Naji didn't have init information on his line. So he had to roll. Sorry about that.
Fergus looks at the creatures as they disperse and fly off lowering his sword and shield. “Well done master Jebeddo!”. He holds his guard for moment looking around their area to see if anything else is coming towards them.
"Would be nice to know if it was the spell or the sound that chased them off. Either way, both tricks should be kept at hand. We may well see more of their kind later."
Jebeddo tips his hat at the praise, "No point getting worked up just after breakfast, right? But Naji may be right - it would be prudent to clear them out now rather than later when we are weary from any exploration."
Time for another random encounter check.
You meet some pilgrims on the road. Their vestments are strange to you, but they are awaiting the second coming of something.
"Well met! How has your journey been? What place or relic do you seek?
Maybe we will know something to assist in your pilgrimage?"
"We are awaiting the second coming of the Great Prophet Quonzar. He had promised to return to us a millennium ago," one of them explains. "We are on pilgrimage to the shrine in the north."
Fergus listens to the man speak and several questions come quickly to the inquisitive Fergus. The Prophet Quonzar...who is this man.... He follows up the wise questions that Naji asked with his own. Who does prophecy say will happen when the Great Prophet arrives in his second coming? What happened in his first coming?
Fergus listens to the man speak and several questions come quickly to the inquisitive Fergus. The Prophet Quonzar...who is this man.... He follows up the wise questions that Naji asked with his own. Who does prophecy say will happen when the Great Prophet arrives in his second coming? What happened in his first coming?
[spoiler=Knowledge Religion] You remember Quonzar, as he was a human prophet who lived during the twin Cataclysms. He was preaching Doom and Destruction when the Rain of Colorless Fire happened. There are instances of miracles done like giving sight to the blind and repairing withered hands.[/spoiler[
A sister speaks up. "He lived during the Rain of Colorless Fire among the Suel. He died during the Rain of Colorless Fire. The prophecy says he will come again when mankind will need him most," says Sister Betik.
"Great Prophet Qwhoznar? I don't think I've heard of him. What can you tell me about him? I'm always interested to learn about the faiths of others, you see."
Fergus seems to recall some teaching by his old mentor about the Twin Cataclysms and the Rain of Colorless Fire. Ahhh... If I recall the teachings of the Prophet spoke of miracles of healing and tending to those in need from suffering. Are you on this pilgrimage to a monastery or a temple that shrine sits? Fergus looks at the group...Pilgrims often suffer needlessly in their desire to atone or seek enlightment.... He looks closely at the pilgrims to see if they are starved or in need of water.
Fergus seems to recall some teaching by his old mentor about the Twin Cataclysms and the Rain of Colorless Fire. Ahhh... If I recall the teachings of the Prophet spoke of miracles of healing and tending to those in need from suffering. Are you on this pilgrimage to a monastery or a temple that shrine sits? Fergus looks at the group...Pilgrims often suffer needlessly in their desire to atone or seek enlightment.... He looks closely at the pilgrims to see if they are starved or in need of water.
"Shrine to the north you say? Please excuse us, we're just humble travelers that are new to the area. Where might we find this shrine so that we may pay our proper respects if we travel near it?"
Or find that these devotees have darker secrets then they let on.
Fergus pulls his canteen out as he walks up to the pilgrims. He gives his canteen to the first one he sees that is thirsty and in need of water. I am Fergus DraganCara...Paladin of Bahamut the Master of the Northwinds and Grand Father of Dragons...and these good people are my companions. If you thirst take some of my water. I wish you well on your journeys and hope you find your holy shrine safely and with all of your companions that you now journey with. As he watches the man avoiding our group closely and does not bother to be subtle about it giving him a kind smile and nod as he does.
Detect Evil (Sp)
At will, a paladin can use detect evil, as the spell. A paladin can, as a move action, concentrate on a single item or individual within 60 feet and determine if it is evil, learning the strength of its aura as if having studied it for 3 rounds. While focusing on one individual or object, the paladin does not detect evil in any other object or individual within range.
Fergus pulls his canteen out as he walks up to the pilgrims. He gives his canteen to the first one he sees that is thirsty and in need of water. I am Fergus DraganCara...Paladin of Bahamut the Master of the Northwinds and Grand Father of Dragons...and these good people are my companions. If you thirst take some of my water. I wish you well on your journeys and hope you find your holy shrine safely and with all of your companions that you now journey with. As he watches the man avoiding our group closely and does not bother to be subtle about it giving him a kind smile and nod as he does.
** spoiler omitted **
Fergus passes the canteen to another man with his off hand and places his sword hand on his sword. Hoping that his companions pick up on the change in his demeanor. I hope all of you have had no hardships on your journeys. [b]Evil...it often lingers around those in the service of good. My mentor often told me that good men attract evil like a light of a candle attracts the fly. You must be wary of those that would do you harm even when everything about them says they are good men. If you will have it I would like to pray for a blessing of protection on each of you.
He looks to the man next to the one avoiding mine and my companion's gaze but he is still closely watching that man. May I brother give you a small blessing of Bahamut to protect you from the evil of the land? What about your companion next to you would he also favor a blessing of good fortune? Addressing the pilgram Mathais. He looks as if he is in need of care and comfort.
I am not totally sure what this man hides...if his intent is evil, or he is simply hiding in the midst of these people, or running away from something more nefarious. I would be remiss in my duties if I didn't at least ensure they are safe. Pilgrims on a pilgrimage in the service of good cause must be protected.
Therion keeps mostly to himself as the party continues on. As they approach the pilgrims, Therion keeps clear of them, not trusting the strange humans. He does listen in on the conversations among the others and becomes interested when Fergus seems to focus on one of the travellers. He quietly cast a cantrip to see if the fellow is harbouring any magic, or under any magical enchantments.
Therion keeps mostly to himself as the party continues on. As they approach the pilgrims, Therion keeps clear of them, not trusting the strange humans. He does listen in on the conversations among the others and becomes interested when Fergus seems to focus on one of the travellers. He quietly cast a cantrip to see if the fellow is harbouring any magic, or under any magical enchantments.
Can I tell if this is a spell or an object he might be carrying? If it is a spell can I know what school it is from? Not sure if that is an arcane knowledge roll or just further inspection with the detect magic spell...
Therion moves towards the paladin who seems to be questioning the pilgrim Mathias and whispers to him.
"This "man" radiates a transmutation magic. He is not what he appears."
Fergus leans into listen to Therion's comment while maintaining his demeanor and position. He is not showing any sign of disrespect or outward aggression...but trying to seem as if he is being inquisitive and helpful while awaiting the pilgrim's approval of his offer.
Sister Betik starts, "Mathias is something wrong? Do you need the grace of Prophet Quonzar?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, sister Betik, as we all have the grace of Prophet Quonzar," says Mathias nervously.
Quietly watching the proceedings he merely sat on Fireball, his mount and watched the pilgrims, the road, the surroundings. His mind though was more into what had been said.The rain of colorless fire certainly caught his attention.
Akeirin watches the interaction of his companions and the robed group interestedly while standing near Therion. As his elvish friend acts Akeirin focuses his gaze on this strange "brother".
What a strange family. They don't share a resemblance at all.
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Completely oblivious to the sub-tone of the encounter, Reidog continues waiting from a short distance down the path, mumbling under his breath.
"We've things ta be about. What're ye doin' sittin' round talkin' ta a bunch 'o humans fer. Probably plottin' yet another war. Don't let their soft skin fool ye none!"
"What are you hiding?" asks sister Betik.
Brother Mathias responds, "I'm not hiding anything. Is it me, or is it hot?"
Fergus sees Sister Betik react to the man called Brother Mathias. Brother Mathias are you alright? Do you need some water good man? Is there some witchery that has beset you that your brothers and sister should know about? His demeanor seems to change as he positions himself next to Mathias but far enough away to draw his weapon and use it if needed. He again refocuses his attention specifically on the man and concentrates on him to see if there is something evil or malicious about the man. This is not right...why would his companion turn on him and not us???
Fergus respectfully asks with a commanding voice: Sister Betik...has something happened to your group recently for you to question this man?
"The prophet Quonzar has been taking some of our group," said sister Betik. "If I have some proof it wasn't Quonzar but murder, then something strange has been happening."
Therion keeps his line of sight to Mathias as he speaks to the others.
"Brother Mathias is not what he seems. An aura of Transformative magic surrounds him. Show us your true form. You have been found out!"
"I'm brother Matthias of the Prophet Quonzar," he says, still nervous.
Fergus steps back draws his sword and shield. Brothers and Sisters stand away from Mathias. There is deception and evil in this man. The Master of the North Winds has shown me that this man is evil!. He holds his sword as he sets his shield and calls on Brother Mathias to surrender himself. Brother Mathias there is no need for violence! Surrender yourself and no harm will befall you! . He pays close attention to the man’s eyes and feet to discern his next move. Please let this man surrender and let there be no violence today or blood shed.
Brother Mathias, having no options, turns and runs away.
"Hunh."
"Hiyaa"
He ordered squeezing with his knees and riding fireball to run the man down. He lowered lance but at the last moment aimed between the running man's legs hoping to trip him up.... not skewer him.
"Stay down, dont move if you run again I will aim my lance higher!"
He warned the man.
Akeirin follows, to keep the brother in range of his - if Talenvere is somehow unsuccessful Akeirin will mindthrust the brother, DC 14 Will save or 1d10 damage.
Fergus sees the man called Talenvere give chase on horse back and Akeirin follow. He drops his pack on the road and follows Akeirin moving to the olve's right side to support him with his shield if needed.
"You don't understand," says Brother Mathias. "All of you are in danger if you don't let me run away."
Naji follows the crowd, but at a more leisurely pace. "Everyone is always in danger. Threads are always being cut shorter than people wish. What danger travels with you?"