GM Giuseppe's Price of Immortality (Inactive)

Game Master Giuseppe Capriati

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Round 4

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Merephel hears Shirzon's call, and runs up to the orc. She swings with the force of her run, putting all her weight behind it.

"Get...away...from...my FRIENDS!!"

______________________________________

Merephel charges the orc, attacking with her shortspear.

1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Korech stares stupidly at Shirzon for a moment before his eyes go wide and he starts nodding, his temper fading. He starts grabbing his neck.

"Ow! Ow! Merephel I too hurt for fight, you need fight for me!"

As Merephel bravely rushes in to swipe at the orcs, Korech stops holding his neck and watches Merephel closely.

=========
Round 4
=========

Once Calden figures out what Shirzon and Korech are trying to do, he gives them an angry scowl. That's just mean, making her think you're in real danger. He can remember vividly his terror when he saw the axe being lodged in Korech's neck.

He keeps on with his soothing approach, even as he watches Merephel charge bravely with her spear. "You see? It's not real. Your spear should go right through..." Should I ask her just to let it hit her? Would she trust us that far? Would I?

=======================
ROUND 4
=======================

Merephel charges the orc with her glaive, and once her shortspear pierce the creature's body, she recognizes that the orc is not real too. When she does, all of the orcs, including those lying to the ground, suddenly vanish.

Combat is over!

---

The fight against the illusory orcs was tough, but in the end it was just an illusion: no one has been injured despite what your mind has shown you.

---

Calden, Korech, Merephel and Shirzon start traveling again. You are able to travel for most of the day in peace. Following the map is relatively easy, and once you've combined your map pieces*, Korech has an additional resource to guide you**. His lead is sure and confident, and the half-orc proves able to guide you into the wilderness smoothly.

=======================
Date – Neth 4th 4710 AR
Time – Sunset
=======================

You have followed the map for most of the day: the sunlight begins to fade now and a cold wind begins to rattle through the leafless forest. There is now no sign of civilization in sight. Probably, you've never been so far from home in your life, and no one is going to come to your aid if you get in trouble. Establishing a safe camp where to spend the approaching night is the first order of business.

---

With his companions' aid, Korech is able to spot a suitable place where to camp for the night, locating a nice level spot, surrounded on three sides by a thicket of bushes.
There is plenty of dry wood to be found to start a fire, and the rations can be cooked into a fine stew if everyone contributes***.

=======================
Date – Neth 4th 4710 AR
Time – Evening
=======================

The sun has gone down, and everything around you is dark and silent, expect from your small campfire and the noise of the forest. You're sitting around the campfire, talking to each other to ward off the fear beginning to tighten its grip on your Young hearts as the night gets more and more dark and cold.

=======================
Date – Neth 4th 4710 AR
Time – 1 hour later
=======================

______________________________________
* A picture of the full map has been added to our campaign gallery. Take a look at it!

** I've been thinking about this matter for a few days, and I've decided that to speed up things only one successful Survival check is needed to avoid getting lost each day, instead of each hour.

*** Each of you should remove a ration from her/his equipment.

Today I aim for 3 posts. You have time until 09:00 p.m. GMT+1 (01:00 p.m. for Korech, 12:00 a.m. for Shirzon and Merephel) to answer to this post. I will post again at 9 p.m. GMT+1 to move things along. Everyone who won’t have acted yet will be botted or I’ll have he/she delay his/her action. I'm then going to ask you to post again before 12:00 p.m. GMT+1 (04:00 p.m. for Korech, 03:00 p.m. for Shirzon and Merephel) and before 09:00 a.m. GMT+1 (01:00 a.m. for Korech, 12:00 p.m. for Merephel and Shirzon).

As soon as the orcs disappear, Calden visibly relaxes, relieved that their first 'fight' turned out to be harmless. An image comes to his mind then, of one of Vargidan's sons sitting at a table in Terri estate, playing a game of chess with pieces resembling orcs while laughing wickedly. Turning back to the direction they came from, Calden shouts "I hate magic!" into the woods, with a certainty that only a teenager could muster.

With that off his chest, he spins on his heels and rounds on Shirzon, pointing an accusing finger at her. "And you! Do you think this is a joke? Scaring her like that, saying Korech was about to die, when you knew it was all fake?" He scowls at the half-orcs both, while shifting his backpack. "That's just cruel."

He starts walking in the direction they were heading in, without looking back. "Let's get going, this place gives me the creeps."

I'll have time for another post before 9 pm, to describe Calden during the rest of the trip and the evening. Figured I'd get this out of the way first, so the others could respond to it.

-Posted with Wayfinder

With the illusions dispatched, Korech lets out a breath of relief before he springs to his feet, snatching up his bow and the lantern. He shakes his head in disgust.

"Me hate magic too. Mean trick. Probly to teach stuff. Don't care. And Shirzon try and get Merephel to fight. It's good idea. You good, Merephel?"

===============

Later that Evening

===============

Korech finishes setting up the camp, and with the use of Merephel's flint, easily starts up a fire for the group. He donates his rations to the stew before he sets up his tent and blanket. As he works, he suddenly pauses, tilting his head to the side.*

"Hear that? Howls, then howls stop. Maybe wolves. If they no howl, they done talking."

Korech tosses his pack into his tent and grabs his bow and axe. With bow in hand he starts pacing the camp, looking into the woods warily.

* Taking 10 on perception for 16. Also taking 10 on knowledge nature for 14 for what Korech knows about wolves.

Shirzon breathes out a sigh of relief when the orcs disappear, and goes to gather her dropped items. She's just getting her second pack back on when Calden scolds her. ”In case you hadn't noticed, Tigg, I'm not one of the ‘orcs' out to get you. I scared Angorat? What about whoever whipped up a bunch of illusions to mess with us!” she snarls in response. ”Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you all, I'm a powerful wizard and I go around scaring travelers with fake threats and turning my farts green.” The sarcasm is palpable. ”Telling me it wasn't real didn't help, but trying to hit it did. And it worked for her, right? So get off my back.”

---

Shirzon can't fail a DC 5 Perception check.
Once camp is set up and food is in everyone's bellies, Shirzon relaxes, lying against a log she's set up to lean against. She perks up at a sound in the distance, but brushes it off as just forest sounds. When it returns an hour later, though, she seems more concerned. ”I heard it too. Sounded like howling. And it sounds like it got closer. What should we do?” she asks, looking to Korech. He was the preeminent survivalist here, and he seemed to know what he was doing in the woods. Wish there was someplace to get some mead around here. Maybe some wine.

Apparently Merephel couldn't help set up camp. I'm not even a little surprised.
Also, Merephel, like Shirzon, cannot fail a DC 5 Perception check.

Merephel hadn't said a word to anyone in hours. After the fight, she shrugged off anyone talking to her, and had wordlessly handed Korech her flint. As they set up camp, she put up her own tent, laid out her bedroll, and then sat in it. For hours. She was obviously very shaken up. She didn't stir when the wolf howled; the only indicator she heard it was a slight widening of her eyes.

Calden isn't mollified. "Don't try to be the victim here. I know you didn't send those orcs. I'm just saying, if people are trying to trick us, we have to stick together. This time the orcs were harmless, but maybe we're not so lucky next time. We have to depend on each other, be honest to one another." He leaves it at that, although he can't help but give Shirzon another look when it becomes apparent how shaken Merephel is.

--

Calden keeps a close eye on Merephel during the setting up of camp and the cooking, but leaves her alone. He takes out the book from his backpack and tries to read by the light of the campfire. He's still nervous though, looking up and peering into the woods every other minute. When the howling sounds, he's on his feet immediately, the book completely forgotten. "What was that? Korech? Wolves...?" He paces around the fire, looking into the darkness. "Can you see anything? You two can see, right? What do you mean, 'done talking'?" His voice is more than a bit unsteady.

After a while, he checks up at Merephel's tent. "How are you holding up? It's ok, we're keeping a close watch." When the howling stops, Calden consults with the two half-orcs, dropping his voice so Merephel won't hear. "What do you think? Is it another magic trick?"

Can't fail DC 5 perception.

=======================
Date – Neth 4th 4710 AR
Time – Night
=======================

After stopping for almost an hour, the howling suddenly begin echoing again. This time, the howls are not simple threats: they bring actual wolves with them. Calden and Korech spots two wolves, while Shirzon is able to notice only one of them. Merephel is so shaken up that she doesn't notice any wolf at all.

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SURPRISE ROUND
=======================

The wolves quickly close in to engage their prey in melee, trying to bite them as soon as the chance arises*. Now everyone can see two wolves, ready to attack. A third wolf has managed to avoid detection and lunges at Korech after coming up from behind a tree. The wolf hits Korech, sinking its teeth deep in Korech's calf. With a brusque yank of his head, the creature also tries to knock Korech onto the floor, but the half-orc proves sturdy enough to remain standing**.

---

---

INITIATIVE ORDER ****

• Wolves
  
• Shirzon
  
• Korech
  
• Calden
  
• Merephel
  

** Korech takes 5 points of damage!

*** Korech has already succeeded at this check.

**** Only characters in bold can act during the surprise round. And remember: you can only take a standard or a move action during a surprise round.

Roll20 map updated!

When we're in combat, I expect you to post more frequently; after all, the posts tend to be less long and descriptive while you're fighting enemies. As a consequence, you have time until 12:00 p.m. GMT+1 (04:00 p.m. for Korech, 03:00 p.m. for Shirzon and Merephel) to answer to this post. I will post again at 12 p.m. GMT+1 to move things along. Everyone who won’t have acted yet will be botted or I’ll have he/she delay his/her action.

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Surprise Round

=========

Korech continues to pace camp, looking around wildly as he's sure something is coming.

"There! Two wolves! Get re--AAUUUGH!"

The sturdy half-orc lets out a scream as the wolf bites his calf, and he quickly throws his bow to the ground, yanking the greataxe from his back. His eyes are wide with fright he spies the snarling creature. Gripping the enormous axe, he chops straight down in an attempt to sever the wolf's spine.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

I'm writing this as you set up the map, so Korech is attacking whichever one attacked him. :)

=======================
SURPRISE ROUND
=======================

Knowledge (Nature): 1d20 ⇒ 14

Shirzon scans the tree line for the wolves, spotting one and keeping a close watch on it. She jumps as Korech cries out in pain, wincing at the sight of the wound on his leg. She pulls a mace from her belt and shifts into a better position. "Look at these starving mongrels! Try throwing some food to distract them before they eat us!"

Move action to draw a weapon, five foot step. I can't actually access Roll20 by the post time, so could someone else move me five feet? I want to try to move into (or toward) flanking, or avoid being flanked myself.

Calden's eyes go wide when he spots the two wolves, eyes seeming to burn in the darkness from the reflection of their camp fire. He tries to warn Korech, but finds himself staring down at one of the animals. "Aaah!"

Faced with an actual snarling and snapping wolf, all thought of illusions vanish from Calden's mind. He desperately kicks at the creature's snout, hoping to scare it off. "Nice idea," he says to Shirzon's suggestion with a shaking voice, "but do you think the stew would do?"

"Merephel, help!"

--

Knowledge Nature, take 10: 10 = 10

Unarmed attack, then a 5-foot step back.

Attack, unarmed: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
Damage, unarmed: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

=======================
SURPRISE ROUND
=======================

Korech manages to sever the wolf's spine as intended, while Shirzon moves closer to face the beasts and Calden tries without any success to kick the wolf before him.

=======================
ROUND 1
=======================

The two remaining wolves focus their attacks against Korech and Calden, respectively. The starving wolves are hungry, and their bites are fiercely violent. The wolf in front of Calden moves towards the human and sinks its teeth deep in Calden's right arm. Writhing its head, the wolf also manages to knock Calden onto the floor*. The other wolf attack Korech, managing to bite his left arm and to knock him onto the floor too**.

---

INITIATIVE ORDER

• Wolves
  
• Shirzon
  
• Korech
  
• Calden
  
• Merephel
  

______________________________________
* Calden takes 5 points of damage and is prone!

** Korech takes 5 points of damage and is prone!

Roll20 map updated!

You have time until 12:00 p.m. GMT+1 (04:00 p.m. for Korech, 03:00 p.m. for Shirzon and Merephel) to answer to this post. I will post again at 12:00 p.m. GMT+1 to move things along. Everyone who won’t have acted yet will be botted or I’ll have he/she delay his/her action.

=======================
ROUND 1
=======================

Shirzon hops over the corner of the campfire, getting behind the wolf that pulled Korech down. She yanks her other weapon from her belt as well, crouched and alert. With a fierce yell, Shirzon swings her weapon at the starving beast's showing ribs. "Raaaaargh!"

Light mace, flanking: 1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 2 = 4

A burning ember leaps from the fire and lands on her arm, though, and the weapon whiffs by as Shirzon curses in pain and surprise.

Five foot step up and left into flanking, move action draw, standard action natural 1 whiff. So much for not getting in to flanking!

=======================
ROUND 1
=======================

Calden tries not to cry out when the wolf latches on to his arm, but the force is too much to bear and he has to fall prone to prevent his arm from being ripped to shreds. He tries with all his might to keep the wolf's mouth away from him with his good arm, while he tries to stand up. He winces loudly when he has to push himself up with his wounded arm. "Unngh..."

Total defense as a standard action (for +4 AC), then stand up. This provokes an attack of opportunity.

=========
Round 1
=========

Korech crashes heavily to the ground, bleeding profusely as the wolf drags him down by the arm. His face is pale and drawn as he looks around, trying desperately to figure out what to do. Seeing Calden's measured, careful approach to getting back to his feet, Korech follows suit.

Full defense for +4 AC, standing to provoke AoO.

=========

Round 1

=========

Merephel's reaction time had slowed. It took the sounds of pains, Calden screaming her name, and seeing her companions fall to wake her from her stupor.

She leapt up, drawing her holy symbol as she stood.

"SHELYNBLESSMEANDKEEPMESAFEINMYTIMEOFNEED!"

Her words ran together as she spoke, obviously having used this prayer before. Before she had even quite finished the prayer, she was lurching forward to aid her companions.
______________________________________

Merephel stands up as a move action, casts Shield of Faith on herself, and takes a 5-foot step towards her allies. GM, I will leave her AC alone, since she doesn't have her shield on, but the Shield of Faith is the same bonus to AC. Same result that way.

I can't access Roll20 on the work computer, or on mobile. Can someone send me forward a 5-foot Step?

=======================
ROUND 2
=======================

The wolves quickly catch the opportunity offered by Calden and Korech: they try to bite their enemies while they stand up, but both Calden and Korech have raised their defenses already, and manage to avoid the attacks.

INITIATIVE ORDER

• Wolves
  
• Shirzon
  
• Korech
  
• Calden
  
• Merephel
  

______________________________________

You have time until 9:00 a.m. GMT+1 (01:00 a.m. for Korech, 00:00 a.m. for Shirzon and Merephel) to answer to this post. I will post again at 09:00 a.m. GMT+1 to move things along. Everyone who won’t have acted yet will be botted or I’ll have he/she delay his/her action.

=======================
ROUND 2
=======================

Emboldened by the fact that he managed to get up, and by hearing Merephel's voice behind him, Calden pressed his advantage, trying once more to scare the beast off. He tries for a quick strike with the side of his hand on the wolf's muzzle, then steps aside for a kick in its flank. "We can drive them off!"

--

5-foot step to the side, then an unarmed flurry of blows.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Attack 2: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
Damage: 1d6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Seems like we're lucky not to be hit this round. It looked scary, with both of us prone.

=======================
ROUND 2
=======================

Merephel ran forward, holy symbol still in hand. She ran to the campfire, and called out.

"Shelyn! Grant your Grace, and cause these grievous wounds to mar my companions no more!"

__________________________

Merephel moves adjacent to the fire, and channels energy. She is excluding the injured wolves, as per her Selective Channeling feat. She should be able to reach both injured PCs.

1d6 ⇒ 1

Nuts, only one HP of healing. Sheesh.

=======================
ROUND 2
=======================

Shirzon lashes out with quick strikes, trying to take out the distracted wolf as it bites Korech.

Light mace, flanking, TWF: 1d20 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 2 - 2 = 18
Damage, sneak attack: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (5) = 8

Light mace, flanking, TWF: 1d20 + 1 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (7) + 1 + 2 - 2 = 8

=========
Round 2
=========

Flanking with Shirzon, Korech leans on his good leg before sweeping his axe down brutally.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 = 23 Damage: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Standard to attack.

=======================
ROUND 2
=======================

Thanks to Korech and Shirzon, another wolf goes down.

=======================
ROUND 3
=======================

The last wolf desperately tries to bite Calden, but the young Kassenian manages to avoid the creature's attack jumping back and then quickly regaining his position.

INITIATIVE ORDER

• Wolves
  
• Shirzon
  
• Korech
  
• Calden
  
• Merephel
  

______________________________________

======================
ROUND 3
======================

Merephel cries out, something between a shriek of fear, and a yelp of elation. She raises her holy symbol higher, and calls out.

"Shelyn, impart unto us thine Divine Beauty, and wipe the stress of battle from our brow!"

_______________________

Merephel channels positive energy again, excluding the last wolf and the downed wolf closest to her.

1d6 ⇒ 2

======================
ROUND 3
======================

Sweating and focused, Shirzon swings wildly at the last wolf, hoping to stave off any more injuries to their group by smashing this predator into submission.

Light mace, TWF, flanking: 1d20 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 1 - 2 + 2 = 16
Damage, sneak attack: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (5) + 1 + (1) = 7

Light mace, TWF, flanking: 1d20 + 1 - 2 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 1 - 2 + 2 = 14
Damage, sneak attack: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 1 + (6) = 11

=======================
ROUND 3
=======================

With a double hit, Shirzon knocks the last wolf down. The half-orc is gifted with a surprising skill at fighting, or at least this is what she has shown in the fight: not everyone would be able to wield two weapons simultaneously and still manage to hit his opponents.

It has been a tough fight, the very first real threat for the young Kassenians: these wolfs were not illusions, as Korech's and Calden's wounds prove clearly.

Combat is over!

---

The rest of the night is uneventful. Fearing to be attacked again, you alternate in guard duty for the night, but when the sun slowly rises on the horizon, no other threat has come to menace you.

______________________________________
Merephel, if you want to spend your remaining channel energy uses or convert your last spell into a cure spell to heal the party please make your rolls in your next post. When you'll wake up, you'll recover all of your spells and special abilities as normal.

=======================
Date – Neth 5th 4710 AR
Time – Dawn
=======================

When the sun rises on the horizon, the Fangwood is cold and covered in dew. The forest is silent. You can hear the birds chirping, but otherwise you would say the forest is waking up with you.

You rearrange your things, put out the campfire, dismantle your tents and roll up your bedroll. You're now ready to depart again. Korech consults the map and leads you through the forest once again.

=======================
Date – Neth 5th 4710 AR
Time – Morning
=======================

Early in the day, your trail leads you to the shores of the Gray Lake, where you can refill your waterskins and stop for a quick rest.

---

The trees begin to thin, revealing a field of short, green grass that leads to the shores of a wide, calm lake reflecting the overcast sky above. A dense fog hangs over the center of the lake, obscuring the far side. Near the shore of the lake, a dark form lies next to the water.

---

When you move closer, you find out that the dark form belongs to a human corpse, most of his gear rotted to worthless.

______________________________________
You have time until 8 p.m. GMT+1 (12:00 a.m. for Korech, 11:00 a.m. for Shirzon and Merephel) to answer to this post. I will post again at 8 p.m. GMT+1 to move things along. Everyone who won’t have acted yet will be botted or I’ll have he/she delay his/her action. If you want to post more and before the deadline you're welcome of course!

Calden lowers himself down on his haunches. He flexes and tightens his right hand while looking at his arm. It still hurts a bit, but Merephel's prayers seemed to have taken care of the most severe parts of the wound. He pats the flank of the dead wolf before standing up and walking to Korech.

"You look like you're hurt," he says, pointing to the half-orc's wound. "You'd best let Merephel take a look at that." Whispering, he adds "She looks pretty shaken and could probably do with something to take her mind off the fight. You know, someone to talk to." He gives Korech an encouraging push in the the direction of Merephel's tent.

He then glances from the dead wolves to Shirzon, looking embarrassed. Best get this over with. "Shirzon, you were really... impressive. I think we would have fared a lot worse, if it weren't for you." He feels at the wound on his arm, silent for a bit. "I'm sorry about what I said earlier. I was just frustrated, I guess. And spooked. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."

-Posted with Wayfinder

Korech's wounded leg gives out as the last wolf goes down. He almost falls, but props himself up, leaning his axe on the ground. As Calden checks over his wounds and gives him some advice, Korech drops a spare nod, trying to ignore the pain.

"Merephel? Can you help?"

He looks over the group for a second.

Merephel has her god-magic, and Shirzon and Calden are far tougher than I would have given them credit for. Maybe we were picked because we can fight? Acchhh-- my leg hurts.

Korech somewhat awkwardly claps Shirzon on the shoulder in thanks before he crashes to the ground by Merephel. Wincing, he looks at her seriously.

"You okay? Scary fight. You very brave. Have uh... faith."

======

Later on that day

======

Taking 10 on perception and KN local.

Korech leans by the lake, filling up the waterskin, and pleased with the progress made to date. He then spots the corpse, calling it out to the rest of the group. Moving over, he examines it, retrieving a shortsword and some money.

"Hmph... good sword. Small for me. Anyone use? Very good. Lots of money too..."

He pokes at the body.

"Not from Kassen I think."

Shirzon stands over the bruised wolves, panting heavily. She hooks her weapons back on her belt, and wipes the sweat from her temples. Korech puts a hand on her shoulder, and she jumps a little bit. She nods at him, still too tense with adrenaline to form proper words. I've never actually killed anything like this before. Not in a proper lethal fight. Poor bastards, they look like they're half starved…

”Huh?” she responds when Calden starts talking to her. She wets her cracked lips with her tongue before speaking, trying to will her body to calm down. ”Uh, thanks, Tigg. It helped that they were distracted by you two.” Looking back at the wolves and the campfire, Shirzon is surprised again when Calden apologizes. She looks at him, speechless for a moment, before she grins. ”Yeah, you shouldn't have. But I get it. Apology accepted. You want a drink?” Shirzon goes to her pack, and fishes out the bottle of brandy. She removes the cork with her dagger, takes a long pull, and offers Calden a drink before putting the stopper back in and going to sleep.

=======================
The next morning
=======================

Take 10 on Perception and Knowledge (Local)

Heal: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

”I think you're right, Korech. It looks like he's from the city.” Shirzon removes her cloak, wrapping it around her face like an oversized scarf to reduce the smell of the rotting body. She gets closer, removing the body's valuables and checking it over. Satisfied, she steps away from it, fixing her cloak and breathing in fresh air again. ”Looks like a snake got him. And a big one at that. Body's at least a few months old, though - I've seen something like it when Grimscar and I found this logger in the woods that went missing.” Shirzon draws the shortsword from its scabbard to look it over. Finding its weight to her liking, she re-sheathes it and hooks the scabbard belt around her waist.

Calden is relieved that his apology is accepted. He declines the offer for the brandy, though, again looking embarrassed. "Thanks for the offer, but the scriptures don't allow for alcohol." He adds a couple of hasty words. "Well, there's a lot of rules, but I don't have to follow them all. Not yet, at least. Ilimara said this one is important, though."

=======================
The next morning
=======================

The next morning, Calden eats his breakfast in silence. In the light, he retrieves his book, which was forgotten the night before. There's some blood spatters on the pages he was reading.
After breakfast, Calden takes a short half hour for his exercise. Finding a good spot just off from the camp, he moves through various forms, like he's fighting with opponents coming from all directions, in slow-motion. When he is done, he returns to the camp. He sits staring into the dying embers of the campfire for another ten minutes, unblinking and unmoving.

--

Take 10 on Perception for 16 and Take 10 on Knowledge Local for 10.

When they find the body by the lake, Calden keeps a cautious lookout while the others investigate. Another illusion? He draws closer when it's clear that there is not danger. His eyes go wide at the amount of gold in the man's pouch. He sounds awed. "Definately not from around here, I'd say. He must have been a rich man, carrying that much gold." Calden thinks of his entire life savings, 10 thin gold coins. "Do you think he's from Tamran? Maybe everyone has this much money, in the city?"

Sorry it took me so long to post; we had a crazy storm last night. I couldn't post from home, so I had to wait until I got into work. As for healing,I would like to convert my remaining spell. Merephel will continue to channel energy until everyone is healed, or she runs out. Korech is worst off, so he gets the Cure Light Wounds.

1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

First Channel 1d6 ⇒ 4

EDIT: That looks like enough healing. She will save the rest.

Merephel will take 10 on Perception and Knowledge Local. That is a 12 on Perception, and a 10 on Knowledge Local. She will roll for Heal.
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

After the fight, Merephel is still running on a battle high. Her blond hair is disheveled, her eyes wild, and she looks a little crazy. She looks around franticly, obviously still in the throws of battle. It isn't until Korech limps over that she realizes that the fight is won.

"Korech! You're hurt! Sit, sit. Let me help you."

She lays her hands upon his wounds, and mutters a prayer under her breath.

"Shelyn...heal this man...restore his strength...make him whole."

She stands, and calls out to the group.

"Anyone still hurt, come here. I shall heal you."

Raising her holy symbol aloft, she chants a prayer, and pure, holy light emits from her holy symbol, covering everyone in soothing warmth.

=======================
The Next Morning
=======================

When the party finds the body, she rushs over, and immediately starts examining it. She works intently, and quickly.

"None of you knew this man, then? I suppose we should try to find his family, if he has any. They would want to know..."

=======================
Date – Neth 5th 4710 AR
Time – Noon
=======================

Leaving the Gray Lake behind, the you travel for about 3 hours to reach the valley that contains the Crypt of the Everflame. The trees in this part of the forest are very old and quite gnarled. The weather makes the journey even more miserable, as a cold rain begins to fall halfway through this part of the forest. When you reach the valley, you can see the following scene.

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The trail leads ever deeper into the Fangwood, through a twisting maze of trees and confusing ravines. As it tops a small rise, a broad valley spreads out before it, the opposite side of which looks like a writhing serpent. Yet between the two lies a steep hill sloping down into the valley. A cold rain starts to fall, making the ground slick and treacherous.

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This part of the Fangwood is particularly dense, making it a thorn-covered maze of bushes, treacherous roots, and uneven rocks. The map that you were given leads to this valley (called Serpent Gorge), marking the crypt at its bottom. Getting there, however, might prove to be a challenge.

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Navigating the slope: Navigating the slope takes at least half an hour, and each of you must make three DC 10 Acrobatics checks to avoid sliding down the slope. You cannot take 10 on these checks.

If you go slowly, it takes an hour to reach the bottom, but you get a +2 circumstance bonus to your Acrobatics checks.

If any of you fail one of these checks, you must make a Reflex save and consult the matching result in the following spoilers.

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Complex post, so I'll give you until 9 a.m. GMT+1 (01:00 a.m. for Korech, 12:00 p.m. for Shirzon and Merephel) to answer to this post. I will post again at 9 a.m. GMT+1 to move things along. Everyone who won’t have acted yet will be botted or I’ll have he/she delay his/her action. If you want to post more and before the deadline you're welcome of course!

YIKES. Merephel would not rush down a slick slope, so regardless of what they choose, she is going to inch her way down. Here goes:

Roll 1
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

Roll 2
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Roll 3
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Oh no! I owe you a Reflex save then.

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Merephel inches her way down the ravine, going carefully and cautiously. When she is about two-thirds of the way down, her left ankle catches on an exposed root, and she falls on her back, and slides the rest of the way down to the bottom.

1d6 ⇒ 5
*sigh* She rolls 1s on channels, and 5s on falling damage. Oh, well. I will patch everyone up once we all fall to the bottom.

As the rain starts to fall, Shirzon puts up the hood of her cloak and ribs her arms for warmth. "Well this is miserable. At least we're almost there..." she grumbles. Seeing the hill, Shirzon frowns and shifts her bags around. "Hey Angorat, mind holding my second bag? It won't slow you down more than that armor of yours would already. I'll make it worth your while once we get to the other side!" she promises with a toothy grin.

Shirzon goes slowly, trying to preserve her unscathed status as they approach the crypt. After a few too many raindrops in her eyes, though, she gets impatient and speeds up, sliding down the muddy slope on clear sections.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Dang. Hope I don't need those 20s later!

She makes her way down with ease. Once Merephel crashes to the bottom, Shirzon helps her up and brushes off some of the mud with a handful of wet leaves. "Nasty spill, Angorat! You all right?"

Merephel winced with pain.

"Yes, thank you Shirzon. I will live. I may need to call upon Shelyn to correct some of these cuts, but I will be alright. I am glad you made it down ok!"

She was smiling through the pain.

======

At the body

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Korech absently rubs his magically-healed arm, marveling at the gifts of the gods. Spotting another gift from the gods, he grabs the coin pouch.

"We share coins later. Move on for now. Big snake is bad news."

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In the valley

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Korech yanks his cloak's hood over himself to keep the rains out of his eyes. His figure is tall and appears much bulkier than he actually is, thanks to the equipment under his cloak. He shakes his head he stares down the muddy slope.
"All careful, right? Could be hurt."

He removes his pack, trapping the greataxe and bow before strapping it on as tightly as he can. The lanky half-orc starts to scamper down the side, hopping from stable ground to stable ground before he finally hits the bottom, breathing hard.

Acrobatics 1-ACP: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Acrobatics 2-ACP: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Acrobatics 3-ACP: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Korech shows himself to be surprisingly nimble as he hops and skips down the slope. He quickly spies Merephel having fallen, and almost trips over her, but leaps over, doing a little roll before he comes up to his feet. He extends a big green hand to Merephel as he watches Shirzon surfs her way down the slope.

"You okay? Nasty fall."

Merephel sighed.

"Apparently I am just a klutz. Yes, I am alright now Korech. My wrist is a little strained, and I have a thousand tiny cuts, but I will be alright."

She smiled at the two half-orcs.

"I do appreciate your concern. Thank you both." She turned, and looked back up the hill a ways. "Calden, be careful coming down!"

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At the slope
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Calden pulls up the hood of his cloak against the rain, using his quarterstaff to support him and find a way. He doesn't talk a lot. Was it right to take the money from the dead man? Of course he won't have a use for it any more. And anyone else could have come along and taken it.If he had relatives, they would have gone looking and found him earlier. He tries to look at the problem from various angles, but doesn't find a solution that satisfies.

At the top of the slope, he takes a moment to survey the path he'd like to take. It doesn't look too bad. But I thought the same about that log over Hagman's Creek. Seeing that the rest of the group takes their time decides it for Calden. I wouldn't want to appear to be a show-off. And it doesn't help to get down there way before the others, anyway. Calden carefully pick his way across the slope, using his quarterstaff for support and to test the way ahead.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 6 + 2 = 23
When he's almost down and sees Merephel slide down, Calden throws caution to the wind, crossing the last part of the way in big leaps.
Acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

"Are you alright? Nothing broken, thankfully?" He wipes his forearm across his forehead, although there couldn't really be any sweat. The way down hardly seemed to cause him effort. "Yeah, it was a pretty tricky descent at certain parts," he lies.

Poor Merephel, she's the only one who slipped.

"I appreciate your concern, Calden."

She gave him a smile.

"I am feeling well enough to continue. Let's get the Quest going in earnest!"

She seemed to be putting on a brave face to preserve morale.

"Are you sure you're all right? Those cuts look pretty painful..." He peers in the direction where the entrance to the crypt ought to be, according to the map. "Yeah, let's go. Can you believe we're actually here? I wonder, though, if there are any more surprises waiting for us. We'd best keep our eyes open."

Korech grunts as he looks over the area. He loosens up his weapons once more and gets his bow at the ready, leaving the lantern in the pack.

"Tough land. But we tough too. I think Kassen try test us, like with illusion. But lesson is to work like team. So we trust, right? And careful - they pick us 'cause we fight good. Maybe big danger."

Shirzon takes her pack back from Merephel, then roots around her equipment for something. She pulls out the bottle of brandy and offers it to Merephel. "Try some of that. It'll put some warmth in your belly at least."

Shirzon then turns her attention to her other pack, pulling out two hefty looking jars. Presenting them to the human girl, she says, "I told you I'd make it worth your while! Go ahead and pick one - made 'em myself."

Merephel can pick between an alchemist's fire and a jar of acid, if she'd like to!

Note: mechanically speaking, I bought these at full price, since I didn't have the skill to craft them with a take 10 before the adventure started. But narratively we can assume that Shirzon spent enough money on reagents and only succeeded sometimes that it all evens out?

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Date – Neth 5th 4710 AR
Time – Afternoon
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After another hour of travel you finally reach the Crypt’s entryway. The crypt lies at the bottom of a relatively small valley, deep in the Fangwood.

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An archway of stone is set into the side of a small hill at the bottom of the valley. Moss has overgrown many of the details, but one is still quite clear. The keystone of the arch is carved with a flame symbol with a stylized rune in the middle. Beyond the archway is a darkened tunnel that leads to a pair of massive wooden doors, one of which is slightly ajar. A pair of horses and a trio of ponies lie slaughtered next to the archway, each corpse still tied to a post set into the ground nearby. A swarm of flies hangs lazily in the air above them.*

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The horses and ponies were obviously laden with gear and supplies, but only empty saddlebags remain.

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* You can see a picture of the scene in our Pinterest gallery!
It’s fine Shirzon!

Taking 10 on the skill checks, which gives me 13 on heal, 16 on perception.

Korech makes his way towards the entryway of the crypt, his movements slowing and becoming increasingly cautious as he spies the entrance. His caution turns to puzzlement as he sees the horses. Carefully, he pads over before he starts examining the horses. Without hesitating, he slings his bow over his shoulder and starts to haul the horse corpse out of the way, groaning with effort.

Strength: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

With everything revealed, he looks up at the group.

"Horses fresh... two days? Uh. I'm confused."

He extracts two big fluffy pillows, some food, lamp oil, and blunted arrows from the saddlebags. This doesn't help Korech's confusion at the scene.

Taking 10 on all skill checks allows me to pass all of them.

Calden is excited at first to soot the entrance to the Crypt, but he quickly turns very cautious at seeing the dead animals. "I agree, they must have been alive two days ago." He looks around for support, trying to make sense of it. "Who would be here, besides us? Only the people of Kassen know of this place, right?"

Suddenly a terrible thought occurs to him. "You don't think this would be another of the 'preparations', could it?" No, they wouldn't just let good animals be slaughtered like that, just for our quest! He looks very worried.

-Posted with Wayfinder

Merephel blushes, and takes a vial of acid.

"I can always find a use for this. Thank you Shirzon."

She takes a drink of the brandy, makes a face, and then swallows it.

"I hope that does help."

Taking 10 on the checks allows me to pass the Heal and DC 10 Perception, but Merephel is still a little distracted, so I am going to have her take 10 on the other Perception roll as well, which does not succeed.

Merephel looks concerned, and while everyone is investigating the scene, spends the time readjusting her pack, and keeping an eye out around the party.

"Do...do you think that whatever did this is still around?"

Shirzon Can pass everything by taking ten as well.

Examining the skeleton and the horse, Shirzon frowns deeply in thought. "The horses and ponies are fresh... but this skeleton is really old. I guess there was just a skeleton outside the entrance? Strange. Must have been some traveller, or else someone moved it out here from inside the crypt?" she observes.

"This doesn't seem like something that people from town would do to scare us. Maybe there are bandits or some other weirdos running around. Keep your guard up." Shirzon peers into the crypt from the ajar door.

Korech looks at the horses and then the crypt, scowling as he examines the area. He holds up the blunted arrows. Carefully, he steps back, examining the slaughter.

"This a test. Right? They use magic for trick. These arrows... not kill, just hurt. Maybe more test. Maybe horses come from Kassen? Maybe villagers come here for prep'rations, something go wrong. Kill horses. Not eat horses, not take loot."

Frowning Korech starts to go over the ground carefully.

"Maybe what kill horses walk around lots..."

Survival to look for tracks: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24