Xarafine slowly backs down the stair, carefully, taking each step one at a time, maintaining her song. She leaves the waterskin laying on the floor. She uses her peripheral vision as best she can to judge her distance to the bottom of the stairs, and makes sure each foot touches a solid surface before shifting her weight back . She continues to sing when or if she reaches a point where she can no longer see the enthralled pteran.
Hearing the aggressive sounds, Jack inches back up the stairs to see more of what is going on, stopping as soon as he sees Xarafine backing down the stairs (he probably moves no more than five feet or so, unless that doesn't make sense). He readies an arrow just in case, and waits quietly, not ready to move until it's clear she's safe. If something attacks her, he will fire, but ONLY if she is obviously threatened (he will not fire if something just approaches).
[oo]Sorry for not posting, I have been lurking though! RL kinda slammed me recently, I will get my posts up this week I promise! ;D[/ooc]
Bein holds his ground, he wasn't about to retreat while the Teacher was possibly in danger. He gripped the strange spear and readied himself for the coming confrontation. He whispered quietly to Lord Finnabar as Jack readied his bow. "Lord Finnabar, We may need to retreat to a choke point if their numbers are too great."
The Pteran lowers its wings and doesn't move forward towards you, however it still seems agitated and continues to click loudly.
Xarafine smiles warmly again, and continues to step carefully backwards down the stairs, leaving the waterskin in its place on the floor. She continues singing (vocalizing the melody, but no longer using . When she reaches the bottom of the stair, she gestures the others to move back around the chimney ledge and back through the spider's lair. She follows the rest of the group, continuing her song as she goes.
Xarafine smiles warmly again, and continues to step carefully backwards down the stairs, leaving the waterskin in its place on the floor. She continues singing (vocalizing the melody, but no longer using . When she reaches the bottom of the stair, she gestures the others to move back around the chimney ledge and back through the spider's lair. She follows the rest of the group, continuing her song as she goes.
As no bat-people seems to follow Xarafine down the stairs, Finnabar smiles at her, mouthing a thank you.
As Xerafine moves down the stairs she loses sight of the Pterans, however, you do hear the sound of chirps from the corridor, as if the strange creatures are having some kind of conversation or argument. Just as Xerafine reaches the tunnel leading to the spider's lair the sounds seem to be getting closer, approaching the stairwell.
As Xarafine rejoins, Jack gestures she should go ahead of him, and is ready to make a hasty retreat as they continue to make their way to the cave's exit.
Xarafine moves past Jack with a nod of thanks. She looks to the group and whispers, "I hope they choose not to follow us."
"That was very well done. I hope that we can find a way to talk to them next time. for now, let's move out as quickly as possible."
Bein nods in agreement and stows the spear temporarily as they prepare to fall back to their camp. "Once we get back to camp I will start readying the horses for travel, since we are possibly no longer as safe here."
You make your way hastily to the narrow-ledged chimney, on your way down to the pool and then out to the strange temple's courtyard. As you are crossing the narrow ledge you hear, from behins you, a very high-pitched, bloodcurdling, angry scream.
The scream seems to echo down the passageway from some distance (possibly the top of the stairwell).
"I think they found the spider.
Jack follows Bein to the horses, helping him prepare them for riding as quickly as possible.
The scream only hastens Bein's pace as they moved back to their camp. He focused first on getting each of the horses saddle, they could replace supplies but they couldn't replace those lost if they weren't able to beat a hasty retreat. With Jack's help it would make the task a lot simpler.
"Hopefully they are not quick on their feet! Lets saddle the horses and secure our supplies quickly." He kept his eyes open as he strapped on the first saddle, because god forbid if those bat creatures got the drop on them...
You continue making your way around the narrow chimney, freezing as the silhouette of several Pterans passes overhead. The creatures don't seem to spot you and, after they have passed you hurry down to the pool and back up to the temple's atrium.
As you approach the entryway, approaching the area where the horses are picketed, you can hear the high-pitched sounds of pterans from outside.
"It seems my ruse did no more than delay the inevitible." Xarafine says, her voice tinged with regret.
As Jack assists Bein with the horses:
"Volpe, can you see how many are out there?"
"It seems my ruse did no more than delay the inevitible." Xarafine says, her voice tinged with regret.
"Yes, I'm afraid we made a mess of everything. I should have seen something was wrong when the spider repeatedly retreated instead of attacking us. But what is done is done. We have two choices: stay here and wait for them to either calm themselves or mount an attack, or move out in the open and show enough strength to force our way out or convince them to parley. My gut says to go out and I'm not so sure of my tactical acumen right now."
"I should go out. They have seen me, and I am the target of their ire. Perhaps, I can somehow make amends, and if not, they may be satisfied with executing their retribution on me, and allow the rest of you to leave unharmed. "
Bein paused in saddling the horses and strode forward to block the Teacher from leaving. He then pounded his gauntlet against his armored chest in salute. "Nay Teacher, I swore an oath that no harm should come to you or Finnabar. Not while I still breath. If they seek bloody retribution for our grievous mistake then they are the poorer for it. Let us hope there is one among them who has the foresight to see past this and not allow their anger to blind them. But I will not stand idly and watch you be harmed. You may release me from my oath and I will still go to stand in your place." He turns away from her then, brandishing his shield, and places a hand on his sword momentarily before adding quietly. "You are my friends after all..."
He kept watch at the doorway as Jack continue to take care of the horses, he focused on any possible tactics they may have. There had to be an advantage they could use to break away...
Nothing came easily to him though, there enemies could fly or glide and in the deep forest that meant they would be more mobile. Most likely they hunted with bows or ranged weapons of sorts so that was another disadvantage and they knew the terrain better then he did. This wasn't going to be easy...
"It would be better for us to funnel them in here if it comes to a fight, choke there movements. Keep them from flying and crush them where they stand. If you wish to Parley then I should go first so I may shield the Teacher. I will keep my sword sheathed lest I incite them further..."
"If we are to face them, then, we will have to change course. We must make a show of strength. They are clearly angered, and are likely to attack if they believe they can overcome us. If we present ourselves as truly dangerous, we my be able to walk away without being attacked. This is what I suggest: If you, Sir Bein, and the Captain make a steady, but fearsome cadence by clashing weapon and shield together, while flanking me to either side , I will address them in a loud, stern tone in Canari . My intention will be to cow them, either into submission, with Belan's Luck, or simply inaction. Meanwhile, Jack and Volpe will take positions to each side of us, arrows nocked, in case the matter goes poorly. This is one of Belan's Lessons of War: Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak."
Xarafine stops abruptly, drops her air of command, blushes, then continues, less self-assured. "If...there are...other ideas...we should hear them...I doubt we have much time."
Volpe sneaks forwards to the entrance, looking for the numbers of Pterans the group may face: stealth , perception
Volpe stealth:
Volpe perception:
Volpe sneaks forward to the cave entrance and quickly glances around its edge before hastily returning to the rest of you. "Five of them." he whispers softly "They're all near the horses. Seem to be going through the packs. I think I may have heard something from above the cave as well - maybe some more of them flapping about. Sounded like three or so."
"Okay, let's go out. Even if there are some more, we should be able to impress them. Just remember one thing, try not to kill them if you can, but only disable them. Bein and I will lead the way, making much noise and in full defense. Xarafine, as you suggest, make them fear us. and Jack and Volpe, you're in charge or protecting us from above with your bows. And may Belem guide us"
With a quick prayer, Finnabar calls from Belem to help them impress their ennemis (cast guidance on Bein, Xarafine and himself to give each of us a +1 to the next intimidate check).
Finnabar take our his cold iron axe and shield and moves out in full defense, banging his axe on his shield.
"Stay your hands, ignorant unbelievers! Your false god is no more! Embrace the truth of the Nine, and find enlightenment in the light of Their Glory!"
Jack readies his bow once again, finding himself a good vantage point atop a rock near the entrance, and is ready to fire upon any pteran that attacks a party member.
You step out from behind the cover of the cave's entrance startling the five Pterans clustered around the horses and the three flying 30' above the cave's entrance. The winged humanoids stare with wide eyes as Xerafine steps forward and speaks.
Stepping back nevously, the five grounded Pterans turn and awkwardly run a few steps before lifting themselves into the air with sweeps of their large wings. The eight Pterans now airborne begin cicling the clearing at 30' high, and letting out high-piched screams which seem to frighten the horses which shift and whinny nervously. The Pterans circle, not attacking, but not fleeing further.
Bein slaps the strange spear against his buckler and roars a challenge over the screams of the Pterans. Arundel reacts to hearing Bein's voice and rears with a powerful whinny as its harassers flee. Bein eyed the creatures through the slit in his helm and continued to make a loud and intimidating racket as Him and Finnabar advanced ahead of the Teacher.
"Gather the horses, quickly. The longer they have to assess us, the more precarious our position becomes."
Xarafine stands firm with the Staff in one hand and the other raised with palm facing outward. She sweeps her gaze around the hovering creatures, fixing those that meet her eyes with an icy glare.
Obeying the command, Bein moves swiftly forward while keeping his buckler raised as he moves to secure the horses. Arundel was whinnying at the flying creatures above him, he was not at all pleased they wouldn't come and give him a fair fight. Bein focused on the pack horses, trying to keep them calm and under control while he picked up what the bat people had spilled in their digging.
He shushed the whinnying horses with calm reassurance, that only a trainer could perform, as they looked to the sky and then back to him. He held on to the reins of the pack horses and was guiding a couple of the steeds as best he could as Arundel trotted behind them. He looked to the teacher and nodded.
Hiding easily in the shadows of the ancient stone doorway with his bow drawn and an arrow nocked, Volpe watched with a grim look upon his brow as Bein moved to secure their mounts. "That knight is going to get himself killed always being first like that, I guess thats why he prefers so much armor... Don't forget your egg there Jack." He nods in the direction of the bundle on the stone floor next to their long extinguished fire. "Don't worry old friend, I've got an eye on these creatures and if they make the mistake of coming for our man Bein. They will be one fewer for their folly..."
As you gather the horses together and hurredly pack your scattered belongings, the Pterans continue to circle the clearing, letting loose high-pitched screams. Whilst Bein is working another 2 Pterans swoop down from the top of the monolith, joining the circling flock.
Sense motive 1d20+1
As far as you can tell, the Pterans are angry but intimidated by the party.
Xarafine scans the swarming pterans, trying to locate the one that succumbed to her song. Assuming she is able to, she tries to determine if he is as angry as the others, or is he confused or conflicted in any way.
You can't see the Pteran you fascinated among the throng. - It had been wearing a quite distinctive red piece of cloth around its left ankle and none of the circling creatures have such a decoration.
As you gather the horses together and hurredly pack your scattered belongings, the Pterans continue to circle the clearing, letting loose high-pitched screams. Whilst Bein is working another 2 Pterans swoop down from the top of the monolith, joining the circling flock.
Keeping an eye on the circling Pterans, Finnabar direct the party to mount and move through the thorn wall.
The Pterans wear simple bone and wood beads as necklaces and anklets. Some have bone pierced through their ears as well.
Based on the Pteran's teeth and body structure you'd guess that they are omnivores.
Hearing Finnabar's order, Jack helps anyone mount who needs help before mounting his own horse. He exchanges his bow for his sword to be ready to cut through the thorns.
"Let's get out of here."
Volpe kept the arrow nocked as he followed Jack out the front door and headed for the horses as Bein was quickly trying to get them saddled. "Sometimes I wonder why we left the Caravan, Jack. This is exciting but sometimes I wish we weren't neck deep in mud so to speak. At least we got some pretty bobbles for our trouble."
He kept his bow aimed high as he descended the stairs, he was still prepared to fight if the Pterans made a move on them. In fact he expected them to do so and soon....
You manage to quickly gather your scattered possessions, forunately none seem to be missing, however the sextant has been taken out of its box and it looks as if the Pterans had been examining it. As you gather the scattered possesions and lead your horses towards the opening you'd already cut through the brambles another six Pterans swoop downwards from above and alight on the carving of the stag's head which arches over the entance to the cave.
You make your way through the tangle, aware of high-pitched chittering from the sky above and, move back into the forested area, hidden by the dense foliage of the forest. Occasionaly, as you move beneath the leafy canopy you manage to catch a glimpse of a winged shape circling in the sky high above.
Bein took hold of his lance and pointed it skyward. "Outnumbered three to one, good odds. Perhaps we should have stayed and fought in the temple. They won't give up easily and with all the tree cover they have the upper hand if they decide to ambush us." He gripped his lance tighter and turned to watch for signs of the Pterans.
Jack smiles ruefully at Volpe. "At least on the caravan, we did not kill anyone's god."
He frowns, seeing they are still being followed by the pterans as they go further into the wood. "With all due respect, Bein, I see no valor in fighting people whose home we invaded and whose icon we destroyed, however in ignorance we were. If we kill them, even in self defense, it just makes our lack of discretion all the more... damaging."
Jack looked around, eying the forest canopy and undergrowth to see where they might be able to lead the horses safely, but where something in flight would have difficulty tracking them.
Bein understood Jack's words more then his fellow traveler might realize. If he had a second chance he probably would have still committed the same mistake. His tone remained light and calm despite the strain among his fellows. "There is no valor in it, nor is there to lay down and except a punishment from savages who do not claim their territory. I saw no markers, only a crumbling ruin that had more dust then indications of habitation. We had no way of knowing that place was occupied, except by a spider and its brood. So in the mean time I will prepare to fight and except the gods punishment in the place of their choosing whether it is today or tomorrow."