Premek winks at Jet in response to her look, and then grooms the back of his paw.
After the discussion about foraging, he makes a gesture of a snake wriggling away, and then coming back.
With our rat-snake freed, we can only stay in this spot for so long. He might decide he needs that reward, and he knows where we are.
After Kinig speaks:
The greenies appeared out of nowhere. And now the earth-lizards have been flushed from their caves. Ask Kinig whether they think Ironfang is using the underground here.
Thornwood has been there for generations and never had any kind of major issue with Troglodytes that I know of. They also took prisoners, which leads me to believe this is more than just the Ironfang using some random caves and disturbing them.
He stops for a minute and his brow furrows.
In both cases prisoners have been taken and the bounty also mentioned slaves. Why the sudden need for all these slaves? If we are comfortable with this being our main camp for a bit, maybe instead of pushing deeper, we he gestures to the party take a closer look at one of these towns and take several days to see if we can figure out where the attackers took the survivors?
I'm not suggesting Ironfang just went in some caves. I'm suggesting they traveled into the region through the underground realm and invaded us from below, which is how no one detected their approach. They may still be operating down there.
It would explain why our rat-snake thought he was far from the front. There's still fighting south of us.
And if that's the case, they would have taken any prisoners underground. Taking them overland south would not be an option.
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Taking slaves is a part of hobgoblin culture. Don't know anything about troglodytes.
Turning to Abby and Kining
Do either of you know of any tunnels in the area? Entrances to the underground?
If food is low we have to stay here for a day at least and build up a bit of reserve. Then... Sigh... We should move camp. I like this place as a base of operations in the area. But Edran knows about it and we don't know if he'll tell the hobgoblins.
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The smith said he doesn't know any entries to the underground. Maybe our elemental can find them?
But maybe explain the theory to them? They don't know why you're asking.
Aubrin and Smith Kinig both shake their heads in the negative, Abby speaks, adding to what the Dwarven woman had already said, No, like the Master Smith, I don't know of any entrances to the Darklands which could house enough Trogs to level the village and take prisoners, while leaving a rearguard like we encountered. She breathes out for a moment, Best I can do is pray to Cayden for a very small divination spell, but it only can see into the future about an hour, max. I'm really not sure where to turn, or how the hobs got into town. She pauses a moment, Wait, didn't one of you say something about a tower appearing on the Market Green the night they arrived?
I'd say we head north to the Ranger castles, but its over 100 miles, and we'd never make it with all these folks and who knows how many hobs in the woods. We need to get them settled, and see if we can learn more about the Ironfangs from here. Tamran's too far, and with the roads plagued by bandits, no doubt in the employ of Molthune, we wouldn't get very far either.
Thinking further Abby adds, We should continue to look for something more solid than this falling-in cabin. It sort of smells like Pila's been marking it for a while... But we do need more food. Which direction do you think we should move in? She looks to each of you in turn, even to Premek, who she's included in the conversation.
Premek shakes his head and meows, then hits the ground with his forepaw three times. Rocks, twigs, pebbles and dirt roll about and form a scene of Phaendar roughly two yards across . The buildings look like toy models, except one tower of black stone that clearly does not belong and is moderately realistic looking. Premek makes a croaking sound, the tower.
Pebbles roll around between the buildings, vaguely implying chaos. A cluster of brown pebbles rolls across the bridge, while another cluster of pebbles traces the route the party circled the village, gathering more pebbles before crossing the bridge as well. The bridge collapses behind them. The pebbles roll into the model woods, while strings and twigs begin to extend across the river. The scene freezes, then shrinks to encompass a larger area, including the two outlying villages. A red pebble approaches Phaendar from the south, but is chased away by bright green pebbles. It flees into the woods, joining with the original group of brown pebbles. Premek makes a hissing noise, our snake.
To the south, two rows of colored pebbles roll against each other repeatedly, one row red and the other brown. The entire scene rises several feet into the air, exposing bright green pebbles floating just below the ground, moving back and forth between the south and the Phaendar area, passing underneath the two rows of clashing colored pebbles, which continue unabated. The green pebbles wend their way along winding routes. Some get close to Thornwood, where they startle little gray salamanders, scaring them up to the surface. Meanwhile, green pebbles emerge above ground here and there, and then herd ordinary looking pebbles back underground.
Premek rumbles at Kining. එය කළ හැකි ද?
The red pebble that had gone into the woods darts away from the brown pebbles. It tries to avoid Phaendar but groups of bright green pebbles herd it back to the black stone tower. It rolls back and forth nervously. The cluster of brown pebbles in the woods rolls around in place a bit, accumulating a pile of dirt, and then moves northeast. Green pebbles begin to move slowly in their direction.
The scene freezes again, and Premek looks around at those assembled.
The dwarf, somewhat in awe of the magical display in front of her, as many of the folk assembled are, nods, responding in Taldan, Tis possible? yes. I just don't know any openings large enough to be useful for that purpose. Moving an army through the Darklands would be tough - You'd have to find a way down to Sekamina, as most of Nar-Voth does not connect through as you'd think. You'd have the lost brothers to contend with, and in Sekamina, there's the Dark Elves - the Drow.
Ok so it's possible the Hobs traveled through the darklands to get to Phaendar.. But not likely. They did have a big tower that appeared in the town green with them. Maybe it transported them with magic. At Thornwood the Trogs took your people north? That might be the direction to head in then. The rangers were going north, the Fae too. We gather some more food, then head to just north of Thornwood. Then explore our way north from there. I'll ask Graund to start looking for caves and tunnels underground as we travel.
The tower on the map disappears and reappears. Teleporting a giant tower would be about as hard as creating one from scratch. It disassembles itself to a pile of dirt and gravel, and then builds itself back up. The easiest way would be to shrink it, then restore it in a new spot. It shrinks, then moves, and expands again. Or build it underground and simply raise it up through the surface. It sinks below the ground, and then rises back up.
Teleporting also leaves them with no supply line and no easy way to transport slaves out.
You make ready the next morning to set out, Graund Dust-Before-Pebbles this time in tow, as the somewhat inscrutable earth elemental dives below ground periodically resurfacing and returning to Malgrim or Premek with what you interpret as a slight way it has of saying, 'no'. Pharus sets out again to search and scout, this time heading to the south with the glum guardsman Garrett.
Around midday, you hear a high-pitched, yet not off-tune whistling ahead of you in the forest, and a moment later, you see a tall, thin man appear from behind a tree. He's dressed as a woodsman, in feather adorned leathers, and his hawkish face is broken by a small feathered mask worn over the eyes. Hail travelers? the man begins. You can all see he's carrying a shortbow and spears across his back, but doesn't seem to be hostile at this moment. Wait, you aren't Rangers. signs of confusion are borne on his face. Oh well, name's Tobias, and who do you be?
He promptly leans against the tree, awaiting your response.
Greetings Tobias, I'm Malgrim, storyteller from Phaendar.
Malgrim sighs as their face falls remembering all those lost at Phaendar.
Phaendar's been attacked by the Ironfang legion. The hobgoblins killed a lot of people. We escaped, and have been wandering the woods for days now gathering food and looking for a place to stay while we think about what we can do. What we might be able to do for the fallen at Phaendar, and for those taken and kept as slaves.
The sadness and anger in Malgrim's voice is as nothing compared to what shows in their glowing red eyes. After a few moments and calming breaths, under control once again the storyteller continues.
Do you know this part of the woods well? Anyplace that could be defended should the Ironfangs come deeper into the woods?
I saw smoke rising from the human village of Gristledown's location, and wondered what happened. he cocks his head to the side oddly. And then scratches behind his ear, But no, we're in the Fangwood. I saw you coming this way and figured you were Rangers, but there's really nothing here close by that I know of. I do tend to wander though, and permanent settlements aren't really my thing.
Me, I'm heading South to see what the open lands are like toward the Tamran Highway. How many people are you talking about? Could you sneak past these hobgoblins to safety? West to the Dwarves at Glimmerhold? Or up the Marideth to Longshadow? What about the Rangers, have you asked them for help? They have secret strongholds to the north somewhere - three I think...
Zdena thinks something feels off about Tobias, but she's not sure what. She hangs back, not drawing attention to herself, and watches him closely.
Sighere looks closely at Tobias, and then nods to himself. Thank you for the suggestions. Unfortunately there are to many folks to sneak anywhere. And the Hobgoblins control a good stretch of the river we believe. Sighere seems pretty open with Tobias. [b]We had considered trying Ranger outposts but are unsure where they are. Do you have any ideas? [b]
Tobias shakes his head in the negative, No, the rangers keep their castles very secret, they are afeared of Molthune finding their spots and raiding them somehow... Considering the party and the grave news they bore, Well, I can tell you there's nothing due north for a while, other than a couple cute small glades. I'm headed due south, anything change that direction lately?
The pauses, cocking his head oddly yet again, And do these Hobgoblins seem to be working for Molthune? Or they independent in this conflict? the woodsman seems hungry for news of the outside world from the forest.
Premek wanders around, approaching Tobias and sniffing at him in a purely catlike fashion.
I'm afraid I can't speak on to whom the Hobgoblins are working with. I can tell you the way south is fairly clear currently. We had an encounter with a scouting patrol to west and south of here and Thornwood; He struggles for a moment with his words. It was razed by Troglodytes not 4 days ago
Tobias nods at Sighere's words, I am sorry to hear that also, I have not known Trogs to be active in these parts before, but who can say in the Fangwood. Twas' good to meet you, rare to find people other than the rangers in these wood who are willing to spare a moment to talk without suspicion. Should I hear anything I will try and find you and your friends. the man reaches down to scratch Premek's ears before straightening up and wanders into the wood to the south.
Returning to camp, the party is met back by Lirosa and Taidal with a deer, and Pharus and Garrett who report nothing of significance immediately to the south. Jet reports that the day's herding and gathering is starting to replenish the expended resources from the two moves, although another day will put the party in better stead should a new location be made available to move the camp to.
In the middle of the night, between third and fourth watch, Dierdre comes to Ryll, bearing ill tidings, Miss Ryll, I can't find Herman the Butcher, something's wrong. the dwarven shaman shifts nervously from foot to foot, peering out past the half-elf, scanning the forest line with her nightvision.
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Nice fellow, good to find someone in these woods that isn't trying to kill us, or undead. Let's see what we can find to help bulk up the provisions at camp as we head back.
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Zdena flips through her notebook to see if there are any entries about food in this area. She shows Malgrim a sketch of some ramps to keep an eye out for on the way back.
Premek chases some birds and rabbits.
But they get away!
Premek and Ryll are awake when Dierdre brings this to their attention and may respond as they see fit!
Do we know where he normally camps? And whether he was here in the evening?
Dierdre looks around nervously, He went out on watch at midnight when we all woke up, but hasn't come back in from it. I think he was on the west side of the camp... She waves to Avis, who comes over to where Ryll and Dierdre stand, with Premek lurking nearby. Avis, have you seen Herman? the dwarf asks, clutching the looted battleaxe from the hobgoblins.
The guardswoman shakes her head in the negative, No, I haven't seen him since we all started watch a few hours ago, did he not check back in?
To Ryll, Maybe have them wake the others while we go check it out? Might be an attack starting.
Ryll nods. To Dierdre she says, Rouse Zdena, Malgrim, Sighere, Lirosa and Taidal, and fill them in. Premek and I will go have a quick look.
Ryll and Premek quietly make their way over to the western side of the camp, to look and listen.
Perception:
Ryll finds the body of Herman Outen, hastily concealed under a pile of leaves, his head has been roughly removed from the body.
Zdena, Malgrim, Sighere, Lirosa, and Taidal are awoken in the night by Deirdre and Avis, who hasten to armor whomever needs help, and follow to the western side of camp. Where they find Ryll and Premek, and the aforementioned Baker with the Dwarven shaman and the guardswoman in tow. Dierdre is visibly shaken by the discovery of the body, while Avis bends down to inspect the wounds.
Looking around the murder scene, Zdena is able to spot some booted tracks leading off to the West in the Darkness.
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Premek sniffs around and tries to assist Zdena with tracking.
All I smell is boots, but that could just be people on watch.
Zdena looks around a little blearily at the scene. What a thing to wake up to. She accepts Sighere's encouraging hand on her shoulder with a tight smile before crouching to examine the boot tracks.
Can follow these, I think. She hesitates, then adds, Can do it in the dark if need to. Sneakier.
Damnit Malgrim whispers Sighere, what can you tell us about how he died, what did this? Zdena, I'm fine leaving the lights behind while you track who, or whatever did this. But we'll need some light when we catch up to them. We take the ion torch with us. I can lead Sighere if he needs help. As soon as we know more about what happened here I'm ready to go.
The dark doesn't bother me that much, Caleb aids my vision
Let me take a look
If owl-shoulders doesn't need light, none of us need light. Although I can make some if we need it. Let's go. Just somebody tell these two villagers to pull in all the other guards, nobody by themself.
As Sighere examines the body, Ryll turns to talk quietly to Deirdre and Avis. We're going to try and track down whoever did this. On the chance that there are others in the area, or that this is a diversion, I'd recommend doubling up on watches. Nobody should be going off alone, even in daylight.
Caleb swoops down and lands lightly on Zdena's shoulder, Sighere appears to be engrossed in the examination. I'll be along in a minute, Caleb can help in the meantime if you want to start, he can understand basic commands if you want him to look in a certain area or direction He pauses and Caleb's head rotates around to look back at him, Sighere keeps carefully looking at the body. The owl suddenly ruffles his feathers I know you're worried friend, she will protect and not send into harms way willingly. I will be right behind you The owl seems to settle down on his perch, and faces forward.
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Ryll mutters to Premek Did I not say that out loud? I could have sworn I said that last bit out loud.
She turns to Sighere. So, you think the person with questionable night vision should catch up to the rest of the group later. Alone. In the dark. With an murderer on the loose. No...I don't care how many of you there are in there, that's a terrible idea. We'll wait for you. A beat later, she adds in a softer tone, I don't want to lose anyone else tonight.
Yes a heal check is needed to determine cause of death. Other than decapitation a d massive blood loss
Sighere looks up from the bloodied ground abashed oh sorry, by no means do I want to catch up alone, I just assumed there would be a couple folks who could help me catch up. And I can always find Caleb
The wounds are pretty messy, but I think he was killed by....
a short, bladed, stabbing weapon. Sighere points to the magical dagger on Ryll's hip, Something about that size, more for stabbing than cutting though - as you can see,... nevermind, this wasn't the right tool for the job. But he definitely was taken by surprise, I'd guess one assailant. the shaman straightens up from the corpse of the butcher.
Zdena locates one set of tracks heading to the west, and once Avis and Dierdre head back to camp, the party with the half-elves follows Zdena's lead.
Tracking for an hour Zdena comes to where she sees the tracks start to slow...
Sighere, Zdena, and Ryll all think something is moving in the brush ahead of them, and then immediately settles once the party detects it.
Zdena gestures at the others to hang back, and ghosts forward through the brush, trying to spot whatever's hiding there.
As Zdena's camouflaged form melts into the shadows ahead Malgrim hands Sighere the ion torch. It's tightly wrapped up in a scrap of cloth.
Whispering to Sighere
Place it over your head and let it go.
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Ryll peers at the brush, trying to discern what's hiding in it.
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Premek pauses at Zdena's gesture, trying to make out whatever has caught her attention.
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Sighere palms the stone for the moments and looks around. His eyes flash green mimicking Caleb's for a second.
Sighere, Zdena, and Ryll can all make out a cloaked figure with a shortbow in the thicket to Zdena's left.
Zdena freezes as she spots the cloaked figure, not quite where she had guessed it was. Her eyes flick over the few details she can make out, and she tenses, ready to engage.
Sighere swears under his breath and quickly redirects his hand motions and begins chanting.
Quietly Ryll raises her crossbow, and shoots at the hooded figure.