Dalvin Arikani |
Dalvin stares at Nisa as she suddenly begins to glow, the threat of the wasps overpowered by his curiosity of the hobgoblin's abilities. He finds himself subconsciously feeling his own scar as he notices her scars glowing brightly.
He shakes himself out of it as he sees the swarm swiftly approaching Nisa. He tells Drako to stay, and holds out a hand. He mutters a small incantation. The grass and weeds surrounding the wasps begin to grow, reaching out to ensnare the swarm.
Casting Entangle. Reflex save of DC 13. 40 foot radius, focusing it so it reaches only 20 feet in front of them so Nisa isn't caught up in it.
GM R0B0GEISHA |
I tried to find a rule against entangling a swarm, but there's nothing.
Vines and creepers covered in sticky sap erupt from the earth, ensnaring the swarm hurtling towards Nisa.
Assuming Arthorion was waiting for the outcome of the entanglement spell, I'll give him a day or two to post.
GM R0B0GEISHA |
2d6 ⇒ (6, 6) = 12
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Unable to damage the swarm in a meaningful way, all Arthorion can do is look on while his friends battle the wasps.
The wasps break free from Dalvin's spell and swarm around Nissa, stinging the hobgoblin dozens of times.
Nissa is currently inside of the swarm and takes 12 points of damage. Nissa and Rayne may act!
Rayne Marevar |
Muttering a string of curses under her breath, Rayne fumbles around in her pack to find her jar of alchemist's fire. When her fingers close around the warm vial, she winds her arm back and hurls it towards the swarm.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 6
As the grenade explodes into a flurry of flame, Rayne darts back and away from the swarm.
So I'm throwing the grenade into a square that Nisa isn't in, but that will still hit the swarm.
Nisa the Weak |
Nisa swears loudly, diving out of the swarm. Rolling clear, she springs up and thrusts her right hand out over the large grouping of vines and creepers, her scars and eyes flaring with light. The vines burst into action, shooting from the ground like hundreds of small missiles, each one directed at the swarm.
Piercing Vine Attack: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8
Bonus to swarm x 1.5 damage to swarms = 4
Total damage to swarm 12.
I am moving 10 feet out of the swarm and then blasting it with a piercing damage attack.
Dalvin Arikani |
Dalvin steps back as the swarm is finished off by Rayne and Nisa. He surveys the post-alchemist's fire orchard.
At least it didn't all catch on fire.
He then remembers the hobgoblin struggling in the center of the swarm. "You got stung pretty bad. How're you feeling?" As Dalvin asks this, he searches for any salvageable apples that are now in their reach.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22
Rayne Marevar |
"Come on. Let's gather up what we can and keep moving."
Scooping up as many apple as she can into her bag, she glances at Nisa. "Good work," she says, somewhat begrudgingly. "That was... interesting."
Nisa the Weak |
Nisa winces in pain as she brushes the wasps off her shoulders. "Sore," she replies, spitting out a piece of blackened insect. "Give me a minute to gather myself."
The hobgoblin's breathing slows. She draws back her arms and tilts her head towards the sun. From the center of her body, a soft green glow suffuses her, and with a sharp exhale, small bright flowers and dark green moss burst from her wounds. The new plants wither as quickly as they grew, leaving no marks.
Her wounds taken care of, Nisa glances at the group as they began to gather up the apples. She smirks slightly as with a flick of her wrist, a wave of the elemental energy sails across the ground contacting each tree nearby.
Kinetic Healing: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
GM, I am using Basic Phytokinesis to tend to each apple tree near me, to act as though I am picking the apples.
Dalvin Arikani |
Dalvin watches Nisa uncomfortably as plant life suddenly begins sprouting on her body. Images of the fey afflicted by the Darkblight that destroyed his home suddenly flash through his mind, and the gnome subconsciously moves his hand to his chest.
Dalvin shakes his head, turns away, and calls Drako back over to him. He runs his hands through Drako's fur, making sure he wasn't stung during the fight, then starts collecting the apples littering the ground.
GM R0B0GEISHA |
Unfortunately, during the attack on Phaendar, Aubrin was severely wounded by a ballista bolt. As such, she's in no condition to go out on adventures with the party and remains in the camp to supervise and aid the refugees with their magic.
Skalla would know Aubrin well, and likely refers to her as Abby, as most other Phaendar locals would.
The return trip to the camp occurs without incident. The party's approach is hailed by Taidel and Jirosa, the half-elf siblings and hunters. Some progress has been made on the camp since
Aubrin makes her way over to the party slowly, placing most of her weight on her elegantly-carved whitewood staff. She is accompanied by an unfamiliar trio: an elf, a dwarf, and a half-orc.
Aubrin grins when she spots the apples, and even wider when she sees Nisa. "The Lucky Drunk smiles upon us today, my friends. You've captured one of the Ironfang."
"We've had some additions here too, as you can see." She gestures to the newcomers behind her. "Skalla you might know, but I'll let them introduce themselves."
Rolar Lonebeard |
A burly dwarf steps up next to Aubrin and grins; A combination of dirt, undergrowth, and dried blood cover his full length chainmail. A shield strapped to his back appears to have gone a few rounds with a Storm Giant and a spotless and well cared for dwarven war axe rests with it’s head on the ground next to his feet, a stark contrast to his filthy armor.
“Well met, the names Rolar Lonebeard.” As Rolar introduces himself his eyes quickly take in each member of the group in turn, lingering perhaps a bit too long on the Hobgoblin, and coming to rest on the half-elf.
“Me hangover fixen friend here tells me ye’ve been making quite a nuisance of yerselves to these flea invested Ironfangs. Well, I happened to learn a thing or two about cuttin down hobgoblins with Clan Hammerhand.”
Anyone who’s from the area would know of the Dwarven Mercenary Company and their victories over the Molthuni monster regiments.
“The Hammerhands are routed and Rolar Lonebeard stands ready to avenge their honor. Me Axe and Shield are yers if ye’ll have me.” As he finishes speaking he hefts his axe into the air, and closes the short distance between himself and the half-elf extending his hand in the traditional human manner of greeting.
Skalla Kel Tath |
Only a little time before Skalla had stumbled into camp, carrying the inert form of a little boy - Taim, one of her students. At the time of the attack she had been at home, planning the next lesson for her class. What ill timing these cursed monsters had! If only they had invaded while she was in class, she could have gathered the children and kept them safe. With the market fair, however, that was a hopeless proposition. The children had been scattered all over Phaendar. Not that she hadn't tried - she had found little Taim hiding in a shed in his parents' garden, while their bodies cooled on the steps to the house. Grabbing what she could, she had fled over the bridge into the forest, thinking to hide Taim somewhere safe and go back and help. But Taim had struggled, running away from her to get back to his parents, all reason flying from his little head in the face of fear and incomprehension. She had spent the entire night and most of the morning searching for him, and when she had finally found him he had wept for hours against her chest until sleep finally stole him.
Now, kneeling by his sleeping form, she climbs to her feet as Aubrin calls for her. It had been an unexpected boon to come across the camp, and she had spent the last few hours listening to the former ranger's recounting of the events. She had been glad to hear that some of the townspeople had survived and escaped, but also ashamed that she had managed to do so little. The miller, Dalvin the hunter, the herbalist and even some stranger that had just arrived into town - they had achieved a lot more, saving so many people and leading them to safety. And look, even now they are returning from a scouting expedition! Eager to hear their news, Skalla surges forward, only to stop dead in her tracks.
"That... does not look like a prisoner to me." Her eyes smoulder with fury and her fists are clenched by her side as she hisses towards the green-clad hobgoblin. "Murderous spawn! Why?! Why did you attack us?"
Nisa, please bear with Skalla for a bit, she is extremely upset by the deaths of the children she had been teaching, so she will lash out at what she perceives to be someone responsible for the tragedy.
Rayne Marevar |
Rayne nods her acknowledgement to Aubrin as they reenter the camp.
"The Lucky Drunk smiles upon us today, my friends. You've captured one of the Ironfang."
"Yeah, I wouldn't really call her 'captured,'" she says resentfully. "It's a... long, weird story. She helped us, so we've decided not to kill her. For now, anyway." She shoots the hobgoblin a glare before focusing her attention on the newcomers. Arms crossed and thumb absentmindedly tracing the scar across her cheek, she listens as the dwarf introduces himself, nodding along in approval as he offers his services.
When he walks up to her and extends his hand, she grips it with her own. "Well met, Rolar. It'll be good to have you along. I'm Rayne." She flashes him a grin. "Something tells me you and I will get along just fine."
Her attention is quickly redirected to the half-orc woman, who was clearly not happy seeing Nisa unchained.
"Murderous spawn! Why?! Why did you attack us?"
Her immediate reaction to the confrontation in one of indifference, but she decides against that route and walks over to the woman. "Hey, easy now, she says firmly, holding the half-orc's gaze. "I know how... unappetizing this is, believe me, but there are... extenuating circumstances here."
She sighs inwardly, annoyed with herself. I'm defending a hobgoblin. Unbelievable.
Skalla Kel Tath |
Now that she is still, the others can see Skalla better. Those who know her notice her uncharacteristic dishevelled state, as she is usually so smartly dressed and carefully groomed, but one supposes that spending a night and a day wandering through a forest is not conducive of a tidy appearance. She has exchanged the long skirts that she usually wears to school with a pair of fitted leather trousers, dyed a deep red and embossed with curling vines on the sides. A metal breastplate covers her torso, engraved with a songbird surrounded by roses and a heavy flail hangs from her belt, its haft carved with sinuous motifs. Her bare arms are covered in colourful tattoos depicting birds and flowers. Contrasting with the beauty that she wears, her posture has an air of coiled strength and barely-contained rage.
Her hand snakes to grasp the haft of her flail, a low growl forming in her throat, then she freezes as her fingers touch the carvings. Slowly, she releases the weapon, taking a step back and exhaling. "Ah. You... you are right, of course. The pain and grief at my ch-" She chokes, unable to finish the sentence. "Her kin has wrought a great deal of pain and misery, but The Flower would not want me to act rashly." She nods, not taking her eyes off Nisa, seemingly subduing her emotions for now.
Rolar Lonebeard |
Nodding his head toward Skalla, Rolar walks up to the Hobgoblin and looks right up into her eyes "War makes fer strange bedfellows, so if the Elf here trusts ye then I’ll trust ye. Fer now." He raises his war axe up so that the sharp edge is clearly visible between them. "Betray us, and Heart Rend here’ll cleave yer head clean off yer body and leave ye fer the crows.”
His point made, Rolar steps back, lowers Heart Rend to the ground, and looks toward the half-elf and gnome. “How extenuating?”
Rayne Marevar |
"Her kin has wrought a great deal of pain and misery, but The Flower would not want me to act rashly."
Rayne grips the half-orc's shoulder reassuringly. "Trust me, we all share those feelings. It's Skalla, right? I'm Rayne."
She turns to Rolar. "Just to be clear, I don't trust her. But..." She glances at Nisa. "She didn't attack us. She says she was tending to the orchard where we found the apples, and that she lives alone because she doesn't get along with her kind. And apparently she's a follower of Sarenrae, which was a surprise to say the least."
She shrugs. "If she's telling the truth, maybe she can help us against the Ironfang. If she's not, that's one less of them out there and we can just kill her if we have to."
Skalla Kel Tath |
Skalla nods and pats Rayne's hand on her shoulder. "Yes, I am Skalla, the teacher in Phaendar." She glances over her shoulder to where Taim still sleeps.
"She didn't attack us. She says she was tending to the orchard where we found the apples, and that she lives alone because she doesn't get along with her kind. And apparently she's a follower of Sarenrae, which was a surprise to say the least."
Skalla pierces Nisa with her gaze. "Is this true?"
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Dalvin Arikani |
Dalvin stands with a hand on Drako, acknowledging the newcomers with a nod and a smile as they introduce themselves. Skalla he recognized from Phaendar, though he didn't know her well. Rolar was new to him, but as the dwarf recounted his previous exploits against hobgoblins, the gnome remembered hearing similar stories during his trips into town.
"I'm glad you founds us out here. We need as much help as we can get. My name's Dalvin, and this is Drako." He grins as the ears on the dog beside him seem to perk up in recognition of his name.
Dalvin nods along in agreement as Rayne explains how they met Nisa in the orchard. "She helped us clear out a nest of hornets and collect food safely without burning down the orchard."
Nisa the Weak |
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"Betray us, and Heart Rend here’ll cleave yer head clean off yer body and leave ye fer the crows.”
At the threat of the axe, Nisa walks forward and removes her cloak, showing her scarred body.
"I am not a prisoner, and I am not an Ironfang. This is what the Ironfang do to those who show kindness. Every scar on my body was a punishment for my weakness." Nisa runs her fingers across the deep scars on her face. She turns to look directly at Rolar, meeting his gaze. "I do not fear your axe or your threats of death, dwarf."
"They call you a monster, while threatening to cut your head off. I suppose the irony would be missed by them. Humanoids rely so much on hatred." the elemental giggled in her head.
"Is this true?"
Nisa offers the half-orc a frown. Reaching into her cloak, she produces a crude wooden symbol of the goddess Sarenrae, no larger than her clenched fist. The icon itself was dyed with crushed petals and berries, to make it bright red and yellow. "It is true. I follow in the light of Sarenrae, and work to free myself of my past. I was shown redemption by the Dawnflower and now seek to repay her." A single tear rolls down her cheek as she speaks clearly to Skalla. "I am sorry for what the Ironfang has done to your people. To your children. I wish I had the strength to stop them alone..."
Skalla Kel Tath |
Skalla looks at the hobgoblin with new eyes. "Kindness is not a weakness. It is monstruous for you to have been punished for it." She takes a deep breath, and extends a powerful hand to Nisa. "But you are clearly no monster. It takes great strength to run against the grain of your kin and custom."
Should Nisa accept the offering of her hand, she nods and points to her breastplate. "Your goddess and mine have similar views, I believe. I am a follower of Shelyn, who also believes in redemption and kindness. Welcome to our little group."
Rolar Lonebeard |
"I am not a prisoner, and I am not an Ironfang. This is what the Ironfang do to those who show kindness. Every scar on my body was a punishment for my weakness." Nisa runs her fingers across the deep scars on her face. She turns to look directly at Rolar, meeting his gaze. "I do not fear your axe or your threats of death, dwarf."
Rolar approaches Drako, takes a single knee in front of the dog and begins scratching him behind the ears. He looks over his shoulder back toward the Hobgoblin, his gruff expression softening just enough to be noticeable. "Strong words. I like that. What's yer story Hobgoblin? How did ye come to be tortured and hated by yer own kin?"
Sekter Rayne |
Sekter waited - the shy Elf preferred to do quite a bit of analysis before speaking anything. Dressed as a scholar, despite his young age for his race - just a little over his first century - he let his small silver eyes cross with each present and mannerisms before actually speaking. While he’d work with anyone aligned with his goals, he wouldn’t be the one to blame the Dwarf of the Half-Orc for their harsh position towards the hobgoblin. He himself barely ever crossed a goblinoid with good intentions, but he admitted the possibility and held his position.
Pardon my manners. I’m called Sekter and my flying friend here is Zangon. It’s a pleasure making your acquaintance. - he finally introduced himself, not to anyone specifically - In the name of my people, from deep inside these beautiful woods, I’m here to offer my help against the Ironfang.
Despite his clothing, the calistrian carried a buckler and a long sword - both clearly crafted by elves - but didn’t seem to be the most skilled in either. It was a lot easier and more accurate to assume his arts were those of arcane roots. Some sort of wasp was flying near him, looking almost perfectly tamed.
Sorry guys, having quite a busy week! I just wanted to give you at least a good post so you could get things moving. Cheerio!
Skalla Kel Tath |
Skalla nods to Sekter. "Welcome, and thank you for your aid, we need every little bit of it." Despite the elf's pleasant manner, she keeps her distance as she keeps throwing wary glances as his "flying friend".
The introductions mostly settled, she turns to the group who had been scouting. "What is the situation? Have you ran into more h- Ironfangs? Have you found food? You mentioned an orchard...?"
Nisa the Weak |
"Your goddess and mine have similar views, I believe. I am a follower of Shelyn, who also believes in redemption and kindness. Welcome to our little group."
Nisa's hand hovers for a few seconds, before accepting the half-orcs. She smiles, her body language softening. "Thank you, Skalla."
"Strong words. I like that. What's yer story Hobgoblin? How did ye come to be tortured and hated by yer own kin?"
Nisa tightens her cloak, so that few of her features remain, a habit she had picked up in past discussions of the Ironfang around campfires. She looks across the entire camp, in its depleted and wounded state. She stiffens as she begins to speak. "My past is a sore spot for me, Rolar Lonebeard, but there is information I must share before it becomes poison to us. I was born a member of the Ironfang Legion, a ‘specialist’ they called me. The role they gave to me I disagreed with, so I betrayed the Ironfang, freed a group of slaves, and... killed the guards around us. After making sure I was free and hidden, I have been living off the land in these forests for a few years laying low so that the Legion can't find me, but I stumbled into Rayne and Dalvin in need. Sarenrae has guided me before to where I am needed, so I take this as a sign to once again stand up against the Legion."
Rolar Lonebeard |
My past is a sore spot for me, Rolar Lonebeard, but there is information I must share before it becomes poison to us. I was born a member of the Ironfang Legion, a ‘specialist’ they called me. The role they gave to me I disagreed with, so I betrayed the Ironfang, freed a group of slaves, and... killed the guards around us. After making sure I was free and hidden, I have been living off the land in these forests for a few years laying low so that the Legion can't find me, but I stumbled into Rayne and Dalvin in need. Sarenrae has guided me before to where I am needed, so I take this as a sign to once again stand up against the Legion."
Rolar listens intently as Nisa tells her tale. When she finishes speaking he looks back at Drako and gives the dog a final pat on the head before standing.
As he rises, images of his father kneeling before the executioners axe flood his thoughts. "I shouldn't be judging this poor wretch based on the circumstance of her birth."
Turning back to face Nisa he grumbles something unintelligible under his breath then says "Maybe I judged ye a bit to harshly. If yer up fer killing Ironfangs then me and me axe will fight alongside ye. What's yer name friend?"
Dalvin Arikani |
"Pardon my manners. I’m called Sekter and my flying friend here is Zangon. It’s a pleasure making your acquaintance. - he finally introduced himself, not to anyone specifically - In the name of my people, from deep inside these beautiful woods, I’m here to offer my help against the Ironfang."
Dalvin grins as Sekter steps forward to introduce himself. "You live in Fangwood? Me too!"
Noticing the wasp's movement out of the corner of his eye, Dalvin watches it uncomfortably. "We just fought off a whole swarm of those things," he recalls. "I hope yours doesn't hold a grudge."
GM R0B0GEISHA |
Feel free to continue the RP in spoilers, I'm going to move the game along.
With most of the camp's shelters constructed, the refugees are able to rest comfortably. Despite their peril, they seem to be in good spirits. Jet spins a story about a Varisian myth, a being called the Rabbit Prince. Vane provides Aubrin a salve to rub on to the wound she took during the massacre and the apples from Nisa's orchard are passed around the fire. Only Kining sits apart from the others, sharpening her sword.
The following morning is chilly and Aubrin approaches the party, her breath exiting in cloudy puffs. "The days are getting colder," she points out. "The camp will suffice for now, although I worry about how close the Ironfang are. We need to find a more permanent shelter."
Rayne Marevar |
Rayne nods her greeting to Sekter with a smile, then focuses on Skalla's inquiries.
"What is the situation? Have you ran into more h- Ironfangs? Have you found food? You mentioned an orchard...?"
Rayne shakes her head. "So far, no Ironfang. The last we saw were the ones razing Phaendar. As for food, we found the orchard, but the twins over there," she says, jabbing a thumb in the direction of Lirosa and Taidel, "Do the hunting for us."
She turns from the half-orc as Aubrin approaches and listens as she voices her concerns. "I agree that we're still too close to town," she says slowly. "But without having an idea of where to go, I worry that moving a large, inexperienced group like this will do more harm than good."
She studies the woods around them as she thinks.
Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Rolar Lonebeard |
The following morning is chilly and Aubrin approaches the party, her breath exiting in cloudy puffs. "The days are getting colder," she points out. "The camp will suffice for now, although I worry about how close the Ironfang are. We need to find a more permanent shelter."
Sitting on a log and poking the remnants of last nights fire, Rolar looks up at Rayne and nods "Aye, me bones are aching and weary this morning. But yer right, these folk be in no condition for a forced march with Ironfangs biting at our heels."
He pauses for several moments and tugs his beard as if deep in thought. Putting his hands back toward the now burning fire he looks around "We should go rouse Dalvin and Sekter, they live in these here woods and may have some ideas on how we can get these refugee's to safety."
Skalla Kel Tath |
Knowledge geography: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Skalla rises early, checking on Taim before anything else, then greeting the rest of the survivors as she takes a seat at the center of the camp, rubbing her arms against the chill.
"I'm afraid that I don't know much about this forest. Perhaps I should have done more nature trips with the kids, back in Phaendar." She hunches over, the pain of that loss still very fresh in memory.
Dalvin Arikani |
Dalvin approaches the others, wrapped in one of his furs to protect against the chill with Drako trailing behind, in time to hear Rolar mention his name.
"We should try to get deeper into the forest," he chimes in. "Do we know how close the Legion is to our camp? How much time do we have before they're likely to stumble on us?"
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Survival: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Sekter Rayne |
Knowledge (Geography): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Sekter was quite knowledgeable in Geography - and other fields of study - but at this moment, the best he could do was to offer his aid to Dalvin. He finally speaks after the gnome, in response to Rolar.
It'd be my pleasure to help guiding us through the woods, even though I'm not really that good on such matters. - the Elf showed uncharacteristic humbleness - But if there's one thing I know about our lands, is that we need to move carefully there as well. There are yet other threats that could fall upon us.
He felt his scars burn, at that point, remembering the fey from his past. Nevertheless, he'd do his best to provide a safer way to flee from near the city.
Survival: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (15) + 0 = 15
GM R0B0GEISHA |
Aubrin sits by Skalla and places a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "I know it hurts, but we need to focus on the living. We can grieve when the children we have now are safe."
She turns to Dalvin. "When you destroyed the bridge, you bought us time. The Marideth might not be wide, but it runs fast and deep. Still, I'd give it less than a week before the Ironfang consolidate their position and send some scouts after us."
The cleric looks to Skalla, Sekter, and Rolar. "I know you've only just arrived, but you're some of the most capable people we have. Rayne and Dalvin have been scouting the terrain for us, but it will only get more dangerous from here. We need all the help we can get."
Rolar Lonebeard |
"When you destroyed the bridge, you bought us time. The Marideth might not be wide, but it runs fast and deep. Still, I'd give it less than a week before the Ironfang consolidate their position and send some scouts after us."
Rolar reaches into his pack and pulls out a tarnished old flask and begins to unscrew the cap.
"An outfit like them Ironfangs won't be put off long by a missing bridge. I'd bet me beard their scouts are already on to us."
"Rayne and Dalvin have been scouting the terrain for us, but it will only get more dangerous from here."
He takes a long pull from the flask then stands and extends it toward Rayne with a grin."Have ye a swig, it'll take the edge off this chill and warm ye up in places ye didn't know needed warming."
For the first time he really begins to take in the camp. Examining everything from the number of tents to the condition of the people and their gear, he tries to ascertain how many miles per day the refugee camp could cover if they had to flee.
Profession Soldier: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Skalla Kel Tath |
Skalla returns Aubrin's look, straightening up and squaring her shoulders. "You know you don't have to ask, Aubrin. I will do all I can to help."
She stretches her legs, hooking her thumbs into her belt as she gazes at the embers. "This reminds me of a story."
A long, long time ago, in a place far, far away from here, there was a king. His palace was of milky-white marble, on an emerald isle in the middle of a lake with waters so pure and clear that you could see the golden sands at the bottom. A gilded boat shaped like a swan would take visitors from the shore of the lake to the pristine entrance steps which came to meet the crystal waters, and the boat had no oars and no tiller, but instead sailed across the lake by magic. Inside the palace, the graceful pillars holding aloft the majestic domed ceilings were gilded and carved, and the walls were covered by silk tapestries so skillfully made that the animals and birds depicted in them seemed alive. The king feasted at a table covered all in white, where each bowl and plate was carved from a single diamond, and his guests were all beautiful and proud, dressed in finery and sitting upon red velvet. But the king was the most beautiful and proud of them all, beautiful like the full moon on a summer night, a circlet of gold and jewels on his brow. But as the minstrels played and his guests made merry, the king stared into his cup and spoke not a word.
So a guest asked, "What ails you, my king? Why do you not eat of the fine foods, why do you not drink of the fine ruby wine? Why do you not listen to the sweet music and laugh with your guests?" And the king replied with a heavy sigh. "There are two things I fear in this world - the power of the gods and the Hag of the Woods. For she rampages through my country, and wherever she passes the earth itself shrives and dies, and villages lie scattered and broken. I have tried to fight her, but no avail, as her power is very great. So I made a deal with her, so that my kingdom does not perish entirely. Each year, every tenth child born in my kingdom I give to her. And tomorrow night she comes to collect her due."
Skalla sighs and rises to her feet. "There is more to the story, but know that even though things are bleak for the king, just as they are for us, there is a happy ending, brought about by the work of heroes and good people. The Ironfang have taken much more than every tenth born child, but some of those they have taken still live, and while they live we have hope of getting them back. For the moment, we have the river and the forest between us and them. And if they do find this spot and try to follow, I will make that very hard for them to do." She hefts a small pouch in one hand, then smiles without humour. "We'll be alright."
Perform oratory to inspire: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10
GM R0B0GEISHA |
As a result, food supplies are dangerously low, with most of the camp engaging in subsistence level hunting and foraging. Aubrin keeps the refugees hydrated with her ability to conjure water. Proper survival equipment is in short supply and morale is flagging.
In Rolar's estimation, moving this group across the rough terrain of the Chernasardo would be a slow endeavor, if they could even be convinced to move so soon after losing their homes. A group of soldiers might be able to manage ten miles of hard trekking a day in these harsh woods, but this band? Half that.
Aubrin smiles and pats Skalla's shoulder. "I know we will. You'll have to tell us the rest later."
The cleric turns to the party. "What are your plans for the day? I mentioned the need for a more permanent shelter solution, but there are other options. You could head north, following the forest's edge to Gristledown. It's a tiny logging village, no more than fifteen people, but they're led by a druid named Korus. They're in just as much danger as we are and we'd be safer in greater numbers."
"Or we could try east. If I'm remembering correctly, the Chernasardo Rangers maintain a redoubt about fifteen miles east of Phaendar along the southern edge of the forest. They're our best hope for protection and knowing more about these woods, but their shelter is across the road to Tamran. The Ironfang are likely patrolling the road already, so it could be dangerous."
Aubrin shrugs. "Or you could just continue exploring the land around the camp. It couldn't hurt to know who or what we're living next to. It's up to you."
Dalvin Arikani |
Dalvin listens with rapt attention to Skalla's story, and is noticeably disappointed when she refrains from telling the ending.
"What are your plans for the day?"[/b]
Dalvin considers the options presented by Aubrin. A logging village, the Chernasarado Rangers... A group they should protect and a group that could help protect. And they still needed to find shelter....
The small gnome turns to the group. "There are some caverns on the edge of the Chernasardo Forest. If we check them out, make sure they're safe, I think they'd work as a more permanent shelter. And from what you're saying, Aubrin, I think the rangers are situated pretty close to them. So if we head that way, we could get both extra protection and better shelter."
Rayne Marevar |
He takes a long pull from the flask then stands and extends it toward Rayne with a grin."Have ye a swig, it'll take the edge off this chill and warm ye up in places ye didn't know needed warming."
Rayne grins back at Rolar as she accepts his flask and takes a drink, humming with appreciation as she passes it back. "If only I'd had time to snag a bottle or two before we had to run," she laments.
She walks towards Dalvin, Skalla, and Aubrin, and settles herself on the ground nearby, resting her back against a tree as she listens to them discuss their next move. "I agree with Dalvin," she says, stretching her legs out in front of her. "We need a place that's capable of keeping everyone out of sight and safe, and we need it soon. We can't keep everyone aimlessly wandering like this." She arches her back and extends her arms above her, ridding her body of any stiffness. "And getting in contact with those rangers is a good idea. The more help we have the better."
Rolar Lonebeard |
Rayne grins back at Rolar as she accepts his flask and takes a drink, humming with appreciation as she passes it back. "If only I'd had time to snag a bottle or two before we had to run," she laments.
Rolar's eyes open wide in surprise at the ease with which Rayne swallows down the potent drink. "Don't ye be worrying about that. Ole Rolar'l never be far from some fine dwarven stout!
"There are some caverns on the edge of the Chernasardo Forest. If we check them out, make sure they're safe, I think they'd work as a more permanent shelter. And from what you're saying, Aubrin, I think the rangers are situated pretty close to them. So if we head that way, we could get both extra protection and better shelter."
"We need a place that's capable of keeping everyone out of sight and safe, and we need it soon. We can't keep everyone aimlessly wandering like this." She arches her back and extends her arms above her, ridding her body of any stiffness. "And getting in contact with those rangers is a good idea. The more help we have the better."
Taking one final glance around the camp he turns his attention back toward the group. "Rayne be right, wondering round these here woods'l jest git everyone killed. We need allies and shelter and we be needin um both quick. Skalla's fine tales be the only thing givin them hope at the moment, but that won't last. Dalvin, how far be these caves yer talkin about? The folks here are wounded, exhausted, and half starved. they're not moving more than a few miles a day if were lucky, and by me estimation we've got less than a week before the Ironfangs ford the Marideth."
Nisa the Weak |
While the group debates about which direction to explore, Nisa was leans against a nearby tree; close enough to hear, but far enough away she wouldn't draw attention. For now, her opinion carried little value with them, she she bites her tongue.
"This group needs a leader. Decisions take too long. The Legion is coming and it sounds like these warmskins, are looking for a vote. I will never understand them, their branches let them cross the earth and water, but give them a simple choice and a forest could grow faster than it takes for them to act."
Nisa nods, in agreement with Zeekan. The elemental tended to word things harsher then she would normally like, but his point did stand. They were wasting time.
Steeling herself for the attention, she walks into the group, and clears her throat softly. "Perhaps rather then discussing this we should act. The Ironfang Legion moves with clarity and speed. We should as well, if we wish to save as many as we can. I would recommend the camp elects a leader. One who can make the choices we need as quickly as they come." Her eyes land on the half-orc skald.
”What about Skalla?” she asks. ”She knows the refugees, has their respect.”
Skalla Kel Tath |
Surprised, Skalla turns towards Nisa. "You make good points, although for now we seem to be in agreement to seek out the rangers to the east. And if anyone should lead us, that should be Aubrin, although I appreciate that you thought of me."
And in truth, she doubted that the others would follow her. A half-orc school teacher with a questionable past and questionable relationships? Hah.
Sekter Rayne |
Sekter didn't particularly seem to care much about Nisa's suggestion, more interested in hearing the other's opinions. Finally, then, the elf decided to speak.
If that's what the majority wants, then I'd say let's head for these rangers. However, as Aubrin mentioned, it could be dangerous - as much as the final reward seems fine. - he ponders - To this point, though, we have Gristledown, and the people there are in danger as much as Phaendar. We'd have to go North and hopefully collect these people - then, in bigger numbers, it'd be safer to go East. I'll lend my help no matter what option we decide to go for.
Skalla Kel Tath |
Skalla nods at the elf's words. "Indeed, we cannot abandon the people of Gristledown, let them fend for themselves. Whichever way we go, I will obscure our tracks so that the Ironfang cannot follow us. Not to mention, their village would have unspoiled resources that we can use - food and other provisions - and a druid would be an invaluable ally."
Rayne Marevar |
"At this point, we're in danger regardless of where we go first," Rayne points out to Sekter. "But we need to find a place to keep the people we already have, before we even think about adding more." She shrugs. "So I still say we go east to the caves before anything else."
Pushing herself up from the ground, she dusts herself off. "The sooner we set off, the better. With the amount of people we have it'll take at least a day to make it there."
Rolar Lonebeard |
"At this point, we're in danger regardless of where we go first," Rayne points out to Sekter. "But we need to find a place to keep the people we already have, before we even think about adding more." She shrugs. "So I still say we go east to the caves before anything else."
"Aye, the caves it is then. But we need to move fast or there won't be any refugees for us to be takin to the caves."
"Whichever way we go, I will obscure our tracks so that the Ironfang cannot follow us."
"Skalla, can ye do anything to help hide the camp here while we're gone? With us out scouting ahead they be vulnerable to attack from an Ironfang advance scouting party. Anything we can do to help delay the inevitable until we return would be most welcome."