#1-06: Lost on the Spirit Road (Inactive)

Game Master Fox--Pantom

"Kitsune?" Valeros replies. "As good a theory as any."

The warrior continues on, heading down the indicated road, but with his shield at the ready.

Exploration Mode: Defend

Kitsune, hmm? Anders rubs his chin. Well, I'll take any explanation of why they so easily got the jump on me. Guess it's time for us to be off.

He thanks the proprietor and wife of the tea house once again before setting out.

Explore mode: scout

"We should keeps our eyes peeled for other agressive wildlife."

Exploration: Investigate. (I'm most interested in tracks, though)

"You do betters. Much betters." Tok'Tok said, although who is comment was directed to was unclear.

Exploration: Repeat a spell: Guidance.

Are you guys taking the wagon with you or carrying your supplies yourselves.
The snow is still falling but this track also seems less well maintained than the previous roads.

@Tok’tok guidance on who?

If they are going to slow us down, and we can carry a decent amount of supplies, I'd rather leave the wagons.

"With the unrelenting snow, I think we are more likely to cover ground more quickly if we forego the wagon." suggests Valeros.

Hopper grabs his belongings and some portions of food and put it on his riding dog. He walks leading her and searches for any clues along the way.

Exploration mode: search

You travel for several days along this road
The snow doesn’t relent and the road narrows in several places

"Well, we are on the right track, it seems. Hopefully we will catch up to them soon--if they have been able to survive, that is."

Me, cause I like me.

Anders spreads his arms out and says Hold everyone. Snirt stops at his side. He then points ahead. See there? Coming toward us. A person-shape. Don't know if I could see it if it weren't for the snow.

He pulls his bow off his back and holds it at his side and then says, louder, Someone there? Who are you?

The creature doesn't seem to respond to the question and just keeps moving forward, very slowly.

"This is a forest spirit, a small one. It should not be able to murder their host but who knows that for sure. The only way for them to communicate is when they find a host. We should be careful as they can influence their way of thinking." Says Goblin in a voice of a Wiseman. If that Wiseman was 3 feet tall, and a very odd voice with a whole spectrum of nervous tics

Because it makes too much sense:

Tok'Tok stepped forward and said "Tok'Tok re-pressents you."

Valeros watches the goblin with both admiration and concern. His swordhand is at the ready.

Hopper breathes in. He waits for the situation to develop.

"Don't worry Tok'Tok, if the spirit will try to take over the world, we will not hesitate to stop it."

As the shape comes closer, it dawns on Anders what it is. As he's about to explain, Hopper does instead. He watches what unfolds, bow still held at his side.

The spirit glides forward and straight into Tok'tok.
The snow whirls around him for a moment as though stirred by a non-existent gust of wind.
Tok'tok feels a moment of fear wash over him, fear of strangers in the forest and of the beasts deeper within. He is frozen to the spot trembling for a moment.

"Tok'Tok's cly-ent shows Tok'Tok what happen to car-e-van. They attacked by foxy peeples."

"That's it? This is all that it showed you!? Do you at least have some magical powers now? I have an uncle that I would like to talk to, it is believed that he hid a golden ring somewhere on the outskirts of Absalom." says Hopper.

Then he urges to move forwards

Just noting that as part of daily preparation Hopper creates 4 Alchemist's Fire, 2 Bottled Lightning, 2 Giant Centipede Venom (written down in the profile) and one of the venom he applies to his dagger.

@Hopper just so you know there is no visible sign of the spirit nor another one.

Fox people... Anders scratches his chin, looking at Snirt as if the dog will explain further. He tries to recall if anything natural that would fit that description.

Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7

"Not a huge surprise, I suppose, after the fox attacks on the village. We'll have to keep our eyes open for tracks."

"Tok'Tok do you know where the attack took place? If not I think we should keep on going." says the goblin

"Woody woods. Peeples shoot bows at caravan."

Hopper nods to what other says and is ready to move forwards

With the spirit riding along inside his mind Tok'tok is able to lead the group in pursuit of the caravan.

After around an hours walk you spot another spirit moving through the trees

Hopper walks with the group keeping a close eye on Tok'Tok. He is looking for any hints if the goblin turns frenzy. Seeing that everything is ok Hopper says

"There is another spirit nearby, let me try to contact it. I know what to expect of it. If it will take control over me and want to kill you, tie me down and feed me with chicken brains."

You might wonder if this is some exorcism or sign of crazy, and then the goblin adds

"They always make me feel better."

With saying that Hopper steps forward toward the ghost.

Just like before the ghost simple steps forward, disappearing into Hopper's body

Anders nods at Hopper. Nothin' like two possessed goblins to make for an interestin' day... He tells Snirt to sit at his side and waits to see what happens once the second goblin has come into contact with the ghost.

"Admittedly, I am not entirely sure, but I think this is pretty normal for a goblin." notes Valeros. "Next, he'll come to and try to set himself on fire."

"It's best to roll unconscious goblins on their sides, so they don't smother themselves."

Perian will gentle nudge Hopper into the fetal position.

"That no good-good. She breath-ees?" Tok'Tok asked, clearly concerned given his experience.

Apologies for the delay, a very unfair point to leave you hanging. That was not the plan. Quarantining changed my weekend around a bit.

Well you left Hopper laying down ;) So I left him there

Hopper first begins to move his hands and touches himself on his side. Then he opens his eyes and you can see that he is terrified! His hands and feet begin to grab snow and earth to crawl forward as quickly as he can. As he distances himself from the others he quickly gets up on his four and begins snarl at the others and shows his teeth. After a couple of seconds, he begins to calm himself down... and stands up. Still, his movement is hectic and nervous

"Kitsune, kitsune, kitsune... I saw kitsune!"

He turns to the side looking at something that was not there his head tilts sideways.

"it took something from the caravan." On that Hopper extends his hand and grabs something imaginary and put it into the sack.

"Kitsune in a shape of wild animal run away with the loot." Hopper began to sneak pretending to hold something.

"Suddenly!" yells Goblin!

"A bit white cat-like creature jumped out of a tree trunk snatched the loot and disappeared." Goblin walks next to the closest tree and touches its trunk. Speaking softer

"It's like the creature could meld with the tree."

"Then I woke up, or I thought I woke up just to be snatched by a large grizzly bear. It had big jaws, strong paws. It can lift heavyweights. It mauled me to death." Hopper turns silent and walks for a couple of minutes before calming down completely.

Valeros listens intently to the goblin's account. Then, he pauses to see if the goblin is going to set himself on fire.

When it becomes clear, the Hopper won't be doing so, Valeros replies, "You've seen the caravan then? Do you think that you could lead us to them?"

"I don't think I can." Or can I? question to the GM?

Says shaken and not burning Goblin.

"I saw caravan and a ghost that took something from it. Followed by the white cat which snatched it from it. That was followed by some information related to forest fauna." Explains as his voice turns back to dull high pitched frequencies.

"Now we shall have to watch for feline and vulpine tracks, I suppose. I'll keep my eyes open."

If she sees any such tracks, Perian will use Hunt Prey on them.

Between Hopper, Tok’tok, and the spirits continued guidance you feel you could probably find the caravan quite easily

Let's get er dun!

Hopper joins Tok'Tok in an attempt to find the caravan

"Keep your eyes open!" screech Hopper.

Well, that was certainly interesting. Suppose we some get on looking for this caravan. Thanks to both of ya for going through that. Anders nods at both of the goblins.

Anders will also use Hunt Prey if he finds any tracks.

Valeros valiantly follows the others caravan-ward.

Hopper stops next to a big tree looking around himself, not certain where to go. Giving himself some time to catch his breath he asks:

"Everyone is ok?"

"Happee Dayz for you! We comecome to saves you!" cheers Tok'Tok.

Hopper breathes heavily, the snow and woods make this journey tiring. He uses the opportunity of Tok'Tok speaking to catch his breath.