I'm not sure we've met a Mad Hermit in the forest. And Bokken isn't that crazy. Alexander smiles, We thank you for the information. I do think Radomir is correct, the lizard folk will, indeed, be of great interest to us. He frowns as he continues, You say there are Will o'Wisps on Candlemere? Could you tell us more of this place?
"The lake known as Candlemere is notorious in the Stolen Lands for being haunted. Stories from fishermen, explorers, bandits, and tradesmen alike support these legends with eerie tales of strange lights dancing upon the waters, blood-curdling cries from what could be lost souls, and mysterious sightings of shapes rippling in the lake’s dark waters. Those who have spent the night along Candlemere’s shores report of seeing what are known as the “Candlemere Lights,” flickering spheres of color that dance over the waves or along its shores. The island in the middle of the lake is particularly prone to these strange lights, especially at its low summit, where a lonely tower stands."
"As for the hermits, the one I spoke of wasn't Bokken, who is at least tolerable. Instead, this one is his younger brother who is known to travel with a pet puma."
"I cannot speak much of the Lizardfolk since I haven't had much dealings with them."
Well thank you very much for your information. I am certain that we can return the favor at a later date. Correct, Alexander? Perhaps a care package.
Of course, of course. That sounds like an excellent idea.
"And if your travels happen to take you by a large mud pit known as the mud bowl, I would be willing to pay for any Black Rattlecap Mushrooms that you may happen to find in it. Just watch out for the large plant that lives in there."
Alexander nods good-naturedly, Of course, Elga. We'd be happy to bring back some mushrooms. The man looks about the small hut. I'm sure they will go to good use.
Andrea will take her leave with the others when they are ready to explore the area around the lake.
Othniel looks sharply at Radomir. 'Encouraged to serve'? Who casually talks about press-ganging the natives in front of a stranger? I hope this witch doesn't get the idea we might 'encourage' her to serve as well. He shakes his head, almost imperceptibly, more to himself than anyone else. Especially if it's true.
Finishing up with the Swamp Witch, you all say your goodbyes and head back out the way you came. Past the watchful Scarecrow, back out of the swamp in into the firm footing of the forest again as you head west, away from the lake to further explore your kingdom.
Between travel time, visiting and exploring, your group has used up most of the daylight hours by the time you enter into another unexplored area. You judge that you have about an hour of daylight left, do you plan to make camp or push into the night?
Let's find a decent place to camp. Best not to tax the horses any more than we need to. Alexander looks about for a decent place to get some rest.
Indeed, we best arrange watches as well. Two person teams?
Andrea-Alexander
Eduard-Finnegan
Radomir-Othinel
I agree Andrea, that should work out rather well.
Once they find a suitable place Alexander takes care of his mount and helps set up the tents. While dinner is cooking he plays out a soothing tune on a small old drum as the other settle in for some rest.
Alexander and Andrea, you both notice a large puma in the company of a furry man circling your camp.
When he realizes that he has been spotted, the man and the puma will come at you two.
Alexander shouts, Everyone up, we've got company! Drawing his sword, he speaks calmly, There's no need for a fight, but you've found one if that's what you've come for!
Andrea jumps up and shouts. Stop! You are Bokken's brother are you not? Do not assault us, we have no quarrel with you.
Radomir rises, blinking the sleep from his eyes as adrenaline grips him. To arms!! to arms!
HE calls over Czernabog and leaps on.
Finnegan rolls out of his bedroll, grabbing his bow and drawing an arrow. He looks over the furry man and studies him, preparing to fire - if Alexander gives the word.
Eyes popping open, Othniel uses his limited magical knowledge to surround himself with a shied of force before he's even out of his bedroll, then rolls to his feet, grabbing his sword as he does so.
If combat is being delayed by Alexander's warning, Eduard will spend a point of Arcane Reservoir to swap in Charm Person for Mage Armor. If combat looks to be starting despite the warning, he will instead cast Acid Splash at the man.
Rook rolls out of his bedroll to study the new arrival and take aim.
The furry looking man swings a club at Andrea, hissing at her as she speaks the name "Bokken".
In his furry fury, he misses as his cat tries to circle around her to take a bite of her.
Radomir arises and mounts Czernabog.
Eduard flings acid at the man.
Alexander rouses everyone and inspires courage in them.
Othniel rises and casts Mage Armor upon himself.
Andrea jumps up and shouts at the strange man who pays her no head.
Alexander waves his hand and tosses a cloud of dust at the man. After, he moves forward to flank the cat, drawing his sword and shield.
I'm going to make a rug out of your cat. Andrea stabs at the cat.
As the man continues expressing hostility towards them, Finnegan lets loose an arrow at the man attacking Andrea.
Circling to put the man between Andrea and himself, Othniel draws his blade and slashes at the hairy man.
...but in his haste, he misses completely, and lets loose a string of curses in Elven, Draconic, and Sylvan.
Why must we be plagued by those that cannot understand what is best for their own survival?
Eduard will fire off another Acid Splash at the man.
Rook fires an arrow at the man, hitting him in the shoulder.
The furry looking man swings again at Andrea infuriated that his first blow missed.
The puma takes another bite at Andrea.
Radomir
Eduard flings acid at the man.
Alexander flings glittery dust at the furry man.
To little effect.
Othniel misses the man and gets the feeling that the furry fellow understood every curse word he just uttered.
Andrea stabs the man, cutting his arm.
Ayako decides to keep stabbing at the man
Finnegan shouts to the man, "Unless you lay down arms, your only option is death!"
He then fires another arrow at the man, not waiting to see if he will surrender or not.
Assuming the man is still fighting, Eduard will fire another Acid Splash.
Andrea! Alexander calls out to the embattled councilor and steps forward to hack at the cat.
Rook fires off another arrow that solidly hits the crazed man.
Looking rather pained by that hit, the man slaps his hand over the wound and chants something.
The puma continues its attack on Andrea.
Eduard strikes the man with acid again.
Alexander slashes the cat.
My spleen! Andrea goes down
Othniel slashes at the man again, only marginally more successfully.
Without word, Radomir charges. The only sound is the thunder of his stallion's hooves upon the ground and the clatter of the warrior's black armor.
x3 damage
Czernabog attacks
5' step back (move action) and Radomir switches to bardiche
AOO:
Eduard will cast a Magic Missile at the man.
The puma goes down from Radomir's attacks.
The crazed man turns to strike at the man who had dared to attack him as he was casting.
Eduard's Magic Missile packs enough of a punch to leave the crazy man bleeding on the ground.
I can hear the loons.
Alexander spits down on the man, If you've killed Andrea, I'll make a rug out of you and your cat. He rushes over to Andrea and searches for her wand, drawing it out and using it on her as quickly as he's able.
The crazed man and cat both move together to flank and attack the man who dared to strike at him as he was casting.
[dice=melee attack]1d20 + 7 + 4
[dice=damage]1d6 + 3 + 1d6[dice=bite attack]1d20 + 7 + 4
[dice=damage]1d6 + 3 + 1d6Radomir puts down the puma, seriously pissing off the crazy man.
Eduard's Magic Missile packs enough of a punch to leave the crazy man bleeding on the ground.
Andrea's liver starts slithering back inside of her as Alex activates the wand, but she remains senseless
Drawing his machete, Finnegan moves over to the man. "Shall we dispatch him to the Boneyard, given his clear murderous intent?"
Clutching his side where the man's club struck him, Othniel shakes his head. "Not here, not now. First, we should question him. He might have information on the area, or might be in league with other foes. He might even know of natural resources in the area we would take interest in. Drag him back to Voronakholm in chains, to be executed publicly. The peasants should see what happens to such filth when they seek to assault their noble rulers."
Radomir dismounts and levels his bardiche at the man. Aye, my lord, let us question him, and then dangle him from the walls to show the fate of disloyalty.