The Hollow Man (Inactive)

Game Master trux

Caramir raises an eyebrow as the carpet approaches, then grins when he realizes who is riding it - "Victor" - he greets him - "Now, how on earth did you manage to keep this wonder so well hidden from me - a flying carpet?! Really? Kudos to the 'Devils' indeed" - he bows.

When the elf turns to face her, she finally says simply, "શુભેચ્છા સંદેશ, મારું નામ બ્લ્યુ છે.'

Elvish: "Greetings, my name is Cyanne (literally: Blue)."

And then Cyanne suddenly registers the hurt men laying behind Caramir. "Oh, there are people hurt! What can we do to help?"

She kneels in the dirt by Monti and Karl, checking them to see if there is anything she can do.

Without even registering it, he responds in his native tongue - "Դե հանդիպել երկնագույն մեկ - Ես Caramir" - not fully surprised that someone would address him thus, since many others outside the elven realms know the elvish dialect.

"We have been attacked by some sort of... spider-like beast" - he now speaks in the common tongue, turning to his companions as if looking for a confirmation - "I believe we can call it that. It carried poison to its sting"

Looking towards your group, he calls out "Greetings, friends! I'm Kakao, a traveling priest of Bacchus! Who are all of you?"

"Well met master Gnome. I am Caramir" - he replies - "And I would ask you the same question, as I find it extremely hard to believe you are here by chance" - he smiles politely, then turns to Victor again - "Am I right?"

Kakao Mit Schlag wrote:

Looking towards your group, he calls out "Greetings, friends! I'm Kakao, a traveling priest of Bacchus! Who are all of you?"

"Well met master Gnome. I am Caramir" - he replies - "And I would ask you the same question, as I find it extremely hard to believe you are here by chance" - he smiles politely, then turns to Victor again - "Am I right?"

The gnome looks slightly confused for a moment. I thought I had stated who I was before ever asking asking them...I'm sure I did! Guess I'll ignore that and answer the second part...

With a little shrug and a chuckle, he replies "I would say it was a combination of whimsy and curiosity that got me here, Caramir. If you have trouble believing that, I suspect you haven't had much experience with the faithful of Bacchus."

"Well met Azure one - I am Caramir"

Cyanne blushes slightly, and then tries to look away so others won't see.

She looks quite young -- maybe eighteen -- with undyed blue hair. She's lean and lightly muscled and wears a chain shirt as armor.

"We have been attacked by some sort of... spider-like beast" - he now speaks in the common tongue, turning to his companions as if looking for a confirmation - "I believe we can call it that. It carried poison to its sting"

"I have some minor skill in healing... Caramir. I could heal his wounds, but there's nothing I can do against poison. Kakao? Can you do anything for this poor man?"

"If not..." Cyanne turns and smiles at Doom, enjoying the ability to finally to call him by name. "Victor, is it? Could you get this man somewhere where he could be safely treated?" She gives the carpet a significant look.

"And I would ask you the same question, as I find it extremely hard to believe you are here by chance" - he smiles politely, then turns to Victor again - "Am I right?"

"Oh, I'm sorry. I introduced myself in elvish, and then forgot to speak in common. My name is Cyanne Miller, and I hail from Fairhill. I'm pleased to meet you all."

She takes a deep breath. "As for how I got here, I only just met Victor. He and his friend convinced Kakao and I to travel with them when they heard that we could heal. They said it was urgent?"

Cyanne's accent is not from Endhome, but not from the small villages around here, either. Whoever her parents were, they could afford some education for the girl. She has a symbol pinned to her chest that people may not immediately recognize. It is a miniature wooden white kite shield with a single blue star painted lovingly upon it.

"I have some minor skill in healing... Caramir. I could heal his wounds, but there's nothing I can do against poison. Kakao? Can you do anything for this poor man?"

Looking at the group, he responds "I could make them feel better for a very short time, but if poison is the cause it would still be there. Easy enough to fix up the minor wounds though... provided none object?"

He looks towards Karl, Morti and Monti. It will likely take a bit of extra effort to completely heal that last one, and I'm not sure if the dwarf will be completely healed in a single go.

I think those are the only ones injured. Karl 1 hp + str damage, Morti 3 hp, Monti 6 hp + str damage. Corrections welcome.

Yes, I could use a summary of the injuries myself. And Cyanne is happy to heal hitpoint damage.

Pleased t' make your acquaintances, m'lady Miller, m'lord Kakao, nods Morti. Can't say I'd object to whatever patchin' up you can offer -- we're like to need all we can get shortly. Do these two know what they've dropped into the middle of? Not that I'm surprised by a gnome, especially a follower of Bacchus, appearing at the oddest of times, but the girl seems odder--even setting aside th' hair. And I do wonder their connection to these others.

Caramir, d' your...friends?...always have th' habit of appearing out of thin air, or is this a special occasion?

"Oh, I'm no m'lady. Just a miller's daughter," Cyanne smiles to the dwarf she's just met. "That's how I learned my one phrase in dwarvish: 'Мука будет два котлы. Спасибо за использование справедливой холма мельницу.'"

Dwarvish: "The flour will be two coppers. Thank you for using Fairhill Mill."

She looks sheepish. "It's the only dwarvish I know..."

"I'm more than happy to help patch people up, Mr. --" Then she pauses, uncertain. "I hope you'll excuse the impertinence, but did you say your name? If so, please excuse me for asking again."

She kneels over Monti and touches the priest's face.

Cure Light Wounds (Monti): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9

"As for appearing out of thin air, this was my very first time," she says with a slight grin. "I can't speak for the others."

She touches Morti's arm. "May I?"

Cure Light Wounds (Morti): 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

I'll leave Karl to Kakao.

With a little shrug and a chuckle, he replies "I would say it was a combination of whimsy and curiosity that got me here, Caramir. If you have trouble believing that, I suspect you haven't had much experience with the faithful of Bacchus."

"It is not a matter of believing - if you say it is so, it shall be accepted so" - Caramir acquiesces - "I have some modest knowledge of Bacchus faith, and if that is your path, then I am not surprised at the mix of whim and curiosity" - he smiles.

Knowledge (Religion): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Nope, no clue regarding Cyanne though :D

Caramir, d' your...friends?...always have th' habit of appearing out of thin air, or is this a special occasion?

"Well, we did not actually have time to develop a friendship" - Caramir answers Morti, as he looks at Victor - "But we do know each other, though he had never 'dropped' down on me like that before I must admit" - the waits for the man's answer as to why they have shown up here, while nodding at Cyanne and Kakao in appreciation for their healing.

Karl is the only one left with HP damage now. He is down one point of HP and one point of Strength. Monte is down three points of strength.

Victor makes a mockery of an excessively grand gesture to Caramir. "A secret I hope is well guarded with you and these."

"She seemed to recognize you, you know."

Meanwhile, Morti watches the group carefully. He sees that the two men seem to be military, but nothing official. They seem to wear golden clasps on their cloaks, a kind of unit insignia on their clothes. Caramir seems relaxed with the two men.

The man at the back of the carpet bends down to whisper something in Montepierre's ear. DC20 perception!

This receives an incredulous look from Montepierre. "Really? I had no idea she cared. I quite thought mother was through with me."

"Afraid so, m'lord. She won't take no for an answer." The man with green eyes bows his head ever so slightly. It seems like an unpolished and reluctant gesture. Doesn't quite fit the man in the mask. "We have instructions to hurry, sir."

Montepierre addresses you all. "It appears I must go... my parents have addressed need of me at home." Behind his eyes you can see the glimmer of promised capital. Money. Tender. Gold. Gems. The lot of it.

"Awright, shove off then you shiny sod. More silver for the rest of us." Mak seemingly doesn't miss a beat.

Karl looks at mak, and shakes his head
mak, be a little nicer. Good travels montepierre.

To the others he says well met, i am Karl Chillstrike, battle mage, recently out of bards gate.

Mikka studies the interactions quietly, listening to the exchanges and taking in the appearance and attitudes of the newcomers. "I am Mikka. A pleasure to meet you."

At least these newcomers seem to be met with less suspicion than I was

Victor makes a mockery of an excessively grand gesture to Caramir. "A secret I hope is well guarded with you and these."

"Rest assured" - Caramir smiles.

"She seemed to recognize you, you know."

The elf turns around to look at Cyanne - "Truly? Have we met before?"

Montepierre addresses you all. "It appears I must go... my parents have addressed need of me at home." Behind his eyes you can see the glimmer of promised capital. Money. Tender. Gold. Gems. The lot of it.

"Awright, shove off then you shiny sod. More silver for the rest of us." Mak seemingly doesn't miss a beat.

"Understood Baron - I wish you good luck on your new 'endeavor' - where exactly will you be heading? I will make sure to send you a recount of how this all turned out" - he promises - "And thank you for the help you extended us all this time"

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Nope! Didn't hear a thing

Well, they seem friendly enough. I'll have to ask this elf about the two who brought us, but that can wait until later.

The gnome goes over near Karl, and makes a sweeping gesture with his wooden icon. "May the power of Bacchus pour through you!"

variant channel, so only half healing: 1d6 ⇒ 2 1 hit point healed for everyone within 30', and Ignore nauseated & sickened

Since he is right next to Karl, Kakao asks him "Did you happen to visit our shrine while in Bard's Gate?"

Cyanne nods and courtesies to both Karl and Mikka. "Well met, Karl and Mikka."

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24
Cyanne apparently is endlessly curious about Victor and Gloom, the Men in Black, because she was definitely listening.

"Truly? Have we met before?"

Cyanne looks at Caramir with blue eyes and swallows.

Best to tell him child. If he's the one you seek, will he mock or run?

Very well, my lady.

Mindful of the audience, she says, "અંતે આવી નથી. પણ હું તમને ઓળખી શકું? હા. હું આ છેલ્લા થોડા મહિનામાં મારા સપના માં તમે ઘણી વખત મળ્યા છે. આ પુરુષો મને મળી ત્યારે હું તમારું નામ ખબર ન હતી છતાં, હું તમારા માટે શોધ કરવામાં આવી હતી."

Elvish: "Not at such. But do I recognize you? Yes. I have met you many times in my dreams these past few months. When these men found me, I was searching for you, though I did not know your name."

"Oh, I'm no m'lady. Just a miller's daughter," Cyanne smiles to the dwarf she's just met. "That's how I learned my one phrase in dwarvish: 'Мука будет два котлы. Спасибо за использование справедливой холма мельницу.'"

Relaxing a bit with Caramir's ease at the men in black, the dwarf breaks into a grin to Cyanne. An' the finest flour in Fairhill, I'm sure it is! You are a long way from home, aren't you? But where are my manners -- my name is Morti, of the Hearthstones of Сердцедома...Heart's Home, you'd call it, in the Stonehearts, north o' Bard's Gate.

percept (viktor/monti): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Distracted, Morti misses whatever Viktor whispers, but picks up the Baron's reaction. Sounds like you'd best hop to, my friend. We'll look you up when we reach Endhome: you can buy us a round as we tell you what y' missed here. Interesting -- don't know that he's ever had so much as a letter from his parents in the time I've known him. I s'pose that explains Viktor and his silent friend, tho' I still can't grasp these other two, or why everyone seems t' know the elf.

Cyanne looks at Caramir with blue eyes and swallows.

Best to tell him child. If he's the one you seek, will he mock or run?

Very well, my lady.

Mindful of the audience, she says, "અંતે આવી નથી. પણ હું તમને ઓળખી શકું? હા. હું આ છેલ્લા થોડા મહિનામાં મારા સપના માં તમે ઘણી વખત મળ્યા છે. આ પુરુષો મને મળી ત્યારે હું તમારું નામ ખબર ન હતી છતાં, હું તમારા માટે શોધ કરવામાં આવી હતી."

Elvish: "Not at such. But do I recognize you? Yes. I have met you many times in my dreams these past few months. When these men found me, I was searching for you, though I did not know your name."

"In your dreams?" - Caramir responds in the Common tongue - "That is quite... Surprising" - the usual eloquent elf pauses momentarily, while his gray eyes carefully evaluate Cyanne.

"Apologies for the hesitation" - he proceeds with a smile - "But you must agree this is something very unusual. I do not dismiss such 'events', as the world and life are filled with mysteries" - he adds - "Still is not something easily digested, so to speak. Please, you will have to tell me all about it" - his tone is polite, but his eyes are unblinking - "And I speak in the Common tongue, out of respect for my travelling companions" - he finishes with an apologetic nod.

"You have piked my curiosity immensely, however I fear if there is a tale to be told, you must follow us into the wild" - the elf's tone shifts to a much more serious one - "Time is of the essence, and we have pressing matters to attend to - lives are dependent upon it" - he thinks back on Levoca for a moment - "We hunt a monstrosity not of this world which must be stopped, lest it continue to wreak havoc in the region. We are on its tracks, and intend to finish this as soon as possible"

...the elf's tone shifts to a much more serious one - "Time is of the essence, and we have pressing matters to attend to - lives are dependent upon it" - he thinks back on Levoca for a moment - "We hunt a monstrosity not of this world which must be stopped, lest it continue to wreak havoc in the region. We are on its tracks, and intend to finish this as soon as possible"

Kakao inquires "What does your group know of this thing? The villagers were hesitant to speak of it and the madness infecting animals in the area. The time spent sharing information is not wasted if it allows us to better prepare for what is to come."

As he says this, he drifts back towards the flying carpet. He looks under it, and waves a hand underneath as if to test if anything is between it and the ground.

"Mikka has shared her knowledge on this matter with us" - he nods towards his companion - "We believe it to be some kind of Wood Golem, animated by elemental spirits, in this case probably housing an exceptionally malevolent nature spirit" - he relays the information to Kakao - "We have not yet been able to understand if there is even a purpose to his attacks on the village, but it would seem so, for a reason unknown to us"

Kakao looks towards Mikka since she is evidently the expert, asking "Is there anything in this Wood Golem that we would consider a mind? Do you think it is the spirit causing the madness? "

Monti jumps on the carpet and the group flies off. Monte gives you all his regards and says he'll probably see you in endhome if all goes well. He shares a conspiratorial nod with mak as the carpet rises out of the canopy, disappearing.

The day is late. You find a number more of the dead animals. No more seem to resemble Shade. Birds, a large centipede. Do you press on along this winding path in the face of darkness?

"An' the finest flour in Fairhill, I'm sure it is! You are a long way from home, aren't you? But where are my manners -- my name is Morti, of the Hearthstones of Сердцедома...Heart's Home, you'd call it, in the Stonehearts, north o' Bard's Gate."

Cyanne grins. "It is not only the finest flour, but also the only. I am very pleased to meet you, Morti of Heart's Home."

"In your dreams?" -- Caramir responds in the common tongue

Cyanne flinches, and stifles her momentary sense of betrayal that Caramir had announced that she had seen him in a dream to... everyone.

Untrained Bluff to Hide Feelings: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8
Ma was right. EVERYTHING shows on her face!

He's known them longer. They're his friends and he likely keeps no secrets from them.

He should have kept MINE.

"You have piqued my curiosity immensely, however I fear if there is a tale to be told, you must follow us into the wild...

You made a vow to protect him. No matter what.

She bows her head and answers him in a small voice, "Wherever you must go, I will follow. I will aid you however I can in your quest to protect lives."

She lapses into silence.

_____________________
Trux, Cyanne will go with the party's decision. However, if there is a group vote, she'd elect to camp for the night.

Looking skyward, then quietly listening in as other introduce themselves. Carefully speaking up. Okrin seems concerned, but hopeful.

"More surprised in the forest. I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. I don't mean to be rude, but not to long ago I heard voices in the sky. It was a dark night. Danger followed. How are we to know that your floating carpet isn't.. wasn't here earlier?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10

Looking skyward, then quietly listening in as other introduce themselves. Carefully speaking up. Okrin seems concerned, but hopeful.

"More surprised in the forest. I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. I don't mean to be rude, but not to long ago I heard voices in the sky. It was a dark night. Danger followed. How are we to know that your floating carpet isn't.. wasn't here earlier?"

DING DING DING! Call it 250 xp bonus to Okrin. Party earns 600 xp each for slaying the spider collective and avoiding the bark claw respectively.

whimsy winds: 2d20 ⇒ (13, 12) = 25 :{

As you journey, the half-orc says simply, "Welcome to the Mob."

Along the way Kakao pauses to look at one of the dead animals. Looking towards the others, he asks "Have they all been like this? Any idea how they were killed?"

perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11 Getting dark, too dark to see!

Assuming we don't stop before this...

As the last of the light is fading through the trees, he mentions "Are we going to try and wander the woods in the dark? It is getting a bit difficult to see where I am going."

I'm in favor of camping. Even low-light vision requires some light to see.

Mak fills you both in, and you catch a certain amount of glee in his eyes as he recounts how each animal has been maimed, crushed, and nailed to the trees with iron nails. Probably from that big dangerous bushman. His scythe had a bunch of dead animals on it, and seemed to have the nails aplenty. They were hammered into the hilt, you know.

"If it is in fact a wood golem, the nature spirit animating it would be the intelligence driving these acts. Nature can be beneficial, but it can also be malevolent, there are both kinds of spirits. The Hollow Man is clearly driven by the latter." Mikka says in response.

Kakao asks "What sort of nature spirit uses nails?"

Stopping at the next tortured animal corpse, he examines the nail rather than the animal.

Iron nails. I wonder if the spirit is being tortured by the nails, and lashing out because of it.

appraise: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25 Wondering if there is anything unusual about the nails. I'm not sure what skill would be most appropriate, but figured this one might work.

Although quick to anger, Cyanne never held on to it for very long.

"More surprised in the forest. I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. I don't mean to be rude, but not to long ago I heard voices in the sky. It was a dark night. Danger followed. How are we to know that your floating carpet isn't.. wasn't here earlier?"

"That wouldn't surprise me. From what I overheard when they spoke to Montepierre, the Men in Black -- or as they call themselves, the Devils -- were paid very good money indeed to retrieve your friend and bring him back to his family. Perhaps they do all sorts of highly dangerous, highly paid courier work. With that carpet," she says, wistfully, "just think of all the places you could go and see -- and then come back home each night to see your family again and hold them in your arms."

Then she turns to the young, white-haired man. "I'm sorry, did you say your name? If so, I missed it." She holds out her hand for him to shake. "I'm Cyanne."

As you journey, the half-orc says simply, "Welcome to the Mob."

Cyanne nods. "Thank you... Mak, is it?"

And now that I've verified that the population of Fairhill included half-orcs...

"I learned exactly one phrase in Orcish," she smiles. "Would you like me to share it with you? It goes, 'Mjölet blir två koppar. Tack för att du använder rättvis hill kvarn.'"

Orcish: "The flour will be 2 coppers. Thank you for using Fairhill Mill."

"As you can see, my childhood prepared me with exactly the right language to cover every imaginable social situation." She says this with a light quirk upward of her lips, though clearly trying to keep a straight face.

As the last of the light is fading through the trees, he mentions "Are we going to try and wander the woods in the dark? It is getting a bit difficult to see where I am going."

"Kakao brings up a good point, here. I only think that there are two of us that can see in full dark. While I could bring up a light, that would attract a lot of attention. Perhaps it might be better to face this monster when you are a bit more rested?"

"Also... I am wondering. Why are you meeting the monster in its home ground? If we know something of its history, perhaps we can trap it in ground of our own choosing -- tilt the battlefield in our favor."

"What so far do you know of the creature's main weaknesses and strengths? How big is it? What does it find irresistible, other than torturing and crushing animals?"

"Probably from that big dangerous bushman. His scythe had a bunch of dead animals on it, and seemed to have the nails aplenty. They were hammered into the hilt."

"What bushman?" Cyanne asks, confused.

"What sort of nature spirit uses nails?"

"What indeed? This seems to be one that has been tainted by civilization somehow. Is it drawn to nails as much as it is to animals? If so... why aren't we laying a trap for it just outside Levoca? Isn't that the one place it is guaranteed to return to?"

Is it drawn to nails as much as it is to animals? If so... why aren't we laying a trap for it just outside Levoca? Isn't that the one place it is guaranteed to return to?

Grimacing a little, Morti replies, So far, we've little luck in fighting it on our terms. Levoca is poorly situated to offer any defensive advantage, especially with every pig and sparrow gone mad and attacking the folk. Fighting this battle in th' village has had us on th' wrong end of attrition, an' our hope has been to hunt th' thing down and destroy it.

Eyeing the newcomers hopefully, he adds, An' speakin' of destroying it, do either of you have any skill with fire? We've been lackin' that critical element -- a brief smirk -- in our own efforts.

"What sort of nature spirit uses nails?"

"What indeed? This seems to be one that has been tainted by civilization somehow. Is it drawn to nails as much as it is to animals? If so... why aren't we laying a trap for it just outside Levoca? Isn't that the one place it is guaranteed to return to?"

Kakao ponders this a few moments, then says "I would rather not draw a monster near a village. If we can somehow lure it to a place of our choosing though, that could be useful."

"So what does one use to lure a tortured nature spirit trapped in a wooden shell?"

Cyanne Miller wrote:

Is it drawn to nails as much as it is to animals? If so... why aren't we laying a trap for it just outside Levoca? Isn't that the one place it is guaranteed to return to?

Grimacing a little, Morti replies, So far, we've little luck in fighting it on our terms. Levoca is poorly situated to offer any defensive advantage, especially with every pig and sparrow gone mad and attacking the folk. Fighting this battle in th' village has had us on th' wrong end of attrition, an' our hope has been to hunt th' thing down and destroy it.

"Yes..." - Caramir adds to Morti's words - "The price has been already too high for letting it get close to Levoca - we should avoid it at all costs" - he grits his teeth nodding at the dwarves' words - "Now we hunt it"

Kakao ponders this a few moments, then says "I would rather not draw a monster near a village. If we can somehow lure it to a place of our choosing though, that could be useful."

"So what does one use to lure a tortured nature spirit trapped in a wooden shell?"

"Exactly that Master Gnome" - Caramir pipes in agreement with Kakao - "We lure it with life? I am almost sure it will chase us if we get close enough"

"We lure it with life? I am almost sure it will chase us if we get close enough"

Kakao asks "So who among you is the fastest runner? My legs are a bit short for that sort of thing."

Eyeing the newcomers hopefully, he adds, An' speakin' of destroying it, do either of you have any skill with fire? We've been lackin' that critical element -- a brief smirk -- in our own efforts.

Shaking his head, Kakao says "No, think it is Mitre that likes flame. Bacchus does grant me other gifts though."

Looking around the group, Kakao says "It would be good to talk tactics though. I've never fought beside any of you and there are some things you should know if I am to aid in the fight."

"One of the powers granted me by Bacchus is the ability to twist the innards of any near me. I've some control over it, being able to leave myself and a couple others out of the effect. As you've noted though ", nodding towards Mak, "we are more a mob now. If I'm to use this ability, we will need to spread out a bit. Most of you will want to keep about 35' away."

Varient Channeling, Ale/Wine, channelling for harm. 30' burst, but people love to take their 5' steps which is why he would say 35' or so.

"I've a few curses that I've also used at times, filling the mind of an enemy with fear and doubt."

Bane. Kakao was told the spirit has a mind.

Grinning a bit, Kakao admits "I can also pray for blessings, if that is more to the group's liking. Usually I don't travel with such a large crowd so the curses tend to work better. If I know how many plan to get up close with the creature, I could put a protective ward around them."

Shield of Faith

Eyeing the newcomers hopefully, he adds, "An' speakin' of destroying it, do either of you have any skill with fire? We've been lackin' that critical element -- a brief smirk -- in our own efforts."

She looks at Morti. "I can't cast fire, but I'll happily give you or anyone else who wishes it the alchemist's fire my ma gave me to take care of swarms." She exchanges a glance with Kakao. "It's in the bottom of my backpack, but I can't see it. If someone would be willing to take it out, they can have it. I've never been especially good at throwing things."

Cyanne says, "My goddess has granted me some unusual blessings. I can cast a flash of rainbow colors that can disorient, blind or even render people unconscious. I don't know if would work against your golem."

Awesome Display Revelation aka "Super" Color Spray

"I can create bridges out of moonlight that are twenty feet long, go in any direction, and can be anchored to anything. If the archers wanted to be up high, I could anchor it between two trees. The bridges last 24 hours, or until I cross over them."

Moonlight Bridge -- 4 per day

"I can use ghost sounds and magehand to misdirect, cover the party in obscuring mist, or lay a blessing that will help all who fight."

"We lure it with life? I am almost sure it will chase us if we get close enough."

Cyanne stands straight, hearing what Caramir has asked. So this is why I've come. She sighs with a mixture of relief and sadness, and looks up at the sky. As always, Lady, I am here to serve.

She looks into Caramir's grey eyes.

"I'm sturdy and a fast runner. I would be more than happy to serve as bait if needed." She turns and looks around the group. "Is there a chasm or a natural pit anywhere around here? I'd be happy to call it to me, run over the pit on a moonlight bridge, and when it follows, run off and drop it in."

The elf nods as the newcomers describe their abilities and powers - "You have several powers at your behest - we are lucky to have you as allies in this venture" - he smiles.

"...The bridges last 24 hours, or until I cross over them."

That is just cool in so many ways :D

She looks into Caramir's grey eyes.

"I'm sturdy and a fast runner. I would be more than happy to serve as bait if needed." She turns and looks around the group. "Is there a chasm or a natural pit anywhere around here? I'd be happy to call it to me, run over the pit on a moonlight bridge, and when it follows, run off and drop it in."

"Thank you Cyanne, for accepting such risk when you barely know us" - Caramir bows down before the woman - "I would not like you to put yourself in danger in such a way, and truly my expectation is that we should not need a bait, but that this misshapen creature will simply move toward us if we cross its path" - he adds - "I honestly feel it has a further purpose, apart from simply wreaking havoc - I am firmly convinced someone or something is controlling it, ordering it perhaps?" - he ponders - "If its target would be simply wanton destruction, why would it attack Levoca and then leave? It it was mindless, or without orders, it would have tried to rampage through the village. That is my belief" - the elf concludes.

"Apart from that, it does seem... Simple minded somewhat in its actions. I had hoped we could press on, and make sure to face it still tonight, mostly to make sure we avoid another incursion against the villagers, but now I think it would be best if we camped for the night"

"As for my skills..." - Caramir smiles and shakes his head - "Well, I have accumulated knowledge over my years of life, so I can say I know a little about almost everything, and consider myself fortunate for it. Apart from that, I am an outdoors man, or elf" - he continues on smiling - "And I have recently discovered something truly amazing, which is the fact that the Arcane Arts, to which I had dedicated much reading in the past twenty years, are finally beginning to unravel, and so I possess a few limited abilities in that area" - the wizard looks at his hands with a gleam in his eyes, as he speaks openly about his capabilities - "Mainly towards enhancing protective and offensive abilities with my bow, but I hope to learn much more"

In the end, his eyes turn towards the forest again - "And then there is Shade..."

"Thank you Cyanne, for accepting such risk when you barely know us" - Caramir bows down before the woman - "I would not like you to put yourself in danger in such a way,"

Cyanne raises him back up, embarrassed. "How long did you wait before pledging yourself to Levoca's protection, Caramir? Did you take time to get to know them first, or did you leap in to help them because you knew it was right? In this we are no different!"

She listens carefully to Caramir's theory, and smiles at his description of his talents.

He's an outdoors man. And he pursues knowledge, she thinks, pleased. And he pledged himself to protect strangers. I'm in the right place, My Lady.

She turns to the rest. "Perhaps all of you can tell me of yourselves while we set up camp. The more we know what each of us can do, the better we can plan."

Then she turns back to Caramir. "By the way, who or what is Shade?"

Then she turns back to Caramir. "By the way, who or what is Shade?"

Grinning, Kakao quickly responds "Something you find under a tree on a bright sunny day."

Thank you so much for that straight line! I was going to make this joke regardless, but you gave such a nice opening.

Bowing slightly.
"I am Okrin Goodspeed. And though I am fleet of foot I'm afraid I have little means to create flame." He pulls a bit of hay from his robe and then awkwardly considers shaking Cyanne's extended hand while holding the hay...

Karl watches and waits

Cyanne laughs when Okrin looks awkwardly from his hay-filled hand to her own. "Perhaps it would be best if I just courtesy back to you," she says gently, doing so. "Are you carrying that hay to use as kindling against the monster? If so, very clever of you."

She turns to the battlemage. "Karl... with a last name of 'Chillstrike', is it fair to guess that you use cold in your magic?"

Then she glances back at Mikka, and does a doubletake. "Wait a minute. Are you... one of the druids from the enclave outside Fairhill?" Cyanne's eyes widen with recognition and then she runs up and fiercely hugs the other woman. "Oh, you are!"

All the way out here, and I meet someone from home!

"I don't know if you recognize me. I almost didn't recognize you, since it was so long ago, and I hadn't have expected to see someone else from the area around Fairhill here."

Cyanne blushes, a little embarrassed.

"I served you once at the Mill. I looked different then. I was eleven... tall, gawky, with mousy brown hair. And you were 14 or 15, I think. You had those striking looks and white hair even then. I thought you very looked mysterious and grand."

Cyanne studies the other woman. "You still have that look to you, but you've grown into it and it really suits you now."

"I still remember the phrase Da taught me to use when the druids came to call: 'आटा सामान्य रूप से दो कॉपर्स है, लेकिन आप के लिए हम हमेशा के लिए मुक्त दो बैग होगा। मेले हिल मिल आप हम चुकाने कभी नहीं कर सकते हैं एक ऋण बकाया है।'"

Sylvan: "The flour is normally 2 coppers, but for you we will always have two bags free. Fairhill Mill owes you a debt we can never repay."

To the others Cyanne says, "The druids saved my father's life. If half the stories I've heard about them are true... this woman may have the flame magic you seek."

Suddenly overwhelmed by the incredibly enthusiastic hug, Mikka can't help but laugh. "I remember you! My you have certainly changed." she says taking in the person before her in comparison to the girl she'd encountered years ago. "It is very good to see you again Cyanne." Mikka says hugging her back. "Your new look very much suits you as well."

Looking a bit more satisfied with the hay he's saved.
"That was my hope. Though I can't say it'll make much fire."

"That was my hope. Though I can't say it'll make much fire."

Cyanne smiles at Okrin's sudden burst in confidence. "Fire is a team effort, Okrin. Tell me, how good are you at throwing things?"

"It is very good to see you again Cyanne." Mikka says hugging her back. "Your new look very much suits you as well."

Cyanne relaxes into the hug, and then looks into Mikka's eyes. "Do you really think so?" she asks, uncertainly. "Before I was a brash tomboy who all the kids wanted on their teams. Then, overnight, I became the girl everyone stared at, but no one approached."

Cyanne raises him back up, embarrassed. "How long did you wait before pledging yourself to Levoca's protection, Caramir? Did you take time to get to know them first, or did you leap in to help them because you knew it was right? In this we are no different!"

"I can't say that I am 'pledged'" - the elf seems to ponder Cyanne's words, looking at her, slightly taken aback by the choice of words - "I guess I am just an elf with many years of life ahead of him, and I have finally realized I don't need to rush through them. I can take whatever time is needed to make a difference. I think that's it"

Then she turns back to Caramir. "By the way, who or what is Shade?"

"Shade is a... A cat" - Caramir smiles - "He came to me about the same time my arcane powers began manifesting, adn he stuck around - I feel close to him somehow, and he seemed to enjoy being around us. But then he suddenly ran off, probably affected by what has been happening to other animals in the region. On the other hand, he is a cat, and cats will do that"

Grinning, Kakao quickly responds "Something you find under a tree on a bright sunny day."

He couldn't avoid laughing, something he realized he hadn't done in a long time - "Or that indeed" - he retorted to Kakao.

Once Cyanne and Mikka realize they already knew each other from before, he shakes his head - "What are the odds?" - he lets the thought hang with a smile on his lips.

"Camp it is then? We all agree? But we must remain vigilant - I do not want to risk being bypassed, and having the village attacked again" - the elf begins searching for an adequate area for them to bunk down.

Survival to find a decent site, which can properly be watched over?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

"I had hoped we could press on, and make sure to face it still tonight, mostly to make sure we avoid another incursion against the villagers, but now I think it would be best if we camped for the night"

As you say, it would have been best to find th' Hollow Man in his lair before it could kill again -- an' we have no especially safe place to camp, here or in the village. With our numbers, though, we can at least take watch in pairs if we must wait the night.

The doublin'-up being as much a chance to suss out the newcomers as for safety in numbers; I couldn' sleep soundly with only strangers on watch. Kakao wouldn't seem to intentionally bring harm to us who have not wronged him, but a gnome who follows Bacchus is neither the most vigilant of reputations. Cyanne seems to have some loyalty to Caramir, and some courage, in her talk of serving bait, though I'm not sure her skills are of the most use against the hollow man. Mikka I'm sure could hold a watch on her own...if that bird doesn't decide t' eat my eyes in my sleep.

Caramir, perhaps you and Ms Cyanne can take first watch and catch up on...whate'er it is you need to? Kakao, I'll take second with you; we can lumber away slowly together in case of danger.

survival: aid caramir in campsite finding: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Survival to aid Caramir in campsite selection: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Cyanne flashes Morti a grateful look. "If Caramir is willing to take first watch with me, I would be fine with that plan."

Pulling a shuriken from his robes, throwing it toward a distant tree.

Flashing show Or failed posturing?: 1d20 ⇒ 3

"Yeah. That really could have gone better." The look of confidence vanishes from Okrin's face.

"Of course" - Caramir answers both his traveling companions - "I would gladly take first watch with Cyanne"

Caramir, perhaps you and Ms Cyanne can take first watch and catch up on...whate'er it is you need to? Kakao, I'll take second with you; we can lumber away slowly together in case of danger.

Kakao nods, agreeing "Mid watch it is then. I would prefer an uneventful night to a race though." I'm glad Morti has a sense of humor. Some dwarves can be so serious all the time.

"Yeah. That really could have gone better." The look of confidence vanishes from Okrin's face.

"Throwing isn't my strong suit either." Cyanne smiles. "Don't let it worry you overmuch. Maybe you can help me find the best thrower in the party? I think we'd like to give the alchemist's fire its best shot."

"I would gladly take first watch with Cyanne."

After most of the party settles, Cyanne says softly, "I'll answer any question you ask me, Caramir." She switches to elvish, just momentarily, saying, "સામાન્ય અથવા મસ્તીખોર માં કે શું... whatever you choose, really."

Elvish: "Whether in common or in elvish..."

Her heart is beating too hard in her chest, and her throat feels dry. She hugs herself, partly to keep warm, and partly out of sheer nervousness.

"I will tell you one thing upfront though... I'm here to help, not to get in your way or change you. That is... if you'll let me help?"

She blinks. Even to her own ears, she sounds awkward. Without thinking, she curses softly under her breath. "સ્વર બહેરા, રંગ અંધ બાર્બેરીયન!"

"Who knew a conversation could be so hard?"

Elvish swearwords: "Tone deaf, color blind barbarians!"