Ihon Volarian |
Interesting. We were followed. Though not from here. Ihon states as he stares into the forest.
Sazu Magauge |
Sazu looks up to the tress, wondering if pursuers could have leapt from branch to branch.
I am curious if that's a possiblity. Since its only branches, I'm not gonna roll perception
DM Morvius |
Heading around the edge of the forest and somewhat north, you are able to find a spot that seems like the small shrine. It is a simple affair but bears the symbol of Erastil and has a number of offerings left at varying times on the small wooden structure.
At the moment there doesn't appear to be anyone around, but it is clear that the shrine gets fairly frequent traffic.
Sazu Magauge |
"So how are we playing this one? A surprise attack? A peaceful confrontation? We have certain advantages available to us now which we may want to hold onto since we're on their home territory..."
Ihon Volarian |
Percption (familiar): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Ihon's companion barely wakes up from its nap to look around and quickly goes back to what it was doing.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Ihon quietly stares off into the woods, as usual.
Ihon Volarian |
Ihon, still staring off into the woods, blinks a few times and looks around the clearing. Five approach. Armed, though they will not attack. He states matter-of-factly.
Andre Karoxin |
Andre spends the hour-long wait on his knees in front of the shrine, in quiet internal prayer. When Ihon warns them that others approach, he only shifts to make sure that he can see them from one eye, and checks to make sure that his holy symbol is visible on his chest.
If the five in the forest have approached to an easy speaking distance, he calls out to them, "Greetings, brothers and sisters. There's no need for such caution, or for your blades--as you can see, I'm a fellow of Old Deadeye myself. We only want to speak with you about some strange things we've seen in the forest here."
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Ihon Volarian |
Just to point out, it isn't exactly obvious *where* Ihon saw the people. He's still just staring randomly out into the forest and not at anything in particular. I assume whoever these people are will come up shortly, but it isn't as if he's looking at them, pointing to them, or otherwise acknowledging that he actually sees anything.
Andre Karoxin |
Got t. I'm assuming that with Ihon's warning, Andre can spot them easily enough once they get close enough to speak to...should probably roll Perception, though!
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
DM Morvius |
They do approach in relatively short order, so the Diplomacy check is fine, though it is somewhat of a surprise where they actually came from.
The group approaching doesn't seem to have wanted a fight; they have weapons, but are not brandishing them in a threatening manner. They are clearly somewhat surprised to see you all here, but respond in cautiously positive tones as one man speaks up.
What exactly are you interested in? We don't get many visitors here, fewer still that don't reside in that trading post nearby
Sazu Magauge |
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16
Sazu, though not the most perceptive of beings, still give s the newcomers a look over, trying to sense their intentions.
Andre Karoxin |
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27
Diplomacy (Again?): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
"Well, we had a strange run-in with a group of bandits the other day," Andre says, spreading his hands. "A whole gang with tattoos on their faces in the symbol of the Rough Beast, which is...unusual, to say the least. We also heard that they and you'd been buying up weapons and supplies in town."
The grey-haired priest stands, leaning heavily on his staff. "Son, I don't think you're bad people. In fact I suspect we've got a lot in common. But don't let's turn this hunting ground, sacred to Ol' Deadeye as it is, into a killing ground. Tell us what's going on, and maybe we can help."
DM Morvius |
You don't need to re-use Diplomacy, its effects last longer than you've been talking, certainly.
Andre, the people you are talking to are definitely hiding something. It is rather clear that they are sizing you up and trying to decide whether or not they need to attack you.
The one that has been speaking continues, This is far from sacred ground friend. And we are familiar with the cult that you speak of. What is your business here? And what is your interest in them? I assume you came here to speak with us...but I'm not sure what exactly you hoped to find out.
Andre Karoxin |
Andre holds up his hands, looking pained. "Please, please. There's no need for any hostility. We just came seeking answers. We were asked to investigate some sort of bad business in the wood, and when we got here, well, we had a bit of a run-in with the Rovagugites. Where I come from, leastways, we'd call that bad business. It's our understanding that you folk live in this forest, so we thought you might know more about them--where they live, why they're here, what they're up to. That's truly all."
As he speaks, Andre stands--casually, to be sure, but he makes sure to get his feet beneath him in case anything happens suddenly.
DM Morvius |
Their kind are invaders. I do not know where they come from, but now they are here. We, he says, motioning to his companions, will retake these woods. We don't need help from outsiders. Any trouble here doesn't concern you.
The others nod at the last point. They remain cautious, but there is no sign that an attack is imminent.
Andre Karoxin |
Andre nods. "And that's reasonable enough, lad, except that you've not told anyone what you're doing here. Come now, the Queen would be more than happy to help eradicate these vermin! Let us bring them to light and bring the full force of the Empire to bear on them, why don't you?" He spreads his hands. "If not, why, I guess we'll be on our way."
Remember anyone else can assist me or try other tactics...I don't mean to hog the spotlight! :)
Rona'Nathaniel Gassan |
To be honest, Rona would probably just make things even worse for us and make things end in a fight, so he is just watching and getting ready to react. I don't mind you being in the spotlight, these are your people after all.
I look around the clearing, to see if there are any more of them in the tree's or out of sight, but quickly turn my attention back to the group of Erastilians. I try to breath a bit to calm my nerves, and relax my grip on my sword momentarily, "Don't trust the priests of Erastil. Share their faith or not, they are not your friends ... that's what Nicolas said." I retighten my grip on my sword, and make sure that I am ready to attack the rear-most member of their group, in case they try to flee or fight suddenly.
Sazu Magauge |
"The crazy man in the holding cell at the trading post would probably disagree with you."
Sazu blurts out before he can stop himself.
Andre Karoxin |
"Indeed," Andre supplies smoothly, "we've had our own run-ins with the followers of the Rough Beast, and they've ended poorly for the others. But I can understand why you would be slow to trust strangers like us. If there's no more that you're willing to share with us about your plans or your hopes, we will depart, and leave you in peace."
He turns, making like he's prepared to leave, then pauses. "Oh, did we mention that we know where they're located?"
Andre Karoxin |
"Hmph." Andre leans on his staff as he watches the group's retreating backs. "I have to agree, much though it shames me to admit. Many's the man of Old Deadeye who could use to be a little less stubborn about things like the Queen's devils and a little more interested in the greater good. Like clearing out these maniacs! Well, we'll have to see if we can't find some way to stop this bloodshed before it spills into the town...any ideas?"
Sazu Magauge |
"The town won't step in and neither would these original cultists, correct? Then perhaps our best course of action is to work to rid the community of its most troubling element, and let aid fall where it may. If nothing else, we'll probably earn some goodwill from our efforts. Trust is earned, remember?"
DM Morvius |
I'll give the very obvious GM note that there is more investigation to be done. To summarize where you are - you've got a couple of leads. You can head back to the altar and track from there (or lie in wait), you can head up tot he cave you know about, or you can even follow/track this particular group of people.
Ihon Volarian |
Ihon frowns, Perhaps it is these woods that causes people to walk blindly? They do not wish to know more about us. That bodes ill for their judgement. Concerning the situation, their enemies, or how to handle our interference.
Sazu Magauge |
"Perhaps a trip back to the altar is in order? It is our best lead by far for the quarry we pursue, and may even result in us stumbling upon other cultists returning as well."
Andre Karoxin |
Andre nods at Sazu's suggestion. "I agree with Ihon, certainly, but let their folly be their folly. We must pursue what quarry we have..."
I'd support going back to the altar.
DM Morvius |
With some effort you are able to make your way back to the altar. It looks like there are some fresh offerings, but no one is obviously present. By the time you reach the altar it is just past mid day.
All can give me Perception checks. If anyone is going to attempt to follow any tracks, that will be Survival.
Sazu Magauge |
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Sazu examines the new offerings and the altar in general once more.
"Hmm...Even with the apprehension of one of their own, they seem to still frequent this area. If we cannot track them to their lair, perhaps an ambush at this location would prove useful."
Rona'Nathaniel Gassan |
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
"Hmmm, while that is a sound idea, do we really want them rushing towards us armed and expecting a fight? Or would it be better to catch them unawares? The main benefit of lighting the fire, would be that we get most of them here in one go."
Andre Karoxin |
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12
Andre peers around the altar, leaning on his stick and listening to the others debate. "Bringing all of them here at once doesn't sound like the best plan to me. If you're hunting wolves, best to hide near the trail and wait them out...pick them off one by one as they come in. It's good to know that they're still coming here. I think Sazu's right that an ambush here could work well, particularly if we muster the guards in town."
Andre also briefly stops to examine the altar itself and the offerings on it, to see if he can determine anything useful, strange, or interesting about the offerings.
Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Ihon Volarian |
Perception (familiar): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Ihon's companion pops its head out of his hood and sniffs the air, chirps, and goes back to whatever it was doing.
Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28
Ihon continues his staring off into the forest. They know we are in their forest, he says, almost whispering into the trees. Are there many? Or few? So hard to see with all of this in the way.
DM Morvius |
Andre, you realize you don't know enough about Rovagug's offerings to determine anything particularly out of the ordinary. Still, it is clear that both animals and sentient beings have been left at this altar.
Ihon, you notice from looking at the scene that near some of the newest offerings there is a bit of underbrush that has been disturbed and covers a makeshift trail. It is heading deeper into the forest rather than the direction you headed last time you were here and it looks like the trail was well concealed; whoever replaced these bushes was just relatively careless in doing so this time.
Sazu Magauge |
Sazu, thinking the others might consider the ambush tactic, decides he better get a headstart on hiding. He goes to stand in a shrub.
Sneak: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18