The Beginning of All Things (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Chance and Welkin follow behind Dieredon, trying to be as silent as possible. Chance keeps an eye out for anything behind them, since his concentration isn't very much needed up front. Welkin sticks close to Dieredon after Chance motions him forward, sticking close to the ground. He sniffs of the air, trying to make heads or tails of this new smell.

1d20 ⇒ 14 - Chance perception
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12 - Chance stealth
1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25 - Welkin stealth

Sense Motive (what do they intend to do with him I guess): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
As she gasped then clamped her mouth shut with her left hand, she couldn't take her eyes from the creatures. What they were doing was unbelievably cruel, the wounds that caused the blood on the trail she now concludes they were done by these creatures in surprising Roan and not by Elizabeths' punch. Four of them, four of us, this could be dangerous. Stick with Dieredon and Chance.

Stealth: 1d20 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (1) + 2 - 1 = 2 oh dear lol
Cara nods to Dieredon and follows him carefully, taking her knife from its sheath. She was certainly no good at being stealthy. Every dead branch seemed to get in her way and crunch underneath her feet.

Phineas is just hanging out on the Bread and Board talking generally with Calex and watching Abram and Anna Ballinig perform on the stage.

Not singing, but playing for her, got it.

Dieredon, and the others will be wading through almost knee deep water, I thought that was kind of clear, sigh

The show's scary music gets louder then goes silent as tension builds! >hugs pillow and leans forward, still nom-ing popcorn<

...and the water. Cold. It sent shivers up her legs. Her foot caught a hole making her stumble, almost falling over but catching herself just in time. Hopefully the monsters weren't paying too much attention.

I assumed as much...treated as difficult terrain, most likely?

Dieredon continues forward hoping to make it to the island without encountering anything from the murky bog, or having the humanoids return from the confines of the cottage.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Dieredon steps into the murky water of the bog, his foot slipping quietly into the water, hardly causing a ripple, and then he moves, slowly, but silently forward.

Welkin sniffs at the edge of the water, and then in the manner of his kind he lifts his paws high in the air and slowly moves up to be almost next to Dieredon.

Then Wiscara and Chance step into the bog. Their feet splash, ripples spread out across the water, and ahead of them, Dieredon drops his head and lets out a passionate sigh.

But as they cross the bog, nothing on the island stirs. It is difficult to tell what the creatures may be doing, until the group reaches the edge of the little island, and for the first time, the short wall of the cottage, the wall facing north, can be seen and it is a peculiar sight to behold.

The normally grey and brown stones of the wall have been whitewashed. Painted upon the surface of the wall, in paints made from the green fibrous materials and black and brown decay of the bog, is a huge portrait of a monstrous creature. It has a round body that is brown and green, and ten tentacles that extend in every direction from the bulbous and bloated body. There is one green and yellow eye, centered in the body and it stares out menacingly.

It occurs to all of them, Wiscara, Dieredon, and Chance, at almost the same time, that the small green monsters intend to sacrifice the boy to some “Monster” that they, in some strange way, revere. If the monster is as large as the painting on the cottage wall suggests (a fifteen foot by fifteen foot wall) then it is terrible indeed.

A lump forms in each of your chests as it dawns on you that should this thing be real, and should it appear, you are in way over your heads.
But for now, it is not here, and you are twenty feet from the naked and chained at the neck boy. It is Roan. His head is turned away from you and he seems unaware of your presence. The sun has begun to set. There are scattered clouds on the horizon casting long streaks of dull red and magenta across the sky.

Meanwhile back at the Bread and Board

Marcus comes through the door in a hurry, and Phineas and Calex have an opportunity to detect the urgency of his behavior Sense Motive, if you desire

There tavern is lively, Abram sings (and also notices the young man’s haste, but as he is singing, his mind isn’t on trying to discern why the young man seems to be in a hurry) and most of the patrons are enjoying his voice, the sound of the fiddle, and a drink.

When Marcus talks to Oscar and Lulu Oghan, the couple becomes noticeably agitated. Lulu puts a hand on Oscar’s chest, and shakes her head. When Marcus is finished he raises his hands, quieting Abram, and addresses the crowd with a plea for assistance. The people in the crowd share nervous looks and glances, and Marcus waits for a response.

The diplomacy check is not high enough to convince the common villagers to risk their lives. The Player Characters must make their own decisions.

Poseus

When Poseus reaches Woodbridge the sun has almost completely set. it is slightly ahead of the party at the island in the bog to the north west Poseus enters the Bread and Board just a moment after Marcus has asked for volunteers to go out in search of Roan, and the people who are looking for him.

Dieredon quickly moves to the shackled boy. He attempts to free Roan as silently as possible by either removing what is around his neck or the source of the chain.

Just after means I've missed his speech as to what happened and that he needs help right?

"Good evening everyone" Poseus says as he takes the blanket of his shoulders he kept for night times. Tucking it into his backpack he saw the room was awfully quiet, which was odd, hearing music only moments before he opened the door.

"Don't say I am the first Gymnaga you have seen in here. Are Dieredon and Chance here by any luck?" He looks over the silent patrons of the tavern, not seeing the elf or the scholarly human. He intends to ask another question but pauses as he sees some of the other patrons mumbling amongst each other.

Sense Motive roll 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2Well that roll was not very good. Best to get the "1's" over with now though I think..
Calex looks up from his conversation with Phin, and gives the barkeep all his attention as Oscar asks for help to find the missing villagers. As Cal stands and gathers his cloak and staff, he turns to Phin and says "Looks like we are needed my friend. We'll need guides and trackers to help find them though." Cal gulps down the last of his drink for courage, checks to make sure his spare scroll of Mage Armor is secure, and heads towards the front of the tavern. "Oscar, please tell Patricia and the others we were to meet that we may be..delayed, would you?" Cal then turns to the strange gymnaga that just walked in asking about Dierdon. "We've never met I'm afraid and there is not much time now for niceties. My name is Calex, and your friend Dieredon,with my friend Wiscara are said to be heading for some trouble with some creatures in the bog. We need to find them and lend aid quickly. Can you do that or must we look elsewhere?" Calex quickly pays Oscar what is owed, while waiting for the answer.
And we're back in the game!

Cara winces at the disturbance she creates and continually watches the cottage, hoping she wasn't noticed. "sorry..." she whispered and followed Dieredon over to Roan. Thankfully he was still alive. She glances around for enormous monsters from the bog to jump out at her, heart pumping. While Dieredon tries to free him she retrieves her waterskin and a small cloth. She wets it and wipes some over his face. "Roan. Keep quiet ok, we'll help get you out of here," she whispers, holding a finger to her lips, "Drink this," she says as she holds the waterskin up to his mouth and aids him in taking a mouthful.
Heal (first aid): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Heal (diagnose condition/how badly hurt/poison?): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

LOL, perhaps Calex and I are too into Abram's singing? Or the beer?

"What's the rush all about? I'm kinda enjoyin' the music here." Phineas says as the young smith Marcus Dale barges in and tells his story.

"Calex, what on earth do you want to go traipsing off through the woods at this time of night for? I think Roan is prob'ly of on some fool's errand, as usual and goin' to drag us all out into the swamp for no good reason."

"Course if Lizzie says we need to help, maybe I outta go with you to check things out and see if she's in any trouble. Give me a moment to run to the house and get my gear and I'll meet you at the Bridge."

Thinking no good can come of it except maybe to she Elizabeth again, Phineas drains his pint, stands, and runs off to his rooms to get his equipment, quarterstaff and the crossbow handed down from his deceased father. He knows he probably should've practiced more with that crossbow, but never really seemed to find the time.

After packing the things he thinks he'll need, he heads through the square and over to the Bridge to meet Cal, Marcus and perhaps the Gymnaga, was it Poseus(?) who entered late.

Poseus seems awfully hurt by the part of the question "or must we look elsewhere?" from Calex

"Of course I would help, what gave you a reason that I wouldn't?" He gives Calex a stark look even though Calex looked to be a bit older than himself.

Poseus points at the quartet of spears on his back: "I wouldn't be much of a hunter and friend if I didn't, now would I?"

Who ever has seen a cowardly hunter? I wonder what made him think I wouldn't go?

"I know where the bog is, Calex, though I might have to leave something here for safekeeping before we go."
He slithers over to the bar and puts his backpack on one of the stools.
"Oscar, can you keep this safe for me?" as he slowly pulls out the skull wrapped in a blanket, intent on handing it over. "If a person by the name of Auria or Cicily walks in, please tell them I'm looking for them regarding this."
He turns to Calex: "the name's Poseus by the way."

Can Gymnaga run or sprint? Must look funny when they try to slither across the ground twice or triple their speed

somewhere in these threads is a link to a story I was writing that describes what happens when a Gymnaga wants to run. But to answer your question, yes a Gymnaga can perform any run move action, and when they do they tend to lower their bodies so that all of the scaled part of them touches the ground. It is easier for them to move this way, but they are aware of the way they look when they do, and that it tends to make non Gymnaga people uncomfortable

Got it, thanks Terquem, gives a whole new dimension why Poseus rather swims than travel by land.

Thank you all, for your assistance. I know the Oghan family is in your debt for your help. Let me run back to the shop, then we will meet at the bridge, we can head to the bog from there. I just hope we can reach the others in time. Marcus replies then heads toward his shop to gear up.

Once gearing up with his leather armor and dagger, them make a b-line for the bridge to meet the others.

Cal turned back to Poseus: "Thank you! I think you are the only only one here right now with the woodcraft to find them. If we had to take the time to find another..well...you said you do have those skills so it doesnt bear thinking on. We will meet the others at the bridge and then head out. At that point, my new friend, I guess you will be in charge, since we'll be following your lead to find them."

Cal gives a worried swipe of his hand across his face, and mumbles a quiet, prayerful "May we be in time.." before striding out and after a quick stop for the rest of his gear at the shop, heads for the bridge.

"Thank goodness that gymnaga was a hunter. I thought most of them were just fisherfolk." Cal thinks as they go along. "I will have to thank him and his folk properly for this, after. Gods..'cara's mother must be told as well..but no time now.."

Dieredon

Roan is barely conscious, but definitely alive. The clamp around his neck is fastened with a latch, not a lock, but given Roan’s condition and inability to see the mechanism, he would not likely be able to free himself. You manage the device easily, and free him, and then Wiscara begins to care for him.

Chance

Welkin goes into an aggressive, head down position, with his eyes fixed intently on the image on the wall. He may begin to snarl and growl, or even bark. You should make a Handle Animal check, please.

Wiscara

Did you bring anything to use as bandages? Your Skill checks are high enough to make a difference in Roan’s condition. He is stabilized, and will probably survive, but he is bleeding, not dangerously, and it will take about three minutes to bandage the more severe wounds. You do not see any obvious signs of poison in his system.

Back in the village

As Calex, Phineas, Marcus and Poseus leave the Bread and Buttered Board that’s a joke, please don’t start calling it that, but it is a reference to a pet peeve of mine and has to do with players who don’t seem to read what other people have written and go their separate ways, Marcus, whose home is Riverside

the others will go to the bridge with Poseus, he will wait there while they go to their homes Lakeside, and double back with their gear

will run into Patricia. Patricia asks Marcus what is happening, and after he informs her of the four new friends setting out to help the others in the bog she will say, with a strange puzzling look on her face, more to herself than to him, “I wonder if that is the old Durham house? Old man Durham was some kind of a wizard, a recluse, and a bit mad, dangerous, no one was comfortable when he was around.” Then she will take Marcus’ shoulders in her hands and tell him, “Be careful, it’s getting dark and there are dangerous creatures in the bogs. I’ll get more people together, torches, lanterns, and a horn, if we can find one. We’ll be right behind you. Listen for the horn if you get lost.”

In ten minutes, Marcus, Poseus, Phineas, and Calex are assembled at the bridge. None of you know exactly where you are going, but Poseus has an idea of the location of the bog. He should make a Survival Skill check (even if he is untrained, I will allow it here with no additional penalties for being untrained).

The three humans sprinted out so fast that Poseus didn't get a chance to react to Calex his reply.
I didn't lie to him about being a hunter, though I should have said that I'm a self-taught one. Hopefully he doesn't mind my lack of experience

Poseus greets Oscar and Lulu as he exits the tavern again and slides at a relatively easy pace towards the bridge. Arriving there shortly before the other three he is a bit lost in thought.
Strange to be standing on it for a change, rather than swimming under it.

He knows where the bog is and looks out into north-west direction. if I remembered correctly
Very busy day today, what lies more in store for me these days I wonder

He says a short prayer to Talagos, God of the Hunt hoping he blesses him in this time to find the way to his new friends.
"Talagos hear my plea, please bless me with the wisdom and insight to find the shortest way to my friends Dieredon and Chance, and Wiscara a girl from Woodbridge." He finishes with a short symbol across his chest in the shape of a bow
Survival: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Guess that fell short, he is trained in Survival, though being Commoner it is not a class skill. Survival can be made untrained FYI.
Ah that's why it was, Dieredon's explanation sounds far better than mine. I knew it was something with Bread and B.... should have looked it up again.

Seeing the rest of the group at the bridge, Phineas grips his staff tightly and joins them.As they cross into the wet, marshy area past the sheep pasture, Phineas notices the Gymnaga looking for the trail leading to the others.

Whispering under his breath, he asks the Lame God to assist his effort in finding the right path in the dusky light.

Cast Guidance to assist his Survival check.

Caught the reference GM Terquem. I thought that Poseus actually meant to misname the inn due to his unfamiliarity with the location.

Dieredon, carefully lifts Roan over his shoulder to lug him off the island.

Strength Check: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

He whispers.

Let's get moving. We can tend to him better when we are safely off the island and out of the bog...hurry now.

"Woah, calm down, boy," Chance says, petting Welkin. It's just a drawing." Chance looks up at the drawing with a worried expression. It definitely isn't a drawing of anything he'd ever seen before. When Dieredon moves to Roan, and Chance gets Welkin calmed down, they move to follow.

1d20 + 4 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 4 + 5 = 20 - Handle Animal

Aid another to help on the survival 1d20 ⇒ 19

I think the bog is this way Poseus, pointing Northeast as well thinking about it for a moment, no wait the bog is to the northwest actually. It is surrounded by some forest if I re-read the previous posts on the previous page of Dieredon in forest to west

Cara follows Dieredon, constantly looking back at the cottage on the island. She hoped she never got a first hand look at the creature they had painted on the wall. "I still need to stop his bleeding," she whispers to Dieredon, "That will take several minutes but I don't want to wait too long." She warns them both of Roan's condition. She was slightly proud that she had managed to stabilise him. The lessons from mother and Cicily had definitely payed off today. She kept by Dieredon's side with a hand on Roan to calm him, hoping he remained quiet.
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Cal follows the others out into the brush beyond the small sliver of safety that Woodbridge was against the dark wilds beyond. As the shadows deepen around them, he pauses a moment and with a sharp word, and quick gesture, a bright, warm light stretches out around the company from his staff.
I cast a light spell cantrip upon my staff. (Normal light in a 20' rad. Duration 10 min/lvl.)

It will only last a short time, I'm afraid, but I can renew it at need. I hope this will aid you. Cal says to the group.

The young Gymnaga looks to the ground and up at the sky.
I know it's north-west of here, but can't remember the direct path. Oh why couldn't all the stars be visible yet?

When the others arrive he looks up at them, with a slightly depressed look.
As Marcus points out the north-west direction without a doubt, Poseus glances in that direction, seeing the river flowing in the general direction.

"Right you are. I should have focused more on the river for a general direction. It is this way guys." as he slithers along a few feet ahead.

Provided that we safely make it to dry land...

Dieredon will lay Roan gently in the high grass.

Ok, Cara, do your best to aid in his recovery. Now, Chance we must all consider whether it is worthwhile to attack the island and its obviously ill-intentioned inhabitants, or to gather reinforcements before doing so. Thoughts, either of you?

It is slow going, carrying the boy, but Dieredon trudges through the brackish water, his eyes narrowing and desperately trying to keep the far edge of the water, the dry ground, in sight. This would not be a good time to lose your way in the darkness. Cara and Chance stay close, almost unconsciously they both keep a hand out on Roan, helping to make sure Dieredon doesn’t stumbled.

Everything seems to be going as well as it could be hoped.
When Dieredon is only five feet from the edge of the water, there is the unmistakable sound of many small creatures jumping into the water behind them. Splash, Splash Splash, the sounds repeat. And then the churning of the water as whatever it was, they are now swimming toward you.

Dieredon doubles his stride, lunging for the land, and ten feet beyond he lowers Roan to the ground and asks Cara to do what she can. The monsters are coming. He does not know how many of them there are, but he is sure he cannot outrun them carrying the boy. They are going to have to stand and fight and it may be that the fight is more than they bargained for.

for this encounter, Wiscara will be treated like a first level Druid, with spells prepared, but without the assistance of her animal companion. The three characters, Wiscara, Dieredon, and Chance, will have time to prepare for the monsters and only need to establish Initiative for the purpose of deciding who will act, among them, first. You do not need to roll for this, unless you have a dispute, and can decide on a plan of action of you own order. The monsters will take their turns, in the first round, after the party has acted, and you can attack the monsters as soon as you can see them, which in these conditions is limited to fifteen feet. You can stand fifteen feet back from the edge of the lake and see them when they emerge. It is a cloudy night, almost starless and moonless, but it is not completely dark. Dieredon can see out to 30 feet.

Calax, Phineus, Marcus and Poseus join up on the Lakeside side of the bridge, but there is no time for discussion, no time for standing around and making plans. The four new friends begin running to the northwest, and in minutes they reach the edge of the woods. The river is to the north, and everyone knows that just a short distance after it goes that way, it turns westward, through the woods, and then bends in another sharp bow back to the northeast, but just to west of that bend is the bog. And the friends hope it is the right bog (there are a few in the northwest area beyond Woodbridge).

Calex summons a light, to help them find their way, while Poseus and Marcus take the lead and move as quickly as they dare through the dark woods and starless night.

Round 1, AC: 17, HP: 11, Ranger's Focus

Dieredon will move ten feet to the edge of the water and draw his Elven Curveblade from his back.

They come, prepare yourself!

He will attack and use his Ranger's Focus on the first to emerge from the water and come within range.

CB ATT: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 = 22
BB DAM: 1d10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 + 2 = 9

Cara quickly tries to bandage up the worst of Roan's injuries praying to the mother for help the entire time. She had never prayed so desperately in her life. She kept working, the sounds of the creatures chasing them coming closer and closer. When she thought they would almost be on them she stood up at the same moment Dieredon called out. While standing up she felt a voice inside her head that seemed to be saying to her 'I will help you, but you must always promise to help me in exchange'

"I promise!" she called out in a hurry and instantly felt, something fill her chest, arms and legs. Just as she saw the creatures exit the bog she raised her arm and whispered in druidic, 'stop.' she did not know how, but she felt she was able to impede the creatures in some way.
hope that's an appropriate way to cast entangle. Want it to cover all of them if possible. Hope it doesn't affect Dieredon...
Entangle DC 15 reflex save or be entangled.
I'll act last out of us 4.

Nice descriptions Terq! Really set the mood!
Calex followed behind the group, holding his staff before him. With his other hand he shifted his gear about to make sure his scrolls were within easy reach if needed.

Cal had been a bit worried at the guide's hesitation at first, but as they now moved out in a more decided manner, his fears ebbed a bit, and he focused on the magic he had left to call upon. As a conjurer he was never unarmed, but he knew he was as fragile as the glassware he sold when he was confronted by a physical threat. Given time he felt he could be of great use, even a a possible tipping point in any situation. But an emergency, almost by definition, meant that time was often a luxury that was not available. Calex ran behind the group, doubt and anxiety plaguing his thoughts.
Kirk vs. The Gorn: Bones: "Can he do it?" Spock:>brief pause<"If he has the time, Doctor..IF he has the time.."

Phineas is also plagued by doubts, never a great shake with the crossbow he also wasn't a great melee fighter always losing out to the bigger farm boys when they played at fighting or wrestled. All he had were his studies and these new abilities that Mithras had given him, some limited healing and guidance to others. He wasn't sure how those abilities would help him in the search for Roan and what had taken him.

He shook his head to clear the doubts away and continued to chase after the Gymnaga hunter and Marcus looking back to make sure Calex was close behind.

"You guys see or hear anything?"Phineas whispered when they'd slowed a bit. "We're near the bog, right?. Phineas strains to see or hear anything that resembles the other party or the missing lad.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

At Phineas' quiet questions, Calex tries to look beyond the circle of light of his spell. "I'm not sure, Phin...maybe.." Cal answers. "I've never been much good in the wilds." Cal gives a slight grimace."Most days I'm lucky I can follow a blasted road in daylight, never mind a trail in the dark. Marcus? Poseus? Are we close?"
Perception:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Poseus hadn't been dashing across the lands for some time now, knowing all too well what strange looks it will give him but now it was necessary to do so.
When they left at the bridge he seemed to croach down, but then suddenly slithered as fast as any man could run next to Marcus. It got quite a few surprised and awkward looks from Marcus, Calex and Phineas.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14

Poseus really struggles with his lack of seeing further in the dark, but he has a faint idea that they are close, perhaps not close enough.
"I think we are getting there. he says as he looks around while speed-gliding across the forest floor.

1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Marcus dashes on the makeshift trail, heading towards the bog. Seeing Poseus slither along, at the same effortless haste he is exhibiting, makes Marcus' mind wander for but a moment. After a second his mind snaps back to the task at hand, finding Roan and the others. As the sun sets quickly on the horizon, Marcus strains his eyes using Calex's conjured ball of light. Marcus is unable to make out anything more than the trees and shrubs near the bog, hoping that his sense of direction from the beginning was correct.

I hope I didn't lead us astray from the beginning, I can't see much other than trees and shrubs. Marcus whispers to the group.

As the group arrives on land, Chance places a hand on Welkin's head and mutters a few arcane words. There is a small magical sound as the invisible armor coats Welkin's fur. "Alright, boy, I'm depending on you to guard us," he says as pets Welkin once more and then stands up. Welkin walks over to Dieredon and stares at the dark water, on guard just as Chance told him to. Chance picks up a few pebbles and stuffs them into a fold of his clothing, beginning to cast light on each of them. "I'm not that great at fighting, but I'll try to make this fight as easy for you guys as I can."

Welkin is going to provide support to Dieredon.

Chance casted Mage Armor on Welkin, using up a level 1 slot. He has 3 left for today.
He will also start casting the cantrip Light on the stones and begin tossing them around the perimiter to lift the shroud of darkness around them.

For a moment all is quiet. Dieredon peers left, and then right, cautious, waiting, and then right in front of him something leaps out of the water and charges toward him. It is a short creature and resembles a goblin with a tangle of writhing tentacles for legs. The creature is naked, and carries a spear. On its wrist are bracelets made from twisted cords and wooden and glass beads. The monster slithers quickly but Dieredon is prepared and at the last moment he twists to the side and strikes downward with the Elven Blade. The blow severs the monsters head cleanly and it collapses instantly, making no sound.

One, two, and then another monster all leap out of the water. Now they are making noise, their voices making gurgling cries as they come forward more cautiously.

Welkin skulks around in the darkness, head down and snarling, and then when he senses one of the monsters in close enough, he pounces, but the monster drops to the ground and rolls away from the snapping jaws.

One of the monsters jabs a spear toward the animal

Welkin

Melee Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13 damage if successful Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Diederon sees that the monsters are trying to surround him and he tries to keep them at bay, but one of the small creatures throws a spear at him

Dieredon

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 damage if successful Piercing Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

As the combatants circle one another, the sound of more creatures coming grows louder, and another monster crawls up onto the land, just as Wiscara steps up and throws her hands up in desperation commanding the ground to bind the creatures near the edge of the water.
Saving throws
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

there are three monsters that are too close to either Dieredon or Welkin to risk including them in the spells area of affect, but five, either at the water’s edge or in the water could be affected

Round 2, AC: 17, HP: 11, Ranger's Focus

Dieredon attacks the nearest of the three creatures that threaten he and Welkin.

Cara has bought us some time with that entanglement. Let us hope Welkin and I are lucky enough to strike serious blows, or we may have to make a run for it!

CB ATT: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 + 2 = 27
CB DAM: 1d10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 + 2 = 13

Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 5 + 2 = 22
X-Tra Crit Dam: 1d10 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 2 = 6

The sound of the snapping, twisting and growing weeds and plants of the bog fills the air, and then it is drowned by the shrieks and cries of the monsters held fast by the eldritch energies that Cara has unleashed.

A few steps away from Dieredon, Chance begins to toss out small pebbles glowing with light, and soon the area is ringed as if it is the court of a Fairy kingdom.

Some distance away

Calex, Marcus, Phineas, and Poseus hurry through the forest, their heads sweeping from side to side looking for some clue that they are indeed going the right way when suddenly, Calex begins to see lights appear off to his left. One, then another, a bright yellow glow springs up from the ground only two hundred feet away or less, through the trees, and as the lights increase, he spots shapes moving in the shadows.

“Over this way,” Calex cries, and the four friends turn and run toward the lights.

you have 160 feet to cover to reach the area of the fighting. Your movement begins at the start of round 2

As Calex spots the lights in the distance, Poseus can see a few shapes in the distance, possibly more than he expected to. He rushes as fast as his scaled body can towards the group at the bog.
'Run' 4 times movement speed, 4 x 30ft = 120ft towards Dieredon, Chance and Wiscara.

Grabbing one of his spears from the back of his bandolier as he halts a short distance away from the group he shouts "Dieredon, Chance! We're here to help! What's happening here?"

Round 2

Phineas hears Calex call out and sees the glowing lights as he gets closer. His heart thumps in his chest as they approach the scene. He wonders what on earth could be happening.

He chases after Poseus remaining just behind the Gymnaga.

Cara stands by Roan watching the monsters emerge, dagger in hand. She is about to enter and attack when she hears some familiar voices. "Help! There are too many. We're being surrounded." With light surrounding the area she sees just how many there are and it brings up her memories of the past. Again others are coming to her rescue.

Turning back to the fight, she had to do more to help. Noticing the fallen creatures she moves up to the first Dieredon had felled and picks up it's spear and prepares to throw at the entangled ones.

As the rest rush towards the mage light Calex spotted in the distance, he hears Cara cry out for help. Cal curses himself under his breath. He was a fool not to have cast his Mage Armor spell earlier. He pulls out the scroll he needs and takes a moment to call the magic from the runes written there. As the shield flares to life around him and fades to invisibility, Cal follows the others as quickly as he can.

Not sure of the game mechanics- I assume that by pausing to cast the spell I'll arrive a round after everyone else, yes? I'm also guessing that will put me last in the initiative queue?

@Calex: Your spot in initiative will not change, but on your turn you will have casted (from the scroll). I am pretty sure that drawing the scroll is not a full move action, though. The GM will have to let you know that. You may have some movement left that will keep you close to the others.

As Marcus strains his eyes and sees nothing out if the ordinary, he takes notice when Calex's bolts out in front him him. Marcus, throwing caution to the wind, takes off in their direction. Once he sees Calex's draw an item from his backpack and cast a spell, he slows down as not to leave anyone behind too far. Keeping his dagger in hand, just in case, and he keeps scanning around him to assure himself no surprises arise.

Perception 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20

Marcus will double move 60 feet to keep himself in view of Calex

I can see Calex’s options becoming very complicated, but I want to try to avoid this. He can take all of round 2 to retrieve and activate the scroll, and then he will need round 3 to get to where everyone else is, or he can run, as normal, and deal with the scroll at the beginning of Round 3, when all of the players would normally be able to act. Marcus- You can decide to wait for Calex or not, I won't hold you to the 60 foot post comment until you know what Calex is doing for certain, okay?

Meanwhile, it is round 2

Dieredon stands his ground, and watches the circling monsters carefully. One of the monsters tries to Distract Dieredon, by drawing in a deep breath and extending its arms out from its sides in a threaten way, but Dieredon is not startled, and simply takes the opportunity to lunge forward, gracefully, and impales the monster clean through the chest, killing it instantly.

Wiscara, Welkin, and Chance, can declare and post round 2 actions, the monsters who are held by the spell, that survive any attacks directed toward them, will try to make strength checks to escape. If they succeed, they will move out of the area of affect of the spell, but will not be able to attack in Round 2. If Characters score hits with ranged weapons on monsters that are held, the damage will be assessed against monsters that make the strength check before monsters that do not.

Strength Check vs DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Strength Check vs DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10

Strength Check vs DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Strength Check vs DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Strength Check vs DC 15: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

It looks like either way, my next effective action will be round 4, if I take the time to use the scroll. At the rate these critters are dropping, I doubt I'll need the scroll by the time we get there. With all this back-up, I'll take a chance on the lower AC, and just move up with the rest and deal with it on round 3 if it's still needed.

Don't wait for me Marcus- DM Terq might still get sneaky and the group under attack might need the back-up more than me.

But seriously- thanks for watching out for me.

Cal hears more sounds of combat ahead, and with a harsh oath shoves the scroll into his belt. His friends matter more than his own squishy hide right now. When Cal sees Marcus hesitate to wait for him, he gives the smith a grateful look, and says "I'm ok, Marcus! They are more important than me right now. Our friends need us!"
Cal takes a deep breath, and sets quickly off again towards the lit-up area ahead.

Chance waves at the ones coming to the rescue. "Poseus! We're being attacked by some sort of dog-octopus-like creatures," he replies, turning back to the battle. He moves up a bit more to make it easier for everyone to hear him, scanning the battlefield. "Try not to get surrounded, and try to pick them off one by one as quickly as possible!" He waves his hand around and mumbles something, pointing his finger at Welkin. He whispers something then finishes the spell.

Welkin barks at the creature, circling around it slightly to position himself on the opposite side of it from Dieredon, then lunges in to snap at it. If the attack meets, Welkin will try to pull at the creature to drag it toward the ground.

Chance moves a bit closer to the fight, then casts Message to give Welkin the command to flank.

Welkin takes a 5-foot step to circle around the creature, making a bite attack. If the attack succeeds, he will make a Trip combat maneuver

Bite: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
Trip: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 5
Wiscara hastily throws the borrowed spear at the creatures. Without checking to make sure she hit she picks up the second dropped spear from the other enemy Dieredon downed.