The lantern immediately provides a bit of comfort as its light pushes back the darkness, revealing what seem to be wooden growths of some kind the emerge from the ground and then split into arm like structures that reach toward the sky. Among these growths you can see several paths, one upon which you stand. Examining the path it is clear that the lantern isn't reaching as far as it normally does.
Perception rolls:
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Jenya seems dazed. Where is the ceiling? she whispers swinging the lantern upwards before, disconcerted, aiming it forward again.
Above seems to be a limitless open area, dark with spots of light. If there is a ceiling it is far far above where the group stands upon a path.
"There doesn't appear to be one. We surely are nowhere near the dome anymore."
Iron Sprocket pauses before speaking again.
"What kinda of strange magic is able to bring us here; and now that we are here, did anyone think about how we are going to return?"
As the portal begins to fade behind you it is clear your choice will soon be made for you.
"There's a sculpture of a fox up ahead. It actually seems to be pointing to that path" Tamayra says indicating the direction the staue is oriented toward.
We have no other guidance. Perhaps we can send out the elementals' device in front of us to scout. Does anyone know how it works?
"We might as well follow the path." Tamayra replies.
"I can try to tinker with the device to see if I can get it to scout, but I don't believe that's its primary purpose."
Jenya nods. Then let us follow the path of the fox
The path toward the sculpture is easy enough to follow, as is the path that the sculpture points toward. It's surprising how many other paths overlap in what seems to be a dense forest. Though the constant sense of twilight makes the walking seem endless, your feet tell you that that path isn't overly long.
Perception rolls:
There is another statue pointing down another path. Jenya tells the other. I fear getting lost as we move down these crossroads. Do we have anything to mark our trail or make a map?
As Jenya points out the statue the sound of frantic squeaks can be heard from among the brush just off to the side of the path nearby.
Wait... did anyone else hear that? Jenya says raising her lamp and her pistol to scan the area.
As the light of the lantern shifts to the area of the sound, four nearly identical creatures tumble from the brush. Each appears to be a rat with rotting flesh, torn and matted fur, and reddish blazing eyes. the semi-translucent skin of each reveals discolored bones and muscles. They look to be fighting over a gnawed bit of bone. Immediately, several of the creatures take interest in the group. Two immediately charge Aak, neither penetrates his armor.
Initiative:
Round One: Tamayra and Jenya now acting.
Jenya quickly brings up her pistol and fires, aiming for one of the rats attacking Aak.
One of the rats is pierced by the projectile, tossed back and left but a small mound of semi-tranlucent flesh and fur.
Round One Tamayra acting.
Jenya's move action will be to reload with a paper cartridge to end her turn
Perceiving Tamayra's hesitation one of the remaining rats runs on to her and attacks.
, plus , .
Tamayra feels a harmless nick from the creatures attack that leaves her feeling weakened.
Round One: Aak and Rheynold now acting. Tamayra actions remaining.
Aak's swing connects nearly dispatching the rat, while the shield misses.
Round One: Rheynold now acting. Tamayra actions remaining.
Iron Sprocket moves into a more advantageous position and takes aim at the group of rats. He holds the memory crystal that hangs around his neck in one hand and a blast of gears erupts from the other.
The blast of metallic fragments makes quick work of the remaining rats.
This place is dangerous. Tamarya is hurt. What were those things?
Tamarya rubs at the scratches.
"I'm not sure what they are, but these scratches don't seem like much, but I sure don't feel like myself. I'll do my best to keep up."
"I've never seen or heard of anything like those beasts before."
He turns to Tamayra.
"Are you sure you'll be OK? They look bad, but I can't tell how bad without more time."
Should we continue following the path of the fox? I unfortunately do not have any equipment for tracking where we have been. We should have asked for map making equipment.
"Do we have a better option right now? Aak, you at least seem more familiar with the terrain structure here. Where do you suggest we continue to?"
The path, though easy to follow, is overlapped several times. If it weren't for following the sculpture, it would be easy to get lost among the many routes. As the group nears the intersection of a series of several paths a swarm of darkly‐hued butterflies crowd about the everyone.
Perception rolls:
"I feel,....I don't know, a bit weak, but I'm fine to carry on."
If you need us to carry your gear, then let us know Tamayra. I see another fox pointing to a route.
The swarm of darkly‐hued butterflies flit away shortly after Jenya has pointed out the fox.
Illusions.... magic... is someone watching us? Jenya wonders. Let us head on
As the group heads on to yet another trail the surrounding area seems calm.
Perception rolls:
"It may be possible illusions are normal in this world, we must ensure we aren't being fooled again. It's odd though, for all the evil that was supposed to be coming from this land through the portals, there seems to be very little of it here."
"I will continue to guard the rear. Your navigation skills and vision are better than mine."
Just at the edge of the lantern's light the group can make out another sculpture. As the group spots yet another marker, an overpowering musk assaults their senses. From the rear an immense moth with huge purple wings marked with spiraling black patterns that seem to shift and writhe catches Rheynold by surprise.
Perception rolls:
,
The creatures bite sinks through Rheynold's armor. [occ]Rheynold takes 8 points of damage.[/i]
Round One: All PCs acting.
Initiative:
Init track: Gloomwing, then all PCs.
Rheynold! Are you alright?
Jenya turns around and fires at the mysterious monstrous creature.
The shot flies within inches of the giant moth, but doesn't connect.
Round One: All PCs accept Jenya acting.
As the giant moth sinks his teeth into him and it's musk drains the strength from his body's muscles, Iron Sprocket attempts to slam it with his morningstar.
Round One: Tamayra now acting.