Marc looks uncertainly at the friendly highlander; 'I have heard some pick-up lines, but...'
"Yes, why not. Call Clarion. We are to be traveling and fighting together indeed." Marc says smoothly as he moves out of the mayors offices.
"I agree, Axe, if we want to go south, movings a good option. Moving south that is." He quickly corrects himself, purposefully, as he nearly trips over his own feet. "I was just getting a lay of the land, as the priest said to the barmaid."
Marc rolls his shoulders, feeling them strain after sitting for the best part of the day.
AT Marc: Upon looking at the map, you are able to discern the location of Stagholt as being roughly a few hundred leagues from the Imperial City of Maraz.
Now what do all of you Decide to do? Leave town immediatly for the South or other options at your discrepancy?
At Arjhann's mention of going south, Serena nods."I agree with you, Arjhann. We're bound to find something if we head south, and we're not going to accomplish much if we just stand around here. And I'd like to meet Xlarion too. Maybe he'll have some information for us?" Serena smiles at Marc's joke about the priest and the barmaid and follows the others.
Xlarion grins and jaunts outside looking up to the sky then to the countryside outside of town, he shrugs and dashes out of the village unaware of who actually comes with him. A short jog outside of town town Loran emits a high pitched whistle and then a series of out sounding clacks and another shorter but high pitched whistle then cocks his head and listens as if waiting for something.
Marc follows at a double step; 'This fellow is spry.'
His feet unused to the open terrain, Marc is slightly worried by the experience. Although the edge and boot treads had been taken off by the travel here. Looking interested by the promise of a Xlarion, Marc's eyes scan around the vista.
"Aye, if we head South we will be sure to spot these bandits. What we do once they are located is another problem. At least we haven't got to go up against a horde of famous villains." 'Hopefully' Marc says calmly.
Immediatly following the call from his master a great shriek is heard high in the sky and a dark shape begins diving straight towards the earth. Its speed is incredible, and any who can see it between diving through the clouds can denote a dark black and reddish plumage, a savagely hooked beak and long powerful wings that bear aloft a proud and majestic bird as tall as a man.
Xlarion wheels overhead and streaks straight towards his master, calling out again in a shrill, almost battle-cry of exhulation as he swoops past, rises back up and then begins flapping his great wings as he slowly lowers his body to the ground. Talons the length of dagger blades mince the ground as the party is struck by the downfall of his wings and he eyes them all in turn, standing almost as tall as Ajrhann. He fixes each of them with a fierce golden eye and then folds his wings about his body, ruffles a strange ruff of feathers that almost seems leonine which makes him seem even bigger and more intimidating and he looses a savage cry at the party.
Then, Xlarion trots over to his master and lowers his ruff, beginning to pick with a talon at a bit of meat lodged in the corner. Being a Druid and so intuned to his companion, Xlarion shares a sort of communciational bond with Athel, so what he hears is, within his mind, Good see you Earth-Friend, took much passage of sun. High-sky losing light. Wings long for more flight, make quick with news! Yes! Make quick. Flying about, spied with eyes I did many pig-faced green-Earth-walkers killee and taking what not theirs! Baaaad. I follow them, ooh yes...Many many leauges away. Picked off one, no fight, no fight at all at all! Taste baaad. What news? Why there more Earth-Walkers with you?! Should I killee?
The great bird then eyes them all again, ruff rising and talons kneading the ground, wings half-extending should Athel give him the order.
Ajrhann covered his eyes and couldn't resist gripping the handle of his battle-axe as the giant bird lands among them. Not having any clue as to what the thing was, Arjhann stared hard at the thing, then back and forth at Athel and it, eyebrows furrowed with confusion.
"This one...heard you say Xlarion was not a bird. And that is a very very BIG bird!" he grunts, unused to having something stare at him at eye-level before.
Loran grins and pats Xlarion on the chest near the leonine mane. No no these are friends, we met them in town, we are to travel with them. In your flight did you see more Earth walkers that carried many weapons and had Earth dwellings? They prey on the gentle Earth Walkers and the gentle ones asked for our help. We go to slay the bad Earthwalkers. But here let me introduce you to our new friends.
Loran turns about his charms twinkling and bows to everyone.
"This is Xlarion. My best friend. Please introduce yourselves. And he is not a bird, he is Roc a very big difference." He says smiling to at Arjhann as if everyone knew that.
Marc mutters "The only rocks that I heard fly were from slings."
Marc picks himself up off the floor, from whence his form tumbled as the creature swooped forward to it's friend/master. From one knee Marc gives a florid bow, the sweeping hand holding the edge of his cloak. "Your friend Athel speaks highly of you, it is an honour to know and journey with you; Xlarion the bold, hunter of the skies. I am known of Marc of the Grey Tavern."
Pushing himself rapidly to this feet Marc looks at the scene making ready to push one when it is needed, his eye move to the horizon trying to try the path of the sun.
Serena takes a step back and lets out a small, high-pitched gasp. After a few moments, she's soon back to her smiling self. "Wow! I've never seen a Roc in person before! He's beautiful... intimidating and powerful, to be sure, but he's beautiful! Nice to meet you, Xlarion. The name's Serena! Oh, and this is Lyrica." Assuming Lyrica's still with the party (doubt she'd be anywhere else), Serena strokes the thrush and brings her around so Xlarion can see her. ^_^
Marc stands in awe at the large creature, by no means a slight man he feels overwhelmed by the Roc and his muscular companions. As Serena reveals her little thrush Marc sympathizes with the creature.
Trying not to show the discomfort; "So we are to the south and take away the fight from the scoundrels." He looks again to the large creature, hoping he does not look like lunch. 'I am used to eating birds, this feels like the other way around.'
With the party now fully introduced and united in their cause, you all set off in a generally southern direction from Stagholt. Ahead of you looms the great forest border of Adaras, still many leagues ahead of you, foretelling of days of traveling before you ever saw the edge of your country. It is fair weather with sparse rain, as it is the borderline of Summer here in the Southern Plains, with peaceful nights under the stars but always the knowledge that this era of rest and comfort may soon be coming to an end.
As you enter the first line of trees 2 days later in your trek, as the realm of Adaras Forestland is vast indeed, a united front of greenery that spans the south, east and western lands of the country, you are comforted by rich greenland, shadowy boughes and the sounds of wildlife all around you. Xlarion flies just within calling distance within the high canopy, relaying information about the area to his master whenever possible or relelvant. There has been no news however, and you all grow a little anxious at the lack of anything beyond animals about you. But that is to be expected, after all, this land is as of yet unspoiled by war.
A day later, deep into the forest and continuing the trek...
Initiative:
Arjhann:
Athel Loran:
Marc Gillson:
Serena Eversong:
Xlarion:
Bandits:
Karl Heffen:
Order of Intitiative:
Athel Loran
Xlarion
Marc Gillson
Bandits
Karl Heffen
Arjhann
Serena Eversong
Multiple shrieking arrows buzz towards your group, fired by yet unseen archers as some of the group drop to the ground while others either avoid the missiles by luck or are struck.
Karl Heffen Attack on Arjhann: Damage: Confirm: Critical Damage:
One of the arrows strikes true no matter the circumstance and pierces Arjhann's armor and golden scaled hide with a bark of pleased laughter from somewhere above.
Bandit Attacks:
Bandit 1 on Marc: Damage:
Bandit 2 on Arjhann: Damage:
Bandit 3 on Athel Loran: Damage:
Bandit 4 on Athel Loran: Damage:
The arrows buzz for multiple different targets, most striking dirt but one lodging itself alongside the other in Arjhann's armor. This time however it barely tickles his scaled hide.
Perception 1:
Perception 2:
Arjhann looked about himself as he heard the sounds of the forest abruptly fade about them and he slowly drew out one of the spears tied to his back, holding it tight in one huge fist. As the arrows strike him he grunts aloud and staggars back, clutching the shaft inside of him with one fist before he roars a challenge.
Perception to Spot the nearest Bandit:
Having spotted the human that had fired at Athel, the Drakon roars again and hurls the spear with all his might at the man, hoping to skewer him as he might a wild boar.
Thrown Spear attack on Bandit 3 Spear Damage:
Xlarion Perception, +2 For being above this all.
With a sudden shriek of absolute rage, the great bird Xlarion dives at one of the archers, seeing them open fire on his companions!
Xlarion Claw Charge:
Damage:
The Bandit yells in pain as a talon rips suddenly through his hauberk and he clutches at the wound in agony as the Roc wheels up and out of bow range, preparing to charge again once the archers have lost sight of him, preparing to come at them from a different angle.
Bandit Number:
The ground about you all is dotted with large boulders behind which you can easily use for cover as the bandits assault you.
The bandit who fired at Athel Loran spins to see a giant bird savage his partner before whirling just in time to take Arjhann's thrown spear through his chest. He cries out and is knocked off his perch between two trees, the spear point protruding from his back. He jerks and twitches horribly, rolling down the rocks in front of you all before expiring, dead eyes staring in shock. His companions all draw another arrow, but all but one looking suddenly startled by apprehension.
All right. Time for those perception checks! ^_^
Perception Check #1:
Perception Check #2:
Whispering thanks to Desna that she was lucky not to be hit by arrows, Serena peers around to find the source of the attack.
Perception to spot where the arrows came from:
I don't think that'll be enough to spot the bandits, so Serena will enter total defense for this turn.
Two days of walking and anticipation had put Marc on edge. Vast plains that rolled before him as they take the two day trek towards the forest where surely thee bandits dwell. The thick greenery and trees, so unlike the streets of Maraz.
As the group moves to the edge of the woods an arrow whistles by Marcs ear; looking around Marc sees Athel take a arrow to the sternum. Quickly he moves towards the ranger, his voice rising to a cresendo of a delicate melody taught by the old geezer.
'As the golden sunbeams reach my eyes,
I stand up and raise my sword up high;
One more for our brothers who stand beside us.
Once more and forward again.'
The healing energy leaves him with a gasp as he places a hand upon Athels back.
Perception checks
Athel frowns at the quietness of the Forest and grimly unlimbers his bow, only to throw himself flat at the sound of screaming arrows coming towards them."Look Out! he yells.
Perception
if hit
To determine which bandit is struck by the arrow, rerolling 3.
The bandit squatting between two moss-covered logs cries out in agony as an arrow strikes him, knocking him back and he clutches at the shaft, grimacing and spouting curses as loudly as he can.He is obviously alive but without medical attention the arrow may end up killing him anyways.
Xlarion gives another cry and streaks back down through the treetops at the bandit he has already attacked, slashing with his great talons at the man.
Charge, Claws x2.
Damage:
The man ducks one slashing claw but the other tears through him and Xlarion rides the man down to the ground, clawing and pecking with his lethal hooked beak until the man kicks him off and he looses another great shriek of anger and then prepares to take to the air again.
Re-Edit: Sorry the Bandit Xlarion just attacked IS dead I missed that he attacked the same one. I'm a little confuzzed atm but I swear to all of you I am on top of this. Marc, what ddo you do now that Athel is not in danger of getting shot? Since you don't need to heal him, you can take your first full action now.
Marc falls to the floor at the hail of arrows bursting from the tree-line. With a single swift motion he gets to his feet. He sees the tall dragonman pressed and bleeding but unable to get immediately to his aid, Marc decides to distract foes and help his companions.
"Axe, cut them down to size. Make sure they leaf here, like the saps they are. So that they Rue-wen, the day they took us on." Marc calls out his terrible puns reverberating into the forest.
The two remaining bandits, one clutching at the shaft still inside of him, both look uncertain about the entire scenario, two of their number suddenly slain in a matter of seconds and a very angry eagle, dragonman, bard, archer and woman glaring up at them. The one clutching the arrow takes off running a second later, not wanting to end up dead, but unaware that Xlarion plans to let none escape. The other looks between the bird, dragonman sporting two arrows and the very lucky archer, and draws a final and ill-advised arrow.
Arjhann 1, Xlarion 2, Athel 3
Attack Damage
The archer fires at the youth but his shot goes far wide, plunging dismally into a tree branch 20 feet away from Athel. The man gulps and begins backing up hurriedly.
Karl Heffen swears and rises from his position, well hidden a moment before where none but the eagle might have seen him. He throws aside the bow and draws from his waist a beautifully crafted sword from a silver sheath. He points it at the party, so assured of his superiority above these merely lucky fools. His men were all fools, all stupid and idiotic simpletons and deserved such a fate. His boss had given them to him as a token force to scout ahead. Had he done that on purpose? Had he meant to rid himself of Karl and the yellow-bellies at once? He'd have words when he got back to camp, sporting these folks' fine gear for his own.
He eyes the party and then says loudly, in a sneering tone, "Well well, looks like the pups have teeth after all. Well then, if we're going to finish this, why not settle it in a real fashion? I am the best swordsman in this region, I took this sword and this armor from another in a duel, and I'll take yours as well. I challenge any of you milk sops to face me if you dare..." He begins climbing down, eyeing the party for the weakest.
"How about you, bird-boy? Probably not so tough without your giant chicken. Or you blondie? Or how about the monster? Oh yes I bet you're brave enough to take me on." He flashes the girl an evil wink. "You I'll get to in a minute. Different sword I plan to use on you... He switches his eyes back to the group as he hops down onto the floor in front of them and spins his sword in a non-too-masterful series of clumsy swings, then points at the group again, sneering derisively.
Serena rolls her eyes slightly at this new and rather arrogant man. "Well sir, if it should come to that, let's hope you handle your other sword with even more skill and grace." ^_^
”Ah, it’s a big man with a small weapon. I think our honourable scaly friend has a chopper for you. Whilst I think the rest of you should just bough out.” Marc says flicking his blonde tail to one side.
Arjhann snarls and from his back and right hip he draws his battle-axe and short sword duo and bares his fangs at the bandit with the sword. He eyes teh arrow in his chest and then looks over to Marc. "Do you mind getting this out of me before I teach this pig-face some manners?" he asks, barely feeling the pain from the wound but knowing that the arrow would severely hinder him should he not remove it first.
"Och aye laddie and if any bad manners start to show in this duel o' yours know ye you'll be having an arroow right in that other swrods of yours before another fixes you 'tween the eyes." Loran says laughingly as he draws another arrow from his bow and pulls it into a half draw with barely an effort before whistling for Xlarion's attention..Try and bring back one alive friend we need information from him. Hunt well.
Xlarion gives his master a rather puzzled golden eye and clacks his fierce beak then spreads his wings and takes off after the fleeing men. He easily catches up to them and with a shriek, launches himself onto the most wounded human with talon and beak.
Charge, Claws.
Damage
The man is born down to the ground screaming as the great bird savages him from behind. He beats off one talon but soon stops twitching as Xlarion slashes at him again this time fatally then pecks twice at the throat to ensure death. He cries out in triumph then peers at the other human, clacking his beak threateningly. The man takes one look at him and takes off running again, weapons forgotten. Xlarion begins hopping after him, ready to finish the chase.
Marc looks on as the dragonman circles the expedition leader, a mocking sneer upon Marc's face. Usually he does not enjoy taunting the foolish, like the pompous Mayor, but 'men' like this raise his ire. Upon the streets he had seen others like this, their arrogance and strength letting them take what they want.
He moves forward to Arjhann, patting him on the back and wishing him luck.
He moves towards the a dwoned man with Athels' arrow piercing him. The pale faced bandits is in a pool of blood and obviously dying. Marc leans down and tearing the bandits stained tunic tries to bandage the wound. 'Maybe we can get some information from him.;
Cure Light Wounds: Arjhann is now at 10/14 Hitpoints.
Karl Heffen grins as the Dragon-man steps forward and they begin to circle one another, eyeing each other up and down, Karl with a superior sneer on his face as he points his sword right at Arjhann. "So monster, ready to die?"
Intimidate Round one:
Arjhann nods to Marc in thanks and then turns, clutching his weapons firmly in hand and stalking forwards to begin circling the bandit, his yellow eyes slitted with anger, waiting for the right moment to strike. He bares his fangs at Karl and snarls loudly at his words.
Intimidate
Returning the nod, Marc looks slightly apprehensive at the pair as the duel starts. 'I hate arrogance, but hopefully Karl is just full of hot air.'
Intimidate, Round 2:
Karl Heffen grimaces as Arjhann snarls back, still feeling as cocky and confident but suddenly unsure that he can take down this creature quickly enough without losing a bit of his own blood on the forest floor.
Marc rests the weight slightly upon the balls of his feet in nervous anticipation. 'It's just like the time the Marquis of Granby fought outside that brothel, although this hopefully won't be as bloody. Gods, that was horrible.' Marc recollects one of his few brushes with the capitals nobility and his face blanches slightly.
Intimidate:
Arjhann clashed his axe against his sword blade loudly, bareing his fangs and smoke rolling from his nostrils. There existed nothing else but he and the human he faced, only their blades and their muscles. One of them would die today, as surely as blood wet the ground and the sun set in the Western sky.
Final Intimidation:
Karl actually gulps as the Dragon-man seems to leer over him and his stolen sword grows sweaty in his palms. He begins to doubt that he can indeed slay this dragon-thing at all and he cannot help taking a nervous step backwards.
Intimidation:
Ajrhann narrowed his eyes as the human began to back away and he suddenly arched his back and opened his great jaws to their fullest, loosing a savage and entirely inhuman roar, brandishing his axe and sword above his head, bellowing a war-cry to the heavens and then begins to barrel straight towards the human bandit in the stolen armor and sword.
Charge +2 Attack, -2 AC, Battle Axe
Arjhann's axe whistled past the human but his ire was raised and he cared not. All he saw was the axe and sword in his hand and the murdering scum before him.
Marc looks on as the pair of imposing men circle each other. His breathe held in anticipation of the first strike, his hand in sympathy is near the hilt of his own sword - although he means to draw it not.
His eyes want to dart to the other watchers but a moments hesitation could miss all the action.