Kenan follows along behind Fenra after a brief check to ensure he has what he needs.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Caravan Encounter
Nodding her acceptance of Fenra and Kenan's offer to join her, Shalelu is about to turn to leave when the caravan's horses suddenly stir. Sandru immediately looks east just as the trees in that direction begin to rustle unnaturally. Emerging from the tree line are half a dozen monstrous forms. The creatures look like humanoid crows with oily black feathers, glittering eyes, and a sharp beaks. Spying the group, one of them opens its bill, and the flock advances...
These creatures typical stand 5 feet tall and weigh between 125 and 150 pounds. Known to be subterranean predators resembling humanoid crows with muscular arms and fearsome claws, they are usually referred to as Dire Corbies.
Dire corbies are intelligent, but have little use for society outside of the rough, squabbling pecking order of their rookeries, where their social order is little better than that of the mundane birds they resemble. Along with the near-suicidal savagery with which they launch themselves into combat, dire corbies are known for their terrifying screeches, songs of doom capable of unsettling even experienced explorers.
In addition to being savage predators, dire corbies are also notorious cannibals when it comes to their young, and a mother dire corby must carefully defend her eggs lest a flock of males from the same rookery descend on her nest and devour the unborn children in a flurry of yolk and blood. This ultimately counterproductive tendency only further supports the impression most races have of dire corbies as dangerously unbalanced beings, and may explain why the creatures remain relatively rare.
Dropping the length of rope he was absentmindedly holding, Sandru makes for one of the wagons and the bow he'd carefully lain on the driver's seat. Taking up the weapon he slings its quiver over his shoulder and tries to identify the creatures. His experience limited to mostly caravan trails, Sandru recognizes only that they are crows...abnormally huge crows. Shalelu! What are those things?
Surprisingly caught off guard, the elf racks her brain but comes up with little more than a name. Flashing a look towards Draeven, she silently requests his assistance and replies, Dire Corbies! Keep them away from the camp! Protect Ameiko!
D.C. | AC 13 | touch 11 | flat-footed 12 | Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +3 | Speed 30 ft.| Melee 2 claws +3 (1d4+1) | Special Attacks leap, rend (2 claws, 1d4+1) | HP 15 each
Hunched over Ameiko, Draeven's keen senses detect the approach of something in the woods to the east. He straightens up quickly and whispers a warning, Something is headed our way!
I'm taking the left side! Set up a defensive position within in the wagons! he whispers again before moving to the bushes on the other side of the wagon while drawing his new bow.
Draeven hides in the bushes, arrow nocked, and spies one of the approaching creatures. Dire Corbies?! I've never seen one in the flesh before, he thinks to himself as he watches the thing approach.
He then lets an arrow fly...
...and watches as it flies straight and true at the unaware beast. The arrow sinks into its chest up to the fletchings!
At Draeven's warning Rennyn stands and draws his sword. You heard him, move back and try to draw them in between the wagons!
Stepping forward the paladin continues to try and direct the defences in a hushed voice. Make a line. Kenan, Shalelu and Sandru alongside me. Fenra, Jeryn and Koya behind us and around Ameiko. Nothing gets past us!
He then raises his sword in both hands over his head and waits for whatever approaches to show itself, ready to defend himself and his comrades.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Caravan Encounter
As Draeven silently moves off, Shalelu heeds Rennyn's suggestion. Taking up her bow she falls back while Sandru nods his understanding .
Switching positions with the elf, Sandru's legs carry him quickly across Rennyn's position leaping first on to a wooden wheel then propelling the man up to the top of the wagon's outer wall . With his back to the wagon, his vantage gives him an unobscured view of anything approaching the wagons Pulling on his bow string Sandru looks down the shaft of the arrow knocked therein and waits for the creatures to draw nearer.
Meanwhile Shalelu's keen eyes track the arrow loosed from Draeven's bow. How in Desna's name...? The look on the elf's face is one of surprise as she tries to comprehend how the hulking man's arrow managed to miss becoming entangled in the numerous branches and foliage on the way to its target The sudden appearance of an arrow in the lead Corby's chest alerts the flock. Their angry calls fill the area with protest and the strange flightless birds turn towards the camp. Keeping her eyes on the approaching threat, Shalelu readies her bow, knocking one arrow and holding one more loosely in her hand.
Koya steps forward to watch over Ameiko's still form. Taking up a silver necklace from around her neck, the colorful wings of a butterfly catch some of the noon day light streaming through the trees. The old woman holds the image close to her lips and whispers a quick prayer to Lady Luck. Feeling the goddess' grace radiate from the symbol, Koya hand twitches as she 'flies' the image over Ameiko's body .
Dire Corby: AC 13 | touch 11 | flat-footed 12 | Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +3 | Speed 30 ft.| Melee 2 claws +3 (1d4+1) | Special Attacks leap, rend (2 claws, 1d4+1) | HP 15 each
6/7 Corbies remain
Kenan acknowledges Renyn and steps next to the wagon and quickly looses an arrow at the most visible creature.
Seeing his first arrow strike home Kenan wastes no time and quickly lets 2 arrow fly quickly at another of the bird like creatures. Only to see the arrows get caught up in the trees and branches.
Fenra, already ready to move out merely brings her morningstar to hand and waits for one of the strange birdman things to get close enough to smack.
Fenra also steps back to better position herself between the wagons as Rennyn suggests.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Caravan Encounter
Heads down in a run, the Dire Corbies crash through lighter foliage briefly passing from sight behind trees only to reappear a second later before disappearing from view once again. The monstrous creatures call to one another in loud caws, then split into two groups as they advance to encircle the camp.
Keeping his breathe steady, Kenan tracks one of them, its hulking form skirting from one tree to the next. As it passes from behind one tree and on to the next, the monk looses his first arrow. Streaking through the air, the shaft sways left then right and back again before finally flying true. Step by hulking step, the monk watches the arrow as his target draws nearer. "Thunk". Kenan's arrow strikes the feathered creature hard sending up a mist of blood but the Corby recovers its stride quickly. Losing no time, the monk nocks a second and then a third arrow, sending them hurtling down the same path. The second arrow finds a narrow branch, cutting the tree's limb in half before swerving harmlessly into a bush. As the amputated foliage crashes to the grassy floor the monk's third arrow continues on. Its path cleared of barriers, this arrow finds its mark. Striking below the first but on the other side of the Corby's muscled chest, the steel point pierces the creature's lung. Suddenly gasping for breath the creature slows. It's large legs carry it another five feet before coughing up a bill full of blood. Three feet more and the Corby falls.
Seeing the flock charge toward the camp, Shalelu releases her volley. Her right hand moving rapidly, the elf looses her arrows one after the other. The wooden missiles streak toward their intended target, cutting leaves from their branches along the way. The first lands solidly drawing out a stream of red fluid which stains the creature's leg. The second also scores a hit. This one lancing a powerful arm above the wrist. The Corby squawks in pain as it disappears behind a tree but not out of sight. Her blue eyes still tracking the quarry that should have fallen, Shalelu curses. For a fleeting second she can't help but feel envious of the dwarf's display of archery and Draeven's impressive skill, Our first encounter together and these two aren't wasting time in bettering me!
From his perch, Sandru's eyes spot a suitable target. Without slowing, its glossy bill jerks sideways, snapping a low hanging branch in half. With his comrades arrows flying down range Sandru steadies himself, drawing the bow string flush to his cheek. Timing his target's steps, the caravanner says a quick prayer to Desna then releases his hold. Sandru's arrow crosses an invisible path left by Shalelu's volley, narrowly missing the large trunk of one of the trees downrange. An instant later his arrow catches the Corby's shoulder. Surprised, yet thankful for the goddess' token gift of luck, Sandru sends a kiss to the heavens before flashing a smile back to Rennyn and Koya behind him.
Dire Corby: AC 13 | touch 11 | flat-footed 12 | Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +3 | Speed 30 ft.| Melee 2 claws +3 (1d4+1) | Special Attacks leap, rend (2 claws, 1d4+1) | HP 15 each
Leap (Ex): A dire corby can perform a special kind of pounce attack by jumping into combat. When a dire corby charges, it can make a DC 20 Acrobatics check to jump into the air and land next to its enemies. If it succeeds at this Acrobatics check, it can make a full attack (two claw attacks, plus a rend attack if both claws hit) against foes in reach. If it fails, it can still make its one attack as normal for a charge.
5/7 Corbies remain
Corby @ -A35 2/15 HP remains
Corby @ G35 9/15 HP remains
Draeven tries to creep forward and hide in the bushes.
He then lets another arrow fly...
...his arrow seemingly flying true.
Rennyn shifts to his right to make room for Kenan between himself and Fenra, and for Shalelu on his right, while still holding his sword above his head.
Form a line... keep up the good work with the arrows! Jeryn! Get out here! he says with calm determination.
Kenan seeing the first two fall, he continues to let the arrows fly in rapid succession at the farthest one.
Not having any sort of ranged weapon, or the skill necessary to use one to any effect, Fenra still waits for the creatures to get closer. She holds off on any spells, waiting to see if they will even be necessary in the wake of her comrades abilities.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Caravan Encounter
Shifting his weight, Draeven moves his bulk forward knocking an overhead branch with his head as he does. The movement draws the attention of the Corbies running toward the wagons. Despite this misstep, the sniper's aim proves true enough. Turning its head in the direction of the noise, the Corby's eyes focus first on the tree covering Draeven's position, then on the shaft of wood whistling toward it. The projectile pierces its neck severing an artery on the way through. As the triangular metal head peeks through the other side of the Corby's neck, a thick jet of blood squeezes it way along side it.
Koya stands, moving forward as she does . Still holding the silver symbol the old woman shifts its weight to rest between her hands. She begins chanting the words of another spell, this time gently massaging the delicate butterfly wings in tiny circles with her thumbs. Koya's words flutter through the air in a kind of rhythm the group finds catchy yet also inspiring. Even after Koya finishes her spell, her words linger in your ears like the beat of a good song.
With suitable targets being plucked from her like a plate of pastries passing by children, Shalelu steps forward for a better view. A hundred feet away two Corby pass into view, each with arrows decorating their flesh. One of them, the Corby she'd struck just seconds earlier . Raising her bow the elf quickly looses two more arrows through the trees. The first is deflected off the trunk of a tree, but the other hits. Burying its way deep into muscled flesh, the creature's legs stops mid run. Its limp legs no longer able to avoid the looming barrier, the Corby's momentum sends it crashing into a tree where it lays motionless, About time.
From his perch on the wagon, Sandru draws another arrow from his quiver. His head swimming with the thrill of his previous success and his mother's chant echoing in his head, he pulls on the bow string once more. The sound of a Corby crashing to the earth draws his attention and Sandru's eyes spy the shoulder of another creature near to it . It's a tricky shot. Partially obscured by thicker branches, Sandru has a much smaller target than before. His bow string strains near its breaking point, Ah! Why not? Saying another quick prayer to the goddess of luck the swashbuckler releases his hold on the arrow and watches it sail through the trees.
Their numbers quickly cut in half, the Corby caw to each other in short rapid calls. Talons rip into the earth bringing their advance to a dramatic halt. Then before the clumps of earth have a chance to settle, the three remaining Corbies turn tail and run.
Trying this out
Dire Corby: AC 13 | touch 11 | flat-footed 12 | Fort +2, Ref +4, Will +3 | Speed 30 ft.| Melee 2 claws +3 (1d4+1) | Special Attacks leap, rend (2 claws, 1d4+1) | HP 15 each
Leap (Ex): A dire corby can perform a special kind of pounce attack by jumping into combat. When a dire corby charges, it can make a DC 20 Acrobatics check to jump into the air and land next to its enemies. If it succeeds at this Acrobatics check, it can make a full attack (two claw attacks, plus a rend attack if both claws hit) against foes in reach. If it fails, it can still make its one attack as normal for a charge.
2/7 Corbies remain: Corby @ -A41 2/15 HP remain, Corby @ -B41 15/15 HP remain
Jeryn is stirred from his contemplation by the clamour outside and by Rennyn's call for assistance. Bursting from the southern-most wagon, he rushes toward his retreating foes before unleashing a signature force bolt.
Having spent much of the journey pouring over his spell books and mastering new spells, he thought about using something more powerful but decided not to waste it on a foe already beaten.
Draeven moves out of the bushes to get a clear shot before sending another arrow streaking after one of the retreating Corby...
...his arrow again finding flesh.
Seeing the enemy fleeing, Rennyn lowers his sword. Don't let it get away! I don't want to see it return with others later when we are lesser in number here at the camp. And with Ameiko indisposed.
Kenan realizing the flock is fleeing quickly launches 2 arrows at the nearest humabird.
It's up to the archers at this point. I have nothing that can reach them as far as spells go.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Caravan Encounter
The sudden appearance of a wizard throws everyone's timing off. With barely a cursory look downrange, Jeryn calls upon one of his tried and true spells and his invisible bolt ripples past trees and rattles leaves before slamming into the back of one of the Corbies. The creature arches its back in pain before tripping over its own legs, coming to rest near a tree stump .
Refusing to let Jeryn's sudden appearance jar their focus, both Draeven and Kenan quickly loose another volley of arrows. Shalelu too knocks an arrow. Drawing her bow tight against her check the elf's eyes narrow as she fixes on her target. Seemingly at once multiple arrows fly off into the trees. Three zero in on the nearest Corby, their paths converging on the creature in a blur. One of Kenan's arrows comes to a sudden halt as its shaft embeds itself in the trunk of a tree. The other two find their mark. Blood streams down the creature's back and the Corby calls out in pain to any that still remain. But its call goes unanswered. Not a second earlier, an elven arrow whistled past its feathered head. The spinning arrow propelled its pointed metal through flesh and skull before coming to rest in the lead Corby's head. Its limp body fell to the ground just a few yards ahead. Now the last of its flock, a solitary Corby runs for its life through the trees.
Koya nods in agreement with Rennyn, Better to err on the side of caution. Kneeling down at Ameiko's side, the old fortune teller places a hand on the Tien's forehead while the others clean up.
Draeven! Shalelu calls to the half-orc sniper to join her as she takes off in a sprint into the trees. Ahead of the elf, Draeven has already easily spotted the lone Corby. Thrashing through foliage, the unnatural movement of the trees is like a bright marker pointing to the Corby's path of retreat.
The chase is short-lived. Closing the distance only enough to draw another of his arrows from his quiver, Draeven draws a bead on the fleeing bird and releases his arrow. Seconds later the trees return to their natural state. A check of the bodies reveals little of value however two large bloodied sacks of fresh game hint at the creatures presence here - they were hunting.
0/7 Corbies remain
Draeven is relieved the chase is a short one. Slinging his bow over his back he gets to work retrieving any arrows he can while dragging all the corpses together in a pile. Looking the sacks over, he tries to determine what manner of creature the meat came from. Could be man flesh for all I know, he thinks to himself as he looks for clues in the bags.
When he is finished, he returns to the group. We should see about putting some distance between us and that pile. It will be drawing predators and other unwanted attention soon enough. Looking down at Ameiko he adds, We should place her in a wagon. Get her as comfortable as possible and then see about finding a more defensible position to park the wagons. Perhaps closer to Brinewall? A couple of us could scout ahead to look for a suitable spot. That way we aren't far from those left with the caravan if trouble should show again.
Rennyn nods in agreement before carefully picking Ameiko up and moving her into one of the wagons.
Once she is comfortable he addresses the group. So Draeven, Kenan, Shalelu and Fenra can go scout out a better spot for us while Koya, Sandru and I stay to protect Ameiko? Jeryn? Which would you prefer?
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Current Location
Shalelu looks at those gathered around. Seeing no one opposing the paladin's suggestion she takes up her bow, Come on Draeven, you can tell me about that ballista you have slung over your shoulder. Shalelu playfully smirks over her shoulder at the half-orc as she turns to lead the way out of camp. The road leading into Brinewall has all but disappeared. Following what remains, Kenan, Draeven, Fenra and Shalelu soon find themselves heading east near the banks of Steam River.
The trees here seem different. Particularly dense with undergrowth something about this part of the woodland sends a cold chill down the group's spines. The sounds of faint screams and shadowy images skirt the peripheral of the monk's vision while the woodlands themselves seem disturbingly haunted and, unnatural, for a half-orc who has spent most of his time hunting goblins in woods not much different to these. Shalelu does not appear immune either. Finding herself hugging her arms the elf's face shows a hint of apprehension, Perhaps the stories are true, this place certainly feels haunted. Only Fenra seems unaffected by their surroundings, shrugging off the chill as nothing more than a figment of her imagination.
Rounding a bend and about a hundred feet down the path sits a ruined building. Now only an empty shell, its roof has caved in but the curved shape at its base suggests this was once a stone lighthouse.
Ressurecting rolls from HERE
Kenan Will Save DC 13: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Draeven Will Save DC 13: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9
Fenra Will Save DC 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Everyone but Fenra is spooked :P
Draeven drops the sacks of meat near the wagons. Some fresh meat here if anyone wishes to try and salvage any. If not, I suggest adding it to the body pile.
Spying what looks like the ruins of the lighthouse Draeven nods in its direction. What do you think? Can we get the wagons up here? Even if we have to brush a line. Might be a defensible spot. Assuming there are no unfriendlies within.
Spying what looks like the spires of some sort of fortification in the background he grunts, I suspect whatever we seek is likely up there.
Let's clear the lighthouse and see about bringing the others up. We can then make our around to there.
Before heading to the ruins ahead, the half-orc searches the ground for any sign of recent activity.
Meanwhile, Rennyn asks Koya to tend to Ameiko while he, Jeryn and Sandru keep watch. Climbing atop the wagon's seat he sits with his bow across his lap. He doesn't practice with it very often, preferring to spend the time honing his sword skills, but after the display with the Corbies, he thinks it wise to keep it handy for now.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Current Location
Carefully picking his way through the building, Draven conducts his search of the rubble around the structure. From his vantage he can clearly see the distinct shapes of other buildings beyond the lighthouse; barracks, a smithy, several homes, a building with several architectural designs similar to those of the glassworks in Sandpoint, a trading post, and a stable can all be made out. The two largest ruins are located in the eastern part of town, and consist of a town hall to the north and an almost completely collapsed temple of Desna to the south, near the entrance to a cemetery.
Nestled within Brinewall is a naturally deep harbor formed where the waters of the Steam River flow into Bunyip Bay to the west. Even from here it is possible to see two ruined piers extending into the only relatively shallow portion of the harbor. The piers that once served all of Brinewall as moorings for visiting ships are now mostly collapsed, yet the westernmost one has what appears to be a relatively recent visitor: a Linnorm Kingdoms longship is tied there. The longship seems relatively new, but the vessel is partially destroyed and half-sunken.
Across the harbour stands Brinewall castle. Built from gray stone, it is a large and intimidating structure. Although only two stories tall, with the exception of one three-story tower, the squat castle looks all the larger for its position atop the bluff west of the village, looming over the surrounding region with a commanding presence.
Turning to make his way back to the others, Draeven's size twelves nudge a few pieces of rubble revealing a partially crushed strongbox.
SPOILER ALERT No need to read any further.
Strongbox: contains 93 gp and a single rusty key. Left behind by the long-dead lighthouse tender, this is a skeleton key that can open all of the locks on the ground and upper floors of Brinewall Castle. Unless repaired with a make whole or mending spell, though, the key breaks after opening 1d6 locked doors.
Fenra is in agreement with Draeven's suggestion of bringing the entire camp here.
Draeven reaches down and retrieves the strongbox. Gives it a looking over for surprises and then opens it...
Kenan unlimbers his bow and takes watch outside the tower watching for any signs of hostile movement.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Current Location
Not long after Rennyn and Sandru finish policing up the bodies, Koya calls from the wagon, Rennyn! Jeryn!
Inside the wagon Koya eyes show the tell tale signs of having been looking into the beyond, delving into the arcane. My understanding of the arcane mysteries is not as far reaching as yours Jeryn, but I got to thinking. Draeven said it is likely a magically induced state. So I looked, and sure enough, there is an aura about her. Koya spreads her hands out above Ameiko's body indicating the location she witnessed a magical aura. I've been trying to study the aura. It is a powerful one to be sure, but I'm having difficulty recognizing its nature. It's puzzling. And, this is where you come in dear, she puts a hand on Rennyn's shoulder, I'd like to make sure its not evil. Both Rennyn and the wizard get the impression that Koya is attempting to discern the nature of Ameiko's coma by eliminating what it is or isn't.
While Draeven gets to work on the strongbox, Shalelu looks to Kenan and Fenra and while she's fairly sure Fenra's expression is agreeable towards Draeven's suggestion, the elf finds it difficult to read the monk's reaction, if there is one at all. Scrunching up her face in a bit of a puzzled look she twitches her head in the dwarf's direction, Is he always this expressive? Shalelu sighs, leaving the question hanging in the air she glances at the sky before turning back to regard the group, I don't like it. To start, it doesn't look big enough to get the wagons in there. Then there is the possibility we'd be visible from the fortification. If there is anyone there, I bet there are patrols. Perhaps not all the way out here but along the battlements for sure, don't you agree? I don't recommend taking the chance, however remote, of being seen. Shifting her weight she adds, Besides, clearing a path for the wagons will take some time. It may very well be after dark by the time we get set up. At least were the caravan is now we do not need to worry about being seen. I think we should look around some more and plan on moving camp tomorrow. Perhaps there is a better site?
With a snap of rusted metal, the half-orc pry's open the box. Inside is 93 gold coins and a single rusty key embossed with a faint emblem on its bow.
SPOILER ALERT *waves hand* No need to read any further.
Strongbox: contains 93 gp and a single rusty key. Left behind by the long-dead lighthouse tender, this is a skeleton key that can open all of the locks on the ground and upper floors of Brinewall Castle. Unless repaired with a make whole or mending spell, though, the key breaks after opening 1d6 locked doors.
Rennyn climbs into the wagon. What kind of aura and how powerful? he asks.
I'm not talking about getting the wagons "in there". Draeven replies pointing at the ruins of the lighthouse. And I thought this place has been abandoned for 60 years? Haunted and cursed and all that? But now it is inhabited by numbers enough to have organized patrols? Which is it?
And being a half mile or more away and in the woods doesn't seem like an improvement to me. How can you say they are more hidden there? We had barely been stopped when we had already come under attack. Sure something might see them here. Just like something may see them where they are now. But over here at least we can see them too and what might be happening to them. Back in the woods we will have no idea if they are under attack and need our assistance.
Besides, if this place is under observation then us being here has already placed the caravan in danger.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Current Location
Outside the wagon, Sandru begins to salvage the meat from the Corbies hunting sacks. Whoa! Desna smiles on us! There must be half a deer in here...
Inside Koya looks down her nose at the paladin, Dear, if I knew that I wouldn't have asked the wizard to come in here with you. The fortune teller shoots Jeryn a look. She may not be as old as Rennyn but she's old enough to not worry about hurting feelings by being blunt. Its part of her endearing charm. This isn't like figuring out your grandmother's brooch, Koya holds up a finger, that I can do. No, this needs someone learned in arcane theory which, sadly, I did not study. Koya casts her eyes over Ameiko's still form, All I can tell is, this is a strong one. Looking back at Rennyn she asks, So, has an evil spell befallen her?
There is only one aura here and it is a strong one; well beyond anything anyone in the group is currently able to conjure. The school of magic involved here is necromancy and there is evidence to suggest an outsider has taken hold of Ameiko's body.
The spirit is a kami, a spirit normally associated with the protection of an animal, object, or location.
As your vision shifts, the smell of sandal wood drifts into your nostrils and you feel as though there is someone else aiding you. As no evil auras are present you naturally conclude that there is no evil intent behind the magic. Yet, somehow you also know that no harm can come to Ameiko in this state as long as she remains near Brinewall. She will not want for food or drink, nor age, but she is also vulnerable to outside influences. Cut her and she will still bleed.
The number of challenging questions Draeven fires back with causes Shalelu to raise an eyebrow. Unsure if he is angry with her or just thinks she's off her rocker the elf raises her hands, Ok, relax. You asked for opinions, so I gave you one. No one's about to leave the caravan unprotected and for all we know, the Corby attack was just a random, albeit strange, coincidence. Putting her hands on her hips Shalelu tries to defend her speculations, This building may be safe but that doesn't mean the whole place is in the clear. I'm just trying to look at it from a worst case scenario; we may have more than Corbies to worry about and the less attention we draw to ourselves, the better. I like our odds in the forest for the night, you don't, Shalelu shrugs. Although the matter has turned into a bit of a debate she's not here to derail the sniper's game plan, but she'd rather not remain silent about it either. That's too zen.
But I see your point. Whatever comes our way, here or in the forest, we're better off keeping together. And a wall or two at our backs doesn't hurt. Nodding with a smile she volunteers, You clear the rubble, I'll go back and get the others.
Rennyn concentrates on Ameiko but leaves to resume his watch without responding to Koya.
Relax? is all Draeven replies in the common tongue before switching to orcish. From his tone you guess he doesn't have nice things to say, but then, nothing in orcish sounds nice.
He then starts walking back the way he came. I already said we weren't putting the wagons in there but if you want the rubble cleared for some reason, be my guest. I'm going back to the caravan.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Current Location
Leaving Koya in silence, the old woman watches the elf leave to resume his watch. Hmmm. Ameiko was right, he is the sensitive sort. Looking over her shoulder at Jeryn she charges the wizard with looking further into the nature of the aura surrounding Ameiko, It is as I hoped. Had there been evil at work, he would have said. See what you can see Jeryn.
By the time Draeven arrives, Sandru has finished skinning the deer carcass while Koya tends to the horses in silence, leaving Jeryn to watch over Ameiko in the wagon.
Folding her arms across her chest Shalelu watches as Draeven leaves. Charming. Nodding to herself she turns her attention to the others, Fenra, stand watch. Kenan, your with me. Slinging her bow over her shoulder, the elf begins moving some of rubble from the building's yard to make room for the arrival of Sandru's wagons.
Frustrated that he had not previously thought to look for a magical cause of Ameiko's condition, Jeryn sets about clearing his mind and setting about the task at hand.
After intently studying Ameiko's form and the aura surrounding her, Jeryn's furrows his brow and clenches his jaw.
Her aura is strong indeed. The power affecting her is well beyond anything anyone in our company is currently able to conjure. I believe that there is necromantic magic at work here. From the nature of this magic, it is possible that an outsider has taken hold of Ameiko's body.
Turning to Shalelu, he says You, Fenra and myself should take turns monitoring her aura until morning. Then we should set to work at once. The source of Ameiko's malediction must be near.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Current Location
It takes some time and a little coaxing for the horses but eventually the caravan is moved.
Once the camp has been set, Shalelu looks to the sun sitting low in the sky then turns to the group, So, what's the plan?
I thought you were in charge now.
Ah-huh, and I remember how that played out. Shalelu's thoughts reflect on her last conversation with the towering half-orc,
From his tone you guess he doesn't have nice things to say
Well, if no one else is going to, thinking to use what daylight is left to scout ahead, Shalelu glances over her shoulder as she heads down the overgrown trail. Draeven can see the elf's eyes daring him to stay behind.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Current Location
As the sun dips below the western horizon there is no sign of Shalelu.
Nothing to see here....
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Current Location
With the sun dipping below the horizon, evening takes hold of this part of Golarion. The group's recent inactivity sets the tone for a quiet evening.
Noticeably nervous since arriving with the wagons, Sandru finishes tending to the horses before settling into some stew that Koya has prepared. By the way Sandru's eyes have been sifting through the shadows left by the trees, Draeven can easily deduce the caravaner feels the forest's rumored hauntings, much as Shalelu had.
His belly full, Sandru casts his eyes down the overgrown road toward the old village. Perhaps he anticipates the elf's imminent return, or maybe he's just being vigilant. Other than the fire quietly smoldering where Koya had made dinner, he makes no effort to maintain it or start another. Rather the caravaner volunteers to take the first watch.
Just let me know when the NPCs have finished the AP.
SAt NaV | Brinewall | Current Location
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Sandru's portion of the watch passes by uneventfully however with so little discussion made prior to his watch, he is uncertain of who will come to his relief. As the third hour passes, the caravaner begins to feel drowsy. Shaking off his body's plea for sleep, he shrugs and figures it is probably Koya who will take up the next watch. Knowing she has been busy tending to Ameiko for most of the day, he decides to cover for her. By the fourth hour however he finds his thoughts wondering and his eyelids close shut...
The camp is awakened suddenly by the sound of a swooping thud followed by heavy scuffling and rocks of various sizes hitting the sides of the wagons. As you emerge from your sleep, you find the body of Sandru wrapped in a black sheet of riving membrane.