The stirge, half full of human blood, reacts to the bolt with a whirr of activity. It detaches from Albus and decides to flee with the sustenance it has already stolen.
Virdel sends a pair of crossbow bolts at the stirge as it flutters away.
..and misses badly with both of them.
Aelerie reaches back into her quiver for another bolt, sliding it into the track and lining up for a second shot at the parasite feeding on Albus. When the stirge detaches and flies away, she lowers her crossbow and watches its flight, clearly conflicted. Her first instinct is to let it flee, but the thought of it returning to attack some other unsuspecting prey when its hunger needed to be sated once more gave her pause. With a sigh of resignation, Aelerie takes aim once again and fires a bolt at the retreating stirge.
After this final attempt, Aelerie sets down her father's crossbow before rushing over to Astrianna's side. "Are you okay? Both of you?" she adds, looking briefly over to where Albus stands to make sure he too is still on his feet. Focusing back on Astrianna, Aelerie takes a closer look at the wound left by the stirge, trying to determine if it needs to be tended to.
Albus is a bit taken aback by missiles whizzing by a hair' breath away. Still as the foul creature releases him and starts to flee he strikes!
But slowed by his ordeal he misses by a mile.
At Astrianna's concern he says, "I've lost blood but otherwise uninjured, I think. Are you all right?"
The stirge makes a rapid retreat as one more of Aeleries crossbows graze the beast. It's soon lost to sight in the deepening twilight
Soon it gets too dark to travel. The treeline is now truly massive. It'll only take an hour or so more to get to the Lumber camp the next day.
"Thank you Albus, I too have only lost some blood. And a bit of pride. I'll live to fight another day."
"Since darkness is nearly upon us, and I believe I'm the only one who may be able to see in it, I suggest we camp down soon and rest. I'll take the first watch."
Albus nods to Astrianna saying, "Mine as well, Sword of Justice. I have not had this particular uhm, problem before, and hopefully never again." After Astrianna says she is taking first watch, he says, "Very well, I'll take second, the middle watch is sometimes difficult due to interrupted sleep. That leaves the last watch to you Aelerie. Master Harg it would be unwise to have you take a watch at night so you may as well get a full night's rest." Albus get busy setting up camp, "I'll need to set up camp, dry fire wood only, keep smoke very low."
Taking tens on Knowledge (nature) +5, Perception +10, Survival +7 or +8 multiple uses. Find the correct wood, make sure the camp is not too visible, and correct set-up for current and expected conditions including likely shifts in the weather, and to locate water.
Albus digs a shallow fit pit positioned not to cast much light. He finds dry firewood, if possible. Using that he starts a fire, flint and steel method. He keeps the fire small and under the line of the pit. He decides they are too far from full forest to build a true lean-to. He also digs a small latrine, at a (literally) modest distance from the camp, leaving a supply of leaves and a small clump of dirt. After that he breaks out the mess kit and will prepare food for anyone and everyone, he will assist anyone that has their own kit or use his if needed. Once the meal is done, he banks the warm but cheerless fire to minimum as darkness turns to black.
"Remember if you need to use the latrine, wake your buddy and have them go with or hold it. Never go alone, never. I wish I could make the camp more comfortable, but I fear two-legged predators more than four." Albus puts a torch next to the fire, positioned so that it doesn't catch fire but would be easy to set a light from it. He tells the others, "If you hear or see something in the night quietly wake us, but should an animal attack or an attack starts, light the torch but thrusting it into the small flame of the fire, the watcher must often feed the fire just enough to keep it burning well but not brightly." He looks around to see if everyone understands.
Virdel is quite impressed with Albus' industry. Before they turn in, he casts healing spells to top everyone off. "I hope that will help you sleep better. Rest well friends."
Virdel's spells provide a measure of comfort to the two fighters but it's the rest that a deep sleep brings that help them feel better the next morning. They aren't all the way back to full health but they are well on the road to recovery.
Albus' skill as a woodsman provides the group with a surprisingly comfortable and pleasant night outdoors. It passes with no disturbance and the group sets out again the next day.
Soon enough they arrive at the Lumber Consortium Camp. It cuts an ugly scar of stumps into a dense stand of proud darkwood trees. Five sturdy-looking log buildings—seemingly a bunkhouse, meal hall, office, barn,
and smithy—stand with numerous wide carts and sleds amid the sawdust-covered clearing.
As they approach they can see four men lounging just outside the well built gate leading into the camp. Astrianna and Albus you know that some of the lumbermen on break act as guards. It is a harsh and dangerous land as all of you now know and such precautions are necessary.
Albus halts at the sight of the guards. He turns to Virdel and says, "Master Harg, I don't think the LC boys will be happy to see me, it might be best if you made the approach, they just might recognize you as having some influence due to your family." Albus looks around to see what or who else might be around, hoping to catch sight of Milon.
Virdel nods. "Say no more." He approaches the four men. "Hello lads, I have come to speak with Milon Rhoddam on a matter of the utmost importance. Do you know where I can find him?"
The four men watch Virdel with interest. It's the most exciting thing that has happened to them all day.
Oi, look at that Blaen. The short sandy haired one says
I see it Bode. The tall redhead replies What do you make of it Boert?
Well Blaen. It seems to me one of them fancy halflings from town has come to pay us a visit. And he's got friends. Who're your friends halfling? The third, a muscular man of medium height with a shock of dark hair says a little threateningly. The three of them get up and loom over Virdel.
The fourth scrambles up. He's younger than the others and wiry. He ducks at Virdel respectfully. He nudges Boert, obviously the leader of the other three Uh Boert, I think he's the brother of the mayor!
Oh is he Lory? Boert says, unimpressed, digging in his nose to remove a surprisingly large booger. He flicks it away From what I know the mayor hops around like a flea when Kreed orders him to jump. So what're you doing here mayor brother?
Aelerie watches the exchange between the lumbermen and Virdel, only just managing to keep the grimace off of her face at the ringleader's behavior. When Virdel's status as a Harg doesn't seem to gain the men's cooperation, Aelerie wonders if her status as a lumberman's daughter might. Stepping around to Virdel's side, she looks to the youngest and seemingly least confrontational of the men and asks, "Lory, is it? Is my father here? Jerask Mirisen?"
Lory startles as Aelerie steps closer. Jerask? You're his daughter? Oh! I'll just.. Lory takes off into the camp.
Bode says excitedly The halfling brought girls Boert! Look. I think there's another one over there. He points at Astrianna in the distance
The three give Aelerie the once over. Hey Mayor Brother. You work for the Rogue Lady? You here to advertise new goods or something? Blaen, Bode. I think I figured out why old Jerask is so sour all the time Boert leers at Aelerie.
Blaen chortles Rogue Lady. Good one Boert.
Virdel takes all of their bluster in stride. "I wish. I'm afraid if I were in that business I would never make any money. I would just keep all the girls to myself all the time!" He laughs and nudges the nearest woodsman with his elbow.
"Tell you what. If you boys can help us out, next time you are in town you come look me up and I'll set you up at the Rogue Lady for the night."
Aelerie smiles kindly at Lory's reaction and calls out her thanks as he goes to find her father. Her smile quickly falters at the turn the conversation takes with the other three. Aelerie's cheeks redden and she clutches her tome to her chest as the men look her over, as she tries not to feel unnerved under their leering. Telling herself that these were probably good men at one point in time, and that the Vale and the Lumber Consortium had a way of changing men for the worst - after all, her own father, as much as she loved him, was no exception to that rule - she manages to rein in her impulse to drop her thick spellbook on Boert's foot for his insinuations. Although she's of a mind to tell them why exactly they're here and what is at stake back at Falcon's Hollow to see their reaction and find out if there is any goodness left in them, she keeps quiet for the moment, allowing Virdel to try his approach.
The remaining three look mollified by Virdel's diplomatic words. Blaen nudges and Boert nods Hah a night's the cheapest thing in that place Mayor Brother but we'll take it. the dark haried one sneers and the three turn away You wanted Rhoddam right? We'll get him for ya.
As they head inside you can hear Bode whisper excitedly Hey do you think the girl really works there? to which Boert replies Shut it Bode. and Blaen sniggers.
As they disappear inside Lory and Jerask Mirisen appear. Jerask makes a beeline right for Aelerie. Aelerie! What By the Nine Circles of Hell are you doing out here? He glares suspicously at Virdel and the other two who are still maintaining their distance.
"Papa!" Aelerie exclaims as soon as Jerask as in sight. Ignoring his question for the time being, she goes to him and throws her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly, needing the comfort that only a father can offer after these grim past two days. Breaking from the embrace with tearful eyes, Aelerie keeps her voice low as she addresses Jerask. "There's a sickness spreading through the town, caused by a fungus in the well. Three people have already died... Maybe more since yesterday. M-Mama caught it, too," she says, her voice breaking at the admission. "But Laurel says there's a cure, and she's sent us to find the ingredients she needs to make it," she adds quickly, hopefully before despair can sink in from the news. Turning back to her traveling companions, she dries her eyes before waving them closer. "This is the Magistrate's brother, Virdel," she introduces the halfling, before gesturing to the half-elf in gleaming armor. "That is Astrianna, a paladin of Iomedae. And of course you remember Gaius' son, Albus, don't you?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Vimea has the sickness? People have died of it? Jerask exclaims. Obviously knowledge of the sickness has spread to the camp but the lethality of it has not. Bad news travels fast and you are its messengers this day.
Jerask gently pushes Aelerie off him and stares at her, one hand clasped over his open mouth.
If you weren't sure of something like this you wouldn't have come all the way out here little pearl. he finally says.
Will this cursed place ever do anything good for us? he continues shaking his head and raising his voice in anger. He looks at Aelerie. Laurel says there's a cure? I'll go get it. You go back home and tend to your mother
Meanwhile Milon Rhoddam comes out of the gate and heads towards the four of you. The brothers told me someone was looking for me? What's this all about.
Astrianna remains back with Albus with some reservation and observes the situation.
"So, I take it you've gotten yourself into some trouble with these men?" she asks Albus, trying to maintain some light conversation.
"I'm still learning the ways of things around here, but it seems like we don't need a plague to have troubles with this group, do we?"
When she sees Aelerie wave them over, she nods and walks forward to greet them with an assured smile, though keeping her hand close to her blade.
Albus glares at the stupid louts at their outrageous comments but the wisdom of not allowing his just anger from hurting the group's need holds his tongue.
Albus quietly replies to Astrianna, " You might say that, Sacred Sister, my father was the Warden of the Wood upholding forest law. 'Bandits' murdered him 'bout a year ago. There is no proof but I wonder if there are a few bandits around here." He comes up to Aelerie and her father, "Goodman, I greet-" He breaks off at Milon's appearance. He calls out to him, "Master Milon we need your aid. A scourge plagues Falcon's Hollow." He explains the need and continues if Milon's agreeable. "We need to know where to get Ironbloom, grows near iron, possibly where the old dwarf forges once lay." He adds, "Also if you know of a way, safe and reliable, to go direct from the hollow of the Elder Tree to where the old witch hut lies, that would save precious time." He gives more details if Milon needs them.
Virdel watches the interchange between these simple folk with empathy. Somehow he just doesn't feel the same depth of concern for his kin.
When Milon approaches, Virdel says, "Hello, yes. We have important business that requires your assistance." He pauses dramatically and just before he continues he notices Albus calling out, ruining his moment.
"Ah yes, you know Master Albus. We are an official delegation and we require your aid. The sake of the town is at stake."
Milon looks at Albus You've got some stones coming around here boy he says neutrally More black marks against you then most get with Kreed. It's only Baelson that's keeping you safe you know.
He comes to the same conclusion that Jerask did about Aelerie though. People don't plan to traverse deep into the Woods of the Vale without good cause and creases of worry start to form on his brow My nephew's got the taint. Is it really that bad? It ain't clearing up on it's own?
When informed that people have started dying of it Milon's demeanor changes. This stinks of hoodoo fey magic and I don't like it he mutters glancing at Aelerie and Virdel. But if it's the only chance we got. He explains in detail the best way to get to the Elder tree to the witch hut. Then he considers.
There's an old dwarf building. Ruined. The other side of the Woods at the foot of the crag. All right thinking folk avoid that place but it's still get the feel of metal around it. Only place I can think of that could have those shrooms. The witch hut lies on the way there from the Tree so the fastest way I figure is to go from here to the Tree, then to the Hut and then travel on to the dwarf place. He sketches it out roughly for you if any of you have a parchment or anything like that. He peers at Albus after he's done. Your da was a better woodsman than me and you've got the same sense about you. The Woods have been... quieter than usual lately. I don't know why but you and the Sister over there should be able to make the trek just fine. Hurry up and get going. I'll owe you a favor if you can cure my sister's boy.
Jerask interjects I'm going with them too Milon.
Milon looks at Jerask incredulously You lost your damn mind Jerask? You're the slowest man in the damn lumber camp, and you're still a damn townie. It's only your mulishness that keeps you decent in felling trees. You go into the woods and you'll get yourself killed. I don't give a wet rag 'bout that but you'll also slow these young 'uns down and get my nephew killed.
Jerask gets an angry look and steps towards Milon. Milon for his turn looks completely unimpressed and continues staring at Jerask.
In spite of the circumstances, Aelerie manages to give a weak smile at her father's endearment. Her father's suggestion that she go back home while he searches for the ingredients comes as no surprise to Aelerie. Such was the love of a father for his family. But Jerask's days as a man fit for battle were long behind him. She shakes her head, about to explain to her father why she wouldn't go back when Milon arrives.
"Papa, no," Aelerie says, taking her father's arm gently when she sees the confrontation between him and Milon brewing. Not wishing to have this conversation and potentially start an argument in front of everyone, she leads Jerask a few steps away from the group before speaking to him in a hushed tone. "He has a point, Papa. We don't know what dangers lie ahead of us in the forest, but I'm prepared to face them. What else have I been studying with Master Hildrensocks for if not to help Mama and the town when they need it most?" Her eyes are dry when she looks up at her father, and in her eyes - her mother's eyes - Jerask can see Aelerie's unwavering will to find the cure. "You should go back home and be with Mama. Make sure she stays strong for me - for us - until I return."
"I" Aelerie's father falters "I should be the one to protect you and your ma. Not you" He pats Aelerie on her hand looking suddenly incredibly weary as the anger drains out of him. He sighs "Milon, I am sorry. It's just a difficult time"
Milon's mouth remains tight but he nods accepting Jerask's apology.
Seeing this Jerask continues "Can you cover me for the next week? I have to go back to town. I'll owe you."
Milon frowns "It'll cost you Jerask."
Jerask sighs "Yeah I know the deal. I'll cover for you twice."
He turns back and wraps Aelerie in a long hug. "You be safe. I don't know what I'd do without you and your ma keeping me from losing my wits all the time." He looks awkwardly at the rest of the group "Keep my daughter safe and get that cure for my wife. I'll owe you my life twice over". He then disappears into the camp to get the few things he needs for the day long trek back to town.
Milon looks at the four of you "Save my nephew's life and you'll have an ally on me. I'm counting on you four. He turns back into camp shouting for the 'brothers' to come back out to their post.
Lory, standing embarrassed to the side this whole while stammers out G-Good luck and heads back to the gate. He gives you all a small wave.
With Milon Rhoddam's instructions in hand along with his own knowledge Albus figures that they can make it to the tree in a day and a half as he already knew. Directly from there to the witch hut will be half a day. And from there to the dwarf ruin would be another half day.
The emotion is so thick in the air that Virdel is reluctant to speak up. But time is steadily ticking away. "Miss, I am truly moved by your love for your parents. Sometimes in my position, one forgets.." He trails off, then clears his throat and changes the subject.
"We better be moving on if we are going to save anyone. Lead the way, Master Albus!"
Albus hung back as everyone argued over who was going. He shook his head when Aelerie father wished to go. He is withered with work and age, I fear he will not last long. After that situation is resolved he goes over the route to the areas needed and commits it to memory.
At Virdel's prodding he looks about and grimly says, "Now is when the journey really begins. If we had time it would be much easier. As it is it'll take about a half day to the lake, and skirt it east around, then a day to the Elder Tree. Since it is morning, we'll need to camp in deep woods, so we stop an hour before sunset to make camp tonight, then approach the Eldest at noon, with luck it will go swiftly and we can be to the witch's place by tomorrow night, with less sometime the day after tomorrow, the just northwest a half day to the dwarf ruins. Then we race home in about two days. That's five days total from leaving town but not likely."
He turns, "There will almost certainly be creatures we will need to fight or evade, that will cost time. The deep woods will be gloomy even in bright day, and it will seem every tree will have roots moving to trip you. So you will need to follow closely. If I tell you, we will need to step in each other footsteps, or more accurately in my footstep in some parts to avoid, pits, chuckholes and other hazards. Before we enter I'll try to see what the weather will bring but it is never certain, especially close to the Crag. Lastly, remember how to determine north in a wood by sun and distribution of the leaves. The crag will be northwest the entire way, there should be a few beverly's that will allow you to see it and figure your position. I'm saying all this just in case something happens to me, you can continue on. We have to succeed and with Ol' Deadeye's guidance and Iomedae courage we will."
Albus looks at the clouds and sky and sniffs the wind in every direction. "Do whatever you need to here now, there's a latrine over there, water over here fill your waterskins. Check your feet, make sure you have no issues." Albus finishes, "As far as I can tell the weather over the next few days will be ..."
Aelerie reluctantly breaks from her father's embrace and watches a bit sadly as he heads back into the lumber camp. She nods to Milon, silently acknowledging that they would do all in their power to see the afflicted cured, his nephew included. But it isn't until Virdel speaks up that she is snapped out of whatever troubled thoughts she's been having. The smile she offers the halfling is faint, and it quickly disappears, to be replaced with a look of determination. "Yes, you're right, of course. I fear there is precious little time to spare if we're to make it back before it's too late."
Aelerie listens intently as Albus details the journey that lies ahead of them and what precautions ought to be taken. Despite having planned to be gone for a week's time, she finds herself troubled over the news that their trek would take five days, and only if conditions were favorable. Keeping these worries to herself for now, Aelerie does as Albus bids and refills her waterskin after checking the condition of her boots. Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, she takes the wooden baton Brickasnurd had gifted her and gently rolls it in her fingers, examining it from all angles. "Salaisuudet paljastetaan." The blue of her eyes seems to intensify to a glow as she studies the wand with her arcane senses.
The Fireday sun creeps higher on as the group sets into the Darkwood themselves. This is familiar territory for Albus but for Virdel and Aelerie it is a completely new experience. They cross the very defined boundary between the clear cut swamp and the woods entering right into a mighty forest hundreds of years old. The sun is almost never visible directly but its bright rays shine through the towering canopy in beams of brilliant light that illuminate dancing motes of dust admist every shade of green and brown imaginable.
It is a different world.
As you get deeper into the forest and closer to the lake you notice on the undersides of some rocks an oddly glowing mold.
rock, the mold continues to glow with the brightness of a torch for 3 days.
As Albus predicted in half a day you have arrived at the lake. The sun is high in the cloudless sky as you start to skirt around it on your way to the Eldest Tree.
It is to be expected that it's only the experienced woodman Albus that hears it. An animal's whimpering from the edge of the lake. It seems to be in much pain.
Albus leads the way into the deep woods clear on where the lake edge is. Along the way he spots a glowing mold, causing to stop and study it and the surrounds for a moment.
It teases at his memory but getting nothing he lets the strange moss be.
Chasing down a memory he recalls his da telling him about Glowmoss rather rare but useful. He tries to take some in a sack to be used at need, tying it to his belt.
Recover moss- +1 if this counts as getting along in the wild.
Albus slows as they approach the lake edge; they step out of the deep forest and start to skirt the lake carefully while Albus looks for a good spot to rest the group for lunch. Between the steps of the party a faint sound reaches Albus' ears, that of an animal in serious pain.
Is it an animal or other? Is the whimper real or faked?
Albus puts up his hand to halt the party, turning to them and putting his finger to his lips in a gesture for quiet. He says softly to the non-hearing impaired, "It sounds like an animal in great pain, could be true or a trap. I'll check it out, if it seems that I'll get out of sight, follow carefully and bring my stuff please." He gestures to Virdel's ear trumpet, when he puts it to his ear Albus puts his lips to the trumpet and places his hand about it to shield his words from carrying and repeats himself.
Albus strings his bow and put arrow in hand after dropping into combat load. He quietly moves forward of the group trying to determine what is really happening. It could be a hurt animal, there could be what hurt it still around, or it could be a clever ambush. He's ready for anything.
Get close enough to tell what's up.
Seeing or hearing what is up.
A little ways away you see carefully hidden on the lower branches of a tree overlooking the lake, a mossy green hairless creature with a knocked bow watching over the stricken fox. It's a hobgoblin!
The fox yelps and scrabbles ineffectually at the trap.
Albus takes in the situation with uncharacteristic unease and uncertainty.
This is an ambush but are we the intended prey? That's ridiculous. Much too unlikely but is he after two-legged prey? Not many animals would investigate a whimpering fox most would run except for scavengers. Hmm, cruel way to hunt, not 'le Deadeye's way, but to shoot the hunter for this is no better. What should I do? Our mission is paramount but to let the fox suffer is wrong. No choice really I need Erastil's favor in all things, Iomedae give me courage!
Albus walks out obviously looking where the goblin is hidden and goes over to free the fox daring the possible missile fire.
Virdel spots the hobgoblin as well. He remains quiet, waiting to see what the woodsman will do. When Albus strides out to rescue the fox, Virdel casts a silent spell to assist him.
The rest of the party follow Albus just over the rise to see him moving towards a small fox with large ears and bright orange far caught in a cruel iron trap.
Albus walks to the trap but before he can kneel to examine the trap two Razorcrows whir out of the higher branches of a tree and, screeching, dive at him! With unerring hunting instinct one swings around to claw at Albus from the other side
Their claws just harry Albus though and don't cause any damage.
Then an arrow whirs out of the tree the hawks were in and speeds towards the ranger. Astrianna, Aelerie, and Virdel can see the arrow came from a hobgoblin hidden in the trees!
This attack strikes true and causes a deep wound to the young man.
The hobgoblin cackles to see the blood spurt out. His bait has drawn him an opportunity for good scavenging.
The scared fox starts yipping loudly at the violence.
Virdel draws out his crossbow and shoots at the hobgoblin.
The bolt gives the hobgoblin a deep scratch before thunking into the bark of the tree behind it. The hobgoblin screams and looks around wildly before spotting the other three members of the group.
Astrianna draws her longsword and runs toward Albus to shield him from further attacks.
Astrianna is next to one of the razorcrows now. Flanking it with Albus.
Aelerie brings her hand up to her mouth to stifle her cry after seeing Albus pierced by the arrow, certain that the missile has struck something vital. Her eyes search the darkened canopy from where the arrow was fired and, spotting the hobgoblin perched on a branch cackling, her rarely seen temper boils over. Drawing from the small well of arcane energy within, Aelerie's call for help is sent out to the furthest reaches of the aether, and with a shrill cry, an eagle the color of the night sky appears. Setting a pair of burning white eyes on the hobgoblin, the eagle closes in on its prey before lashing out with a single claw.
Albus expecting an arrow attack is surprised by the winged death that attacks him, so distracted he is then hit strongly by an arrow launched by the hobgoblin. "Arrgh, I'm hit." This is going badly, but now I must see it through. He unslings his greataxe and attacks a Razorcrow if within his range. Wish I could defend but hopeless against three attackers.
To hit a bird with Guidence, makes a threat on a 20.
Confirm crit only on threat.
As I recall only the weapon damage dice counts for crit.
Albus will try to stay alive as best he can ...
Aelerie's eagle claws deeply into the evil creature. Its screams grow louder as it becomes visibly hurt.
Albus' swing catches the hawk around it's neck. Blood sprays out as it collapses in a heap.
The panicked hobgoblin drops to the ground, provoking an AOO from Aelerie's wrathful summon.
Another claw scores a deep gash on the hobgoblin's already raked chest as it falls to the ground with a thud. Now turned prey and bleeding profusely the nearly dead creature runs into the woods trying to get away.
Now only one razorcrow remains. With the scent of blood in the air it continues to claw at its target.
The fox scrabbles at the ground and continues to yip loudly.
Hearing the hobgoblin's anguished cries elicits no sympathy from the ordinarily kind-hearted Aelerie. If Albus had been threatening to take away his meal, a warning shot to scare them off would have been understood. But the hobgoblin's arrow had been meant to kill, and the creature seemed to relish in the pain he caused. For that, Aelerie feels no compunction in allowing her otherworldly summon to give chase to the retreating brute, which it seems to do with a singleminded intensity. Turning her attention to the fight between Albus, Astrianna and the last of the hobgoblin's pets, Aelerie takes aim at the frenzied crow and fires. But between it's wildly flapping wings and not wishing to accidently strike either of her companions flanking the bird, the bolt goes wide of her target.
The celestial winged beast finally misses its target; its claws scraping at the hobgoblin's crude armor.
Astrianna lets out a loud battle cry as she swings at the razorcrow with her longsword.
The Paladin's sword swings through the air with conviction but only catches a few feathers from the crazed bird.
Albus, now aided by Astrianna, wearily hefts his Greataxe, and with a grunt swings again at the remaining bird.
To hit a bird lose +2 if not flanking, makes a threat on a 20.
Confirm crit only on threat.
The pain from the wound makes the ranger's swing clumsy and it misses the animal.
Virdel reloads his crossbow and slings another bolt, this time at the bird.
Almost dead and in a full on panic the hobgoblin tries to flee in a full run rather than a controlled withdrawal allowing the heavenly eagle to swipe at it again.
It's raked across the throat and falls with a bubbling scream that quickly turns into racked gargles and then silence.
Meanwhile the maddened razorcrow continues attacking this time using both claws.
One swipe gets through bringing Albus down to the brink of unconsciousness.