Red Talon of Doom [RHoD 5e] IC

[Igneel]

At first there is only darkness. Darkness and stillness all around you, completely engulfing and suffocating you in the stifling endless void. Until you open your eyes to the vision of rolling grassy hills before you, a gust of wind whips out and around you whistling and reveling with joyous noise in it's freedom making the fields of grass start to sway and flow like many green and amber ocean waves. As the wind plays with the ebbing and flowing waves of grass, you feel yourself rise up into the air as if on powerful wings, the scent of summer foliage and heat enveloping you. As you gain altitude your field of vision starts to change from that of a green and gold ocean to a distant and dark mountain range across the horizon, accompanied by the back-splash of a clear blue sky like turquoise accented by cotton clouds. It is then that the sky starts to turn noticeably darker, the clouds going dark with anger and the turquoise sky taking on the oranges and reds of sunset even as the mountain seems to start growing roots or flowing streams of darkness into the green hills.

As the roots extend swiftly ever closer to your lofty position on the ground the forms of hundreds if not thousands of dark humanoids amongst monsters start to take shape. Stomping out the greens and golds of the fields, replacing them with browns of mud and the reek of death's blackness reaches you on the wind's current. An army of darkness marches out from before you, below you and now behind you towards towns and cities razing, burning, and destroying everything in its wake as you watch with dread and disbelief. The fires start to grow into an inferno with a ravenous appetite devouring the green with it's crimson tongues licking the air all while dying the now night sky in crimson before the flames start to converge into what seems to be the form of a clenched fist of blood red.

Slowly at first the clenched fist starts to unfurl it’s fingers, starting from thumb to the little finger they straighten to a slight curl with claws threatening to slice the sky. Just as the talon of red seems to reach and grasp at the starry night sky, each of the fingers once more seems to change shape and even color. The thumb takes on a forest green, the index into obsidian black, the middle into sapphire blue, the ring stays crimson red, and lastly the smallest finger a stark bone white. Each of the fingertips split open forming the jaws of five long serpentine heads, before the fingers now five dragon heads joined at the neck to one body shift their attention towards you. Eyes flash with malice and ill contempt like dark stars as the jaws open revealing their gleaming sets of razor sharp fangs seemingly readying to release out multiple resounding thunderous roars loud enough to shake the country-side...

But suddenly Chogotai awakens from his trance in a cold sweat before his ears could endure the roar.

Looking about your eyes pierce the darkness in the dim light of Arwyn the silvery moon, you find you and your still sleeping companions still in the camp you set up earlier that night. No fire was lit this night, seeing how your destination of Vraath Keep was less than a mile’s walk from the camp. As your eyes fall on each of your companion's sleeping forms you can't help but think about the adventures you've been on together to make it to this point.

Sometime about 2 months back was when you first started to have the now reoccurring nightmare, showing visions that eerily looked similar to the Wyrmsmoke Mountains from Drellin's Ferry. Together with Acaeus your Leonin Barbarian companion of several years and long time friend you started heading west by hitching a ride with a caravan of merchants. It was while riding with those merchants that companions of adventures past, Jolienne the Tiefling Cleric and Anisette the Sprite familiar dragging Skynir the Half-Elf Warlock behind them as they too have received visions of death and destruction coming to the people of the Vale. Arriving to Drellin's Ferry you were greeted by your friends Kelhedros the High Elf Rogue and Nyx the Loresong Fae Wizard. They had arrived a few days earlier, as Kelhedros wanted to both introduce Nyx to a friend named Serrierran the Wise a local wizard along with looking into a potential job involving goblin attacks.


https://i.imgur.com/a07s5mc.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cnP83eG.jpg


Deciding it better to work together for better chances of success the Townspeaker Norro Winston and Guard Captain Soranna contacted your group to explain the circumstances. The Dawn Way, the well known central road all through Elsir Vale and the lifeblood of towns like Drellin's Ferry has been suffering from an increasing number of goblinoid raids ranging from Worg riding goblins, hobgoblin marauders, and even some draconian dog-like creatures covered in red scales. Through reports of local woodsmen and huntsmen it's become apparent that they are coming down from the Wyrmsmoke Mountains. While it isn't exactly clear if they are using Vraath Keep as a base of operations it wasn't off the table of possibilities. Before leaving in the morning Captain Soranna, a experienced ex-adventurer of her own right advises your group to seek out the help of Jorr a local huntsman who lives in the Witchwood.

It's then that Chogotai notices that Jorr, the woodsman your party hired earlier after meeting at his cabin with his bow drawn when his three wolfhound dogs alerted him to your presence, currently wasn't in the campsite. Looking around some more you do make out the dimly glowing form of Anisette, talking to what at first looks like fireflies before realizing they are pixies off in the distance. The pixies at least seem to be snickering and laughing in their fey tongue while Anisette seems to be practically scolding them.

[(Un)Inspired]

As the group chooses their campsite for the night Skynir Elkhart drops his pack unceremoniously, cringing momentarily as he hears the bottles of wine and spirits he carries clink threateningly against each other. Bending down to make sure nothing in his bag needs rescuing; he runs his eyes surreptitiously over his companions checking if anyone noticed his near brush with beverage tragedy.

(Whelp, better prove that I’m not just a pretty face. What’s the old halfling saying, time to make the donuts?) While others are setting up tents or a camp fire, Skynir heads to the edge of their encampment and points at the loose earth on the ground. He silently flicks his finger this way and that, and the dirt at which he points spouts from the grounds as if excavated by some invisible earth-mover. As he works, his thoughts drift to each of his new companions.

(Chogotai and Acaeus, you couldn't hope for a better pair to lead you on a walkabout. And that bond between them runs deep; if Chogotai’s leading this operation, I won’t be surprised if Acaeus turns anything that looks at us funny into cube steak.

And then there’s Nyx and Kelhedros. Both of them so smart. Daaaaamn smart. Please let it be the sort of smart that keeps us out of trouble and not the sort of smart that leads to me gets parts bitten off by monsters.

And of course Jolienne and Anisette. A man spends his whole life with only a brother, he blinks his eyes for an instant and all the sudden he’s got a collection of little sisters checking up on him. Well, I guess if anyone’s gonna make the Vale a better place it’s gonna be Jolienne, and Aniette’s just got to be the key to finally getting The Unicorn off my back. Even if they did drag me on this crazy crusade, I don’t know what the hells I’d do if something happens to either one of them.)

Content with the work he puts in setting up the barricade, Skynir sets up his own sleeping roll, using further applications of Move Earth to eject as much loose dust from his spot as possible. He checks in to see if any of the more martially competent members of the party are interested in bringing some game back to camp to spare everyone the indignity of another night of trail rations.

When the time for sleep finally arrives Skynir tucks himself in as comfortably as physically possible given the circumstances. Bidding the party a good night, he drifts off to the sleep with a light snore. The gentle roar of Acaeus’ purring acting like a white noise machine, enabling him to get the kind of restful night sleep typically reserved for those without a care in the world.

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


Upon arriving at the campsite Nyx pulls her travel chest off of the floating disk, opens her spellbook on top of the chest, pulls out a wand and a dagger and begins dancing around the chest to summon her unseen servant.

After completing the ritual she unlocks the chest. A blanket pulls itself out of the chest and is suspended in the air providing a privacy curtain. She empties one of her waterskins into a bucket and warms the water with prestidigitation. After getting out some soap she doffs her coat of plate and traveling cloths, shrinks into her sprite form, and climbs into the bucket to take a bath. With the blanket mostly covering the top of the bucket she directs the unseen servant to perform different aspects of setting up camp and to brew some spice tea.

After putting on her robes she goes through her armor and every article of clothing she wore casting prestidigitation to remove any trace of dirt.

After spending some time combing her hair, and the fur of her familiar, she beds down inside a crude tent made from her chest, a quarterstaff, and waxed canvas tarpaulin; with Nibbles keeping an eye out.

[3SecondCultist]

https://i.ibb.co/SKXq77q/Jolienne.jpg
Jolienne Arcensis (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2416353)
Tiefling Twilight Cleric
HP: 46/46, AC: 19
Passive Perception: 18
Conditions: Eyes of Night (Darkvision 300 ft)
Concentrating: --


A young woman looks up at stars and ponders simpler times.


"Healer, you do me dishonour," the man insisted.

Jolienne shook her head, smiling to take away the sting of it, and refused to close her fingers around the handful of silver coins. She pressed them back into the farmer's palm.

"I have taken a vow of poverty," she lied gently, "I cannot, my friend. That you have provided me with a roof and meal is already more than enough."

The man - Olivar, his name was - hesitated but did not press any further. Such vows were rare among country healers, but common enough to certain monastic orders and lodges of warrior priests. Such groups disdained all earthly possessions save for faith itself, and none could enter into their ranks without discarding all riches. Truth be told, Jolienne could have used the silver. What little food she had left in her satchel was growing stale, and it would be a long walk back to Brindol. The hills could be treacherous, especially at night, and full of prowling creatures of which wolves were the least dangerous. The village of Dauth was too small to even warrant mention on any of the larger regional maps, barely three hundred souls, but it was close to the most common path from Prosser to the Hammerfist Holds to the south-west.

She had hoped to hitch a ride on a trader's cart, but none had passed through. Without coin to offer, the chances were slim that any would accept her even if one did it come, she knew, but she could not find it in her to take what was likely the only coin the older man possessed. If there was a lean month, come winter, they could make the difference between survival and starvation. Still, she could not linger here any longer. She had helped those she could, it was time to move on.

"Your wife must not exert herself for the full moon's turn," she reminded Olivar. "The powers of the Lady can only do so much to ease the passage of time, and if she returns to the fields her joins will swell anew. In my experience, warmth followed by cold will do her some good."

"I will do what I can," the man promised with a grimace, putting away the silver and doing his best to hide his look of relief. "Though I must offer you some reward. Here," he said brightening, leaving for a moment before returning with a tray of piping hot cakes. Though she had already eaten, she could feel her mouth watering at the prospect and could not bring it in herself to refuse.

Surely a servant of the heavens was allowed a few indulgences?


They have broken off to make camp in the Witchwood, not too far from one of the game trails. Thanks to Captain Soranna's recommendation, they have taken on a guide to these parts - a man by the name of Jorr - to help uncover the root of the recent attacks. Vraath Keep is their goal, deep in the shadowed glens of the forest here. In many ways, the swaying trees and moonlit skies remind her of home, of the stead. Childhood excursions with Papa, playing with Raith in the glens. Those were simpler times too.

Now, as she begins to prepare her rite, Jolienne feels the warm hand on her shoulder. Three years ago, she heard a voice, a presence to guide her steps. She has never been alone since. A burnished gaze made wise to night's ways scans the treeline once, twice, to make sure that they're alone. There are no secrets in the dark from Shaeliss - the gift of sight, granted freely to those who carry her prayers out into the world. Even now, after so much time, it is a strange thing to see the world through a goddess' eyes.

"Honoured dusk," she speaks across the glade, clarion call heard by mortal and divine alike, "grant us respite from wrath, woe and weather, that we may live to see another sunset." Jolienne does not beg for aid, nor does she demand it - these are old words, and true. They are a groove in the fabric of Creation itself, through which a channel of outer power flows. As she speaks, she walks the length and outer circumference of the camp site, her feet treading the edges of the ground they will be sleeping on. This is a deliberate ponderance to the ritual, the vise around the channel tightened so that what might have otherwise been a surge of divinity emerges instead as a trickle. In doing so, Jolienne retains her own strength for any evening confrontation.

She gives the familiar pair of Anisette and Skynir a little smile as the last of the working takes shape, a translucent dome shimmering into being around the periphery of their chosen resting place. For an instant, anyone looking on can see a firmament of stars by twilight made miniature expanding around them before it fades. "That should do it," she tells the others as she prepares to turn in. "You can come and go whenever you please, but just to remind you all that while the spell is opaque from the outside, we can still see everything that happens... in case anyone might need to relieve themselves in the middle of the night." Sadly, it wouldn't be the first time.

Sleep comes easily, as it always has. Her last thoughts before closing her eyes are of home.

Hello all! Jolienne is going to take 10 minutes to ritually cast Tiny Hut (http://5e.d20srd.org/srd/spells/tinyHut.htm) around the camp before going to sleep. The hut is opaque from the outside - it looks like a well of shadow to anyone looking on - and cannot be passed through by people that Jolienne does not designate (in this case, the party plus Jorr). Spells also cannot be cast through that barrier. Our vision from the dome looking out is not impaired at all, since it's transparent to us.

GM, I was hoping to ask this before we started with the IC, but would it make more sense for Jolienne to get her spells back at dusk rather than dawn, given her goddess?

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 19 | MAX HP: 58 | CURRENT: 58 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus was on edge, his blood sworn kin, Chogotai, had been troubled by dreams of late, had not been sleeping, the fitful rest he did get was disturbed by murmurs and dark portents, half spoken in the night. What wounded the leonin warrior more, is that his elf blooded brother had not shared, with him, what troubled him so, and had chosen to carry the burden alone. He swung his massive head as he contemplated these thoughts, however, Chogotai's ways were not Acaeus' ways, and he would need to give his soft-skinned brother time to recognize the burden he carried, and come to his own conclusions on how best to manage it's troublesome weight.

He watched as his new companions established the camp, their guide having chosen a spot, that he, himself, found suitable. However, as they began to bed down, Elkhart began to conjure great arcane energies, shifting earth that had provided nurture to the nearby trees, grass and scrub into earthern fortifications. The Leonine shook his massive head, padding softly towards the man who smelled of Chogotai's kin, "You do the earth a great disservice, that tree," he lifted a golden furred hand to point to a massive oak twenty yards from them, "which has seen generations walk beneath it's limbs, relied on the slope of the earth to feed it water that flows beneath. You have disintered mice, and moles, who made their warrens in the soil, for what? An embankment, to provide us with momentary advantage should our foes attack us in the night?" He paused, his voice echoing in his massive chest, a low rumble, "Your forethought is admirable, but have a care you pay respect to those around you, and heed how your actions affect the natural order. My people strive to live in harmony with the world around us, we feel no need to assert mastery over it."

As the night progressed, he watched the actions of his companions, the horned one, a Matriarch to her people, conducted a ritual prayer at dusk. Her reverence so serene, that Acaeus could only growl in approval, far enough removed that such sound would not reach her ear, or distract her from her nightly devotions. However, when she conjured her shelter, he felt constrained, confined, and so moved beyond it's perimeter to sleep. Looking at the old oak that his companion had consigned to a slow death, he climbed it's lower limbs, instead, sleeping in it's embrace, it's gentle swaying rocking him to sleep. He awoke early, perhaps Chogotai's dreams invaded his own, for he awoke with a disquieting sense of ... dread?

Instead of attempting to return to sleep, he crept from his perch, and moved into the night. He had spoken directly to his pride mate the previous evening, and such direct speech was not always the way of the soft skinned, so in an effort to make amends, he took it upon himself to provide, for his pride, their morning repast. Some game for himself, small rabbits, and a quail, berries, roots, and even some broad headed mushrooms, a full skin of spring water. He returned as the sun crested the horizon, and as he started a fire, he moved beside Elkhart, placing a bloody rabbit by his feet, so he would see it when he first awoke.

Then, eating the quail whole, enjoying the crunch of the fine bones between his teeth, he noted Jorr's bedrool was empty. He moved to Chogotai's form, and noted his blood kin awake, "Jorr's bedroll is empty, did you oserve him leave?"

OOC: Assuming that I can use the Outsider's Wanderer feature to feed the party for the day, I assumed it took about an hour, hope that is ok. Also, Elkheart, brought you a present! <3

[Athaleon]

"Where Fey creatures dwell, best not to twist the wood and soil. And where foes patrol, best not to put up a sign just for the sake of hiding behind it. But it's done." The lilts and burrs of Kelhedros' accent lent extra gravitas to his advice. He was motionless beneath his cloak, lying well below the raw-hewn rampart—his eyes were those of the owl circling silently overhead. He held a bow with nocked arrow in his left hand and held the hilt of a Dagger on his right, its sheath strapped smartly to his breast. "I don't see the woodsman. We should track him down before he gives us away, or before he's taken by whatever possessed him to wander off."

[Igneel]

Then, eating the quail whole, enjoying the crunch of the fine bones between his teeth, he noted Jorr's bedrool was empty. He moved to Chogotai's form, and noted his blood kin awake, "Jorr's bedroll is empty, did you oserve him leave?"[/TD][/TR][/TABLE]

OOC: Assuming that I can use the Outsider's Wanderer feature to feed the party for the day, I assumed it took about an hour, hope that is ok. Also, Elkheart, brought you a present! <3


"Where Fey creatures dwell, best not to twist the wood and soil. And where foes patrol, best not to put up a sign just for the sake of hiding behind it. But it's done." The lilts and burrs of Kelhedros' accent lent extra gravitas to his advice. He was motionless beneath his cloak, lying well below the raw-hewn rampart—his eyes were those of the owl circling silently overhead. He held a bow with nocked arrow in his left hand and held the hilt of a Dagger on his right, its sheath strapped smartly to his breast. "I don't see the woodsman. We should track him down before he gives us away, or before he's taken by whatever possessed him to wander off."

With the moon still in the sky and the sun hasn't even crested over the tree tops the darkness still gave cover ontop of the opaque Tiny Hut's outer shell. Turning away from her conversation with the pixies, Anisette gives a wave to gain attention. "Mr. Natherson went about a hour or two ago to scout ahead. He said that with the morning coming that's typically the best time to catch goblinoids with their guard down. Something about how goblinoids lean more to being nocturnal creatures. I made him pinkie promise he'd be back before morning, and when he left it was like the shadows enveloped him turning invisible."

Shoo-ing the pixies away Anisette flies back into the shelter of the Tiny Hut. "He figured with the bubble camp set up that you'd be safe enough. In any case, should of known how 'passionate' he was about hunting goblins when he decorated the insides of his house with worg pelts, and goblin skulls..." watching from her new position from inside the Tiny Hut she makes sure that the pixies actually leave before continuing with the conversation "But don't worry, Nibbles and I kept watch just in case. Good thing too cause those pixies seemed to be intent on playing a prank on us if it wasn't for the bubble. So I scolded them."

[BelGareth]

Chogotai stalked the woods like a wolf, having learned how to do so from his year long sojourn in the Witchwood pack, it had been a strange and rare occurrence, but they had let him in, the pack leader sniffing him disapprovingly, but allowed him in after he had saved several pups. several of which had taken him on as a pack member instantly, he smiled in the shadow of the elk next to him just thinking about them, it was a stark shift of landscape to his young years in the city, refreshing.

He was hunting an elk, it had done nothing wrong, and he would honor it's spirit, but his group needed sustenance, such was the cycle of life. This is the way.

Coming back to the party, Jorr grumbled at the site of the elk on his shoulders as he dropped it in a heap before them, he wanted them to have a good meal before heading out, he knew once they left, they would be lights out and silent. Trail rations can get old, even for an experienced stomach, and fresh meat would provide them energy in the long run. Ignoring the old hunters annoyance, he began to field strip the animal, having already said a prayer and thanked the animals spirit for the sustenance it would provide. He left the skin for the old hunter as recompense, the skin and antlers would fetch a price he was sure.



They arrived, Chogotai's respect for the local hunter had grown, he knew his woods well, and they had made good work of his guidance, allowing the group to get as close to the keep as possible.

He smiled, watching his larger brother admonish Skynir as he unrolled his bedroll, it was all he needed, the soft ground here was perfect, and just hard enough, his body wasn't aching like an elder just yet.

Approaching Skynir he smiled "Thank you for your thought, do not take Acaeus' word's to harshly, it is the way of his kind to speak their truth he lives differently to others, see's things differently, I think if you let him, he will become a fierce ally." he finishes with a warm smile noting Acaeus moving outside the circle to sleep in the boughs of the tree. He would join him, but a tree's limbs were not...well put for an elf to sleep on.

He tended to his equipment, waxing his bowstring, oiling his weapons, and tightening, clipping any loose strings from his clothes, it wasn't overtly obvious, to all but Acaeus, it looked like he was being efficient with his gear, but to Acaeus, he was delaying the inevitable, it was obvious he did not want to start his reverie.

But, eventually, watching the others, and having set the watch order, he succumbed to the need, and sat cross legged on his bedroll, entering the trance.



It had happened again, he thought, for a moment, they were under attack, such a feeling of dread, of impending doom, had washed over him. It was hard to shake it off, but it did, eventually subside, he glanced around in the darkness, his eyes piercing the darkness as easily as a knife slides through butter. Jorr was gone.

Standing, quickly at first, but slowed down as he regained control and refused to make a sound in case something was amiss, he saw Anisette with her Pixies and his sense of doom faded. he must have gone out for some food or something he mused to himself, stepping out of the circle, to inspect the tracks the old man had left, if any.


not sure which check
[roll0]
[roll1]


As the others woke, he saw Acaeus give a bloody rabbit to Skynir he spoke up "See, he likes you!" he said with a wink and a smile. "Acaeus, did you see Jorr?"

[Igneel]

As Chogotai searches for Jorr Natherson's tracks, you can spot the old male human's footprints leading away from the Tiny Hut's radius before entering the woods. After that, it's like he disappeared as the footprints ease into nothingness. As far as direction it's as Anisette explained, and seems that the old huntsman has headed towards the Keep's direction. "Best be careful boy... Dem Gobbos won't be as nice as me." Before you can stand up from your tracking you do feel the point of a arrowhead resting on a bow of elven make gently pushing against your back before you so much as hear the wood and string groan. "If yer lookin' fer me, you don't have ter worry. Aye be back from me little hunt." easing the arrowtip from your back and stowing away the bow and arrow. Still clad in the night's darkness the old man Jorr seems almost wrapped in strands of shadows causing him to be invisible even to your vision in the darkness before dispelling whatever magic that shrouded him to stand behind you. "Aye didn't want ah repeat of the Hydra fight we had yesterday, with da beast getting da jump on us. So I went ter scout out the Keep, and come bearing news to share with the others."


https://i.imgur.com/t6YaNGl.png

Walking over back towards the Tiny Hut he waves his wrinkled hand for you to follow.

[(Un)Inspired]

Listening to Chogotai’s reassurances, Skynir returned the elf’s smile with one of his own. People will always talk, Chogotai. I just give them something to talk about. He gives the ranger a mirthful wink. But I’m not exactly our premier woodsman. I’m happy to concede to those with more experience. He gives both Acaeus and Kelhedros nods of contrition, and sweeps his right hand through the air, as if brushing sand off a table, and all the earth he excavated refills the holes from whence it came precisely. (Besides, Jolienne’s sanctuary ought to keep me safe enough through the night.)

When he eventually wakes up (whether tonight due to Jorr’s return or in the morning proper) he stares at the rabbit carcass at the foot of his bedroll. (Hmmmm... I’m going to choose to take this as a gift rather than a threat.) Looking at his companions he notices Acaeus observe his inspection of the rabbit, putting 2 and 2 together, he gives the Leonin a jovial wave.

[Igneel]

Jorr (and hopefully Chogotai) re-enters the Tiny hut bubble as the morning hours start to dawn upon the party. The old man wastes no time to stop over to some dirt and starts drawing out a very rough map what you assume is Vraath Keep. "Good news es dat da Keep hasn't changed much since me days working under da late Lord some 40 years ago save ver da damage da Forest Giants ded back den.", pausing only as he corrects some of his doodles. "Bad news es dat the Keep es most definitely habited by more deen gobbos." Finishing his drawing he waits for the party to finish waking up and gather around.

"First, we have aboot two worg riders an der gobbos as aye saw deem return ter switch out with ah new shift. Seemed they were greeted by at least a hobgobbo before sending out ah different pair of worg riders out. If dah Keep es as aye remember et, dah stables used to be here.", pointing to the northmost section of the map.

"Second, dey have some beasty or pair of beastys aye didn't see but found der tracks. Dere definitely was ah set dat belonged ter a four-legged beasty bigger den a lion but et seemed ter be armed with spears or spikes ter hunt ets prey. Aye don't know ef dat beasty es home presently.", he moves his finger to the southwestern corner "Dah tower has seen better days, and aye saw durin' da night ah strange sight at dah top floor through ah hole. Ah greenish glow dat flickered like fire behind ah figure. All while aye watched et dah figure didn't move."

Then he points to the box by the tower's circle "Dis used ter be dah barracks at one point, aye wouldn't be surprised if they have guards sleepin' der. Looks like der es ah hole were dah door ah door used ter be.", finally he points to various openings in the walls "Ter dah east was dah gate house, doors and half of dah gate house long smashed by dah giants. Dat south side has ah hole big enough fer ah giant ter walk through."

Sitting back he pulls out a bit of jerky to eat as he looks to the party. "So youngun's, how do you want ter do dis?"


https://i.imgur.com/xCECvaE.png

North most 'block' seems to be the stables.
Dual east blocks represent the gate house that's been smashed halfway.
Circle in south west seems to be a tower with a mysterious figure.
Square by the circle is where he indicates used to be a barracks.

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


Sitting on her wooden chest in her robes Nyx sips some spice tea from a nice little cup and saucer while considering the intelligence report.

"To attack a force of greater numbers that are entrenched in a defensible location is . . . well, ill advised to say the least. I have read in a book once that when assaulting an enemy force it is a good idea to divide and conquer. Now, this can be taken one of two ways. One:" she holds up a finger for emphases. "You divide your own troops in order to outflank or outmaneuver the enemy. Two" she holds up a second finger "You get the enemy to divide their own forces so that you can take them on a few at a time. I suggest that we attempt the latter. This would be phase one of our assault, we take out as many as we can draw out of the keep by means of ambush and trap."

Takes a sip of tea.

"Once they become aware that something is amiss and hold up inside we transition to phase two, misdirection. We shall attempt to draw their attention to defending several places in fortress that are away from where we wish to make our entrance, a pity that we do not have greater numbers for this part. We want them spread out, confused, and unaware of what they are actually up against. This way when we begin phase three, stealth assault, they are completely disorganized. We sneak in and incapacitate as many as we can before they know what has hit them."

Takes a sip of tea.

"This is all assuming that the plan does not fall apart in the first five minutes forcing us to improvise the rest. I am open to hearing alternate ideas?"

She studies the drawing some more "My good man, does this keep have a sally port that is not included on this sketch?"

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 19 | MAX HP: 58 | CURRENT: 58 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus considered their guide's rough drawn map, and the fae's plan, it was sound, but there were some concerns which nagged him. "By necessity, drawing the defenders away from the Keep means exposing a threat, which we would hope they investigate, to spring our trap. This in turn will alert them to a threat, and make it that much more difficult to gain the keep. However, if we watch, and determine the timing on the Warg Riders patrol, we can lay an ambush for them at the beginning of their shift." He paused, driving a claw to the east of the keep, dragging it over the wall to the stables. "We then take the wall, while the defenders are unaware of our intentions, we enter the stables and quickly dispatch the remaining wargs, they are predators with keen senses. Once slain, we can deal with the tower, then the barracks. For the barracks, I suggest setting them alight, and then slaughtering the fleeing goblins as they escape the blaze."

[Athaleon]

"Plans are useless, but planning is essential." Kelhedros quoted laconically from wherever he'd head the maxim. "I doubt they'll fall for any ploy to lure them out. At most they'll send a few riders to look for the missing patrol, and I suppose every little bit helps, but I prefer not to alert them until we're already in the keep."

"Hmm. I know a magic trick or two, mainly illusory images and sounds. I could gain the wall in an instant, provided it's not more than ten yards high. Some of you are surely capable of more, like Skynir here. Any chance we can set the barracks on fire and trap some hobs in it by moving earth to block the door? Any structures on their last legs that can be collapsed by moving earth out from under it?"


Most of my suggestions got ninja'ed so I edited the post to agree with them :P

[(Un)Inspired]

If we’re being Feudal about this sort of thing then I’m content to follow whatever course Chogotai sets for us. If we’re interested in democracy, then I vote for the destruction of the outgoing scout team before we proceed to pick apart the fort, location by location. Those wargs can hear across frankly ludicrous distances and squashing a scout team before it might return to literally bite us in the arse in the middle of a rumble seems prudent.

Skynir grins at Kelhedros’ aphorism. That’s a great turn of phrase.

When comes to scaling walls, both Ani and I can fly if we need to silently cross an obstacle; I can even take a passenger with me provided they’re under 200 lbs. or so. But, listen, I really like Acaeus’ plan to do pointed strikes against zones, and Kelhedros, your idea to lock off certain areas with earth is superb. We’ve got to think consequentially though.

He looks back and forth between the high elf and the leonin, both men advocating for arson.

We just don’t know what’s actually inside this keep. If we set fire to things who knows what will go up in the blaze. There could be valuable tapestries, furs, magic scrolls... His eyes flick first to Jolienne, then to Anisette. What I mean is... prisoners? Yup, prisoners and there could be vital maps indicating other goblin locations, and in a forest like this, who knows how far a fire could spread. Just seems like the morally upstanding thing to do would be to avoid such squaderous destruction.

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


Nyx's skin paled slightly at the notion of trapping them to burn alive, it was in some way a bit more cruel then simply slinging fire magic at them, even if they are evil.

"We know not what manner of tricks and traps they might have inside that keep. To engage them behind those walls after slaying a single patrol is unsound, even with the element of surprise. It would be to our advantage to gaod them to ride out en masse, it gives us the ability to lure them to a location of our choosing and engage them on our terms."

"Letting them understand that something is attacking them is not so bad, so long as we do not allow them to find out who is attacking them. Fear of an unseen force taking their patrols could crush their morale."

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 19 | MAX HP: 58 | CURRENT: 58 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus' brow furrowed, "Unsound? You would rather lead them out, to where we can be surrounded, five to one? I would rather the element of surprise, stealth, and fear. Take out their patrol, destroy their mounts and their beasts of war, burn the barracks, and take the Keep I say." He sighed, they were, in truth, now a pride, so he would not brook further argument or dissent, for fear of fracturing their camaraderie, "Put it to a vote, the pack shall decide, and we will abide by their decision. That, to me, seems the most judicious approach."

OOC: Long planning sessions figuring out the minutiae of a strategy are the death of PbP, so I say we do a vote 1) take out scouts and sneak in, or 2) lead them out and ambush whatever force they send out. And as Kheledrous said, plans are useless, and won't survive first contact either way, heh.

I vote for 1, however, both 1 & 2 would require us to find a suitable ambush spot, so we will have to do that with whatever plan we choose.

[BelGareth]

Chogotai's throat tightened, he had let his guard down, and his hackles raised instantly, his only thought was how he was going to gut this man, and how quickly he could get it done. The arrow point poked him, and he tensed.

Steady

He moved slowly around, he was not happy the older man had crept up on him, he was annoyed at the mans petulance, but...he could see, and smell, he was not altogether malicious in his intent, he nodded to the fellow ranger with respect, and followed him into the 'hut' hands inside the others sleeves, silently watching as he sketched out the keep, and provided the intel he was sought out for.

Nodding, he listened to the wise words, he responds to Skynir with a hand, palm out "No friend, we are a like minded group, I do not lead here as much as the wind walks these forests at night, our minds shall need to be one to pull this off. I like the idea of ambushing them, if we take out their scouts, that is 2 less enemies to deal with, and they will be none the wiser as to what happened. If they send more out, we can ambush them, if they send more than we can handle, we can choose our moment." he smiles broadly "Nyx seems to be making the most sense to me, it must be all those dusty tomes she is reading, I cannot for the life of me see their appeal!"

Smiling widely with mirth, he continues "Does anyone know what this beast with spikes is? It sounds familiar, but I cannot put a name to the monster."

[3SecondCultist]

https://i.ibb.co/SKXq77q/Jolienne.jpg
Jolienne Arcensis (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2416353)
Tiefling Twilight Cleric
HP: 46/46, AC: 19
Passive Perception: 18
Conditions: Eyes of Night (Darkvision 300 ft)
Concentrating: --


Jolienne sits up by the edge of the fire and listens. She hears Jorr’s report from the woods about the Keep and the forces arrayed therein, as well as the initial suggestions given by both Nyx and Alcaeus. She gives each of them warm nods in turn as they speak up, but does not speak yet in support of either plan; the gesture is one of general encouragement, not tacit agreement. Both have strengths, and both carry risks of a different sort. When Skynir vocalizes his disapproval and gives her a look, she gives him a thumbs and returns his effusive grin.

Lady willing, he may yet be a success story, the twilit apostle muses to herself. The warmth around her shoulders increases ever so slightly. She politely asks Nyx for a cup of tea of her own to take the edge off her sleep as it comes time for her to weigh in on their future course of action.

"Our objective here in the Witchwood," she begins carefully, deliberately, as she waits for her beverage to cool, "is to stop the goblin attacks against the trade highways. However, as the good Captain Soranna believes that the attacks are coming down from the Wyrmsmokes, I think we should all take that information to mean that Vraath Keep - while certainly a fortified base of operations - is not their central staging ground."

The horned priestess takes stock of the group: the proud leonin, the translucent fae, and those of elven blood. An unusual melange, yet effective when they are all on the same page. "What I mean to say is that our taking the keep should not compromise its effectiveness as a defensive position, and there are more troops out there whose movements we should learn of beforehand. Burning the barracks would countermand both of those directives, and so I would discourage it no matter what approach we take. I’d also prefer if we could take an officer alive for questioning - I have magic to put such individuals to sleep should they be wounded in battle without being slain."

"When I look at both plans through this lens," she continues, "I would endorse the ambush-then-infiltrate strategy. We are all quite well suited to a night approach, and will be able to see better in the dark than the enemy. That gives us a distinct advantage when we enter the Keep once we have taken out one patrol. Once inside, we can maintain our movements in secrecy and engage enemy resistance piecemeal. We have between us several means of preventing the guards from raising any alarm, and by the time they are aware of us we will have thinned out their numbers accordingly."

Jolienne is voting for the ambush the patrol then enter the Keep plan, maintaining our stealth. This group has truly ridiculous Stealth scores especially with Pass Without Trace up, and Jolienne can cast Enhance Ability and Guidance to boost anyone who has a base +5 or lower. She can also give everyone Darkvision 300 ft for an hour and has Silence to shut down anyone who wants to raise the alarm.

[Igneel]

She studies the drawing some more "My good man, does this keep have a sally port that is not included on this sketch?"

Old man Jorr gently shakes his head side to side. "In da time Aye worked at da Keep before et's fall dere wasn't one as ah part of the Keep. Aye didn't dare get much closer than me vantage point ter spy from ah distance as Worgs have keen senses of smell."



Acaeus considered their guide's rough drawn map, and the fae's plan, it was sound, but there were some concerns which nagged him. "By necessity, drawing the defenders away from the Keep means exposing a threat, which we would hope they investigate, to spring our trap. This in turn will alert them to a threat, and make it that much more difficult to gain the keep. However, if we watch, and determine the timing on the Warg Riders patrol, we can lay an ambush for them at the beginning of their shift." He paused, driving a claw to the east of the keep, dragging it over the wall to the stables. "We then take the wall, while the defenders are unaware of our intentions, we enter the stables and quickly dispatch the remaining wargs, they are predators with keen senses. Once slain, we can deal with the tower, then the barracks. For the barracks, I suggest setting them alight, and then slaughtering the fleeing goblins as they escape the blaze."

"Aye agree with da lionman on takin' out da worgs first. They be like guard dogs fer rich men, bayin' an growlin' at unknown scents. Dey also can speak Gobbo speech, thus could alert der riders and da master or leader of da Keep. Keep in mind tho, da walls are aboot three men or 15 feet tall on da outside. By da look of et, giants did some damage all dose years ago and possibly left us some handholds with dose rocks they threw."


"Plans are useless, but planning is essential." Kelhedros quoted laconically from wherever he'd head the maxim. "I doubt they'll fall for any ploy to lure them out. At most they'll send a few riders to look for the missing patrol, and I suppose every little bit helps, but I prefer not to alert them until we're already in the keep."

"Hmm. I know a magic trick or two, mainly illusory images and sounds. I could gain the wall in an instant, provided it's not more than ten yards high. Some of you are surely capable of more, like Skynir here. Any chance we can set the barracks on fire and trap some hobs in it by moving earth to block the door? Any structures on their last legs that can be collapsed by moving earth out from under it?"


"Only structure aye saw anywhere truly near ets last legs was da old gardening shed. Made of wood, surprised et hasn't fallen with a breeze yet."


When comes to scaling walls, both Ani and I can fly if we need to silently cross an obstacle; I can even take a passenger with me provided they’re under 200 lbs. or so. But, listen, I really like Acaeus’ plan to do pointed strikes against zones, and Kelhedros, your idea to lock off certain areas with earth is superb. We’ve got to think consequentially though.

He looks back and forth between the high elf and the leonin, both men advocating for arson.

We just don’t know what’s actually inside this keep. If we set fire to things who knows what will go up in the blaze. There could be valuable tapestries, furs, magic scrolls... His eyes flick first to Jolienne, then to Anisette. What I mean is... prisoners? Yup, prisoners and there could be vital maps indicating other goblin locations, and in a forest like this, who knows how far a fire could spread. Just seems like the morally upstanding thing to do would be to avoid such squaderous destruction.

Flying over to his shoulder Anisette lands to give Skynir a gentle pat on the head as a reward for at least attempting to change his argument away from the possible treasures to lose.

Old man Jorr practically licks his lips at the thought of burning goblins and their ilk alive like a rat in a bucket over a fire. "Ay won't say no to burnin' dem. Structure es mostly stone wiff wood floorin' and supports. Da Keep stands on ah bit of rocky hill with some distance from trees. While slower, we could climb up dah south side of dah hill and go less noticed as well."




Acaeus' brow furrowed, "Unsound? You would rather lead them out, to where we can be surrounded, five to one? I would rather the element of surprise, stealth, and fear. Take out their patrol, destroy their mounts and their beasts of war, burn the barracks, and take the Keep I say." He sighed, they were, in truth, now a pride, so he would not brook further argument or dissent, for fear of fracturing their camaraderie, "Put it to a vote, the pack shall decide, and we will abide by their decision. That, to me, seems the most judicious approach."


Jorr leans back a little on his seat as he continues to eat his bit of jerky ration. "Aye won't vote, as aye am bein' paid by you lot to do what you need. But... If Aye were ter vote, Aye'd be fer gettin' da scouts first, sneak in, and kill da whole lot of dem."



Nodding, he listened to the wise words, he responds to Skynir with a hand, palm out "No friend, we are a like minded group, I do not lead here as much as the wind walks these forests at night, our minds shall need to be one to pull this off. I like the idea of ambushing them, if we take out their scouts, that is 2 less enemies to deal with, and they will be none the wiser as to what happened. If they send more out, we can ambush them, if they send more than we can handle, we can choose our moment." he smiles broadly "Nyx seems to be making the most sense to me, it must be all those dusty tomes she is reading, I cannot for the life of me see their appeal!"

At the mention of "2 less enemies" Jorr somewhat cuts in "4 less. Worgs maybe dumb, but der wily and a trouble of der own with or without rider."


Smiling widely with mirth, he continues "Does anyone know what this beast with spikes is? It sounds familiar, but I cannot put a name to the monster."

"Aye have an idear, but... Aye don't think et possible. If it is da same beast aye dink it is, ah old huntin' buddy of mine took a spine ter his leg years ago. Never walked again since."



"Our objective here in the Witchwood," she begins carefully, deliberately, as she waits for her beverage to cool, "is to stop the goblin attacks against the trade highways. However, as the good Captain Soranna believes that the attacks are coming down from the Wyrmsmokes, I think we should all take that information to mean that Vraath Keep - while certainly a fortified base of operations - is not their central staging ground."

The horned priestess takes stock of the group: the proud leonin, the translucent fae, and those of elven blood. An unusual melange, yet effective when they are all on the same page. "What I mean to say is that our taking the keep should not compromise its effectiveness as a defensive position, and there are more troops out there whose movements we should learn of beforehand. Burning the barracks would countermand both of those directives, and so I would discourage it no matter what approach we take. I’d also prefer if we could take an officer alive for questioning - I have magic to put such individuals to sleep should they be wounded in battle without being slain."

"When I look at both plans through this lens," she continues, "I would endorse the ambush-then-infiltrate strategy. We are all quite well suited to a night approach, and will be able to see better in the dark than the enemy. That gives us a distinct advantage when we enter the Keep once we have taken out one patrol. Once inside, we can maintain our movements in secrecy and engage enemy resistance piecemeal. We have between us several means of preventing the guards from raising any alarm, and by the time they are aware of us we will have thinned out their numbers accordingly."


Jorr gives a bit of a silent clap of applause at the end of the priestess's input. "Aye agree priestess. Dat Keep ain't no base of operation, but ah forward base ef Aye had ter guess. Possibly usin' dah worg riders ter gather info."

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None




Acaeus' brow furrowed, "Unsound? You would rather lead them out, to where we can be surrounded, five to one?"

"By the spirits no, we would want to leave a trail to a place of our choosing with favorable terrain. Also it would be highly unlikely that they would bring their entire force out of the keep if they have any grasp of tactics."



"Does anyone know what this beast with spikes is? It sounds familiar, but I cannot put a name to the monster."

"From the description I am thinking it might be a Manticore, a fierce monster that has the body of a lion, wings of a dragon, and can shoot spikes from its tail. We may want to consider engaging such a creature separately from other combatants if possible."



She politely asks Nyx for a cup of tea of her own to take the edge off her sleep as it comes time for her to weigh in on their future course of action.
Nyx retrieves a cup and pours some tea for Jolienne, it smells of wild roses and has notes of citrus. The cup is comically small in Jolienne's hands.

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 19 | MAX HP: 58 | CURRENT: 58 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus nodded his great maned head as he listened to his companions' insights and opinions into their assault on the keep, his breath like distant thunder in his chest. "It seems then," he spoke slowly, after having taken Jorr's counsel, "that we have the beginning of a plan. We shall observe the worg patrol, engage it at the beginning of their circuit, and then make for the Keep itself, using magics and skill to gain the wall. Once inside we shall concentrate effort on the stables, then the barracks, then investigate the tower."

He continued to chew on the rabbit carcass as he spoke, "Now, as Nyx said, to find a suitable ambush spot for the worgs." He smiled a great toothy grin, "After, of course, we break our morning's fast."

[BelGareth]

Chogotai nods his head in agreement, even as his dislike for Jorr waxed.

"Jorr, did you happen to follow the warg riders? or know their route, we'll want to ambush them if possible."

[Igneel]

Chogotai nods his head in agreement, even as his dislike for Jorr waxed.

"Jorr, did you happen to follow the warg riders? or know their route, we'll want to ambush them if possible."

"Aye followed dem ah little while dah wind was in me favor. They seemed ter go down dah Old Forest Road headin' ter dah east. Der's some other woodsmen cabin's in dat direction Aye know fer sure."

[BelGareth]

"Perfect, we can either go there now and watch a few patrols? may take a day or two, or we can just ambush them when we see them." Chogotai wasn't really talking to anyone in particular, and it didn't seem he cared either "lets get going then, once the women have packed up and finished their tea of course." he says smiling.

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


With the basic plan in place Nyx begins preparing her spells for the day. Her delicate fingers holding a maple wand as she practices movements and mutters the incantations under her breath.

[(Un)Inspired]

Skynir reaches up and gives Anisette’s hand a reassuring squeeze and she pays his head. (All right! Starting a battle off with an ambush at a safe distance! This is the kind of adventure I can sink my teeth into.)

Accepting that it’s time to move, He packs up his gear, using Move Earth to whisk away any dust or dirty clinging to to his accoutrement.

[3SecondCultist]

https://i.ibb.co/SKXq77q/Jolienne.jpg
Jolienne Arcensis (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2416353)
Tiefling Twilight Cleric
HP: 46/46, AC: 19
Passive Perception: 18
Conditions: Eyes of Night (Darkvision 300 ft)
Concentrating: --


Finishing her tea with a sound of contentment, the tiefling rises to her feet and begins to make sure she's packed everything. She ensures that she will be the last to leave the circle of the dome, which will dissipate before the sun has fully risen. Feeling the day already begin to ebb at her strength - infinitesimally, but she knows how to look for it now - Jolienne hears out the last of the battle planning without being too forceful about her input. The ambush seems sound, if they can get into position and ensure that they use the right magic to be unheard. Of course, early expenditures of her reserves will render her increasingly useless as they approach the Keep.

The silent question of whether the benefits of remaining absolutely silent outweigh the potential costs of plundering her connection to the Lady at this early an hour weighs on the young priestess' mind. She decides eventually, as she knew she would, that she will do what she can to help out her allies in the moment. It was never going to be any other way. It is the course that leads to the least suffering, she says to herself, and does her best not to wonder if these goblins they are about to kill are simply soldiers being led astray, dying far from home for a cause that is not their own.

"I can hide in the undergrowth with Chogotai and we can spot out a patrol together," Jolienne offers. While she is not the best hunter, the Lady's blessing has given her the best sight of this company.

[Igneel]

Nodding his head Jorr fetches his few things he brought with him from his home. Once everyone was ready to head out he takes point, leading the party through the forest to the beginnings of the worg tracks some distance away from Vraath Keep.

Highsun 12th
~8am
Weather: Sunny, few clouds, 65 degrees F/~18 degrees C

It takes a few hours walking in the warm forest, shaded under mostly oak and evergreen branches from the sun's warming rays of light. Wind whistling through the branches accompanied by the sounds of birds and insects helps make natural music during the trek. The tracks made by the worgs largely follows a nearly abandoned dirt cart track that might of at one point been a secondary route to Witchcross through the forest. Once the Dawn Way became the main route through Elsir Vale this path likely fell into disrepair. It becomes evident the longer you follow them that this is a fairly common trek for the worg patrol. Taking a closer look at the tracks, those with the skill and knowledge can recognize signs of them going back and forth every few days.

Eventually as you continue following the trail the sounds of flowing water can be heard through the trees. Jorr motions to move off the trail way as he moves closer. Coming closer to a clearing near a river the party can see off in the distance are two Goblins wearing studded leather along side their nearly horse-sized wolf creatures called Worgs getting a drink from the water.


https://i.imgur.com/99JwKq7.png

I'll assume you guys sneak up/get ready so I'm throwing up this tentative battle map to give you all an idea of positioning along with allowing people to do what they want over the weekend.
Go on ahead and roll Stealth checks, activate abilities/spells, etc along with Initiative. Feel free to let me know if you'd like your tokens moved elsewhere as well, I'll adjust accordingly. Unless the Worgs get a good roll with their sniffer's I'm pretty sure you'll catch them surprised what with all of your sneaky abilities.

[(Un)Inspired]

As the team sets off down the path, Skynir sets down his Skystaff, kicks up the kickstand, and rises up into the air. He lets the staff roll forward at the pace of the party without actually giving it too much of the metaphorical gas.

Anisette stands on one of his shoulders as he rolls out and as the trek goes on she paces back and forth across both his shoulders, her bow in hand, ready for action. As the party closes in on the tracks, her half-elf perch pours a small quantity of water out into his hand, concentrates on it, and it absorbs into his skin.

Hiding in the tree-line and observing their enemy, Skynir addresses the crew. Gentlemen, Ladies, Ani and I can pin down the two to the north, you guys smash the two to the east. Divide and conquer, ya know?

He drops his Skystaff into gear and guns it to the edge of the tree-line, and up 20ft. He puts his right hand around his eyes, closing them for a moment, and concentrates. Suddenly he whips his hand out in front of him, held out towards the goblin and warg. Arrêt!

For an instant, a whirlpool of colors drains around the humanoid and monstrosity.

Before combat Skynir casts Armor of Agathys. Anisette turns Invisible and whispers hiding advice into Skynir’s ear to use the help action to aid his stealth check.

Stealth (assuming PWT, if not subtract 10): [roll0]
Advantage: [roll1]

Initiative: [roll2]

On his turn he moves 25’ directly up and raises 20’ into the air and casts Hypnotic Pattern centered in the two enemies to the north. DC 16 Wis

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 20 | MAX HP: 63 | CURRENT: 63 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: Mosshide Belt (+2 Con).
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus, who was carefully picking his way towards the embankment that lead to the stream, watched in amazement as the whirm of the skystaff hummed through the air, and Skynir roared towards the far group, before the rest of his companions were in place to ambush the patrol. A frustrated growl escaped his throat, and he raced along the river bank, out of position, and unable to defend his companions.

As he moved he drew crescent axe and shield, roaring a call of challenge as scrambled up the muddy bank, to place himself about twenty feet from beast and rider, to gain their attention he bellowed a challenging roar, then spat an epitah at his opponents. "Scouts of Vraath Keep," he growled at his opponents, "today the crows shall fight to make feast of your entrails!"

OOC: Move & Dash along the bank, to place me about 15' from the camp fire on the SE diagonal, about 5' on a diagonal from the worg, and 15' from it's rider. If you have maps and can use them, setting up a R20 with some tokens would let us log in and move our tokens for more accurate positions, or if you want to do theatre of the mind, once combat is engaged, that's fine too.

Iniative Check: 7 (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24977901&postcount=95).

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


After preparing spells for the day Nyx dons her armor and spends a few minutes performing a dance to summon the floating disk to carry her chest of gear. She lets Nibbles rest in the pocket dimension while they are en route.

When they are on approach to the enemy she carefully takes the chest off of the disk and dismisses the spell. Calling forth Nibbles she has him keep and eye on the chest and their rear. Switching to her sprite form she sneaks up into the branches of the trees and finds a place where she can shoot at the enemy.

Once the others begin the assault she begins an incantation in sylvan "Glaoim saighead tine chun mo chairéal a dhó." while weaving arcane energy into the form of a brilliant violet fire bolt that she sends hurtling towards a worg.

Leaving the chest about 30-40 ft off the edge of the map.
Slippers of Spider Climb to sneak up into the tree we are all adjacent to on the map before combat, around 30 ft off the ground.
Held action to shoot after others have acted.
Duck into cover after casting the spell.
Targeting the worg that is not getting hit by Hypnotic Pattern, by my math Nyx is around 110 ft away.

Initiative: [roll0]
Stealth: [roll1] (This is made without Pass Without Trace bonus included.)
Casting Fire Bolt
Attack: [roll2], Advantage if applicable: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

[3SecondCultist]

https://i.ibb.co/SKXq77q/Jolienne.jpg
Jolienne Arcensis (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2416353)
Tiefling Twilight Cleric
HP: 46/46, AC: 19
Passive Perception: 18
Conditions: Eyes of Night (Darkvision 300 ft), Pass Without Trace (+10 Stealth)
Concentrating: Bless (10/10 rounds)


As the group approaches the pleasing flow of the stream, Jolienne takes one last moment to pray to the shadows in the boughs of the nearby oak. "Bless our arms and wills, Lady of Silent Steps. See our allies to victory on this field." A short prayer, yet not ineffective for it. As she feels the warmth radiate through her, the horned cleric takes the time to place her hand on the shoulders of Acaeus, Nyx, and Chogotai; each of them shares in the feeling for an instant. As she stops, Jolienne gives each of them a quiet smile or nod to let them know that she will be watching their backs.

When Skynir readies his skystaff to charge off and out of the protective cover of the tree-line, the pilgrim gently places a hand on his arm. "Perhaps we should wait until the others have had a chance to make the most of our unseen approach?" The words are chiding, yet open amusement dances in her eyes. How on earth did he survive this long before she came - ah right, the fae. It really would explain a lot. She can't see Anisette, and so assumes that the spirit is floating invisibly somewhere, so her lips twitch into an openly wry smile as she pulls her shield off of her back and readies herself for the fight to come.

Jolienne is going to cast Bless on Acaeus, Nyx, and Chogotai (+1d4 on all attacks and saves). Then she will ready a move forward for when anyone else decides to break cover, drawing her shield in the process but keeping her sword hand free so that she can cast cantrips.

[Athaleon]

Kelhedros crept closer through the underbrush and hunkered down beneath his concealing cloak. When the time came, he slowly lined up a shot at the worg not targeted by the spell and loosed an arrow from the foliage.


Stealth: 1d20+11, not including PWT
Initiative: 1d20+5

Attack: [roll0]
Elven Accuracy Advantage: [roll1], [roll2]
Damage: [roll3] + [roll4]
In case of crit, add [roll5] + [roll6]

Bonus action, making a Stealth check to hide. Moving to another bit of cover if necessary. [roll7]

Edit: Should be +11, not +1, for 24 total.

[BelGareth]

Chogotai nodded as the group carefully, but quickly gathered their things, he was already prepared to go, such as the life of a ranger, it was necessity to be quick about things sometimes, and he appreciated it, allowed him to enjoy the small things in between, like the caterpillar slowly crawling up the twig to the leaf in front of him. Sometimes he preferred to be the caterpillar, but not today.

Lifting his hood, he almost vanished like Jorr, into the brush as they headed out.

He was about to say something as Skynir shot off like an arrow from it's bow, and with a wry grin he continued on "the best laid plans" he muttered, as he hurried along pulling his bow out, and notching an arrow.


Actions:

Move 30 ft forward (diagonally towards far right warg)
Standard action to attack far right warg
[roll0] & [roll1] = 28
[roll2]

[roll3] & [roll4] = 18
[roll5]

Only on a hit if the target is not at full HP's, and only once a round
[roll6]

Chogotai (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414667)
HP's: 44/44
AC: 17
Init: 9
Stealth: 32
Effects: Hidden, Pass without trace

[Igneel]

The prayer to her Lady of Midnight was heard and granted in quick succession as a faint glimmer and sheen of miniature stars seemed to drape themselves over the shoulders of Chogotai, Acaeus and Nyx forming short mantles. After recieving the blessing, Jolienne's benefactors stook action as the elven archer and leonin warrior rushed forwards as the small fae walked up the trunk of the nearby tree to take up position for casting a spell upon signal. Jorr took up a position beside the trunk, drawing his longbow he squints his eyes to mark a target and aim to loose his arrows at his prey once his employers attack. Finally the one to signal the start of combat in truth takes flight in the air on his Skystaff. Zipping to gain altitude and movement closer to his targets Skynir clad in a icy suit of armor flings his hand forward to fire off a confusing whirlpool of colors.


Goblin Wis- [roll0] Fail
Worg Wis- [roll1] Fail

Jorr Attack 1: Sharpshooter [roll2] Miss
Jorr Damage: [roll3]+ [roll4] Sneak attack

Jorr Attack 2: Sharpshooter [roll5] Hit
Jorr Damage: [roll6]+ [roll7] Sneak attack (not included if first attack hit) + [roll8] Dread Ambusher


With the whirlpool of colors fading, the goblin and his mount caught in the effect go slack jawed and drool running down the sides of their mouths. Almost as soon as that happens all of the chaos is loosed upon the other duo. With two arrows and a small fire ball hitting the worg squarely the monsterous canine is felled in quick order. Jorr, ever the goblin hater, aimed towards it's rider hitting the unsuspecting target just as it turns to look at his mount's death arrow through the ear and out the other.


https://i.imgur.com/kWKVv0X.png
Red Worg and Goblin failed their saving throws agains the Hypnotic Pattern and are now incapacitated.

Nyx's Firebolt, Chogotai+Kelhedros's arrows killed the Blue Worg
Jorr's arrow killed the Blue Goblin.

2nd Round.

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


Satisfied that her magic struck true, Nyx prepares to loose another violet bolt of fire.

Move out onto a limb. Held action to cast another fire bolt at whatever is left standing after everyone else attacks.
Attack: [roll0], Advantage if applicable: [roll1]
Bless: [roll2] to be added to the above attack roll.
Damage: [roll3]

Edit: If Kelhedros wants a goblin alive for questioning and Nyx can hear the request, then she will just shoot the worg while trying to sync the timing with the other attacks.

[Athaleon]

Kel smiled silently as the ambush proceeded smoothly. "Kill the other worg, then take the last goblin for questioning." he hissed as he lined up another shot.


Attack: Best of [roll0], [roll1], or [roll2]
Damage: [roll3] + [roll4]

In case of crit: [roll5] + [roll6]

Kel attempted to blend back into the foliage, though there were no other threats immediately visible.
(Movement as needed, Bonus Action to Hide: [roll7] or [roll8]

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 20 | MAX HP: 63 | CURRENT: 63 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: Mosshide Belt (+2 Con).
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus watched as his group decimated the opponents he was going to engage, he snapped his head to the left, and charged towards the loan goblin. As he moved he slung his great crescent axe across his back, preparing a mighty paw to dispatch the goblin.

OOC: Move & Dash to put myself adjacent to the Goblin so that I can tag him with an AoO should he move to flee. Due to Sentinel, should the goblin move away from me, even if he Disengages, he will suffer an AoO. A successful AoO will reduce his speed to 0' and leave him adjacent.

Unarmed (Claw) AoO (if triggered): [roll0]+2 (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=24980346&postcount=117)=14 vs AC, for [roll1] damage, and target speed reduced to 0' ft.

[BelGareth]

Chogotai was almost surprised at how efficient their group was, the first warg and his mount dropped like the first leaves of autumn, with a little bit of surprise, but expected.

He aimed at the other warg as his close friend closed in on the last goblin.


Actions:

Move 30 ft forward (towards Acaeus)
Standard action to attack remaining warg
[roll0] & [roll1] = 27
[roll2]

[roll3] & [roll4] = 23
[roll5]
Only on a hit if the target is not at full HP's, and only once a round
[roll6]

Chogotai (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414667)
HP's: 44/44
AC: 17
Init: 9
Effects: Pass without trace

[(Un)Inspired]

Seeing his allies pounce on their enemies like sharks in a feeding frenzy, Skynir smiles nervously at their ferocity. (If Kelhedros wants to have a chat with the last goblin, then lets help shut the little guy down. Hold on tight Ani. )The half-elf spurs his Skystaff forward, barrel rolling through the last of the tree branches, into the open space of the field; all the while Anisette holds on to the back of Skynir’s collar.

When the duo gets into position, the tiny fairy lines up a short with her short bow and fires a pixie dust coated arrow at the final goblinoid.

Skynir moves 50’ to the northeast and takes the help action to grant Anisette advantage on her next attack. He uses his bonus action to grant her said attack, and she fires her Shortbow at the Goblin.

Attack: [roll0]
Advantage: [roll1]
Damage: 1+ DC 16 Con save or poisoned. If the save is failed by 5 or more the goblin is unconscious.

[3SecondCultist]

https://i.ibb.co/SKXq77q/Jolienne.jpg
Jolienne Arcensis (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2416353)
Tiefling Twilight Cleric
HP: 46/46, AC: 19
Passive Perception: 18
Conditions: Eyes of Night (Darkvision 300 ft), Pass Without Trace (+10 Stealth)
Concentrating: Bless (9/10 rounds)


The acolyte of Twilight blinks as the team surges into action. One second they are there, gathered beneath the sheltered foliage, and the next they're gone. The enemy patrol is taken out as a matter of course, glamor and fire and arrow laying low goblin and worg alike until only one combatant remains.

Hearing Kel's instruction to take the last alive - a tactical assessment that sits well with her - Jolienne emerges into the opalescent glare of day. Her pupils narrow, adjusting to the lack of cover with a twinge of discomfort that she pushes aside. "Saeliss, greet this creature on the other side of the veil," she calls in a lilting tone, waving her hands towards the wounded goblin.

She waits until the scout hits the grass before turning to the others. "Well done: we have someone to interrogate further about the inner workings of Vrath Keep. He will not wake from that sleep for the next sixty seconds, so I recommend that someone divest him of his weapons and bind him in the meantime. We should maybe find some more cover as well, get out of the open and cover our tracks as we approach the keep. Given our various strengths, it might now be better to wait until closer to nightfall, when they send out another patrol? I believe Anisette can watch the battlements invisibly from a distance and give Skynir here a telepathic signal when the patrol leaves, giving us an opportunity to strike while they're gone."

Jolienne is going to cast Sleep on the last surviving goblin, rolling the 5d8 hp needed to knock him unconscious. She will then spend a bonus action burning her Channel to use Harness Divine Power, getting back her 1st level spell slot.

Sleep: [roll0]

[Igneel]

With a wave of Jolienne's hand, a cascade of dust-like stars in dusk light falls over the Goblin and Worg just as they're becoming aware of the attack on their fellows. Drowsiness quickly overcomes the Goblin, falling down into a deep slumber while the Worg has enough sense about it to shake it off. Not that it helped the Worg out much however as a arrow from Kelheros and a violet fireball from Nyx hit the beast in it's flank felling it in quick succession. Seeing the Goblin fall into it's slumber Anisette withholds her arrow from being loosed.
"It's down!"


Combat is officially over, with the second Worg killed and Goblin now asleep.

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 19 | MAX HP: 58 | CURRENT: 58 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus dropped a knee onto the goblin's chest, slapping his weapon to the side, he drew a knife and sawed through the laces of his armor, stripping him of it's protection. He then knelt forward, his great leonin face inches from the goblin's, the blood of the morning's rabbit still on the fine light fur of his jowls. "Wake up, green skin." A low growl, as his lips pulled back over dagger length teeth, "Wake. Up." His voice harsh, brutally so.

As he saw the eyes flutter to consciousness, he noticed the movement further down the banks. "Dead," he said in response to the unasked question. "You'll be the same if I have my way, your guts used as rope to hang your commanders from Vraath's turrets." He shrugged, his weight shifting, painfully on the goblin's torso. "So what's it going to be little goblin, are you going to sing, or squeal?"

[Igneel]

Even as the goblin rouses from his slumber his eyes take in the scene of the carnage that happened to his mount and friend. Gritting his disgustingly yellow teeth he mutters in his language "Druun or duur magach! Daan Kaal Dal'duuc rhuul daar maal duun khruun okaan."


"Do your worst hairball! The Red Talon bows their heads to no one."

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


While the others interrogate the goblin Nyx flies to the top of the tree. Balancing on the topmost branches with the occasional flutter of her translucent wings for stability she looks out over the land to check to see if anything else is in the area that they need to be concerned with.

Perception: [roll0]
Advantage/Disadvantage if applicable: [roll1]

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 19 | MAX HP: 58 | CURRENT: 58 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus bent close and growled, the goblin words like sour milk on his tongue, "Or dekaan ghakhaan, or duur, huukaan ac a rhaar. A dech kaagaan o hokhaal, duun rhaal or alkuuc daan kaal." He paused, placing his claws on the goblin's exposed stomach, emphasizing his words, "O dech draal a shagaac draar, ac or huul dech dhuugalaan o, or teger rhuuc duun kuukhec shuugaan dhaan or A shuuch hegaan o a shaac draar, ac taac o duun or dhel'dec huul."

"Your tribe mate, your worgs, gone in a breath. I will leave you gutted, to bleed out among the reeds."
"You will die a craven death, and your gods will forsake you, your spirit bound to rotting corpse flesh, or I could give you a clean death and send you to your filthy gods."

OOC: Yes, the Leonin speaks Goblin. Intimidation Check: [roll0]+[roll1].

[Athaleon]

"Give him to me if he won't talk. My worst is far worse than yours." Kelhedros smiled and brandished his dagger as he spoke, filling his bearing with refined, velvet cruelty. He didn't know how much of his Common would be understood but he hoped the gist would get through.


Would Kelhedros roll Intimidate separately or give Acaeus' roll advantage? Either way, in case it's needed: [roll0], +6 if it's a separate roll.

[Igneel]

The goblin struggles somewhat under the Leonin's weight attempting to find some wiggle room to find none available. Looking to the Leonin's eyes with determination he practically spits his response.

"Ar o dec A'gh dhuul'den okuuc duun tech ghec hor der lhon a draar daar o druuc'd muul daan duul or daan Kaal Dal'duuc."

It's not till Kelhedros offers to help that a flicker of intimidation flashes in the goblin's eyes.

"Ar o'kaan huuc duun mech ghaan o rhaan druun ar. Okhaageraan Magec ac Muur dech druun ar dhuur o."

"If you think I'm foolish enough to spill my guts with just a death threat you don't know the way of the Red Talon."

"If you're going to kill me you best do it. Otherwise Karklian and Koth will do it for you."



Meanwhile a fair distance above everyone else's heads, Nyx while surveying the area can just barely make out the Keep's form amongst the treetops. Besides that, everything else seemed calm and okay.

[BelGareth]

Chogotai runs up beside Acaeus, and rest's his chin into his hands that held the to of his bow, which was planted into the ground, like a farmer in a field that was taking a rest.

He had not idea what they were saying, but it was pretty obvious to him and the others, he thought.

"I don't think we're going to get much out of him, I've never seen torture work, you usually get a little but of truth intermixed with whatever they could come up with, it's unreliable, and...unbecoming, I say we end his life and move on."

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


Reasonably confident that they were in the clear Nyx flies down to the ground and returns to her normal form. After collecting her chest she lugs it to where the others are.

"Have we learned anything?"

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 20 | MAX HP: 63 | CURRENT: 63 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: Mosshide Belt (+2 Con).
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus, still atop the goblin, looked from Chogotai to Kelhedros and back, before nodding his great maned head slowly, almost reverently. He placed a thich, clawed hand over the goblin's eyes, careful to keep it from it's disgusting, yellowed teeth. His right hand drew, from his pack, a broad bladed knife, and with a swift, sudden movement, plunged it up, beneath the goblin's jaw, into his brain. He felt the body jerk, once, beneath him, and then lie still.

He wiped the blade on the creatures filthy tunic and secured it in his pack before dismounting the now dead goblin. Turning to Nyx he spoke in a low rumble, "He spoke, several times, of this Red Talon, his war party, he feared them more than death itself. He mentioned two individuals, by name, Karklian and Koth, presumably his superiors. He believed that they would kill him as assuredly as we."

He walked towards the stream, brushing against the ranger, "Chogotai, my people share a kinship with the beasts of the plain, and though some call us savages, even predators give their prey a clean kill. Despite my threats, I had no intention of prolonging the goblin's death, it would be," he sought for the word, "distasteful."

As he cleaned his paws and blade in the river, he turned to the group, "The scouts likely camp in the same site while on patrol, we'd best hide the bodies. A pyre would warn them, so down river perhaps?"

OOC: I am hoping we'll allow a single, clean, knife blow to the brain to insta kill a helpless, restrained prisoner, I don't want to have to roll for damage, and look like Jason going to town on some cheerleader. If not let me know, and I will edit the scene.

[BelGareth]

Chogotai follows and listens to his packmate, placing a hand on his massive shoulders, or trying to. "I know that friend, those words were for the others, and even myself, than for you. You continue to be, my most honorable of friends."

Turning, he looks to the others "So, do we wait for the next patrol, or assault the keep?"

[Athaleon]

"I would have done the same. My words were merely to scare him, after all."

"I fear the next patrol may take too long to leave the keep, assuming they don't leave until the first patrol is missed, in which case the keep goes on alert. We should go now—if the opportunity comes sooner, we can take it. If we must wait till later, so be it, we will be ready."

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


Nyx examines the bodies with the tip of a dagger being very careful not to stain her cloths.

"Master Elkhart, you have a cantrip capable of moving earth do you not? Let us bury them."

Any tattoos, decorative scarring, or other symbology? Not after anything in particular, just think it is the kind of think my character would do.
Investigation: [roll0]

[3SecondCultist]

https://i.ibb.co/SKXq77q/Jolienne.jpg
Jolienne Arcensis (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2416353)
Tiefling Twilight Cleric
HP: 46/46, AC: 19
Passive Perception: 18
Conditions: Eyes of Night (Darkvision 300 ft), Pass Without Trace (+10 Stealth)
Concentrating: —


Jolienne does not move to intervene as Acaeus slays the incapacitated goblin. She is only thankful that she did not need to do the deed herself and end any suffering it might have otherwise endured. Her magic fades, and she looks out across the treetops in the direction of Vrath Keep.

"I will reiterate my advice. Even if they notice that the first patrol is gone and go on alert, there are only so many preparations they can take. If we wait for cover of darkness, we will have restored our magic reserves, we will be able to out-see the opposition, and they will be out another patrol. I believe those reasons to outweigh any foreknowledge on their part."

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 19 | MAX HP: 58 | CURRENT: 58 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: None.
CONDITIONS: None.


"You continue to be, my most honorable of friends."

Acaeus did not respond to the rangers comment, but as he walked slowly towards the river to wash his foe's blood, both figurative and literal, from his hands, a rolling, low purr of trust, and thanks, echoed from his chest and throat. A few moments later he joined the group, as the arcane warrior spoke.


"Master Elkhart, you have a cantrip capable of moving earth do you not? Let us bury them."

"A wise suggestion, friend Nyx." However as the blue-skinned devotee of the night spoke, his muzzle pulled back in a sign of distaste, he shook his great maned head. His response was quiet, respectful, "I still disagree with your tactics Lady of the Dusk, but I know better than to argue your wisdom." He moved towards the bodies, carrying them to the soft earth of the riverbank for Elkhart to bury beneath the mud, "I just hope you are right."

[(Un)Inspired]

Skynir watches as the interrogation goes from in imitation to murder. (Better remember not to let this group think I’m keeping any secrets from them!) He leans against a tree and yawns, acting as unperturbed as possible given the grizzlies of his companions reactions to the goblins lack of interest in cooperation.

In response to Nyx’s question, the warlock nods his head and spins his finger in a circle, mimicking the exact motion a person uses to instruct their dog to roll over. The earth under the goblin and warg corpses excavates itself, allowing the bodies to hit the floor of the new pits, before promptly spilling back on top of them.

As usual, I agree with Jolienne’s plan. Being able to eyeball the enemy, using her magic, before they can spot us seems like the safest course of action.

[Igneel]

Acaeus, still atop the goblin, looked from Chogotai to Kelhedros and back, before nodding his great maned head slowly, almost reverently. He placed a thich, clawed hand over the goblin's eyes, careful to keep it from it's disgusting, yellowed teeth. His right hand drew, from his pack, a broad bladed knife, and with a swift, sudden movement, plunged it up, beneath the goblin's jaw, into his brain. He felt the body jerk, once, beneath him, and then lie still.

The goblin watches as you fetch your knife, strangely enough smiling at the sight even as he mutters a last phrase in Common before the deadly pig-sticker can plunge into his greenish grey flesh. "May your flesh and souls be used to feed the fire of my Wyrmlo..." as he gets cut off with the blade biting through his head, while his crimson life blood drains from his small body to dye the ground below him red.


He wiped the blade on the creatures filthy tunic and secured it in his pack before dismounting the now dead goblin. Turning to Nyx he spoke in a low rumble, "He spoke, several times, of this Red Talon, his war party, he feared them more than death itself. He mentioned two individuals, by name, Karklian and Koth, presumably his superiors. He believed that they would kill him as assuredly as we."


Jorr can't hide the frown and look of slight confusion at some of the names mentioned during the interrogation. "Neva heard of ah 'Red Talon' tribe in des parts... Black Knives mahybe but dey stay in dah Wyrmsmoke Mountains..."

Anisette spends a few moments after the bodies have been buried to fly about and gather a dandelion for each of their mounds.


Turning, he looks to the others "So, do we wait for the next patrol, or assault the keep?"

"Aye'll let you all decide, Aye'm just your guide afterahll. Aye know aye would be fer dah approachin' when dere guard is down."


OOC: I am hoping we'll allow a single, clean, knife blow to the brain to insta kill a helpless, restrained prisoner, I don't want to have to roll for damage, and look like Jason going to town on some cheerleader. If not let me know, and I will edit the scene.



Nyx examines the bodies with the tip of a dagger being very careful not to stain her cloths.

"Master Elkhart, you have a cantrip capable of moving earth do you not? Let us bury them."

Any tattoos, decorative scarring, or other symbology? Not after anything in particular, just think it is the kind of think my character would do.
Investigation: [roll0]

@Zero Prime: I don't see any reason to draw that out longer then needed so I was okay with the insta-kill.

@Izzarra: Between the two Goblins you find;

Small-sized Studded Leather armor x2
Well used, not so well cared for Scimitars x2
Shortbows with 10 arrows x2
2 days worth of rations consisting of beef jerky, hard cheese, and stale bread x2
2 tattered leather pouches with a combined 25cp.
2 bottles filled with a unknown black liquid that strangely smells akin to liquor yet ammonia at the same time. [Int: History check DC 15, players with 'history' with goblinoids have advantage.]
A small wooden whistle which makes a painfully high-pitched tone
[Trinket] A lump of wood carved to roughly resemble a wolf


Worgs have nothing on them. These Goblins seemed to be comfortable and capable enough riders to ride them without saddles.


Goblin Liquor (Gobsgog)
This black liquid is distilled from various species of mushrooms. It has some minor restorative qualities, if one can stomach it, but causes a sense of paranoia that can heighten reaction times. When you drink this potion, roll a d6:

[tr]
d6
Effect


1
You take 1d4 poison damage.


2
You become jittery and twitchy, and have disadvantage on attack rolls as well as skill checks and saving throws that use Strength or Dexterity for 1 minute.


3-5
You regain 5 (2d4) hit points.


6
You regain 5 (2d4) hit points, and your reflexes are honed, giving you advantage on Dexterity saving throws for 1 minute.



A goblin can choose which effect they receive from the potion.

[Igneel]

After gathering up what supplies the goblin worg riders had the party desired to loot, and burying their bodies the party journeys back towards the Keep. Expending the same amount of time to travel back mostly to their camp, Jorr leads them off a ways towards a small hill in the woods. The height of the hill by itself isn't much but it's enough to have a better glance at Vraath Keep from a distance that sits in a fair bit of clearing from the forest with approximately 30ft before the treeline.


https://i.imgur.com/D0PIbRr.jpg

Looming out of the shadowy woods ahead is a haunting sight - a ruined keep. The old castle sits on a small rocky hillock, and you can catch glimpses of a broken tower between the trees. A moss-covered stone at the side of the road marks a footpath that looks like it leads up to the keep. The old keep is in very poor repair. The gatehouse is partially collapsed, as is a section of wall to the south. A small wooden building sits next to the remains of a long-abandoned garden in front of the structure. The walls surrounding the keep are about fifteen feet high, with a two-story tower looming in the southwest corner of the courtyard within. Large boulders lie strewn amid the ruins of the two watch towers, and a massive humanoid skeleton slumps amid the ruins of the northern one. This skeleton still wears tattered fragments of hide armor, and a large club that's more a tree lies next to one of its bony arms.

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


"Do we want to rely purely on stealth or do we want to implement a distraction as well?"

Nyx sends her familiar up a nearby tree to take a look at the keep.

Nibbles' Perception: [roll0]

[BelGareth]

Lying low on his stomach and peering at the keep, Chogotai squints at the building.

"I think we should either coordinate an attack, with a distraction at the front, perhaps an illusion of sorts? and combine that with some sneaking. Or sneak in, and use a distraction as a way to split the forces up if found."

[Athaleon]

"Sneak in, then distract, then strike. If it looks like we may be about to be spotted on the way in, use the distraction to rescue the effort," Kelhedros suggested. He was lounging in his cover again, and appeared to be staring vacantly at the sky, but he was again looking through his familiar's sharp eyes as it wheeled silently overhead.


In case these may be needed:
Perception: [roll0]
Investigation: [roll1]

[Igneel]

Taking a seat on a log, the older man Jorr holds a hand over his eyes to better see the Keep at you're current distance.

"Aye would think dat sneakin' in deen use ah distraction would be better. Dat way you'd be dere already more or less ter do sumding over they're alarms alerted over ah distraction before we even get dere."

It's about then that the part can hear the flaps of wind being moved by a pair of large leathery wings as a large feline-like monster equipped by a barbed tail flies overhead some distance further then a arrow shot. Carried in the beast's fanged maw and clawed forelegs is a noticeably dead deer carcass harpooned by a spear-sized spike. It would seem the beast is returning from a successful hunt, none the wiser of your party's eyes on it's current home.

Jorr juts his thumb a little at the beast's direction.

"If dah rest of dem gobbo's are as easy ter take care of as dah last batch, aye'd be more worried about dat beastie."

[(Un)Inspired]

While he’s companions discuss infiltration plans, Skynir stands up in the stirrups of his Skystaff and cranes his neck to peer as best he can over the walls into the keep. Throwing his hat in the ring, he offers his opinion to the others:

Distracting them and then infiltrating does seem like a good idea, but I’d we sneak in before the distraction, we might be able to catch some of them asleep. Even creature with darkvision typically sleep at night, right? I know I usually do... he trails off as he scratches one of his half-elven ears. With Chogotai’s magic there’s a good chance we could actually have a pretty good chance of cracking open a few bedroom door and knocking some heads before anyone even has time to exit slumberland.

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 20 | MAX HP: 63 | CURRENT: 63 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: Mosshide Belt (+2 Con).
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus nodded his great maned head, "With our companion's elven magicks," he looked to Chogtai with respect and admiration in his eyes, "we can slip over the wall as vengeful spirits. Once inside, I feel our guide is correct, we eliminate the biggest threat, the worgs and the great spined beasts. That encounter may alert the soldiers encamped within, and it is then, that we should use whatever sorcerous distractions are available to us to ensure that we are not overwhelmed by their response."

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None


"I have an idea for a distraction that I can employ once night falls, but I will need some torches."

[BelGareth]

Chogotai places his hand upon the mantle shoulders of Acaeus and nods "I agree, this is our best course of action."

[Athaleon]

"What's the distraction?" Kelhedros asked Nyx. "It occurred to me that if any goblins leave the keep, and return after we're finished with it, word could spread to the rest of the horde that much faster. And they can see in the dark, right? At least as well as we can."

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 20 | MAX HP: 63 | CURRENT: 63 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: Mosshide Belt (+2 Con).
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus shook his head, concerned with the planned course of action. "I am uncomfortable with this plan. The keep may well be aware that their scouts have not yet, returned. To give them another cause for concern, is to give them further forewarning that an unseen force opposes them. With our magicks, we are able to slip over the wall as silent as ghosts."

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None



"I am thinking of creating several invisible servants and having each of them hold two torches at arms length bobbing them up and down as I parade them around outside the keep. Close enough that the goblins can see the torches but far enough away that they cannot she what is holding the torches. Get them all grouped together where they can be blasted at once."

[3SecondCultist]

https://i.ibb.co/SKXq77q/Jolienne.jpg
Jolienne Arcensis (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2416353)
Tiefling Twilight Cleric
HP: 46/46, AC: 19
Passive Perception: 18
Conditions: Eyes of Night (Darkvision 300 ft)
Concentrating: —


The tiefling surveys Vrath Keep along with the others, her mind remote for some time as her eyes pore over the enemy defenses. She strokes the edge of her horns thoughtfully, considering her words as carefully as always.

"I agree with Acaeus and Skynir. Sneaking in first would be wise; they might know that we're somewhere in the woods, but not our exact position or when we aim to strike. Thanks to our friend Chogotai, will can be unseen and unheard, and through the blessing of the Lady of Twilight our vision at night will far exceed even theirs.

If the opportunity for a distraction presents itself, we should take it, but our first objective must be gaining entry and reducing the overall number of combatants as much as possible while keeping our presence hidden. Eventually the alarm will be raised, and when that happens we want as few foes arrayed against us as possible."

Right as we're getting ready to go, Jolienne will burn her Eyes of Night feature to share her 300 ft Darkvision with the party. This will last for 1 hour, so we should be good for the whole infiltration. She'll also liberally cast Guidance on everyone she can right before we breach, so anyone who needs it can have +1d4 on their Stealth rolls.

I'm good for moving in on this thing. The quicker we get this infiltration going, the better for the game. :smallbiggrin:

[Igneel]

As the twilight hours slowly take over the resting sun filled heavens, darkness falls over the distant Keep. It's during these short hours of transition between the heavenly bodies that a thin plume of smoke can be seen in the dying rays of sunlight but only for a brief period of time. Afterwards, much similar to how Jorr reported after his initial stake out a almost eerie sight is seen from your positions. A sickly greenish-yellow light flickers inside the second floor of the ruined tower, and the faint sound of eerie moaning can be heard echoing from within. A barely visible shadow of a vaguely humanoid form seems to be draped in the sickly light.

Wrapping her arms around herself Anisette whispers ever so silently to Skynir while riding his shoulder "That's a creepy sight... Hope the place isn't really haunted."

Venturing closer towards the Keep under the cover of night Jorr leads the way not up the path towards the front gate. Rather a path up a hillside that's little less direct and noticeable taking a few extra minutes to climb up. Above the Keep, Arwyn with a quarter of her white radiance and Edom with half of his crimson glow watch over the party as they move closer all while Chernobog lies hidden in it's umbral mystery.

From a closer look compared to the hillside the party temporarily camped at you can make out more details. The keep's gatehouse has seen better days. The watchtowers to either side have partially collapsed, and several large boulders lie strewn in a heap on the ground. Located nearby is a small wooden shack that sits to the east of the keep itself, near an overgrown patch of weeds that might have once been a fine garden. With her blessings of the Twilight, Jolienne and everyone else also partaking in the blessing are able to see a bit deeper into the Keep's courtyard. The courtyard of hard-packed earth has an eerie air of desolation. Jagged boulders embedded in the ground seem to have been dropped here, or thrown from a great distance; many of the walls bear large dents and cracks where these boulders might have once struck. Two massive skeletons lie at opposite ends of the courtyard, once propped up by the watchtower and the other sprawled at the far end of by a building that could be a stable. To the south, where a section of the keep's outer wall has collapsed, a third giant skeleton lies partially buried in the rubble.
Presently, no residents of the keep can be seen...


https://i.imgur.com/GTQN1qz.png
Roll20 (https://app.roll20.net/join/10134656/O4gsnA)

Left everyone's token/sheet available to "all players" for convenience of moving the tokens around. Dice rolls will still happen here on GitP forums.

Placed everyone in the southern corner for distance/allowing people to prepare as needed. You're not necessarily at that location just yet if you want to be further away.

As a DM note, the exterior walls stand at 15 feet tall, with walkways on the inner side approximately 10 feet from the ground. There are step ups and several masonry notches that would allow human-sized guard to shoot intruders providing them 3/4's cover. The boulders strewn about are also fairly large in size, giving a person up to 1/2 cover assuming they're not being hailed from above.

Players can roll their PWT+other modifiers Stealth check, along with other rolls they wish to make.

[Izzarra]

https://images2.imgbox.com/10/0e/RkPZYR4U_o.png
Nyx Alsaz (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CTCv1l8GEw2eyt3SBF0mhLHult1mr74PeDKqtOu6md8)
Bladesinger Wizard
HP: 27/27, AC: 16
Conditions: None



With nighttime arriving soon Nyx begins performing a series of rituals dancing around with her blade.

Stealth: [roll0] (Dex +4, 2x Prof +6, PWT, +10)
As I loose nothing in preparing this, I will spend the 40 minutes leading up to our assault making 4 unseen servants so that they are on hand in case I need to implement the distraction that was discussed, though it would probably take at least a minute IC to get them into position. My character did not bring enough torches to pull it off and will need to borrow a few from other players.

[Athaleon]

"No sentries? Either they have grown arrogant, or they have prepared a trap. Kelhedros whispered before he began his cautious approach toward the wall.


Stealth: [roll0]

[Zero Prime]

https://i.postimg.cc/28H5QHR2/Leonin-Barbarian.jpg
Acaeus, Champion of the Ghost Tree (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2414479)
AC: 20 | MAX HP: 63 | CURRENT: 63 | HIT DIE: 3d12; 2d10 | CURRENT: 3d12;2d10
INITIATIVE: +3 | PASSIVE PERCEPTION: 15 | PASSIVE INSIGHT: 12
RAGE: 3 | CURRENT: 3 | SPELL SLOTS: 1st: 2/2
ACTIVE EFFECTS: Mosshide Belt (+2 Con).
CONDITIONS: None.

Acaeus moved forward, moving towards the southern wall of the gate house, keeping an eye on the towers and walls. Archers could be garrisoned there, he was unsure if the building he was using as cover in the night was being used for any forces. He moved low, and silently, keeping his great bulk in a feline manner, like a great hunting cat stalking it's prey.

OOC: Move from South-East Corner, to the Southern corner of the gate house. Single move action, and a Hide Check. Axe & Shield are readied. Stealth, with Pass without Trace: [roll0]. Of course! Also, my position has been updated on the R20 map.

[BelGareth]

Chogotai moves with Acaeus, covering all avenues of approach with his bow drawn, arrow pointing to the dirt.


Moved on R20

Stealth - (1d20+18)[38]