had bothered to contribute, they would still be alive. I heard you casting stuff, but do you just not care enough to support those who guard you?"

Sorry for long delay. Has been particularly bumpy time.

[Table Flipper]

"They say they won't return before tomorrow!" Hawke briefly informs the group. Then, seeing the woman seemingly shake the man from his charm, Hawke goes to another person in the crowd and gives their shoulder a shake.

"Excuse me, sir/ma'am/etc.* Are your wits about you right now?"

Whichever gender-based formality applies to the randomly chosen npc.

[CWater]

Relik stalks over to Xastra, eyes alight with renewed intensity. "Maybe if a certain person had bothered to contribute, they would still be alive. I heard you casting stuff, but do you just not care enough to support those who guard you?"

Sorry for long delay. Has been particularly bumpy time.

Councillor Xastra looks startled and for once her words are mumbled and not clearly articulated. "I-I tried, my spells did not work on them, I-I suppose because they were not truly humanoids. I had not... prepared for battle today. We were supposed just to travel..."

No worries, my RL has been awfully busy too. -_- I apologise for the delay.


"They say they won't return before tomorrow!" Hawke briefly informs the group. Then, seeing the woman seemingly shake the man from his charm, Hawke goes to another person in the crowd and gives their shoulder a shake.

"Excuse me, sir/ma'am/etc.* Are your wits about you right now?"

Whichever gender-based formality applies to the randomly chosen npc.

Hawke approaches a halfling man, who looks surprised after the friendly shake. "Hm, wha do you want? Wait, wh-wha's going on?" His eyes widen when he notices the carnage around him and he jumps up. "Mikkel? Mikkel, where are you?!" He starts moving past the entranced people, clearly looking for someone.

[Table Flipper]

Encouraged by this apparent success, Hawke begins to shake as many people from the charm as he can.

[SirCatBeard]

Councillor Xastra looks startled and for once her words are mumbled and not clearly articulated. "I-I tried, my spells did not work on them, I-I suppose because they were not truly humanoids. I had not... prepared for battle today. We were supposed just to travel..."

"Well, uh, should be more prepared for the unexpected." Relik mutters awkwardly before trying to slip away to help Hawke shake these people awake.

Oh, he was not expecting to win that argument or get the Councillor to show actual emotion. Yay?

[flat_footed]

The Fullmetal Mod: Raise Thread