Harry shakes his head slightly in disagreement to his sorcerous friend, "Och, I don't think any amount of flame be burning away that!" He indicates the fouled patches of ground where the dretches met their end. "No animal be coming near this place as long as th' demonic taint lingers 'ere!"
"That may be true, but he will need the rest and time to pray, regardless. Destroy it if you think you must. So much unnecessary loss . . .." Perri's eyes go unfocused as he says the last.
Light it up if you feel the need to.
Slowing down, he holds his hand out and slowly lowers it as he himself drops to one knee. Obediently Glip stops and also lowers himself to the ground.
Stealth: 1d20+16
The lizardfolk ranger strains his senses to see or hear anything about who or what is on the other track.
Perception: 1d20+14
Akro and Glip slip into a bunch of marsh reeds and cattails. Akro lowers himself down just enough so that half is body is in the water and he waits for the sound to close towards him and Glip.
After a moment a body slips out of a small tree line. It is a grey orc...probably a lead scout. He keeps walking but as Akro inspects him he notices the thing is wearing hide armor, holding a short bow and has a knife and a hand ax at his side. He is maybe sixty yards or so in front of the two of you. As he makes his way along the watery trail you see two more orcs come out of the tree line...also staying low and stalking along the trail that crosses yours. The two carry wooden hide shields with a green snake head with fangs and a white fist over the head. There are bones and feathers along with the shields...indicating both are blooded warriors. Each carries a spear and have an ax and a knife at their side.
They cross by you at the same distance neither noticing you as they go by. A moment later five more orcs come out of the tree line and then five more. Both groups are mix of spearman and bowmen and all in hide shirts. The last group comes through along with a lone rear guard. The lone rear watch also has a short bow but is not as alert as the lead scout. The last group before the rear guard has six more orces with five being a mix of spearman and Bowman. The lead figure in the last group is a bigger, stronger looking orc with studded leather armor that appears to have been man-made and modified for the big creature to wear. He also carries a wood/hide shield with many feathers and bones. He carries a human long sword and at his side is a throwing ax and knife. The group of fifteen orcs go by you down the trail heading southwest. It appears to be a hunting party but most grey orces don't range this far as their tribes are small.
Feremon
The old man looks at the cabin for a good while as they talk amongst themselves. That fire might attract company...something to consider... He looks around the woods and the glade. We should gather up food and fresh water. We will need it. When we do get into the Hool food that you are accustom to will be in short supply...be more frogs, lizards, snakes, mudfish...and bitter berries...
Bynoth nods at Feremon's insight;
"A beacon to others... In our current state more conflict may drain resources and spirit that has already ebbed."
"True," Harry nods to Feremon, "We best be off then." He turns to Maja, "Care ta help be find some food? I kin get th' water, as it be in me blood."
He then moves off to the stream after gathering all the empty waterskins, heading upstream to fill them up and also seeing what sort of edible plants and fruits are growing along the way.
Once the group had passed, Akro moved forward to their trial and examined it just in case he ever ran across it again. Signalling to Glip the two continue on their way but remain watchful for any other groups.
Cerilis remains silent and watches the others. He nods when it is time to move along.
Once the group had passed, Akro moved forward to their trial and examined it just in case he ever ran across it again. Signalling to Glip the two continue on their way but remain watchful for any other groups.
Akro and Glip come out of the reeds and cattails. Glip seems to watch in the direction they moved toward for a good while. Akro walks the trail inspecting the path. He notices they walk in a single file line so as to not give away their real numbers. He also notices their tracks are heavy in the mud...they are big heavy creatures...strong.
After inspecting their trail you decide to move off to the meeting point. You know it is only a few more hours away.
The Farmhouse
Late Afternoon
7th Day of Readying (Early Spring) of 570cy(Day 5) Freeday
Farmer's Cabin Map
Combat Manager (Baltron's Beacon Tab)
The party spends the day taking in a meal and then gathering food and fresh water. Roots and nuts are specifically what Feremon tells the party to find as they will be in short supply and are a good staple item that keep for a long while.
Maja and Feremon round up some of the party that is good at finding food and spend a few hours in the surrounding wood gathering up supplies. Cerelis and Harry go with the and assist in getting as much food as possible.
Survival Bonus
Maja =
Cerelis =
Harry =
Feremon = (each of you receive a +2 bonus to survival)
Nuts/Roots/Tubers for # of days each person (3)
Harry seems to struggle in finding food as he spends more time watching Feremon move in and out of areas and not even make a sound...or even leave a hint of a trail. Harry struggle as he is to locate food notices that the man has a gift for teaching as well...everyone seems to listen to his advice and manages to do just a little bit better at finding what they need to. But it is also his gift to make those around him seem to blend into the very fabric around them. He is a gifted ranger...Harry notices it quickly. As the the foraging party finishes they manage to find enough nuts, roots and tubers for each person for 1 day (2 meals each day) and an extra day. The group comes up a animal trail from the south and can see the rest of the group have gathered up fresh water and have prepared to break camp.
Feremon
As the party finishes up packing their gear and preparing to leave Feremon speaks up.
We be south of the Longspear Trail, da road ya traveled on to until ya turned south and came across da farm. (he points to it) We be just north of the Udy Woods and will travel through that wood and into da Udy Hills. We should have na issues moving through them unless we come across a rogue animal or creature. Once across the hills we will entire into the southern portion of da Udy woods. It is about fourteen to fifteen miles in total length so we should be able to cover it in four to five hours with easy travel. Once there we can bed down as the sun will be falling. A few of us can hunt and forage for food. If me mark is right we will come upon a small brook and fall were the fishing is good and the water is cool. A good place to camp.
He waits for anyone to ask questions.
Harry speaks up quietly, "Aye you did mention all these warrin' factions dwelling in th' Marsh. Kin we rely on succor from anyone in there or are we completely on our own?"
"Plan and pack to be on or own. If we find no friends, we're prepared. If we do find friends, we can celebrate the opportunity as equals." He adjusts his pack, looking about with his normal straight face back in place. "We off, then?"
Feremon
He looks at Perri and nods in full agreement. "Wise words ye be speaking. The further south we go the more dangerous it will get. If we get separated make sure you have fresh water and food. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. By noon the sun is at its apex...us it to navigate. If ya do get separated by all the heavens don't yell out or shout...it is the fastest way to get eaten. Don't drink the water or eat anything from the Hool unless it has been purified, cooked, or boiled. The place is full of disease and sickness and the quickest way to die in that place is to put something from it in your mouth."
Maja gives him a nod in agreement as does Cerelis. The olf had read many stories of the place and the many diseases that filled its waters. Maja had some limited experience in the marsh and knew of its many dangers. Both of them seemed the most concerned with the venture.
Feremon looks to Harry..."Aye I have friends and family in the Hool. Once we tend to ya friend." He looks over at Perri with deep concern in his eyes. "We will enter into the Hool and travel the edge a bit west and dip down to a small island in the marsh. It's a meeting point for a friend of mine. He knows the marsh as well, if not better than I do. He was born in the marsh and lives in it now...He will be aware of any current news or goings on. I go to the spot twice a month and we meet there at least once if our paths cross." He looks in the direction of the marsh. "The last time I saw him was several weeks ago just after the beacon appeared. He didn't have anything good to say and I am sure it has not improved. He looks at the group. "I am hoping he will join us as it will make it far easier as we enter in tribal lands of the scale folk."
Bynoth finishes his preparation, pausing to pose a question with regards their potential guide;
"Master Feremon. This marsh dweller friend of yours. How is it he survives in such a hostile place? Strength of arms? Cunning mind? Or just lucky? I would know what he will bring to our ranks."
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Bynoth finishes his preparation, pausing to pose a question with regards their potential guide;
"Master Feremon. This marsh dweller friend of yours. How is it he survives in such a hostile place? Strength of arms? Cunning mind? Or just lucky? I would know what he will bring to our ranks."
Feremon finishes stowing his gear and checking his bow and looks at Bynoth and then the rest of party. "Akro is lizard folk. I found him as a youngling when his tribe was slaughtered because their chief didn't want to join King Y'iss war party. He was the only survivor that got away; the rest were chained or eaten as is their custom. Survived on his own for days until I found him. He was in bad shape but he survived. Adopted him I did and taught him what I know along with my daughter and step son... He is my blood just as the two I left behind are... As far as what he brings to the ranks...He is ranger and he speaks the tongue of the scale folk and understands their ways far better than I do. He lives the Hool every day on his own so he knows where the bullywugs roam, the grey orcs set camps, and any other buggers that could eat us if they get a mind to." He looks south... "If we are going to be successful going into the Hool and towards that green light he will give us the best chance for it!"
He laughs..."He had no taste for being in the civilized world...I don't blame him... When he grew to manhood...or whatever the scale folk call it he left for the Hool to live their and to help the smaller tribes survive. He has on more than one occasion been able to save a small tribe or clan from King Y'iss or a bullywug war band." Looks at the War Priest... "Actually ya would like him. He is ferocious warrior...likes to use his claws and bite and if you run he as a wicked aim with his throwing ax...tough to spare with that damn tail and that bite." He laughs again. "Will be good to see him."
sounds like a handy fellow to have around for sure and any kin of yours is a friend of ours as well Sylas says with an easy smile
"Yes those be soothin' words to hear, Feremon." Harry replies with a note of relief. "I be ready ta move on 'ere. Let's set a warning sign around the cabin indicating it be a Plague infested area. Should keep it clear methinks."
Bynoth mulls Feremon's words;
"The scale'd folk are indeed warriors of fierce repute, and his knowledge of the tribes and fell denizens of The Hool will be invaluable."
Listening to the talk of a lizard folk guide keeps Cerilis quiet. Only nodding here or there as the conversation moves on.
Any aid that we can gain would be of use to us in the future.
Arriving at the regular meeting spot that he and Feremon-Father agreed upon, Akro flicks his tongue out, tasting the air. Sensing nothing out of the ordinary and with no sign of his foster-father, the lizardman sets about making camp. Glip flops down in his familiar spot and closes his eyes. All is quiet and Akro, once the camp is set up, heads out to find some food and water for the two of them...lazy Glip can hunt his own food!
Survival:
The Trek South
Late Afternoon
7th Day of Readying (Early Spring) of 570cy(Day 5) Freeday
Farmer's Cabin Map
Combat Manager (Baltron's Beacon Tab)
The group finishes up with their final preparations before breaking camp. As they do Feremon walks out ahead of the group. He checks the midday sun and then points to a far off point of hills on the rise facing south to southwest.
As he begins to walk, the rest of the group falls in alongside and behind him. He seems to whistle a light tune as he walks. Maja and Perri both notice he is always scanning the area around them as he walks.
Edge of the Janus Forests and the fields north of the Udy Woods.
Weather roll - 20% chance of rain/ 10% thunderstorm/minor flooding
Hear Noise - 25%
See Signs - 20%
Random Encounter - 15%
As the party makes their way out of the cabin Harry makes sure to post a mark of **PLAGUE** at the path leading to the cabin.
Once the party sets off on the trail he lingers for a moment, spreading his hands over his chest area invoking a shimmering bubble softly glowing a faint shade of crystal blue.
Arriving at the regular meeting spot that he and Feremon-Father agreed upon, Akro flicks his tongue out, tasting the air. Sensing nothing out of the ordinary and with no sign of his foster-father, the lizardman sets about making camp. Glip flops down in his familiar spot and closes his eyes. All is quiet and Akro, once the camp is set up, heads out to find some food and water for the two of them...lazy Glip can hunt his own food!
Survival: 1d20+18
Akro knowing they are on the edge of the marsh and near the drowned forest, he would have to be careful not to attract unwanted attention. The lizardman descends on a small pond with several natural streams feeding into it from both the marsh and from the drowned forest. The pond is rather big and the edges are washed out in the reeds, cattails, marsh grass and weeping willow trees.
He keeps a sharp eye out for movement in the water and around it knowing it was a fresh source and many predators and more importantly prey would come to the pond to drink and eat. His form blends into the natural surroundings easily and over time he manages to catch several nice size catfish as well as several marsh hogs (piglets) that must have wandered off from the main herd. With his catch gathered up headed back to camp moving away from the pond quietly. As he comes back into camp he sees that Glip had found something to eat...Akro was not sure what exactly his friend was eating but Glip seemed satisfied with his catch.
Akro settles down cleans his catch and sets them on the fire along with some wild herbs he had...mostly marsh garlic, scallions, and white peppers along with mushrooms. After cooking, eating and watching Glip act as if his dinner was a prized possession he had to hide and finally eat with Akro seeing him do it. Akro cleans up any of the leftover food and throws it into the fire as an offering to the forces of nature that ruled over this world in thanks for a full stomach and a safe place to sleep.
Perri
As Perri walks along with his companions he begins to wonder what exactly happened at that cabin. He still doesn't feel as if he is alone. As if something is watching him...no more as if it is walking with him or behind him just in the shadows...it is unclear what it is but that is not true he saw the horrible forms in the night as they tried to attack the cabin.
As Perri's mind wanders into the events that took place at the cabin he thinks back to the horrible images of his family and friends...the guilt he felt then and during those days... The guilt was so much more intense as if it was being stoked by something to make him feel it...experience it...the emotion was raw. He then felt a shiver on his back as if something was looming over him...really watching him. Almost as if it was laughing at his agony and his suffering.
It was then that a wave of images came crashing down on him. Wave after wave of them....first he saw something in the darkness...a dretch...that is what Thanim called it. He saw the creature take hold of him and somehow its form melted into his form. He saw himself fighting it in the cabin...rising from slumber looking around...laying back down and going into fits as if his body was trying to reject the invasion of this force. Then a flash of scenes from some other world...filled with green and black gases...a land of red ash, black ground that oozed putrid liquids of all colors...all of which looked like puss or ooze. Then there are flashes of this thing savaging smaller creatures that looked like animals but were just as horrible in appearance. Then there were the larger more sinister and depraved beings that attacked this creature. Mistreated it in ways that go far beyond the senses of man. Then as all these images come to a quick conclusion you see it standing behind you but now its form begins to alter...painfully at first...as if the creature is being cracked piece by piece. Its parts pulled and extended, reformed and then it blurs and reforms into something even more horrible. As if by completing this bond it has on you it has become stronger...transformed. Then you hear it...the whispering like a rasping wind through a long tunnel drying to draw you into the darkness.
Thanim
As the group walks through the fields of grass and small copses of trees that dot the lightly rolling plains he notices his friend seems to stiffen and his head moves around as if he is watching something happening just in front of him... He watches Perri closely and notices the man's reactions. After Perri seems to calm he speeds up enough to come up beside him so he is walking abreast with him. He turns to Perri and smiles. "How are you doing my friend?" He says it softly and there is a lining of understanding and compassion that Perri has heard often from Thanim.
"Can't you see it? The THING following me. It was a, dretch is what you called them, right? But it has changed. It feels meaner, more malevolent, and I get the feeling it isn't going to go away." His eyes aren't wide in fear, nor set in focused resolve, but are crinkled with sadness or regret.
Striding alongside Perri, Bynoth expression hardens as the warrior attention flits to shadows and (apparently)none existent threats.
At the Rhenee's outburst he halts, turning back toward whence they came;
"We cannot see it Master Purrun. Tho' you may be more attuned to the servants of the chaotic filth due to the pestilence that blighted you..."
The priest squints attempting to discern if anything does indeed haunt their steps;
:
"SPAWN OF PESTILENCE REVEAL THINESELF! A SERVANT OF LAW DEMANDS IT!"
Hoping to bolster his resolve, Cerlis speaks more words than he has in a long time.
Perri, I can not understand exactly what you are going through. I have some idea but there is no way I will...truly know. Right now this is a test for you. Remember these words as they have helped me over the decades. Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Stay strong of mind and you will get past this challenge.
Perri snorts and shakes his head. "No, you really don't. I pray that you never will."
"Actually," Harry's voice cuts through the warpriests bluster, "I do kin yer fear. I was there as ye may recall. If you need any proof that th' demon kin be banished, look no further than me." His eyes are filled with compassion for his friend.
Maja
Somewhat invigorated by leaving both the farm and the cabin she tracks along with Feremon. The both seem to move off a bit from the group main as they banter back and forth about the last few days and the condition of Perri. Maja notices they are now passing into the Udy Woods that Feremon spoke of. Feremon is always looking around, scanning his surroundings, making a quick stop every hundred yards or so.
Maja watches him as he goes through is routine. The old man is a professional through and through. She notices he hears what his being said behind them but seems to both ignore it but there is a look of concern on his face as the bark at each other.
Maja lowers her voice as he picks his pace back up as they are now thirty or forty yards ahead of the group. The halfling notices that Feremon doesn't push his pace to hard so that his new companion can keep up.
I appreciate your pace master Feremon! I am not sure I could keep up with you if you decided to pick up your pace. She smiles.
Feremon
He turns to Maja and smiles. It is no problem to me Maja. I am not in a rush for us to move into the marsh until your friends come to terms with whatever came upon you. I am no expert in the matters of demons and spirits...but I have seen enough of this world to know that they are not to be trifled with. The wood witch we are going to knows many things about the spirit world she might be able to help your friend.
He turns back to look at the group as Harry finishes talking. Let us hope.
Bynoth returns to the march into the Marsh, listening to his companions as they rally Perrun with words and hope.
They give him a beacon to keep the shadow from his soul. They have merit and mettle both.
He eyes Harry as the Sorcerer offers himself up as proof that the pestilence can be purged wihout steel, blood or fire.
"Of course Master Grawlund, should the bleakness still infect you... some might say it would compel you to say such words. Disarming words before the knife in night..."
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Harry turns to face the warpriest with an odd look on his face. Keeping his hands in front of him he responds slowly in an eerily calm voice, "Well, if'n it be I be still claimed by the same demons that assail our boon companion 'ere," he indicates Perri, "Then me words be the same uttered by me as those by me...master." Now looking into his eyes he continues softly, Yet I still see doubt in yer face Bynoth. If'n ye be certain that I be a demon now, then ye would have already struck me down as obeisance to yer own master!"
Thanim
Then can see the conversation making a turn for the worse. With such a diverse group it has its benefits and its problems. He clears his throat and then looks to Perri and then back to Harry and Bynoth.
"I realize that both of you are concerned for our friend and in doing so you express it in different ways. Bynoth's point...sharp as it is cuts to the point of the problem. We are dealing with forces that none of us have dealt with...Bynoth's training and yes is belief is that anything cut from Chaos is to be dealt with as if it was a disease. I am not sure I agree with it but in this case it has a place. Perri is being attacked and from what I know of possession it comes down to a battle of wills. We must be strong for our friend!"
He seems to calm down a bit. "Harry what you say is true...however even Perri seems to doubt what he sees. My guess is this thing...entity is playing with his reality...how he sees the world. The bad news is this thing appears to have grown stronger once it infested him. This is beyond my skill or knowledge. I have never had to deal with this type of entity. We can only hope that the this person that our guide knows can be of help."
Bynoth flashes a rare smile, albeit a hard one at Harry's word's;
"Master Grawlund. That spirit, that edge of spite in your words, shows you are indeed clear of the pestilence. Your answer was all too human and emotional."
He nods to himself, rubbing gauntleted hand o'er shaved scalp;
"Warfare is not always steel against steel. Sometimes it is soul against soul, or word challenging word. And in any conflict one must employ stratagem and tactics in order to win the day... Or confirm the victory as it were."
The war priest frowns before continuing;
"You all think me uncaring, unfeeling - a simple weapon of my god. That simply is not the case... I do have cause to invest in your wellbeing! I do care! You are exceptional allies, and will be needed in the war to come."
Late Afternoon - 1 hour after start
7th Day of Readying (Early Spring) of 570cy(Day 5) Freeday
Farmer's Cabin Map
Combat Manager (Baltron's Beacon Tab)
Feremon and Maja can see they are leaving the rolling hills of long grass and scattered copses of trees that dot the horizon for the edge of large forest. It appears to go several miles in both directions. It is not a dense forest. A mix of oaks, ash, maple, and ceder trees.
Feremon turns and lets the party gather up. "We are entering the Udy woods....beyond this forest lies a range of hills and then the rest of the Udy forest. We should stay close enough to see each other and keep our voices down. I had no problems coming through them and haven't in a good while but I tend to keep me mouth closed when I do. Things in here like to eat things on two legs!"
DM Rolls:
Moving into north section of Udy Woods.
Weather roll - No roll needed 20% chance of rain/ 10% thunderstorm/minor flooding
Hear Noise - 25%
See Signs - 20%
Random Encounter - 15%
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Having said his peace, Cerilis remains quiet during the exchange. He knew that there was no arguing with any man who thinks he is the law. Knowing that when they talk chaos erupts around them. Ironic..hmm
Putting aside the quarrel concerning Perri for now Harry motions to the trees around them. "What sorts of beasts have ye seen 'ere Feremon?"
So am I in a holding pattern until the group shows up? Should I be doing anything else? Just not too sure if we are working on the same timeline and location
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"I don't think you are uncaring or unfeeling. I do think you have all the empathy and caution of a hot branding iron. When you are handled properly and given the attention you need, you cause a great deal of pain, but you perform a service that needs doing. If mishandled, misguided, or ignored though, you indiscriminately hurt anything you touch and blame them for not being the same thing you are. Uncaring and unfeeling would be safer."
Bynoth eyes the blighted Rhenee with a cold look, then nods;
"I see my sermons have not gone unheeded Master Purrun. As sharp with the tongue as you are with the whip. There is hope for you yet."