
The Lost Voice |

Kassen is a small town ruled by Mayor Uptal, a fair, but mildly grim man. While most of the “townsfolk” actually live in small homes or camps in the woods and fields surrounding Kassen proper, the town is quite tightknit. As with most of the folk in Nirmathas, they stand up for one another and refuse to be pushed around. You have grown up here or have lived here long enough that you might just consider it your home.
Situated just off of the Tourondel river, between two forests, which allows for the lumber and forestry. Molthune lies to the south, the parent nation and the country with which you've unofficially been at war with since its inception. To your west lies Nidal, the home of fell shadow beasts and the foul aristocracy that commands them. To the north lies the orc-infested Hold of Belkzen, whose inhabitants' warlike ways are a constant threat to lasting peace.
For those of you raised here, your mentor has given you a good grounding in the history of the town, enough to know that the day is near for the anniversary of the event that marked the death of the founder. Just recently, Mayor Uptal had visited, and spoken with you (or your mentor, if you have one) regarding the quest that was to occur, and your role to play.

Dalamagne |

Dalamagne spent the morning packing some last minute clothes, food, his lock picks, his leather tunic, his sling shot, and his lucky gold coin for the trip to the Crypt as well as saying goodbye to his mom and heads for the town square ceremony.
He still can't believe he was picked to go, finally he was old enough and wanted to prove himself worthy of the town folks choice. He got the great news from the Mayor himself and can't wait to hear the details of the mission which has been a tradition in the town for years.
The adrenaline is pumping and he has some extra giddy up in his step this morning. Finally after all of these years, I'm going on an adventure!
Did I say that out loud? I wonder who else is on the team, maybe some of my old friends from the few years he went to school. Hope they don't have any pets. I wonder if that brute Yako is one of them. He used to bully us in town but at least he has some muscle. Maybe the wizard will be picked although she scares me some.

Kora Caril |

Kora woke up well rested. She slept like a baby knowing that she was selected by Mayor Uptal for the quest. She puts on her best robes, her mother's necklace, and her scimitar. Heading out of the house she picks up her prepacked bag and calls to Hyena, her cat, who follows her out.
We're going on an adventure, Hyena!
I hope Eve, my best-friend, got selected. Maybe I should stop by her place to say bye, in case she wasn't selected. No, I don't have time for that. I'm sure she'll be there. Unfortunately, that half-orc will most likely be there since he is really the only muscle in our age group. I hope everyone likes pets though because I'm definitely bringing Hyena, no compromises there!
Closer now to the square Kora whistles and Hyena comes to her side.

Yako Downs |

Yako has been informed that he is needed to help and protect the other in the group on their journey.
He has accepted this quest and packed a fair amount of basic food and supplies as he was taught by his mentor Guard Captain Gregor Wisslo to be disciplined and stick to a schedule.
He then headed off to get his newly forged half-plated armor and sharpened battleaxe from Captain Is-Slow. As he approaches the middle circle of the ceremony and can see that Dalamagne is not amused to see him.

The Lost Voice |

The summons from the mayor required you to be in the center of town by noon. Informed that you are expected to travel light— meaning that you only should take what you absolutely need– it was also expected that you would follow that advice to varying degrees. The attentiveness and preparedness of your mentors varied, and to their credit (or chagrin) that definitely rubbed off on you to some degree. Nonetheless, your arrival across the cobbled circle that marked the center of town was unhindered, even more so by the oddity of there being a complete lack of people.
Typically, the center of town would be filled with the various members offering wares and crafts depending on whether or not the buyer knew to visit them directly. The wide colorful quilt of Veronika and her offerings were absent, as well as Gustaaf and whatever yield had been gathered today, set into baskets that was typically carried on a pole across his back. Marina was not in her usual place near the circulating pool that the well had become, her voice raised in song as she practiced every day. Most notable was Dominik and their food stall not being in the place they often were, with their wheeled cart missing and the smell of their cooking permeating the air.
The wind blew briefly, carrying a chill of the coming winter— and unimpeded, it seemed even colder than it usually did this time of year. Instead, the only ones present were you, and the other folk that were probably the ones chosen by the Mayor for the quest.

Dalamagne |

Dal finds it hard to believe there are so few people in the center of town. Usually this coming of age thing is a huge party. Oh Well. Maybe they don't think we can get it done...
Dal tries to remember everything Jimes Iggins told him about the mission while checking out what looks like part of his new team.
I see Yako is here, hopefully he has mellowed out some. And Kora. Wonder where her sister is, or were they just close friends, can't remember. Really, only 3 of us? Where is everyone!

Kora Caril |

Walking into the square Kora is greeted by no one?
There's no one here? I don't see Eve either, hopefully she is just late. Actually, knowing her she is most definitely late. Dal is here, my old classmate, and also Yako which wasn't a surprise.
maybe I should go talk to Dal, although I think he doesn't like animals

Galadine |

Galadine received her invitation but needed to attend to the town's business leaders and townsfolk who were suffering from the plague. She had committed to helping them then quickly packed her essentials since she knew this was an important quest.
I'm thankful to have saved as many of the townsfolk as I did. They are healing, fed, and will be able to care for each other until such time that I can return. Now, I'll be able to devote my time and attention to this quest! Mayor Uptal has chosen a great group and I've heard from the flock of Cardinals nearby that most have already gathered in the center of town.
Mayor Uptal, do not despair! You have chosen a small but mighty team. I see talent, intelligence, strength, and courage in them. Everything we need to ensure we have a successful quest!

EveRanger |

Adrenaline and panic. Arnama (my mentor) woke me up in a frenzy going on and on about how I needed to leave for the town's center immediately. Travelling on short notice and packing lightly is easy as a ranger, it comes with the territory. But she just won't shut up. Ranting about forgetting to tell me about a quest? Or great celebration? Who even knows what she's saying... Arnama and I are usually head hunting out west in Nidal this time of year. Working in the background pulling the strings at the command of those vial elitists. But at least they pay well.
My confusion, however, isn't coming from Arnama's barging into my tent and rushing me out. It's coming from the bizarre stillness of the town's streets I'm rushing through to get to the circle.
And it's only getting more strange. Galadine, Dalamange, and Yako...
...Some party.
At least Kora's here with the cat.

Dalamagne |

Dal gives Yako a fist bump hoping he doesn't get put in a headlock and given a noogie or a punch in the arm. As he passes by Kora and Eve he gives a knowing nod of respect.
Those two always felt like younger sisters or cousins to me. Whoa, and there is the wizard. Wouldn't mind being stuck on a deserted island with her...
So anyone know why this isn't a party in the square or where everyone went?

Kora Caril |

Galadine is going on about us being strong and intelligent or something? I'm not sure if that's sarcasm or she's just over optimistic. Maybe I'm being too pessimistic? Either way I have my doubts about this team but at least we're diverse
I have no clue where everyone is. My walk here was very lonely.
Meow!
Oh, except for Hyena of course.

The Lost Voice |

"BONNNG"... "BONNNG"..."BONNNG"...
The bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll their distinctive midday song, echoing throughout the quiet town of Kassen. As the peals begin to fade, the first of the townsfolk make their way into the square, dressed in black, as if attending a funeral. They slowly fill the square, moving quietly across the cold, hard ground, their eyes downcast and mournful. After a few moments, a murmur passes through the crowd as it slowly parts to let Mayor Uptal through. He leads the way with a tarnished silver lantern. Behind him, an old pony drags a cart laden with backpacks and supplies.
Once he reaches the center of the crowd, Mayor Uptal stops and calls out to the assembled townsfolk. “Once again the winter winds blow through the Fangwood, marking the end of another harvest. There are wolves in the woods, howling at our walls, and serpents in our shadows, waiting to strike. Just as it was one hundred and seventy-four years ago, when Kassen himself left these walls to protect us, so it is today. Where are the heroes? Where are the brave folk that will venture out to Kassen’s tomb and retrieve the flame to keep this community safe for another winter?”
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Format preference question: Which do you prefer? Italics for my posts or normal?"

Galadine |

"BONNNG"... "BONNNG"..."BONNNG"...
The bells atop the Temple of Erastil toll their distinctive midday song, echoing throughout the quiet town of Kassen. As the peals begin to fade, the first of the townsfolk make their way into the square, dressed in black, as if attending a funeral. They slowly fill the square, moving quietly across the cold, hard ground, their eyes downcast and mournful. After a few moments, a murmur passes through the crowd as it slowly parts to let Mayor Uptal through. He leads the way with a tarnished silver lantern. Behind him, an old pony drags a cart laden with backpacks and supplies.
Once he reaches the center of the crowd, Mayor Uptal stops and calls out to the assembled townsfolk. “Once again the winter winds blow through the Fangwood, marking the end of another harvest. There are wolves in the woods, howling at our walls, and serpents in our shadows, waiting to strike. Just as it was one hundred and seventy-four years ago, when Kassen himself left these walls to protect us, so it is today. Where are the heroes? Where are the brave folk that will venture out to Kassen’s tomb and retrieve the flame to keep this community safe for another winter?”
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Format preference question: Which do you prefer? Italics for my posts or normal?"
Please keep Italics for your posts!

Dalamagne |

The bells were incredibly loud but brought focus to Dal as he pulled his tunic tight against the chill winds and musters the courage to rise to the moment. He gives a quick glance and makes eye contact with each of his prospective new quest companions and steps forward.
Mayor Uptal, we five, (Dal motions for the party to step forward) our healer Kora Caril, the beautiful wizard Galadine, Eve of the forest, the great Ox man Yako Downs, and myself Dalamagne son of Stanislav, will go and retrieve the Everflame and bring the safety this wonderful community deserves for another year! His voice rising as he speaks...
Dal has never been one to make public speeches but he hopes to pull the crowd out of their somber funk...as he cracks a fake but confident smile...

The Lost Voice |

Acknowledging the speaker, Mayor Uptal somberly hands Dalamagne the tarnished lantern, before turning back to the cart and handing each of you a pack from it at a measured pace. A couple others from the crowd also take armor and weapons from the cart and hand them out before stepping back.
The mayor once again speaks to the townsfolk. “I present to you the brave heroes who will follow in Kassen’s footsteps to retrieve the Everflame! Some of them may not return, but I say to you that their sacrifice shall not be forgotten. Go, brave heroes, and do not return until you have the eternal fire.” With that, the mayor points to the south, the direction of Kassen’s tomb. The townsfolk begin waving goodbye with cold, solemn looks on most of their faces.
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- 5 days Rations
- Small tent
- Winter Blanket
- Waterskin(full)
- Map Piece
In addition, the following items have been divided amongst your packs:
- 50ft. Rope
- Box of Tinder and (3) tindertwigs
- Potion of Cure Light Wounds
- (3) Torches
- Grappling Hook
- (1) bottle of the local brandy
The other townsfolk handed you weapons and armor (if you did not consider yourself carrying any before) that you are proficient with. If you have not already, select:
(1) Melee Weapon and (1) dagger or (4)daggers
(1) Ranged weapon and (1) quiver of arrows or case of bolts
(1) Set of armor that you can wear

Dalamagne |

Dal looks at the rations thinking he would rather hunt for his food. I guess they think this could last for 5 days he ponders.
Then he spends some time looking at the map to see if he can read it and then helps decide who best should have the rest of the equipment.
Yako you should take the grappling hook. I will take the rope. Eve the Tinder and Torches. Give the potion to Galadine since Kora already has some healing powers and this will make two of us that can heal someone in a pinch. Give the brandy to Kora maybe in case she has to amputate a limb or a finger or something...
Then Dal grabs a Rapier wielding it to feel for its balance, a dagger, a quiver and shortbow, as well as studded leather for armor and looks through the pile of equipment for a Mithral Shirt if there is one before walking slowly South toward the beginning of the end...

Kora Caril |

So Dal is our leader then, huh? That's fine with me. He sounds like he knows what he's doing.
Ya, I'll take the brandy. I don't need a weapon since I have my scimitar.
Kora takes the scimitar out of its sheath to show the group, then puts it away and opens her pack.
Let's see there is a dagger in here, some provisions, a tent, a blanket, and a map piece. Not much, maybe this trip won't be so long, or do they expect us to die off quickly and therefore not need a lot of things?

Galadine |

Walking around the cart assessing the supplies and weapons, Galadine observes Dal carefully select each item and then distribute it to one of the team.
Not only has he accurately paired each item with its new owner, Dal already demonstrated his natural leadership abilities. This will prove helpful in determining which path to take on the long journey ahead. Tales of Yako's travels reveal his swiftness and focus which will prove useful in tense situations but he fails to notice the subtle details of the hills, valleys, and forests along the way. At best he misses all the creatures, birds and beasts, who call those places home and at worst, those who blend into the scenery and lie in wait to attack any unsuspecting travelers. Kora has chosen wisely, too. Her skills with a scimitar are legendary an Eve is a renowned archer so the bow and quiver need to go to her.
Patiently she waits till Dal completes distributing the items before selecting a weapon. Wizards can wield many different weapons so it's important to allow others their preference first. However, given the items available, the choice for Galadine is clear.
My chakram will serve me well in close combat and I will rely on my spells to protect us before foes even come near.

Yako Downs |

Yako takes one look at the supplies and knows exactly what he is looking for. He takes the half-plate armor, battleaxe, and dagger. He also takes the grappling hook that Dalamagne told him to grab. As he walks back to the group he wonders if he should have a buckler for this journey.

EveRanger |

...alright so this definitely ISN'T a party.
Arnama told me the story of Kassen and the Eternal Fire the a few years ago during the first winter I stayed with her. Sounds like a bunch of crap to me though. An "eternal fire" to keep the town safe?? The only thing that keeps this town safe in the winter are the good willed rangers and woodspeople who do that thankless work... and then a group of of half-wit teenagers get the credit after walking to a tomb and back.
Arnama and I have dodged and fought the woods creatures outside this town every winter for the past three as we headed west on our journey to Nidal. The elitists' payments allowed us to acquire sophisticated weapons and gear, the most lethal and small of which Arnama thankfully packed into my bag and into my clothing's numerous hidden pockets. If there are any lives to be lost on this quest, they certainly won't be on the journey there... if anything, we'll die of starvation after Yako finishes our rations in two days time... I sure hope that Dal can keep this "leader" front going long enough to make sure that at least that doesn't happen.
Already loaded with daggers and knives, I grab the bow and arrows from the townsfolk's supply. Geez, if I'd known they'd be so grim, I'd have just stayed home. I feel like I'm attending my own funeral...

The Lost Voice |

Aside from the leather and weapons of good quality, there are no other items of note, and those dwindle to nothing as the others collect their things. The gathered and hooded townsfolk continue to wave for a minute or so, before they all start to file back the way they had come— the mule and cart go with them until the town square is as empty as it was when they had arrived. A thin thread of a breeze blows with a slight chill as the clouds briefly cross in front of the sun.
Dalamagne examining the piece of his map only shows a path headed south through the forest, but there are no other markers besides what appears to be labeled as "The Broken Glade". It does make sense, the Crypt is said to be to the south, but as for which part of the map he holds, it definitely is not the first or the last piece.
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The Broken Glade is known to you. It lies south of Kassen at about a quarter of a day's worth of travel.
This is my notation for checks that hold relevant interest. The format will usually be "Skill"(DC). If you roll at or above the listed number, feel free to read/convey the spoilered message. Otherwise, you can use a skill whenever you like, just keep in mind, using a skill in combat is a Standard Action unless otherwise stated.

Dalamagne |

Dal stops and turns to the others. Lets quickly assemble all of our map pieces from our pack on the ground and see if we can figure out what it looks like as a whole. Maybe Eve can shed some light on it I can't seem to make sense of it...
Knowledge: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Then lets head south towards this dreadful Crypt...
To meet our fate he says without speaking
Eve you will lead the way through the forest followed by Yako then the wizard, then Kora, and I will trail and make sure we aren't followed...

Galadine |

As Dal pulls out his weathered and wrinkled piece of the map, I cannot help but wonder about the somber townsfolk. Has darkness taken over their hearts and minds because the flame really isn’t “eternal” since each year it must be replaced? But I shake my head because even if that were true, they should be cheering us on because each year the Eternal Flame is brought back to the city. No, they are not telling us everything, they know something, something evil and formidable, something they fear no one can defeat. They are either afraid to mention it, even whisper or mutter it amongst themselves. They have already given up hope. Well at least my comrades are eager to get started. They have their supplies and are confident in their skills and chosen weapons. I have to trust in them and remain hopeful, even if no else is. Even so we need more answers.
Dal, here’s my section but map or no map, we’ve all grown up on the tales told every year by those who have traveled this path. It can be as tricky as it is treacherous. What are we missing aside from some pieces of the map?

The Lost Voice |

Map Here
The piece of the map that Galadine has does not seem to be contiguous with the piece that Dalamagne has. It takes a minute of checking packs, but between everyone, it seems like they each have a piece of the entire map. Fortunately the path is marked, so it is a simple matter of lining up the pieces appropriately. With Eve leading the way, the path is easy to follow as the forest closes in.
The narrow path winds through the raking claws of the trees, now bereft of their leaves, which crunch loudly underfoot. Up ahead, a fallen tree trunk blocks the path. Suddenly a trio of snarling humanoids leaps up from behind the log, all greenish skin and fearsome tusks, bellowing vulgar challenges.
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Kora and Galadine to act before the Orcs.
Eve: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Dal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Kora: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13
Gal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18
Yak: 1d20 ⇒ 2
Orcs: 1d20 ⇒ 11

Kora Caril |

Kora dives behind a tree next to Yako. Hyena climbs the tree.
I don't speak orc? Although it seems obvious enough to say that they are here to pick a fight. So, we are waiting for them to attack us?
Yako what do they want?
Yako doesn't get a chance to say as the orcs make their move. Kora pulls out her scimitar and prepares to use her firebolt spell.

The Lost Voice |

Galadine and Kora find cover as two of the Orcs hurl Javelins at the closest person, one of them hitting Eve squarely in the torso, the other going wide. The third Orc seems more intent on hitting someone with their axe, as they charge directly up to her! Dressed in rough furs, their armor appears to be leather, and while their weapons are worn, they are no less serviceable, . Eve can almost smell the meat on the breath as the once closes with her.
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[ooc]Remainder may act.[/dice]
Hyena Climb: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
Orc Javelin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20, Javelin Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Orc Javelin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Eve: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Dalamagne |

I might have a +8 on initiative as I used points in hero lab towards initiative skill
Dal unsheathes his Rapier and grabs a dagger with his second hand, and enraged by the javelin attack, moves to flank (one space behind orc opposite side of Eve) the orc attacking Eve and sneak attacks with his Rapier and then his dagger.
sneak attack with Rapier +1 for flanking: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Damage from Rapier if it hit: 1d6 ⇒ 2
sneak attack with Dagger second weapon +1 for flanking: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Damage from Dagger if hit: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Sneak attack bonus damage roll if needed: 1d6 ⇒ 4
May need attack bonuses or deficits added like a decrease for 2 handed 2nd attack? Or flanking bonus?

EveRanger |

Damn... well that hurt. But there's no time to think on it as the axe wielding orc is already practically on top of me and we're eye to eye.
...God, this thing hasn't brushed it's teeth in the last decade.
As I hold onto the javelin that's pierced me and before the orc can wind up for a blow with it's axe, I move for a decisive hit to the throat with my longest dagger and kick it between the legs. With no time to waste I sprint off to the tree Kora is hiding behind for recovery.
Attack with Long Dagger: 1d20 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 2 + 1 = 181d4 ⇒ 1

Yako Downs |

They want our lives. Yako says to the group, then turns to the orcs.
THE WEAKLINGS WHO DIE WILL BE YOU LOT!
Yako runs up to the side of the orc Dal has engaged and delivers a mighty blow with his battleaxe.
Attack from battleaxe: 1d20 + 5 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 5 + 4 = 27, Battleaxe Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

The Lost Voice |

Eve withdraws with an attack and a wound, managing to escape the immediate attention of the Orc that dodged the swipe of the dagger, turning a perhaps decisive hit into a graze. Yako trades places and lands a swing that bit deep into and across the side of the attacker, felling them as quickly as they arrived. All of you can see the Orcs readying another pair of Javelins...
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Kora and Galadine are up
•Eve: Leaving a space when engaged by an enemy can trigger an Attack of Opportunity if you are not careful about how you exit combat. that can be skipped for now.
•Dal: Attacking from flanking(either side) of the target grants a +2 to hit, and denies its Dex bonus to AC, which allows you to Sneak Attack. Sneak Attack deals an extra +1d6 to damage, and can only occur on the first attack in a given round. If the rapier is the main weapon, the attack roll would have missed. However, if it would have hit, 1d6(weapon)+1d6(Sneak Attack) would be dealt— it no longer is specific to a particular weapon, just any weapon that can be used by the Rogue.
•Yako: Moving up and attacking should result in 1d20+3(Str)+2(Rage)+2(Flank). The +4 for flanking is possible, but only with a feat. Otherwise, it is still a hit. Just keep in mind the -2 AC penalty for raging.
Y: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
O.Jav: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
O.Jav: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Galadine |

Normally an immediate loss of one Orc in a small party would have scared off the others, yet these two, clearly outnumbered, are readying themselves to attack again. These two need to know we will fight to the end if they force us.
Galadine quietly advances over to the Orc who wounded Eve, as he lies on the cold damp forest floor still clinging to his weapon and gasping for every breath. Then in one swift motion she lifts her chakram and startles the remaining two Orcs as she shouts.
No Orc will stand in our way! Now be off, you two, or you will suffer the same fate!”.
As swift as a bolt of lightening she wields her chakram and ends the Orc’s suffering while the other two look on. Galadine then quickly collects the Orc’s weapon from his hand.

Kora Caril |

Their leader fell and the other two still want to fight? So be it, they will regret their decisions.
Kora swiftly moves past Eve and the tree to an open area with a clear shot of the remaining orcs (within 30ft). Outstretching her hand Kora feels the warmth of the sun which fuels her. She concentrates on this feeling and her goddess Sarenrae as she casts Firebolt at the nearest orc.
Ranged attack roll: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 + 2 = 11 Damage if it lands: 1d6 ⇒ 2

The Lost Voice |

A swift downward slice with the Chakram and the Orc at their feet expires with a gurgling sigh, going limp. Her proclamation is met with what seems like snarls as a bolt of fire streaks towards one of their assailants, but they duck just enough to make that attack a near-miss. Their response is to throw another of the trio of javelins at the group, scoring hits on Dalamagne and Galadine. Encouraged by the damage, they spread wider but do not engage in melee, hefting their last javelins.
"Doaekl kadot, boaekl kadot! Faaaaaaaaab gau klo saekot!!
It looks like they intend to throw them before testing their axes.
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Remainder to act.
Targets 1Dal, 2Gal, 3Yak
@: 1d3 ⇒ 1 Javelin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21(hit),Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
@: 1d3 ⇒ 2 Javelin: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14(hit),Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
DW: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15
GW: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Yako Downs |

"They wish to feed us to the gate!"
Yako narrows his vision at the orc that yelled at the group and sprints diagonally 15 feet toward the orc and swings his greataxe at the orc's chest.
You shall hunger no more!
attrack roll: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 1 + 4 = 23 damage if hit: 1d12 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

Dalamagne |

This is not the way this trip needed to start out!
Seeing that one orc is down and counting on Yako to take out the second, dashes towards the 3rd orc. As he does so he hears an arrow whistle past his ear. hopefully that was one of ours He attacks the final orc with his Rapier.
Rapier attack: 1d20 ⇒ 191d6 ⇒ 3

Galadine |

Wait, how? How am I not in excruciating pain? That javelin would have ripped any beast into two but yet…
As Galadine slowly looks down to where her flesh should be torn apart, nothing! Nothing is there! No wound, no javelin, not even a pull of thread from her cape. Then she realizes, the javelin didn’t hit her, nor did it miss, it was actually never there. In somewhat disbelief but also shear relief, Galadine calls out to the team.
Is anyone hit? Are any of you wounded? No need to worry about me, I’m fine! I wasn’t hit! The javelin that sailed through the air towards me was just an illusion.
Galadine then dashes over to check on Eve.

The Lost Voice |

Galadine exclaiming about illusion gives everyone the opportunity to look closer. The orcs seem real enough— the armor looks like it has been worn and broken in, the determination on their faces to either win or die, the spittle flying from their mouths as they continue to yell challenges, the wear and care of their weapons... The javelins certainly seemed real enough.
They way they die definitely seems real enough, as Yako proves again with a swing of his axe, the Orc unable to defend against the heavy swing and the strength behind the weapon. The edge of the axe bit deep and almost lodged, if the falling of the body did not dislodge it, cooling blood starting to soak the ground under them.
Dalamagne definitely feels contact from landing a hit on the last remaining orc, piercing a vital point thanks to the finesse that he is perfecting with the light weapon. They falter and fall, ending the immediate threat. (Combat Over, 400xp gained by the party.)
It only takes a second or two for everyone to realize that the fight is over, and as all of you start looking around to make sure that everyone is still standing, you notice that you are no worse for the wear than when you started the trip. Your body still shakes from the aftereffects of the fight, but there are no wounds— there are no bodies on the ground either!
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EveW: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 1 = 21
DalW: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
KoraW: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
YakW: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Dal's Critical Threat (18-20 on the die): Threat?: 1d20 ⇒ 20, Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Dalamagne |

Dal stunned and in disbelief and out of breath states the obvious: Eve and Galadine are right, this was some sort of fake magical attack and these beasts although they seem real are in fact, not?
After taking a few deep breaths to allow the adrenaline to subside, in true rogue mode, Dal reaches down to search the dead orc at his feet to see if he has anything of worth. He also grabs Eve's arrow that missed and hit the downed tree and returns it to her quiver while seeing if he needs to wipe any (fake) blood from his rapier.
While taking a pull from his water skin (wishing he had packed a flask of rum after that encounter), Dal speaks again: Lets take a 5 minute break and then lets keep moving before a real patrol of orcs comes along.
I didn't think orcs roamed this far north he ponders

Kora Caril |

Preparing to shoot another Firebolt at the final orc, Kora sees Dal take a swing at him with his rapier and hears Galadine's call to the group.
This isn't real? What? is Galadine trying to trick us? I see the orcs right there!
Kora lowers her hand as she sees the final orc fall and realizes Galadine was right. The orcs' bodies have disappeared and Galadine had in fact not been hit by a javelin. Actually, none of them had. Maybe everything we face will be fake. Dal speaks to the group.
I agree, we need to take a moment to collect ourselves, at least I certainly do. *whistles*
Hyena jumps down from the tree to join Kora's side again.

Galadine |

Eve is fine, we’re all fine. While I’m thankful for that, I want to know who conjured this illusion and why. It’s no secret a team sets out each year to retrieve the EverFlame and all know the path. What do we have to look forward to next?
Dal is right, we need to move on and we must be better prepared. While we didn’t sustain any injuries, we have an enemy and the enemy has the upper hand. This enemy knows our reactions, skills, strengths, weaknesses and weapons. Our foe will be back but not as an illusion. No, the next time it will be very real plus likely in greater numbers and more heavily armed. We need to be ready for a surprise attack. Gather yourselves, ready your weapons, and let’s move on with all of our senses on high alert; nose, eyes, and ears!
After a deep sigh, Galadine flings her pack on her back. Then with a firm grip of her Chakram in one hand and staff in the other, she moves back towards the path.

The Lost Voice |

The remainder of the day passes in peace as the five of you travel. Eve is navigating up front and the rest of you trailing, and it is easy enough for her to do a bit of foraging on the side, enough that if you so choose, you can forego the rations that have been given to you and subsist on what has been foraged for tonight. With the sunlight starting to fade, the breeze begins to grow colder and there is no nearby town to shelter in.
You are all relying on each other to survive. At this point, unless you are all intending to travel through the night and forego rest, it is time to find a place to make camp.
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Survival(10) checks, please. Success indicates that you have managed to complete the necesary tas Include that with your next post, if you would?

Dalamagne |

Lets stop here for the night and try to grab about 6 hours sleep. Eve take the 1st watch, I'll take the 2nd, and Yako the 3rd. 2 hours each.
Dal Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 3 quickly tries and fails to catch some fish from a nearby stream. Hopefully someone else will share something they caught.
Galadine Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 10
Eve Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 4
Kora Survival: 1d20 ⇒ 9
Yako Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Yako trapped and cooked a few squirrels for all of us! Thanks big man.
Then he sets up his small tent and goes quickly to sleep hoping to not be haunted by dreams of fake orc javelins...

The Lost Voice |

With everyone contributing, it is not that difficult to find a clear patch of ground to set up their tents and to help ward off the cold. with bushes on three sides, the campsite is easily defensible enough, leaving the first watch to keep their attention on the growing night. Nearly all the leaves have fallen from the trees, and the wind rattles their bare branches, distant creaks and whistles enough to make rest uneasy for the paranoid. The howling in the distance certainly does not help, either. It does sound closer than it had before.
Some time later, almost to the end of her watch, Eve notices the reflection from two pairs of eyes in the trees opposite the camp. She has seen wolves enough to recognize that low to the ground shine, and judging by their positioning and this time of year, they are hungry.
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Camp Map Here
Eve to act.
Perception for those sleeping is -10. Eve will have to wake the sleepers somehow before you can act.
EvePerc: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 8 = 22
WSteal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
•
EvePer: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
WSteal: 3d20 + 6 ⇒ (15, 6, 6) + 6 = 33
•
Eve: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10
Dal: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13
Kora: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
Gal: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Yak: 1d20 ⇒ 9
W: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5