He talked about what may have been a canine of some sort, likely infected or corrupted by what lay within the Tanglebriar, and requested you ride with the others that they would be sending to gain what information they could about the creature, while the hunters of the tribe kept an eye out for any others that seemed like it.
Chari found you just after the meeting ended, leading you back to Mierani. She informed you of the intentions of the elders, as well as the ones that would be going with you, but out of all that were going, she expected you to come back with more than just information about the creature itself.
The Rosebarrow tribe has gained its name from the area that the tribe claims as its territory. The western edges of the Fierani forest had been the site of several battles in the time of Treerazer, and before that, it was part of the travel route from Druma to Kyonin and beyond. It was said that the elves that had fought wore the Rose Crest, and any of the fallen that wore the crest also were buried with a cutting of a rosebush. That certainly would explain the prevalence of wild roses along the edges of the forest, and perhaps the varied amount of thorny bushes that each of them knew well.
For reasons that may have been entirely their own, the dead chose to rise as well. It was not so uncommon to encounter them wandering, and it was a rule of the tribe to deal summarily with them when they were encountered returning them to the earth with respect. This was one of the core tenets of the tribe that had been taught since birth.
Dusk was falling, and with it came the cooling breeze through the forest. With spring coming, the nights were still relatively cold for those that were not born with fur, and though the time for camping was near, Layali and Aradesh had caught the track of the dead due to a shift in the wind. The dead did not often roam before sundown, but the shade in the trees was often enough for the braver ones to venture out earlier than expected. The dimming light often brought opportunities for them to strike while the other creatures' eyes were adjusting to the oncoming gloom. The insects had just begun their nightly calls, with crickets singing in the underbrush as well as the hoots and calls of the nighttime fauna.
Djon had managed to avoid the undead by a dint of sheer luck as it passed through his area, making too much noise. The forest was dangerous alone, but he was not unskilled, spotting it and avoiding it by climbing a nearby tree. The humanoid body was crouched and feral, ranging through the area with an awareness that was more than the gait of a zombie, likely a ghoul. The tatters of rags on its person gave no indication as to where it may have come from, but it could not have ranged too far yet. Dusk had not truly fallen.
Pulling an arrow tight in her shortbow Layali mutters a prayer while taking aim on the thing, "Sacred sprirts return this restless spirit from our world to yours."
She then lets the arrow fly...
Although Djon had planned on waiting out the abomination seeing another of his kind engage in combat with it changed things. He will draw a bow of his own and take aim if the shot is clear.
Chara quickly clambers up a tree near the group, takes an arrow from her pouch and draws it back.
So impatient.. we could have studied it a bit longer to see what it was doing, no matter we can find out possibly where this creature has been. The undead in this forest fascinate me, maybe another time I can look into it.
She holds her breath for but a moment, then lets go of the draw string and exhales. Whispering under her breath. "Fly my pretty, strike true."
Aradesh didn't hesitate; not for an instant. He belonged to the Rosebarrow tribe and it was his duty to return the shambling dead to their eternal slumber, and to protect his clan. He had smelled the creature (a sharp, unpleasant scent) before he saw it. The second Layali reached for an arrow, the warrior pounced into action. He wordlessly spurred Tandi forward to circle around the decrepit monster at a distance of 30 feet with a deft kick and loosed a chakram with all his might, watching the deadly bladed ring glint when it caught the light as it silently sliced through the air.
Layali rolls her movement opposite of Aradesh's charge to keep a clear line of fire, drawing a second arrow and holding the shot until she sees continued movement from it.
Initiative:
Damage: (1st arrow):
Attack: (2nd arrow):
Damage: (2nd arrow):
As the small horde of catfolk surround the creature, Rethe holds his crossbow at the ready, to avoid ruining the element of surprise by running into battle with it. As the attack begins, he takes aim, and fires.
The bolt goes sailing through the air towards the monster. Once battle is initiated however, he can't help snarling a challenge towards the creature, teeth bared, should it still be shambling around enough to answer it.
All of the attacks land, and the creature barely had time to give a snarl of pain to the first attack before it was felled by the rest of them. The snarl cut short, the ghoul collapsed, dead once again. The sounds of the forest had quieted in the vicinity of it, but seconds after the ghoul had fallen, they resumed. The setting of the sun posed no visibility hazard just yet, and likely would not, if the sky remained clear. The moon was waxing, and weather had been good of late.
Rather flustered at his failed attempt to hide Djon lamely greets his kin with a simple "Hello." and a wave of his hand. Before decending the tree.
After the beast falls to the ground, Rethe watches it warily a moment. When it shows no more movement, he moves up to ascertain whether it is truly dead.
Once assured that it is, he puts away the crossbow and raises a hand in greeting toward the only catfolk he doesn't recognize. "I didn't expect that we'd run into anyone else out here, let alone once night started falling," he says, walking closer to him. "Where are you coming from?"
Once closer however, he slows a bit, then pins his ears back in study for a moment, looking at him more curiously.
Aradesh growls with triumph, not particularly proud of victory with so favorable of odd, but with pride in the quick reactions and recognizable skill he and his fellow feline's displayed. unceremoniously dismounts from Tandi and moves to kneel beside the creature's lifeless form. He digs his claws into the earth near it and starts burrowing into the dirt, working quickly to carve out a shallow hole to give a final interment to the once-shambling corpse.
He briefly glances up to the catfolk he hadn't yet met descending the tree before continuing his work as he speaks.
"Greetings, brother. The forest is not safe for lone travelers these days."
"You will know when you see him." he says. Right well I knew that grin ment no good. Djon shakes his head at the memory before taking out his delivery, a message, and handing it to Rethe. Answering both questions at once he says " Here this is for you. I am traveling from the city to deliver that to him . Probably but what of you all? The lot of you tracking a lone walker? he asks refering to the now slain ghoul. "Nice shooting by the way"
Rethe looks slightly confused as he is handed the message. He's snapped back to attention however as it nearly begins to fly away, without heed of any wind, and he makes a quick grab to hold onto it. "Ugh, stop that," the catfolk mutters, seemingly to himself more than anyone else.
He glances at the message, but looks back before reading it and points a finger toward its messenger. "You... wouldn't happen to be Djon, would you? Djon Wari?" he asks, with a studious look.
Djon nods "Yes most unfortunate one that is the name that was given to me. he glances at Rethe's outstreached hand and accusing finger "You've been waiting for me? he askes hesitantly.
Layali moves in a protective position behind Aradesh, bow and arrow still at the ready. She offers her hand axe to Aradesh as a make-shift shovel. Loud enough for everyone to hear she says, "There is a foul scent on the wind, there may be others yet about."
Tacking the scent:
As she watches Aradesh work, "Your spirit is again free to fly, soar now and trouble those of us who remain no further. We return your body to the earth from which we all come and to which we all return."
After Rethe asks the newcomer his name Layali's ears turn then her head, raising an eyebrow she asks, "A friend of your's Rethe? He smells of men."
Rethe grins at Djon, showing a flash of teeth. "Well, coming to find you actually, in addition to a... different matter," he says, looking back toward the rest of his companions, and gesturing towards Layali and Aradesh in particular, busy about their work. "I think they've had a bit more experience with the situation than I, so they could probably explain better."
As Layali asks her question, Rethe contemplates it. "He, um..." He pauses a moment, thinking. "Well... it's a little complicated?" he finishes, seeming confused himself.
Rethe turns back to Djon, looking a bit flustered now. "From what I understand, the elders think that your skills could likely come in handy for dealing with this situation. And..." he awkwardly scratches the back of his head a moment, seemingly at a loss for words. "I know, um... or I guess you're probably still not happy with that old... 'incident' that ended up causing your departure? But you are welcome back to the tribe... if you wish it, anyway."
He looks somewhat embarrassed as he speaks and his tail twitches a bit agitatedly before he falls silent.
Layali moves in a protective position behind Aradesh, bow and arrow still at the ready. She offers her hand axe to Aradesh as a make-shift shovel. Loud enough for everyone to hear she says, "There is a foul scent on the wind, there may be others yet about."
Aradesh nods his thanks and accepts the axe, the leverage it provides hastens his work. "I smell it too," he replies solemnly. "I hate that stench; it makes by fur stand on-end." He looks up to Layali. "Should I ever fall in service to the elders or the tribe, please ensure that I never become such a monstrosity...by any means neccessary," the powerful warrior implores seriously. He then remains quiet and respectful as Layali preforms a brief rite. Still kneeling, Aradesh's ears curiously keep turned toward the new-comer, though elects not to speak further for the time being.
"I. See. Djon takes a moment to consider the implications of returning to the tribe before saying. "If the tribe requires my service it would be foolish to decline such an offer. I do so miss the old life humans can be... difficult. he finishes with a grin of his own.
Nodding to Aradesh Layali agrees, "Though it would break my heart, know that I would never hesitate." Turning her face away, exposing the nape of her neck she says "And I expect no less from you."
Approaching Djon and Rethe, Layali releases the tention on her bowstring and puts the arrow back in it's place. "I will speak plainly to you Djon, something you may not be accustomed to dealing with men." Layali's tail sways in quick, short burts from side to side and her ears turn out slightly, "I am Layali Amani, a huntress of Rosebarrow." She bows her head slightly, leaning in but never breaking eye contact. "We track a beast, though not like this restless spirt. A wolf of sorts, something troubling. The Elders bid us to find what answers we could, and Elder Kalthiss seemed to know that you were coming. Their wisdom is that your shame is past, my hope is that you do not bring shame on us."
Djon returns the greeting with a bow of his own before respondng with "Djon Wari. I am a hunter of sorts and will do what I can to aid in your endeavors. I can say that my" Djon glances once again to Rethe"that my past will remain in the past. Facing Layali once again I make no promises for the future Layali. I have become accustomed to the ways of others, outside of the tribe, but I will do whatever is needed of me for the sake of my homeland.
Chara takes in much of what they are discussing though makes little comment at the incident between the two acquaintances.
I wonder, they must be on edge. After such a small quarry they are talking of subjects far deeper than what would be called for at current time.
Chara opens up a notebook and starts to scribble down a few notes about her new companion. Closing it she introduces herself. "I'm Chara Ring, pleasure to meet you. Let us tarry not in the past and shall we be amicable to each other now despite past 'hindrances'? What is important now is the task at hand." She giggles.
Chara grins slightly then shoots Layali a glance. "So our hunters noses have caught something? Shall we follow the smell? I'd love to see what this creature is. Or maybe what this smell could be?" She hums to herself rocking back and forth from her heels to toes however momentarily waiting for an answer.
A curious one I see. I must not make bad pun I will not do it. Djon takes a deep breath before saying "Agreed, Chara. No sense in wasting time lets be on our way"
Chara gives Djon a slight jab in the ribs. "Hehe, that's more like it. No need to get uptight quite so early in the mission." Closing her eyes Chara gives Djon a wide smile, she then places her hands behind her head wondering where the hunters will lead them.
Let's see if I can get this band to laugh before we see any horrible stuff. Should soften the blow. Wear your best smile till the time comes.
Laylai nods at Chara, her mouth open slightly as she sniffs the air again. "This way." She turns on her heel stalking of into the forest silently.
Aradesh rises and deftly mounts Tandi, nodding grimly to the others as he does. "The elders would not be pleased if we paused long for idle chat. Layali, would you lead us? I believe your senses are sharper than mine."
Laylai nods at Chara, her mouth open slightly as she sniffs the air again. "This way." She turns on her heel stalking of into the forest silently.
The powerfully built catfolk wheels his steed to face Djon. "I am Aradesh; formally of Clan Ironwood, and in service Elder Sajar of Tribe Rosebarrow. If the elders deem you of our blood despite whatever transgressions have occured in the past, then I am your claw and your shield."
Djon piers over the steed to look at Aradesh"I am honored Aradesh of Ironwood, and offer you the same my brother."
As the conversation moves to lighter (if still macabre) topics, Rethe smiles, looking somewhat relieved. "Sounds good. The past can stay where it is as far as I'm concerned," he says. As the group begins moving, he falls into step, following the trackers.
As they go, he unrolls the message he received from Djon, and begins reading, taking care not to lose his footing as he multitasks.
Laylai nods at Chara, her mouth open slightly as she sniffs the air again. "This way." She turns on her heel stalking of into the forest silently.
Chara lets out a whistle. Then extends her arm in the direction of Layali. "Onwards!" She bounds forward to catch up with the other lady of the group. As soon as Chara reaches Layali she stays just behind her trying to stay quiet. Chara's tail is nearly touching the floor and swishing side to side excitedly brushing up the occasional leaf.
Rethe cocks his head to the side after checking the message, then looks over towards Djon. "This is... an interesting delivery," he says, holding up a blank page. "You get this from anyone in particular?" he asks, with a chuckle.
Djon turns and scratches his chin in thought"Nope just a normal job and I didn't ask. Usually don't actually didn't know it was for you either I was just told I would know him when I saw him. That's all."
"Heh, fair enough then," Rethe responds. He stashes the scroll deep in his backpack, so as to make sure it doesn't go missing sometime when he's not looking - a practice he's long grown accustomed to.
With that done, he draws the morningstar at his belt, and idly taps it to his free hand a few times, keeping his eyes open for anything that looks suspect or threatening as the group advances.
The scent is surprisingly easy to track for Layali, and only gets stronger as she goes, the breeze working in her favor as they traveled through the canopy of the woods. For those used to the forest, the thinning was evident as they traveled. After not too long, they knew that they would find the scrub at the forest edges, and perhaps a nearby road.
The forest becomes quieter and quieter, making their steps even more audible, and the smell that Layali was following was becoming faintly evident even to those without senses of smell as keen as others. The dead were rarely found above ground like this.. What had happened?
There has been death here recently. The number of scents is muddled, but it is possible that there are three others besides whatever it may be that you are smelling. The scents are similar to the undead killed earlier. The closer you get, the harder it is to not react to the stench.
"This smells... pleasant. I can't imagine what you are smelling Layali."
Chara climbs up a nearby tree to get a better view and see if she can find where the majority of the stench is coming from.
Layali looks up at Chara in her tree perch, "Between Djon's man-stench and tacking carrion, I've definitely had better hunts."
Looking around the thinning forest, her ears lowering "There were more men, 3 or 4 in total it seems. I believe something attacked and killed them all, and if that ghoul was one of them..."
"Rethe, this is a topic more suited to your expertise is it not?" Layali's tail twitches with obvious agitation as her hand rests on her quiver for comfort.
Perception:
Djon will move for cover at ground level and hide after drawing his bow.
After looking around Chara swings down on her perch still hanging onto the branch with her legs bringing herself closer to Layali.
"What's wrong with man-stench? I'm sure you should be used to that by now? Or is it his that is distracting you?" She giggles as she asks. Her tail hanging past her head now swinging broadly from side to side. If Layali is in reach she'll prod her with it.
Layali turns to face Chara, lowering her voice "Humans disgust me, besides there are other scents that are much preferable."
Chara swings her torso a bit so a journal drops from her pocket. She catches it and opens it taking the quill from it she starts to write something. "Ah humans, I can understand the resentment." She brings the book closer to her face writing something down.
Calling out to everyone Layali says, "I believe we should ready our weapons and search the area. There are corpses near."
Aradesh allows his claws to entreat past his fingertips. With one hand he readies a chakram, but he keeps the other open. His ears stay alert and turn toward the woods around. "Stay close. No cat should be caught alone."
"Rethe, this is a topic more suited to your expertise is it not?" Layali's tail twitches with obvious agitation as her hand rests on her quiver for comfort.
Rethe closes his eyes a moment, sorting through memories not all his own.
Coming back to attention, he looks around as Layali calls for the search, nodding. He readies his buckler on his free arm, and takes a look around the area, as he gets his bearings back.
He squints however and shakes his head, slightly disoriented still after his communal with ancient ghosts.
Layali says "I have a tactical suggestion how we should approach that." She points at the overturned wagon in the distance. "Aradesh and Tandi can ride wide, holding a charge lane on the far westen side (D6). Chara, you can take position on top of that large bolder there directly south of the wagon (F5). Djon and I can sneak up the eastern edge using the trees as cover to that large boulder (J2). Rethe, you lucky spirit talker, you can walk right up there and see what the Ancestors have to say about all this. (G3)"
Djon nods in agreement his eyes and ears on alert. "Seems sound. Lead the way Huntress."
Rethe listens and at the mention of taking point he grins, punching the hand holding his weapon into the other. "Certainly," he says, with a nod.
"Before everyone moves off though," he says to stop them, then closes his eyes and hangs his head.
"Ancestors, guide our hands," he mutters, his voice taking on an odd tone. Pale green figures, vaguely catfolk and nearly imperceptible, seem to dance through the air around the group, just for a brief second, before vanishing back into mist. Yet an aura of courage remains in their wake.
Rethe opens his eyes, blinking as a green glow fades out to leave them with their normal coloration. He nods his head to his allies, and moves to take his position as the rest of them do.
Chara smiles back at Layali.
That's a smile on one, another 3 to go. Can't say it will work but it's good to dream.
Chara swings down from the tree and draws her bow.
"Layali I can slip them up if need be or distract them with an illusion. I'm okay with staying out of the way on the boulder. Good luck to all, stay safe."
She crouches down ready to dart forward when the plan is to go off.
Aradesh nods once to Layali, chakram still in hand. "Wise positioning," he comments, before having Tandi start to slowly and quietly slip off toward his assigned positioning. "Thank you, brother," he says to the oracle after Rethe casts his spell, "Honor be with you.". As he goes he reaches to his steed's side and draws the lance he has there. It looks more a crude spear to, etched and painted in the tribal patterns of Ironwood, but as trusty as any forged weapon.
Layali says "Ancestors, guide our paws." and slinks off.
Stealth:
Perception:
"Right behind you" Djon wispers and crouches low
As Rethe cautiously approaches the wagon parked between the trees, he can make nothing of any particular detail out, save that the wagon seems to be in fair repair, decorated with colors that are somewhat bright, even in the moonlight. There are colorful piles of clothing scattered haphazardly about the immediate area. There is no sign of the horses that may have been tethered to the wagon, or any signs of habitation. As the light further dims, there is more and more reliance upon the light of the waxing moon.
The others are moving into position when Layali has to resist becoming nauseous from the strength of the stench that she had been smelling. From her vantage point, she can see something wearing far too many clothes shift slightly in a near-flat crouch, before she can make out more of it, realizing that it was a creature similar to what they had been following before.
G1Stealth:
G2Stealth:
G3Stealth:
GhStealth:
Layali Fort:
G1Perc:
G2Perc:
G3Perc:
GhPerc:
Chara readies an action till she gets a clear shot on any creature that isn't a friend. She will let an arrow fly as soon as that opportunity comes round.