The Journey of a Thousand Miles (Jade Regent AP)

Game Master Sensen

Going to do a few of these in spoilers, not because they're secret, but solely for formatting purposes. If you want to continue with the RP, we should do so in spoilers.

Oathday, 28th of Rova, 4711

The next day dawns, blustery and chilly, but at least there are no clouds. The majority of the caravaners seem ready to move on, but a small handful report that they'd like to move back south when they encounter a chance to do so - whether on a ship or with another caravan. Among these are Cyrus Talbot, who mentions not being fond of the cold, and Alder, one of the drivers for the caravan. A few others seem more dubious, but are willing to make a go of it.

I'll let you all have a chance to do some things the previous night or in the morning. I'll move us onwards into the future - possibly a week or two - and get this show on the road later today or tomorrow.

When the group gets ready to depart in the morning Riftun prances up to the others looking surprisingly cheerful and well-rested.

"A-Alright everyone here we go! The start of our great adventure! I'm gonna be taking so many notes. It's going to be quite the tale! I can't wait to get started!"

Yuto is assailed by strange dreams during the night. The Tian wakes up covered up in sweat and not as fresh and rested as he would have hoped. After taking a bath in the nearby waters and approaching Losk's kitchen to eat some bread with butter and help prepare breakfast for others, he starts to notice some people are leaving the caravan.

With every person that decides to leave, doubts arise on the young man who have only thought of fulfilled fate and adventure the day before "Oh, you also Cyrus? Ho-how we are going to do it with-without..."

Anyway, when Riftun comes by well rested and full of energy, the mood of the Tian completely changes "Good morning Riftun! I-it is indeed the start of a new adventure. And I am happy you are eager to stay on it with us" he does share with him the breakfast "S-so do you think we will see some of the Linorm dra-dragons there in the North? I have heard so-some of them are as large as Sandpoint cathedral. Or even more. Like Magnimar's Arvensoar" Yuto giggles lightly "It ca-cannot be, th-they must be kidding."

At some point Yuto is going to try and find out if Kelda is coming to the north. He is reassured by traveling with someone with recent knowledge of the area and it will be a strong set back for him if she is not.
Did we ever find out why Kelda came to Brinewall in the first place?

Sorry for the delay, folks. Just been kind of out of it most of the weekend.

Kelda came to Brinewall with her crew to get rich and do adventure - she's an adventurer-raider, so to speak.

Kelda remains apart from the rest of the group, but seems pleased enough to be returning home. Ragnhildr, in contrast, is quite openly cheerful, though she's already giving out advice for surviving in the cold.

Ameiko looks up at Yuto. "Linnorms? Gods, I hope we don't meet any on our way. Though maybe if we did, we could set someone up as a king or queen!" She grins brightly.

Amaya shakes her head slightly, her dark bangs swaying over her eyes. "Linnorms are not a joke. Even if we were to slay one, they curse their slayers with their dying breath."

Yuto smiles at the appreciations "Wou-would they admit a non-Ulfen to the ranks of king or queen?" he asks to either Kelda or Ragnhildr "I am thinking Sandru can become a nomad king of sorts"

Through this week, Yuto spends extra time with the Ulfens of the group, specially Kelda or Ragnhildr, learning of the northern region from them and training with them. The young man seems very interested on the different fighting techniques designed by the Ulfen, the types of blades they use, how they swing them, and how to better defend himself and protect the others from them.

Other than that, he puts himself under Sandru's orders to guard the caravan, or scout ahead to talk with travelers before they cross them in the road.

Ragnhildr considers Yuto's question. "Maybe, but the only place without a King at the moment is Icemark. Not a whole lot there, other than the Varki."

Actual moving ahead post will be forthcoming later today in case more folks want to get some posts in.

I can post in an hour or two, but on baby sitting duty before that.

Earlier

Noticing Cyrus feeling or being particularly down, Andochtuir approached the man at some point after the crowd dispersed, carrying a cup of self-brewed tea. "Would you like to try some, Sir Talbot? Apparently, this herbal mixture nudges the body to relax. One type of nerves, at least. Or is there something more weighing on you? Anything that you wish to share or could use a hand with?"

Slighty later.

The warrior-physician takes in Ameiko's explanation with rapt attention. "Something... took over you? Just like that? Meaning... a powerful spirit of sorts, and it's not definitely gone? Meaning it could happen again, and we still would have no idea of why, how or when?"

He looks at the heavens and lets out a melodramatic sigh, then grins slightly. "Well, I suppose we should focus on the good news instead. Just let us know if you start feeling strange in some way, and we'll see what we can do. I believe I shall just... what did you say, 'add it to your tab', 'your Highness'," he continues, amused. "Though with what was left of mine, maybe we could consider eachother even for now?"

Andy had a grand total of 1 gp on him after buying his equipment, so he was probably fairly broke from all his travels heading into Sandpoint, looking for another job. I imagine he probably stayed at the Rusty Dragon at least once and that Ameiko might have done him a favor in the past. Maybe she let him sleep in the stable for free or such? :)

Later/now

"I am thinking Sandru can become a nomad king of sorts"

At this, the half-elf warrior chuckles. "Because we don't have enough to worry about with one just *one* monarch among our company - and her specific set of enemies . No, of course not. Let us stir up some controversy with the locals as well. Quite bloodthirsty of you, Yuto. I wouldn't have judged you the type for such. But I suppose one cannot judge a book by its cover?" He raises an amused eyebrow at the samurai.

Yuto scratches his head smiling "Oh-oh, yes, I would have thought it appropriate, but ye-yeah, I would not want any problems with the Ulfen" the boy approaches to Andochtuir closing up to his ear while looking carefully at Sandru and Ameiko "Th-that is sensible terrain, although brother does not talk much a-about it, I know there are sen-senible things going on there in be-between..."

"Th-the Va-varki?" not having any local knowledge of himself, Yuto raises an eyebrow and asks Ragnhildr "Who are the Varki? Sho-ould we worry about them?"

"Th-that is sensible terrain, although brother does not talk much a-about it, I know there are sen-senible things going on there in be-between..."

"Sensible...? How do you mean? As in, a romantic something between Sandru and Ameiko?" The half-elf asks, surprised.

"The Varki? They're a people, humans like you or I. They mostly move around, I think? Got some Erutaki blood in them, just as much as Ulfen." Ragnhildr replies to Yuto's question.

28th of Rova to the 7th of Lamashan

The next week passes by with surprising speed - the caravan passes through the Nolands into Southmoor. The road is ill-made, little more than a dirt track at times, but there are a handful of other travelers along the way - another Varisian caravan, a thane and his raiders, loyal to the local king, and once a group of goblins - easily repelled.

The weather does take a turn for the colder, however - people are bundling up with as much as they can and carry heated stones in their clothing, at Ragnhildr's recommendation. Some of the drivers keep small braziers with smoldering coals next to them.

I'll let you all determine what you'll be doing that week before moving us forwards again.

For his part, Andochtuir resumes his duties as a scout, though he makes a request to Sandru to be paired with the others more often and less as a solo envoy, mostly in an attempt to learn of and bond with them during these outings. While at the caravan itself, he alternates spending time with his more established social circle of the other off-duty guards (Lone-pillar, Sandru when it suited him, Cater, Adrin and Monia), Losk, the exploration team of Brinewall castle (though less with Torra and Teruko as they'd had fewer interactions), and when circumstances allow, Ameiko. He hadn't tried to pry into Yuto's cryptic words, figuring that was not his business, and that if someone felt the need to inform him of something, they would.

During his rests, he also begins cataloguing the journey's events to himself, having half a plan to perhaps aid Riftun in his exploits of chronicling the journey. ...While glancing at his animated beard, and wondering what exactly to feed it, or how it would be useful to them on the way...

Still doubting on what familiar archetype Beard McFluffles has. When I think of one, I'll let you know :')

"Oh, they were on the same adventure group. I think something happened among them on that time, but... I do not know what happened exactly, bro-brother would not talk about it, he would just leave in the caravan while Ameiko settled and build her tavern... B-but I can still feel some tension be-between them..." Yuto scratches his head not knowing himself exactly what he means by his words "I do not know. I-I still get confused by these things... Never had such a thing myself..."

---

For the week through the Nolands, Yuto keeps on with his guarding and scouting duties, but when the caravan settles for resting he downs his time devoted to training "Oh, I have noted many people's clothes have been ragged by so long sit on the horse... let me help fix..." he will pursue people trying to help fix holes in their favorite clothing.
Craft Clothing: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8

Over the next week, Torra spends a lot of her time with Shalelu, recounting in detail their exploration of the Brinewall castle, scouting ahead of the caravan, or listening to whatever knowledge or wisdom her elven mentor might impart. If Lone-Pillar is still with them, she accompanies him sometimes, hoping he might open up a little to her and talk about himself.

Sense motive L-P: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10

The week passes swiftly as they travel around the mountains in southeastern Southmoor and along the Thundering River - a shortcut, Ragnhildr says, but a potentially dangerous one, as it cuts through the eastern reaches of the Grungir Forest. Ravens circle overhead fairly frequently - though sometimes they land in trees nearby to the path, peering at the party.

Andochtuir finds that his skills in alchemy quickly improve with Losk's aid, while his fellow guards come to rely on him for more minor injuries or ailments that Koya and (especially) Spivey can't handle.

Lone-Pillar remains an enigma to both Andochtuir and Torra, however - though he seems to be getting less comfortable the further north they go - which could, admittedly, be purely from the cold.

Yuto's efforts at repairing the clothing prove to have been a poor choice. Numbed fingers worn rough with sword-use prove clumsy and out-of-practice, and though he doesn't actually damage any one piece of clothing, people stop taking their clothes to him within a few days.

Riftun finds that Zaiobe is somewhat more talkative than Kelda - unsurprising on one hand, as Kelda has always been stoic, but also somewhat odd on the other, because between the two, Zaiobe is mute. She isn't delighted by the cold or the company, but she sticks with the caravan, flying overhead and occasionally disappearing to hunt for her own food. No one pushes for her to share, but other than Riftun, no one tries to share with her, either.

"Oh, they were on the same adventure group. I think something happened among them on that time, but... I do not know what happened exactly, bro-brother would not talk about it, he would just leave in the caravan while Ameiko settled and build her tavern... B-but I can still feel some tension be-between them..." Yuto scratches his head not knowing himself exactly what he means by his words "I do not know. I-I still get confused by these things... Never had such a thing myself..."

"Odd. Neither Sandru nor Ameiko seem like the types to hold grudges. I suppose it could still be anything, but matters of the heart are especially complicated. Have you never been in love? Not once?" Andochtuir wonders, somewhat surprised by Yuto's admittance at the end. Sure, the samurai was shy, probably a lot shyer than he had to be, but he was also exceptionally fit and of an exotic breed of humans - like Ameiko. Had no one ever tried to make a pass at him?

Later, during the travels.

At some point, Andochtuir looks up and motions to one the other guards in front. "Please do not be overly alarmed or make any obvious sudden moves, but we could have a problem. Could you casually fall back and pass a message along to Sandru and Lone Pillar? We seem to be followed by an unusual raven. Much too large to be a normal one. Perhaps someone is keeping an eye on us. We should be ready for an encounter of sorts at any moment, I feel, and hope they are friendly to us."

"N-no no. No one ever notices me. I-I am there, in the corner cutting patterns and sewing, just Rhynshinn Povalli is who attends clients. Sh-she is so pretty and stylish, everyone fo-focus on her. And most of the rest of time I am home re-reading books, or at the Glassworks wo-working hard." Yuto negates a bit embarrassed he has lead the conversation on this direction but feeling rude to elude the direct question.

---

Yuto is quickly to nod reinforcing Andochtuir's observation of the large raven "Y-yes, in fact there is so-something odd about that raven. It has a blood-red wing-pinion"

The Tian extends his hand and invites the raven to come flying over.
Handle animal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Throughout their travels Riftun spends some time with each of his companions trying to find out more about them, where they come form, who they are (no really), what they want to accomplish, and any stories they have to tell.

He practices poetry with Yuto.

He discusses art and the masters with Teruko.

He swaps tales with Andy.

With Torra he enjoys the quiet and works on penning the story they are currently playing out. 'The Kaijitsu Legacy, The Jade Regent' is what he's thinking of titling it.

He isn't upset by Kelda's stoicism, having spent a good deal of time together before, they had fallen into a rhythm of quietly enjoying the shared space.

Riftun was incredibly pleased that Zaiobe had agreed to come along with them on this journey and while he wishes the others would make more of an effort to make her feel included he doesn't push anything. Instead he silently con verses with his new-found winged friend asking about her life, sharing stories from his own, and studying any tomes or scrolls he can that may give him insights into curing her curse.

With Ameiko, he askes her to fix up his his hair as she was always far better than he at styling it cutely. He exchanges tales for songs. And he surprisingly starts trying his hand at cooking with her as his instructor. Ameiko always made the best food but she was going to be far too busy ruling a land in the not so distant future. She would certainly not have the time to continue to grace the world with her wonderful dishes so Riftun thought he could try to carry on that tradition for her when the time came. Besides Riftun liked the idea of looking after his friends and the idea of cooking for them filled his heart with joy.

-----------

Riftun flinches at the idea of winged pursuit and glances about trying to see if he can spot this raven.

"A-Are you sure it isn't just Zaiobe up there? She's been going for little fly-bys to keep herself warm as the weather has been getting colder." He offers scootching closer to Andy for protection as he scans the sky.

Andochtuir grins. "Yes, I am quite sure. Your friend is rather unique, Riftun, and hard to mistake for anyone else. I'd have thought you of all people would know the difference, given how much time you seem to spend with her," he says, amused.

He looks up to the night sky. "In any case, so long as they stay at a distance for now, I suppose we have time. You said you wanted to write down our stories? Is there any particular topic you would want to hear something of?"

When the guards draw attention to the ravens, the Varisians in the caravan mutter darkly. A few make warding gestures to push away ill fortune, while others mutter prayers to Desna, before looking at Spivey and relaxing somewhat.

"C-can Zaoibe morph into a raven? Tamura Benjiro on one of his adventures fought one such creature that had a full town terrified and could ch-change into a ba-bat" Yuto gulps making memory of his favorite books on his father's collection, he looks back and listens to the people on the caravan trying to make sense of what particular omen they were scared of.
K. history: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

"I-I-I know what Zaiobe looks like, of course!" Riftun replies strikingly red in the face. "I-I j-just didn't - didn't see the raven until now th-that's all." The bard replies with a little pout.

Settling on the topic of stories Riftun calms, now firmly in his area of expertise. "Oh! I hadn't had any particular expectaions for your story telling bit i-if you would like to share a tale of wherr you've come from... perhaps how you got certain scars? Th-That might make for an interesting tale a-and I would offer you a story of my own in exchange, of course."

Riftun raises his hand up to cover his mouth as he giggles at Yuto's query. "N-No Yuto, I don't believe Zaiobe can transform into a raven, though that does give me an idea for when I convert our story to paper." The bard smirks as he takes out a piece of paper and starts scribling. "Everyobe likes a little bit of exaggeration after all."

"...?" Is Andy's highly intelligent and insightful inner monologue, upon observing Riftun's somewhat odd reaction regarding Zaiobe.

He brushes it off as something to perhaps ask after later. "Tales about the Tanglebriar? Of course! This one scar..." he indicates a long one running beneath his right eye, "Is from the first time I was attacked - by a tree."

He rubs his hands to keep them warm in the chilling winds of the north. "More specifically, devil trees. An apt description of the cursed wood would be a place where everything save the lifeless earth beneath your feat is either trying or plotting to kill you. Rather like Australia.. From the beasts to the plants and even vermin, all are constantly being corrupted with demonic energy, so much so that it has warped even small caterpillars into gigantic worms. And what makes them so hard to kill is that these forest beings have, over time, gained the hardiness of demons, while they have but few of their weaknesses."

"For whatever reason, weapons and magicks of good do not damage these creatures any better than regular ones, unlike *actual* demons. While the coldiron and expensive Bane weapons do work, the prior only piece the outer shell, and the latter cannot be mass produced even by the elves. Even then, we're at a distinct disadvantage. Treerazor and his Lieutenants harness troups that cost nothing to train or feed. All they have to do is stay away, while we bled to contain them. And if someone on our side was truly deemed too dangerous, the higher up demons would send their assassins after them. Perhaps one day there will be one coming after me," he finishes with a wry grin.

He takes a swig from his mug; an alchoholic Brew of Losk, to keep warm. "On one of my first outings through such a place, the very trees on the side of the roar turned out to be ambush predators. If my brother had paid less attention and not thrown the both of us back, the razor sharp branches would surely have blinded or beheaded me. I was weak, back then," he solmenly admits. "Perhaps I still am. Some former members of my unit would claim such, or even that I've lost some of my fighting shape travelling the world. Yet... is it *because* of our struggles that I set out, to hopefully find a better way. A cure for demonic corruption for the land, treating it like any disease."

The warrior is pensive for a while, then points again at the strange raven. 'And you know? Even all the way back in my homeland, there were supersitions. Of such ravens with blood-red feathers; ill-omens at best and agents of dark powers at worst. Was it true? We didn't know, but we never took chances."

"...Ah, I'm sorry. Perhaps that was slightly off-track. Does that work as a story for you, or is there more you would ask of this particular scar?"

As they continue along, Sandru joins the trio. "I heard you've seen a raven with a red feather." He looks at Andochtuir. "Even in Varisia they're considered much the same as in Kyonin... but I think that Spivey's presence, as well as Koya's, will keep the others calm. I'm letting you all know that I want you to keep an eye out for this raven - if it is some manner of servant, we don't need it watching us."

"Do you want us to try and shoot it down?" Andochtuir asks Sandru. "That's how we handled them back home. Admittedly, I'm not the best shot, but give me a good bow and I can do decently well. If we get Torra, Riftun and Shalelu gathered here, and we all shoot it at once on Riftun's guidance... we can probably take it by surprise."

Hearing her name, Torra wanders closer. "What's that? What are we shooting?" Once the situation is explained, the dwarf cranes her neck to survey the sky and the treeline, looking for the troublesome raven.

"I'm not sure. If you think it best, go for it. Otherwise..." Sandru frowns. "Keep an eye on it."

Currently, the raven is sitting on a high tree branch, staring down at the caravan.

"The caravan does clearly not like it and if indeed its the eyes of a wi-winter witch, it is a risk for the Kaijitsus..." Yuto ponders aloud and resolved takes the Kikonu's composite longbow from his back and sets an arrow pulling and aiming at the odd bird.

Taking a long breath to stabilize his aim as explained on his books, he shots at the raven on the branch.
Composite longbow: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Piercing damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

"All right, we all shoot in on three then. One, two,-" Andy says, reaching slowly for one of his javelins. "Three! Now, Torra!"

Javelin toss, range increment penalty? Idk: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
damage: 1d6 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Queue duck hunt music/montage :)

Attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11 Damage: 2d6 + 9 ⇒ (1, 1) + 9 = 11

Torra follows suit, blasting the tree with a clump of earth and stone, but it mostly shreds some leaves.

As the heroes attempt to blast, shoot, and pierce the corvid, it dodges deftly and swoops into the underbrush. Further investigation reveals no sign of the bird - and some of the caravaners mutter darkly, making warding gestures.

I'll move us on later today, but I'm currently a little drained.

Riftun can't help but giggle as Andochtuir begins by claiming that he was attacked by a tree, only for his expression to grow more serious as the man explains that this was a very real attack by a tree-like entity rather than a tree itself. The bard's eyes are wide and completely focused on the half-elf as he goes on to tell the tale. Soon Riftun has pulled out various sheets of paper and is furiously scribbling away, making note of every word from the half-elf veteran and begging more details at every opportunity.

"Fascinating, does this magic corrupt only the wildlife or are men and women effected as well? A-And what about magical creatures? Are they too susceptible?"

"Treerazor is the name of the demon's leadership then? H-Have you met them? Or perhaps a lieutenant? H-Have you done battle?"

"You were deemed weak? Th-That's pretty unbelievable! I mean I do believe you but still, you're so brave and strong Andy... your brother and company must have truly been legends! I should love to meet them someday."

Making a few more hasty notes Riftun eventually puts away his papers and smiles earnestly up at the man. "Thank you for such a fine story Andochtuir it was both exciting and enlightening! A-And as part of our deal I'll let you in on a little of my story as well..."

The bard gets a far-away look in his eyes as he gazes out into the distance. "I come form noble stock actually... a-and Riftun isn't even my real name just the name of a character from a book I liked growing up. I am the second youngest of five children my eldest sibling being my elder sister, then I have two brothers, and one younger sister."

"Growing up, I loved all my siblings dearly though I did rarely see my brothers after one was married away and the other joined a convent when I was still quite young... My elder sister was great to me though, she was the one who kindled my love of reading by telling me all kinds of fairy-tales... well... we call them sagas where I come from, a-anyways she treated me well but was very busy with her knightly training and riding practice more and more so as I grew older so after a time it was just me and my younger sister."

There is a gentle smile on his lips as the brad seems to recall halcyon days long past. "She was adorable, two years my junior with long dark hair and big blue eyes... sh-she fallowed me all around the estate whenever she could sneak away from her studies." Riftun giggles. "Mother would yell at me when she found out but elder sister came to my defense... we were only kids after all. So she kept being my shadow for quite some time as I would read her stories like my elder sister had done for me... But her passion wasn't in stories. It soon became clear that what was once simple childhood drawings were evolving into genuine works of art... well getting to that point at least. What I'm trying to say is that she was a prodigy! She had such talent a-and while mother kept trying to dissuade her to have her focus more on her studies with only me supporting her artistic endeavors, it eventually became undeniable even to mother that my little sister had great talent..."

"Mother sent her away for a few years... to study as an apprentice at a studio with one of the Ulfen masters... A devotee of Shelyn... When she came back... When she came back she gave me these scars." Riftun's voice cracks here and he shakes his head quickly trying to hold back the tears.

"I-I'm sorry I have to go for a moment, I'll be right back promise! With that Riftun darted off away from the caravan for a time only to return after the attempted aviancide with a confused expression.

"I-Is everyone alright? What happened?"

Feel free to continue your discussions in spoilers if that is your inclination, but I'm moving us forwards another week.

8th-14th Lamashan 4711
The following week passes more slowly as it grows yet colder. The caravan passes through a few settlements that are willing to trade, and warm clothing with extra coats and gloves are made available to everyone who doesn't already have some.

Despite increased alertness, no one sees any signs of the overlarge raven that had been haunting their steps the week before.

What's everyone doing this week?

"Your own sister gave you those s-scars?" Yuto is profoundly shocked by the revelation "A-and wh-what is your real name then?"

At the same time he is not pissed much by the raven avoiding the arrows. As long as it maintains the bird away from the caravan, all is good.

---

During the next week, Yuto focuses on his training with Ranhildir and Kelda, learning further the Ulfen ways of fighting "A-after all the complains with the clothes I think I will stay a-away of the needle for a time..."

Also, he will ask Riftun and Andochtuir "Y-you seemed to know much about those te-terrible undeads... i-is there anything one can do t-to ensure not to be transformed into an undead when dying?"

"Oh, it's Azuntri. Azuntri Azurewing. But I think I prefer Riftun now, it's the name my friends call me after all."

------

Riftun will have spent the week learning and failing to cook under Ameiko's direction (he'll get there).

He'll also spend time with Zaiobe, try to find out more about her past and find some activities they can enjoy together. Storytelling, poetry, crafts, heck Riftun will even try writing up songs for her if she's into it. Of course, he'll offer to get her warmer clothes for the cold climate as well.

He also shops with Torra while in town and tries on a few dresses that cover all his scars asking for her input.

Later with Yuto, "O-Oh, ummm I suppose I know a thing or two. Th-There were lots of books in my family's study covering the topic. Ummm I believe your best bet is to have your body buried in an area blessed by strong holy magics forming a kind of Sanctuary for the soul. W-Why do you ask Yuto?"

(Lots of inquieries :) )

At this unrelenting barrage of of rapid-fire questions, Andochtuir gives an amused laugh and holds up his hand. "One at a time. Patience, my friend. Hah, I'd almost said 'my young friend' but for a half-elf and human, I suppose we don't differ that much."

"Let's see... the corruption is everywhere. It also affects local fey and the like. How they deal with it, or not, varies. Some more powerful ones could establish a small enclave of their own and defend it as we did, but that is rare, and few would leave their grove to actively fight back. As for us... yes, it affects us as well over time; urges of aggression, thoughts preying on your inner doubts, a subtle change at first, until you snap. The elves caught onto it early, however. Thus, there are strict rotations, warding rituals performed on those off-duty. Support camps that grew into towns over time, where we would spend such days. Those were happy times, I would say. The feeling of community there was strong."

He gets a distant look, and the earlier smile fades into a look of sadness. "My brother is dead, though. As are some of the others I started with. My father's kind, we don't... 'reproduce' as fast as others. Each loss is a great one, and I often wonder how many more we can take. After all, even though we've fought him for over two thousand years, Treerazor still lives. In the early days, when the Elves learned of his plan to form a permanent portal to the abyss from one of our gateways, we were able to drive him to what is now the Tanglebriar. But that was with all the forces we still had, safely hidden in the land behind the Sovyrian gate, where Earthfall couldn't reach them. As such, when we returned to Golarion, we were much better prepared to fight him than most races - much more numerous and strong than we are now."

He shakes his head softly and looks south. "I sometimes wonder if towns like Greengold, where I am from, do not exist solely to produce able fighters more quickly - if the elves are not more willing to breed for faster offspring now than they once were. And if that is true, does that mean I owe my existence to Treerazor, in a way? It is troubling to think about."

"Ah... you ask if I've ever fought him myself? Haha, thank you, but you're overestimating me. Treerazor is sly, and deep within these woods of his. I believe he knows he's winning, and simply biding his time while he bleeds us out. From the few brave champions that made it back from an attempt to seek and destroy him, we know how he fights. He stands 20 feet tall, and is said he can turn those close to him into plants. Which his weapon, blackaxe, can instantly destroy. Such a foe is beyond me, at present. His lieutenants? Those seek out foes he believes could be a problem to him. That means he must have spies of his own. One of them came for my brother, once. And well... my brother is dead."

Riftun, part 2 + Yuto and what Andy does the next week.

Religion, max 10: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

I think that's high enough to know basic information of the main gods of Golarion, since the DC is usually around a 5 for those. If Riftun stays long enough to talk he'd say the below now, otherwise somewhere in the next week.

"Your... sister?" Andy's eyes rise far. "I... see I made few false assumptions somewhere. My apologies, I thought it might have been your parents, supposedly for finding you too... Um... " He looks away, embarassed. "Well, girly? Gods, but you have looks on par with Ameiko, and I constantly have to remind myself that you're not a woman. It... seemed to go against Ulfen stereotype, and guessed the scars were a way to 'fix' that. But... your favored sibling, for seemingly no reason? I suppose that is even worse. I'm sorry."

He sighs and shakes his head, seemingly to refocus. "Yet... on that topic, do you know why she would do this? It reminds me of the story of Zon-Kuthon, Shelyn's brother, who was corrupted to become a god of scars, suffering and mutilation. What happened to her before and after? Did they capture her?"

When Yuto asks about the undead.

"Hm, the undead are not actually my area of expertise, I fear. Are you afraid you would end up like the ghosts we saw in Brinewall Castle, Yuto?" Andy would ask in the middle of their training match, as he advanced playing the classic polearm-user's high-low game with the Samurai's guard.

Later, during the week.

Andochtuir, for his part, attempts to help Sandru or whomever assisted him in such matters in bartering for the caravan's goods. As the swashbuckler often said and lamented, the Caravan wasn't supposed to have much this journey and definitely not with as many people as this. He could only imagine how expensive it had to be to keep thirty-ish people fed and supplied on an increasingly long trek, and wondered how long the funding from Sandpoint would last - how far it would really get them to the east. Meanwhile, he would attempt to learn a bit more on Sandru, as while the man was technically his boss and someone he considered a friend, the truth was that he didn't know much of him. What had his life been like prior to all this?

On the move, he would attempt to assist in hunting or foraging for additional supplies on the way with Shalelu and Torra, as much as could be found in the increasing cold.

At stops, he would train with Yuto and any of the other guards, or whomever else wished to take part. After the Raven incident, he knew he would have to work on his ranged skills, and took up practising the bow.

In the evenings, he continues to work on a way to remove scars. While it had started as a way to help Riftun, deep down he knew it was no longer entirely selfless. And that comment on some rift between Sandru and Ameiko was eating away at him, patience be damned...

"Ok, Azuntri Sama. Mo-most important of all is wh-who you really are, n-not the name you are gi-given" Yuto smiles trying to cheer up the boy.

"W-Why do you ask Yuto?"

"Are you afraid you would end up like the ghosts we saw in Brinewall Castle, Yuto?"

Yuto frowns troubled "I-I do not want to end like the commander, or father... ca-causing trouble against the very same they pro-promised to protect..." the man sighs seeing too complicated the grounding solution "The-there must be some amulet or ritual... something to protect o-one self even if the body is left unattended..."

Riftun looks up at his half-elven friend with sad eyes and gently cups his hand in his own in a consoling gesture. "I'm so sorry to hear about your brother Andochtuir... I can't even imagine what that would be like. He sounds like a very brave and strong warrior though... I think, if he could see you now, he would be quite proud of his little brother."

"Gods, but you have looks on par with Ameiko, and I constantly have to remind myself that you're not a woman."

"EHHHHHHH?!?!?!?" the effeminate young man cries out in apparent shock at Andochtuir's words, releasing the taller man's hand that he might use his own to cover his beet-red face. "W-W-W-WHAT ARE YOU S-S-SAYING ALL OF THE SUDDEN ANDY?! L-LOOKS ON PAR WITH AMEIKO?! A-A-ARE YOU-" The young man gulps, his face burning as he peeks out between his fingers.

"A-A-Anyway... ummmm... more to the point. I-It was more of a collaboration between my mother and my little sister than anything..." Riftun takes a step back and desperately tries to change the topic.

"You see, my family is somewhat unique amongst nobility in that power is passed down to the oldest daughter... Men born into the family are treated much like princesses then in that we are traded away in marriage to make powerful alliances. Our worth is, in many ways, tied to out appearence and reputation as such. My mother was already upset at me and had started locking me away in the estate after I kissed an urchin girl, a friend, on a dare when I was a child and 'devalued myself.' Then she was even more furious when I tried to run away from my engaugement a-and let sister punish me in the dungeon so long as she didn't mark-up any parts my bride-to-be would have seen before... well..." He frowns and continues.

"As for my little sister... based on some of the things she said during the.... well anyways, I believe the master she was sent to learn from was secretly a follower of Zon-Kuthon, corrupting works of art behind closed doors. He trained my sister as such. Brain-washed her... When she came back all she could talk about was making me 'her greatest work' in appreciation for all the support I had given her during our childhood."

He then turns to Yuto with concern. "O-Off the top of my head I'm not sure if there is something like that but I can certainly look into it while looling for a cure for Zaiobe. It doesn't sound too far fetched but... just know that we aren't gonna let anything bad happen to you Yuto. Where would we be without our Gentle Blade after all?" He skiles softly.

Riftun looks up at his half-elven friend with sad eyes and gently cups his hand in his own in a consoling gesture. "I'm so sorry to hear about your brother Andochtuir... I can't even imagine what that would be like. He sounds like a very brave and strong warrior though... I think, if he could see you now, he would be quite proud of his little brother."

Andochtuir looks down when the bard reaches for his hand and there's a hint of a smile through the melancholy. "Thanks, Riftun. I can only hope to be as great a warrior as Ancuradh, one day, and that he will watch over us until I do." He takes a step back, breaking the contact, and watches the sky. "Rest well, Gwanur , Brother and keep that spot at the tavern open for me."

"EHHHHHHH?!?!?!?" the effeminate young man cries out in apparent shock at Andochtuir's words, releasing the taller man's hand that he might use his own to cover his beet-red face. "W-W-W-WHAT ARE YOU S-S-SAYING ALL OF THE SUDDEN ANDY?! L-LOOKS ON PAR WITH AMEIKO?! A-A-ARE YOU-" The young man gulps, his face burning as he peeks out between his fingers.

Andy blinks in surprise at the rather expressive reaction. "I... yes? Is there a problem?" He asks, blinking and somewhat confused. "Torra, Yuto? Help me out for a moment, please? It's the truth, right? Riftun does look like pretty girl, does he not? And... why is this so surprising for you to hear, anyway, if your family was seemingly... um, bred for that express purpose? Should it not be an obvious truth?" he adds to Riftun afterwards, following the resulting exposition on the matter - which only made him more confused! Were there some moral semantics at play he just didn't quite grasp?

"I-I do not want to end like the commander, or father... ca-causing trouble against the very same they pro-promised to protect..."

"I think what led to their imprisonment, to call it such, was a sense of unfulfilled purpose..." The warrior hypothesises, thinking back. "So, on that account, my advice would be to live your life to the fullest, to not have strong regrets should you fall. But beyond that... I'm afraid you should ask the priests among us. Perhaps your adoptive mother would know? Koya seems versed in these sorts of things."

Yuto smiles thanking Riftun's encouragement words, but he is surprised by his family revelations "W-what? They punished you for kissing a friend girl? Th-this seems very unfair Riftun. I-I mean, you should respect your people's rules, but this punishment seems totally out of place" the young man gives it a few seconds and then sentences "You are now under Sandru's caravan rule, and I can tell you on my brother's realm y-you can ki-kiss whomever you want" he smiles.

Under Andochtuir's prompt, Yuto trembles but forces himself to try judge his friend's looks "I-I think it is his young face and long hair what confuses you." he then looks at Andochtuir and laughs in good mood "Although those are both common traits around the elves it would seem"

The heroes find their work unimpeded by the continuing presence of corvids following them, and by the time they pass through the other side of the Grungir Forest, they are entirely free of the birds.

The next few days pass quickly. Ameiko is amused but patient with Riftun's efforts, and invites Losk over to help. Andochtuir finds that Shalelu is as capable as most of the Tanglebriar rangers he's met in the past, and doesn't seem to care much about his heritage He also joins Yuto in his practices, though Ragnhildr lets Kelda handle the majority of the sparring.

As dusk approaches on the 14th of Lamashan, the caravan settles down for the evening near a bridge across the Rimeflow River - planning to cross the next morning. Its members go about their usual rituals, preparing food, settling the horses and donkeys, and so on. The night is cold, and a frozen mist settles close to the ground.

All light is dim, even within the range of a campfire or otherwise, due to the mist.

perception, familiar assist, heightened awareness?: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24
perception, familiar assist, heightened awareness?: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28

Andochtuir looks around the fog, slightly concerned that everyone's vision would be impaired. While his senses were good, there was no doubt that such weather conditions could be dangerous. He decided to drink one of his self-brewed potions of hightened awareness just to be safe, and took in the sounds and scents of their surroundings.

If you can only hear the disturbance if you made the sight-based perception check, Andy fails it. Otherwise he fails to notice the raven but does hear the odd sound. If the +4 also applies to noticing the Raven itself then he makes both checks.

Torra is happy to assist Riftun in picking out dresses, and although the dwarf doesn't have a trained eye in the fine arts, she has a good sense of colour that she uses to point out which shades would go well with Riftun's skin and hair.

When she gets pulled into the discussion between Andy and Riftun about Riftun's looks, she frowns, confused. "Riftun is pretty, yes." But looking like a girl? What made a girl look like a girl? She looks around the caravan at the various women that were part of it. Was it indeed the long hair, like Yuto suggested? There were definitely men with long hair though, did that make them look like girls? She shakes her head, even more confused, and feeling like the topic was veering dangerously close to ideas that she hadn't dared voice even to herself.

For the rest of the week, she continues to scout and train with Shalelu, but also decides to make an effort and get to know Ameiko better - after all, they were on this expedition because of her and Torra wants to know more about what kind of person she is. In her spare time, she watches Andochtuir and Yuto training, and keeps Riftun company, listening to his tales and stories.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

I made an error - the first and second checks are entirely separate, but those who made the first get a +4 bonus to the second. Let me repost the second one below.

Yuto trains with heavy interest, the Ulfen and the Half-elf take him completely by surprise once an again with fighting styles he has not seen before. Yet the young man seems to quickly adapt himself, and soon starts to parry some of the blows before they can be dangerous.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
Yuto is peeling an apple but glimpses to the mist "Indeed, th-this mist is unsettling. One has heard s-so many stories of strange lights in the mist, and lo-lost people..." at some point while he cuts a piece of the fruit to eat it, he suddenly turns alarmed "What was that? Do-do you hear it? Th-there is some wood scraping against metal, i-it is strange..."

Slowly, he stores the apple on a pouch and hands for the katana while looking around "I-I think it comes from the ri-river..." if anyone else says to hear it, or the noise is persistent, Yuto offers himself to investigate.

Andy made the second check in the earlier post.

"He's right!" Andochtuir calls out to the nearby members of the caravan. "Spread the word, strange noises from the shore! Metal on wood, or wood on metal. Have everyone prepare themselves to fight if need be!"

His one action prior to the mystery event would be to drink his mutagen.

Riftun Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9
Riftun Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Combat Start

Surprise Round

Yuto and Andochtuir hear the sounds before anyone else, and Andochtuir drinks his mutagen swiftly as the samurai approaches the slope downwards towards the water carefully. In the thick mist, he struggles to see anyone or anything, but hears the sounds of footsteps.

Terrible howls go up from the water's edge, and the sounds of banging weapons and shields emerge.
Intimidate to Demoralize vs. Andochtuir DC 16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Intimidate to Demoralize vs. Yuto DC 14: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
Intimidate to Demoralize vs. Torra DC 16: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
Intimidate to Demoralize vs. Riftun DC 13: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Riftun and Yuto are shaken for the following round. Yuto, I can't see anything that immediately would add a bonus to his DC, but you do have the resolve to spend to get rid of it.