3SC's Ironfang Invasion IC II

[3SecondCultist]

"Ironfang Invasion II"

"I served as adjutant to Captain Elliandro Horbus for sixteen months. The day Azaersi defected and the so-called 'Ironfang Legion' really began, Captain Horbus decided to make an example of her for her unsanctioned missions, her thefts from the depot, and the quartermaster's suspicious death. We marched into the camp set aside for the hobgoblins, sixteen of us against hundreds loyal only to Azaersi. Captain Horbus stood face to face with Azaersi in the central yard, starting his long litany of accusations, but Azaersi didn't let him finish. In the middle of his rant, Azaersi punched him in the face, pulled his sword from his sheath, and stabbed him in the neck with it. Her only remark was, 'We're done here.' Her hobgoblins killed or scattered the rest of us and crossed over the Inkwater. As far as the Molthuni army is concerned, they're Nirmathas's problem now."

- Molthuni Lieutenant Robbick Babbin (retired), 4715 AR


Telling the first portion of your tale takes longer than you initially expected, but you manage to recount those early days - the battles of Phaendar, the flight into the Fangwood - in a cohesive narrative. Time has transmuted your past into a room full of smoke: the details are not precisely the same, with bits and pieces left out for yourselves, but the lingering impressions are always there. There is no avoiding recounting the full measure of your initial defeat at the hands of the Ironfang Legion, though you note that your story has softened a few of the formerly stony faces from the gallery. One of the four council members sitting before you - one of the two women in their number, whose features resemble the prince's too much for her to be anything but a direct blood relative - lets out a soft sigh at the accounting of what is even now being mythologized as 'The Night of Iron Fangs'.

The story of that first month in the wilds flows a bit more easily afterwards. Your voices are accompanied only by the slight scratching of quill to parchment, as the council's archivist frantically scribbles in his shorthand to keep up. He is the only one to interrupt you midway through the telling, asking dozens of questions about the Vault Builder crypt located in the troglodytes' lair that eventually became the temporary home to your friends and allies. However, once you move on to the final assault on Camp Red Jaw and the defeat of Scarvinious' forces, other members of the group grow more interested and he takes a backseat.

When it is clear that the opening chapter of your story has come to an end, the prince signals that it is time to take a break. The four council nobles adjourn, their heavy jewelry clinking on their armor as they leave the room to deliberate and give you time to collect your thoughts before the next recounting. Food and refreshments are eventually brought in - mostly meats, accompanied by glasses of incredibly strong liquor whose name is nigh unpronounceable - and you are invited to eat and drink your fill. Yet even as you partake in your hosts' hospitality, the watchful guards posted about the room serve as a reminder of the consequences should the talks turn sour.

Some time later, the food is cleared away and the council returns to their seats. "Thank you for your patience," the prince says. "We should press on. After you left Camp Red Jaw, what happened then?"



Five Months Earlier (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzUMkn_O9k4)

Your journey from the ravine through the forest is slower than it was on your initial trip there, largely by necessity: not only is your errand less urgent, but you return from Camp Red Jaw with the spoils of war, not the least of which includes a captive hobgoblin alchemist. Yissti proves to be a pleasant enough hostage, knowing well what is likely to happen to her should she try to escape. She seems happy to carry gear and pull her weight on the trip as well. All told, by the time you recognize the stands of trees that mark the forest clearing around the entrance to the caves, almost three full days have passed.

The early afternoon sun is out in full force, marking out the mottled green-gray of the hilly formation up ahead of you. The angled cut into the rock looks exactly the same as when you left it, but you can't help but notice that something else is amiss. There are... disturbances, in the glade around the cave mouth. Fresh earth has been churned up into dark clumps of soul, and there are areas on the nearby trees where the bark has been pressed and splintered. Something happened here, and it happened recently.

"Who's out there? Identify yourselves!" A man's gruff voice echoes from out of the stony passage, and as you get a look inside, you see the sights of a crossbow pointed out from the darkness. The familiar figure of Kern, one of the Phaendar survivors, looms in the darkness, and as you watch you see a second warrior emerge from behind the twisting passage. Ramus carries his sword out of its sheath, ready to strike. He is the first to recognize your faces, and he lowers his guard while motioning for the other man to do the same. "Oh, thank Deadeye you're back, and just in time too! We've got a bit of a problem. Here, come inside quickly! Aubrin and the others will explain everything."

Looking at the footprints, you put together that whatever made them is quite large, leaving behind what appears to be pawprints much like a bear or another forest predator. The marks on the trees and in the dirt have definitely been left by claws. By the amount of damage here, you would also hazard a guess that whatever did this was not alone - there were at least two of them.
Welcome to the second IC thread! If you haven't yet, please make sure to check out the loot that would have been available at Camp Red Jaw for your characters to take. There are lots of neat (and potentially valuable) magical items there, just mark it off on the spreadsheet before updating your own character sheet with the relevant item. There's also quite a bit of gold!

Also for the purposes of the current situation, I'm going to assume that Yissti is still bound and that one of you is carrying the lead on the rope (or you're using her manacles and one of you has the key). Whoever has the manacles, please mark that on the spreadsheet as well.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

A lot had happened within the past month.

It had all started, of course, when the half-elven summoner and her azata eidolon had gotten lost in the woods, sent scrabbling through a cave after her previous group had gotten separated in the wake of an attack by a pack of owlbears. They had, of course, gotten hopelessly lost when they emerged, unable to find their original group. What they had found, however, was a bright moon shrouded in smoke, the telltale sign of battle.

That had, in turn, lead them to the survivors of Phaendar, where the two of them had joined up with what could only be described as the group's advance party as the de facto replacements for one of their number who had died in the original attack, a spiritualist named Mort.

Since then, the group had faced untold perils and trials - escaping the original advance of the Ironfang, finding a new home, tangling with ghouls, hobgoblins, and troglodytes, and - at last - taking down one of the main scouting elements of the Ironfang Legion, the perpetrators of these disasters. What had begun as an inexperienced young woman's quest to try and prove herself to her parents and gain some practical experience with actual combat had turned into an all-out quest to safeguard what was left of one of Nirmathas' more notable towns.

It was on the back of the attack on the scouting camp that they had returned to where the survivors of Phaendar were based, in the old dwelling place of a group of troglodytes. Ilsa and Ramiel, as usual, were toward the back, being that both were geared primarily toward ranged combat. Across his back, Ramiel bore a brand-new longbow looted from the Redjaw camp, while Ilsa had several alchemical items strapped to her belt, each of them fruits of the plunder they had taken from those who would have hunted the survivors down. As they approached, they looked over the markings and prints in the earth, and both frowned.

"Something's not right, here. I'm no naturalist, but these look to be the work of something very large and clawed."

"Somethings, actually. From what I can tell there must have been at least two of them."

It was then that Kern and Ramus appeared, weapons drawn and clearly disheveled.

<This does not bode well.>

<Indeed.>

Ramiel spoke, the azata having gained some confidence in speaking over the past week. "Was the base attacked? Is everyone alright?"

[Farmerbink]

[roll0] on the off chance this is crap, can we roll both?

survival: [roll1]
edit: such waste. XD

For his own part, Gilraen wasn't much more talkative than usual. He found their prisoner's matter-of-fact attitude about everything- including the potential for her own grisly death- oddly comfortable. If she weren't one of the number that was equally casual about the en masse slaughter of the people of Phaendar, he might have found himself growing fond of her companionship. As it was, something about the threat of violent death seemed to overcome the usual inexplicable tendency for people to avoid talking with him, and the Elf found himself both acting as her primary guard and awkwardly straddling the lines between wanting to be the instrument of her death and hoping desperately that she manages to prove herself useful enough to warrant continued survival.

The three day journey passes, thankfully, without greater event. It's enough, for Gilraen's satisfaction, just to have the Hobgoblin and the Fangwood to concern them. Concern begins to mar his features as they approach the cave, his trained eyes immediately noticing the claw-marks left on the nearby foliage. "We have returned, Kern!" he calls, in answer to the man's command. Eager to hear Aubrin's explanation, he offers little to the watchmen for their prisoner. "She is to remain alive, for now. Spread the word." Otherwise, he presses through the opening, all-but relinquishing the manacled Hobgoblin into the watchman's care.

[n0ble]

Rask'd spent the last three days back to the cave alone, more or less in his own mind. He'd kept his distance from everyone, especially the prisoner. His dreams hadn't been too pleasant. Wouldn't have done any good to go flying off the handle and smashing the hob flat like her rat-friend. Or an actual friend for that matter. He'd plenty of time to mull it over, and none of his mullings had turned up anything good. Werent no good reasoning to be had for losing control of his own faculties, plain and simple. He'd found the solitude pleasant, 'specially on account of how it let him take stock of all the greenery about their path home. He'd have to thank the bowman for watching over the prisoner. He'd dam sure shown more restraint than

The pack-tracks set Rask's mind on a diversion from his own grief. The first animal that came to mind when he saw the tracks was a bear. But the idea of such a big animal travelling in a pack made no sense. In the big man's experience, the strongest were the strongest by themselves. Didn't make sense for a big bear to yoke a bunch of smaller ones under its will. Could've been wolverines. Would've been odd to have them travelling in a pack, plus the tracks were all wrong. But the bladeswoman had killed one of the things while the hurricane had raged outside, and had he not forsworn prayer to his bloodgod Rask would thought such an omen foolish. As half an orc that had forsaken Nulgreth, the big man found it hard to ignore. Mother's tits, he'd gone and helped Jet in butchering the thing's carcass. Certainly seemed like a lot of deity damned doo- Rask stopped his alliteratings, struck dumb by a momentary flash of inspiration. Mother Dretha always did like her direwolves...He shook his head clear of the religious thoughts. Clearly any orc-gods that were still about had deserted him to the existence he had left.

Rask looked away from the tracks and back to the humans guarding the cave. His cave. Rask listened to what they had to say, too tired to immediately start walking, too exhausted to be embarrassed by how he looked, for the big man still hadn't cleaned himself from the battle. It had seemed a wasteful concern, but now, amidst the work of the past few days, he found himself regretting it. Rask silently trudged past the two humans into the cave.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

The group was quiet on the way back, most focused inwardly on what this trip had meant. While It represented a great victory against a well-organized foe determined to exterminate them, there was a sense of loss ... in killing the hobgoblins, had they summoned worse personal demons?

Narek had little time for counseling sessions to root out deep-seated problems, nor inane small talk to encourage team building and bonding. Instead he took copious notes regarding what they learned of their enemy, and potential theories regarding Azaersi’s rise to political power and her motives. When the group camped, Narek would often interrogate Yissti at odd, random hours, sometimes even waking her up to answer his questions.

During his alone time, Narek studied his spellbook, working out the latest spells he had been studying over the past few months. Great mysteries awaited him, if only he could piece together the clues. Even as he looked inward, however, Narek was forging a tighter bond with his swoophawk. Where once the lizard had shared feeling - fear, pain, hunger - but now Visk could fully communicate with Narek.

So when the Shepherds returned to Sanctuary, most of them were lost in their own thought. While they quickly determined a large creature was involved, they had little else by way of evidence or clues. Griping his spear, Narek followed the others inside, eyes subconsciously scanning for Thel and Shar.
[roll0]. And ready to see what’s going on.

PS - any chance Narek could research a secular version of searing light?

Also, Narek will bring back the +1 swords, the surgical kit, and the searing lights scroll.

AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[PersonMan]

During the trip back, Eyena is the usual level of quiet. She drifts between staying close to Yissti - any time Gilraen needs to sleep or scout ahead or similar, she takes over guard duty - and drifting halfway to Rask. If the incident at the camp bothers her, there's no sign of it. Each night, she stays awake, sitting at her sketchbook, though she does frequently look over to the prisoner, briefly watching her before returning to her work.

As the group returns to the caves, Eyena is frowning, one hand ready to pull Eisenherz out of its sheath as they pass the rent earth and smashed bark. Kern's words draw a further frown, and she moves forwards with the others.

[3SecondCultist]

"Aye, there's been an attack alright. Probably best if I let Aubrin and Rhyna explain though, since they were on hand right after." Both of the watchmen seem to relax when you all enter the tunnel, as though neither of them could quite believe it was really you until you stood close enough to touch them. Ramus grudgingly puts his sword away, but Kern keeps his crossbow out and loaded, if not outright pointed at Yissti. The alchemist thankfully remains blinded and manacled for now, and the sounds of new voices has prompted her to remain quieter than she's been so far. Together, Kern and Ramus lead the Shepherds back into the warrens.

As you round the bend of the snaking entrance to what was once the Cradle of Stone, you start to recognize the new unfamiliarities of these caves. First and foremost is the near absolute lack of stench - where once the nearly overpowering musk and rancid odors of the troglodytes permeated the very air down here, now all you can smell is charcoal and fresh herbs, with a warm undercurrent of sizzling meat. Then there are the regular torches and jury-rigged lanterns along the walls, casting the tunnels in a golden glow. Finally, everywhere you look, you see signs of habitation: tents and lean-tos have been set up, bedrolls tucked into root-filled corners. In the antechamber where you once fought Handiss proudly stands the green Hemlock Banner, the standard under which you have all united against the Ironfang Legion.

Descending down the earthen ramp to the central cavern on this floor, you see the fire burning bright with several familiar faces around it. Aubrin the Green, Cayden Caileanite and wandering cleric with a past, sits comfortably on a wooden stool in the shadows of the embers. Across from her stands Rhyna, the blonde priestess of Erastil. There is a wounded man with them: Erick, one of the young farmhands from near Phaendar. He still carries some scratches on his face, and he is in the middle of pulling his bandaged arm out from a sling. "You're back!", Aubrin exclaims with a wide smile when she sees your silhouettes in the tunnel... a smile which fades immediately when she sees Yissti.

"You took a member of the Legion prisoner and brought them back here? But... why take that risk? Who is this hobgoblin, exactly?" The cleric herself looks more concerned than judgmental, though as a few more townsfolk filter in from side passages you note that her sentiment is not shared by all. Within two minutes of your arrival, the passages are abuzz with whispers. Many of the Phaendar locals look stonily in Yissti's direction, and Clidon and Farrow seem far too agitated to be anything but nervous. Aubrin slowly gets to her feet, looking at the six of you. "You don't have to explain yourselves to me, but I think I'm speaking for all of us when I say that I'm curious."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek looked around closely as the companions entered the caves, noting the many changes made in their short time gone. Once they reached the main chamber, he began to look for a familiar pair . Even as his eyes picked them out, Aubrin’s question hung in the air, drawing a stony gaze back. Raising a hand to forestall any additional questions, Narek spoke quietly. ”Let us disposition the prisoner first; then we can discuss our rationale.” . He looked pointedly at Yissti, touching his ear in warning.
Let’s get settled first, yes? Narek will wait until Yissti is locked up and guarded somewhere out of earshot
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30'
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa and Ramiel


* After Narek manages to secure a temporary holding place for Yissti out of earshot... *

<So, you'll do the talking?>

<I think it's our best chance, yes.>

Ilsa nodded at Ramiel, who stepped forward and spoke.

"Rest assured that we do have an explanation for this and that this is not some mere whim. When we attacked the camp, Yissti -" Ramiel nodded in the direction of whatever corner Narek had managed to secure for the prisoner, "Was the only of her kind to surrender. She offered her talents, as well as some information, in exchange for her life. And her talents... they are ones that we are in need of."

"These trials have hardened us all, but there is no denying that even with our increasing experience, there are precious few of us who have the capability necessary to guard the survivors of Phaendar. And for those of us who do, we have need of every advantage we can get. Our esteemed guest, as it happens, has a very good knack for brewing all sorts of potions, poisons, and alchemical creations - all of which are items that we are in desperate need of. And we are not talking about mere basics; we are talking about true and advanced brewing techniques, here. And if what we have seen from the outside is any indication of what happened while we were away, it looks like such talents may be needed more than ever. Easy access to curative potions, tanglefoot bags, acid flasks, alchemist's fire, antitoxin and antiplague, weapon blanches, you name it. Since that initial run-in with that traveling merchant in the forest, we have had precious little in the way of opportunity to obtain more supplies."

"We are, of course, more than aware of the risks, and have taken precautions to minimize them. Yissti was hooded and manacled the entire way back, and we have made it abundantly clear that any attempt at escape or betrayal will result in summary execution, and that we would arrange to have her heavily guarded and her materials examined and restricted. Is it a risk free proposition? No. But very few things are. And, after consideration, it was our determination that the benefits outweigh the risks enough to give her chance." He inclined his head toward Aubrin.

Diplomacy, don't fail me now.

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[PersonMan]

As the group enters the Cradle, Eyena stays close to the still-bound Yissti; when Narek indicates it's time to move her, Eyena leads her down - their destination is the lower caves, specifically one of the small rooms in it. The key with her, Eyena leads Yissti down the ladder and along an unnecessarily winded path through any remaining rooms in the way.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen stands a few paces behind Ramiel as the outsider explains their rationale. He scans the faces of both the de facto leaders gathered closely and more than a few curious bystanders gathering in the various antechambers and hallways. As Ramiel expounds on the techniques and talents, the Elf notices a few faces seeming to be more confused by his explanation than relieved. "Put simply, she's valuable," he says- more than a little more loudly than strictly necessary given the ostensibly private discussion.

[roll0] to assist (DC 10, IIRC)

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen, Ilsa, Narek, Rask

There is surprise among the residents of the cave when it is Ramiel who steps forward to speak. Unlike the five of you, the eidolon is not particularly well known to the people of Phaendar. Most of these folk aren't terribly accustomed to hearing from angelic heralds, which is probably part of the reason why they listen to him as intently as they do. As Ramiel explains your reasons for keeping the grenadier alive and hauling her back here, a few hostile glances seem to lessen. There are some half nods from those who are listening to the speech, although several villagers still stand with their arms crossed and spend far too much time following Yissti's progress away from the gathering and down to the lower levels of the cave complex. Two notable exceptions are Shara and Thel, as both woman and boy move over to give Narek large hugs and stay by his side throughout the speech.

After Gilraen adds his piece, the silence that reigns in the hall is broken only by the faint crackling of the flames. At first you think Aubrin will be the one to speak up, but instead it is Rhyna. "I don't see the harm in it," the priestess says with a slow smile. "It's like they said: if this 'Yissti' steps out of line, she will be punished for it. In the meantime, if she can help us with goods or information, then she's valuable just like Gilraen said. It sounds like our Shepherds have thought this through! Well... except for the part about Misthome not having a source of supplies." That bit actually elicits a chuckle from one of the robed women - probably Gelis - and a few more knowing smiles.

"Right, you wouldn't know," Aubrin continues, as nobody in the crowd seems willing to speak out against your decision right now. "It wasn't the first thing on our agenda or even the second, but we've had a pleasantly unexpected visitor of sorts in the lower chambers. She's... well, you'll be able to go and see for yourself after we figure everything else out here. In the meantime, please by all means take a seat, unload your things, and let's talk."


Eyena

With the alchemist temporarily in your care, you make your way through the caves and down the ladder, eventually emerging into the smooth stone chambers of the derro ruins that explored nearly two weeks ago. Just like in the level above, you find the area transformed. Much of the rubble and detritus has been moved away, the dark corridors now awash with light. Down here you see that the torches are of an alchemical or magical nature, as there is decidedly less room for ventilation. The same supplies and temporary residences have been set up here as upstairs, although you can't help but notice that there are more weapons and gem stockpiles here than actual people. The hammering from the old forge would seem to indicate that Kining is in the next room over, although you also pick up on voices coming from the other open passage that winds to the south.

"Well this all definitely sounds like music to my ears," murmurs Yissti as she picks up on the sound as well. With less people around, the hobgoblin is returning to her usual verbose routine. "If my math is right - and it usually is, you should know - we're at least a hundred feet below ground. You all must have found yourselves a cozy little hideout. Honestly, I'm excited to see where I'll set up my lab! There are always lots of local ingredients that other people miss right at their fingertips. Is there any way that you can take off my blindfold soon?"

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods in response to Yissti's question, leading her for a few more moments before speaking. "Yes," she says. "Soon," she continues, making her way to where Kining should be, calling the dwarf's name as she approaches.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Once Yissti had been removed from the room, Narek had planned to address the pros and cons regarding the prisoner in his blunt, yet logical, way. While he half expected an attempt to sway the people from Ilsa, he was surprised when Ramiel spoke. While the angelic herald was obviously sentient and apparently well-spoken, the wizard knew his time on this plane was ultimately limited - a summoned creature, albeit it longer than a standard spell. At the extreme it would have been like Narek looking to Visk to convince the group about their decision.

At that thought he smirked to himself, which softened into a full smile when his wife and son approached. Wrapping his arms around them, he stood silently as both Ramiel and Gilraen spoke. When Rhyna responded, he raised an eyebrow, wondering at the shift in dynamic between the two holy women. At the mentioned of Misthome, he glanced down at Shara questioningly. He also took note of those unpleased with the decision; a part of him wanted to point out the challenges of leading, and the responsibilities of those following to trust their leaders. However, with his wife and son at his die, that seemed less important to dwell on right now. Let the others speak with honeyed words - the real reason Yissti wasn’t dead was because none of them had been hard enough to kill her after she surrendered ... himself included. Time would tell if their decision was sound.

Once the group began to relax somewhat, Narek resumed his normal, diplomatic demeanor. ”If we can set aside further discussion regarding the prisoner’s future for now, there are some questions I have. What are the clawed tracks out front from? Are they related to your wounds, Erick? And who is this visitor, presumably a merchant from Rhyna’s insinuations, and where did he or she come from? How have you vetted these newcomers, to ensure they are not spies like we’ve experience before?

I’m curious ...”
Moving on ...
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Ilsa relaxed visibly as Ramiel managed to convince the Phaendar survivors of Yissti's utility without any problems.

<Nice work.>

<Thank you.>

With that out of the way and Aubrin now willing to talk more regarding what had happened, summoner and eidolon took their seats.

"Yes," Ilsa said, following up from Narek's questions, "Kern and Ramus were both pretty on edge, and those were rather large clawprints if ever I've seen any. Please, tell us, what happened?"

[n0ble]

Rask kept his peace and said nothing during the entire discussion about the hob. He didn't have any good opinions to share and the ones that were fit for sharing didn't strike him as all that useful. Instead he claimed a bit of cave wall for himself and leaned up against it, arms crossed.

He wasnt sure if he was grateful for the change in topics, especially given all the different animals it could've been. Still, it had been a while since he'd gone and properly hunted something that wasnt hob or trog. It'd be good to get back in the swing of things and besides, werent like no wolverines or wolves were gonna protest over the manner of their deaths. Least not in a way he'd pay any mind towards.

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen, Ilsa, Narek, Rask

With the immediate issue of your prisoner seemingly resolved for the time being, most of the onlookers steadily trickle away to return to whatever tasks they were undertaking before your arrival. A few stay. Jet finds a seat on the cavern floor not two feet from Rask, giving the half-orc a little smile. Clidon lingers near the tunnel that leads down to where he and his brother are staying. Shara and Thel don't leave Narek's side: the wizard's wife takes the boy and finds a place nearby. Of course Rhyna and Aubrin remain as well, with the dark-skinned priestess taking the floor at your request.

"We'll start with our visitor. A few days ago, Jodis - who we've kept posted at our barricade of the tunnel that leads into the Darklands - was contacted by somebody coming up the tunnel. They tossed some glowing rocks to light the way and tried talking to the man in what we now know to be an Undercommon dialect. At the time, we marshaled our people to defend the choke-point, but it turns out that it was just a single svirfneblin gnome. A female merchant, she's been dealing with the troglodytes here for over a year but she has no real allegiance to them. She goes by the name Novvi, and she's been happy to trade goods with us. I talked with her myself to make sure she's not a threat, but Jodis is keeping an eye on her just in case." The cleric gestures with her thumb further down the passage. "Last time I checked she was still there, in case you had anything you might want to trade or buy. Novvi has an entire extradimensional bag full of stuff!"

Her features growing more serious, Aubrin turns to the other matter at hand. "Misthome has been attacked by strange looking monsters from the woods. They came yesterday, around dusk. Erick was on watch, he got a good look at them before they mauled him. He told us that the creatures looked like some strange mixture of owls and bears, with both feathers and fur. We think they would have come in here and done a lot more damage, but the timing was lucky because the screaming from the fungi at sunset scared them off. But they definitely have a good sense of where we are... so who knows when they'll be back?"

Given the description of the monsters you're hearing, it's not hard to conclude that the creatures who attacked Misthome yesterday are owlbears. Owlbears are notoriously bloodthirsty killers, well known for their short tempers, aggression, and savage nature. They tend to attack without provocation, slaughtering any living creatures that cross their paths. Many scholars that have encountered these creatures in the wild have noted that they all have red-rimmed eyes that roll about wildly when they close in for an attack. This is sometimes presented as a sign of madness, suggesting that all owlbears are born with a pathological need to fight and kill, but more level-headed researchers believe that it’s simply part of the way the massive bird-beast’s keen eyes are constructed. Furthermore, adult owlbears typically travel in mated packs of two.

Eyena

Pushing your way through the western door from the main chamber, you immediately step into an ocean of shimmering heat. It is apparent to you immediately that Kining has reactivated the ancient forges of the derro that lived here years ago. The rubble and noxious fog that used to permeate this place are gone, replaced by a low log table of assorted weapons and the thick iron smoke of industrious work. The din of metal on metal is nearly intolerable, and the willful red light from the fires is blocked only by the movement of the figures within. Kining's back is currently to you, as she is busy hammering what looks like a sheet of new metal into the mould of a breastplate. The dwarf is not alone, either: you recognize Valethor's thick set frame against the backdrop of the refurbished workspace.

When Kining eventually turns around, you're almost certain it was the draft of air and not your voice that caught her attention. Removing the thick glass goggles she usually wears, the smith closes the distance between you remarkably quickly. Hammer still in hand, she gives you a nod that you know conveys something unspoken, before turning on the hobgoblin next to you. "Well then," she says with a wry grin that stretches out her pockmarks and scars, "you've brought me a forge slave, have you? I got one of my own already, but thanks for the offer."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

At the news of the arrival of a merchant, Ilsa and Ramiel perked up noticeably?

"Truly? This is great news! Perhaps we can finally offload some of the items we have collected and trade them for more directly useful equipment. After the raid on Camp Redjaw in particular I know we have many things to sell."

At the news of what had attacked Misthome, however, Ilsa looked visibly alarmed, while Ramiel raised his eyebrows.

"Owlbears?! Here?!" Ilsa rested her head against the table. "That's just fantastic. The last time I tangled with owlbears, just a couple of them were enough to send me and a party of ten other people scattering. Then we fell into a cave, got completely lost, and, well... that was actually how we ended up wandering into you all."

Ramiel spoke, a look of wry amusement on his face. "Who knows? Perhaps they are the same ones that drove us into the arms of these fine people."

"Oh, don't even get started. That goes beyond coincidence and into the realm of cosmic contrivance."

Technically speaking, neither Ilsa nor Ramiel have Nature, but it is in their backstory, and has been from the beginning, that they were driven into the group after a run-in with a pack of owlbears. As such, I would expect them to know at least what they are, if not necessarily their full capabilities. The above response was written with that in mind.

[PersonMan]

Eyena smiles as she finds Kining, and returns her nod with a similar one of her own. "Somewhat," she says, and pulls off the hood covering Yissti's head. "She is...an alchemist. She will be helping us, using that, skillset. Would it be, possible...to, that is, to aid in, ensuring she is..." Eyena pauses. "Well-behaved?"

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek listened to Aubrin, raising his eyebrows as she mentioned the merchant. ”A deep gnome? Interesting. I’m curious as to what other connections might be made upon that path. If this Novvi is unbiased in her business, she may be willing to sell that information to others. We should take steps to ensure our relationship is mutually beneficial, and binding enough to keep her as an allly vice an agnostic financial partner.”

When Aubrin’s talk finally turned to the attack, Narek’s eyes narrowed. After Ilsa and Ramiel’s outburst, he added, ”Regardless of if these Owlbears are the same, we must certainly deal with them swiftly. Typically they hunt in mating packs, but depending on how many young they possess, their need for food may be more pressing than normal. Unfortunately, now that they have our scent,!we cannot simply leave them be. We are probably better served hunting down their lair and ending the threat ... unless our resident experts can convince them to relocate peaceful.”

He glanced at Aubrin and Gilraen.
Conversation!
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[n0ble]

Rask blinked slowly at all the chatter. He'd once held aquantinces with gnomes. Well. A gnome. Never could tell them from half-men, even they were a bit more touched by the other realms than there hairy-footed kin. Still, a vendor was good. Ever since his bloodlust had reached a climax he'd been thinking towards discarding the hammer. Light-weighted and dead-smashy it might have been, but the near -amputation of a friends arm and his own rising bloodlust had made up Rask's mind. It would have to go and he sure as troll-c*** didn't want to paw it off to someone else. Someone like Jet. Rask took the hammer down from his shoulders and gave it a good squint. Wound'ntve of guessed from looking at the crappy thing that it was any sort of great weapon. To his eyes it looked like a over exaggerated version of a child's toy, but that was trog artifice for ya. At least orcs used steel. And he'd not the tongue for haggling, especially not with a gnome, which meant that, killiness or no he'd not get a good price for it. Still. It would feel good to have some Molthuni Steel back in his hands.

Rusk grunted with confusion when everyone started talking about bears and owls together as one animal. Such oddity turned his thoughts back to religion. He'd not done anything to piss off a deity like Zagresh. At least, not lately. Besides, it was hard to make a god angry when all they gave a **** about was destroying things. Not a lot of time for anger with that much devastation. The closest thing he could approximate to an owl was the terror bird that was Rull's sacred animal and he'd not made conflict with the God of thunder and storms. Not for a long time. That just left all the gods that remained foreign to his faith. Great. Still, it sounded like these "owl bears" were right ornery beasts if the mage and summoner's accountings were anything to go by. Sounded like things were going to get bloody before they got better. Maybe he'd hang onto the hammer a little longer. Just in case.

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen, Ilsa, Narek, Rask

At the mention of the word owlbear, Aubrin's eyes light up and she snaps her fingers suddenly. "That's what they're called, right!" In a much lower voice, you hear her mutter: "I knew it couldn't be 'bearowl'..." Shaking her head, your friend and ally listens to Ilsa and Narek expound on what they know of the creatures before relaying her own thoughts on the mage's plan of action.

"I think you're absolutely right, Narek. If these creatures are as territorial as you claim, then we can't risk them trying to come back while you're away. Unless one of you manages to get them to relocate peaceably, you might just need to end up using force." The Cayden Caileanite pauses, and Rhyna smoothly steps in, blonde hair bobbing in the firelight. "Speaking of force... tell us about the raid on the enemy camp! You said that you had a lot of loot to sell - and you brought back a prisoner, to boot - so I assume it was a success?"


Eyena

Although the other local keeps on working at Kining's instruction, the smith herself seems content to take a moment away from her work to deal with this. The moment you take off Yissti's blindfold, the other two women lock eyes and openly assess each other. The hobgoblin bares her fangs slightly in an expression that you don't begin to understand, and Kining's iron gaze sweeps over the alchemist's frame as though taking an inventory. "No," the dwarf mutters after a moment. "I'm not taking time out of my busy day to babysit a hostage, and I'm sure as sh*t not sharing a workshop with her. There's no telling what sort of chemical nonsense might explode if exposed to enough heat!" Yissti's invectives come half a second later, when she gets a good look at the forge, and before long both of them are loudly talking over each other.

"You can't expect me to - not getting any of my supplies - space to set up my formula - the smell alone would be - foreign contaminants would ruin any - know you can even trust her - please send me somewhere else!" Both of their objections having been raised, the dwarf and hobgoblin turn to you for arbitration.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen remains mostly silent during the discussion of the Svirfneblin, though his expression is one of mixed feelings. He only wonders aloud, "if she speaks the common Gnomish tongue?" before falling back into an easy silence. His features darken at mention of the Owlbears- he's familiar with all of the most dangerous threats of Fangwood, though he had hoped to never encounter so many of them.

At Narek's implied question, he snorts. "Might as well convince the rain to sit in its cloud," he mutters. "Owlbears are horrible, terrifying brutes, not capable of reason. He pauses to consider his next words. "Though, ultimately they are still animals. They are more likely to respond to their own instinct for self-preservation than anything else. One way or another, we would be wise to prepare for a fight...

a nasty one."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Ilsa sighed nervously. "Well, at least we've come a ways since the first night. Hopefully it shouldn't go too badly, knock on wood."

She then turned to Aubrin. "As for the raid on the camp, it did go well, all told, although there were several hairy spots. But there was something concerning that we found."

Ramiel spoke next. "One of the pieces of information Yissti provided was that the hobgoblins captured one of the Chernasado Rangers. Originally, they had been sent to hunt down the survivors of Phaendar and scout out the Tamran Highway for vulnerabilities, but when they captured the ranger, their general apparently sent out another division into the forest to deal with them. Apparently they are at..." The eidolon turned to Narek. "Fort Ristin? Was that right?"

[PersonMan]

Eyena blinks as the exchange between Yissti and Kining begins, turning from one to the other as her expression shifts, eyebrows furrowing and frown forming as they continue, until she pauses again, as they turn to her. Her eyes widen slightly, and she slowly looks from one to the other for a moment.

"Ehm," she says after a few moments. She looks between Yissti and Kining several more times in quick succession. "In, that is, as the situation...appears to be, that, there is...that is to say, the agreement is, present, that, both of you - that is, at present, seem to be of, ehm, the same...opinion," she nods. "I would, that is, it seems to be ideal, to follow, this...joint, er, desire." Eyena nods again, and pauses. "It may be, that is, the solution, I would consider, primarily, would be - this, chamber," Eyena indicates the other room, in which her tent and the way up are located.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek hlanced at Gilraen as the archer spoke, nodding slightly at the man’s assessment. While he knew from his studies there were people who had trained owlbears before, he wasn’t going to waste time trying to convince folk they should try that here. Something moved behind Gilraen, catching his eye, and the wizard glanced down behind him to the strange dog that had been following the woodsman. Gilraen continued to act as if the creature’s presence was normal, eliciting a shoke of his head from Narek.

Glancing back at the group, he realized Ramiel was looking at him. After a moment, his brain caught up to his ears and he spoke quietly. ”Yes, Fort Ristin was the location. However, I don’t believe Scarvinious had anything to do with the Rangers - the General has already sent a force to deal with them prior to capturing that unfortunate woman. Investing that location will be a primary objective in the days to come, but we will need to proceed with caution - Yissti presumed the Rangers were already dead.”

Running his eyes, Narek straightened up and nodded towards the back of the caves with a reserved expression. ”Further discussion and planning can wait until later. I would meet with this merchant first. Then a hot meal and some time to recover. Then we can address the owlbears and Fort Ristin.”
Moving it along ...!
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

At the words 'hot meal', Ilsa's belly rumbled audibly, and she rubbed the back of her neck in an embarrassed manner.

"That sounds lovely, on all three counts."

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen, Ilsa, Narek, Rask

In the matter of food, it is neither Aubrin nor Rhyna who speak up, but Jet. The former innkeeper stands up from where she was situated down on the ground. "Well if you all stay put, I can go and get you something to eat. Our stores have been holding steady, and with the hunting and fishing from the lake down here I've gotta say that we're pretty set for the time being. Be right back! Shara, will you give me a hand?" Reluctantly, the second woman joins Jet to go and fetch the supplies, leaving the circle of the fire.

The intervening time is marked by the yipping of dogs as the wolf pups - who seem to have grown a remarkable deal in the scant weeks since you took them in - approach the new animal arrival at the edge of the cavern. Ramus appears not too long after, trying futilely to shoo the canines away from Gilraen's furred companion, and Thel lets out a little laugh as the boy heads over to pet one of the wolves. Aubrin watches the entire display bemusedly, though she just takes a long swig from her canteen-turned holy symbol instead of stepping in. Eventually she heads out, telling you all that she'll meet up with you later.

In the ensuing snippets of conversation, you all catch up with bits of gossip around the cavern complex from the civilians who come and go. It seems like the name 'Misthome' has stuck, which makes sense given the fog in the carved chambers below. Later, with your bellies full and the matters attended to, the five of you are left to your own devices.


Eyena

While Kining does her level best to be patient with your deliberation, as she well knows your tendency to elaborate and re-structure sentences, Yissti just stares at you with an expression of sheer confusion. "I, uh..." your prisoner starts, before shaking her head and gives her best pleading look to the dwarf. On Yissti, it resembles nothing so much as a wolf that just got caught chasing its own tail, and Kining makes a sound of faint disgust when she notices it. "I'm sorry, what?"

"She's telling you to unpack your stuff somewhere else, got it? Now get out of my forge!" The smith stomps back to her work station, eager to be rid of the distraction. Barking an order at Valethor, Kining gets to work as though the two of you aren't even standing there. Taking the hint, Yissti makes no more noise as you begin to head back out into the other chamber. The alchemist frowns at the space here too, though she knows better than to openly complain given her circumstances. "I could probably get my lab equipment up in that corner, but I'll need a proper stink sheath down here if you don't want people choking on potentially hazardous fumes. A tent will do fine, if you can spare one."

[PersonMan]

Eyena visibly relaxes when Kining explains to Yissti what she meant, nodding to confirm the dwarf's words before leading Yissti back out. When the hobgoblin mentions a tent, Eyena nods again. "It may be..." Eyena pauses, frowns briefly, and is silent for a few moments. "...Can you, use a small one?" She asks, bringing out the smaller tent from her current, larger one.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen is a little hesitant at first, as the jackal is approached by a veritable pack of young wolves. His caution seems unfounded, however as the she-cub proves once again more than capable of handling her own affairs. His mood rapidly shifts to amusement and actual pleasure as he watches the critters wrestle and cavort about in the way young canines will. He only steps in to intervene when the jackal begins gearing up for dominance posturing with the largest of the pups- regardless of the outcome, it strikes the woodsman as improper to allow her to get too involved finding her place in the pack. When he realizes what he's just done, he spends the next several minutes wondering why it struck him as improper. Jet and Shara's (seemingly) sudden arrival with food stirs him from his reverie and only adds to the unexpected moments of contentment.

As long as there's a few on watch upstairs, the owlbears can wait.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

*** After lunch, but before the reconvergence of the party... ***

Dropping down the ladder, with her eidolon right behind her, Ilsa made her way into the lower levels of Misthome. Her pack was swollen with the spoils of war, and it was time to swap them out for something of a bit more practical bent.

"Now, if I were a merchant, where would I be..."

[n0ble]

Rask nodded and broke from the gathering. The conflict at the camp had left him feeling his age and that wouldn't do. Even with the anger in his mind boiled down to frustrations he'd need a clear head for whatever this fort business was. The big man uncrossed his arms and traveled down, no longer afeared by the closeness or the darkness offered by the cave system, for he had found something new to be afraid of at the camp.

When he'd finished reaching some sort of solitude, Rask looked for a smooth patch of stone that he could claim as his own. Somewhere nobody else was. It'd do good to rest his head on something flat and unyielding like rock once he was done, and while he found himself braver than before the half-orc did not fancy looking for a suitable sparring partner in the greater darkness that the tunnels beyond offered. He stripped down to the waist. The sword tattooed on his back was barren. The blade of the thing took up almost the whole length of his back, while the handle ended in not a pommel, but a series of barren branches that were without leaf or greenery.

Rask looked down at the hammer in his grip, then let out a sigh and rested against the stonewall's opposite, hammer-head planted downwards. There was no edge to the masher, which rendered it inadequate for the task he had in mind. Instead Rask withdrew a dagger from it's sheath and set to fixing a partner-an enemy-of his own making. In spite of how much he'd sharpened them, none of his knives had yet drawn blood. All the sharper to cut with then. Rask reversed the grip on his dagger and rested the blade tip against stone. Then he gave the dagger pommel a good thump, cutting a line into the snow. The slayer twisted the dagger to a moderate angle and thumped the pommel again. And again. And again, until a hob-shaped outline began to manifest on the wall. Well. More like a child's conception of a hobgoblin. Squat, with ears and a trunk that were too big. Rask stood back from his sketch, hands covered in a fine film of dust. Halfway down a vein of differently coloured stone had bleached the hob's gut and trunk a white-beige colouring. One of the arms, the one longer than the other, trailed into the vein so that half the arm shared the same coloration as the hob's centre. The whole thing looked like a hob and dwarf had gone and ****ed their way into something foul. Rask ground his teeth agains themselves as he squinted at his carving. Something he could get mad at.

Rask finished off the eyes and then looked to his dagger. The dam thing was blunted over something fierce but that was to be expected. Stone stripped steel of it's edge just as surely as steel tore life from flesh, and Rask's anger aimed to tear. He threw his dagger away and made a note to re-sharpen the blade, then squared himself up against the hob-sketch so that he was an arm's length away. Rask looked at the eyes he'd carved into the wall and steadied his breathing. He drew his right fist back, then slowly brought it to rest under the right eye of the hob. He pulled back halfasmuch again, then tapped the hob under the eye. Then a jab to the white-beige stomach. Another tap under the eye. Faster. A blow to bridge of the nose that stung his knuckles. Rask recoiled from the pain and sucked on his hand. He shook the pain from his digits then turned away from his cro-magnon carving, frustrated. The big man's eye twitched once.

He whirled on the hob and drove his fist straight into the carvings face. His left found a beige white kidney. Faster. No stopping. Never stopping. Rask cranked his right back and glanced a blow across the sketch's neck, tearing his skin and smearing blood across the carving. He kept going, the speed of his blows increasing in weight and speed and pain. The pain was good. If he was feeling pain it meant he was still alive and if he was still alive it meant that there was more killing to be done to the enemy. Faster. Rask hammered his left into the hob's gut and felt himself half-smile at the cracking sound that resounded from the blow. More. More hurt. He could take it. The white part of the hob was starting to look a bit pink. It could be red. He could make it red. All red. Rask's jaw clenched and he began to inhale and exhale from his nose, hard as it was with all the dust his dagger had kicked into the air. He rained more blows down, heedless of the injuries the strikes inflicted. He could take it. He'd been taking it for most of his life. Taking and giving. More and more and more and more. Blows beyond count. Blows enough to crack any hob or manling skull open. Blows to break any hob or dwarf or mage. To murder the gods and topple their thrones. To crack open the world for all to see it's viscera.

Rask let out a mad yell at the carving that resounded about the chamber. He withdrew his hand from the wall and swung it back like a drunk who'd been stung. Pain lent his mind clarity. His fingers did not grope as he found the hammer's hand and one-handed swung it square into the face of his drawing, showering his body and wounds with more of the dust that had collected around him. For a few moments longer, Rask retained his grip on the hammer, panting. The last of the violent energy that had suffused the big man left him as he released his grip on the mallet. It stayed where it was, refusing to move from the crater he made with it. The big man blinked and found that sweat was dribbling down his forehead, mixing with the scraps and cuts that he'd inflicted upon himself. He blinked again and felt ten years older for having maimed the wall as he did. Tens years calmer. Maybe.

His hands were shaking, and that was never a good sign. Rask staggered, beset by exhaustion in the face of his fury's dissipation. His hands hurt. They really hurt. Rask focused on the pain, the burning, incandescent centre of it. He chewed through the sensation, battering the palsy aside as though it were made of thatch. Rask staggered again and almost went down to a knee, then corrected himself. He refused to collapse. It would not do for the hoers to see him absent strength. His hand braced him against shoulder of the hob sketch. Rask lowered himself down so that he was sitting below the hammer, still struck-stuck into the wall. He drew his knees up close, then wrapped his arms around his legs and squeezed tight. Then the big man rested his head against the reassuring weight of the stone. He was glad for something stable to rest his mind on.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek clenched his jaws and squeezed Shara’s hand in frustration when Jet began to work on food before meeting the merchant. His wife squeezed his hand back, mouthing ‘I’m sorry.’ Nodding Narek waited patiently, watching the interaction between the animals with passing interest. He did find a ghost of a smile at Thel’s laughter, however, and by the time they were all eating, he had pushed aside his frustration and focused on his family.

When they finally finished and headed down, Narek took in the changes made, noting the ever present desire for people to add personal touches in order to feel at home. He raised an eyebrow as he saw Rask slip off into the darkness, wondering what demons the man was dealing with, and whether anyone could help him find peace. If not, he would remain a fragile Alchemist’s bomb, waiting for some action to set it off.

As they neared Misthome, Narek wondered aloud, ” Did they mention maintaining a guard?”
Ready gorbthe merchant
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[3SecondCultist]

Ilsa, Narek

After the time it takes to eat a warm meal and catch up with people of note, the two of you - Ramiel right behind you - find yourselves at the entrance to the lower levels of Misthome. Unlike nearly every other facet of this place, the ladder and the passage remain unchanged since your last sojourn out to face Scarvinious. When you emerge on the far side and clamber down into the hall of carved stone reliefs, you spot the tents and hear the sound of clanging hammers to the west. Both Eyena and Yissti seem hard at work getting the alchemist set up in her station, which looks like it will take up a bit of room but shouldn't actively block any of the main thoroughfares down here.

Following the cavern further east, you pass few resting refugees and come across the split in the road where the unknown passage lies. There too sits the answer to the wizard's question: Jodis, one of your warriors, has brought a stool and sits with his back to the stone wall, facing down the rough palisade of sharpened stakes that are pointed defiantly at the darkness. "You're back," the former woodsman says with a rough smile. "Aubrin and the others asked somebody to take guard duty down here. Used to be Ramus with me, until those monsters hit the front entrance. Glad to have the backup now, though."

Nodding down the passageway, the survivor indicates a bit of a glowing light from behind a bend in the rock not ten feet down the winding tunnel ahead. "We asked the merchant to set herself up outside of our defensive lines, and she was happy to oblige. Novvi, her name is. A bit of an odd one, if you ask me. She seems harmless enough for now, though."


Eyena

"You have a smaller tent inside a larger one...? But why? You know what, don't tell me, I don't want to know." Shaking her head as though to say 'humans', the alchemist starts to measure out the space in the corner of the chamber where her proposed lab would go. "I would definitely need to make a few adjustments to my set up. But... hm, okay. If I were to only use half of the table for now and double up on the height of the reagent cabinet..." The hobgoblin busies herself with some mental calculations, screwing up her eyes a little and pacing back and forth as you busy yourself with gathering everything that needs to be collected.

After some time - and the passing through of Narek, Ilsa, and Ramiel - both of you begin to put together everything. The process is remarkably complex, even with your intellect it is clear that all of the glasswork and other calibration instruments are exceptionally specialized materials. What's more, reconstructing the table from the various components is no easy task, and even with the two of you takes nearly half an hour. However, when all is said and done, you are faced with what looks like a functional, if somewhat ramshackle, alchemist's laboratory. Yissti's mood has been steadily improving throughout the work, and when you're finished she gives you a grin.

"Alright then, looks like that's that! Now I should probably make you a potion or something to say thanks - people seem to enjoy reciprocity - but I don't have much in the way of reagents right now. If you tell me what you need, I can give you an ingredients list!"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Ilsa nodded in approval. "Carry on, Jodis. I'm gonna go talk to this Novvi person. See what she's got for sale. Been a long time since I could go shopping."
With Ramiel behind her, Ilsa then approached the merchant, clearing her throat as she drew near. "Hello. Your name is Novvi, correct? We've been told you're a merchant. My name is Ilsa, and this is Ramiel. We'd like to have a look at your wares, please."

The eidolon gave a slight bow. "Charmed."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek reaches the bottom and noticed Ryena and Yissti setting up an area. He frowned slightly, having expected her to be away from any traffic. Shaking his head, he kept walking with Ilsa and Ramiel. Before they reached the merchant, he did pose a question. ”What has recently changed that evoked the display of conversational exposition upstairs? Not that we don’t appreciate your willingness to speak, but in the past you have been the more succinct one.”. He glanced at Ramiel when he spoke, curious as to if something had shifted in their relationship.

Upon finding Jodi’s, Narek nodded silently and followed the pit towards the lights. Upon nearingbthe small camp, he cleared his throat to announce their preseason added to Isla’s introduction, with a slight glance at the summoner when she gave her name. ”I would see your wares as well ... and perhaps discuss the mutual benefits of future collaboration.
Narek is paranoid :smallsmile:
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[PersonMan]

Eyena works without complaint, expression shifting slightly away from the former neutral one to a soft smile as they finish, and she nods to Yissti in response to her words. "It is a wise observation," she says. "Reciprocity is, that is, it was said to me - reciprocity is the soul of companionship," she nods again. "Would it - that is, would it not be a matter of excessive difficulty, to..." she pauses for a moment, then nods slightly. "Could you make pigments, that is, ink, which is of the phosphorescent variety?"

[Farmerbink]

As the rest of the party files down the stairs, Gilraen remains in the upper portion of their subterranean haven. Though part of him wonders at the appearance of a merchant from below, he both trusts his companions to manage if things should turn south and prefers to be closer to the forest he now most-truly considers his home. He receives a portion of meal from Shara with the grace and poise often used to describe the Elves, and finds a place near a fire to sit cross-legged, quietly watching the conversation that inevitably seems to buzz around- but never to- him. The eye of a small verbal storm, deep down a small pang of jealousy stings his psyche. Ever since his adolescence, he has been alone, though as he's matured, the pangs are less frequent and less biting. Still, from time to time...

With a start, he turns to look at his hand, where the she-jackal has just placed her nose. Unbidden, a smile rushes to his face. He scratches twice before returning his hand to the hard bread awaiting dipping into a creamy broth. As the jackal curls up in his lap, his thoughts turn to more pleasant things. Still aware of the inexplicable isolation, Gilraen nonetheless enjoys several long minutes of community. When he rises to seek rest, he returns a few nods of acknowledgement, and makes for the surface, grabbing a strap of canvas from one of the unused tents. Passing the guards, Gilraen comfortably lopes to a large tree and swings himself into its lower branches. Far enough from the ground to be confident he's out of reach of any marauding owl bears, he forms a sling from the straps of his pack, and pulls the canvas taut. Tying its corners carefully, he produces a makeshift hammock just a few feet above his head, and deposits the jackal- previously clinging tightly to his shoulders. As she curls up to rest, he lays his head back and gazes at the canopy above, the faintest twinkles of stars just beginning to pierce through the leaves.

A quiet sigh from the hammock above draws another thin smile to the Elf's lips. He closes his eyes and allows himself to drift away.

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen

While other members of your group split off to take care of various aspects of business, you are left alone in the crowd of Phaendar survivors and the wild things that they have collected in their wake. Your as of yet unnamed jackal seems to adjust fairly well to the other wolves in the cavern. The play isn't too rough: there's a bit of snarling and growling, as well as the occasional yelp of alarm, but no blood is drawn. Although she is currently larger, you get the sense that even the animals know that it will not remain the case for too long. The young Thel also takes something of a shine to the beast by your side, although the boy is a little miffed when he fails to coax her away from your side.

After meal and musings, you eventually take off from the caverns of Misthome. In the hour or so that has passed since your arrival, the sun has disappeared behind some clouds, but the warmth of the afternoon suffuses the air all the same. You slip on the forest like a second skin, breathing in the wind and leaves and animal cries. You could even swear that your furred companion smiles with her teeth back at you when you look down at her in your shadow. Where you walk here, nobody knows - and for a few minutes, that's perfectly okay with you. The tree you eventually pick is large and comfortable, your sling-hammock easy enough to set up in its branches, about twenty feet off of the ground. When you and the jackal are situated, you close your eyes and before long, you find yourself in the land of dreams.

In the peace of sleep, you are oblivious to the monsters that move below you.


Ilsa, Narek

Jodis moves aside a few pieces of sharpened wood to let you pass, grunting his assent and returning to his spot on the stool as all three of you proceed forward. Rounding the corner, you find yourselves directly in front of a small tent that occupies the majority of the tunnel. A glowing orb of crystalline light hangs in front of the flaps, and you notice that the tent itself is made up of what looks like some sort of dark treated scales. Not a moment after you make your introductions, the flap slides open to reveal a short figure.

Standing at perhaps three and a half feet tall, this gnome wears leathers of a muted brown. Her skin is a uniform slate gray, and both eyes and the base of her shoulder length hair are stark white. The only glimpse of color comes from her tips, which she seems to have dyed a bright fluorescent pink. Under one arm is slung what you can only assume is some sort of hat or headgear, while the other rests on her hip as she takes in the three of you with a glance. Nothing on her smooth face changes as she puts out her left hand for the three of you to shake in turn.

"Excellent." the figure - who based on the description you received must be Novvi - exclaims without a single ounce of inflection. "I have been looking forward to more customers ever since I arrived to find my normal buyers indisposed. I have a number of wares stowed away in an extradimensional pocket of my own creation. You, samsaran, have also aroused my curiosity with your offer of collaboration. I will hear what you have to say after we complete our assorted transactions. Is that an acceptable arrangement to all of you?"

Introductions aside, you have reached your first proper merchant of the game! Thanks to her extensive stock in her bag of holding, Novvi can buy and sell as if she were a small village market, offering almost anything worth up to 500 gp and buying up to 2,500 gp worth of goods each week. She can trade copper and silver for gold, or even for slender gold trade bars worth 100 gp each. In addition, Novvi has a few special items for sale or for trade, listed below.

Magical Items for Sale


potion of haste (3)
ring of counterspells
lesser strand of prayer beads
+1 agile breastplate

She will sell all of these for their full market value, while buying all of your stock for the standard 50% rate for merchants. It's steep, but it's easier for us to do inventory management this way than have to deal with the nightmare that is the haggling system!

Eyena

Yissti, who has continued to putter and adjust the little pieces of gear, stops to think when you pose her the question. "Yep," the alchemist says after a few seconds. "All I would need is some form of phosphorescent insect - fireflies work best - or some fungi from the caves down here. I haven't seen any glowing mushrooms, but then again I was blindfolded so I wouldn't really know. If you bring me enough, I should even be able to create multiple doses! I'll whip up a formula for it... I should be able to do red or green when I mix in my dyes. Did you have a preferred color?"

After some more conversation, your business is concluded. However, the hobgoblin grabs your arm before you get the chance to leave. Although you start at first, the look in Yissti's eyes gives you some pause. There is no viciousness there, only... concern. "Hey, you've been nice to me. You stepped in when that big orc brute wanted to kill me, and you got me set up here. I know the rest of your group made your peace with leaving me alive for now, but how do I know that I'm not going to wake up in the middle of the night with a knife in my back?"


Rask

The walls of the abandoned tunnel shudder with the impacts of your rage. Beads of sweat and blood find their way to the floor of packed dirt and stone in equal measure. Now that you're down on the ground, you are almost level with the shattered remains of your enemy - the better to see it face to face. In front of you, what was once a halfway terrible approximation of one of your foes has been transfigured into a red portrait. Even in peace, you aren't sure if the bloody mural you've created is one of mockery or grudging admiration. Perhaps, in a perverse world, it might even be a bit of both. It might not even matter.

With only the slowing drum beat of your heart for measure, you easily lose yourself in the minutes that follow. It takes some time before you can hear footsteps - tentative but audible - getting closer. You aren't all that surprised to see that it is Jet who rounds the bend: she must have warned off anyone else. The dark-haired quartermaster suppresses a spasm of grief as she takes in the scene. "... Rask...." she murmurs, stepping closer until she stands about three feet away from you, at which point she crouches down to get closer to where she can see your face.

"There's... damn it, I don't want to even tell you this." Jet glances at the blood once more and lets out a long, shuddering breath. "Ramus is out at the front gate, and he spotted movement in the glade outside. We were hoping to find Gilraen, but nobody knows where he went. Would you... would you go and see if everything is alright out there? We all need you."

[PersonMan]

Eyena tells Yissti she'll need to decide what color, during their continued talk.

Eyena pauses, looking at Yissti for a moment as she speaks, and nods. She's silent for a moment, looking off to the side from Yissti, then nods again, this one slighter. She sets a hand on the hobgoblin's, and looks her in the eyes. "I will ensure your safety, during the nights in which I am present," she says. She nods again, more firmly this time. Then, she frowns. "As for, that is, regarding the...other nights, I am not entirely sure, how that matter would be resolved," she admits.

[n0ble]

Rask met the woman's eyes, unsure whether to get closer or scoot back farther into the embrace rubble of his blood-tallowed mural. He regarded her with a quizzical half-squint that softened as he listened to what she had to say. The words, and the sense that they made, drew a flicker of a smile from him. Whatever had passed between him and the others at the camp seemed to have gone unreported to the others. Rask's smile faltered. Maybe it should have been. Bad thing to have someone break rank, half cut on blood. Or maybe it had been and she just didn't care. He wasnt sure which of the two options was the better of it. It was evident to the big man that the anger within him couldnt been used for much, and a smart person like Jet would've doubtlessly figured that out. And even if she hadn't, the work that loomed above and around him was testament to that particular fact.

The thin line of his smile vanished as pain stung at his hands. Rask uncurled himself, letting one hand slump to the ground while he propped the other on a knee. Rask sighed then looked to his hands, slowly curling then unclenching them into fists. He winced a little, more from embarrassment then anything else. Hob arrows had taken him in the neck. His hide had been frozen by alchemies. Mother's tits, a bugbear had damn near chopped him in half at the waste and here he stood struck mum by pains more suited to a younger man. A younger half orc. The big man found Jet's eyes again, then looked up past them, searching for some sort of meaning in the ceiling's stone. He saw nothing. Naught by the hammer's haft, still resting above his head. Rask grunted and decided to accept the invitation. He braced his fist against the floor's stone, gripped the hammer handle with his other digits and raised himself to full height, no longer stooped by the confusion that the anger had brought with it. By the Gods did he hate the feelings of lethargy that came with age.

Once he'd recovered from the exertion of standing, Rask retrieved his tunic and tore a sleeve from it. The dam thing had always been too long for his limbs and there were better uses for the fabric then keeping one of his arms warm. He split the fabric down the middle and wound the two strips over each hand. The slayer unclenched then re-clenched his hands, just to make sure the wrappings would stay in place, then donned his breastplate the tatters of what passed for his cloak. The weight of the garment was minimal, but Rask felt it a goodly reassurance. Almost as good as the woman standing before him. His hands found solace in the weapons grip as he wrenched it up, then down, then to the left, then free from the crater of his own making. The big man walked towards the entrance without so much as a backwards glance at his bloodshed, keeping in step with Jet as they went to the cave entrance. His hands no longer shook.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel


*** Before reaching Novvi... ***

As they made their way over to Novvi, Ramiel turned and listened to Narek's question.


”What has recently changed that evoked the display of conversational exposition upstairs? Not that we don’t appreciate your willingness to speak, but in the past you have been the more succinct one.”
The azata considered this for a moment, then answered.

"I do, have done, and will always do what my lady - my friend asks of me, Narek. And it shall be this way for as long as I am bound to her. For the past couple of months, I have been needed almost exclusively for my talents with the bow, as we and the others have sought refuge and battled against those who would see us dead. In short, back then there was very little need for talk. But after we picked up our... guest, Ilsa began to think. She believed that the others here would not welcome her so easily, especially not if even we were split initially. I mentioned that, as a child of Elysium, the art of diplomacy comes naturally to us. And so she asked me to begin practicing again, for now and in the future. As we venture out further into the world, there will come more opportunities where words can do what an arrow cannot - and, as far as she had been able to observe, there was no-one else trained in that capacity."

"Plus, now he has something to do outside of battle besides standing around and looking pretty."

Ramiel rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

In short, Ilsa asked Ramiel to start training Diplomacy, and get more involved in dialogue, because as far as I know she knew, no-one else did, and we needed it. Not sure if this is still the case, but last I checked, no-one else has ranks.

*** Back in the present... ***


Perusing Novvi's wares, Ilsa's eye was immediately drawn to the prayer beads, as well as the potions of haste.

<You, Gilraen, and Rask would definitely find those potions useful. The beads are expensive as hell, but if we can scrape enough cash together...>

<The potions should go to the latter two. We are usually close enough to Narek that he could cast it. They tend to go further afield as the frontliners.>

<True.>

"So, how's about this?" Ilsa pulled various assorted sundries out of her pack, placing them before the gnome. "I'd like to buy a couple of those potions, and some of these..." She pointed out an assortment of alchemical items. "And I'll trade you these for them, and whatever's left over as cash."

All items listed by Ilsa for sale are given at their sale value (50%).

Ilsa
Boots of Elvenkind: 1250
Gold Pin: 75
Gold Ring: 22.5
Potion of Guidance: 12.5
Masterwork Light Crossbow: 167.5
Masterwork Longbow (+3 STR) (Ramiel's old weapon, not on tracker): 350
Oil of Magic Weapon: 25
Wolf Fang Necklace: 50
Scroll of Ray of Enfeeblement: 37.5
Aquamarine Necklace: 75
Steadfast Gutstone: 400
Assorted Hides: 250
Masterwork Longbow: 187.5
Geode Periapt: 37.5
x6 +1 Bolts: 120
Scroll of Color Spray: 12.5
Scroll of Expeditious Retreat: 12.5
Potion of Owl's Wisdom: 150
x2 Potion of Bear's Endurance: 400
x4 Tanglefoot Bags: 100
x4 Stenchgas Bladders: 120
Total Trading Value: 3630

Novvi
2x Potions of Haste: 1500
2x Spring-loaded wrist sheathes: 10
1x Spring-loaded scroll case: 5
x4 Tangleburn Bag: 600
x2 Ghost Salt Weapon Blanch: 400
x2 Cold Iron Weapon Blanch: 40
x2 Adamantine Weapon Blanch: 200

And that leaves 875 cash left over.

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen

You can't have been dreaming for more than a few minutes before the crashing of foliage wakes you from your 'nap'. Looking down at the Fangwood floor, you catch two bulky figures pushing through the underbrush, making a slow but unmistakable approach towards the clearing where the cave entrance lies. Whatever is down there is large, and there is definitely more than one. Eventually, you manage to get a good look at flash of fur and feathers: this bizarre half-bear, half-owl monstrosity stomps forward, claws already raised in anticipation of bloodshed. Not thirty paces away is its mate, which is even larger.

There can be only one explanation - these are the very same owlbears that made the earlier commotion. Thankfully your bow and arrows are within easy reach. Up above you, your jackal friend opens its eyes as your furtive motions rouse it from its own slumber. It follows the focus of your attention and a nearly inaudible growl leaves its throat. Tracing the path of the owlbears, you deduce that they'll be breaking through the cover to reach the glade soon. They haven't noticed your presence. Now is the time to take the shot.

So the Roll20 map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/) is up and running! The owlbears didn't spot you, so you have 1 full round to prep with a buff and then a surprise round here if you want to take a shot before I roll Initiative and start this combat.

Ilsa, Narek

While Ilsa gets out everything that she wishes to sell, the deep gnome walks over to a low, smooth rock that is situated near the tunnel wall. From the lining of her leather jacket, Novvi seems to produce an endless array of items - far, far too many to actually fit in her clothes. This is undoubtedly the same holding space she just mentioned. By the time that the half-elf has enumerated the various wares to pass on, the svirfneblin has done the same. The exchange is made, with both parties leaving

"The troglodytes were nowhere near as wealthy as this," Novvi states as she counts up the gold and items that have entered her possession. "I am astounded, truly astounded that you came across items like this in your travels. May I ask where came across a gutstone such as this one? The shaping of it is remarkable."

Shaking her head, Novvi forges on. "Enough histrionics. Samsaran, do you also have wares you would wish to sell to me or buy from my inventory? If you have a particular idea of an item you might want, I can also return back here in a week or two."

So by that math, Novvi should have 1625 gp left to spend. Baron, if you want to buy something from her or sell off your own vendor trash, feel free to do so.

Eyena

The hobgoblin looks at you for a few seconds longer, before she realizes that you are not, in fact, going to keep talking. She ends the physical contact and exhales dramatically, making a point to look over her assorted wares. "Well... you'll forgive me when I say that your response doesn't exactly inspire a lot of confidence. I guess I should make myself as useful as I can to your people, then, but I'm not going to be responsible when somebody gets hurt."

Although you aren't the most schooled in humanoid interactions, when Yissti turns her back on you, it's a fairly unambiguous sign that she would prefer to be left alone so that she get to work.


Rask

As the two of you leave the pit of your misery and head towards the exit out into the forest, Jet makes sure to keep pace with your large strides. She does not make any motion to speak or look over at you, instead keeping her expression as neutral as she can while she stares straight ahead. It seems that she knows that this is not a time for mere words. On your way out, you pass through the main chambers where most of the residents have set up their living quarters, the same as you saw on the way in. Where there was once activity, however, there are only silent stares. It's clear by looking at the expressions of hesitation and concern that just about everybody up here heard you while you were in the tunnel. Rhyna meets your gaze and looks away too quickly.

After a minute of walking that feels like much longer, you near the passage that leads back out into the woods. The two cavern guards Ramus and Kern stand with their weapons ready, the first with a blade and the other with a loaded crossbow. Aubrin also leans on her staff, lingering near the tunnel mouth. Daylight filters in through the opening in the rock. Jet, for her part, makes no move to ready her own sword. "This is as far as I'm going," she says after a moment's pause. "I'll hold the line here in case you fall, but I don't think I'll be needed. Aubrin will be on standby for healing. Gilraen might be out there too, but we're not sure."

As I posted in Bink's section, the Roll20 map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/) is up! Since Rask and the two guards are still heading out of the tunnel, I'm going to let Bink take the first shot with a surprise round before rolling Initiative for everyone.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

"The gutstone was a spoil of war from a recent run-in we had with some hobgoblins," Ilsa answered honestly, while failing to mention the specifics."I can't speak for my friend here, but if you should happen to come across an item - a belt, say - to help augment one's dexterity, or one of those enchanted handy haversacks, I would pay good coin for either."

"In any case," Ramiel said with a slight bow, "Before we leave, I would also like to buy one thing very quickly..."

Ramiel would like to buy a Masterwork Backpack of his own (50 gp), 10 more regular arrows to top up his quiver (5 silver), and a quiver of 50 blunt arrows (5 gp).

Total Spent: 55.5 gp
With the trade complete, Ilsa and Ramiel then took their leave, with Ilsa strapping the sheathes to her arms and the scroll case to her waist before loading them up, along with a quick bit of splitting the load between them. With this done, they then went about searching the base to find where Eyena and Yissti had set up shop.

<Time to see what our guest can do for us.>

Historically, I've been a bit lax with resource tracking. Time to change that.

Sheathes
R Hand: Wand of Hold Person (12/50 charges)
L Hand: Tangleburn Bag
Scroll Case: Silence

Abilities
Summon Monster SLA: 8/8 as SM III
Level 2 Spells: 6/6
Level 1 Spells: 3/3

Ramiel's Ammo
Regular Arrows: 50
Blunt Arrows: 50
Cold Iron Arrows: 49
+1 Flaming Arrows: 2

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek watched silently as Ilsa and Ramiel bargained with the gnome. Her recognition of his origins was not lost on him, marking Novvi as likely educated... or experienced. When she turned to see if he had any needs, he nodded curtly. ”I do have a few requests. First, I am interested in a number of scrolls. I order of preference, I am interested in Slow, Fly, Aqueous Orb, Fireball and Communal Resist Energy. Next, I am in want of a traveler’s any-tool. I would also like two wands sheaths. Finally, a map kit. By way of trade, I offer this enchanted sword, magic dust and gems.”

Once the transactions are complete, Narek spoke again. ”As for my offer for collaboration, I feel that we might offer you more lucrative trading opportunities over the course of future relations. However, while we do not ask for your allegiance, we would like to secure your discretion. We have enemies and would prefer to keep our presence on a need to know. How do we ensure such exclusivity and your silence.”
Hopefully this works ...
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen's perch

As the brutes shudder past, Gilraen stirs. At the sudden cacophony of sound, he wonders silently: What's that?! A pair of Owlbears would make less- oh. Well, I guess not. Turning to his right, he finds himself facing the forest floor, looking at the backs of the refugee's would-be assailants. Laying on his chest on the branch that until moments ago served as his back support, the Elf immediately begins gathering his bow and arrow. Silently he wills the jackal to remain hidden. Whether a function of survival instincts or something else, she seems to heed his concerns. As he watches, the Owlbears make their own destructive path almost lackadaisically towards the cave. Judging to have enough time, he fishes an enchanted oil from a pocket and begins to smear it over the curve of his bow.

He leans up on his shins to clear the space in front of his chest and raises his bow. The acrid scent of the oil is almost overwhelming, and at the same time somehow invigorating. In the moonlight, he casts his sights on the hulking figures beneath him. The near silent thrum of string snapping taut is followed by a shout. "Owlbears! In the underbrush!"

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 5, Init 5, HP 31/31, Speed 40
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 3, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
PBS MW composite long bow (40 arrows) +9 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Shillelagh Qstaff +7 (2d6+4, x2)
MW Dagger +6/+7 (1d4+2, 19/20 x2)
MW Chain shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 7/7 remaining
2nd level: 5/5 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 4/5
MF: rapid shot (10 rounds)

use one of the oils of magic weapon to make the bow mo' betta. Move action for rapid shot with martial flexibility- unless they benefit from concealment. If they do, use trait to reduce it.
surprise round: pew!
[roll0] (does not include PBS, I assume it doesn't apply)
[roll1] CC (30, x3)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[roll4] initiative

[3SecondCultist]

Everything's Worse With Owlbears (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrndRM9thzg)

Rask steps out into the sun, just in time to see the two large figures of the owlbears erupt from the treeline on the north-western edge of the clearing. There's no mistaking the monsters for anything other than the aberrant beasts that the group identified at their meeting earlier. Behind the half-orc, Ramus and Kern ready their weapons to charge into the breach right after him.

Meanwhile, after hurriedly anointing his weapon in magical oil, Gilraen finds the best branch. This tree seems well-suited to archery, but as the owlbears get further and further, their shapes become partially blotted by the other leaves and branches of the forest. Taking a few heartbeats to get himself centered, he calls on the training of the Chernasardo and the surrounding wilderness simply... falls away. Only his target exists.

Then he releases the arrow. Amazingly, although the archer can tell within a single second that his aim is slightly off and it looks as though his arrow will go wide, the projectile pegs one of the unaware owlbears in the back of the shoulder. Even as the creature lets out a low rumbling roar, he prepares a second attack. Neither of the creatures seems particularly quick on the draw, and this will be an opening that your group of defenders can use.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

So Gilraen actually managed to peg one of the flat-footed owlbears this round! They both benefit from normal concealment in their current positions from you (you would need to come down from the tree to get a clearer shot), so the move action was used for the Chernasardo Hopeful trait to reduce concealment on one of them for now. I've marked off the injured one on the map.

As far as Initiative goes, Gilraen and Rask are up at the top of Round 1, so feel free to continue the combat in your next post. The NPCs will go after you two, but before the owlbears. :smallsmile:

[PersonMan]

Eyena frowns, but nods and leaves as Yissti turns away. After a moment of standing outside the tent, she goes to find Aubrin, a slight frown still on her face as she goes.

[n0ble]

Were it not for the fatigue that suffused his frame, Rask would have found the owl bears appearance humorous. As was he just felt tired. Drained and tired of the smells that came from the cave. Still. Weren't all bad. Whatever magery had called forth such an amalgamation as the ones before him stopped short of making them arrow proof, which probably meant it weren't hammer proof either. He unslung his hammer from where it rested and let the head of the great mallet drop to the ground.

The half-orc began to walk towards the injured animal, dragging the hammerhead in his wake. He put more speed into his approach, silently accelerating towards the creature, gathering momentum until he found himself in the middle of a dead sprint towards the beast. Somewhere, in the numbness that accompanied his run, Rask's other hand found the hammer haft. He did nothing to telegraph his attack. No mad yelling or screaming like he'd done against his conjured opponent in the cave. Instead he brought the weapon up in a great half-cresent, then forward, using the momentum of his movement to bolster the swing.


Full round action: charge the injured owl bear.
To hit (power attacking): [roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[Farmerbink]

As surprised as anyone when his arrow flies true- he felt he pulled to the left, but apparently not by enough to miss the creature's wide frame, Gilraen hurriedly nocks another arrow. As Rask appears from the mouth of the cave, the Elf turns his eyes on the other creature. With a grunt, he recognizes the concealment is slightly different, and focuses his gaze on the branches for a few seconds. Nodding to himself, another arrow takes flight.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 5, Init 5, HP 31/31, Speed 40
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 3, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
PBS MW composite long bow (40 arrows) +9 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Shillelagh Qstaff +7 (2d6+4, x2)
MW Dagger +6/+7 (1d4+2, 19/20 x2)
MW Chain shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 7/7 remaining
2nd level: 5/5 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 5/5

Use trait to reduce concealment for the new target, pew!
[roll0] (does not include PBS, I assume it doesn't apply)
[roll1] CC (30, x3)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen, Rask

The first of the two owlbears, already wounded by the arrow from the foliage, begins to turn as though to seek out whoever shot it. Animal eyes, yellow-limned and full of rage, alight on Gilraen as the monstrosity takes a single step towards the elf's tree. That is as far as the owlbear ever gets, for the anger of a half-orc is deeper than its call to blood. Rask seems to take but a single step in his charge out into the promontory of day, even as his feet carry him to his foe. The magical earth breaker catches the afternoon sun as it reaches the apex of its swing. Rask brings the head down, and with a single crack the owlbear's spine is shattered. The creature collapses at the warrior's feet.

Without even a single second's hesitation, Gilraen follows up on his ally's momentum. A second arrow also hits its mark, and the next owlbear soon finds new feathers among its plumage as a well-placed crossbow bolt from Kern joins it. Although it cries out in obvious pain, this beast does not make the same mistake as its fallen mate: it charges the hulking figure of the half-orc, a whirlwind of claws and teeth. Thankfully Rask's armor has seen much worse, and he weathers the assault with but a single shallow ragged cut along one side of his neck.

All the same, it becomes clear that this owlbear is not going down without a proper fight.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Well you all ended one owlbear rather quickly! Critical hits for 48 damage will do that. This one is still very much up and kicking though, hitting Rask for 7 damage with a single attack but failing to grab hold of him. It seems that I can't seem to roll above 2s for these guys. :smallsigh:

Eyena, Ilsa, Narek

Rummaging through her belongings to procure the items that Narek has asked for, the svirfneblin eventually pulls out a nondescript 12 inch bar of metal, four wrapped up treated vellum hides, and what looks like a piece of slate with several brightly colored pieces of chalk. "Here is your any-tool," Novvi states as she points at the bar. "It comes in compact form and can be shaped as its wielder wills. I would advise you not to try using it as a weapon, although given your request for scrolls and your attire, I would have to conclude that you are in fact some sort of wizard, and are therefore in little need of one. The scrolls are here as well, as are the pieces of a mapmaking kit."

"As to your other request... I am considering it, although the proposal itself is imprecise. For one, discretion is a character trait, and as such cannot be secured by another. Either one has it, or they do not. Likewise, if a nearby tribe of - let us say derro, for the sake of argument - are desperately hungry, one could posit that they 'need to know' of your location, lest they starve themselves. Are you in fact asking me to pretend as though my dealings here continue with the Children of Stone?"

It is not a moment later that Eyena arrives on the scene, the shape of the human woman framed in the light of the tunnel. Novvi acknowledges her with a slight nod. "If you will excuse us," the deep gnome says, "my customers and I are in the midst of striking a most clandestine bargain. Would it be possible for you to return in a few minutes' time?"

[Farmerbink]

Another arrow nocked. Another arrow fired. The gentle thrum leaves Gilraen with an oddly peaceful feeling.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 5, Init 5, HP 31/31, Speed 40
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 3, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
PBS MW composite long bow (40 arrows) +9 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Shillelagh Qstaff +7 (2d6+4, x2)
MW Dagger +6/+7 (1d4+2, 19/20 x2)
MW Chain shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 7/7 remaining
2nd level: 5/5 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 5/5

Same thing:
Use trait to reduce concealment for the target, because it moved. pew!
[roll0] (does not include PBS, or penalties for firing into melee)
[roll1] CC (30, x3)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[n0ble]

Rask grunted, perhaps a bit more alive for feeling some pain not of his own making. He looked at the strange creature before for just a moment, then aimed a swing at its face.


Move Action: Studied target vs. owl bear
Attack (Power attacking): [roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Thr summoner and the eidolon, having just finished arranging their items between themselves, acknowlwdged Eyena as she entered before turning to Novvi.

"This is Eyena. She is with us. Anything you say to Narek can be said around her," said Ramiel.

Ilsa, standing up, walked over to Eyena.

"Good timing. We were just about to go see our 'guest'," said Ilsa in a low voice. "Could you tell me where you put her?"

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek nodded, accepting his purchased items quietly and putting them away in his bag. Once he had his newly acquired gear, he listened to Novvi’s response. His eyes narrowed as she spoke, mentally growling at the inevitable clash of words that was about to begin. Before he could answer, Eyena appeared from behind them. His eyes never left Novvi, but he did quietly reps pins to sa’s assertion, ”That is not necessary true. But in this instance you are correct.

Now, as to discretion, we are discussing a personality trait, not a physical trait, such as being able to see in the dark or horns. Surely you’re not suggesting personality is as immutable as the color of your skin or the size of your species? As you are well aware, even physical facets can be changed, with magic ... or over time with selective breeding. I am certain that few children begin life understanding concepts like honesty or honor or discretion - but they can learn it.
I
As you seem to comprehend the literal meaning, I am confident you understand the intent beyond my request. To be clear, we do not want trouble any denizens of the Underdark - we would prefer any dealings be cordial and mutually beneficial or better for our people ... and ideally by our choice. Your example of starving derri could easily be handled with advanced notice to our people.

We would like to minimize contact with other surface dwellers, except again by our choice and where beneficial. In your travels and dealings, we would ask that you simply not divulge details of who we are, or provide speculations on why we are here. Hopefully, it will not come up. But we want to ensure that you do not information about us to potential enemies.

To secure ‘discretion’ we could kill you, but that is vulgar, unreasonable and seemingly unnecessary given your openness to discussion. Therefore we offer what we anticipate will be a lucrative trading agreement. Likely you will make more from this than we will, as most merchants do.

What day you?”

Narek waited patiently for Novvi’s response or counter.
Did Narek just sign his death warrant, or make a compelling arguement? :smallsmile:
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen, Rask

Unlike the downed owlbear, the living member of the mate pair has not seen the wisdom of hiding behind any cover: Gilraen's third arrow takes it in the side. Before it can even react, Rask follows up with another brutal swing of the hammer, nearly sending the large creature right down to the earth. In the moments that follow, the owlbear is surrounded as Ramus charges out of the brush to the south-west, catching it in a pincer maneuver with Rask. Unfortunately, his swing goes wide and the monster remains on its feet.

Letting out a terrifying roar, the owlbear retaliates! Its jaws snap shut on the half-orc's armor, bringing him in close at hand. Two claws - or paws, it's hard to tell what the difference is on a beast such as this - easily cut through the metal, spilling more of Rask's blood on the ground. After the second blow, the creature doesn't pull away, instead hoisting the warrior of the Shepherds right off of his feet. Clutched tight, there's no telling whether or not Rask will be able to escape this creature's frenzied throes.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

While this is looking like a shorter fight, the owlbear managed to do some damage this time! Two of its claws hit Rask for a total of 14 damage, and it got a natural 20 on its automatic grab, which means that the half-orc is grappled (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Gamemastering/conditions/#TOC-Grappled). He takes all of the associated penalties (as does the owlbear), which for him means that he can't wield his earth breaker since it is a two-handed weapon.

Eyena, Ilsa, Narek

For the briefest of seconds, you catch sight of an amused glimmer behind Novvi's eyes. She nods at Ilsa's vouching of Eyena and makes no more mention of exclusion. The deep gnome doesn't ever try to interrupt Narek, and indeed her expression returns to the same complete neutrality throughout the mage's rebuttal. She makes no motions while listening; no fidgeting, back straight, eyes unblinking. When Narek is finished speaking, she holds up an orderly hand to speak.

"I appreciate the added context to your demands, and find them to be eminently reasonable. While I would be interested at a further discussion about the natures of people and the development thereof, in the interest of time I will state that we can deal honestly, as you are an agent that I deem qualified to represent the interests of the people residing above us." Novvi stops for a moment, leaning in slightly.

"There is, of course, the matter of a favor owed. Your predecessors in these caves never sought out my silence, nor would I have offered it to them freely. I see no reason to extend you that courtesy, as we have only just met. If you kill me you may claim some reward, but given recourse to the alternative, you would be harming your own long term interests. Furthermore, after even a single meeting I get the impression that your allies would be... less than comfortable at the summary execution of an unarmed merchant. This returns us to the question of payment." Once more, the Darklands dweller pauses, although this time it is clearly an invitation for one of you to weigh in on the matter.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Now eminently interested in the conversation, Ilsa and Ramiel stopped heading out and turned back to the conversation. If Novvi was going to demand payment for her silence, there was a need of further negotiation.

"And what kind of payment would you be asking for?" asked Ramiel. "Gold? A favor? A task of some kind?"

Sheathes
R Hand: Wand of Hold Person (12/50 charges)
L Hand: Tangleburn Bag
Scroll Case: Silence

Abilities
Summon Monster SLA: 8/8 as SM III
Level 2 Spells: 6/6
Level 1 Spells: 3/3

Ramiel's Ammo
Regular Arrows: 50
Blunt Arrows: 50
Cold Iron Arrows: 49
+1 Flaming Arrows: 2

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek gave a sharp bark of humorless laughter at the ‘unarmed’ comment. After Novvi finished, he gazed at her impassively. For a moment his eyes stared through her, as he quietly spoke. ”We all have blood on our hands, and have had to make hard decisions for the greater good.”

As his eyes focused back on Novvi’s, he continued. ”By way of payment, you are suggesting something more than the additional profit you are currently making on our transactions? You said yourself that we had more wealth than your previous trade partners. You are clearly offering us items at normal market value, while purchasing them at a cost half the item’s worth. Today alone, you likely are making more this trip than any number of past interactions with the Childten of Stone. I presume you are not trying to extort or leverage our desire for anonymity to broker extra financial gain. Obviously you wouldn’t treat your exemplar group of starving, helpless derro, desperately seeking food and shelter this way ... would you?”

Narek’s eyebrows raised, in mock surprise that this hospitable merchant could suggest such a thing. He quickly returned to his standard emotionless mien and said, ”Least we seem unfriendly or less than gracious, we will of course here your offer; as my companion has so diplomatically queried, what would you ask of us as payment for our ‘demands,’ as you put it?”

Narek waited quietly for her answer..
I’m not sure I’m the best negotiator...:smallsmile:
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 7/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[3SecondCultist]

Eyena, Ilsa, Narek

"I sell all of my wares the same way, to all of my trading partners," Novvi replies with just a hint of defensiveness. "The rates are fairly standard, otherwise I would not be able to make a living. I tend not to give out specific information about my trades, but you should know that while the volume of good traded here today exceeds my last few trips to this location, you are still not my most valuable customers."

The svirfneblin turns to Ilsa next, as though she has just heard her question for the first time. "The matter would not come down to coin. Assuming that we all leave here with our limbs and wits intact, I imagine that our business relationship might be mutually profitable on its own." The white-haired figure sniffs slightly. "No, what I would ask of you is... information. The others I have spoken to have not revealed anything as to how you came to be here instead of the troglodytes, though I can imagine at least some trouble ensuing in that particular arena. I find it curious, that a band of humans and elves from the surface would willingly settle in these caverns. What is it that drove you here, and why have you stayed as long as you have?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

"The matter of our coming here is one that is... rather sensitive," said Ramiel. "I will promise to share the details, but I would ask in exchange-" The azata extended his hand. "That you agree to keep what we share away from those who would seek us ill. If the wrong people were to learn, then the lives of these people could be put at risk, and neither I nor my summoner can risk that - nor will the rest of us." He nodded towards Eyena and Narek.

Ramiel entreaties Novvi.

[roll0]
Ramiel returned Novvi's grip firmly.

"It is a deal, then. The truth of the matter is that, some weeks past, the town of Phaendar was burnt to the ground by the hobgoblins of the Ironfang Legion. These people are all that remain, and so we have sought shelter here - at least for the time being."

[PersonMan]

Eyena silently steps over to the others, listening as the exchange continues. When Ramiel makes his offer, Eyena nods. "It would be - that is to say, a decision to share the information with a third party would be a pointless one, regardless." She pauses, pressing her lips together silently for some time before speaking again. "For the duration of the current state of affairs, we will be regularly acquiring new items in need of liquidation as well as being in need of various goods; if information regarding us is passed on for anything but a great sum, it is merely risking the loss - by our deaths or by us being forced to move on - of a continuous source of business, to be replaced by either nothing or by those more interested in plunder than commerce."

Eyena coughs, and then steps back again.

[Farmerbink]

As Rask's feet leave the forest floor, the canopy-dwelling Elf's eyes widen almost comically. He focuses his efforts, intent upon doing no harm to his unlikely ally and looses another arrow at his furry opponent.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 5, Init 5, HP 31/31, Speed 40
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 3, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
PBS MW composite long bow (40 arrows) +9 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Shillelagh Qstaff +7 (2d6+4, x2)
MW Dagger +6/+7 (1d4+2, 19/20 x2)
MW Chain shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 7/7 remaining
2nd level: 5/5 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 4/5
MF: Precise shot (10 rounds)

move action for precise shot via martial flexibility. pew!
[roll0] (does not include PBS, or penalties for firing into melee)
[roll1] CC (30, x3)
[roll2] dmg
[roll3] crit bonus

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

"I tend not to give out specific information about my trades, but you should know that while the volume of good traded here today exceeds my last few trips to this location, you are still not my most valuable customers."

The words caught Narek’s attention, and his blood chilled for a moment. While the gnome might be referring to partners in the Darklands, there were powerful groups above ground that could be the source she hinted at ... group’s that might pay handsomely for information regarding the last sons and daughters of Phaendar.

Even as Ramiel began to offer the information in exchange for Novvi’s silence, Narek raised a hand before he, Ilsa or Eyena revealed who they were. ”We have already told you of our concerns for others knowing where we are. How can we be assured that you will not sell us out to these more profitable partners? It seems a potentially heavy price with little to no guarantee that we are not delivering our own death warrant.”

Narek glanced back at the others. ”What day you?”
Okay, so I’ll roll for [roll0] ... and will replace with 18 if necessary AIDS could help him :smallsmile:
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[n0ble]

Rask let out a low growl, took a hand from the hammer and began to push up against the bear flesh. Being suffocated under struck him as a stupid way to die.


Try to break the grapple: [roll0]

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen, Rask

At first, it looks as though the abominable owlbear has managed to grasp Rask too tight for him to break loose: for all of his struggles, the half-orc does not appear to be getting out. It is at that moment that another of Gilraen's well-placed arrows hits the monster right at the top of the shoulder. Momentarily distracted, its half-roar, half-cry echoes through the woods. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Rask summons every ounce of his tremendous force, his own growl matching the pitch of the monster. Within seconds he has broken the hold, both combatants eying each other warily, preparing for the next move.

"Don't worry Cleaver, I got this one for you!" From behind the owlbear, Ramus charges in once more, his sword cutting through one of the creature's tendons and nearly driving it to its knees. Stooped and bleeding, it seems briefly as though this will be the end of it. However, this beast has just has no give in it. One last time, it lashes out at its foe with a storm of claws and teeth, shredding even more of Rask's armor in a frenzied effort to bring down the largest threat.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Well the owlbear is so close to being dead! However, it did also hit Rask for a nice 13 damage this turn, as in its angry throes it continues to focus on the largest threat.

Eyena, Ilsa, Narek

"Your human friend here has already pointed out the logical flaw in your fears," Novvi says to Narek's objections. "Selling you out to whatever enemies you might possess would be impractical, as I have already expressed interest in a long term trading arrangement. Why would I give up a source of honest income for uncertain alternative? I have no deep loyalty to any group, either on the surface or below. As I mentioned earlier, I keep my trades to myself - the same is true of my partners. I was only asking out of curiosity."

The deep gnome relents after a moment. "I am, however, satisfied to trade more general news about the surface world if you are truly uncomfortable with sharing your tale. I understand that not all stories are meant to be revisited."

Novvi is making no attempt to hide her agenda here - she seems to genuinely be curious for her own sake, and is asking after information about the surface (specifically your story, but any current events will do).

[n0ble]

Rask let out a ragged half breath that caught on the blood welling up in his internals. He hazarded a glance at the other warrior and the big man's gaze curdled at the mention of the name the others had given. His eyes snapped back to the mass of fur and feathers that stood before him. The dam oddity of the creature hooked the flat line that was the slayer's mouth, curling it into something approaching a half smile. He was too tired to bare his teeth. Pain lanced through his jaw and the smiled disappeared, just as Rask swung at the hodgepodge of taxonomies.


Swing at the bugbear! Power attacking: [roll0]
Dmg: [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Taking a measure of Novvi, Ilsa and Ramiel looked at each other and nodded.

<I think we can trust her.>

"No, we will share. It is not an easy tale, true, but if it is news you seek, then this definitely qualifies."

"It all began approximately a month or so ago. My summoner and I were not present ourselves, but they were." Ramiel gestured to Narek and Ilsa. "In the dead of night, the town of Phaendar was attacked by the hobgoblins of the Ironfang Legion, who, from what I am lead to understand, used sorcery of some sort to summon a tower inside the town's limits and then poured out and took it over. These two, along with a few others, managed to grab some survivors and flee into the forest, collapsing the bridge out of town behind them. We then met them the next day - we had been on an expedition of our own, from Lastwall, to try and hunt down some malicious fey we had heard were in the area - and joined their group."

"Initially, the thought was to try and go north, to the town of Gristledown, but, sadly, when we arrived, we found the townsfolk had already been slaughtered. Afterwards, we headed East to try and throw them off our trail, then made a beeline south after we heard rumors of this place's existence - I forget the particulars. Upon arriving here, we ousted the troglodytes and set up camp, but were soon found by an advance party from the Ironfang. We managed to take them down before they could get away, then retraced their steps back to a forward camp. We've just come from taking it out."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

As Narek considered Novvi’s words, Ramiel began to speak, sharing their story. The wizard raised an eyebrow as the angelic archer told the tale, then looked back to Novvi. ”Now you have our story, or at least enough of it to understand our concerns. I do not know if you trade with General Azaersi and her Legion, but I would advise caution. They seem to prefer to torture first, then rip the answers from your mangled body.”
Nuthin’ else right now ...
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[3SecondCultist]

Gilraen, Rask

For all of the owlbear's ferocity, it comes just short of felling its foe. Before anyone else in the glade has a chance to retaliate, Rask's hammer falls. With a thunderous crack, the weapon crashes through the injured chest of the monster, sending its crumpled body to the grass at its feet. In the heartbeats that follow, the glade is quieter than it has been in some time. Up in the tree, Gilraen and his jackal friend get the best view of the bloody scene, somewhat obscured as it is by branches. Both creatures lie dead or dying, the threat to Misthome neutralized at least for the time being.

The silence is broken by a short whoop by Ramus, who stands above the kill with a gleam in his eye. "Gods above... what a hit! And I'm guessing that's Gilraen up there? That'll teach monsters to come knocking at our door." He gives the figure of the elf a wave before returning his attentions to the wounded Rask. The villager-turned-hunter only then seems to notice the half-orc's heavily wounded state, as he looks to Kern who goes to fetch Aubrin.


Eyena, Ilsa, Narek

Novvi listens as the angel turned adventuring companion shares the tale of the Shepherds as it has unfolded. How moved the svirfneblin is at the loss of Phaendar is up for debate - you think for a second that the corner of her mouth twitches, but it was probably a trick of the tunnel's half-light - but she does not try to interrupt Ramiel during the telling. Once she has heard the summary, the gnome listens to Narek and inclines her head.

"Before now, I had never heard of the Ironfang Legion, and no elements of your story have compelled me to seek them out as future business partners. Thank you for trusting me with where you came from; I will keep that information to myself." Breaking eye contact, Novvi's voice lowers as she continues to speak. You get the distinct impression from the horizontal shakes of her head and the nature of the muttering that she is no longer talking to you. "... circuitous route through Darklight Cave to the Long Walk, which would get me..."

Eventually, Novvi sighs. "Truth be told, I was hoping to travel for a little while on the surface, but if what you say is true then I shall take my chances in going the long way around. I have no desire to end up as slave or victim to a hobgoblin army. Tell your friends that I will remain here until tomorrow at dawn - after that, I return to Nar Voth."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Summoner and Eidolon nodded.

"Thank you for your time. We shall pass that message on."

"A pleasure doing business with you."

Ramiel and Ilsa then departed to get some rest.

Nothing much more to do at this point. Just gonna rest up until the next big story event/expedition.

[n0ble]

Rask let out a ragged breath clotted with adrenaline, then waved away the lesser warriors concerns. There was still plenty of blood yet left in him, even if a sizeable portion of it was coating the grass and birdbear talons. He let out another heavy breath and tottered back a little, struck tired by a sudden onset of fatigue that made him wish for younger days. Seemed these days the greatest enemy that faced him were all his accumulated years, to say nothing of the hob-legion that yet stood in his way.

The half-orc tore his gaze away from the animal corpses and fixed the elf's jackal with a squint. Blood in the air could embolden even in the puniest of creatures, and while there was plenty of fight left in him for the tiny canine, shimming up a tree under arrow fire to get at the dogs master was another matter. Rask didn't want that fight. Come to think of it he didn't really want any fight at the moment. Just some peace. Maybe a bit of solitude.

He nodded upwards to the elf, just to confirm the state of things, then grabbed a fistful of bear-fur and commenced to dragging one of the corpses in his wake. The wolverine that Jet and the spellsword had killed proved good eating. And the elf and others could fletch some arrows with the strange amalgam's feathers. He werent about to let such a pair of prizes go to waste. Not when there was more they could take from them.

The hammer haft rested on his shoulder, occupying the same place as his old sword. What weight he could feel from it was a goodly reassurance.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek nodded to Novvi in appreciation. ”We thank you for your understanding and look forward to future business. We’ll let our companions know your timetable.” He inclined his head slightly and moved to return to the upper levels.

Once they were out of earshot, Narek turned you Eyena. “Where is the Alchemist and who is watching her?”
Nuthin’ else right now ...
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30?
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[PersonMan]

Eyena pauses, halfway-turned towards Aubrin, and turns back to Narek. "She is placed in the same room in which I am - that is, in which, my tent, is positioned," she says. "At present, there is not, that is, no one is immediately concerned with watching her, specifically."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek frowned at the woman’s answer.. ”She’s alone and unguarded? What has happened that we already are breaking our agreement? That she is under watch at all times, with double the guards when she is working. She owns nothing, and owes us everything, but we seem to be treating her like an honored guest vice a prisoner of war. ”

He glanced towards Ilsa and Ramiel, obviously expecting th to agree.
Narek is worried we are already sliding down the slippery slope ...
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[3SecondCultist]

As all of the Shepherds conduct their business, the hours pass uncontested. Outside, the hunters finish off the downed owlbears and help Rask drag them into the cave mouth to make the most of the bodies. When asked, nobody seems to have tried cooked owlbear, but Jet at least is willing to try making the most of it. Kern and Ramus continue their watch from the entrance into Misthome, but report no more threats throughout the rest of the day. Meanwhile, down in the halls Yissti has finished setting up her equipment. At Narek's suggestion, a young man in your group by the name of Coryn is assigned to keep watch over the alchemist, a role which the hobgoblin herself has taken to mean 'lab assistant'. At the very least, all of the exits from the caves are guarded by trained warriors, so it's highly unlikely the former Ironfang chemist will escape without anyone noticing.

Afternoon turns to evening, which finds most of you around the very same fire pit. Dinner - a surprisingly delicious owlbear stew courtesy of the former innkeeper of the Root - has been served in newly carved wooden bowls, with several coming back for seconds. Your companions and friends are smiling, most of them going to bed with warm blankets and full bellies. Throughout dinner, the people of Misthome are all abuzz about the owlbears, but most seem to give praise to the four who defended them from the savage attackers. Particular acclaim is given to Gilraen and Rask for their efforts. Several affectionate pats, accompanied by exclamations of 'Cleaver', are directed the half-orc's way, and even though folk tend to avoid the elf, he gets a few respectful nods from a distance.

Although your prisoner-turned-worker remains sequestered below and Novvi does not seek to impose on you, Kining has come up to join you for the expected post-meal group meeting. Aubrin, as usual, waits for all of you to gather before taking one last swig from her holy symbol and clearing her throat. "Ah, well I guess we should resume our discussion from before. The owlbear threat has been dealt with for now, and those of you who have met with Novvi have done so. Even if she is leaving tomorrow, I'm hopeful that she will bring back more goods for us." The Cayden Caileanite nods at Narek first, and then Ilsa and Ramiel. "Now, you said the Legion was attacking the Chernasardo at this 'Fort Ristin'? Should we send a group to check it out?"

In the interest of moving the story along, I'm skipping to evening and assuming people listen to Narek and put a guard on Yissti. I have also added her to your group's roster in the spreadsheet. For now though, we can keep going with the adventure!

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

The two nodded.

"Almost certainly yes. If there is any chance that they're managing to repel the invasion, we have to help them."

"And even if the fort has fallen, there may still be some still alive, somewhere, or we might find some sort of clue to let us know what to do next. This is a decent stopgap but we can't stay holed up here forever."

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen accepts the occasional comments graciously, though the sight of Rask hauling a bleeding corpse not altogether unsimilar from himself may remain etched in his mind for some time as an indicator of the danger of Owlbears. Ultimately, it would have been better, were all of us up that tree... he muses.

"Indeed, not," the Elf interrupts. "While some few among our number may honestly find comfort here"- he nods to Kining- "I have never known Man nor Elf to remain underground and healthy for long. For better or worse, this fort and its occupants will provide insight at least to the Legion's successes- hopefully their limits, as well as a source of supplies and information. Perhaps, with luck, even habitation." He nods to Aubrin meaningfully, as she caps her flask.

[3SecondCultist]

"The elf is right," chimes in Jet. The dark-haired quartermaster of your group is one of several who has served herself after everyone else is done. She poking at a chunk of meat in her stew as she speaks. "Misthome is a safe haven for now, but people are going to start wondering about our next steps in all of this. Aubrin, you mentioned knowing the location of one of their bases, right?"

Everyone turns to the cleric, who blinks. "That's right. I trained briefly at Fort Nunder, which is at least twenty miles to the northwest of here. But it was a long time ago, I doubt I'd be able to navigate the Chernasardo region as well as I used to. If Fort Ristin was the one that the hobgoblin mentioned, then you should make your way there first - if the Ironfangs have found Fort Nunder by now, there's no way you would make it in time. I can try to sketch where the bases are to the best of my memory on your map, Narek."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

"Then it seems settled," said Ramiel. "Is there anything important we should know about approaching the rangers before we set out, Aubrin? And does anyone else have any last-minute questions or issues to bring up?"

[n0ble]

Rask scratched at one of his scabbed over lacerations, then took a thoughtful sip of his soup. Despite the strangeness of their appearance, the birdbear tasted good. Probably more of a testament to Jet's cooking than anything else. He nodded at the idea of taking the forts. It'd be tricky business but the promise of a decently fortified position struck him as a good idea. Wouldn't hurt that most of such a structure would probably be above ground to boot. Living in a cave had left the big man with a caged-in feeling, one that hadn't agreed with his temperament as of late. He was eager to shed both.

[PersonMan]

Eyena is quiet as the group gathers again, face shifting when the matter of the fort is brought up, as she moves into a slight lean forwards, though she settles down at Jet's comment, shaking her head at Ramiel's question.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek sat picking at the stew while the others talked, his jaw clenching periodically. He knew he was in a temperamental mood. Perhaps it was the fact that Eyena had left Yissti unguarded. Maybe it was because no one had called them to help with the owl bears. Possibly it was the growing presumption that a safe haven awaited them just beyond. After a few moments, Narek set down his bowl and stood abruptly. Looking to the ‘council, he spoke quietly, his words clipped. ”Have you forgotten the trials and tribulations we suffered to find this haven? Have the horrors faded so quickly that we are already complaining about this Sanctuary? We drove out others ... slaughtered a people that we might survive ... and suddenly you seem to be planning a new move to greener pastures.

So much blood ... for what ... ”

The last was said with a whisper as the mage gazed towards his wife and son across the chamber. After a long pause, he shook his head. ”We’ll go ... of course we’ll go. But remember what Yissti said ... Azaersi sent out hunters to deal with the Rangers. We may find naught but razed homes and slit throats. Or worse, an ambush. Do not look so far ahead that we forget the value of what we already possess.

Oh, and owlbears often hunt in pairs for their cubs. Best we check for a lair before we leave.”

Excusing himself, Narek headed over to his family, smiling widely as he knelt down and hugged them both.
Narek has some concerns ... but he’ll support the ‘rescue’ mission.
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, mending / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, haste, C2
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Ilsa raised her eyebrows at Narek's outburst.

"A people? Narek, it's not like we slaughtered them for kicks and giggles. Troglodytes are not some misunderstood race who are all secretly yearning to throw off their evil kin. They are demon-worshippers and cannibals. And no-one's suggesting that we are forgetting the value of this place, because we're not. But we can't stay here forever. The Ironfang found us once, they can do it again. Also, exactly how much damage could a couple of parentless cubs do that we need to go out of our way to hunt them down?"

Ramiel looked at Ilsa.

<Not that I necessarily disagree that the troglodytes needed to go, but don't you think the way you put it was a touch callous?>

<Prove me wrong, Ramiel. Prove me wrong.>

[3SecondCultist]

Several people around the fire frown slightly as Narek brings up his objections to the plan, but it's Jet that speaks up once more. "Ilsa might have been a little blunt about it, but she has a point. The troglodytes weren't exactly innocents, even if we did take their home from them. We all knew that these caves were never going to be a permanent solution to our problem the day we moved in." She sighs slightly. "I don't think anyone is saying that the people we lost along the way died in vain. They've helped keep us all safe, as have the six of you. But we're going to have to retake our lands from the Legion, aren't we? Isn't that the point of all of this?"

Aubrin, who has remained silent for the most recent exchange, nods slowly to herself. "Narek is right to counsel caution. The Chernasardo Rangers hid their bases deep in the woods, but if Azaersi sent out experienced troops right when the Rangers were retreating, they might have been caught unawares. We should not make the same mistake. And what you said about owlbears makes sense too. We can send a few people to check it out while you're gone, if you would rather just head straight for Fort Ristin."

[Farmerbink]

"I think that is wise council, Aubrin," Gilraen comments, from his seat near the fire. "If you are comfortable, I would imagine you and Jodis would be able to find the cubs and capture or kill them. They are animals more or less like any other, and could prove invaluable if raised with care. Of course, it can be challenging to do it and even harder to be sure they will take. I would prefer we make for the fort posthaste."

[3SecondCultist]

The Forest Road (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK3q3Jb3TCQ)

After a good night's rest and putting the last of your preparations into place - making sure that Yissti is being properly guarded, saying goodbye to Novvi, and whatever else that it is you wanted to get done - the six Shepherds of Fangwood depart from Misthome once more. In your wizard's pocket is your guide, your map to this Chernasardo. Although Fort Ristin is not marked exactly, Aubrin gave you a general idea of where she thinks it might be, based on her past knowledge of the Rangers' movements: the stronghold should be roughly north of you, well past the old Red Jaw camp. By the looks of things, it should be a three day trip or thereabouts. Thankfully, the residents of Misthome had food to spare, so your packs are full of rations - for once, there is no need to hunt for your dinner.

It isn't until mid-morning on the second day of your overland journey that you stumble on an interesting scene. With Gilraen (along with his jackal) and Rask sniffing out game trails to make the walking easier, it was inevitable you would find a few small clearings in the forest, but you all stop well short of the open space. Several large, felled trees litter the ground here, each cleanly cut and shorn of its branches. Even to the meanest eye, it is obvious that this is not a natural occurrence. It is at that very moment that all of you hear a high, plaintive voice echo through the woods.

"Halloo! I, uh, need some help up here?"

Following the source of the noise, you spot a humanoid figure - an elf, by the looks of him - atop a lone lodgepole pine near the edge of the clearing. He's rather high off of the ground, standing amid the more scraggly branches of the thin tree. Scanning the area, there don't seem to be any other figures lying in wait around here. Whoever this elf is, he is alone in his predicament.

Three human Chernasardo Rangers - dressed in gray-and-green ponchos now stained with blood - lie dead in the nearby dell. They look like they've been stripped of most of their gear, leaving only their cloaks and a few other sundry belongings behind.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen's eyes snap upwards at the sudden speech; he's visibly startled by the man's sudden call. He stops stock still with a confused expression as he assesses the man's situation. "I..." He blinks twice and starts again. "What are you doing up there, friend?" he calls, torn between curiosity and suspicion.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Ilsa and Ramiel both turned their heads upward toward the elf.

"Are you okay? What on Golarion are you doing up there?"

Perception check is far beyond what either of them can do.

[n0ble]

Rask looked up at the sound and did his best to keep his face neutral. He didn't relish getting shot full of arrows. Werent as though he was going to see any coming with how terrible his eyes had readjusted to the forests light. Too much time in the dark. The half-orc unslung his hammer and looked on at the lone elf in the tree.

[PersonMan]

Eyena silently looks around the clearing, glancing to Rask as he brings his hammer to a more ready position and drawing Eisenherz with a slight nod to him, before looking back up the tree, weapon held lightly in one hand.

Yeah she literally can't make the Perception DC, so...

[roll0] Behold!

[3SecondCultist]

As you step forward, your wary warriors taking the lead, you get a better look at the elf; there could be no mistaking his fine features and pointed ears for anything else. His skin is tanned and weathered from a great deal of time outdoors, and he wears practical forest clothes in shades of grey, green, and brown. Stark white hair flows down into a shoulder length mane, though currently some of it is matted to the elf's sweaty forehead.

"Please..." he croaks faintly from his perch atop the pine, "you've gotta come and help me down. My name's Vardalel, and I - I think my hand is broken. I haven't had anything to eat or drink in almost three days."


https://i.ibb.co/7NDCHwK/Vardalel.png

[PersonMan]

Eyena glances to the others. "It is - that is," she pauses, and frowns for a moment. "I can investigate," she says; if there are no complaints, she shifts into a crouch, then hops up, tightening her grip on Eisenherz as she goes into the air. Her fist pulses with a faint blue light and she stops at the apex of her jump. For a moment, Eyena stretches her legs, prodding the ground before pushing off again, floating upwards with slow kicks as if she were in water, calmly going up the tree to where Vardalel is, keeping her eyes trained on him as she approaches, Eisenherz held in a grip that may seem nonthreatening - one hand on the handle, the other softly holding the blade - but is recognizable as the pre-position for one of her favored jabs.

"Your hand," Eyena says as she reaches Vardalel.

Using that Flight hex for the first time, woo! Eyena will ascend at 30 feet per round, which I think leaves a gap for a question or two from the ground folks, if the tree's tall?

[3SecondCultist]

The elf's already wide eyes all but pop out of their sockets as Eyena casually floats up to him through the air. "You, you..." he blubbers, "you can fly?! That is so unfair! I mean, uh, thank you so much for rescuing me!" Vardalel then wisely shuts up as the magus reaches out her hand to where he stands on his branch. As he eagerly leans forward, all of you can hear the thundering creak of the tree as it cracks beneath the sudden change in weight distribution; you're immediately certain that somebody climbing the tree would have ended in disaster.

As things stand, however, it's a trivial manner for Eyena to help Vardalel back down to the forest floor. "Oh thank Ketephys - I don't know what I would have done without you!" He goes in to hug the woman, only to bump into her shoulder with his broken hand and whimper in agony. Cursing fervently in Elvish, it takes him a minute to calm down again. "I was completely trapped up there! Oh, I should probably explain. I'm - or rather, I was - part of a team of woodsmen from a town in the hills. We were traveling through the woods when we caught sight of a band of hobgoblins. Well, you know the saying about bears and being faster than the slowest person? I was the slowest person. They abandoning me while I was busy climbing that tree, in the hope that the goblins would get me! Ungrateful bastards. Anyway, I managed to hide but then when I tried to climb back down, I slipped and broke my hand."

[PersonMan]

Eyena is silent on the way back to the forest floor, frowning as Vardalel bumps his hand into her shoulder but not saying anything; once he's on his feet again she pauses to settle back onto the ground, then her hand glows again. "Healing," she says, touching the elf's shoulder and letting her magic do its work again.

And using the Healing hex.

[roll0]

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen stares in abject amazement as Eyena takes flight, having never seen the like before. He watches, dumbstruck, as she rescues the stranded woodsman and returns him to the forest floor. Seems fishy to me. [roll0]

Doesn't to Gilraen. *scowls across the digital table intensify*

Finally peeling his eyes from the ever-resouceful young lady, Gilraen turns back to the other Elf. "Gods alive, that is awful! Some kind of friends to leave you behind in a lurch like that. Where did your friends get off to?"

[3SecondCultist]

It takes Gilraen speaking up for Vardalel to stop gaping at Eyena as she heals the worst of his injuries. "Are... are you an angel?", he murmurs at her even as he tears his gaze away to take in the rest of your group. Blanching slightly at the sight of the hulking Rask, his attention alights on the other elf. "I agree, they're all terrible people. I considered them my kin, one and all. We went through tick season together! Anyway, I think they ran west? It was kind of hard to tell, what with me hiding for my life and all. I did witness something yesterday, though."

Doing his best not to glance sidelong at the spellsword, the forester points to a small set of shrubs not too far from the edge of the glade. Looking closer, you spot a concealed dell in the foliage... and what look like three bodies lying in the dirt. They look like they've been stripped, the only exception being their cut up and bloody green-grey ponchos. "Ever since I was stuck up there, I've been watching hobgoblin patrols throughout the area," Vardalel begins. "They move in squads of four to six, but I can't be sure at a distance if it was different groups or the same one more than once. Anyway, yesterday they lured these poor sods into a trap. Five hobs hid in this clearing here, while one of them walked away. The sixth man came back a few minutes later, these three guys hot on his tail. It was over pretty quick after that."

As soon as Gilraen examines the green ponchos on the bodies, he recognizes them as Chernasardo Rangers. He also knows that while these cloaks normally have hoods, these ones are hoodless, having been cut off and presumably taken as trophies by the enemy.
Although the corpses have been stripped of most of their gear, the hobgoblin ambushers overlooked six +1 merciful arrows and a potion of protection from arrows on one of the bodies. For the sake of brevity, I am going to assume that Narek or whoever is going to cast the requisite detect magic and make the right checks.

[n0ble]

Rask kept his hammer in one hand and stayed rooted in his peace. Something about the blade woman's magery had curdled his stomach. Maybe it was the thought of being up so high above everything, with so much more to come down from. Holy Belkzen's topography had yielded little in the way of cliffs or areas to climb. Still, couldnt hurt to have someone flying about and watching over them when things called for it. It struck the Big Man as good a higher power as any given the circumstances of the magery on display. Long as the magic stayed confined to those that wielded it.

The half-orc grunted, then shook the thoughts of magic and the desert from his mind. There were important things to be listening to. Like how many hobs he'd have to kill. For a moment he thought of joining the bowman in looking at the cloaks. He'd been running out of thread to patch up his tunic and it werent as though his own cape was in a goodly condition. Practicality stayed the thought. Sending the elf back to the caves on his own sounded like a different kind of death sentence, but a death sentence nonetheless. Taking him along constituted as much the same. The slayer let out a half sigh then withdrew one of the daggers he carried on his person, sheath and all before handing it to the elf pommel first.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Ilsa and Ramiel were initially taken aback by Eyena's sudden capacity for flight, but quickly showed approval as she descended with Vardalel.

"That is one nifty trick you've got up your sleeves, Eyena. And not a moment too soon, if that - ", Ilsa gestured to the now-fallen tree, "is any indication."

"Also, Eyena's not an angel," Ramiel said with an amused smile on his face. "But I'm an azata, so that's close, right?"

The two then joined the others as they combed over the bodies of the Chernasado rangers.

"How close is your village? Do you think you could make it back on your own safely?"

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek spent the rest of the evening speaking quietly with his family before heading downstairs for a quick visit to Novvi. Offering a couple of masterwork morning stars, he traded for resources to scribe his scrolls ... or make magical equipment. Once his sales were complete, Narek returned upstairs and retired to a quiet corner to study one of his scrolls. After transferring one of the spells into his spellbook, he began to doze off, his last waking thoughts of his family ... before he dreamed of screams and death, in a vortex of fire and ice. At the center of the maelstrom stood the Shepherds, amidst the bodies of troglodytes, hobgoblins, elven rangers ... and the refugees of Phaendar ...

The next day, Narek awoke, pushing away his dreams to put on a happy face for his wife and son. Before he left, he whispered to Thel ”Keep up your training with the others and watch over your mother while we’re gone.” Giving him a hug, he turned and embraced Shara and gave her a kiss. He opened his mouth then stopped, smiled and squeezed here shoulder. Gathering his gear, he joined the others outside, his impassive mask already back in place.

The first day was uneventful, and that night, a quiet Narek studied his spells again, painstakingly transferring the arcane words of another scroll to his book. That night he slept without dreams, but awoke with a feeling of foreboding.

On the second day, they were faced with an odd challenge - a trapped elf in need of rescue. Narek was concerned about whether the elf was a spy, but before he could speak his concerns, Eyena suddenly flew up to the man and brought him down gently. One healing hex later and the survivor was full of thanks ... and Narek was full of questions. For now, he waited in the shadows while the rest of the group took action ....
Narek studied his scrolls for two nights and manages to understand and scribe Slow and Fly.
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, teas magic / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C2
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen follows their newfound ward to the edge of the clearing, where the truth of his statements lies on display for all to see. "Those are..." he falls silent, carefully picking at the edges of the cloaks, looking for proof one way or another. "They are almost certainly fallen Rangers. Usually, the cloak would be hooded, but it appears our waylayers removed the hoods- perhaps a trophy or proof of some kind? Either way, it seems Yissti's jibes were not entirely falsehoods... at least." He turns back to his companions, posture an exemplar of urgency.

"If anything, this makes our errand all the more vital, along with our haste. We should be off at once, and try to hurry it." He turns back to the rescued Elf. "Do you think you can keep up, Vardalel?"

[3SecondCultist]

Vadalel stops at Gilraen's declaration, although he shoots Rask a confused glance when wordlessly offered a dagger. "Wait, these guys were Rangers? Like, Chernasardo Rangers? I've heard of them before, we see a few pass through town every once in a while."

As the conversation continues along, the elf shakes his head. "Look, I'm just a lumberjack! I'm from a little town called Radya's Hollow up in the Hollow Hills. You wouldn't know it, it's just a few shacks up in the middle of nowhere. Our team came into the woods to prospect for new lumber and mining sites, but really it was an excuse for them to drink and get away from their wives. Now they might be gone... I just want to go home. I don't much care for the idea of coming with, if it's all the same to you."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek sighed and stepped forward. ”That’s not going to work. Your town is already doomed - if it isn’t already gone, it will be soon. The Ironfang Legion is sweeping the country to make it their own. Anyone not a member of the Legion is an enemy, and will be destroyed or enslaved.

Now, we could help you warn them, but inevitably there will be those who don’t believe us and insist on staying to fight or hide or bargain. When they are captured, we would be at risk.

So will you stay with us, or flee home to wait for death?”
Narek offers a fairly Machiavellian deal :)
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (39 min)

[3SecondCultist]

"I... I..." The woodsman looks from Narek to Gilraen, then to Rask before settling back on the diviner. The light of argument is gone from his eyes, which you notice up close are a unique amber color. "I guess you leave me with no choice. But this is a temporary thing, understand? I'm not a hero, I don't want any trouble. In fact, I think it'd be better if I just stayed the near back and out of the way."

Putting the dagger into a pouch at his belt with obvious hesitation, Vardalel surveys the outlying trees, the elegant lines of his face hardening. He grips his new weapon, but does not draw it, letting out a long breath. "Right then. Where are we going?"

For this next part, I will invite you all to make Survival checks in order to try to locate Fort Ristin from the incomplete map that Aubrin marked for Narek. You can use Knowledge (Geography) in order to aid the efforts, imparting a +2 bonus to all parties who want to try a Survival check by beating the usual DC 10.

Interlude II - Rangers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PV_ello0_8)

Fort Trevalay

Ota hated the resupply runs. Every time, she dreaded the idea of coming back to base. It reeked of men and horseflesh, of too many pack animals in one place. And the noise. For all that the Chernasardo Rangers had a reputation for being subtle operatives, on their home ground they just couldn't shut the f*ck up. If she had to listen to Hadrim brag once more about the time his lucky arrow bounced off the tree to kill that bear, she'd sneak into his quarters and shove it somewhere uncomfortable.

As she strolled out of the trees and the fort came into sight, it was all Ota could do not to sigh openly. Fort Trevalay. It had been quite a sight for the green recruits back when she’d joined up, but she hadn't ever been much impressed by a bunch of sticks and stones. Her disdain at the time had been noticed, and reciprocated. Even now, crossing the southern rope bridge towards the outer wall, Ota stared back at the hard eyes of the men on gate duty. "It's alright," she drawled as she drew closer, "I promise I'm not going to stab anyone this time."

"Gax, that you?" As she made eye contact with the gate commander, Ota lost any hope for this whole ordeal to end quickly. Swearing under her breath, she called back up to her commanding officer.

"Who else, Greenleaf? Now come on and let me the f*ck inside, would ya? Or would you prefer throwing my supplies over the fort wall?" A minute passed, and then another, and Ota grew convinced that the gate commander was getting her gear to do exactly as she had suggested. However, after a while the oak doors began to open with a low, querulous creak, and Ota stepped into the courtyard. Right away, she lengthened her strides. She would need to get to the forge first, to requisition -

As if on cue, the irritatingly handsome face of Cobb Greenleaf filled her vision, as he held out his arm to bar further access into the fort. He'd grown a beard in the months since she was gone, which suited his weak half-elven jawline. He also looked like he'd filled out over winter, putting on a bit more muscle. Of course, that didn't make him any less of an ass. "Whoa, whoa! Getting ready to head off yet already, are we? I've got some questions for you, about what happened with Milla last time you went out together. She's claiming that you kidnapped and tortured a traveling merchant while out on patrol? Tell me it isn't true."

"So Milla's telling stories, is she?" Ota shook her head and let out a wry laugh. "I don't see what you're making such a big deal about; the guy was a Molthuni collaborator, selling information about Foxclaw movements near the border for a bit of extra coin. That intelligence got us a lead on one of their spymasters!" It had been a pretty fun mission, too – the chubby little merchant was so very attached to all his extremities, but Ota had been pleasantly surprised at how long he'd taken to break from the pain. Of course, she hadn't exactly been keen on adding those details to the official report at the time.

"Well it's pretty damn convenient that he turned out to be an enemy spy, then. Especially since, according to Milla, the man's loyalties were just rumor until you cornered him!" Ota idly watched as a vein throbbed in Greenleaf's neck. It was really a shame that he was such a stick in the mud; she really would not mind spending a night with that body. Plus, it wasn't as if she had much of a reputation to ruin by sleeping with her commander.

"You know me, Greenleaf, you know where I come from. I get sh*t done. You have a problem with the way I do things, too bad." She really was done with this. After having said her piece, she tried to shoulder her way past the other Ranger, to no avail.

"That's not good enough, Gax!" As Greenleaf's voice echoed off the stones, Ota saw that the two of them had already attracted a lot of attention: several Rangers had stopped what they were doing to watch the showdown. "We aren't just thugs in uniform; we're the Chernasardo Rangers. Our job is to protect the Fangwood, and the people in it, from harm. You attacked a man without even confirming his allegiances first! That's not how a Ranger should handle things. Now I don't know how they did things in Druma, but here we don't just assault common folk without cause. Do you understand?"

Ota Gax, Chernasardo Ranger. Now there was a f*cking joke if she ever heard it. But Ota paused and nodded anyway, doing her best to look contrite at the dressing-down. Anything to get Greenleaf out of her hair, at least until she could get back out into the woods. After shaking his head and dismissing her, the sub-commander stalked away, leaving her alone. Thanking whatever miserable sh*t gods were watching, Ota resumed her trajectory across the courtyard towards the outline of the forge. The squat, wide building dominated the western section of the courtyard, and even now she could hear the smiths hard at work within. Pushing past one of the recruits standing in the doorway, she barked at the nearest forge-hand to start working on a new dagger for her next trip.

It was at that moment that Ota first heard the shouting.


Fort Nunder

Ranger Commander Garielle Forsyth awoke to the unmistakeable sound of the earth shaking beneath her.

Throwing off her fur duvet, the elf wasted no time getting her bearings, crossing her chamber in three long strides. Putting on an overcoat and a pair of boots from a nearby shelf, she reached down to grab the two slender wands she had left in a jar near the door. Even now, her very blood burned with urgency as the rumbling intensified outside.

Her first ward was a basic defensive measure, a shimmering set of armor appearing around her body before fading into invisibility. Another wave of her hands had her senses sharpen: her eyes suddenly took in every detail of the flagstone, and she could pick up the sound of distinct screams over whatever disaster was unfolding in the fort. Wasting no more time, the sorceress rushed through the door to stand on the parapet, surveying the devastation below.

The courtyard was full of monsters. In the dim half-light cast by the vanished sun, Garielle saw four hulking trolls charging through what remained of the stronghold's courtyard. The arched entry of the gatehouse remained intact for now, but the walls to the west were already showing signs of the trolls' wrath. Nearly half of Nunder's garrison was dead or dying on the ground, their bodies ripped limb from limb with the careless ease of a child unsatisfied with a toy. The rest were in clear disarray - the enemy had chosen a suspiciously strategic time to attack, right after the watch shift change.

Either the trolls had gotten a lot smarter, or they had someone else helping them.

"Keep moving, Rangers!", Garielle cried to her comrades. "Stay out of their reach, and use fire or acid. They'll just come back otherwise!" But she had no time to guide them all now, not with the trolls so close at hand. Going back for the equipment in the vault would take too long, and a few extra arrows here would do little. So, biting back tears and cursing violently in her elven home tongue, the mage waited for her moment. She would grieve the fallen when the threat was dealt with, but she could not hesitate now. If they all died here… the elf didn't want to think about the consequences for the other Rangers.

There. Two of her men were pinned down against a piece of fallen rubble, surrounded by three trolls who seemed very intent on turning them into dinner. Garielle reminded herself, in the moments before she finished her spell, that she had no magic that could save them at this distance. It didn't stop her from choking out a sob as she released the fireball. The spell impacted the masonry at exactly the right point, the tiny bead of flame erupting into a conflagration that consumed man and troll alike. When the explosion finally subsided, the elf forced herself not to look away. One of the trolls had survived the blast. Her Rangers had not.

Forcibly ignoring the charred remains of her friends on the ground, Garielle reached for the wand at her belt. Snarling the command word as she strode across the stone battlements, Garielle took aim at the last remaining troll of the group. The acidic projectile erupted from the wand's tip, screaming through the evening air to crash into the creature's hide. As the troll's already charred flesh sloughed away and it collapsed under its own weight, the mage beckoned to the remaining Rangers on the ground.

"Fall back, into the Scarp! There could be more coming." Thankfully, her men were not slow on the uptake. Before Garielle had even finished giving her order, the Rangers of Fort Nunder were on the move. As the sorceress scanned the survivors, she spotted Caydan and Ellorin - both wounded but very much alive - each helping to carry a few of the others up the stairs. And there was Sagra, the fort's engineer, busy setting up her crossbow to help cover their retreat into the hillside citadel. The dwarf met her eyes, managing a silent nod before returning to her weapon. She knew the wages of command better than most. Garielle was the first to blink and look away, forcing herself to focus on something else and set aside her emotions until after the battle.

Her train of thought eventually brought her back to the same question she'd been considering in the back of her mind since she joined the fray. Why were the trolls attacking now, and when had they learned to coordinate their assault so precisely? Whoever was in charge of the enemy would have been watching the fort, Garielle decided. They must have been studying the Rangers' movements for at least a few days before attacking - two would have been enough to realize that the shift change just after dusk was routine - but her scouts would have spotted trolls in the underbrush before then. They weren't exactly subtle creatures most of the time. How, then, had the trolls snuck up on them?

When the stones behind her group suddenly shifted and clattered, Garielle had her answer. "They're behind us!", she screamed as the air shimmered and three more trolls stepped into view. The first was larger than any of the others she'd seen so far, so the elf moved to target him first with her acid wand. Before she could even take aim, her foe had closed the distance, sending her flying. Garielle landed near the lip of the wall, all breath knocked out of her body. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a female troll in a red robe hurl an arc of flame from a wand at the gathered Chernasardo Rangers. Meanwhile, the same hulking troll lord stepped forward, drawing a large rusty looking blade and grinning nastily down at her.

Despairing, the commander of Fort Nunder prepared herself for the end.


Fort Ristin

The hobgoblins had approached under darkness, sometime after midnight. As best Cirieo could tell, a contingent of at least a dozen of the enemy soldiers had charged the fort’s western gate first, while several more had stayed in the brush and laid down cover fire. The fighting had been fierce: Thrumond had taken a sword to the gut, and was even now holding out hope for a healer’s attention. Despite being maybe half the man's height, Cirieo had helped support his friend as he stumbled across the courtyard and collapsed beneath the northern curtain wall.

The halfling Ranger watched as the fighting at the gate began to turn. The hobgoblins – for whatever reason – had stopped pressing the assault and were beginning to make a fighting retreat. Cirieo's companions were already making the monsters’ lives hell, archers rushing to fire down on the embattled goblins while he heard the call go out for more hands to reinforce the gate.

"Thrumond… Thrumond!" His friend was gasping for air, face covered in sweat and blood. He'd killed his attacker, but the price had been high. The hobgoblin's blade had opened his chest from sternum to ribcage, and Cirieo could tell with one look that it would be a fatal wound if not attended to right away. Thankfully, he was an old hand at field sutures. Pulling cloth, string, and needles out of a pouch at his side, he looked down at his friend and got to work. He needed to staunch the bleeding first, then stitch the injury closed. "I need you to stay awake, Thrumond," Cirieo told the other Ranger, swatting his face as gently as he could. "If you die, who's going to be the worst shot in the fort?" That got him a faint smile, at least.

"Cirieo!" He looked up to see Haviello and a few others as they moved to the open gate, several of them carrying large beams and planks of wood. Those that weren't already getting out tools to hammer in extra supports had their weapons out and were charging in to push the enemy further into the forest. "We could use a little help here! The hobs almost broke through, every arm counts."

"He's dying! I need to finish closing the wound, or he'll bleed out right here. Do you have any healing potions on you?" The other Ranger, recognizing Thrumond's profile on the ground, paused. He fumbled at his belt before producing a small glass vial and handing it to Cirieo. Nodding his thanks, he wasted no time in administering the draught, watching as the outer edges of his friend’s injury closed, and some color returned to his cheeks.

"I'm so sorry, Thrumond, but it looks as though I'm going to have to save the day again," Cirieo whispered as he moved to follow Haviello and the others to the open gate. Unslinging his bow from its place over his shoulder, the halfling took note of the movements of the hobgoblin troops in the dim light of the fort's torches. He looked to several places along the edge of the forest where he would have placed archers for optimal positions, only to find them empty. Wherever the enemy reinforcements were in the brush, they were well positioned to keep firing until all of their soldiers retreated. But that didn't make any sense to Cirieo. What sensible commander would plan for defeat?

Suddenly, a bestial roar echoed from the other edge of the fort. Cirieo turned around to look for its source, only to see the northeastern tower melting like ice in a summer sun. The stones had liquefied and run together, the third floor nearly a ruin already. For a horrifying second it seemed as though the entire structure would collapse in on itself. The Rangers around him were not sitting idly by: several were already peeling off the main group to look for whoever or whatever had caused the damage, when a series of percussive thuds began to reverberate through Ristin's foundations.

"More hobgoblins!", cried one of the archers from up in the tower to the northwest. He pointed out at the northern Fangwood. "They've got sappers -" An arrow from the trees below soared up to catch him in the throat, followed by a second in the chest. He tumbled from the stone window without a sound, leaving only conspicuous bloodstains behind. Before Cirieo or any of the others could even react, the thudding had reached a crescendo. With a terrible creaking and thunderous groan, the northwestern tower came crashing down, falling atop the northern wall. Shards of stone and wood went flying as several tons of masonry tumbled to the ground. It was nothing but noise and fury.

Cirieo could do nothing but stare at the wreckage left in the wake of the tower's fall. Dimly, the halfling recognized the bodies of several more friends ahead of him. What had once been the corner of their defenses was now a pile of bloody rubble. To make matters worse, the collapse of the northern wall had left a huge opening, through which Cirieo could now see an entire stretch of forest. It was too convenient for the enemy not to have planned the demolition that way. On the other side of the gap, the Ranger watched at least a dozen more hobgoblins charging out of the trees to storm the now vulnerable fort. Looking around him, Cirieo saw no other living defenders. Thrumond was dead, body pulped by an errant stone. There was no sign of Haviello. Everyone else was dead or gone.

"Well," he said with a calm he did not feel as he drew the first arrow from its quiver, taking aim at the encroaching soldiers, "I guess it really is down to me after all."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

"Well, let's see if we can't get things going with the map here..."

Trying to decode the map!

Ilsa's Knowledge Geography: [roll0]

Ilsa's Survival: [roll1]
Ramiel's Survival: [roll2]

[PersonMan]

Eyena stands slightly off to the side as the corpses are found and examined, keeping her eyes on their surroundings; when Vardalel's predicament seems to be definitively taken care of, she steps over to Ilsa as she begins looking at the map, adding her own observations and bits of trivia to the effort.

Rolls in the OOC; Knowledge got 21, Survival 16, both in a supportive function - I'm not sure if we're stacking these bonuses or if we'll all be making Survival checks and just buffing as many as possible.

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen meets Verdalel's gaze, not stonily, but giving no room for false hope, either. If the lumberjack was hoping for a quiet retreat to a simple life, Gilraen knew well enough to know he was just plain out of luck. He nods slowly as the Amber-eyed Elf makes the same realization, hoping to instill him with some force of will, some reason to fight and cling to life when it seemed all was lost. At any rate, he showed some small bit of steel in his spine as he stows the dagger.

When Verdalel's question breaks the silence, Gilraen responds. "We are going to Fort Ristin. We have reason to believe that the rangers there have thus far either escaped the Ironfang's notice, or repelled their assaults. I have no expectation this will remain the case for long, so we seek some combination of aid for ourself and aid for them. Perhaps if we can bring the rangers together, we might stand some chance against the Ironfang's full might...."

He turns to Ilsa and Eyena, already poring over the map, and contributes his own, perhaps more practical understanding of their surroundings. How best to find a fort when its owners seek to hide it?

Rolled survival in hangouts (I know, I know): 21 (13+8)

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek suppressed a snort at the man’s response and shrugged instead. ”I cannot guarantee that you won’t see violence, but life with us is a damn sight better than being captured by the Legion. Keep your eyes open and that dagger handy.

You’re gonna want it before we’re through.”

Turning to the map, Narek studied it with the others, focused on what he remembered of the area. He pointed to a few landmarks and features on the map, commenting on where the camp might be in relation. After another few minutes, it seemed Gilraen had a good idea of which way to go. Glancing about, he whistled and Cisk flew down to land on his shoulder. He whispered to the swoop lizard, feeding him a bit of dried meat, then lifted his hand and watched him fly off. Turning back to the others, he voiced some concerns.

”We should use prudence as we close in. If the Legion hasn’t found them, we don’t want to get killed approaching. If the Legion has found them, they may leave behind scouts to capture any returning rangers. I’m not sure this is going to end in relief, but it obviously needs to be done. Visk will scout ahead about a mile, reporting back occasionally. Once we get close, I’ll call him back, least I risk him becoming a trophy.”
Ready to press. Using Visk to scout from above, where feasible. Prefer he sticks to the trees and tries to hide from anyone on the groun. He reports back if he sees anything ... otherwise Narek will presume a happy emotion via empathy is good news. Also casting message periodically to link everyone.
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (50 min)

[3SecondCultist]

The Revel at Ristin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=807LVZCVIhg)

Even with Narek coordinating the search from his map and using Visk from the sky and Gilraen and his switchback jackal expertly navigating the Fangwood's trails, it takes you over a full day to find what you're looking for. The trip itself was pleasant enough, but for a woodsman and an elf, Vardalel made a surprisingly poor showing of himself, sometimes stumbling over his own two feet. Nevertheless, here you are. A cool spring breeze whistles through the trees, muffling your footsteps as you approach the sight of your destination ahead. As the sporadic light of sunset peeks through the abundant cloud cover above, it lends your shadows a long, lingering look. Given what you are already seeing, perhaps this is the best time to be approaching Fort Ristin.

The flying lizard is the first to spot the fort's watchtowers peeking out over the leafy canopy. The six of you - plus Vardalel - are able to make your approach quietly and efficiently, getting within sight of the outer walls without hearing anything by way of alarm from within Ristin's confines. You close in to sixty feet, and then move in until you're roughly forty paces from the base of what looks like the southwestern tower: definitely enough to get a good look. Ristin is constructed from weathered blocks of smooth, gray stone. Shaped like an irregular rectangle with four towers marking the corners, it's immediately obvious that one of the spires to the northwest has collapsed.

The mortar between the stones is discolored by a dark, tenacious mold, and creeping vines crawl up the fort's exterior, particularly in the deep shadows between the western towers. This is especially the case near what appears to be a gatehouse, which is connected by a high wall to the two closest towers and lies festooned in ivy. Mushrooms blossom amid ferns along the ground. The wooden double door of the gatehouse is banded with iron, but one door stands slightly ajar. You hear faint noises from within - what sounds suspiciously like music - but there is nobody atop any of the walkways on the walls, neither do you spot anyone through the arrow slit windows of the nearest tower.

"Well," whispers Vardalel as he clutches the hilt of his blade, "how are we going to do this?"

Map of Ristin (Ground) (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Right, so we've made it to Ristin! I have placed you all on the map, and this time it is pretty much to scale with where your characters actually would be in this scenario. Nobody seems to have noticed you approach, so you all have time to plan your approach, very much like before at Camp Red Jaw... only this time, you don't really know what to expect.

[Farmerbink]

"Blast it all," Gilraen curses, almost under his breath. He turns away from the overgrown walls to gather his companions in the brush. "It would appear I was mistaken, or we have arrived too late. Wait here for a moment, but be ready to respond in kind if there is a trap laid for us."

He turns back to the fort and utters a brief incantation, causing the presence (or lack) of magical auras to appear as plainly as the leaves on the trees. His sight augmented, he prowls forward, careful to keep brush between himself and the walls for as long as possible. He takes a few moments to scan the walls once more before darting forward and taking up a guarded stance at their feet. Step by cautious step, he approaches the open gate, desperate to find some evidence he's mistaken.

Gonna cast detect magic, so he doesn't get caught with his metaphorical pants down on a simple alarm spell. Then gonna stealth to the gate, assuming perception doesn't give him a reason to not.

stealth
[roll[1d20+10 perception
rolled in Roll20 'kuz fail: 25 perception

[3SecondCultist]

Before any other Shepherds can stop him, Gilraen creeps forward through the brush, approaching the base of Ristin's vine-choked walls with his jackal nipping at his heels. The elf's movements are incredibly furtive, as the now experienced scout keeps his eyes and ears open for threats. Right away, the would-be Ranger gets the impression that there is nobody looking out for enemies from the fort itself, as there is no alarm raised while he gets closer to the front gate. Up close, the ajar door is even more crowded with vegetation, and Gilraen is able to quickly steal a look inside before he spots movement. A strange looking plant is perched right above the doorway in front of him. It has four spidery stalks, long green tendrils, and an inverted bell-shaped cap that looks like it's filled with spores. Luckily whatever it is doesn't seem to have noticed Gilraen, allowing him a chance to escape and return to the group unscathed.

Right after Gilraen has gone, Narek sends his own animal helper to help survey the situation: Visk, the wizard's wrinkled pterosaur, takes flight from the hem of Narek's sleeve and circles ever higher into the sky. At a distance where he could easily be mistaken for a bird, the familiar makes a few flyovers of the fort. What the pterosaur sees is a more detailed of the same vision that Gilraen has already been able to get a peek at.

The fortress's courtyard of hard-packed earth and gravel is filled with large stones spilled from the tumbled northeastern tower. A building situated against the northern wall has been almost entirely crushed, while an intact stable stands against the southern wall. To the north, there is a large gap in the masonry that looks unmanned. The wooden double door stands slightly ajar to the west, leading out of the fort. Another double door leads into the large keep to the east, and a balcony twenty feet above the keep's entrance overlooks the courtyard. A narrow wooden door stands at the base of each of the three remaining towers. Of the stones scattered across the courtyard, the largest are as tall as a human and all are stained dark red. The source of the stains is no mystery: hobgoblin corpses with slit throats hang upside-down from crude gibbets above each of the gruesome stones.

The creatures within are hard to identify at a distance, but they look like little bearded men who seem prone to singing, drinking, and making merry atop the bones of the goblins. Whoever they are, they certainly gave the Legion a good fight.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

So the map has been updated with the entire courtyard and walls visible. The only unknowns are the two western towers that flank the gatehouse, the stable, as well as the keep itself. Getting too close to the threat might resolve in Visk being spotted, so I assumed he was getting a distant flyby while Gilraen got a closer look, but Bink's scouting rolls were good so not only have you uncovered a danger and potentially another way into Ristin.

Now that you have a better idea of the terrain, you can strategerize! :smallbiggrin:

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen returns to the group, silently offering a small bite of dried jerky as a reward for the Jackal and incentive to stay quiet. As she gnaws happily, he quickly recaps his findings. ..."so whatever that plant is, it looks like it is intended as a defense mechanism." Narek's own discovery reveals a new opportunity, and perhaps the best news thus far. "I do not think we should necessarily go so far as to expect it, but in desperate times, we should hope that the enemy of our enemy might be a friend. Should we just announce our presence, or risk appearing unduly hostile to get better information?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel
"I would advise more along the lines of erring on the side of caution. It is not out of the question that they might help us, but it would be best to be careful. I think we should maneuver toward the north side of the forest, near where the opening in the walls is. Then, one or two of our number - preferably one of the more well-spoken or more mobile of us - should approach them. If they are willing to talk, great. If not, they can make a beeline back for the edge of the forest, and we can get them as they come out through the natural chokepoint."

[Farmerbink]

"Though I hate to nominate another for a potentially dangerous task, as I recall Narek has the ability to turn himself or another invisible. It seems perhaps reasonable that he would be able to escape more readily than most."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

"I have no objections to nominating him, assuming he doesn't mind."

"And Ilsa and I can cover him from the forest with arrows and spells."

[n0ble]

Rask shouldered his hammer and took out his bow. He werent much of a shot, but he could apply sufficient volume as to cover a retreat. He though it better to send the lumberjack than the mage. If magery gone awry resulted in someone's capture, Rask would have preferred it be the individual who knew the least about the Misthome. Still. If they needed information the goings-on inside the fort the wizard was the best informed man Rask knew. He shrugged. Whoever's retreat needed covering would be covered.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

As Gilraen relates his findings and Narek related Visk’s observations, the wizard took notes on a sheet of paper, sketching out the camp. Rubbing his chin, he considered options when one of the others mentioned invisibility. Looking up, he noticed the group staring at him. Blinking, he glanced towards the dirt, then back at his companions.


”Yes, I can veil myself or someone else, but I cannot mask noises. I’m not well-trained as a scout, so perhaps another. Eyena possess magic to veil herself ... and fly, it seems. However, before we advance further into the fort, I offer an additional option of scouting from afar. My studies have yielded a spell of scrying. Give me a few moments and I will be ready.”
Cast clairaudience or clairvoyance (which ever we think males more sense). Will prep second level invis if necessary .
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / empty, protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (50 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

"Scrying? Well, if you can get more info from afar without any of us having to be in danger, so much the better. Let us try eavesdropping first, then, see if we can get some insight on who they are and what their motivations are."

"I will note that I am capable of masking my footsteps. If the scrying itself does not yield enough information, I could always have the invisibility spell cast on me and then proceed inside."

"Anyone object to having Narek use his spell to listen in on our guests? I'll put my vote toward that."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Glancing around, Narek didn’t hear any objections so he settled in to study his spellbook and then cast the clairaudience spell. While he was focused, he sent Visk to a tree with visibility of the area to watch for anything moving.

”As I said, I need a few minutes to prepare.”
So bad news - I didn’t prep Invis. Good news, I have an open 2nd level slot. So 15min for a spell prep? Then 10min to cast cast clairaudience. Visk will monitor the area where creatures would most likely go in and out.
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist, enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / invisibility, protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (1hr); message (50 min); clairaudience (600’ range, hear noises in area selected; 50 rounds)

[Farmerbink]

I'm perfectly content watching over Narek while he prepares spells.

"I am fairly certain those creatures are Korred. A sort of... uh fairy, if you will. Very territorial. Not fond of outsiders. Though they likely mean us no ill will, it is possible that they will attack us on sight anyway, if just to keep us away.

Of course, we need to get into the fort, so we may be at an impasse."

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

"Let us proceed with the clairaudience, then. We may learn something we can use to convince them to let us pass, if only for now."

[3SecondCultist]

In the time it takes for Narek to prepare the necessary magics, the rest of the Shepherds sit at the edge of the forest and watch as night falls all around. There have been some cool evenings out here in the Fangwood, but the twilight that suffuses you carries a warm breeze from the west as the sky turns from blue to indigo. The distant stars of the Cosmic Caravan begin to appear: to the north flies the Thrush, chased by the Lantern Bearer, and near the eastern horizon lie the Newlyweds.

Vardalel doesn't seem all that comfortable giving advice of any kind in this situation. Instead, the elf has found a comfortable nook at the base of a nearby tree and plopped himself down. While you all prepare yourselves, he has taken to sitting and humming tunelessly to himself at a pitch that is just barely louder than a whisper. By the time the samsaran returns to you with his spells prepared, Vadalel lets out a sigh of relief. "Finally, we can get a move on."


Narek

Keeping your attention honed on the spell, you tunes into the very same winds that rustle through the leaves of the nearby trees. To your knowledge, the rest of the world just... drops away, as your consciousness is carried ahead and out of your body. The journey feels at once instantaneous and like it lasts a lifetime, but at the end of it you find himself looking at a world of pure, impenetrable darkness. Only murmurs fill the void, the sound of a crowd at a theater that has yet to raise the curtain. Slowly and surely, they grow in volume until you can make out the voices as clearly as if you were standing next to them. In the background, you hear the pounding of cacophonous rhythms on what sound like rocks or some other hollow object, and somewhere beyond that is the lilting playing of a flute.

"... need some more hobgoblins to redden up the courtyard rocks! I know Halk let the redcaps in the northeast tower borrow a few, but I don't think they're fool enough to kill 'em against Halk's say-so." The speaker's voice is high, lilting, and melodic, and it takes a moment for you to catch up to the rapid fire Sylvan exchange that is happening. There are at least three or four more voices, all talking and singing in the background in time with the haunting music, though after a time and a bit of argument, a different response catches your ear.

"If you think I'm going up there to ask them for some goblin blood, you're a fool. Grundlechar is the First Drinker for now, but Red Rock Revels have changed hands before. I don't mind Linder Largehands down in the cellar, but that Dearga Finlay with her trollhound makes me nervous. She and the redcaps are a force unto themselves, and I don't much care for getting in the middle of any strife she has with the boss." There is a bit more chatter and some laughter, and whoever was speaking lets out some particularly foul cursing.

"Enough of this! Let the revel continue!" The proclamation is met with a cheer, and a chorus of little fey voices all break out into truly awful singing.

"Put up your arms, and fight with me eye to eye,
cut, thrust, riposte, and loo-li lai-lay,
and I'll carve your bones deep, and I'll kill you tomorrow,
bless you with stones for the road that you go.

May you fly down to the fields of misfortune,
with toenails and teeth for your head and your feet,
and may your pain never, ever be done,
may you find hatred in all that you meet..."

After another minute or so of the same, the spell begins to fade. You swear the last thing you hear before your mind returns to your body are the words, "-ling prisoner in the cellar!"

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek took out ink pen and paper, copy on down what he heard as it happened, least he forget any pertinent details. He frowned as he copied, his strange white eyes staring blankly into the darkness. When the spell ran its course, he blinked, looking to his companions. Then he slowly, methodically went through what he had learned from the spell.

”It seems we have a few factions at play here. It begs a few questions - how long since the hobgoblins took this keep ... what forces have moved in since ... do they represent allies in the fight ahead, or simply distractions versus a common foe ... are there opportunities to exploit tensions between groups ... and do we need to do anything about them ...”

Narek leaned back and considered what he knew, if anything, about these creatures. Gilraen has left out quite a bit - these korreds were a dangerous lot..
Skill checks? [roll0] to know about Redcaps, [roll1] for names
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist , enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / invisibility, protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 6/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (55 min); message (45 min)

[PersonMan]

Eyena sits silently, watching what portions of the fort are visible from where the group is, frowning at it and occasionally standing up to pace; as Narek casts his spell she shifts her attention, nodding at his description. "It is...that is, it is my perception, that an attempt at contacting those inside may be worthwhile, as, that is, it appears that they are hostile to the Legion."

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen shrugs, barely visible in the gathering twilight. "That does not necessarily make them our friend. These are not a pleasant lot." He turns to his gathered companions. "In any case, the fort is lost- clearly the Legion beat us to it, and these fey found a way to beat them at their own game. The question now is what will we find of value if we challenge them for the fort? Do we have any other leads to contacting the Rangers?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Summoner and eidolon scratched their heads. "None that I remember off the top of my head. Near as I recall this was our only lead at present."

"As for what to do about the korreds, I could at least attempt to talk them into temporarily helping us against the redcaps. I doubt they would be willing to do much more than that, but it would mean less expenditure of our resources and it would be of benefit to them."

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek shook his head gravely ”Gilraen’s points are well made. The korreds are difficult to deal with at best, and alone I might suggest it worthwhile to negotiate; the Redcaps, however, are viscous monsters filled with violence and no other redeeming qualities.

Normally, I’d recommend we reconsider making any effort to clear the area, since it seems more prudent to leave them as a distraction for the hobgoblins vice spilling our blood to deal with them. However, given the possible a prisoner, we have an opportunity to gather some information that may help our cause.

Gilraen, do you know if the Rangers normally consort with such creatures? ”
So ... is this worth the xp?
AC: 13. HP: 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist , enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / invisibility, protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (55 min); message (45 min)

[n0ble]

Rask took in the discussion with a confused squint that alternated from whoever was talking, to the fort, then back to the next talker. Fey were about as alien to the half-orc's learnings sure as the hammer still stunk of magery. Rask shouldered his bow and unslung the hammer from the opposite shoulder. He looked towards the fort. It'd pay to keep things simple, given what was facing them. Go in, connive a path towards seeing the prisoner. Rask thought that part, at least on his part, unlikely. He didn't mind it. If the fort's residents said no, which Rask thought more likely:force a path towards seeing the prisoner. Gut the garrison's remnants of hostilities. If the prisoner turned out to be a hob, take the prisoner prisoner. Let the others deal with it from there while Rask buried corpses. He took a few tentative steps towards the fort.

Rask wiped a rag across his forehead to get rid of some of the sweat on his brow. He pondered a moment, then stepped back into the shade. If the prisoner was one of these rangers, the others could deal with them while Rask buried corpses. Rask scratched a thumb under and across his chin. He took note of the thin film of hair that'd started to form across his face. Be just like him to forget to shave to shave before bushwhacking it. Rask shrugged. He was inclined to deception or diplomacy for whatever they were worth, but something in the mage's description of the Redcaps spoke to the violence that Rask contained.

The big man looked up at the clouds and sky, above the trees.


Rask will try and figure out what the weather is going to be like [roll0]

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen looks back and forth between his companions, an uneasy expression on his face. "I do not like this, but I think we must confront these Korreds. The Rangers are our best hope, along with the rest of Fangwood. We have to find out who this prisoner is, and hope against hope they are friends..." He looks downcast, as if unable to muster the faith to accept hope. With a heavy sigh he looks back up, resigned.

"Does anyone want to play bait?"

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Ramiel raised his hand.

"As Ilsa's eidolon, if I am eliminated, the worst that will happen to me is that I am shunted back to Elysium until tomorrow. Plus, I can talk my way out of a scrape in a pinch. When you look at it, I'm your best option."

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods at Gilraen's words, then looks to Ramiel as he speaks. Her brow furrows slightly, but she nods again. "I agree," she says.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

"Anyone else wish to say yea or nay?" Asked the azata.

"If no-one has any objections," said Ilsa, "then I recommend we swing on over to the north side of the keep, and hide in the treeline. Ramiel will go forward and try to talk, and if things go to hell, we can pop out of cover and start fighting."

If there were no objections, they then proceeded to do this.

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek looked from the seats to Ilsa, curious that she was so willing to sacrifice her companion. Of course it wasn’t permanent, but many summoners would never suggest or allow such a tactic. Good for her.

Glancing back at Ramiel, he wondered if the eidolon was truly ready to face the korreds. ”First and foremost, the korreds are fey. If we have to fight, we’ll need magic or fey-bane steel ... more colloquially known as cold iron. They possess an affinity for stone, and magical tricks to ensnare unprepared travelers. I believe the passage I read on them said ‘Let mortals cry, Beware, beware! / Their magical laugh and floating hair! / They’ll weave a circle around you thrice / encase your heart in stone and dread / for you have stumbled onto the korred / and blasphemed fey paradise!’

What is your actual plan once you approach the camp? You shall have the message spell upon you, so you may signal as necessary. You do speak sylvan, yes?”
Hopefully the teachers and scholars amongst us will indulge and forgive my poetic appropriation of an iconic work - my apologies Master Coleridge!

That being said ... I’m okay with action, but do we have a plan or just winging it? I’ll check Hangouts for more ...
AC 13 HP 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist , enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / invisibility, protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (55 min); message (45 min)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

"Technically, I speak Sylvan, but he can speak anything I can speak."

Ramiel nodded, then held up one of his quivers. "As for the cold iron, as you may or may not recall, Ilsa and I were initially brought down here by rumors of fey running rampant. I came equipped accordingly, with a full quiver of cold iron arrows. If any of you are in need of cold iron weaponry, we also bought some of this from the merchant who stopped by the base." He held up a couple satchels of powder. "Rub this weapon blanch on your weaponry, and it will form a coating of cold iron around it, temporarily. It only lasts for one successful hit, though, so make it count."

"As for strategy, I shall need to approach them, initially, with my bow stowed, and talk quickly. If I can persuade them to listen first and shoot later, I shall ask if they are willing to let us look through the fort, offering to help 'clean out any remaining pests'. I can't show any overt knowledge of the redcaps or the prisoner since they'd know we were spying on them, but hopefully that should be enough to get them to let us take a look."

"If that fails, I have a scroll of darkness on my person that I can use to try and cover his retreat. After that, it's just a matter of trying to fight them as best we can. One thing I might suggest: Eyena, with your power of flight, you might want to consider flying up onto the ramparts and tying a knotted rope there, so that we may climb up and get onto the high ground."

[3SecondCultist]

From the back of the group comes a light cough, as Vardalel clears his throat. "Look," the elf begins, doing his best to keep his voice low, "I'm not saying we should leave a man behind, if that's what's at stake here. But your... I don't know what you are, just spied on those fey in the fort and said that they're all malicious tricksters at best and actively sadistic at worst. Now your plan is to go in and ask them all to play nice?"

The forester raises his hands preemptively, but not before giving your group entire and Ramiel in particular a sideways glance. "I know, I know. I'm not a member of your crew, and I think I'll be sitting this one out regardless. All the same, I wouldn't be risking my life on those odds. At least leave behind the cold iron arrows. Something tells me that if they turn on you in there, you aren't going to have much of a chance to use them anyway."

[n0ble]

The half-orc let out sigh then shrugged, then grabbed some of silver dust for his hammer. Everybody was talking about talking to things he'd rather have just smashed flat. But everyone else seemed to have him outranked when it came to understanding the inner workings of whatever was going on in the fortyard, and that meant he followed their lead. And following the lead, leastways as far as Rask's wisdoms took him, involved applying the alchemical blanch to the hammer. Smashing whatever the **** a kor-red was could wait until things went tits up.

Rask took a knee behind some trees and tried to get a few coals going to melt the filings. Then he set to working to the filings into the hammer's stone. He had to be careful not to get too much into the fissures. Another one had appeared, and he didn't want to have to worry about hammerhead cracking into fragments when it connected. Or the haft could just snap. No amount of special alchemies could save him then. The big man lowered the hammerhead over the coals and let the dust melt onto the hammer before turning it around to let the other side roast a bit. Rask made a dubious appraisal of the metal-coated stone then minded the coals until someone else came over to tend to their weapon.

[PersonMan]

Eyena nods to Ramiel; if the others seem to agree with his suggestion, she readies her rope and begins to add regularly-spaced knots. She looks up as Vardalel speaks, and simply looks directly at him when he poses his first question, nodding. "If...that is, if they cooperate, then we benefit. If they do not, we kill them," she says, shrugging as she looks back down to her rope.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel


"Look, I'm not saying we should leave a man behind, if that's what's at stake here. But your... I don't know what you are, just spied on those fey in the fort and said that they're all malicious tricksters at best and actively sadistic at worst. Now ysour plan is to go in and ask them all to play nice?"

"I know, I know. I'm not a member of your crew, and I think I'll be sitting this one out regardless. All the same, I wouldn't be risking my life on those odds. At least leave behind the cold iron arrows. Something tells me that if they turn on you in there, you aren't going to have much of a chance to use them anyway."
"Believe me when I say that we are all fully aware this has a good chance of failure, Vardalel. But if they do agree to let us pass through, it means that much less expenditure of resources on our part. If not, well... we've fought our way out of worse scrapes."

"And as for leaving behind the arrows..." Ramiel handed Rask and Gilraen 15 each. "That much is a good point. Also, I don't plan on going in far enough to where they can surround me, if that's what you're worried about. No further than the gap in the walls."

Ramiel now has 19 Cold Iron arrows. Rask and Gilraen each now have 15. Ramiel will not advance past the purple line I've drawn. If the Korreds try to ask him to pass that line, he will refuse.

[3SecondCultist]

Under the cover of the trees, the Shepherds put the final touches on their approach. As cold iron weapons are parceled out among the team, powders applied to metal and spells prepared, Eyena sneaks forward to the base of the northern wall where the structure is still intact. Noticing the arrow slits that mark most of the towers, she finds a place to approach under the cover of a tree growing up near the wall's edge. Floating up almost to the rampart's top, the magus makes sure she isn't spotted as she wedges a coil of rope between two weathered crenelations. When there is no alarm raised, she safely returns to the ground to join the others in waiting to see how the diplomatic approach will work.

With everyone now in position, Ramiel makes his approach. The last light of the sun has been leached from the sky now, leaving the moon and stars above as his guide even as his angelic vision cuts through the dark. Ascending a slight slope, the azata finds the large gap in the masonry easily enough; the hole in Fort Ristin's defenses is wide enough to push a cart through with at least a foot on either side. The collapsed northern tower is not exactly hard to spot either, its tumbled walls and beams sticking out at odd angles like the broken ribs of some half-eaten beast. Whatever happened here must have been quite devastating, to have done this sort of damage.

Picking up on more voices speaking in Sylvan beyond and catching snippets of more music, Ramiel stops halfway up the little slope, several feet outside of the boundaries of the ruined wall. But he doesn't even get a chance to call out; the stone comes out of nowhere, flying through the dark to strike him on the head. "Look here, we've got ourselves an intruder on the Revel! Thought you could sneak up on us, eh?" One bearded figures - who has to be a korred, by the look of him - emerge from the stone as if it were water to join a companion who saunters up the gap. Both of them bear their clubs menacingly. "I think this one's a party crasher! Well, we did need a bit more red for the rocks..."

Map of Combat (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

Okay it wasn't really a surprise round, but the two korreds each get a 'free' attack on Ramiel as the azata approaches Fort Ristin. He only gets hit with one rock for 8 damage, as he beat his Will save against the second effect. Since the fey seem to be pressing the fight, I have gone ahead and rolled Initiative! Narek, Gilraen, and Ilsa/Ramiel are up first for Round 1, followed by the fey. After that Rask and Eyena will close off the round, leading us into our usual block.

Also, make sure that somebody is keeping track of your cold iron ammunition and weapon blanch! Rask has used 1 of the group's supply on his earth breaker, leaving your group 1 remaining for the time being. Other than arrows and spells, DR will be applying to the rest of your hits.

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

<Uh, Ilsa? Doesn't look like they're much for talking.>

<We expected this. Give them one chance. If they don't want to talk after that, we go ahead and flatten them.>

Ramiel called out.

"Easy, easy! I don't want to fight you. All I want is to look inside the fort. Is there no way we could come to an agreement?"
They say that talking is a free action, but does that apply to Diplomacy?

Diplomacy: [roll0]

[Farmerbink]

Gilraen waits nervously among the underbrush. As the rocks fly out of nowhere, he winces silently. Not the best start, but not a surprise. He nods slowly as Ramiel calls out, willing himself to focus and his heart beat to slow. He raises his bow, cold iron arrow nocked, prepared for the worst.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 5, Init 5, HP 31/31, Speed 40
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 3, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
PBS MW composite long bow (40 arrows) +9 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Shillelagh Qstaff +7 (2d6+4, x2)
MW Dagger +6/+7 (1d4+2, 19/20 x2)
MW Chain shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
Spells, 1st level: 7/7 remaining
2nd level: 5/5 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 5/5

As stated in discord, I'd like to have Bless active before Ramiel moves forward. We pretty much knew we were in for a fight, so it seems reasonable. Also, I would have cast Shield of Faith (or Sanctuary, but that might be harder to retcon) on Ramiel.

Ready an action to 5-foot step and attack, if the Korreds do.
[roll0] attack (+10, if they move even 5 feet closer)
[roll1] CC (29, x3)
[roll2] damage (+3 if they move closer)
[roll3] crit bonus

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

Narek froze as the rocks flew. He knew that should a fight erupt, he would be vulnerable so he quietly cast a spell to protect himself from the missiles. He also pulled free one of his wands - perhaps he could freeze one of them if necessary.
casting protection from arrows and drawing a cause fear wand
AC 13 HP 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist , enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / invisibility, protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (55 min); message (45 min); protection from arrows (gain DR 10/magic; 1hr or 50 pts damage)

[3SecondCultist]

The two korreds standing on the stone look at each other in utter perplexity when Ramiel addresses them courteously in their native tongue. The fey who stands further back tilts its head slightly, furrowing its almost comically large eyebrows before it barks out a reply. "What's that, eh? The party crasher wants to talk to us! Hah! He thinks he'll get himself an invitation to our secret Revel just because he's handsome. Well too bad - this is our turf now, so get off our lawn!" The last exclamation is accompanied by a flying stone, but several members of your group are already moving. Even as Ramiel hustles back towards the trees, Gilraen lets loose a swift arrow towards the closer of the two korreds who has begun to move forwards.

However, none of you see what happens next, because Ilsa releases her hold on a particular spell, tossing a pebble of writhing shadow in between your two foes. As the stone bounces and lands somewhere in the midst of the rubble, the field of darkness widens and deepens like a channel, turning the first hour of night into a place no shadows can be cast. The entire ruined gap in Fort Ristin's ramparts is out of sight, as are the two meddlesome fey. You do hear a loud pained yelp from the very same location of the korred that Gilraen targeted, though. Eventually, there are footsteps, followed by a rather unique sound.

Crack... crack... cough... at first, you think it's nothing more than more of the fort's ruins shifting, but the source of the sound is much too close for that. It's coming from near the center of Ilsa's spell. It takes you all a moment to realize that what you're hearing is laughter, eldritch and hoarse. The noise grates at you, worming its way through the ground at your feet and into your very bones. Some of you are able to steel yourselves by tapping into your internal strength, fighting off the magic. However, most of you are not as lucky, the laughter locking your body in place as you are unable to move.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

So as you are attacking the fortress at night, the entire map counts as dim lighting. With Ilsa's Darkness spell up, those of you without Darkvision (Narek, Gilraen, and Eyena) can't see anything within the radius of the stone that Ilsa threw. The korreds therefore have total concealment from you.

"You can't attack an opponent that has total concealment, though you can attack into a square that you think he occupies. A successful attack into a square occupied by an enemy with total concealment has a 50% miss chance (instead of the normal 20% miss chance for an opponent with concealment)."

I will leave the korreds where they are (as the last known position) and update their movement on the map after everyone has gone. Whether or not they move will determine whether your attacks against them resolve normally with a 50% miss chance or just auto-miss.

On top of that, one of the korreds used its Stunning Laugh ability on the party, which got more than a few of you. Ilsa, Narek, Ramiel, and Gilraen's jackal are all stunned (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Gamemastering/Conditions/#TOC-Stunned) for the next 2 rounds (which includes dropping any weapons, wands, or other implements in hand).

[n0ble]

Well. Things had gone and ****ed themselves much sooner than his expectations had allowed for, but gone and ****ed themselves things had. It had never been a question of whether or not the killing would start. At least not to the half-orc's sensibilities. Just when. And when appeared to be now.

The big man ground his teeth and steeled himself against the sensations the laughter carried into his flesh. He set his shoulder to the fey the elf had already hit, then surged towards himhim.


Charging the already wounded korred
To hit (power attacking): [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[PersonMan]

Eyena silently stares at Eisenherz for a moment, and its surface gains a slight blue glow, frost forming on the blade as she steps forwards, speaking a spell and disappearing from sight.

Swift: Use Arcane Pool to enhance Eisenherz [+1, Frost].
Standard: Cast Vanish.
Move: Move to indicated square.

[Farmerbink]

Nature can be as twisted and cruel as any, and these Fey certainly prove it. Something akin to disappointment flies with Gilraen's arrow, and something akin to gratification follows the pained cry. Still, the whole scene strikes Gilraen primarily as wasteful. Even with an army of Hobgoblins roaming the Fangwood, these fools can't see reason? "It's your lives we are trying to preserve!" he calls, clearly irritated, as he steps out of cover.

Still, the dimness coalesces into utter darkness, Gilraen closes his eyes- they're no use anyway. The laughter washes over him, leaving him more than a little shaken, but also fairly sure of one of the Korred's positions. He tilts his head to the side and raises his bow, awkwardly trying to pinpoint his target purely by sound. Less sure than he'd like to be, another quiet thrum announces his arrow's departure.

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 5, Init 5, HP 31/31, Speed 40
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 3, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
PBS MW composite long bow (40 arrows) +9 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Shillelagh Qstaff +7 (2d6+4, x2)
MW Dagger +6/+7 (1d4+2, 19/20 x2)
MW Chain shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
13x cold iron arrows (counting this turn's use)
Spells, 1st level: 5/7 remaining
2nd level: 5/5 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 5/5
Bless: ~49 rounds remaining


Rules question: As I read it, my campaign trait (https://ironfanginvasion-5.obsidianportal.com/wikis/traits) should be able to apply here, though I'm unsure if the spirit of the rules supports such an interpretation. If you feel it should, I will use a move action to reduce the target's concealment. If you feel it should not, I will use martial flexibility to take the elven accuracy (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/combat-feats/elven-accuracy-combat) feat, allowing me to reroll the miss chance. Die rolls in spoilers to avoid cheating. Please let me know if I need to deduct the use of MF.

If the trait applies, only the first concealment roll will apply, but vs 20%:
[roll0]
If the trait does not apply, the second roll may. If either are 51+, the attack passes concealment:
[roll1]

5-foot step as noted. Move action pending above ruling
Pew.
[roll2] attack
[roll3] CC (31, x3)
[roll4] damage (cold-iron arrow)
[roll5] crit bonus

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Stunned as they were, the eidolon and his summoner could do nothing except reel back in a daze, but had occasion to think one thing...

Well, you brought this on your damn selves.

[3SecondCultist]

Leaving the stunned members of your team behind, Rask and Eyena are the first to spring into action. The magus skirts the edge of the field of darkness, her glowing sword casting light like a torch until both it and her seemingly wink out of existence. If you listen closely, you can hear the magus' soft footfalls on the ground as she walks, though the sound is quickly drowned out by Rask's explosive charge. The half-orc, his eyes not at all hindered by the roiling shade, runs forward without hesitation. His hammer - already coated with a bright alchemical alloy - comes down hard on the fey, ending its short lived laughter.

"Ahh-" the korred's scream of pain is cut short as an expertly placed arrow from Gilraen soars through the night air, cutting through Ilsa's spell to end its existence. It slumps to the ground, leaving only one more enemy to fight. Stumbling forward blindly, the fey creature manages to swing a makeshift club with enough force to break some of Rask's armor and hit the former soldier, leaving blood and a nasty bruise behind. What's more, from deeper in Fort Ristin's yard, all of you can hear the singing and laughter grow in volume. It would seem that the other korreds have noticed Ilsa's spell.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

One korred down! You've got one enemy here, with a few more on the way. This one managed to hit Rask for 9 damage with its club this round, but otherwise it's pretty uneventful. Narek, Ilsa, Ramiel, and Gilraen's jackal remain stunned until my next update (it's 2 full rounds, starting from Round 1 at the top of the original korred's turn).

[PersonMan]

Eyena rushes through the darkness, imbuing Eisenherz with further arcane power, then turning towards the other fey once she emerges and can see again.

Yeah, just moving and using a Swift to activate Arcane Strike.
Vanish has 3 rounds remaining.

[n0ble]

Rask grunted and almost cursed aloud at how something so small contained the strength for such a blow. Then he he rolled his shoulders back and swung the hammer downwards at the thing's head.


Move Action: Study Target
To hit (power attacking, including studied target and bless bonus): [roll0]
Dmg (including power attack and studied target dmg.): [roll1]
CC: [roll2]

[Farmerbink]

Oddly satisfied, the Elf can't help but feel some ever-growing frustration as the Fey continue to fight back. Ultimately, resolution without violence remains beyond his ability to produce, so he strides forward, into the darkness, looking to target newcomers to the brawl. "We are not your enemies!" he calls, in the Fey's native tongue. "Stop fighting and we will do the same!"

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 5, Init 5, HP 31/31, Speed 40
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 3, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
PBS MW composite long bow (40 arrows) +9 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Shillelagh Qstaff +7 (2d6+4, x2)
MW Dagger +6/+7 (1d4+2, 19/20 x2)
MW Chain shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
13x cold iron arrows (counting this turn's use)
Spells, 1st level: 5/7 remaining
2nd level: 5/5 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 4/5
MF: Elven accuracy (9 rounds remaining)
Bless: ~48 rounds remaining

move as noted. Shooting at the lazy "X" (assuming he doesn't respond meaningfully to the call for peace)
[roll0] attack
[roll1] CC (31, x3)

Fixed in Roll20: modified 30 for attack and 73 for concealment
[roll2] damage (cold-iron arrow)
[roll3] crit bonus

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

When the korreds disappeared into a ball of darkness, Narek never got a chance to make a scathing remark. Instead, a chilling laughter rose from the sphere, all the more eerie for its disembodied nature. Unable to think rationally, Marek dropped his wand as he stood froze. In fear.

At least they hadn’t seen him yet ...
So ...did I actually cast protection from arrows or were we stunned first? Powerful effect right there ... especially for a wizard with crap for Fort save.
AC 13 HP 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist , enlarge person, magic missile, heightened awareness / invisibility, protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (55 min); message (45 min); protection from arrows (gain DR 10/magic; 1hr or 50 pts damage)

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

...were still stunned for another round, and so did nothing.

[3SecondCultist]

The battle continues apace in the dark, with members of your group trading blows with those who have taken the Fort from its original owners. Rask has little trouble with his foe, crushing the little bearded figure's leg and it howls in agony. Eyena follows the half-orc's lead and charges through the obscured area - none the wiser, for her invisibility is still very much functional - to emerge into the courtyard itself. The very first thing that the magus sees is a small group of three korreds staring at the wall of darkness. However, these fey have traded clubs for goblets of wine, and none of them seem particularly stable on their feet. One of them lets out a chuckle at the sounds of screaming. "Sounds like Cirri and Maga are getting busy!", one exclaims to his fellows in their Sylvan woodland tongue. "Since they're putting on a show, we should go and get - *hic* - the others!"

However, the resounding laughter of the fey audience is interrupted when an arrow emerges from the shadow to strike the lead korred just above the collarbone. Driven nearly to its knees by the cold iron, he screams in pain. "Ahh, what the f*ck was that? They're not playing around!" Tossing down its wine glass, it begins to stumble forward into the shade, followed by the two others. However, Eyena can look forward and see the remaining fey partying by the rocks who barely seem to care at this development, as none of them leave the comfort of their music and fire.

It is likely for the best that your incursion has not roused all of the fey to action, for less than a second after the lingering effects of the first fallen korred's enchanting laugh wears off, you hear a second giggling fit. The second of the two guards watching the gap escapes from Rask's grasp, falling back to join their kin as they release the same debilitating magic. The sounds of laughter cut through the air with terrifying ease.

Updated Map (https://app.roll20.net/editor/)

No damage for any of you this turn, but the other three korreds moved up on the map. Meanwhile, the second korred used its stunning laugh, which hit Rask and Gilraen. Both of them are stunned (https://www.d20pfsrd.com/Gamemastering/Conditions/#TOC-Stunned) for 2 rounds, meaning that they lost their actions, lose their Dex to AC, and take an additional -2 penalty to AC for the duration. On top of that, they drop their weapons (Rask drops his hammer, Gilraen his bow), which will be a move action to pick back up when they can move again.

The good news is that Gilraen, Ilsa, Ramiel, and Gilraen's jackal can act once again! Eyena made her Fortitude save too.

[PersonMan]

Eyena comes back into view as her voice fills the courtyard, intoning a serious of syllables that end with her thrusting one palm forwards, an eruption of packed snow surging into the darkness. With a look over at the still-seated fey, she pauses a moment before giving them an obviously-forced smile and wave, before moving back towards the corner, a way from the edge of the darkness.

I was expecting a bit more fiddling here, but it turns out Flurry of Snowballs has a 30 foot cone, not a 15 foot one. So this should hit all of them.

D: [roll0] cold
Reflex 14 half

[Starbin]

Narek Skyskin

The laughter-induced paralysis finally bled from his limbs. Narek moved with relief, reaching down to pick up the wand he had dropped. Gazing forward into the darkness, his jaw clenching as he heard noises coming from beyond. Narek cast a spell to improve his senses, then Via the message spell he had cast earlier, whispered dryly, ”For those of us unable to see in the dark, perhaps you might over some direction or aid in targeting our common foes...”
For now, it has to be pick up the wand, then cast heightened awareness.a
AC 13 HP 23 Init +10 Move 30
F +1 R +3 W +6
Weapon: Hvy crossbow w/16 bolt
Spells (4/4+1/3+1/2+1): Acid splash, message, detect magic, read magic / silent image, obscuring mist , enlarge person, magic missile, <s>heightened awareness</s> / invisibility, protection vs arrows, glitterdust, gallant inspiration / haste, slow, C/C
Prescience: 5/7; Good Dreams 1/1; wand of magic missile (23); wand of prestidigitation (22); wand of cause fear (10); wand of hold person (9)
Key skills: Perception +4; Stealth +2; Survival +3; Spellcraft +12; S. Motive +6; KS Arcane +12; KS Local +11; KS P/D +10, KS Na/R/G +9; KS E/H +8
Effect: prestidigitation (55 min); message (45 min); heightened awareness (50 min, +2 Perception, KS)

[Farmerbink]

With her master suddenly and inexplicably frozen, the jackal leaps from under the brush. She dashes between Gilraen and the nearest fey, growling ferociously. With only a brief moment's pause, she sniffs at the air before lunging- teeth bared!

Gilraen Súrion (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1246835)
M CG Elf Oracle (warsighted), Level 5, Init 5, HP 31/31, Speed 40
AC 18, Touch 13, Flat-footed 15, CMD 18, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 3, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
PBS MW composite long bow (40 arrows) +9 (1d8+2, x3 )
Quarterstaff +6 (1d6+3, x2)
Shillelagh Qstaff +7 (2d6+4, x2)
MW Dagger +6/+7 (1d4+2, 19/20 x2)
MW Chain shirt (+4 Armor, +3 Dex)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14
Condition Charisma to saves vs enchantment
Chernasardo Hopeful: reduce concealment as a move action
-1x +1 frost arrows
13x cold iron arrows (counting this turn's use)
Spells, 1st level: 5/7 remaining
2nd level: 5/5 remaining
Martial Flexibility: 4/5
MF: Elven accuracy (9 rounds remaining)
Bless: ~48 rounds remaining

G is stunned. Jackal is not. She moves and attacks as noted:
[roll0] bite
[roll1] CC
[roll2] concealment

[roll3] dmg
[roll4] crit bonus

[Lord Of Mantas]

Ilsa & Ramiel

Groggily shaking off the stunning, Ilsa and Ramiel finally found their senses, and returned the message, as Ilsa sprinted into position.

"There are as of yet two enemies remaining in the darkness: One 40 feet south of Ilsa, the other 35 feet south and 15 east. I am firing toward the latter."

Ramiel then picked up his bow and fired a cold iron arrow.

"I'm tossing an alchemist fire at the other."

Ilsa cocked her right wrist, where she had stowed an alchemist's fire in the springloaded sheath there; it dropped into her hand and she subsequently hurled it toward the korred in question.

Ramiel spends a move action to pick up his bow, then makes an attack action on the korred on the east side of the opening.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Ilsa spends a move action to move to her new location, a swift to disgorge the contents of her R wrist sheath, then an attack action to toss it.

Ranged Touch Attack (range penalty included): [roll2]
Fire Damage: [roll3] + 1 splash



Sheathes
R Hand: Empty
L Hand: Tangleburn Bag
Scroll Case: Empty

Abilities
Summon Monster SLA: 8/8 as SM III
Level 2 Spells: 6/6
Level 1 Spells: 3/3

Ramiel's Ammo
Regular Arrows: 50
Blunt Arrows: 50
Cold Iron Arrows: 48
+1 Flaming Arrows: 2