The World of Eafphqu: Team "good." (Inactive)

Game Master Hoary and Wizened

At the Butchery, Gomdebo peruses the available meat. "Hmm. Do you have a money back guarantee these are plague-free, good butcher?"

At Psalm's announcement of being willing to walk at his side, Drun stands a little straighter and, behind his mask, a big goofy grin is spread across his face.

When they arrive at the temple, he lets Lindaer do the talking. He finds the shrine to Saxwyn and gives his thanks to his god for his new friends and the strength to help this town in its hour of need.

--Burga's Butchery--

Burga turns around from her cutting block and looks at Gomdebo with a quirk of her brow. The female human is rough in appearance, with uneven copper hair and large gray eyes. She wears modest garments and an iron amulet, her butcher's cleaver is well-used, but still sharp. When she speaks Gomdebo gets the feeling that she's irritated. "You're clearly from out of town, or you would never even have asked that. If you're talking about this nonsense happening out on the country farms, then, yes, you have my personal guarantee that none of my meat is from those kills. Of course that has more to do with the fact that none of those herds have been brought to slaughter than my own misgivings about how a few cows and sheep met their demise." Looking thoroughly satisfied with her response, she turns back to her cutting block, and says over her shoulder, "let me know when you decide what to buy." Immediately afterward she whacks her cleaver down hard into the hunk of meat she was working on, perhaps putting the final punctuation on her words.

Just remembered a question about the Temple of Light. The norm in any town that has a full temple, even if it is nothing more than a meager, slapped-together chapel, is to have a shrine inside to all the deities of Light. Most will have an altar to Amren or Aldellion as their primary though, as Saxwyn and Druraka are worshiped as primary of importance by a much smaller portion of the populous. In rural areas where no temple has been built, you still might see outdoor shrines to Amren or Aldellion, or simple shrines in people's homes. Some of the smaller shrines are nothing more than a wooden plank painted with the symbols of the deity to be worshiped, and a clay or stoneware container for people to place their offerings in. This does, of course, lead to people of nefarious character stealing directly from the gods. I wouldn't advise that though... ;D

--Temple of Light--

As the priestess turns around to address Lindaer, Psalm and Drun, all three men are struck by her undeniable beauty. Her eyes are bright amber, with obvious flecks of gold creating an effect almost like glitter. Her lips are full and painted burgundy red, and a line of sun-yellow dust adorns her eyelids, bringing out the gold in her eyes even more. She descends from the dais and walks down the aisle between the pews nodding to Drun as he makes his way to the alcove shrine to Saxwyn. She calls behind her to her cat friend, "Come on Hames, let us greet our guests." Her silver-grey tabby cat immediately pads along at her ankles. "Good morrow gentlemen," she says as she offers a full bow at the waist, and her hand to shake in formal greeting. "A paladin of Amren and the Republic," she notices Lindaer's sigils and smiles. "It is, of course, my pleasure to make your acquaintance. You say you're here to help purge a disease? Are you referring to the unexplainable and sudden deaths of the animals throughout our local farmsteads? I was not aware the church had classified it as a disease?"

Lindaer bowed back. "The pleasure is, of course, mine. I am here with my colleagues, Sir Drun, paladin of Saxwyn, and Psalm, a druidic priest. When I say disease, it is but a word of expedience. We are here to do whatever we can to determine what it causing the deaths, and if the gods are willing, to cure it. Would you be so kind as to tell us what you know of this?"

Persuasion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

She points out the eye of round cut and gathers up some coinage, smiling "Well in the interest of friendship a warning then: its about to get a lot more crowded with people asking questions 'bout it. Talk of this beef has reached all the way to Rydwyrna."

After the conversation concludes she'll find the others.

Just checking in. I figure checking out the tunnels took long enough that I'm basically waiting for others to catch up :-)

Boddynuck, check this post, there were no tunnels capable of being searched by size small creatures.

--Burga's Butchery--
"In the interest of friendship then, I'll let you know, you aren't the first people from Rydwyrna to come seeking answers. Another group got here two nights ago. So, it's already more crowded." Burga grabbed the eye of round and wrapped it in a roughspun sack, blood still dripping, and handed it and her news of another group of investigators over with a smile. "That'll be three silver pieces."

--The Temple of Light--
The half-elven priestess smiled at Lindaer, and said, "Well met, one and all. I am Ithrelas." She reached down a hand and scratched her feline companion's back. "This is Hames." Standing again, she gave Lindaer a serious expression. "What I can tell you is that you are not the first people to come investigating. It seems Senator Akassa's influence is not without strength. Another group arrived two nights ago, and had been asking similar questions. I can tell you the same, no one knows what has caused it. There is no poison, no marks or wounds, just corpses. Corpses of cattle," she hesitated a moment, then continued, "and now children, bodies that were hearty and hale when the sun when down, and dead when the sun came up. I pray the Lights send you as their agents to eradicate this darkness from among us."

Temple of Light

Psalm thinks a moment, "This other group did they say were they could be found. Perhaps they have learned more in their time than we. We have been on the river. You mentioned children. We had heard of 2 children fallen. Has it struck others?"

She coughs up the silvers as if it were a live spider, securing her meat in her pack. "Now wait just a minute now...two nights, you say? Would you happen to remember anything about them...for an orange one?" she holds up one of the weird golden coins. The gold used by these modern surfacers was not the gold of ancient Stalwolv'Slab. The sages of the Arcane Order believed some gold came from the night sky while there was a second alloy that boiled up from the ground. For Gomdebo, the skymetal had a bluish shimmer that made it look unnaturally orange.

--Byrthelm Republic, Blueblossom Haven, Midvale Province - Vikaday, 23 Laureoth, Early Morning, 146 R.R.--

--Temple of Light--
Ithrelas' eyes fall a bit when Psalm mentions the two children. "No, Lillith and Bethyn are the only humans that have been victims of this darkness so far. As for the other group, they were an interesting grouping. Two elves, two half-elves, and three humans. Three among them looked like trumped up minstrels, from all the locals could tell. I think they were either accompanying Camatil, or maybe even preceding him to Sehtoru's farm, they were finally going to bury the girls-" Ithrela's words are suddenly interrupted by tears and a stifled sob. Just as quickly she collects herself. "I'm sorry. Forgive my emotion. It's just that Sehtoru and Laureon had no other children, and it took them such a long time to conceive the twins." Tears roll down her cheeks as she speaks of Akassa's neices. "They waited to allow friends and family time to grieve, and were going to bury the girls on their property yesterday. I think the other group wanted to see the girl's bodies before they were buried."

--Burga's Butchery--
Burga gives Gomdebo a queer look when she describes her gold coin as "an orange one," but gold is gold, so she smiles and says, "Two elves, two half-elves, and three humans. I can't be certain, but it looked like three of them were minstrels or bards. They arrived on the night of the twenty-first. I think I heard rumors that they wanted to go see Lillith and Bethyn's bodies before they buried them. Funeral was yesterday afternoon, so if that's the case, they wouldn't have been in town long; it's a good half day's travel to get to Sehtoru's farmstead." Burga looks from the golden coin to Gomdebo's eyes and back again, seeming to wonder if she's given enough information to warrant the coin.

Temple of Light

Psalm tugs his spikey chin whiskers in thought. "Forgive me who is Camatil.

Butchery

From her perspective she had patched things up and after happily handing over the coin further pressed "Anything you can tell me about that area? What do you think is happening with all these deaths?"

--Temple of Light--

Ithrelas smiles at Psalm and says, Camatil is the mayor of Blueblossom Haven, a personal friend of Akassa and her sister Laureon."

--Burga's Butchery--
Being asked for her opinion about the local goings on by an outsider is an invitation that Burga rarely gets, and so, she takes a bit of a deep breath before she dives into her monologue. "Well, as to that area, it's almost all wildflower meadows, populated mostly with blueflowers, thus the name of the town. Dotted throughout the countryside you'll find various cattle and honey farms. Sehtoru's place is almost straight north, really close to the river, 'bout half a day's travel. Now, since you're asking my opinion about what's happenin' out there, I'll tell you. There's a lot o' strange creatures in the world. I've had people bring in carcasses from all manner of monstrosity or another they've killed, many of which I couldn't identify from Amren. I'm inclined to believe that's what's out there. Some creature or another. That the Rangers couldn't find any wounds on the bodies doesn't mean much, maybe the thing jabbed an appendage in their nose holes, or..." the burly butcher balks briefly, then continues, "some other hole, you know? Not everything out there is gonna leave a giant claw wound on your chest when it kills ya. Plus, I heard tell, by some of the farmhands, that there's been an explosion of gopher holes all across the countryside lately. Now, I don't think gophers killed, 'em, that'd be right foolish to think, but there's a lot o' things that make their home underground, and I'll be sent to the Abyss if the Rangers know every one of 'em." She pauses for a moment, and then adds, "So, you asked for it, there it is. I can't say I'm right for sure, no one can at this point, but that's my guess."

Hoping that inserting myself into a scene is ok

Having been unable to make progress in the small holes under the town, Boddy was looking around for his friends and noticed Gomdebo at the butchers. He is coming up and overhears the last of Burgas monologue

"Gopher holes? Sorry, my name is Boddynuck. I'm a friend of Gomdebo. Can you tell me more about these Gopher holes? When did they show up? Where can I find them?"

Temple of Light

”You have my deepest condolences for these losses. But may I ask you, where did this malady begin? Geographically, that is. And the victims, where were they? I ask because if there are no common symptoms or other connections, then this tragedy might be tied to an area.” Or something in the water, he thought gloomily. But he didn’t want to share such thoughts without proof lest it cause a panic.

She taps the dimple in her square chin "Hmm, what could burrow through a cow's nose as well as a chickens? Oh hi, Boddy."

--Temple of Light--

Ithrelas smiles as Lindaer offers his condolences. "I thank you for your sympathy. As to where the malady started, as best as I heard, it was on a farm to the northeast." She thinks for a moment. "You know, now that you mention it, it did very much seem like the deaths spread out from there." She kneels down and gives Hames a scratch along his back, thinking for a moment, and then says, "It's entirely possible there is an epicenter, so to speak, where everything spread out from. Thank the gods for sending fresh eyes. I fear being so close we were all too busy dealing with the aftermath to take the necessary step back for proper investigation."

--Burga's Butchery--

"I don't know from gophers, or their dirty holes. Just heard it from the farmhands, they said there were a lot more holes and molehills in the pastures and meadows than normal, that and I think one of 'em said he got damn near sucked into the ground cause a sinkhole opened up underneath him... I try never to make mountains out of molehills, though."

Temple of Light

"I have often found that a fresh pair of eyes can see in a moment what tired ones have missed for a year. We are at your call while we are here, and if you have need of us please do not hesitate."

Then, turning to Psalm and Drun, he said "What do you say we go find the others? I think that this farm is as good a place as any to start our investigation."

I'm going to wait for some sort of indication either in-character, or via the Discussion thread, about how you all want to proceed before I take any executive control of the narrative. There should be a group consensus, once everyone is made aware of the gathered facts, about how to proceed. I'll wait for that consensus before I operate any push. :)

--Byrthelm Republic, Blueblossom Haven, Midvale Province - Vikaday, 23 Laureoth, Morning, 146 R.R.--

Psalm agrees. "We need to regroup with the others see the farm as well as meet these other investigators."

Temple of Light

During the entire exchange with Ithrelas in the temple, Drun cannot look away from her beauty. He finds himself rooted to the spot and unable to look away for the half-elf. With his mask on the others cannot see his expression, but if they did it would be one of adoration. Seeing her cry almost breaks the half-orc's heart, and he almost moves towards her, but he looks down at his huge, gnarly hand with it's broken nails and green-tinge and quickly drops it. He would not dare to sully such a beauty with his grotesque touch.
And so he simply stands and stares at the woman, feeling both love and loathing in his heart, and generally being confused by these feelings.

He is startled out of his own thoughts by Lindaer's query.

"Ummm...yes? What was that you said?"

Yup, I'm all for regrouping and visiting the farm"

To the farm one and all!

Ready to go, Gomdebo glances around for a livery and inquires as to the price of renting horses for the day for her and the party.

--Byrthelm Republic, Blueblossom Haven, Midvale Province - Vikaday, 23 Laureoth, Just After Noon, 146 R.R.--

Believing the town square to be the best place to keep an eye out for Mayor Camatil and his entourage, Akassa's volunteer investigators all gathered to get caught up on all they'd learned. Agreeing that heading to the farm that seems to be at the epicenter of the problem first makes the most sense, they waited only to talk to mayor Camatil before making any formal inquiry into the farms and homesteads surrounding the town. Their idea to wait in the town square pays off. Just after the sun hits its zenith, a skinny man with thin, honey-brown hair flowing past his shoulders surrounded by four gentleman that are, quite obviously, by their mismatched armor and weapons, veterans of conflict, walks into the town square coming from the north. Looking closely reveals a badge sewn to the lapel of his robe, an oxhead over a blue flower, with an M stitched into the oxhead. This must be none other than Mayor Camatil himself. Wasting no time at all, Lindaer and Gomdebo both approach the mayor, watching the tense reactions of his bodyguards they make it very clear that they are unarmed. Looking from Lindaer to Gomdebo and back again, the mayor says, "Hail travelers. I'm mayor Camatil of Blueblossom Haven. Who do I have the honor of addressing?"

Persuasion: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Lindaer bowed politely. "My name is Lindaer Elyrien, paladin of Amren. My companions stand with me. They are Sir Drun, paladin of Saxwyn. Druid Psalm, a priest of the natural world. Lady Blackbuster, as stout a dwarf as any, and skilled in historical investigations. Mr. Quint, our scout and guide. And finally, Master Boddynuck, wizard of the Arcane Order in Rydwyrna. It is indeed our honor to meet you, and it is most fortuitous. We are here to investigate the strange deaths within your land. I hope that we will have your blessing to investigate within your domains, and that you will call upon us should you have need."

Psalm nods politely. "Blessings of the Lady Lion on you." He smiles. "We are here at the behest of Senator Akassa. In the hopes of solving this riddle. It is our hope to see the farmstead first affected. Also from what I understand another group of investigators has already been at work." He frowns thoughtfully, "It would help us to speak with them. They have had opportunity to see things we have yet to find and have seen the bodies of the effected children prior to their being buried." His manner is gentle and sensitive. The emphasis of his words puts weight on his hope to learn what they can without exhuming bodies.

Drun nods his head to the mayor, but otherwise keeps his features hidden under his mask and armor.

The guards are already a bit edgy...no sense giving them more reason to distrust us! he thinks as Psalm speaks to the mayor.

Boddy just stands back, smiling, not saying anything.

He does nod when he is introduced. And Vralk preens

Mayor Camatil bows slightly at the waist and says, "The honor is ours. To have two champions of the Light among us, as well as a graduate of the Arcane Order, is no small thing. Thank you for your service and attention to this matter, gentlemen." When the mayor says the word gentleman, it comes with a strange bit of tone, perhaps an underlying racial prejudice? Nevertheless, He continues, "You, of course, have my leave to travel about as you desire, as do all the free citizens of our great Republic. Should I have need, be certain, I will call for your aid." Then turning to Psalm he smiles and says, "Blessings of Amren's daughter rest on you as well. You are right, there was another group working on behalf of our Senator. They were with me yesterday at a funeral, and have since moved on to the same farm you speak of. The farm where this mystery seems to have begun. They have a headstart on you though, and the farm is about a day's journey from the town proper, so whether or not they will still be there when you arrive, I cannot say. As to their investigation of the bodies. If they saw anything out of the ordinary, they did not share that information with me, but it was a rather somber occasion, not many words were spoken, in truth." After he finishes answering questions directly asked, the mayor looks at all those gathered and says, "is there anything else I can do for you then? I have other matters to attend to, if we are finished."

"Thank you for your time." Psalm bows his head politely, "Could you direct to the farm or to one who can."

"Are you close with the Senator's family? Do they have any enemies around here?"

Psalm glances sidelong at Gomdebo. Its a fair question but an unpleasant one to ask. The only humans struck by a disease that otherwise hits livestock and they have political ties. It is a thought that has crossed Psalm's mind one he hoped would be fanciful.

Looking down at Psalm, mayor Camatil says, "The Gaukridotr farm is northeast of town. Follow this road," he points to the road going east out of the town square, " it will take you out that way. Their homestead has a small wagon-rut trail that veers off of the main road to the north." When Gomdebo asks a question that implicates personal retribution somehow at play, mayor Camatil's eyes widen for a moment, and he looks Gomdebo from toes to top before speaking. "Your question suggests that whatever this is affecting Midvale is personal. I shudder to think that someone would kill the livelihood of a Akassa's constituents in an effort to send her some kind of message. Even worse, if it is personal, to kill the Senator's innocent nieces speaks of a disregard for life so vile it could only be perpetrated by agents of the Dark. I will continue to hope that is not the case. However, it is an important question, and therefore, in the spirit of helping this investigation however I can, I will answer you. While I would not classify him as an "enemy," Akassa's rival for her senate seat during the last election was none too pleased that she beat him. Especially since it was by such a close margin. Galador is his name; he's the half-elf that own's Galador's Goods." Camatil points to a shop just south and east of the square with a pristine storefront and two well-armed guards standing athwart the threshold. "I don't think him capable of perpetrating such destruction, nor do I think him vile enough to kill children, but, I have been surprised by the depravity of people's conduct before, and magic can do many things that are beyond comprehension."

"Thank you, sir. To reiterate though, we are not accusing anyone. We are merely beginning our investigation, and are exploring all possible avenues. May Amren, and all who walk in the light, bless you and your house."

Psalm bows, "Thank you. We hope to see an end to the recent unpleasantness." Psalm moves on when the others are ready. "I would say we should visit the farm next."

--Byrthelm Republic, Blueblossom Haven, Midvale Province - Vikaday, 23 Laureoth, Just After Noon, 146 R.R.--

"If there is nothing else then, I bid you fare well. May the gods bless your efforts." With that, mayor Camatil offers a slight bow and he and his entourage head north out of the square. They follow a narrow street that turns east around a corner and are soon out of sight.

Most unexpectedly, Drun of Saxwyn looks to the group and says, "I am afraid I must leave you here, my friends. I feel the eyes of the villagers watching me with no end of paranoia. I had thought that acceptance into the Order of Faith would assuage men's fears of my d'rak heritage. Yet, even with my mask, I still feel their hate. I will return to Rydwyrna and my training. I pray the Light blesses you all." He gives each a hearty handshake, and kind words, then heads west to the docks, turning a corner behind one of the dockside warehouses, and he too is out of sight.

Lindaer shook Drun's hand and said "The gods care only for the character of our hearts. Walk in the light, brother."

"You are always welcome friend. The blessings of the light go with you."

"Drun, no! It's not like that...not hatred that drives them, just the unknown that repels them..." she continues running along with him trying to convince him to stay, but ultimately fails, returning to the group a bit crestfallen.

Boddy looks a little relieved as the half orc leaves the group.

"Bye. Good luck"

Quint is as surprised as anyone at the half-orc's abrupt departure, but says nothing.

"Well, let's make a bit 'o progress before the sundown, lads?" she hoists her pack and secures it reminiscent of, though distinctively different from the way a modern dwarf would, walking towards the farm.

"The open road and a night under the stars." Psalm seems to brighten as they leave the village and take to the countryside. He begins to hum. He moves about eager to see things. Chats in a friendly manner with the animals they pass.

Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

As he talks to the animals he looks for unusual things, agitation beyond the norm, he asks questions if they seem willing to share. @Gomdebo Blackbuster have you shared with us everything you learned at the butcher?

As he hops about enjoying the pastoral setting the humming moves to singing.

The Road goes ever on and on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.

Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road or secret gate;
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.

Psalm thanks, meant to say so a few weeks ago. I see now that I never did!

Along the way, Gomdebo shares with the others what she learned at the butchery about the previous party and burrowing nose holes. "...so I cannae say, sounds like some kind of ghost worms."

nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12 Ghost worms?

Psalm tugs at his chin spike. Thinking as Gomdebo share what she learned at the butcher. "Increased mole holes?"

Psalm looked at Boddynuck and Quint, "The city animals Boddynuck spoke to mentioned something new in the tunnels. Perhaps something is agitating or driving the moles . .. or makes holes like moles. That doesn't explain nose holes though." Psalm shakes his head like he had something alive in his nose. "Gives the creeps."

Psalm's travel song gives the party a burst of joy that helps to counteract their sorrow at Drun's so hasty exit. That there is still racial prejudice in the free Republic of Byrthelm is not news to anyone, but it doesn't take the sting out of witnessing the truth of it firsthand.

The east road, which really travels along a northeasterly line, out of Blueblossom Haven isn't much more than packed dirt, and wagon ruts, but it is easier than having to traipse through the tall meadow grasses. Midvale's countryside is beautiful. Rolling hills and plains covered in tall grass and wildflowers, occasional copses of coniferous and deciduous trees, all are dotted here and there by the gathered herds of domesticated buffalo, cows, and flocks of sheep and goats. Besides the sporadic farm wagon headed to town to purchase supplies, or having to stop as a shepherd drives his or her flock from the pasture on one side of the road to another, the afternoon of travel passes without interruption. Of course the idle chatter of new friendship takes place along the way, stories of homelands, childhood remembrances, harrowing deeds all help the group to learn more about each other, and thereby trust more, doubting less. Which will be measurably important in the days ahead. When the rare wild creature approaches the group, Psalm does his best to elicit knowledge of what might be digging molehills, and scrounging out tunnels beneath the earth, but the knowledge they impart is either fractured by their severely lacking intellect, or they tell him more about "new tunnel friends." One owl, that happened to fly close enough for contact, mentioned "many-colored groundlings," but who can trust an owl that is active during the day?!

As dusk approaches, Quint, who is in the habit of sleeping on rooftops, points out a nice flat-topped hill just north of the road, there are a few small trees on it, but nothing that would block a clear view of the road, or the surrounding countryside, and suggests the group make camp on it. So they do, digging a deep fire pit, so that they may have warmth and light, and spreading out their bedrolls. Each spends the waning daylight hours in different ways, some in prayer, others reading, still others running a whetstone along the edge of their weapon, all the while sharing more conversation, and a few rations of food as well.

--Byrthelm Republic, Midvale Province - Desmoday, 24 Laureoth, After Midnight, 146 R.R.--

The night of transition from the the last month of summer, Laureoth, to the first day of Ilsa, the month where autumn will settle on the land, is a beautiful star-filled affair. The moon Laureoth is heavy and full in the southern sky, the smaller orb of Duragaim is gibbous still, but just barely as it enters the last quarter of its three year cycle. Thgol, the moon of the d'rak, broken and trailing chunks of itself behind it across the sky, reflects its rusty orange glow across the ground. Though the night is not cold, it is palpable that summer is ending and autumn beginning, so the fire is kept burning all night.

In what is sometimes referred to, ominously, as the dead-middle of the night, as Lindaer and Gomdebo are awake and watching, they both hear a sound near the edge of the hill, just below the crest of the plateau they've chosen to camp on. Looking toward the direction of the sound, they see a rustling of the grass, as of the movement of some creature along the ground.

Reminder I roll initiative in Hero Lab, so it is determined by the dice in the machine. Initiative = Psalm, Gomdebo, Enemy, Lindaer, Quint, Boddynuck (Vralk). Psalm, Quint, and Boddynuck are surprised (therefore cannot act in the first round - and familiar's actions are severely limited without a conscious master -- in the specific case, I'd say Vralk would do nothing but watch to determine if whatever emerges from the grass is indeed a threat before poking his master awake), in addition they have the unconscious and prone conditions. Just a note here, I realize that by rolling initiative I have conveyed, quite clearly, this is a potentially hostile encounter. HOWEVER Lindaer and Gomdebo have not seen what it is that is in the grass, and whatever it is, is smaller than the waist high grass, so it could be any number of nocturnal creatures. Obviously, the circumstances of what's been happening in the province would make anyone wary at night, but before deciding your character's actions, please ask yourself, would they want to "raise the alarm," without KNOWING that whatever is in the grass is a threat? Whatever you decide, I support, because any choice here is logical based on what your characters already know.

Ah! Also, I'm placing a shape on the map that represents the crest-edge of the plateau, anything on the other side of it is difficult terrain because of the incline. Also, since no one placed their icons, I am taking the liberty of doing that.

Edit: Lastly, the black X on the right of the map represents the area where they heard the noise. It is in an area of dim light (provided by the moons and stars) but is heavily obscured by the tall grass at the moment.

She raises an eyebrow at Lindaer and quickly grabs her crossbow shouting "Something stirs to the east!" before rushing that direction carefully. move, Dodge action

”Calm down, you’ll wake everyone. It’s probably just some animal. Let’s check it out before we panic.”

Draw rapier and use Detect Evil