The makes the save to resist the Entangle but the distraction gave the bear a second attempt to break the , still failing.
The second round the gar maintained it's hold on the bear while resisting the water plants, still sawing away at the bear with his oar's long jaws, for damage.
The bear is bleeding profusely as the giant fish's teeth act like serrated blades, sawing away large pieces of his fur, skin, and flesh. The bear tries one last valiant effort to escape, , finally chipping off a few of the thing's teeth and rushing up onto the shore collapsing in panting breaths roughly 10 feet on from the water.
Pained and nearly finished, Boron mews softly, catching it's breath as the wounds still seep over the damp marshy ground.
"The moathouse," says Jocasta after thinking for quite some time. "The survivor mentioned bugbears and gnolls, led by a human... but not hobgoblins. The hobgoblin valley is probably not the right place. But an old abandoned moathouse? Evil humanoids could take up in such a ruin easily."
Braggi can determine the wagons stopped for a spell here on the road. The wagon that headed east by southeast was loaded down heavier than when it started onto the roadway. Of the other wagons, two seemed lighter, while the last appears about the same.
Of note is a single rider horse accompanied the lone wagon headed east by south-east.
Toruk nods as he studies the tracks, "To the Moathouse then. It does seem to be the most likely lair for the attackers. And the hobgoblin lair is suspect anyway based on Zert's questionable credibility."
From your current location you are 13 miles from the Moat House via overland and the old roadway, which according to Zert is in some spots difficult terrain. At some point you will need to find a river fording or swim across. You can attempt to follow the wagon tracks as it likely follows the best path to cover all such issues. The best of this route will risk more fatigue and a larger chance of forced march damage.
You have currently walked 15 miles today, following the roadway, overland, and tracking through the woods. 26 miles = 1 Forced March Save, 28 miles = 2 Forced March Saves.
Similar situation, you are 18 miles from Hommlet overland. It will take another 18 miles to get back to town, requiring 4 Forced March Saves. As you left about 2 hours earlier than the rest of the party you have a bit more daylight remaining, but you would still reach Hommlet after the party and likely fatigued.
edit: Plus you recall that Hiram the blacksmith likely doesn't know Jaroo was an imposter, if he turns and no one is there to assist him locking himself up he may pose a danger to the village.
"It is there, then. I don't think we should go back to Hommlet, though; time is very important and that would consume us a lot of it. What do you all say?"
"I concur. Sleeping in the woods would be best for us. Do we all have supplies for such an occasion? I do have a small amount of food I can share if need be. And, given the banditry in the area, we do not want to be directly on the trail, perhaps a little ways off, with watches set. I would be happy to take a watch after my trance, so that the rest of you may find repast, but pairs would be best, in my opinion."
Musami tags along with Fil and Braggi. He has yet to consider the evidence in very much detail.
"I have some food, though I'll need to replenish my water from a river or stream," says Jocasta. "I think... if these wagon tracks are an indication that the hostages were loaded on a wagon and carted off... following them might be to our advantage. A wagon can't really go over hard terrain, after all. But that's just a guess," she says with a frown.
"I would think the same, Jocasta. But they do tend to make better time than we will on foot. We should not exhaust ourselves trying to catch up. Sleeping under the stars and arriving rested will be significantly better than arriving exhausted and unable to defend ourselves."
Let us not forget Cedryk. We will be stronger with him with us.
Not sure how to help the poor bear, he looks the creature over from a distance. Casting his spell, he speaks to the wounded beast.
"Bear...I am not sure how to help you. Why did you follow that false druid?"
The bear is wounded but mobile. He needs tending by either magical spells or the Healing skill to really start mending. Left alone wounded here he will likely fall prey to another predator or a hunter out of Nulb. He will likely forget his role as a familiar within the week, barring something strengthening his connection to Jaroo's grove.
Toruk nods at Musami. "We need Cedryk. From the map, it looks like we should be able to make it to the Moathouse in a half day's travel from Hommlet."
"I will try to help you, but you must let me. Do not fight me, I am a true druid and wish to help. Ok. Now let me look at those wounds..."
Looking around, Cedryk and Hedgewyk attempt to locate some plants which will help they heal the bear's wounds.
Prof. Herbalist:
Using any items they found, Cedryk attempts to heal the bear enough to get him back to the grove.
Healing:
The moat house is approximately a four hour walk from Hommlet.
We hurry as fast as the bear can, trying to make it back before dark so Cedryk can confine the smith before he turns.
"Let's see if we can find a reasonable spot en route, then," says Jocasta. "We've already done a good amount of walking today. We need a good campsite somewhere between Hommlet and the moathouse."
The group follows the lone wagon tracks with it's mounted companion, along a rough track, across a makeshift ford near to the old roadway. From there the tracks follow along the aged and faded roadway, overgrown with scrub and wild weeds. For all it's decay here and there the track shows evidence of more recent use. Braggi points out two different campsites, partially swept and cleared but not fully hidden from view of the road. Someone has been using this path this spring, a few people from the look of it.
You continue along the roadway until the sun starts to set along the horizon, the light slowly fading away. A few stars are beginning to twinkle in the distant twilight, but the moon has not yet risen, though it looks to be a full and bright one tonight. Finally, at near to 7 in the evening you find yourselves at a crossroads, west to Hommlet or east to the moat house. Braggi notices a small copse across the roadway obscured by hedgewood and holly bushes beyond which a small animal path leads to an abandoned deer's nest. It looks to be a possible spot to camp for the night, near enough to the road to watch for traffic, sheltered from the elements, and secluded enough that it would be overlooked in the coming dark.
Braggi, that looks like a likely place to camp. Shall we set up camp and get some food into our bellies?
"I agree with Musami. If this is a common resting area, it will arouse less suspicion, especially if it one in regular use by our bandit friends. We should also set watches. I am more than happy to take a double shift after my trance."
"I agree with Musami. If this is a common resting area, it will arouse less suspicion, especially if it one in regular use by our bandit friends. We should also set watches. I am more than happy to take a double shift after my trance."
"Who needs some food? I have a small amount of extra supplies if someone is out," says Jocasta.
"Is there a good way that we can arrange a small campfire but keep it from being visible from the road?"
Speaking to the local fauna, Cedryk asks what is hidden in the copse of trees.
The fauna indicates more of you are under the trees, trampling their kin blades.
"Who needs some food? I have a small amount of extra supplies if someone is out," says Jocasta.
"Is there a good way that we can arrange a small campfire but keep it from being visible from the road?"
Musami draws his pack close to him and draws out a package and opens it revealing flint and steel. I can light a fire if we gather some firewood. I have rations and will share should anyone need them.
Needing to get back to the town as soon as possible, Cedryk ignores the possible creatures in the copse, and instead sends Hedgewyk to spy out the area.
"Go my friend and tell me what you see. If hostile, slip away and come back to me at the Druid's grove in the town. Now hurry."
The tiny leshy sneaks over to the trees and looks to see what is there.
Stealth:
Once they all agree on camping, Braggi also brings some of his rations for anyone who is without food. "These will do for today, if we are to stay more nights we might have to hunt a bit." When told about the fire, he takes it on himself to start a fire in a way that won't alert everyone around. He looks for a nice spot where the flames are covered enough.
"Alright, I propose the following watch shifts: Filnefillan, Jocasta, Musami, me and Toruk. If anyone has an objection, now is the time."
"Fair enough, Braggi. Although after my trance, I certainly will be assisting with more watch duty. No reason not to do so."
DM:
"Good. Stay with them. Tell them I am returning to the town to try and help someone there and will join them in the morning, if possible."
Cedryk continues onward to the town.
Braggi smiles lightly to Fil's comment. "That's why I've put you first. I knew you were going to be bored anyway..."
Jocasta nods in agreement. She tries to help arrange some of the underbrush to screen a small fire, and collects a circle of stones and some dead brush to keep one safely in their midst, then sprinkles some water on a pair of biscuits and warms them over the tiny fire. "I'll catch a nap after dinner; wake me when it's time for my watch," she says.
Fil climbs the oldest looking tree in the small copse, a tree likely to hold his weight. He rises the first few branches, perching roughly 12' above the campsite. The foliage thins enough at that level that he can see out over the roadway in both directions, at the sake of losing site of the approach close up. While watching he feels a small ba-bump on his shoulder from the next highest branch. Looking around he sees a small rustling of leaves, but no animal ever emerges.
Ignoring the tiny beastie, likely angry at him intruding upon it's home, he continues watching the roads, the moon rising ever higher giving him plenty of light to watch well for passers-by. Tha-wack. A small acorn grazes his ear and neck, falling to the ground below. Looking around again the elf sees the rustling leaves are closer, shaking about, waving in the wind, waving against the wind, waving at him. In a tiny voice reminiscent of rubbing sticks he says Cedryk läheb linna. Ta võtab haavatu karu. Ta naaseb tagasi.
Realization dawns on him, it's Hedgewyk the tiny creature Cedryk travelled with. The tiny thing waves a small jagged twig at him wildly, inching closer along the branches, pointing towards Hommlet.
At that moment, in the near distance, a long, lonely wolf howl breaks the otherwise quiet of the peaceful evening.
Musami takes a serve of rations from his pack. He sits and eats while engaging in small talk with the group. When he is done he unrolls his bedroll and settles for sleep. Within minutes there is a soft snoring coming from the dwarf.
Cedryk takes a step away from the great bear and instantly enchants his staff with nature magic.
The wolf call sounds louder and longer, getting closer to the campsite. Fil catches a quick, fleeting glance of a figure about 100-120 yards off. It is large, easily bigger than a man, and fast. It darted off to the north a bit, approaching the roadway at an angle. The elf is not sure if the wolf has picked up the scent of the travelers.
The leshy starts gesturing with his twig spear, tossing a small seed down into the camp, attempting to get someone else's attention. Cedryk hirm hundi. Smith pole mees. Smithi kuuhunt.
Turning to the bear, Cedryk asks,
"Is that the smith? Has he changed already? Can you tell? If it is we need to follow it and try to subdue him. Come on, it is heading to that coppice I sent Hedgewyk."
Cedryk follows the bear as they go after the wolf.
[dice=Perception to notice seed while sleeping?] 1d20+2
Stirring from the howling of something Musami rolls over and is almost struck by a seed falling from a tree. As the call seems to be approaching Musami stirs the camp to wakefulness and straps his armour into place.
"Ummm... Wh-what? W..." With eyes still closed and stuck together, Braggi struggles between sleep and vigil.
Fil will alert the group with a shout, and, if the wolf is coming to our direction, he will most certainly fire at the thing to get it's attention, perhaps distracting it from the group to allow them time to prepare.
"Incoming! Some form of wolf-like creature!"
The wolf was moving north past the campsite until Fil's fearful shout and following bowshot drew it's attention. The wolf then stopped, sniffing at the air, rising up on two legs to at the moon.
The creature sniffs warily around for your band, picking up on stale biscuits, damp sweat, and wood smoke. The beast drops prone and starts to crawl forward, again on all fours, growling steadily, ready to pounce.
From the direction of Hommlet rises up the sound of a bear challenging the wolf, causing it to turn and sniff the air wildly, back and forth, from the camp to the road and back again.
In the distance Fil sees movement faintly on the road, a large shadowy figure, likely a great bear, and a small, leaner figure, a humanoid most likely. They appear to be running in the direction of the wolf and your camp, but are only now coming into view.
The wolf, torn between the distractions, howls once more, rising up on two legs, clawing at the night sky, then bolts into the woods beyond the encampment. The sound of crashing brush, snapping limbs, and wolf growls grows quieter, fainter, the creature likely moving off into the distance.