Adventure Path Reign of Winter

Game Master Almonihah

Ardija smiles, initially replying in elvish before clarifying what she overheard. "It is as I hoped. I will make sure a suitable tent is erected. She pauses, considering carefully her words. I don't mean to pry, but did I overhear Sylvan. I also speak that language if you and your party prefer it?

Fin returns the smile, replying in Elvish. ”Thank you, m’lady, that would be most appreciated. There are three in our party who speak Sylvan...alas, however, I am not one of them...I speak only Elvish and Common. But you should speak whichever you prefer, one of us should be able to translate...”

Fin arches an eyebrow. "Just talk, Q. She is nice and I like her as well as she seems more approachable than the other Centaurs. But I would imagine Centaurs don't 'mix' much with outsiders like that and I doubt the Chief or elders would approve...or are you just pulling my leg?"

Quasit shrugs, still smirking playfully. "A little. Could be interesting though."

"Dungeons inside statues? Are we sure we didn't wind up in Varisia I heard they are always finding things like that over there."

"I know right? Probably the same maniacs. They probably ruled half the world and enforced their reign of terror with vast subterranean research and disciplinary complexes, where they tortured each other and invented owl-bears and ochre jellies."

"The Varisians are always telling stories about the mad emperors from 10,000 years ago and all the wacky things they used to do. They were always at war with each other, they were all fabulously rich, and they were all insane wizards to boot. Just imagine the tall tales you can concoct out of that mix! But yeah, they always take place either in a tower that reaches halfway to the moon, or a deep dungeon full of traps and horrors and monsters. And sometimes both."

Ardija nods, continuing in Sylvan. "Very well. Feel free to warm yourselves by the party. I will see to accommodations. Again, the camp is yours to explore. I do ask that you stay together so that I can find all of you once all is ready. With that she trots off.

Though the hides of that make up the outer coverings of the tents are still in the process of being put in place, Ardija returns quickly to show you to the area. Several young, but strong centaur are hard at work setting up two tents for the party. Your escort explains, "The tents are sized for centaur and are meant to sleep two. I'm afraid we travel with only what we need and these are the reserve for when scouts return. The young ones will leave extra hides that can be secured to the upper cross beams so that each tent can accommodate a third individual upper part of the tent. I will bring some extra kindling once they are finished so that you can make your own fire if you like. Until then, be sure to partake of the celebratory roast at the central fire."

Map up. You will see the central area of the centaur camp with locations for the party's tents noted along with the chief's tent.

Fin smiles and bows. "Thank you, Ardija, we appreciate the work you are doing to accommodate us. I'm sure the ladies of our group will appreciate having a tent to themselves. I'll let Q know and then I'll head to the roast..."

The Elf starts to leave but then turns back, asking, "Uh...one other thing, Ardija...is there a stream or a pond nearby that's suitable for bathing?"

Fin finds Quasit and informs her. "We'll be in two tents close together...they're rigging them to hold three of us per tent...I assume you ladies want your privacy, so a tent for the ladies and a tent for the dudes..."

"I'm not sure I count as a lady, and I'm not sure Tezuzu is really a dude, but that sounds like as good an arrangement as any." quips Quasit good-naturedly. "Not that any of us have too many secrets left at this point. I think we've all seen Maka naked at least once."

"So what are they roasting? I wonder if they have bread -- I could really go for some fresh bread. And I've been craving pears for days now. Maybe we can get Tezuzu working on a spell to conjure some. And I would kill for chocolate right now..."

So chattering, she makes her way to the festive bonfire.

Now it's Fin's turn to playfully smirk. "Well, you're a lady to me, Q...and there are no half-Orc lads here to argue the point. And what do you mean you're not sure Tez is a dude? Are you yanking my chain again, Q?

"You're right though, not too many secrets between us now...yeah, at least once, but she's so refreshing...Maka chases happiness like I used to chase fireflies in the oasis during my much younger days...but I think Saki would feel more comfortable sleeping in a tent with you girls..."

Fin will walk with Quasit to the bonfire as the conversation turns to food, chattering along. "Not sure what it is, but it sure smells good. If I can't tell though, I won't ask what it is as I don't want to offend after such a good start with the Centaurs. Yes, fresh bread would be awesome...chocolate too, but I doubt we find that here...maybe they'll have pastries? And cheese! We Elves like our bread and cheese..."

When they arrive, Fin will dig in to the food, and knock back a pint or two...but he'll try to keep his wits about him just in case. He'll keep his eyes open to anything that might appear off and his ears open for any interesting tidbits of information that might pop up...

Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 34
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

"And what do you mean you're not sure Tez is a dude? Are you yanking my chain again, Q?

Quasit shrugs. "It's hard to tell with birds. And he's the first tongo I've ever met."

"...yeah, at least once, but she's so refreshing...Maka chases happiness like I used to chase fireflies in the oasis during my much younger days...but I think Saki would feel more comfortable sleeping in a tent with you girls..."[/b]

She looks back at Maka and Sakitu, her smile a little more wistful now.

"Yeah. I used to be a lot like Maka. I mean, I'm still pretty impulsive, and I never fought anyone for fun... but I think I've gotten more cynical or something. There's nothing pure left in this world for me any more. Sometimes when you catch the fireflies, they burn you. I hope that never happens to her."

"And as for Saki... cripes, I wish there was a way I could send her home. I feel like she's a sort of younger sister to me, which is weird because I've never had a sister. If anything ever happened to her, I think it'd kill me."

Her mood brightens again when the conversation turns back to food, and she practically growls with culinary avarice when cheese is mentioned. "Ooooh, they have this soft white cheese in Cheliax that is just to DIE for. What was it called? Kaydish? Kalydish? Something like that. It's a little tart -- it sorta sits on your palate and plays a while, but its just sweet and smooth enough that its not obnoxious. Once you start eating it, you can't stop. It's like a charm spell in a cheese."

Ardija pauses before responding concerning bathing, "It wouldn't be safe at night. Perhaps in the morning. I can have a basin with water brought to your campsite. Would that be helpful?"

Ardija pauses before responding concerning bathing, "It wouldn't be safe at night. Perhaps in the morning. I can have a basin with water brought to your campsite. Would that be helpful?"

Fin smiles. "Thank you, Ardija, that would be lovely. I appreciate the work you're doing to accommodate us and I hope we can repay the favor..."

"Yeah. I used to be a lot like Maka...but I think I've gotten more cynical or something. There's nothing pure left in this world for me any more."

Fin nods, not even conscious he's doing so. "I think I know what you mean...from our talk last night, I'd say our life experiences have jaded us, and made us that way. Being cynical isn't all bad though...I think it keeps us from being too disappointed, I guess..."

Her mood brightens again when the conversation turns back to food, and she practically growls with culinary avarice when cheese is mentioned. "Ooooh, they have this soft white cheese in Cheliax that is just to DIE for. What was it called? Kaydish? Kalydish? Something like that. It's a little tart -- it sorta sits on your palate and plays a while, but its just sweet and smooth enough that its not obnoxious. Once you start eating it, you can't stop. It's like a charm spell in a cheese."

Fin's eyes glimmer as Quasit describes the cheese. "Mmmmm...never had it as I've never been to Cheliax actually...sounds delicious though. From what I'd heard traveling around, the Chelish seemed they might be too similar to the Razmirans for my liking...but that could've just been talk. If they make cheese like that, they can't be all bad..."

"Oh the Chelaxians are devil-worshipping bastards. And even worse, they're the most bureaucratic people I've ever met. At least in Taldor you can bribe someone and get things done. I've only touched my foot into a couple of their ports. I had that cheese in Absalom actually. So good it's sinful. Hehe."

"And if you like a good hard yellow cheese, you can't do better for my money than Lamarque. I forget where that one comes from -- Galt maybe? Doesn't matter. Blessed are the cows that dispense that luscious curd. Put it on any meat or bread and it makes it 10 times better."

"Molthune... there's been ninety years of drift. Chelliax is more corrupt and twisted by infernal influence but Molthune is just pedantic. I've heard Nirmathras is nice... so long as one of the rangers doesn't get paranoid and go after the new potential Molthuni spy."

Before they leave for the festivities Tezuzu will politely ask the clans chief Kaag "Pardon the favor I am about to ask you, but would you have any writings in your clans language that I may borrow at least for the night? I can read them with magic tonight and I would very much like to transcribe them so that I might learn more about your culture and perhaps master your language with some further study."

----------

Once the festivities get going Tezuzu will transmute the barrel of freshly melted snow that Maka had collected earlier into one dipping one clawed finger into it and swirling it as a magical whirlpool forms and the water shifts into the dark amber red color of spiced wine. Casting Tears to Wine

He will then approach Quasit and ask "I believe you were inquiring about food earlier? I have a special summoning my grandfather taught me that will conjurer a great feast it is near and dear to my heart I think you will quite like it." he draws out a small chicken bone from his pack and fiddles with it as he explains. "The spell will summon a full four course meal over a dozen including hors d’oeuvres and drink. While I cannot control the fine details so it might not be a perfect recreation, it was customary among my clan to draw the menu from others to share..."

He begins to wave the bone elegantly in the air as it begins to glow"...so if you have a particular desire for one of the four courses, hors d’oeuvres, or drink concentrate hard on the memory of it and speak it aloud..."

Once thought of and spoken out-loud a wispy ghost like aura will vacate a person he asks for help with the spell and settle into the bone. Once he has collected request from the rest of the party he will bury the chicken bone in the dirt before chanting the final incantation on the spell.

After a few still moments 14 of oversized frangipani flowers begin to sprout from the ground with black stems and bone white petals. As they bloom the various courses reside inside each of the 5 petals which are as rigid as porcelain plates the pistil being made up a fine silk napkin wrapping crystal dining utensils. Small black bulb flowers sprout along the stems forming cups that fill with drink to complete the meal.

Casting Bountiful Banquet feel free to request a course IC. It might be nice to see what kind of food everyone likes. First come first serve, but Tez will approach pretty much everyone in the group and ask if they want anything special.

"I had that cheese in Absalom actually. So good it's sinful. Hehe."

”Only been in Absalom once...stopover on the way to Kyonin after my father died. If I ever get back, I’ll definitely try that one...”

"And if you like a good hard yellow cheese, you can't do better for my money than Lamarque. I forget where that one comes from -- Galt maybe? Doesn't matter. Blessed are the cows that dispense that luscious curd. Put it on any meat or bread and it makes it 10 times better."

”Ahhh...that cheese I’ve had...most excellent...had it in a tavern in Galt, on the way to Heldren...”

Fin then smiles nostalgically. ”Q, if you’ve never had it, you’ve got to try Mist cheese...might be the only thing I miss from Kyonin...a soft white cheese, unique taste, succulent. If you sliced it thin enough, it was translucent, hence its name...we sometimes called it ethereal cheese...”

As soon as it was clear the group would be staying the night to enjoy the celebrations, Maka began jumping with joy. "A big battle with giants and now a big part with horse people! We have the best adventures."

And I would kill for chocolate right now..."

Maka has had chocolate the whole time!

After overhearing Quasit, Maka abruptly broke from explaining Saki her "plan" and started digging through her bag. After a few moments, she came away with a half eaten bar of chocolate. "Here you go you can have the rest, I have another one."

He begins to wave the bone elegantly in the air as it begins to glow"...so if you have a particular desire for one of the four courses, hors d’oeuvres, or drink concentrate hard on the memory of it and speak it aloud..."

"Biryani and garm chokalet!" Maka shouted excitedly as Tez prepared hsi spell

Fin nods to Maka. ”Are we training in the morning, Maka? Good news either way...Ardija is bringing a basin to our camp so we can bathe in the morning...if you don’t mind warming the water, that is...”

Sakitu watches all of the activity of getting the camp and the feast ready. Quasit and Maka explain the sleeping arrangement and she nods. "Yes, that will be great. Quasit, it will be like it was back in that one town. I can't even remember the name." She hugs Quasit and then Maka. "I don't know why but I just feel so happy. These horse people just make me, I don't know, I guess feel good."

When Tenzu asks about food Sakitu instantly asks for roast rabbit.

She wrinkles her nose at the discussion of cheese. "Really? I wouldn't trust Quasit and cheese. The last time she tried to give me some cheese it was gross. And worse, she loved it!"

Bulvi raises a questioning eyebrow when Sakitu suggests rabbit. "Honey roasted?"

"I would like to try brie ani and garm chocalat." Bulvi said, not entirely sure how the cheese and chocolate based meal he was envisioning would be but he was quite certain with Maka's enthusiasm it would be interesting.

Earlier, with the chief.
Kaag seriously considers Tezuzu's request, but ultimately is at a bit of a loss. "It is a wise thing you seek. I am afraid that what little written material we have with us is of the strategic nature, I hope you understand. I will set Ardija to the task, but can make no guarantees."

Later that evening, after the tents are set.
Ardija brings a clay basin, more tall than narrow. Meant to hold water for drinking the basin has been filled with warmed water. She also brings a bundle of inked hides and a few old bits of parchment, making sure whoever is present at the camp gives them to Tezuzu.

Fin enjoys the feast and the times with his friends, talking of cheese and other food. While the food is great and the drink is quite potent, he figures two pints is enough since they'll be heading out tomorrow morning, so he heads back to their camp...

Arriving at the dude's tent, he'll stuff his gear in the top bunk area the Centaurs rigged up. Then he starts to try some of the meditation techniques Tez taught him...

Feeling at peace, after a few minutes, he hears a noise outside and goes out to check it out, seeing Ardija setting up the clay basin...

He bows to the lady Centaur. "A most welcome sight, Ardija...I had not expected it till morning..." Fin sticks a hand in the water and arches an eyebrow. "And the water is warm! Thank you once again...and sorry for the trouble you've had to go through for us. Have we kept you from the celebration?

"While I was looking forward to a bath in the morning, no need to let the warm water go to waste, I'll have a soak now...and in the morning..."

He sees the items Ardija has brought for Tezuzu. "I'll make sure Tez gets them...and I assure you he is most grateful for them..."

Fin puts the items in Tez's area in the tent, then comes back outside, disrobes, but keeps his quiver nearby, just in case...he eases into the warm water, putting his head under for a moment to soak his hair, and then easing back up. While he'll relax, being in an unfamiliar place, he'll keep an eye alert for any signs of danger...

Perception: 1d20 + 12 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 12 + 2 + 2 = 34

"Izzy, come, you can have a soak as well, my friend..."

After a few moments, she came away with a half eaten bar of chocolate. "Here you go you can have the rest, I have another one."

If Maka had reached into her chest and pulled out her still beating heart and offered it to Quasit, Quasit could not look more amazed.

"...Maka...you don't have to, I mean... are you sure...?" Whatever delicacy remains in her jaded soul fights a fruitless battle against her sensuous greed for chocolate, and in the end she takes the half-eaten bar of chocolate and lets it rush at her mouth where her teeth surround it the way a mother's arms hug her child, and her tongue caresses it like a lover. She closes her eyes and makes a whimper of soft delight. She spends a few seconds frozen in ecstatic time, then opens her now moist eyes and hugs the chocolate to her breastbone.

"omigosh thatissogood..." she emotes, opening her now moist eyes to look at Maka. "There's only one way I can properly thank you."

"Once I get a couple drinks in me, you and I are gonna fight like gnolls on payday!" She smiles gleefully.

"...so if you have a particular desire for one of the four courses, hors d’oeuvres, or drink concentrate hard on the memory of it and speak it aloud..."

"Pears! And fresh baked bread!"

Sakitu watches all of the activity of getting the camp and the feast ready. Quasit and Maka explain the sleeping arrangement and she nods. "Yes, that will be great. Quasit, it will be like it was back in that one town. I can't even remember the name." She hugs Quasit and then Maka. "I don't know why but I just feel so happy. These horse people just make me, I don't know, I guess feel good."

Quasit giggles happily as she gets hugged, her mood now significantly artificially enhanced by an infusion of weeks-old chocolate.

"You know what Saki, I bet these horse-people can't dance. But wouldn't you love to see them try? Let's teach them!"

She sweeps Sakitu into her arms, and swings her around in a rough, playful tango. "Wouldn't you love to see them prancing about on their hooves? I bet they'd be hilarious tap-dancers!"

The two girls whirl about wildly, and Quasit laughs at the image in her mind of pirouetting ponies.

She wrinkles her nose at the discussion of cheese. "Really? I wouldn't trust Quasit and cheese. The last time she tried to give me some cheese it was gross. And worse, she loved it!"

Quasit affects a stuffy old Taldan woman personna. "Methinks my young prrretty had very lowww taste. Rrrrabbit bones is no substitute for a good fine smmmmelly cheeeeeeeese!!" She pushes this last word physically into Sakitu's face, and whirls her into another wild, silly spin.

Fin nods to Maka. ”Are we training in the morning, Maka? Good news either way...Ardija is bringing a basin to our camp so we can bathe in the morning...if you don’t mind warming the water, that is...”

"You bet! I'll show you some footwork and you can show me that trick you did with your hands again." Maka replied with a toothy grin and a thumbs up.

She hugs Quasit and then Maka. "I don't know why but I just feel so happy. These horse people just make me, I don't know, I guess feel good."

Maka returned Saki's hug, squeezing the kitsune tight. "It's nice being around nice people!"

"Once I get a couple drinks in me, you and I are gonna fight like gnolls on payday!" She smiles gleefully.

Maka's grin grew ear to ear as she wrapped an arm around Quasit. "Haan!" She shouted in her excitement.

She sweeps Sakitu into her arms, and swings her around in a rough, playful tango. "Wouldn't you love to see them prancing about on their hooves? I bet they'd be hilarious tap-dancers!"

The two girls whirl about wildly, and Quasit laughs at the image in her mind of pirouetting ponies.

Maka took a large swig from her magic jug before grabbing Bulvi and joining the girls in their dance. The lovers started out awkwardly, having two entirely different styles of dance. But soon the pair found a grove; a sloppy mixture of styles that had joy to make up for what it lacked in quality. Anytime the pair lulled Maka brought Bulvi in for a kiss and the dancing started again. It had been a long time since the fire monk had been so happy, and in the waning light she literally glowed with energy.

Tezuzu sits quietly enjoying the food and drink his beak buried in the reading materials provided by the clans elder as he jots down notes in a handbook watching the others dance.

Closing his book he stares listlessly at the stars and moon for a bit before polishing off the last of his wine. Picking himself up he strolls towards the group once some of their merriment has subsided and extends an open offer "This morning I had prepared an incantation so that one can soar through the skies. With our day being....relatively peaceful... I would hate for it to go to waste. It occurred to me that some of you may have never known the joys and freedom of flight. I would be happy to rectify that small tragedy for one of you if you wish it...I highly recommend going as far up as possible and then free falling...it is quite exhilarating"

Once he has a moment to catch her alone Tezuzu will hesitantly approach Maka clearly still embarrassed at mis-gendering her days earlier "...I see that you have taken Findurel under your wing...training him I mean. Your fighting style is...well...intriguing. I would...hmmm...well..I would like to ask if it would not be too much of a bother to perhaps watch over your sessions and maybe borrow your time for a sparing session on rare occasion? I want to see if it is possible to mix some of the fundamentals of your school with my own..."

Giving the woman that unnerves him so much a very slight courteous bow he asks "If you would humor me as a way of making us even I could a ritual to bend luck and fortune in your favor on our quest for the week. It is intriguing and fun in it's own right..." Tez will offer to cast a harrowing on Maka see spoiler if she accepts.

Maka was far more nimble than Bulvi, he was no slouch but beside her it was easy to seem clumsy. Still he was strong and with his hands on her waist hoisted her into the air at points as they danced.

"Selena, make yourself useful, sing something upbeat!" says Quasit mid-laugh as she capers about with Sakitu. "The centaurs are all going to think we're crazy, dancing with no music!"

Maka returned Saki's hug, squeezing the kitsune tight. "It's nice being around nice people!"

"Except these aren't people. They're horse-people. So I guess that makes them half-people. So doesn't that also mean they are half-nice too? I mean, half-nice half-people? Right? I mean that makes sense. Kinda." Sakitu scrunches her eyes in confusion and thought. "Oh. Nevermind!" she says as Quasit grabs her and starts dancing.

Twirling and spinning and twirling some more has Sakitu giggling almost uncontrollably. Then Quasit evokes images of the dancing centaurs and Sakitu starts laughing so much that she trips on her own feet and falls to the ground. She clutches her stomach, laughing so hard.

Eventually she catches her breath enough and is about to say something when Quasit replies to her, in accent, about the cheese. And that brings on another bout of uncontrollable laughter.

With tears streaming down her checks Sakitu stands up shakily. "Quasit. That is the most funniest I've heard of in a long time."

Selena thanks the chief as they leave.

She'll also glance at the writings Tez got to see if they are sylvan or elven, and if the former she'll offer her aid in him learning it.

When Quasit asks Selena to sing however,

"What makes you think I sing? I do magic, sometimes magic without magic." during which her form shifts to that of an old crone, and she finishes with an amusing impression of an old stubborn granny, "Do I really look like a singer, you impetuous little girl?" as she takes a few steos around holding her sword like it's a cane.

As the celebratory mood takes hold of the group of centaur none but the youngest of their kin pay much mind to the party. When night begins to take hold of the forest surrounding the clearing where camp has been made, these young ones are ushered into simple shelters of sturdy limbs leaned against large trees at the perimeter of the clearing. Worn hides are draped over the limbs to provide make shift doors and protection from precipitation. On this night the clouds obscure much of the moonlight, but offer no promise of snow. The chill of the early spring night is warmed only slightly by the now dwindling communal fire.

"What makes you think I sing? I do magic, sometimes magic without magic." during which her form shifts to that of an old crone, and she finishes with an amusing impression of an old stubborn granny, "Do I really look like a singer, you impetuous little girl?" as she takes a few steos around holding her sword like it's a cane.

Quasit looks at Selena in mild confusion that morphs into a florid eye roll.

"Ew. Disturbing. I should have known better. I may as well have asked Izzy to sing."

So Quasit decides to accompany her own wiggly dancing with Sakitu with her own singing.

I remember the day was young
Me and Saki had so much fun
Frosty giants were throwing stones
And we roasted a piggy and ate all but the bones

But the biggest kick we ever got
Was when we saw all the horsy-men trot
And Ardija thought Fin was hot
And we were jumping and dancing to the crocodile hop!

*****

By the time Quasit's chocolate buzz has worn off, she's eaten heartily, drunk a few flagons of whatever was handed to her, and is sporting a new cracked rib and black eye courtesy of Maka. Ever a happy drunk, Quasit is mostly humming and giggling as she crawls into her tent, wraps herself in warm skins and blankets, and quickly drops to sleep.

Selena morphs into a copy of Quasit "Are you calling me ugly?" she asks in mock irritation.

As Fin hears his friends coming long before he sees them, he hops out of the bath, dries off, and gets dressed quickly. From listening to some ribald song of Quasit's, aside from noticing she still sings off-key, he can tell she didn't follow her own advice, and got drunk. He chuckles a bit, but tries to keep it to himself as they approach...

Fin frowns as he notices something slipped his attention...the tents were made for three people...and they number seven...

"Selena, I think it might be a bit crowded for you in the girls' tent...I'm used to sleeping in the forest in differing climates...I'll find a good tree here in the campground and you can take my bunk as it's higher up and you'll be separated from Bull and Tez...I'll go get my bedroll..."

Fin grabs his bedroll from the tent and cleans the bunk up for Selena. Once the girls have gone in their tent, he sends Izzy in there, instructing him to guard them...then he stokes up the fire with the kindling left by Ardija, hoping it's enough to last deeper into the night...

Just as he did when he was wandering the River Kingdoms, he looks around for some bushes/trees close to the campground but ones that will hopefully leave him concealed as he sleeps...

Stealth: 1d20 + 20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 20 + 2 + 2 = 35

...he'll set out his bedroll there and give the campsite a good onceover...

Perception: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 13 + 2 + 2 = 26

...before he lays down for some sleep, with a hand on his bow like a teddy bear...

Spells prepared for tomorrow: Gravity Bow (x1), Blend (x2)

Maka joined in with Quasit's singing, adding out of tune Vudran folk songs and laughter to the mix. The fire monk finally had her fill when Tez finished his spell and summoned a feast. Dragging the others to the table, she began excitedly filling cups with garm chokalet.

"Here, you'll like this! In Jalmary chocolate is a drink, not a candy." She said while handing out the cups of spiced hot chocolate. Maka quickly gulped hers down before filling a plate with the various summoned food. Inebriation and excitement reducing Maka's already poor table manors, and the party experienced flying flecks of food and the occasionally fiery belch as Maka ate.

------

.I would like to ask if it would not be too much of a bother to perhaps watch over your sessions and maybe borrow your time for a sparing session on rare occasion?

"Of course!" Maka replied excitedly, happy to be the belle of the battling ball. "Fin and I are training in the morning, you should join us."

------

Maka spent the remainder of the evening having fun and trying to make centaur friends. Her main method for both being to blast around on jets of fire and giving her friends rides. After flying up nearly beyond sight to enjoy a long free fall with Bulvi, Maka finally attracted a Centaur's attention.

Unfortunately the drunken horse person was not interested in giving a ride, but in getting one from Maka. Which Maka quickly agreed to. Unfortunately the weight difference between Maka and the centaur proved troublesome. Never one to be deterred, Maka and the centaur made several strained attempts. Though they had varying degrees of success, the injuries were near constant. Eventually the battered pair gave up with a laugh.

------

Finally having her fill of fighting, food, and fun, Maka made her way to the girls' tent for bed. Stripping down to her underclothes, Maka snuggled between Quasit and Saki, pulling the girls in to a warm, tight embrace. "Good night, I love y'all. Pyaare sapane... She muttered as she fell asleep.

Night settles quietly over the camp.

Feel free to wrap up any evening role play. Once you are ready please roll Perception for after you fall asleep.

Perception: 1d20 + 13 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 13 + 2 + 2 = 32

Perception;LL Vision, Darkvision 60ft: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Perception: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20

Feel free to modify this for mild inebriation effects. :)

When Fin offers his sleeping spot, "I appreciate the offer, but sleeping in a boy's tent is not acceptable for a noble lady. Your consideration does you credit however. Thankfully I've had to do plenty of 'roughing it' this trip and thus I have a hammock. I can easily hang under the top spot in the girl's dorm. And given my new, much smaller size, even gear can fit out of the way."

Selena and winter can easily hang the hammock just about anywhere, but she'll hang it up outside before going in the boy's tent. She arranges herself however with the cover only partially in place so her gear is visible, and herself bundled under her cloak, hopefully so any intruders think the hammock is just to keep gear/supplies off the ground and dry and not any persons. And she sleeps lighty, and dressed, just in case. She hasn't made up her mind about the centuars, and even if most are honest, doesn't mean all are, and the giants might just decide to risk attacking the camp to get at us.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

Sakitu dances in circles with Quasit, laughing at her silly song. When Quasit finishes her stanzas Sakitu jumps in with her own.

While all the fun was afoot
And we laughed at the chicken-legged hut
Tez sat alone with his books
And Selena kept giving him looks

Like she wanted a kiss on his beak
But then she thought he might squeak
Of course that wouldn't be noble
So instead she decided to ... uh, I guess turn into an ugly old lady...

Sakitu's song petered out at the end but it didn't matter. She was laughing too hard to continue.

Eventually she joined Maka and Quasit and snuggled into bed. "Well, my two best friends ever. This has been the best night ever."

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

As darkness rests upon the camp the quiet breathing of centaurs flanks the party amidst the two tents. Among the sound of the last crackles of the fire are the sounds of footfalls in failed attempts to approach stealthy. Although Findurel is the first to see the source of the clumsy approach, Maka and Selena are awake and aware of the sound right away. Tezuzu likewise is awoken and able to alert the other tent.

Party up: Full round actions for Findurel, Maka, Selena, and Tezuzu. One full round worth.

Approach marked on the map. Keep in mind that at this point only Findurel can actually see them. EDIT: Map clarification. Apparently there are smaller squares on the map then I realized, so 5 foot squares. Updated label on map.

Outside his armour Bulvi lies silently on the ground looking very comfortable... it would be a shame if someone woke him.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

Ever a light sleeper, Fin hears and then sees the approach of the demonic looking creatures. He quickly brings up his bow and unloads on the lead beast...

Expending a use of Perfect Strike

Longbow (Manyshot) vs FFAC: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 13
Perfect Strike: 1d20 + 11 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 11 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 24
Magic Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 10
Magic Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 13

Longbow (Iterative) vs FFAC: 1d20 + 6 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (14) + 6 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 18
Magic Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 10

Longbow (Rapid Shot) vs FFAC: 1d20 + 11 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 ⇒ (12) + 11 + 1 + 1 - 2 - 2 = 21
Magic Damage: 1d8 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 = 13

...then yells out a warning, "DEMONS! AWAKE! TO ARMS!"

earlier that night...

Tezuzu shrugs cheerfully "I guess you all are far too lush on wine to fly safely." and he casts his spell on himself and soars up towards the nights sky to get a better view of the stars and moon. Popping the top off his waterskin and taking a swig of wine he admires the heavens and wistfully drags his claw through a cloud. 'It has been an awfully pleasant evening' he thinks to himself as he basks in the freedom of the sky.

Realizing his time unencumbered by gravity is limited he lines himself up with his sleeping quarters before beginning a free-fall towards the ground letting the adrenaline and g-force swash over him before the spell kicks back in and slows his decent before coming to the ground outside the tent.

Overhearing both Findurel and Selena discuss sleeping arrangements Tezuzu interjects "Findurel, you know, you do not always need to be the one to give up your comfort for others sake. Your altruism is noble, but I get the odd feeling that you are far too keen to punish yourself to make others happy."

He chuckles at Selena's comment and adds sheepishly "Oh? I am sure that if you explained your position as an elegant woman of noble blood to chief Kaag he would be more than happy to arrange for a private tent."

After preparing his sleeping space he will yawn and mention to Finn and Bulvi "I took a bit of magic from that strange dream creature we encountered yesterday, so if you have any trouble sleeping I could solve your problem if you like." and with that he settles in for bed reading his puzzle book before cuddling with Yang and hexing his fox and himself with the slumber hex.

Puzzle Book INT check: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8 DC 10; Failure

---------

Yang, Perception Check: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (8) + 18 = 26
Tez, Perception Check: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

Awaking to the empathic feelings of Yang's panic at smelling something other-worldly approaching Tezuzu will stand up grumpily clearly annoyed before his eyes go wide hearing Findurel's shouts. He mutters an incantation and his feathers harden.

The lead creature roars in pain as all but one of the arrows sinks into its body.

Party up: Full round actions for Maka, and Selena. One full round worth.

All other party members are now awake and will be able to make full round actions next round.

Selena hears the creatures approaching and moves to the tent entrance to peek out and look to see if the approaching ones are enemies, looking at how they posture and whether they seem to bear ill will towards the centuars or not.

Then Fin starts yelling about demons and firing off his bow. Selena might be rolling her eyes at that depending on the newcomers body language and actions (Selena doesn't assume a demonic visage means anything).

Given that they are an unknown and Fin just started a fight, Selena readies herself to fight if she needs to, but waits to see the centuar's reactions.

Party up: Full round action for Maka.