Fergus sighs as the time to leave civilization draws near. He starts talking to no one and everyone at the same time.
I ne'er was a big fan of the wilderness, I much preferred the quiant libraries, alchemist chambers or even the rowdy taverns to it. But, sometimes one must do what one must. Did I tell you, I found this Beautiful gemstone here near a river on my way up here? Polished and cut it myself! He points to a shiny Sapphire embedded in one of his stone hair braids.
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"Oh I agree Fergus. But the wast wilderness has a certain charm to itself as well. If only the accommodations were better!" Illthir laughs and admires both the sapphire and the forest. Truth to be told she didn't actually mind being out and about - as long as there were no wolves looking to make her supper! And, of course, that the stay wasn't too long.
The skald retrieves her flute and plays a wonderfully uplifting tune. "This will make our steps lighter! Just \*ahem\* let me know if we come near a troll den or something else foul tempered and I'll be quiet."
"It is my hope to bring civilization to at least parts of the wilderness, over time. That is the nature of our great project in the Stolen Lands. But that means doing without the amenities of civilization most of the time, while we are about that task. I can understand it being frustrating."
Durgan moves at a good clip normally (30' move in full plate - Dwarf with Travel domain) and is faster with Illthir's song. For the journey through the Gronzi forest, he will have his axe in hand.
He could forego his usual domain spell Shield to instead prepare Longstrider for Balzeros, then use his Pearl of Power to cast it on Fergus. That way we would all move at 30' (for 5 hours anyway). Shield is a really nice AC boost, but I think he can prepare it in his 2nd-level domain slot? And then ask Balzeros to provide the Barkskin that would normally go in that 2nd-level slot.
Okay, Durgan will prep Longstrider in the 1st-level Domain slot and use the Pearl of Power so that he can cast it on both Fergus and Balzeros every morning.
He will use the 2nd-level Domain slot for Shield, and count on Balzeros for a Barkskin if combat occurs.
"We will just have to make due. And pass by picturesque ponds often enough!" Illthir puts the back of her hand to her forehead and makes a melodramatic declaration. Then resumes her merry flute tune with a giggle.
Zokon gives his mother a big hug and kiss "Is there anything you wish of father or want me to tell him?" he asks with a knowing look in his eye
"Just tell him that I'm happy." Zokon's mom says with a sly smile. She kisses him on the cheek.
________
Alia shrugs it off...if someone bothered to turn invisible for spying on them, he would not leave his shoes. It seemed significantly more likely they belonged to some paramour of Zokons mother, in which case it was not her place to invade into the privacy of their generous host.
Quickly going through her sanitary bag, she finds the scented oils she looked for and returns to the tub - and smiles as the girl plays with some soap bubbles: "I'm glad you enjoy it, Ilvah!"
After her bath Ilvah sniffs herself warily and smiles. With her hair washed and dirt scrubbed from her she looks like any other girl.
Talasia presents her with some new laundered clothes. Some of them are hand-me-downs, but some of the clothing is new made over the course of the few days that the party is in town.
"Just remember we work quickly, Alia, for when you and my son have your own little ones." Talasia says with a wink to the elf.
Serena mounts up and double-checks her gear. She laments not having purchased a tent while she had the opportunity, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.
"I shall mother and when this all happens i'll do my best to keep it happening for you."
Zokon gets ready to leave after giving a few hugs and hand clasps to various members of the community
To Balzeros he replies "I'm not sure. it should be a good one, seeing as we are coming with news of how we are about to be part pf something political and powerful. Nobles all over respect power and try to make use of it."
Symbolically he will lead the group as they leave the place he called home for a long time and smile on his face to have had such a pleasant visit.
Serena mounts up and double-checks her gear. She laments not having purchased a tent while she had the opportunity, but there's no use crying over spilled milk.
With Illthir providing eight hours of music every day. The party makes good time.
Zokon ranges ahead and around looking for trails and signs they are on the correct path but he is an aid to Balzeros skill
With the added effortless speed Illthir provides combined with Balzeros' assisted expertise, the group his likely to make incredible progress through the woods.
________
Durgan will skip prepping Shield and instead prepare another Longstrider in his 2nd-level domain slot for Serena.
Zokon ranges ahead and around looking for trails and signs they are on the correct path but he is an aid to Balzeros skill
Zokon: "I knew that. I was just testing you."
The path through the Gronzi Forest and up into forested foothills of the Icerime Peaks is not one lightly taken. In fact, it will draw the party back to within a few leagues of their encounter with the ice trolls. The forest is thought to be haunted by "feral gnomes", dangerous forest-dwelling giants, and fey as well as human brigands who indulge in banditry and illegal clear-cutting operations. Some say that witches, demons and their worshipers live in the remote places of the forest.
One could certainly imagine such places existing within the wood as the high canopy of the forest shields the ground from most sunlight, and it seems to take the morning mist forever to burn off.
The deeper the party delves the more the more in-tune among them feel as though they are being watched, or perhaps judged by unfriendly eyes. While they encounter plenty of life in the form of calling birds, small, skittering, ground mammals, and croaking insects and frogs, there are places in the forest that seem quiet--too quiet--where the only noise seems to be the party's own footfalls on the leaf-littered ground, and the sound of Illthir's voice.
The first day passes without incident though, and the party finds a place to make camp for the night.
In camp, Balzeros creates his typical shelter part way up a tree with a knotted rope coiled within for easy scaling. "How should we split watch? Whatever's been drilling holes in the back of our heads today might get brave as the sun falls," he points out. "My friend, Ramita, has no need for sleep and could assist the primary watchmen," he offers, stroking part of his robes. Feathery yet plantlike antennae poke out of some of the folds.
________
"Brr. This forest really isn't as picturesque as I imagined." Illthir commented as they stopped. "I agree with Balzeros; we better keep some eyes open."
The night passes, and becomes a cold misty morning.
Late that morning the party scouts hear a loud crash, and Balzeros, Illthir and Serena see, over a rise, the top of a nearby tree sway violently, crack and crash into the forest floor. The sound of the snapping trunk and breaking branches is accompanied by a deep guttural groan.
"Something large and wicked this way comes," Serena notes without humor. With a sigh, she bares her scimitar.
Aye, well it just woudn't feel right if we didn't encounter some sort of creature or thing trying to kill us. What is it this time? Hungering dead? a pack of werewolves, a runaway Golem? Or perhaps something as simple as a Bullette or the likes? Ah well. Fergus lets out a sigh from atop his summoned mount. He mutters the arcane phrase of a spell
Hewa Letrix and suddenly a shimmering golden plate armor reminiscent of ancient dwarven craft coalesces around him before slowly fading from sight.
"We're going to fight it? I mean, ok, if that's what we want to do, but we could also run..." Balzeros points out. If it is clear that fighting is the way these is going to go down, he casts Barkskin on Durgan.
________
"Perhaps we can find a peaceful resolution. But good to be prepared for that not working."
Durgan nods to Balzeros, then casts Shield of Faith on himself. He readies his buckler and axe.
Zokon readies his bow
"Durgan has the right of it, we are always prepared for peace, butttt... "
A moment passes, and then another. Nothing seems to happen.
"Let's go in the direction of the noise and look for tracks. Even if it has moved on, it would be good to know what is here in these woods."
Zokon will streak ahead a bit towards the fallen tree, searching and moving as stealthily as he can at a fair clip
Illthir blinks wide awake and grabs her gear. She really didn't want to walk towards something huge and tree-toppling but ... It was what heroes would do right? So she steeled herself and nodded, ready and slightly unwilling to advance. Luckily Serena and Zokon seems willing to range ahead!
As Zokon moves cautiously ahead, Serena sweeps past him and mounts the rise. One of the biggest bears* either explorer has ever seen looks back up at her.
Round 1! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Illthir
__ Zokon
__ Da Bear
__ Fergus
__ Serena
__ Alia
__ Balzeros
__ Durgan
__ Erevenywg
__ Ilvah
"Hey do you see anything? What's up there? Is it a - oh. That's a *big* bear!" The skald babbles on as she follows in the wake of the front. With a worried grimace she conjures a puddle of Grease between the big bear and themselves - just in case it tried to charge!
The spell can also be used to create a greasy coating on an item. Material objects not in use are always affected by this spell, while an object wielded or employed by a creature requires its bearer to make a Reflex saving throw to avoid the effect. If the initial saving throw fails, the creature immediately drops the item. A saving throw must be made in each round that the creature attempts to pick up or use the greased item. A creature wearing greased armor or clothing gains a +10 circumstance bonus on Escape Artist checks and combat maneuver checks made to escape a grapple, and to their CMD to avoid being grappled.
Zokon steps away to the right side (30ft?) and uses studied target on the bear.
A very big bear! just in front of US.. help."
The bear rushes forward through the branches of the downed tree, and up the hill--an unstoppable reverse avalanche of muscle and ferocity.
It slips as it makes its way through the area of Illthir's spell, but is propelled by momentum. It's sights remain set squarely on the intruders to it's domain. It growls and bellows at the party as it comes on.
Round 1! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Da Bear
__ Fergus
__ Serena
__ Alia
__ Balzeros
__ Durgan
__ Erevenywg
__ Ilvah
__ Illthir
__ Zokon
"Oh my, that's a cave bear! Needless to say, they're quite aggressive!" Balzeros warns. Weaving a spell, he draws upon the power of nature to create a warhammer of pure force before launching it at the bear.
________
"A cave bear. Very territorial. Very bitey. Try not to let it grab you."
Alia rushes forward, drawing her Estoc as she takes position to shield Zokon. Shouting a short incantation in Elvish including the word for "plurality" at the bear, there are suddenly several Alias overlapping.
At least its not bloody trolls! Perhaps it can be dissuaded by a bit... a lot of flames. Fergus shouts as he holds up the hand with his ruby ring and utters an arcane phrase.
Yaku orib and with a flash of red and orange around the ruby a flaming sphere erupts into existence upon the bear.
he then moves to stand behind Durgan, rady to support with his reach weapon.
A single move brings Durgan up to the front ranks, just slightly behind Illthir.
He moves up and calls on the protective power of Abadar, activating his Aura of Deflection.
The bear's deceptive speed allows it to bypass the flaming sphere.
Serena swings hard, hoping to get past the beast's thick hide.
"Oh, Al-lia, Is it not amazing! To be able to stumble upon such a wondrously noble, woodland beast!" cries Erevenywg from the top of the hill, her eyes glistening at the sight of the great bear--truly one of nature's most majestic and awe-inspiring creatures.
Just then, Serene rushes forward, shouting, her bent blade raised.
Serena swings hard, hoping to get past the beast's thick hide.
Taking the fight to the bear, the paladin swats it with her curved blade, drawing a little blood, and a lot of attention.
Erevenywg's eyes widen and mouth hangs agape at the scene.
Ilvah takes cover behind a nearby tree as the battle begins in earnest.
Round 1 and a bit! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Da Bear
__ Fergus
__ Serena
__ Alia
__ Balzeros
__ Durgan
__ Erevenywg
__ Ilvah
__ Illthir
__ Zokon
With the secure blade of Alia between him and the foe, he allows the shot to just flow, no thoughts but the target.
Zokon having studied the target to see vulnerabilities attempts to exploit one and he fires two shots fired with deadly aim at the bear.
Both of Zokon's arrows strike true. The second one giving the beast some pause, though it still seems intent upon advancing (through Serena if necessary).
Illthir gasps as Serena bravely closes into be-mauled-by-giant-bear range. A small part of her was glad that Erevenywg was enjoying it at least - that way something good would come from it. But as the skald did not want to see her brave friend being reduced to paste she gathered a few specs of dust and a spell. "Sparkles!!"
Just as it rears up to swat Serena into the ground scintillating sparkles, like diamond dust fall from the air around the bear blinding it, with its glitter.
In blind rare the bear swings its tree-trunk-thick fore paws at Serena who deftly dodges out of the way.
Round 2! (Theme ♬)
The Bold May Act!
_________________
__ Da Bear -70 hp, blind, bedazzled
__ Fergus
__ Serena
__ Alia
__ Balzeros
__ Durgan
__ Illthir
__ Zokon
__ Erevenywg
__ Ilvah