Aneira moved carefully forward, trying to close some distance to be readily available for healing, if need be, but keeping back from the others for safety reasons. She was a healer not a front-line fighter.
She loads another bolt in her light crossbow and waits for the right time to shoot. It would be tricky with the men so close to the mantis and one impaled and close to its mandibles.
Since the great cat doesn't seem to mind, Xanxan waits till he can close in with her
Beck too loads up another shot and launches a bullet at the creature
and shoots wide of his target
Sheelah on the other hand tries to nimbly avoid the creature's attacks
and get into range of the beast.
Gabryjel will attempt another “Flurry of Blows” with his bow.
Venja moves up to 30 feet from the Mantis and fires a ray of frost at the creature.
Seeing that the mantis is grappling with the stranger Variel rushes forward attacking the creature in the hopes of it dropping the man. Just before he swings with both hands he enchants his blade as well hoping the little extra is enough to make a difference.
Attack
Damage
A flurry of attacks and misses take place as none of the group manage to land a blow to free the man in the mandibles of the creature. The presence of 3 within reach of it does disrupt it enough though to shake it as it tries to flee with its prey. It moves 20ft away from the combat towards the trees, provoking an attack from Variel Xanxan and Sheelah as it moves away. All can see the man still struggle to avoid the mandible close about his neck trying to silence him completely.
AOO from Variel
Damage
Xanxan slashes at it, "BIG bug!"
Sheelah's attack
For
Sheelah's aoo
For
Beck's kitty bites at the giant mantice as she moves an and takes another snap as it flees.
Aneira moves forward 15 ft (she's now 30ft from the mantis) fires her bolt at the creature.
Xanxan manages to find a gap in the breastplate like exterior of the mantis and slips his blade into the gap causing a hiss to erupt from the mandibles. Likewise Sheelah joins in, her fangs penetrating the ankle and injuring it as well.
Aneira takes a shot but in her effort to not hit the held man the bolt sails past the creatures head.
Sacrificing a potential attack to get around it, Variel double moves to the other side of the mantis to allow Sheelah and Xanxan to get a flank attack on it. That hopefully will help matters for Xanxan and Sheelah to hit, and by surrounding it will hopefully prevent it from fleeing too far.
Venja moves forward again to within 30 feet of the monster and attacks with another ray of frost.
Sheelah advances on the mantis, growling and gnashing her teeth.
for
Beck takes another shot at the giant bug
for
Aneira moves carefully forward, making sure she does not get too close to the giant mantis (she skirts within 30 ft of it again).
She loads a new bolt into her light crossbow and waits for the right opportunity to shoot.
Seeing the creature is carrying off a helpless man, Gabryjel will attempt another “Flurry of Blows” and hopes to get lucky this time.
Xanxan hangs on as Sheelah moves up and continues to harry the mantis with her bite doing damage again to the ankle and almost ripping it apart. Two arrow fly over his head landing in the chest of the mantis just below the kicking legs of the man trapped in the mandibles. A ball of ice just narrowly avoids the insect as well, the need to beware of the grappled man being just enough to throw off Venja's aim. Aneira moves up till she is with the remaining longspear men and waits for the mantis to move again so she does not have to worry about hitting her allies or them throwing her aim off.
Seeing that Variel moved around to flank the creature Xanxan tries to stab deep into the carapace to bring it down.
Unlucky, he is a gnome not a Halfling after all, the blade slips and the blow is wide of its mark.
Stumbling about on its good leg, the other a twisted mangle thanks to Sheelah, the mantis attempts to retreat but collapses in the ground after it takes 2 steps, the accumulation of its wounds too much for it to overcome as it passes out in the snow and begins to bleed to death. the man in the mandibles crawls out and frantically runs back to the protection of the others in the dog sled caravan.
The dog sled drivers all look at you warily at first not knowing what to expect from strangers even if you did help and manage to save at least one of the men. the other is still laying unmoving in the snow, his fate yet undetermined.
Gabryjel will leave the men to his companions.
He advances on the creature warily and when he draws near, he pauses to finish it off with a blade into its carapace.
Venja goes to the wounded man and tries to determine his condition.
but is unable to tell if the man yet lives. She calls to Anee to see if she can help him. "Anee, I can't tell if he's even still alive... can you see to him please?"
Aneira warily lowers her crossbow and moves to the prone man. Pulling out her healer's kit, she attempts to determine his condition and administer aid if need be.
Neither of you can tell for sure the state of the man. If there is a pulse it is so faint you couldn't find it.
Gabe you complete the death of the mantis with a few solid blows into the carapace finishing it completely.
Xanxan pats Sheelah, "Thank you kindly."
With barely a heartbeat to discern, Aneira attempts a magical healing on the fellow on the ground, in hopes of reviving him. She lays her hand on his chest and speaks the words, the white light moving from her hand into his body.
The light slowly descends from Aneira's hand touching the man on the forehead. At first nothing happens and you fear the worst that you were too late to help the man. As you reach forward to close his eyes the glove separates from your coat exposing your wrist. Faintly you can feel a air moving against it. Looking around you see that the trees are still and no wind blows. Realization dawns as it was the breath from the man. Even though he remains unconscious there was still a breath there and a sign of life. You weren't too late after all.
As Gabe comes back from ending the threat once and for all one of the men lowers his long spear and begins to speak to you. At the first words you realize that the cloaked man was actually a woman. Greetings strangers and may the gods thank you for your presence. Indeed were it not for you Alric would be carried off by now. Thank you for trying to save Gideon, gods rest his soul, he was a good man. My name is Nadya and I am in your debt. Please, join us while we bandage up Alric and wrap up Gideon to take with us for burial. We haven't much time as we must move on soon. The weather will be turning much worse soon and we should not be out in the open. We can talk as we travel and you can tell me about yourselves and what strangers are doing here so close far in Irrisen.
The other men look at her worried but say nothing as she is their leader. He go about righting the dog sleds and now you can see that there are actually 6 sleds. Those you couldn't see we're overturned in the commotion and partially buried in the snow. Also yu can tell from her language and posture that she thinks Gideon is dead and while mournful of his passing knows tht she can not dwell on what is past mic she is to protect and look over those in her charge as well. The mantle of responsibility does not give her much room for emotional loss.
"Mistress Nadya, please wait. Gideon? He still breathes though remains unconscious."
"I will attempt another healing."
Although Aneira would have to expend another spell to bring Gideon awake, she would attempt it. The weather was indeed turning and she could not risk him dying as they travelled. She had a duty as a healer. Laying her hand once more on him, she speaks the healing words and the white light moves from her into Gideon.
Xanxan pipes up, "Nice to meet you, Nadya! I'm Xanxan and this is..." He introduces each person in turn
After Gabryjel finishes with the creature, he pauses.
Insects are generally part of a hive; like bees and ants and all that. This one sure looks like a damn bug; does that mean there's a hive nearby? Damnation, that'd be bad news. That son o' whore was mean all by himself. If there were others...
Pausing, he examines the mandibles of the creature and with a few deft knife moves, he cuts them off and stuff's them in his pouch.
He walks back to the group and observes that Aneira has healed the wounded man and that Xanxan is speaking to them.
Happy that his companions are able to do the talking he merely waits patiently to see what will happen next.
Variel comes up beside his wife and grabs her hand as she finishes her healing of the fallen man. Giving it a squeeze of support he drops her hand and places his arm around her shoulders holding her close against the cold. Even though she may not feel the cold like he did, that was not the main reason for his actions. There was more said in the simple gestures than he could verbalize adequately right now.
Looking around at the others he nods to GAbe for finishing the work of the mantis and ensuring it would not awake suddenly to continue its attack. In similar fashion as GAbe, Variel remained mute while the others with a more persuasive bent did the talking.
While the conversation went from saving Gideon's life to Xanxan introducing people Variel tried to scrutinize the people before him but couldn't glean much due to the coverings from the cold. When Xanxan reached his name Variel simply nodded and let the flamboyant gnome continue on.
Nadya breathes easier hearing Aneira's words. That is wonderful news and his family will be glad to have him return to them. they know the risks of living here and travel but knowing the risks is never the same as experiencing the loss from them. Thank you dearly.
Nadya looks at each of you as the introductions are being made. Clearly she has more questions for each of you but her attention issplit between the group and the concern for Gideon who has now opened his eyes and is looking up form the snow. Xanxan, I am glad to have you here visiting and wish to talk to you all further, as I am sure you have a strange tale to tell with you being foreigners and all, so I invite you all to my house as company. However we are still some distance from it and I must see to Gideon and Alric. If you will excuse me for a moment.
With that she goes to check on both of the wounded men seing how they fair. After a couple of minutes talking with the men and reassuring the rest she comes back to the group. It seems that they will be fine wonce they get home and have a chance to heal from this ordeal. I thank you again, Aneira was it, for healing them and for you too Venja for inquiring about their health. the rest as well I thank for the timely intervention from the creature. It is one I have not seen around these parts before and am curious to know where it came from and how it got here. But that as well can wait till later as I have another avor to ask of you. with both of them injured I am need of help to drive the sleds before the storm hits. Are any of you skilled at handling a team of dogs and can drive a sled? I am in need of two of you to do so. My goal is to make it another 4 hours at a reduced speed to a large cave in the side a hill. It is a known refuge from the weather and will give us the best chance to wait out the coming storm as I doubt we will make it home now. Once there we can start your tale while the storm passes and hopefully in the morning it will be over and we can continue on to my home of Waldsby.
Variel comes up beside his wife and grabs her hand as she finishes her healing of the fallen man. Giving it a squeeze of support he drops her hand and places his arm around her shoulders holding her close against the cold. Even though she may not feel the cold like he did, that was not the main reason for his actions. There was more said in the simple gestures than he could verbalize adequately right now.
Aneira leant against her husband, taking what he was freely giving in the embrace. When they were alone, she would speak her feelings openly and aloud. Until then, this was enough. Even when they were quiet, they said much to each other.
Nadya breathes easier hearing Aneira's words. That is wonderful news and his family will be glad to have him return to them. they know the risks of living here and travel but knowing the risks is never the same as experiencing the loss from them. Thank you dearly.... With that she goes to check on both of the wounded men seeing how they fair. After a couple of minutes talking with the men and reassuring the rest she comes back to the group. It seems that they will be fine once they get home and have a chance to heal from this ordeal. I thank you again, Aneira was it, for healing them...
Aneira quietly casts a spell, Enhanced Diplomacy.
"You are welcome for the healing I have provided. Aye, Nadya, I am Aneira Whitestorm. I am gladdened by Gideon's revival and that he will return to his loving family. Both men will need care once home but they will recover. Venja and I can monitor their condition as we travel."When Nadya mentions requiring two people with skill with dogs and sled, Aneira looks to Beck first. "Beck, you have a fair way with animals. Can you drive the sled and lead the dogs?" Looking to Gabe. "And you, Gabe?"
"And you, Gabe?"
Garbryjel scratches his chin thoughtfully.
"I'm good at riding, that's for sure, but I ain't never tried one of these things... chances are I'd likely screw it up," he says with a rueful grin.
He glances at the others.
"Anyone else fancy trying it first?" he asks the others.
"Aye, I can handle a sledge full o rowdy dogs!" Beck assures "Ain't no problem there"
cause I got ranks not cha...
Venja smiles as she watches Beck easily control the trained beasts, and Aneira do the same with a bit more effort. "We are blessed indeed to have such skill among us. Thank you, Beck and Anee."
Nadya looks at each of you as the introductions are being made. Clearly she has more questions for each of you but her attention issplit between the group and the concern for Gideon who has now opened his eyes and is looking up form the snow. Xanxan, I am glad to have you here visiting and wish to talk to you all further, as I am sure you have a strange tale to tell with you being foreigners and all, so I invite you all to my house as company. However we are still some distance from it and I must see to Gideon and Alric. If you will excuse me for a moment.
"Oh, but of course,"
The gnome is glad to have the druid among them, for he knows nothing of sled dogs, though he finds it very intriguing.
Gabryjel will simply ride on the sled with Beck, or move alongside if necessary.
Meanwhile, when they move out, he'll use his Perception to make sure no more of these mantis warriors are nearby.
Indeed Beck has a magical way with the dogs and they are leaping t the opportunity to move on. He finds that he is a natural at guiding the dogs over the frozen landscaped and through the snow. Aneira, although not having the training necessary to rear and train the dogs finds that she can push them adequately to have them follow her commands. Soon the 6 sleds are loaded up with each sled carrying 2 people. Sheelah follows right behind Beck's sled and manages to keep up with the dog sleds breaking the path for her. Not much communication is possible between the sleds as the spacing apart makes it difficult. Likewise the men with Nadya are tight lipped and refuse to talk to you at the moment. even Nadya is quiet as she studies the skies and coaxes all she can out of the dogs to hurry.
The three hours pass (now it is afternoon) and you come to the narrow entrance of a cave. It is barely high enough to allow the dogsleds to be run in but once inside it opens up to a cavern 50 ft in diameter and 25 feet high. On one side is a stack of firewood that would keep a fire going for 3-4 days if necessary.
Once all the dogs and men are in Nadya seems to relax a bit. We should be safe here for a while. Once a fire is going the storm can rage all it wants and we will be content in here. Do any of you know how to cook? If so I will provide the food and let you treat us to a meal from...where is it that you are all from anyways? I didn't catch that earlier.
"dunno if yea'll belive it, but we're from Taldor. came out here through a portal! wild trip and not the tropical vacation i were expecting. Sommat's goin' sideways up here, an' we're curious 'bot that in the hells is happenin." Beck says as he starts assisting in the cooking. WHile not bright, he has worked in shops and kitchens when the begging was slim. Not that he's good, but he can manage to help out some.
Garbyjel says nothing at this time and simply studies those he is with.
Given that he and his friends essentially saved their life - and given the fact that Aneira certainly saved at least one of their lives, he had expected more open lines of communication.
As it stands, he waits to see what sort of food they have before he helps themselves to their gear.
If it's good, he'll assist in the cooking; he knows how to cook from being on the trail and has no issue with it. If he doesn't like what they have, he'll just make a meal out of the food in his pack.
Aneira busied herself in helping prepare the meal, standing beside Beck and Gabe and listening to the druid answer Nadya's question, occasionally looking over at her husband, Variel, who was watching over the proceedings.
She gave a more precise answer as to the location of their home to the female leader. "We are from the village of Heldren, in southern Taldor. We have risked much to travel through the portal to arrive to this place. Can you tell what is happening here, Nadya?" Pondering the giant mantis and its attack on Nadya's people, Aneira added, "Are such creatures as the giant mantis common here? Or did it travel through the portal as we did?"
As the food cooked over the fire, and while waiting for Nadya to answer, Aneira made her way to Gideon and Alric to check how they were faring with their wounds and healing, pulling out her healer's kit and replacing bandages or poultices where necessary.
"Thanks for cooking, Gabe." Xanxan stays near the fire, loving the feel of it
"Thanks for cooking, Gabe." Xanxan stays near the fire, loving the feel of it
Gabryjel grins a little at Xanxan’s praise as he gets the fire going and adds water to a pot. He empties some dried oatmeal into the water once it simmers and adds a bit of salt as well. Taking from his pouch some dried garlic cloves, dried peppers and then adds some jerky into the pot.
While not exactly bacon and eggs, the porridge is like a crude stew, and is filling and hot; the jerky softening in the simmering water to produce broth that helps thicken the grains. The garlic, salt and dried peppers giving it flavor and taste.
He crouches on his haunches and stirs it occasionally with his spoon, smelling the meats and spices simmer together.
”It’s all good, Xanxan,” he says with a relaxed voice as he watches it cook.
As he does, he studies the gnome a bit.
”Say, I’m glad you like the food – I don’t mind helping out and all; but I wondered if maybe you could do me a small favor?” he says after a moment.
”I know you’re handy with sewing and clothes and all that – you ever did work like fashioning necklaces and so on?” he asks casually.
He pulls out of his pouch the two mandibles from the mantis creature that he had cut off earlier.
”I was wondering if you could take these two things and maybe make them into a necklace?” he asks, holing them up for Xanxan to see.
”It’d look pretty sharp to have something with a little flair – and I figure this is kind of rare stuff, and sort of distinct. What do you say?”
As Gabryjel waits for an answer, he continues to hold the mandibles and watch the stew simmer.