Wardove's Rumble in the Jungle

Game Master Laithoron

"It is the irony of our age that, at times, to achieve peace you must be willing to fight for it."

"Ironic?" Yvonne seems to consider the word carefully. "I know a path untended gets choked by weeds and becomes home to bandits. Peace is not a road one should walk without giving care for it."

"I was counseled by one wiser than myself, to never deny who you are, and yet continue to strive to be something better than you are. ... He said this is an important part of growing as a person."

A gentle, somewhat melancholy smile paints the gypsy's delicate features. "This man you know sounds wise indeed. If the world is a proving ground then a test must be what life is. The measure is of ourselves against ourselves. For the just, no challenge is greater; for the wicked, no reward greater."

Sense Motive:
on Lureene 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21
on Yvonne 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

Alis puts her right arm around Lureene's back, below her wings, and gives the winged-woman a friendly squeeze. "Well, all I have to say is, I'm glad we got to dance together and I hope we can do so again!"

Bluff 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Alis stands and curtsies.

1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25

"Mistress d'Calla, thank you for helping us on such short notice even if only for the sake of my Aun–" she catches herself, "for the sake of Countess Rowan. The Golden Drakes shall be well compensated for this favor by our estate, and we shall not forget this favor, either."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24
Sense Motive 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24

Yvonne rises and lowers her eyes in deference to Alis' gesture, sweeping the floor before her with the hem of her skirt as she bows low. "It is you, Alis Princess, who give honor by entrusting the Golden Drakes with so important a challenge."

With much work yet to be done, the six of you gather yourselves together and prepare to head back to the Countess' estate. Outside, a carriage, much larger and more spacious than the one that conveyed you to the princess' party, awaits. Four well-muscled and energetic, yet disciplined steeds with lustrous mahogany coats, and black manes stand proudly as if at attention. A line of gypsies dressed in their finest vests and breeches greet you with nods of their heads and open the carriage doors at your approach, placing portable steps on the ground for shorter members of your party.

Alis holds her breath for a moment and then turns to Yvonne. "We must come back this way when we leave, correct?"

Yvonne nods.

"It might be a long time before I have the chance to walk thru Caen Carrinac again..."

Sense Motive 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Alis puts her right arm around Lureene's back, below her wings, and gives the winged-woman a friendly squeeze. "Well, all I have to say is, I'm glad we got to dance together and I hope we can do so again!"

Lureene returns the hug gladly, feeling better from feeling the other ladies contact. "Thank you, 'Lis...err...Alis. I enjoyed your singing as well, your voice makes it a pleasure to dance with!"

She leans in close to whisper,

"It might be a long time before I have the chance to walk thru Caen Carrinac again..."

Sense Motive 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22

Yvonne's mood seems to brighten at Alis' implication. To the members of her family she says, "The minstrel princess would one more time walk among her people before she embarks. Be at ease, brothers and follow in one hour. I will walk the path with them."

Without emotion or agitation, the men nod in understanding and release the horses so that they too might enjoy the day a bit longer.

"Thank you, 'Lis...err...Alis. I enjoyed your singing as well, your voice makes it a pleasure to dance with!"

Plus spoiler.

Alis give Lureene a smile that speaks of hope and gratitude, "I'm glad and thanks for saying so!"

The walk thru the city streets is much slower and far more circuitous than before. Alis hesitates more than a few times mentioning places where she and Alexis found adventures as children.

At one point, you reach the intersection outside The Black Boar and Aernelóth Fashion Studios. For the space of a few heartbeats, your progress is arrested as she gazes towards the upper floors. Lureene's warm hand takes hers and a look of girlish embarrassment plays across Alis' face. Knitting her fingers together with Lureene, she swings their arms forward. With renewed purpose in her steps, there are no further deviations and you swift arrive back at the countess' estate.

There you find that under Corrina's personal supervision, the Drake's porters have gathered your belongings and await your inspection. Everything they have touched has been packed expertly in clean, dry straw and even the least items have been handled as if fine crystal. Notably, any weapons you left behind have remained untouched for your personal handling.

Upon seeing her old friend, Corrina finally belies the first glimpse of anything other than perfect stoicism since you've seen her. "Yvonne?!"

She walks up to mistress d'Calla, an incredulous look on her face. "No, it can't be you must be her daughter..."

Her eyes narrow a bit as the gazes of the two women meet. A look almost like that of a young girl spreads across the Countess' face. "By the gods, it is you!"

Yvonne gives Corrina a big hug and whispers in her ear.

For some time the two exchange pleasantries. While you are still gathering the last of your belongings and double-checking your rooms, the large, satin-grey carriage arrives. Mal notes that the Golden Drake's steeds have a much more distinctive, wedge-like shape to their heads, and that their tails have a higher posture. While they are two hands shorter than most of the horses he has handled, he can tell from their large nostrils, the arch of their necks, and the angle of their windpipes that these horses make up for their smaller size with greater vigor.

The gypsy drivers stay close-at-hand to their steeds, speaking to them and stroking their muzzles to keep them calm whenever Talvyra draws near. Priyya explains to him that among the Setenbori, like her own people, horses of this breed are greatly prized and are often brought inside the tents of those who own them as if they were family.

With a few hours having passed since breakfast, it does not take much for Corrina to persuade all of you to stay a bit for a late lunch. Soon enough however, the time comes to say your farewells and take to the long road ahead for Malatesta and the Silver Sea.

It takes some time for Corrina to exchange her farewells and best wishes with her niece and Yvonne. While they stand far enough away that the rest of you cannot overhear them, their embrace speaks of hope and pride.

As your carriage at last pulls away, followed by multiple wagons and mounted guards bearing recurved bows and lances, Corrina calls out, "Go with the gods!"

Alis smiles and waves before looking skyward and saying to you, "I hope they're listening..."

Perception 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

Lureene widens her eyes, on overhearing the exchange, and she looks over to Alis with a new respect. She again thinks of her own mother, like her and yet so much not like her. She vowed there would be a reckoning one day...but now she had more important things to take care of...

Mal eyeballs the carriage, seeing all their gear being stowed in it or the other wagons. Then he walks over to one of the stocky southern-folk who is tending to his mount. As the tall hunter nears, the animal reacts the same as it did for Talvyra, straining at her rider's hands, eyes rolling wildly. To it's credit, it doesn't actually flee… well-trained, it seems.

When the man turns to locate the source of the mount's agitation, Mal speaks. "Is there a mount for me?" He hikes a thumb over his shoulder at the carriage, "No way I'm gonna spend a month in that thing."

The short, stocky man turns around then cranes his neck up to look at Mal. He flashes a big grin and pats his horse on the neck to calm it. "We have a good horse you will like. Coat is dark and mood is dark, but I think maybe he just need challenge. Come, I show you."

With that, man swiftly leads Mal to a group of extra horse that are being brought along so that they might relieve the work load of those currently under task as you travel. Standing somewhat apart from the others is taller, more powerfully built horse with a coat so black you cannot even see the grain of its fur.

At Mal's approach, the other horses shift uneasily, comforted only by the presence of their handler. The black horse, however, merely tosses it head and snorts once, almost as if casting derision at the others.

"His name," the handler says, "is Khaitan. Means demon in our tongue."

"Khaitan" Mal mutters, testing the feel of the name on his tongue.

He casts an eye over the rest of the cringing mounts, then back at this proud beast. His lips split into a grin, his sharp teeth in evidence, "And I thought this trip would be boring. Come, Demon, let's dance." He says in a soothing voice while trying to convey dominance through eye contact.

Wild Empathy 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13.

Mal spends however long it takes - and ignores the fact that he may become a spectacle in the process - making the horse follow his crude riding commands. Use the following rolls (with supplementary actions and rolls).

Let me know what damage (if any) i should take off Mal's character sheet for the day (and whether it's lethal or not). :)

Mal rides out of the horse area, Demon still fiery-eyed, both rider and mount comfortable with their arrangement…. at least for now.

Priyya looks like kid in a candy store - oohing and aahing over the fine horseflesh so much like the steeds from home. She inspects all the horses covetously, talking to them quietly in Xarakai, checking them for injuries.

Handle Animal 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
Heal 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22

She politely nods and smiles at the handlers but her eyes rarely leave the animals. She seems a thousand miles away.

"Khaitan ... And I thought this trip would be boring. Come, Demon, let's dance."

Wild Empathy [DC 15 + 2(surly) = 17] => 13: Mal speaks in a soothing voice while trying to convey dominance through eye contact. However his tone does not impress Khaitan as either soothing or intimidating. The horse take a diagonal step towards Mal, it's hooves narrowly missing the ranger's feet.

Ride [DC 17] => 19: The big man smirks at the horse's challenge and accepts, giving him a bump back with his chest. The powerful horse is actually moved aside a few inches and regards the man without moving. Working swiftly, the big man is able to get Khaitan's tack situated properly

Ride [DC 17] => 10: However, when he puts his foot in the stirrup and attempts to mount-up, the black stallion, pivots to his right. Mal reacts instinctively and avoids getting his foot out just in time to avoid torquing his ankle and getting thrown. Looking around, he finds that the Drakes are still largely leaving him to his own devices.

Ride [DC 17 + 2(fail > 4) = 19] => 17: Once again, Mal retries, a low growl rising in his throat, but Khaitan snorts loudly and trots off a few feet.

Ride [DC 19] => 22: With a burning look in his eyes, Mal moves swiftly. Khaitan flexes to kick, but Mal feints placing one hand on the horse's flank and vaulting up into the saddle. With a loud cry, the black stallion rears up on its hind legs, forehooves shredding the air. A pair of handlers, grim expressions on their faces grab coils of rope before anyone can get a broken neck. Khaitan's eyes go wild, but Mal's powerful legs grip the beasts, side and he warns the men away. "We're fine!"

The contest of wills continues for several more tense heartbeats but at last Mal rides out of the horse area, Demon still fiery-eyed, both rider and mount having reached an understanding — at least for now...

She seems a thousand miles away.

Hey, no cheating! :P

OK, how about 'hundreds' or 'dozens'? :p

Priyya watches the contest of wills between Mal and Khaitan with amusement and some concern... mostly for the horse.

Amid all of Mal's snarling, Priyya calls out, "Gods, Mal! He's a horse.. not your last girlfriend! Be gentle!"

"HA! I wasn't gentle with the last woman I bedded, and I'm thinking this beast deserves no less!" A confused look crosses his face, "Wait... that came out wrong."

He pats the great beast along it's powerful neck respectfully. "Well met, Khaitan. I look forward to our journey."

I'm good to go when you all are.

Lureene takes a seat opposite from Priyya, allowing her Knight-Captain to enjoy the pleasure of sitting next to her. She watches Priyya's response to the horses, and while she was personally indifferent to horses in general, she notes the reaction and stores it away for a future conversation.

Felmor shrugs at Lureene, on seeing her questioning look, saying quietly, "Aye, she like th' horses, it be 'er people's way."

Mal catches Lureene's indifferent glance at his new horse and grins, "Lureene, care to take a ride with me on this fine animal?" He pats the horse's rump behind himself, "It's gotta be better than that stuffy little hot-house."

I should take a moment to familiarize myself with this mysterious woman.

Lureene is a bit surprised by the offer, but considering how cramped her wings would be on the long trip, she readily accepts. "Of course, Mal. One moment, please."

Once the carriage has stopped, she climbs out and walks over to where Mal and Khaitan await. Having little experience in riding, she wwaits for the Corporal's assistance to sit up behind him. unless Mal wants her sitting in front of him...O_o

Ride, untrained 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Priyya's seat is quickly left vacant as she checks the carriage over.

So, Priyya is not going to spend a month in a carriage either. Being slightly more social than Mal, she will divide her time being IN the carriage, ON the carriage (if there is a good spot to sit with her bow), or riding one of these fine horses.

Start of journey? 1d3 ⇒ 3

1 = IN
2 = ON
3 = Horseback riding alongside

Ride 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24 Looks like that Handle Animal Roll really sweetened up my horse.

Priyya, clearly familiar with the equestrian combat traditions of her people, sorts her equipment efficiently, strapping it down expertly. She then practices controlling her mount with her knees while drawing and pulling her bow. She gets her steed to a gallop around the courtyard, reins in her teeth, aiming and drawing her bow. She grins like a fool, clearly happy.

Priyya is c0cked, locked, and ready to rock!

Having expressed her desire to ride to Yvonne before they left, the demure woman was easily able to see the passion the warrior-priestess had for horses. "There is one we have that I think you will like. Her name is Saija for she is swift and true like an arrow from the spirit."

The steed she showed to Priyya was a young mare with a coat as white as the long-grained cotton for which her homeland was acclaimed. Perhaps Saija too could sense the purity of Priyya's passion and desire not to control her, but to be her friend and companion. With seemingly no effort, Priyya took to the saddle feeling somehow closer and more connected to the world for it.

Priyya is delighted with Saija. She bows low to Yvonne. "I thank you for the lending of this fine companion. I will return her to you in perfect health."

Mal reaches down with one arm, grabbing her firmly by her forearm, and only slightly roughly lifts her up behind him. "Hold on tight... Khaitan can be a bit dodgy."

Okay, now he's ready... honestly.

Lureene winces a little at the rough treatment, but does not cry out. Once she gets situated, she uses her knees to hold herself against Khaitan, while gently holding onto Mal’s waist. Her wings though giver her some trouble, as if she holds them outstretched, the wind resistance slows the horse down. After experimenting for a few minutes, she discovers bending down, and folding her wings tightly against her back produces the best results.

Ooh, now Mal's got a nice cushy (and heated) backrest! ;D

Alis sees her hot blonde friend swing up behind the hulking ranger and gives a smile as she stretches out along one of the padded benches in the carriage, arms behind her head. "I have to give Mal credit, Felmor — that's a pretty slick move he just pulled..."

With a soft yawn, the princess closes her eyes to take a nap imagining the rocking of the carriage and the rumble of the wheels to be surf and swell.

so we're on the road, no?

Well on horses or nice padded seats for the most part, but yes. ;D Actually, I'm trying to find some f&%$ing tables with encounter frequencies by terrain type on them. All I can find are normal encounter tables. >.>

Alis sees her hot blonde friend swing up behind the hulking ranger and gives a smile as she stretches out along one of the padded benches in the carriage, arms behind her head. "I have to give Mal credit, Felmor — that's a pretty slick move he just pulled..."

Felmor chuckles at the Princess, ”Aye, I t’ink he be smarter ‘n he looks.” He glances out towards his Desert Rose, and a feeling of melancholy comes over him. He was certainly a long ways away from the ocean. Well a month is not too long a period of time. And he had his Desert Rose to warm his nights, as well.

With a soft yawn, the princess closes her eyes to take a nap imagining the rocking of the carriage and the rumble of the wheels to be surf and swell.

For right now, he is content to spend time with Yvonne and watching over Alis’s slumber.

Mal feels her shifting behind him, trying to find a comfortable position. "If it's more trouble than it's worth, you're more than welcome to ride in the carriage. i just thought you'd like a chance to stretch you…. wings." There is a moment of silence while the hunter's eyes vigilantly scan their surroundings, "So I've come to know a thing or two about our girl Alis, and Priyya and I have had a chance to get to know each other. At least initially. You, however, Lureene, are a bit of an unknown. What has brought you on this trip?"

Thsi is just filler/introduction stuff until Laith gets his encounters up and running.. or until he gets ready for us to move into the next major part of the game. I"m not trying to hold things up.

By all means fill away. Busy at work right now and I'm also working out some narration bits to speed things along. Even though I have no intentions on narrating the entire journey Tolkien-style, with 1000+ miles to go, there's plenty of room for character interaction so rock on with it! This is no 50-ft long passageway. :)

Mal feels her shifting behind him, trying to find a comfortable position. "If it's more trouble than it's worth, you're more than welcome to ride in the carriage. i just thought you'd like a chance to stretch you…. wings."

Lureene chuckles at his response, ”Well, Mal, I mean no offense, but until you try to ride on a horse with a pair of wings, then perhaps you should not be so critical. I do appreciate the offer though, it seems neither carriages nor horses mix well for me.”

"So I've come to know a thing or two about our girl Alis, and Priyya and I have had a chance to get to know each other. At least initially. You, however, Lureene, are a bit of an unknown. What has brought you on this trip?"

Lureene pauses, considering what to say, although anything less than honesty would demean both him and herself. She responds quietly, almost in a whisper, ”As I am sure you know, I am not fully human. My father was born fully human, from a plane far from here, whilst my mother is a powerful demoness, and I have demonic blood running in my veins. I know there are tales of you battling forces of the Demon Shade, and I hope you do not judge me from this. I am trying to be something better than my heritage.” She pauses, awaiting his response.

Alright, updates will have to wait until tomorrow. I used up all my spell-slots casting Wall of Text. On top of that, I haven't been getting much rest this week. Gonna hit the hay early tonight...

Mal awkwardly tries to twist in the saddle to see the girl's eyes, nearly unseating himself in the process. "I appreciate the honesty, and that does explain much. At the very least it explains why you smell like a hot cinnamon-pepper rolled in pheromones. But what I meant was, why were you chosen for this assignment. Alis is a negotiator -among other things. Priyya Darkmane is a seasoned warrior and healer by what I'm told. I am to fight, protect, and - should the need arise - track. What is your skill-set? Part of working as a team is knowing what each member is capable and willing to do."

Mal awkwardly tries to twist in the saddle to see the girl's eyes, nearly unseating himself in the process. "I appreciate the honesty, and that does explain much. At the very least it explains why you smell like a hot cinnamon-pepper rolled in pheromones. But what I meant was, why were you chosen for this assignment. Alis is a negotiator -among other things. Priyya Darkmane is a seasoned warrior and healer by what I'm told. I am to fight, protect, and - should the need arise - track. What is your skill-set? Part of working as a team is knowing what each member is capable and willing to do."

Lureene favors Mal with an amused grin. ”Why, I don’t believe I have ever been described that way before. Should I consider this to be flattery or not by that description?” Her tone indicates she is not upset at all. ”As for my skill-set, That is a hard question to answer, as I was never formally trained, as least not as such as you understand. I do plan on becoming an enchantress, once I have gained additional experience. Of course, my demonic legacy has given me some areas of extra protection, so I am not completely helpless.”

"Well, that's good to hear. This crew might benefit from have an arcanist either way." With that, he lapses into silence, and the hypnotizing sounds of a group on the trail pervades the afternoon air.

He does catch sight of Priyya on the pure white mount she found somewhere. Looks like she was born in the saddle.

The first two days of your journey across southern as you skirt the Gulf of Arghal are incredibly long. Yvonne explains that while normally they would take 3 days to make the trip from Caen Carrinac to Om'roton, that they are trying to minimize your time spent near the sea to avoid the risk of encountering raiders and to make the best use of Estoria's paved roads while they last.

Fortunately, there are numerous towns and villages along the way and both nights you are fortunate enough to be able to sleep in a real bed instead of making camp. As you travel, Mal finds that Khaitan regularly begins to lag behind the rest of the group. The Golden Drakes do not slacken their pace for him.

After having to spend the second mealtime in a row catching-up, Alis inquires of Yvonne, "So why is it that if Mal is riding the biggest, strongest horse you have that he keeps falling behind?"

Yvonne looks pensive at Alis' question. After thinking for a moment, she says, "Have a wheelbarrow you ever used?"

"No, but I've seen gardeners use them."

"Good. You see, it is easier to move weight when it is held up by a wheel and it you just push or pull. If you tried even half that much to carry, slower would you move too. Khaitan is strong. He also has great endurance to travel well into the dark. Even a strong horse though moves slower when on its back it bears weight or a heavy rider. Your friend is a giant man, not a light woman like the Surya-ka-Vahaak..."

She shrugs her shoulders, "Mal can ride Khaitan into the dark if he likes, though he will grow sore soon. It is you, Princess, for whom we hurry, not for him that we would wait."

During the night that you are in Om'roton, Yvonne lays out the path of your journey along with her estimate on how long travel will take...

.
.
.
.
.
Starting from Caen Carrinac:

• 2.5 days, 143 miles: Om'roton (forced march)
  
• 7 days, 341 miles: Skull's Gap
  
• 1 day,    37 miles: Drellin's Ferry (short day)
  
• 3 days, 135 miles: Valehaven
  
• 2 days, 117 miles: Dunnwar (forced march)
  
• 2 days,   90 miles: Drakedown Pass
  
• 3 days, 100 miles: Anzio (mountain crossing)
  
• 3 days, 148 miles: Cortiva
  
• 3 days, 166 miles: Viamare (forced march)
  
• 2 days, 106 miles: Malatesta

MAP: Sawng's Way

EDIT: Forgot that the 1st day was a half-day. Made some recalcs.

NOTE: I'm going to assume that after the first day, Lureene decides to either ride with the carriage driver or sit/nap inside the carriage to avoid the consequences of not being able to get 8-hours of rest.

Priyya makes it a point to personally tend to Saija and, to a lesser extent, Khaitan. She feeds, waters, and combs them at dawn and dusk; checking them for saddle sores, strains, sprains, and other ailments. She speaks to them in hushed Xarakai, as if confiding with intimates. While Saija is ever friendly, Khaitan, suiting his personality takes more winning over.

Day 1
Heal 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Handle Animal 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

Day 2
Heal 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Handle Animal 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

OK, looking at how hard we are riding... having spent 6 hours in a saddle once - OUCH. Priyya will be checking the horses at every break.

If the horse cannot keep up, Mal won't continue riding it.

If the horse cannot keep up, Mal won't continue riding it.

Now if you wanted to cast longstrider on it, that would work, but I don't know how many castings you have. But yeah, even treating them as fast as a light horse and as strong as a heavy, Mal is still a BIG BOY.

LK Calendar: Kevath 07, 4210 — Starsday

It is still early in the morning when Yvonne knocks on the door of your room to rouse you. "Today will be long, and it seems the skies may be against us before long. Please dress warmly and swiftly. Tonight in Om'roton we can rest longer."

Although it is only the start of what will be your third day on the long road to Malatesta, 10 hours of actual travel yesterday did not leave you with much time to eat or relax. Not like the small roadside inn at which the Golden Drakes stopped for the night was particularly comfortable, but right now it certainly is a test of will getting out of the hard bed you slept on.

Wondering at the time, you peek out your room's curtain to see that it is still before dawn and there is a drizzle soaking everything thru a dense morning fog.

After a hurried breakfast, you set foot outside to find that the gypsies are handling their burdens and getting the caravan setup without complaint. They are all completely focused on their tasks, working with quiet efficiency to get everything ready while Yvonne settles accounts inside.

The inn, is situated immediately off the highway that you have been following on your route to the start of Sawng's Way. There are a few houses of farmers, and craftsmen nearby, but not enough to even warrant calling the place a thorp. As near as you can tell, it doesn't even have an official name. Not far to the north, you can hear the sloshing of waves on the gulf's shoreline more readily than you can see it.

While Priyya goes to look after Saija and Mal goes to find his own surly steed, Khaitan, Alis and Felmor stand side-by-side sighing wistfully as they gaze at the sea.

Perception Checks
Alis 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30 +1 trapfinding
Felmor 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Lureene 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 +1 trapfinding
Malandraenas 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 2 = 16 AA from Talvyra
Priyya 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

After a moment, the two turn to look at one another saying simultaneously, "Did you hear that?"

Lureene wonders at what they are going on about as the two run off into the rain. Felmor notices as Alis stops in her tracks like a deer caught in the light of a bullseye lantern. However, a moment later, he sees and hears it too.

Cleaving thru the mist, is a massive figurehead carved like a dragon accompanies by the rhythmic sound of two-dozen oars tearing at the surf. As the huge longship plows into the beach, you can see several massive figures with broad shoulders and heads sporting great, curved horns silhouetted against the mist.

"Looks like we be meetin' some o' these Trull raiders o' yours after all!" says Felmor. "What kinna pirates wear horns like that anyways"

Recalling that Felmor comes from further west, Alis casts him a grim look. Priyya comes running up beside them just in time to hear Alis say, "They aren't pirates, Fel... they're minotaurs!"

Round 1: Surprise! (one action only)

Initiative Rolls
Alis 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
Felmor 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
1 = Alis, 2 = Felmor 1d2 ⇒ 2
Lureene 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21
Malandraenas 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Priyya 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17
Talvyra 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Enemies 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Golden Drakes 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Yvonne 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 25

As the ship grinds to a halt, close to a dozen of the hulking brutes leap down onto the shore hefting axes, tridents, cruelly hooked swords, and other implements of death. Although you cannot understand their gutteral taunts, you can certainly comprehend the bloodlust in their red eyes!

Next Up: Priyya, Felmor, Alis, Enemies, Round 2+: (Yvonne), Enemies, (Lureene), Priyya, Felmor, Alis, (Talvyra), (Mal), (Golden Drakes); (Currently Surprised)

I'll have the map up tomorrow at some point, but it's too late for me to continue any further tonight. In the meantime, enjoy the cliffhanger! :D

THEME: Horns of Hell

Felmor and Alis hear the twang of a bow as Priyya, without hesitation, smoothly lifts her bow and fires an arrow at the lead minotaur.

Standard Act - Single shot (SHORTBOW crit: 20/3x):
To Hit: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Rng Inc: 70'

"Bloody hell... MAL! We've got company!"