1 shot, Serenity Hollow (Inactive)

Game Master Chyrone

As a Skald, Belegar knows the importance of rehearsal and he runs through some of his repetoire.
perform (oratory): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15
perform (sing): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

"And then the toad walked into the barn with a sackful of toads... no, damnit. A sackful of frogs... I can never get this one straight!"

So what do you mean by the area people choose to dwell. Are some parts more dangerous then others?"

"Of course. It would not do to make camp, for the average traveler, or take a walk, in parts of the forest that are turf to wolf packs."

Do you know what affiliation the headless horseman has with the pioneers

"Like i said, a messenger or scout, but on horseback."

On our way here we were attacked by what the dwarf Jurgan called an air a smoke elemental

"A smoke elemental? How peculiar."

"Wolves can suffer worms, that's as far of parasites on animals i know of."

(sips from the dark red liquid)

"My turn to inquire, yes?"
"You, wayang, describe this city you speak of. What makes it special?
And lady Alluriel, have you ever thought of a longer lifespan?"

Of course. It would not do to make camp, for the average traveler, or take a walk, in parts of the forest that are turf to wolf packs.

"Oh yes, so true. Most of the times animals are more afraid of us then we are of them. But they'll fight to defend their territory so as to protect their young."Alluriel replies. "Again, don't humans do the same?"

"So the headless horseman a messenger of the pioneers. Interesting..." Alluriel muses thoughtfully. Then a furrow comes upon her brow. "But it opens more questions. Correct me if I am wrong, but none of the pioneers were evil per se, so why would their messenger be killing everyone on sight?"

"Me? A longer lifespan? I don't think we were supposed to cheat Pharasma."Alluriel answers dubiously. Then growing more confident, she adds, "I feel life is more precious because we don't know how much time we have left. And a short life well lived is better then a long life full of regrets."

Vaunu smiles as their host inquires about his city, ”Ah, Kaer Maga, When I saw that you were alone I thought of her, for she is a city of outcasts. I assumed one who lived by themselves would find the idea of a city who accepts all equally, interesting.”

He gets a wistful look in his black eyes and continues. ”She is ancient, made by unknown hands. The “Caulborn” were there when the city was discovered by the Thassilonians. The Thassilonian ruler used her as a prison, who’s wardens were Vampires, she was called the “Asylum Stone” then. The ‘coulborn had a vision, they foresaw the coming of the Starstone and the holocaust it would cause. So they left the surface of the city going deep underground, taking their slaves and the Vampires with them.”

Vaunu helps himself to some of the dried fruit. ”But that is ancient history. Even through the dark times there were those who survived. Now she thrives. She is a bustling hub of trade. The citizens of Kaer Maga believe in two philosophies: living and let live and minding their own business. Which only helps business. “

Vaunu wink at their host. ”Of course being one of the few locations to get products to the eastern continent doesn’t hurt trade either. The other interesting thing, is the districts in the city resist the urge of a centralized government. So, though each district has leadership and some government there is such diversity that anyone could find an area to call home.“

’This is more talking than I usually do, my throats parched.’ Opening the other bottle Vaunu pours himself a drink and gestures, offering some to Alluriel. Taking a sip, he then continues. ”Seven generations ago my clan found their way to Kaer Maga. They settled in the District of Ankar-Te. Once we established contacts we could have moved out, but why? With ‘sweet-talkers’, ‘twice-born’ and ‘bloat-mages’ walking the streets, we’re practically normal.”

Tipping his glass to their Hostess? ”You seem like you enjoy pleasant company” He shrugs, ”Like I said, I assumed you were an outcast and might want to know of a place where all are accepted for who and what they are.”

Correct me if I am wrong, but none of the pioneers were evil per se, so why would their messenger be killing everyone on sight?"

"Who is to say? The rider must have a reason to roam and kill. Betrayal, abandonment, ill fortune in meeting an unknown party, we can but speculate."

On her response to the question of a longer lifespan, Llamryl shows a slight grin.
"Ah, but there is something to say in favor of it, along with your own point of view.
Philosophically speaking, nothing is forever. If it is Pharasma, we will all end up there, sooner or later. A life can also be short, yet come without enough time to make amends for something, or to do the things you aim to achieve."

Towards Vaunu..

"That sounds like a city worth seeing. As for being an outcast, well that depends on who i would ask. But i am never truly alone, so i manage."

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (20) + 11 = 31

'Never truly alone? How odd, have we missed something.' Cocking his head, Vaunu waxes philosophical. "Never alone? Interesting, in this place friends and family make life easier, but we all enter the shadow alone."

'Don't elves live for centuries? That's a very long time already.'Alluriel thinks to herself.

"Unfortunately I am no priest to lay an uniquet spirit to rest," Alluriel answers regretfully. "We had a priest once, but Jurgan irritated him so much he left."

"And for someone who speaks about life such, I'm sure you've had an interesting one. If you do not mind, could I hear about it?" Alluriel asks.

'Don't elves live for centuries? That's a very long time already.'Alluriel thinks to herself

Certainly, but Llamryl's a 1/2 elf, who, despite longer than humans, live shorter lives than elves.

In response to Vaunu, Llamryl nods.
"Indeed it does, and indeed we do."

Llamryl laughs a toothy smile, at the mention of interconflict.
"I consider myself fortunate then. Priestly types usually attack first, and ask questions later, if even at all."

(Drinks from the cup)
"Gwendydd, i think you can come join us, i think they've shown enough manners to not be considered hostile."

With the strong beats of wings, a young woman lands on the floor. Large wings, red hair and piercing eyes, dressed in black and scarlet. Like Llamryl, she sports sharp canines.

Can i get a diplomacy check please, for Llamryl to share a somewhat extended version of their story. Aka -not the nutshell-.

diplo: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18

sorry I'm currently walking down the shopping district looking at Christmas deco so no time to really post.

Llamryl pours a bit more liquid.

"To keep it simple, was born between an elf and a human, and i had some 'scholarly pursuits', which the specifics were frowned upon.
This, looking at Vaunu with a faint nod, got me distrust. After which i decided it was time to leave my home city, and do my research in the field, sort to speak."

A bit vague, perhaps, but that's what these types usually are.

Vaunu doesn't have any knowledge skills that will help with this.

Vaunu nods in agreement with Llamryl, toasting his cup to their host. "That is very true, on both counts."

'lovely wings, pale skin, Humanoid legs with boots, so it's hard to see the feet, but they appear...humanoid. No reason not to be polite.' Seeing the other half of their hosts, Vaunu, not distressed by the peculiarity of the situation, stands and gives a deep bow. "Lady Gwendydd, thank you for honoring us with your presences." He then reaches for his chair moving it her way. "May I offer my seat, I do not mind standing."

The deathly pale woman looks at Vaunu with an inspecting look.
"If you must."

As she looks at Alluriel, with a toothy smile she calmly adds.

"Llamryl, she'd look more fashionable with canines."

Llamryl in turn chuckles.
"Yes, she might. But they are our guests."

The DC to pursuade Llamryl to reveal any more consecutive secrets is beyond the current limit Alluriel and Vaunu can hit at max.
Do you two have any more things to speak to the duo about? Otherwise i'll move it along.

Alluriel grins. "There's a lot to say about a good book. At least you can escape the reality you're stuck in."

"Lady Gwendydd, it is a pleasure to greet you this fine evening."Alluriel gives the lady a curtsey.

Alluriel begins to pantomime her family's manner and lectures an imaginary audience. "You must behave with poise as grace all the time. So you can make a good marriage and bring the right connections to the family."

perform: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

And I get nat 20s on rolls that don't matter =P

Alluriel makes a face. "What kind of life is that."

"What books would be useful to your research? I could possibly purchase some and leave it here for you to pick up."Alluriel offers, "If I could find my way back to this camp. Sorry, my sense of direction isn't the best." She looks a little shamefaced.

"Cannies? Given time, I might be able to grow a pair, for a short while."Alluriel adds.

Gift of claw and horn revelation. Also later if I choose I can turn into a beast... but it'll screw up all casting since I don't, nor can I get natural spell.

Llamryl nips from the cup.

"Books of interest, hmm?
My field of interest would have you get to more obscure places.
I'm studying ancient lineages, any that still are."

"What kind of ancient lineages - you could drop a few names..and maybe if I do have a chance to get to a library, I could get them for you?" Alluriel offers.

Gwendydd: "She is a prying one, isn't she."

Llamryl chuckles.
"Obscure includes common libraries not having the material i am looking for. And i've traveled for quite some time.
This city the wayang speaks of, would have a better chance."

"Vampiric lineages, legends and the like.
There is only so much the two of us can do at any given time."

"Ahhh ok - if you are looking for those, if I do find any, I will be sure to pass them to you - the only problem is how am I going to find this place? " Alluriel looks down at her feet. "I actually...uh...stumbled on this place by accident."

Llamryl: "That should not be a big issue. I, -we-, travel as well, so we may run into you people again."

"Have either of you see Lillaine or the witch in the woods? Also, do any of you know anything about the witch in the woods?" Alluriel asks.

Belegar starts, ”Jurgan, that raven... did you see?”

Ever alert, he calls out to his fellows, ”Alluriel, Vaunu! Strange ravens, in my homeland they are ill omened birds.”

Gwendydd: "We don't know any Lillaine, nor of a witch.
These lands are worth exploring, if we have not yet seen two things, seemingly of some importance."

"What two things pray, may they be?" Alluriel asks.

Have either of you see Lillaine or the witch in the woods?

:)

"Oh you're looking for them too? I'll tell them you're looking for them."

"Thank you very much for dinner and the delightful conversation. I'm really sorry but I think we should take our leave."Alluriel apologizes. "Last night, one of the townsfolk was kidnapped. And I hear Belegar shouting. I don't know if he's found something?"

"Do you know the way back to the town of Serenity Hollow?"

"Actively looking for them? No, we are not.
But if we happen upon new things while traveling, we always try and learn something."

"The way to the township? That would possibly, accent on possibly, be in that general direction. We have evaded it after our initial contact."

"Thanks for your help!" Alluriel thanks the pair before she brings Vaunu back to rejoin the party. "All the best in your travels and may you find what you seek."

'Strange Ravens, do witches not use ravens as familiars occasionally?' Vaunu looks toward Belegar, nodding so the observant half-elf would know he heard him.

Bowing to their hosts, Vaunu nods, "yes, Thank you for your hospitality."

Jurgan completely engrossed in his books looks up. "Ravens are good omens as well. They represent wisdom and unknowing. They are quite smart and make excellent companions. Do not worry of the birds because I do not think they worry about you." returning to the page he left off at he continues to read.

The one raven headed towards Alluriel and Vaunu, circles twice above, silently, before flying on.

The time has gone into close to evening, and proper light sources are becoming a necessity on this moonless night.

Having the general direction towards the town, 2 survival checks DC 20 please.

'Interesting raven.' Vaunu watches the raven depart, then motions to Alluriel to move towards Jurgan and Belegar. "We should head toward town, unless you folks want to spend the night in the forest."

survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

survival: 1d20 ⇒ 17
survival: 1d20 ⇒ 7

"I think it was that way..." Alluriel gestures in what she thinks it is the right direction that Llamyrl told her.

Survival Belegar: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Survival Belegar: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Survival Jurgan: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Survival Jurgan: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21

Much to everyone's surprise, Jurgan has a few moments of clarity.
Studying his books' section on [Survival 1.01], he and Alluriel manage to navigate the team the 1st try, and does so by himself, with some extras from Vaunu, on the 2nd.

And so, 2 + 1d2 ⇒ 2 + (1) = 3 hours later, you arrive at the township again.
You, aside from some town militia along the way, seem to be the only ones outside.

Lights are still lit in the houses, and (presuming you go there) the sight of The Nightingale seems extra cozy to you this evening.

Along the way, Alluriel tells the party on what Llamryl told her about the headless horseman and the wolves.

"Oh.. My feet are killing me."Alluriel complains after the long track. "And no rest for the wicked. We still need to figure what's snatching the townsfolk."

Keep watch again, this time with windows open?

earlier
As they return through the forest, Vaunu points out the obvious. "It would not be difficult for our host's friend, Gwendydd to have removed the victims from their location. That gives both means and motive one would assume."

in town
"Keeping watch again would be fine. Shall we use two rooms and let me move back and forth?"

"I don't think they're that kind of people. Else what would have stopped them from making us dissappear without a trace as well?" Alluriel defends the pair.

YAWNs"Well that was definitely taking the long way round. I will need to get my rest especially if we intend to walk through the woods again." Eyes heavy he falls into bed with a loud snore.

"I don't think they're that kind of people. Else what would have stopped them from making us dissappear without a trace as well?

That is for me to know and a mystery to you guys, if even. :)

Going to bed immediately, like Jurgan, or staying up a little longer?
Perception rolls for the watch, if any.

Alluriel leaves Belegar and Vaunu to the night watch while she and Shadow curl up for their snooze. She does however, sleep in her armor.

Keep watch covers two watchers only.

Vaunu nods toward Jurgan, "Since he is going to bed, I will go ahead and start keeping an eye on things." He then follows the dwarf upstairs, watching and waiting.

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 how many perception rolls do you want for the night?

1 per watch shift.

I swear I rolled a 21 on this yesterday.

perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Someone's voiced keeping the windows open for better observation, i think?

Who's taking 1st watch: 1d2 ⇒ 2 Vaunu.
During whose watch, 1 Belegar, 2 Vaunu: 1d2 ⇒ 2 Vaunu's.
Auto-pass on stealth vs Vaunu's perception.

The night passes uneventful, for the team at least.

In the morning, the news of another disappearance is on the patrons' lips.
Catharina is looking worried....

GM - both can keep watch throughout the whole night. None of them need sleep so we should get 2 perception checks per watch. Keep watch at level 5 covers 2 characters.

Alluriel asks to see the second site of the dissappearances then asks to speak to priestess Eileen about the haunt they encountered. After they have done that, she counsels the party to rest in the day - they have a kidnapper to chase at night

Ugh......i'm so used to watch shifts, and seen too little of the spell Watch, pardon me for that.
The 1 watch check needed, is per person doing so, probably misunderstood me there, or it wasn't too clearly worded on my side.

Sneaky sneaky: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27 Success for you guys.
A bit past midnight, Belegar sees a medium shape land on a roof, some distance away.

It's winged alright, and with long hair, but the fine features of who or what are too obscured to clearly make out. Given the movement of torchlight glow between the houses, it seemed to wait before moving.

He notices it poking at the window, and when it opens, the person doing so, stands idly, and gets picked up, to be carried away in the air.

Can i get perception checks for the clues seeking please.

When Alluriel inquires priestess Eileen about the haunt, she nods.

"I have an idea of whom you speak.
This was before my arrival here, mind you. The initial settlers here had a mounted scout by the name of Regar. At one time, he was gone longer than usual. Which wouldn't be too much of a surprise, if he'd take his time for some unforeseen cause, but it became more than a day."

"The six searched for him, and found him decapitated on the road, his horse with a cut throat as well. It was concluded death by a blade.
Whatever he was investigating or supposed to tell the people back then, he took with him to the grave."

Temple

"Urgh, that's a grisly tale...are any of the six in town, so they could possibly shed light on what they sent him out on?" Alluriel asks the priestess.

Investigation

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

"Another window entry. And we're no closer to catching the pepetrator of these heinous crime." Alluriel pounds her hand against the window frame, frustrated that the kidnapper has gotten away again, and worried at the same time for the fate of the missing townsfolk. "Wait...what's this red hair?" She picks it up carefully with a glove, and bids for Shadow to track the owner of the hair.

Shadow takes 10, 17 survival.

If it's not possible

"I wonder if there's a wizard in the town near by...now that we have a piece of it, we may [url=http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/all-spells/s/scrying/]be able to track the culprit." Alluriel muses.

Eileen: "I have not yet heard of them returning. But since one of them has a trained carrier pidgeon, you might try the city watch barracks."

At the scene:
Shadow sniffs the hair, and partially climbs out of the window, smelling the roof, before stopping at the edge of the roof.

None of the NPCs in town, nor of the six, are of sufficient level to cast that spell.
That is not to say it's a total loss of a lead.