Laithe, you do not see any signs of danger between you and the corpse, or get a clue as to what may have killed it.
Laithe approaches the shape carefully, using his spear to prod the ground before him for possible traps, and scanning the trail ahead and the foliage to either side for any sign of movement.
He kneels down next to the form for a closer look, trying to determine who or what the figure is.
Laithe walks carefully up the path in the rapidly darkening afternoon light, doing what he can to search for traps as he goes – but he makes it to the body with no mishaps.
The stench of death hits his nostrils as he draws closer, and a cloud of carrion eating insects flies up into the air at his approach, before settling back down to continue feasting.
The body is humanoid and indeed about the size of a human child – or a halfling such as Alton for that matter – but is different in it’s proportions. The head seems slightly too large for the body, the arms too long, the legs too short. The corpse has suffered the depravations of carrion eaters, particularly around the delicate tissues of the face, and it is now impossible to make out anything much of what it’s face may have looked like. A mismatched suit of leather and metal armour has kept it’s body mostly intact – apart from this it wears a mix of poorly cured animal hides and ragged human clothes. It is unshod, wearing only strips of rags and leather around it’s feet.
It’s skin is a pasty, pale grey colour, though whether that is it’s proper colour or a result of having lay rotting for several days it is hard to tell. Likewise, it is difficult to see which wounds may have killed it and which are the result of being partially eaten by scavengers.
A thin spear and a small wooden shield lie discarded nearby.
I let go of the flask of Alchemist's Fire and prepare to fire my bow, providing cover for Laithe and attempting to keep my location hidden.
Alton melts back into the shadows amongst the trees, keeping a watch for any ill that may befall Laithe as he examines the body.
Laithe walks carefully up the path in the rapidly darkening afternoon light, doing what he can to search for traps as he goes – but he makes it to the body with no mishaps.
Laithe pulls his cloak over his face to protect against the flies and stench of the corpse. He kneels next to the body for just a couple of seconds, taking a quick look, before raising to his feet and pulling back for some fresh air.
He speaks to Keildrithe and the others further up the path "This appears to be one of the creatures we've been tracking. I'm uncertain as to what exactly killed it, but a guess would be that Jarred tracked the group this way, and was ambushed here. He managed to kill one before being overwhelmed."
"The body is not fresh, and has lain for a few days. Meanwhile dusk is near, and I think we are all in the need of some rest. I would suggest we retreat about half a mile or a little more down the track and find a suitable place, off the track, to set up camp. We can then get some much needed rest and continue in the morning. What do you think?"
I emerge from my hiding spot with my bow ready and ask "What kind of creature is it? Is it human?"
I emerge from my hiding spot with my bow ready and ask "What kind of creature is it? Is it human?"
Laithe turns to Alton as he emerges from the surrounding bushland "It is not human, though I know not what it is. Take a look if you'd like; though a fair bit of damage has been done by scavengers and the elements".
"Meanwhile dusk is near, and I think we are all in the need of some rest. I would suggest we retreat about half a mile or a little more down the track and find a suitable place, off the track, to set up camp. We can then get some much needed rest and continue in the morning. What do you think?"
Should you decide to rest soon, Laithe recalls passing a small clearing some few dozen yards off the path, about ten or fifteen minutes before the group encountered the leafling. If you start heading back within the next ten minutes or so, you could probably make it there before it is completely dark under the canopy.
Laithe walks carefully up the path in the rapidly darkening afternoon light, doing what he can to search for traps as he goes – but he makes it to the body with no mishaps.Laithe pulls his cloak over his face to protect against the flies and stench of the corpse. He kneels next to the body for just a couple of seconds, taking a quick look, before raising to his feet and pulling back for some fresh air.
He speaks to Keildrithe and the others further up the path "This appears to be one of the creatures we've been tracking. I'm uncertain as to what exactly killed it, but a guess would be that Jarred tracked the group this way, and was ambushed here. He managed to kill one before being overwhelmed."
"The body is not fresh, and has lain for a few days. Meanwhile dusk is near, and I think we are all in the need of some rest. I would suggest we retreat about half a mile or a little more down the track and find a suitable place, off the track, to set up camp. We can then get some much needed rest and continue in the morning. What do you think?"
Jirkin holds his head, "oh, this reminds me of what happened when i was in the Magi... they did worse though to the people that were dead though." Jirkin manages to hold his stomach to calm himself down. "This is why i would never be a necromancer... i hate dead bodies." Jirkin then looks at the creature, "I wonder what killed it? Well i guess that is for later to find out..." Jirkin looks around cautiously searching the spot where he is.
I walk over to examine the body, looking for any distinguishing features that might tell of its origins while saying "I would rather not camp right by both this body and the leafling. The body, not only unpleasant will only serve to draw more of the wildlife to this spot and I would prefer if we didn't try to sleep so close to something that has tried to kill us but I think the final decsion should be Laithe's as he knows the ways of natural creatures best. Jirkin, I know that it is unpleasant but you might be able to identify the body, as it sounds like you have more...experience in such matters than I."
Yruch ignores for now the discussions of a possable campsite and looks pensively at the body.
"Still new deaths. What creature would cause such things?... Laithe, are the mysterious tracks those of the leafling? If not, do they lead to and surround the body? This will help us to know at least how to identify our killer..."
There is another pause as he looks torward the leafling.
"I agree that our camp should be away from this mysterious body and this unpredictable creature. Laithe may have been able to convince it of our docility, but I shudder to imagine what its reaction might be to a campfire."
creatures best. Jirkin, I know that it is unpleasant but you might be able to identify the body, as it sounds like you have more...experience in such matters than I."
Jirkin walks up to the body and tries the identify it
"Still new deaths. What creature would cause such things?... Laithe, are the mysterious tracks those of the leafling? If not, do they lead to and surround the body? This will help us to know at least how to identify our killer..."
There is another pause as he looks torward the leafling.
"I agree that our camp should be away from this mysterious body and this unpredictable creature. Laithe may have been able to convince it of our docility, but I shudder to imagine what its reaction might be to a campfire."
Laithe takes another quick look over the body and the surrounding tracks, conscious of the fading light, but hoping to determine whether this creature is one of the ones they've been tracking, and also if he can determine what the creature is.
After taking a final look, he says to the group "I remember spotting a suitable place to camp about 10-15 minutes back from here. I think we must leave now so we make it there before full-dark. We can pick up some dry wood on the way for a fire. Please avoid damaging any living plants or trees, or animals for that matter. We definitely don't want to anger the Leafling should it choose to hang about. I'm hoping that a small campfire, properly tended, won't be a problem though".
With that he shoulders his pack and starts off at a hard pace down the trail, looking out for suitable fallen logs and kindling along the way.
Jirkin and Alton examine the body and the area immediately surrounding it, looking for clues, dangers, anything – although Jirkin must fight hard to overcome his revulsion at the body, rotting and crawling with worms.
In a small pouch at the creature’s belt, Jirkin discovers a few “treasures” – if that’s what they can be called. Three Thuringian copper sheckels, a red painted wooden bead, a small, crude stone knife, and a sprig of some plant – a few leaves and berries attached to the twig.
Wil the fox begins sniffing around the corpse – and suddenly begins growling, deep in his throat. The group looks around for trouble, but finds none. Wil’s ire seems to be directed at the corpse itself.
The pair and Laithe then confer as to what manner of creature this may be. Discussing options and old stories, the three come up with an idea, a possibility: Goblin. If the stories are right, the size, body shape and garments of this creature would certainly seem to confirm the idea, although without seeing the creature’s facial features it is hard to tell. Laithe does believe though, based on the size and shape of the feet, that this is likely one of the creatures the group has been tracking – and he thinks, in the fading light, that the other tracks continue down the trail past this point.
After this revelation, Laithe suggests they turn back some way to camp.
Keildrithe sheathes his sword, retrieves the gear he stashed behind a tree, and then does a respectful half-bow while whispering a few words of gratitude to the leafling prior to leaving the area. He tries to stifle a shudder as he speaks to it--its surreal appearance evidently still making him uneasy.
After following the group back to the camping spot identified by Laithe and assisting in the collection of deadfall for the fire, he finally collapses in a heap against a tree. He begins to mutter his thoughts, half to himself and half to the party:
"A failed witch-burning... a confrontation with Artonite authorities... pledging my life to prove the innocence of a stranger within a period of seven days... a fellowship with four unlikely companions, most of whom have seemingly little in common... a battle against vicious wolves... a long trek in a sinister forest... an encounter with a strange and frightful woodland being that again could have cost me my life..."
Then, smiling with pride, he adds: "I've done more this day than I have in the last ten combined... it's no wonder I'm exhausted... what is this path that Fharlanghn, the Dweller on the Horizon, has set me on? Whatever its final destination, I am grateful to you, my new friends, for sharing the journey with me... I am now convinced that it is fate that has brought us together, and that our band shall accomplish great things, even beyond proving Lady Gosia's innocence... What does tomorrow hold in store for us, I wonder?"
Suddenly, a roar resonates from the shadows of twilight...
Even through the dimming light of evening, you notice Keildrithe staring back at the group, sheepishly... "I beg your forgiveness... I'm starving... has anyone got anything other than trail mix to eat?" His eyes become dreamy. "What I wouldn't give for a hot bowl of venison stew and a freshly baked biscuit..."
Then, remembering where he is, "but I guess trail rations will have to do. We should make sure that the fire is concealed by as much foliage as possible (while keeping it at a safe distance from overhanging branches, of course...). What is our plan for watch and defence? I would be willing to take first watch, and to lull you all to sleep and pleasant dreams with the old tales spun by my father and his father before him..."
"Hmmm... Laithe, where is the nearest water source? I would like to fill up my waterskin..."
Keildrithe raises some good ideas. A successful Survival check will enable the group to craft a fire that will stay warm through the night but be easily concealable from the path. Likewise, Survival is the skill for finding a nearby water source (there are plenty of small streams in the forest).
I noticed trail rations on everyone’s character sheets except for Laithe and Jirkin – do they intend to forage or hunt for food?
Determining watch order is a good idea. It is about 6pm now, and it will be light again at 7am or so, so there should be plenty of time to rest (in terms of healing, spell casting etc.) assuming no major disturbances during the night.
That said, you need not sleep immediately, if you wish to further discuss the events of the day, or the corpse you just discovered.
As you all set up camp, prepare meals and for rest, and perhaps talk amongst yourselves, you reflect on the day's adventures and experiences. You all feel that you have learnt a lot over this seemingly very long day.
Keildrithe raises some good ideas. A successful Survival check will enable the group to craft a fire that will stay warm through the night but be easily concealable from the path. Likewise, Survival is the skill for finding a nearby water source (there are plenty of small streams in the forest).
I noticed trail rations on everyone’s character sheets except for Laithe and Jirkin – do they intend to forage or hunt for food?
Determining watch order is a good idea. It is about 6pm now, and it will be light again at 7am or so, so there should be plenty of time to rest (in terms of healing, spell casting etc.) assuming no major disturbances during the night.
That said, you need not sleep immediately, if you wish to further discuss the events of the day, or the corpse you just discovered.
As the group find the spot Laithe had in mind, he takes the lead getting a comfortable and concealed camp, with a good fire that will not burn out of conrtol and will provide warmth for the brisk evening. He then sets out with Keildrithe to find a water source, offering to take anyone's waterbottle to fill.
On the way, he forages for roots, berries and fruits that will provide him a reasonable meal for the evening. He gathers as much as he can in order to share with the others . Arriving back in the camp he settles down at last, weary from the busy day. He offers what he has found in food to the others before eating his fill.
At Keildrithe's summary of the day's events, Laithe feels encouraged. "You are right hedilye; it has been a long and eventful day, but a fulfilling one. In regards to a watch, I would prefer to take the final watch of the evening, if that is ok with everyone?"
With that he finds a spot a little away from the campsite to meditate and commune with nature, thanking Ehlonna for the strength granted him for the day and asking that she grant him equal stength for the next day.
After filling his waterskin, Keildrithe engages in some banter with his companions as they munch on their berries or rations around the fire.
"I do not wish to pry into your lives, friends, but I would be glad to know your own stories... for I feel that before long, they may grow into the stuff of legends! Share only what you wish, and be safe in your secrets... but given that we put our lives at ever greater risk everyday, I believe it would be a shame to travel to the realm of the gods without having left a little of ourselves amongst our comrades-in-arms here in the mortal world (though I pray none of us meet their maker too quickly!)...
"Jirkin, what brings a young wizard such as yourself to Barg? It is not exactly a thriving centre of arcane knowledge, and in fact the authorities take a very unkind view of your craft... as a matter of fact, you might have ended up burned at the stake! So what, or who, did you seek there, if I may ask, that you would be willing to risk your life to meet with them?
"And what of you, Alton? This part of the world sees very few of the little folk. I would know of your homeland, of your songs and folk tales, and of the things that pulled you toward Barg... are all of your kin as fearless as yourself?"
Then, more cautiously, he turns to Yruch: "And what of yourself, bold champion of Arton... I sense that you have quite a story in you, that you haven't told us all of your reasons for joining this quest. What is your relation to the Church of Arton in Barg? Does the church know of your activities, and do they not consider them an act of defiance? What are you hoping to accomplish with us? Will you not burn in the fires of Hell for collaborating with heathens?"
The firelight dances across Keildrithe, alternately illuminating and darkening his tired, begrimed face. After a brief pause, he gazes intently into the flames and adds, in an expressionless tone that is difficult to gauge: "I noticed, Artonite, that you did not so much as raise your blade when the leafling attacked me..."
After spending some time in reverie, Laithe returns to a spot closer to the campfire and settles down. "My apologies Keildrithe, I think I will have to stick to listening tonight, and tell my story another time. My mind is willing but body requires rest so it is fresh for tomorrow morning".
He settles down into a comfortable position, his winter blanket wrapped around him and pack and weapons close at hand. "Please don't hesitate to talk and tell your stories. I will listen for a time". with that he closes his eyes and eventually drifts of to sleep.
I was not always a holy servant of Arton. I was raised in luxury, but could not abide by the horrors growing in the world. I have made it my quest in life to fight evil, and in Arton's name, and He aids me along my way. My journey to Barg was a result of my wanderings, and when I arrived I found a woman being tried and sentenced to death for black magic, something I was concerned about. I wish, as you do, to set the record strait, for it is my feeling, a feeling which may come from a high up as Arton Himself, that she is innocent.
"I noticed, Artonite, that you did not so much as raise your blade when the leafling attacked me..."
I am new in the ways of the outside world, especially the mysteries of nature. My hesitation, a result of my surprise, was wrong, but I meant no harm by it. I wish no harm to you or your companions.
"Jirkin, what brings a young wizard such as yourself to Barg? It is not exactly a thriving centre of arcane knowledge, and in fact the authorities take a very unkind view of your craft... as a matter of fact, you might have ended up burned at the stake! So what, or who, did you seek there, if I may ask, that you would be willing to risk your life to meet with them?
I came to Barg to give an item to someone, sorry that is my business. I know that my knowledge of magic may seem evil, but it can be helpful. That is why when i say Gosia about to be burned, i made the noise of a woman screaming sounding insane to make everyone leave, sadly my plans failed and i kept watching. I remember my father telling me "Don't let them hurt you, protect the good ones with your life." I didn't know what my father meant then,but i think i know now. Sadly that day my father and mother were murdered by the Magi!" Jirkin looks at the ground and mubbles "Those fiends," then gathers strength to speak " I was then forced to become one of them and live the life of a Magi, but i had tricks up my hand... i am an illusionist. I made a plan, of course i wasn't by my self, a mentor of mine helped me who was also an illusionist. He was killed as we escaped, i made his grave here somewhere." Jirkin looks at the ground, "He was old, but full of knowledge, that is when i vowed my vengence on the Magi, they killed to many of the people i loved. Then when i saw Gosia at the stake and now we are all here, i have made up my mind..." Jirkin looks at his friends and mutters to himself and sits down.
I am new in the ways of the outside world, especially the mysteries of nature. My hesitation, a result of my surprise, was wrong, but I meant no harm by it. I wish no harm to you or your companions.
Keildrithe mulls over Yurch's reply in silence, the crackling of the fire answering on his behalf for several long minutes. At last, he speaks:
"I understand, Yruch, and thank you for what I perceive to be your honesty. Despite my dislike for your church, I have a feeling that you shall prove yourself to be a great companion, and that with your aid, we may accomplish valorous deeds that we may otherwise not be able to accomplish on our own. Your humility, which few of your faith seem to possess, speaks alot about you. More than anyone, you may have the greatest chance of convincing the church authorities to not execute Gosia, or other so-called heathens... myself included, should we fail to find sufficient proof to clear Gosia's name, or should the Inquisitor simply refuse to accept that proof.
"I shall attempt in earnest to withdraw the hostility that seems to pervade the words I share with you... but understand that it may take a while before I am fully at ease with, and fully accepting of you. The Karands have suffered a great deal at the hands of the Artonites... my family has suffered a great deal... and their suffering is my own. Perhaps our alliance can lead to a new dawn between Karands, Atuskans, and Artonites... I can only dream of better days, for I relish not the path of war and bloodshed..."
I came to Barg to give an item to someone, sorry that is my business. I know that my knowledge of magic may seem evil, but it can be helpful. That is why when i say Gosia about to be burned, i made the noise of a woman screaming sounding insane to make everyone leave, sadly my plans failed and i kept watching. I remember my father telling me "Don't let them hurt you, protect the good ones with your life." I didn't know what my father meant then,but i think i know now. Sadly that day my father and mother were murdered by the Magi!" Jirkin looks at the ground and mubbles "Those fiends," then gathers strength to speak " I was then forced to become one of them and live the life of a Magi, but i had tricks up my hand... i am an illusionist. I made a plan, of course i wasn't by my self, a mentor of mine helped me who was also an illusionist. He was killed as we escaped, i made his grave here somewhere." Jirkin looks at the ground, "He was old, but full of knowledge, that is when i vowed my vengence on the Magi, they killed to many of the people i loved. Then when i saw Gosia at the stake and now we are all here, i have made up my mind..." Jirkin looks at his friends and mutters to himself and sits down.
I came to Barg to give an item to someone, sorry that is my business. I know that my knowledge of magic may seem evil, but it can be helpful. That is why when i say Gosia about to be burned, i made the noise of a woman screaming sounding insane to make everyone leave, sadly my plans failed and i kept watching. I remember my father telling me "Don't let them hurt you, protect the good ones with your life." I didn't know what my father meant then,but i think i know now. Sadly that day my father and mother were murdered by the Magi!" Jirkin looks at the ground and mubbles "Those fiends," then gathers strength to speak " I was then forced to become one of them and live the life of a Magi, but i had tricks up my hand... i am an illusionist. I made a plan, of course i wasn't by my self, a mentor of mine helped me who was also an illusionist. He was killed as we escaped, i made his grave here somewhere." Jirkin looks at the ground, "He was old, but full of knowledge, that is when i vowed my vengence on the Magi, they killed to many of the people i loved. Then when i saw Gosia at the stake and now we are all here, i have made up my mind..." Jirkin looks at his friends and mutters to himself and sits down.
"Jirkin, you should feel no shame for your arcane talents... quite the contrary, I am envious of them. What is in your heart matters more than the kind of power you wield, be that the path of the sword, the path of faith, the path of stealth, or the path of magic. And it is clear that you have a strong heart, else you would not have joined us, and done what you did in order to try to save Gosia. You have acted in a selfless manner. And perhaps, if we successfully conclude our present quest, we may be in a position to help you obtain this vengeance you so rightfully deserve against these vile Magi. I understand your sorrow, for it is not so different from my own. I am sure your mentor would have been proud to see you wielding your power for Good, though many fear it and most do not understand it... I am grateful for your willingness to share of your difficult past with us."
Keildrithe then turns his gaze toward Alton...
Laithe cracks an eye open, looking upon the faces around the camp fire. The light of the dancing flames plays across their solemn features as they tell their stories or sit silent in contemplation.
Shutting his eyes once more, he gives a slight smile, feeling a little more confident in the motives of his companions, and taking some small comfort that he was not alone in his feelings of guilt and pain over the death of his people.
He shifts slightly and seeks the healing rest of sleep.
The conversation dies down, and one by one the adventurers drift off to sleep, with the exception of Keildrithe, taking the first turn at watch. The bard keeps time by humming a simple tune to himself, serving both to mark the passing hours, and keep his weary mind alert.
From time to time sounds beyond the crackle of the fire and the snores of his companions startle Keildrithe. Several times he hears rustling in the trees, or the distant howl of wolves, but in each case no further trouble eventuates, although his imagination runs wild at times, and he sees again in his mind’s eye the image of the leafling lurching towards him, twigs extended…
Nearing the time when his two hours at watch has passed, and he is considering soon waking Jirkin, the bard hears the distinctive sound of a twig snapping somewhere not far from the camp, to the south, towards the road.
Nearing the time when his two hours at watch has passed, and he is considering soon waking Jirkin, the bard hears the distinctive sound of a twig snapping somewhere not far from the camp, to the south, towards the road.
"Ehlonna watch over us," Keildrithe mutters nervously at the sound of the snapping twig. "This had better be nothing more than a deer."
Sword in hand, he walks over to the spot where Jirkin is laying, shaking him gently. "Jirkin, wake-up," he whispers intently. "It's almost time for your watch... but something's moving about in the woods to the south... be on guard, and be ready to wake the others. It might just be a deer, but who knows..."
Keildrithe walks a few paces away from the camp and into the darkness, turning his back to the fire. He takes cover behind a tree and gives his eyes a few moments to adjust to the impenetrable shadows of night, gripping his sword tightly while scanning the gloom.
.
"Leafling, if you be out there right now," he murmurs, "we would be grateful for your protection..."
Through the trees, Keildrithe sees a pair of luminous green orbs – eyes? – hanging in the darkness about thirty feet away, about two or three feet above the ground. He can vaguely make out a dark shape – a deeper shadow against the night – behind the eyes.
Through the trees, Keildrithe sees a pair of luminous green orbs – eyes? – hanging in the darkness about thirty feet away, about two or three feet above the ground. He can vaguely make out a dark shape – a deeper shadow against the night – behind the eyes.
"Jirkin, I think it's some sort of animal... maybe even a wolf, or a boar... I think it's head is too low to be a deer... or to be a goblin..." Keildrithe's eyes dart from the creature to the surrounding darkness, making sure there aren't other pairs of eyes in the vicinity...
Keildrithe curses under his breath. "Jirkin, are you up yet?"
As Jirkin stirs in his sleeping roll, Keildrithe slips behind a tree at the edge of the campsite, looking for more eyes, but finding none.
He hears a noise from the direction of the eyes, and peering around his tree, he sees that the eyes are gone! He thinks – but cannot be sure – that he sees a dark shadow retreating into the forest, and the flick of an arm or tail … or tentacle?
"No, most of my kinsmen aren't as bold as I. Most of my kind are happy to live out their lives as common farming folk. Some of us are more daring than others, like my father, who started a trading buisness that gave our family great wealth. As a youth I was always enthralled by the tales of the traveling bards and adventurers. Tales of noble adventures, great wealth and daring deeds. I managed to convince a swordsman who passed through the area almost every year on a pilgramige to take me on as a squire. My father had these weapons forged for me by some master dwarven smiths with whom we were allied, which is why they are so precious to me. Eventually I learned all that I could from my master, Korrar, and set out on my own, going where luck took me. I was traveling, wishing to see the vast oceans and Barg as along my way. I dislike injustice, having suffered more than my share of it due to my lack of beleif in Arton and my race, so decided to assist in proving Gosia's innocence." While I tell my tale I have a slight smile on my face, clearly remebering good memories.
.
Sorry, missed this - he's still sleeping.
When it is my watch I get up and pull my weapons out, letting them hang loosley at my side, ready for any possible ambushes. I look around for any danger and keep listening for anything amiss or the return of the strange orbs of light. [/ooc]I'm presuming that I was told about the creature when I started my watch.[/ooc]
Strain his eyes – and ears – as he might, Keildrithe catches no further sight of the mysterious night stalker, nor does the newly awakened Jirkin.
After a nervous fifteen minutes of waiting, Keildrithe sets down to rest, and is soon deeply asleep despite his wariness.
Jirkin’s watch passes without further incident, and after another two hours or so, he in turn awakens Alton, warning him of the mysterious visitation earlier in the evening.
After Jirkin returns to his slumber, Alton remains alert, tending the fire and keeping his senses tuned to the night, should the visitor – or anything else – return.
It must be about midnight – almost halfway through the halfling’s watch – when Alton spies a distant light off in the forest, in the opposite direction of the path. It is some distance away – it is hard to tell exactly how far – and seems to be moving, as it is lost to sight from time to time, behind the trunks of trees and other intervening scenery. Little detail can be made out, but it appears to be a yellow light, like a distant torch or lantern. Alton can hear no noise, apart from the usual faint noises of the forest at night.
I walk over to where my companions are sleeping and quietly wake them. "There are lights of some kind that I can see from here. Should we go and investigate or not?" I ask in a tense whisper.
I walk over to where my companions are sleeping and quietly wake them. "There are lights of some kind that I can see from here. Should we go and investigate or not?" I ask in a tense whisper.
Your companions are deeply asleep, and are slow to rouse ...
I walk over to where my companions are sleeping and quietly wake them. "There are lights of some kind that I can see from here. Should we go and investigate or not?" I ask in a tense whisper.
Laithe half wakes at Alton's words and rises onto his elbow, to try and get a view of the lights through the trees .
He mumbles "I would be extremely hesitant to leave the campsite in the dark of the night; you don't know what creatures are out there, trying to lure us away from the light and warmth of the flames. I would suggest you keep an eye on the lights, and only act if they come this way"
The light weaves it's way between the trees, sometimes appearing to move closer, sometimes moving further away, as though moving randomly - or lost in the woods.
Keildrithe yawns and props himself up on one elbow. "Laithe is right. I have heard frightful tales of luminous airborn creatures called will'o'wisps that lure unsuspecting travellers to their doom by night. I pray this is not what we now see... Regardless, it would be foolish for us to stray away from our camp... Let us know if they come any closer..."
Keildrithe lays back down and closes his eyes, caressing the hilt of his sword... "What must a man do in order to sleep peacefully in this sinister wood...?" he mumbles to himself.
Well, it seems that Alton’s companions would rather sleep than deal with mysterious lights, so the halfling resolves to keep watching, and take action if the situation begins to seem dangerous.
The light continues to flit about between the trees, sometimes coming closer, sometimes flitting further away. Strain his eyes and ears as he might in the darkness, Alton can see no sign of anyone who might be bearing the light, or hear the sounds of footsteps crunching on the leaves.
Remembering Laithe and Keildrithe’s warnings, Alton does not leave the camp area to investigate the light … in fact, now that he thinks about it, it does almost seem that something is trying to attract his attention, and lead him away from the camp … so he waits, and in time the light vanishes as suddenly as it had arrived.
---
Later, Alton wakes Yruch for his watch, and Yruch in turn wakes Laithe after his own uneventful guard period.
---
As the first grey hint of dawn begins to supplement the light of the dying camp fire, Laithe wakes the camp, and the group prepares to continue their trek towards the Valley of Snails.
Through the trees, Keildrithe sees a pair of luminous green orbs – eyes? – hanging in the darkness about thirty feet away, about two or three feet above the ground. He can vaguely make out a dark shape – a deeper shadow against the night – behind the eyes.
"Jirkin, I think it's some sort of animal... maybe even a wolf, or a boar... I think it's head is too low to be a deer... or to be a goblin..." Keildrithe's eyes dart from the creature to the surrounding darkness, making sure there aren't other pairs of eyes in the vicinity...
Keildrithe curses under his breath. "Jirkin, are you up yet?"
Jirkin getting up not answering and looks around then gets up for his watch
I walk over to where my companions are sleeping and quietly wake them. "There are lights of some kind that I can see from here. Should we go and investigate or not?" I ask in a tense whisper.
Jirkin makes no response you are only able to hear "No, Mother, Father... don't take them away!... then it stops