[AP] Iron Gods by GM Rutseg

Game Master Balacertar

Rhoreen tosses the dusty book aside, then turns her gaze to Ruha.

"You learn anything of interest?" She asks, hoping the giant, 4-armed humanoid won't attack her and choke her to death with a bodice strap.

If she is not strangled by a 4-armed foe, she will be ready to move on soon enough. She will be more enlightened and, also, smugger than ever before.

Val expends her time visiting different stores and restaurants in the town, and enjoying the shows in the Syntheriad a couple times. She gets interested too in Zzvkgrogk's and Yambul crafting "I think that shall be very relaxing. Ever thought of opening your own store?"

Yambul nods, ”Oh it is relaxing. Time just flies by when I’m twisting and shaping metals. But I’m not ready for my own store I think. That’s more of a retirement gig when my muscles have gone flabby and I’m a little addled. You know, my 30’s.”

He’ll burn a charge playing with his chainsaw and admiring the purplish tinge of the adamantine. Now I’m ready! he proclaims to himself.

Yambul is eager, now, to get on to Iadenveigh. He’ll corral the group and show off his chainsaw, before suggesting, ”We should head out tomorrow yeah?”

No further prep.

Chapter 3: The Choking Tower by Ron Lundeen

That very same morning, under the dwindling sun that welcomes the autumn after a torrid summer, you cross the bridge at Hajoth Hakados and start your bikes towards the west through the Numerian border.

It takes the group just a couple of hours to get into the deep of the forests that cover this frontier area. Pausing a moment for a small meal and drink, you notice the unnatural silence of the forest, almost as if the birds and other animals that prowl the River Kingdoms could sense the unnatural pollution of the lands here and avoid it altogether.

A couple more hours and you make it to the turbulent Dagger River. Crossing it becomes the most difficult part of the trip, but eventually, you find a pass not too far from your destination.

Iadenveigh is situated a mile west of the river. The Dagger River Road winds from north to south through Iadenveigh, wrapping around a rocky hill the locals call the Brow.

You follow the road until you spot a massive rampart of earth and stone stretching along both sides of the road to greet visitors. The rampart surrounds the town and its farms. It hugs the contours of the land, rising from 10 to 15 feet high, and is crowned with rows of jutting antlers which give it its name—the Elkhorn Wall. Visible above the Elkhorn Wall are the spires of a few buildings and a round bell tower. On the northwest face of the Brow, the stone walls and dark wood trim of the sprawling lodge known as the High Home provide a welcome sight for many weary travelers.

Now that you are at eye distance of the town, you make a stop and take your time to conceal your techno-vehicles inside the nearby forest.

While some of you take the last cautions, some others spot a lone redheaded man, likely a trapper by the look of his clothes and the dead furs hanging from his back. He is walking the road on the direction of the ramparts' gate.

By the strong smells reaching your nostrils, there must be a tannery nearby.

New Iadenveigh map is available!
You are arriving through the southern gate.

Rhoreen picks the bugs out of her teeth, wishing that riding helmets had been invented, and if not, maybe thinking she should invent them. However, there might not be enough high-speed, bug-faceplanting bikes to warrant them. She might, additionally, invent faster horses so that more people needed solutions to bugs in the face.

"I could use a bath. There is no doubt that these bikes are better than horses, but there are still downsides," Rhoreen says, looking for the source of the foul smell.

"Let's find an Inn? Get some food? And then who needs to do some shopping?" Rhoreen suggests.

Yambul chews thoughtfully thinking that chocolate would help the taste.

"Yes, let's get a place to hunker down while we're here, and get the shopping out of the way. Then we find Mr. Baine." He agrees.

Mostly he's eager to dump the gear he's been carrying these many miles. Sure the haversack helps a great deal, but he enjoys the looks on the merchants faces when they see the rarities they sell.

Party Divvy
Each of us receives 1,097gp and we're all caught up.

Yambul immediately pays Rhoreen back the cash he borrowed, assuming all goes well. -1,000gp

Back in Hajoth:
Despite the extensive tomes and exclusive information, Rūha can't help but feel a little demoralized by the issue of the Dominion's creatures. The info felt like a collection of horror stories more than anything else, and it felt like there was precious few solutions to be had. At the end of the stay in Hajoth, Rūha was more than happy to leave the tomes behind and set the problem of the Dominion similarly aside.
----

In Iadenveigh:
On the approach to the town, Ruha recalls what Chaance and Rhor had said about the town and goes through her belongings to stow away all her technology at the bottom of her pack. She hides her bulky autograpnel at the same location as her bike, making sure its not easy to spot for any potential thieves. Upon joining the group at the entrance of town, she eyes the trapper entering the town and asks the group "Unlike Hajoth Hakados, this small sort of town may prove to be xenophobic against more than just technology. I wonder if I should stay outside until you can introduce me. There was one place I tried to stop in at in the River Kingdoms where they didn't ask any questions and just started firing their bows at me..."

When the group approaches the southern gate, you realize it is unguarded and nothing bars your passage. There is though a clear declaration of intentions in the form of an impaled gearsman on a solid wooden pole just right by the entrance. Next to it, there is a sign that reads Robots, androids, gun wielders and other unnatural users of technology, stay away from our community".

As you stop to read this, you hear a bell sounding three times, with a high alerted pitch, as some kind of warning that resounds through the whole settlement.

"I think that shall be very relaxing. Ever thought of opening your own store?"

”Oh, what a splendid idea! No, I had not thought of how I could go about … um, procuring good gems and metals to have Yambul make fine pieces of what-have-you. I haven’t thought about it at all. Think about it, Yambul! You could put your CookBoy days behind you! We can go into the jewlery business and corner a market with all the best gems somewhere!”

After a moment's pause he adds, "... We'll have to build up some stock though, first."

Iavendeigh

There is though a clear declaration of intentions in the form of an impaled gearsman on a solid wooden pole just right by the entrance.

”Well, at least we don’t have to worry about Warden Robots.” He looks at Rhoreen. ”You always said magic was way better anyway, Calliope!”

Zzvkgrogk conceals his pistol under his new haversack, and regards Rūha and her dilemna.

”They … they just fired their bows at you?!! How awful! Usually they just grab me by the scruff and kick me around! Hrm… We could claim you are an out of work actor working on a new play, and that body art is only part of the script.”

He checks his pockets. ”Or we could just consider going invisible…” he holds up an elixir. ”I only have two, though I don’t suspect anyone else would actually need one.”

”Or, maybe they won’t take kindly to lies, so we should just be ourselves. Don’t worry, Rūha. We’ll protect you.”

He's somewhat startled by the warning alarm. "Ah! Where does the time go?!"

Yambul locks the sheath on his chainsaw and pushes it into his haversack. ”Best not show that off for now.” as he’s reading the sign and watching Zzvkgrogk do the same.

Yeah, invisibility. ”That’s a good idea Zzvkgrogk, let’s do that.” He thinks about it.

When an alarm is raised he says, defensively, ”We’re not even in town yet. That’s not us! I swear!”

"Unlike Hajoth Hakados, this small sort of town may prove to be xenophobic against more than just technology. I wonder if I should stay outside until you can introduce me. There was one place I tried to stop in at in the River Kingdoms where they didn't ask any questions and just started firing their bows at me..."

Rhoreen shudders at Ruha's story. It disgusts her...but really, she's disgusted with herself. She had seen Ruha in the same light, clearly unfairly, and reacted the same way. Rhoreen was wrong then, and those people who threatened Ruha were wrong too.

"I'm sorry that you had to go through that," she says, trying to come to grips with her own ill ease and how she might do better in the future. "Stick behind me and we'll see if we can avoid any unpleasantness. If they try anything, they will regret it."

Rhoreen offers space in her haversack to Chaance and Ruha should they wish to stow anything.

* * *

”You always said magic was way better anyway, Calliope!”

"I did?" Rhoreen shrugs, not disagreeing, but also not remembering. Seems like a smart thing to say, so maybe I did say it.

Rhoreen's head tilts at the alarm.

"That's not for us, is it? Is it?!" she looks around for other sources of danger, but also thinks it might be coming from some place else.

Are there people that the party can see and are they running to or from a particular location?

Knowledge(Geography) v DC 15: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22

The Gonton and the Blackpipe are simply words to the elf, things which precede Iadenveigh, and hold little interest, save for her companions' desires. It keeps her mostly quiet during the engagement with the village elder, the voices from her posse speaking what needs to be said.

...

Chaance claimed one of the xill's swords here. Fine with the hand-off.

Hajoth Hakados gives Chaance new focus. Its adjacency to the Sellen River makes it a prime destination for arranging river travel as far as Kyonin.

When Roo makes the introductions with the witchwyrd, the elf is thrilled to learn that there is someone able and eager to help them with the Rhu-Chalik.

...

"We are used to help others maintain a safe cover, but this business about the Dominion of the Black, and the proof you bring to us in the form of the Rhu-Chaliks is worrisome..."

Chaance waits, almost hopefully, to learn what this wise alien lifeforce has to say about the black peril.

"They do not put just humanity and Golarion in danger like the demons of the Worldwound. If the Dominion of the Black has traced Divinity to this area, then our whole System, if not the Universe at a whole is at danger of being reduced to the void of blackness..."

"Exactly. Please tell me you are willing and able to see this intelligence communicated with Iadara. The elven nation is ever vigilant about the Dominion of the Black, and I am obligated to see them informed, as swiftly as possible. You understand the urgency." The elf looks satisfied to hear the Lady's stance on the matter at hand.

"We are happy to share with you what we know about the Dominion. We have gathered exotic volumes that talk about them and we can let you read them and share other knowledge if you wish to stay with us for a time."

Chaance joins the others in research, but she cannot help but stay to secure an agreement with the Lady. "Can we trust you to deliver the corpse of the Rhu-Chalik to Kyonin? If you cannot agree to this, then I will seek to secure its delivery on the Sellen. That, or possibly someone to teleport us to Iadara and back."

The elf will accept any help from the aliens, trusting their word on very short notice and little personal development with either of them. They only have to say the word, that they will become the wards of the Rhu-Chalik, so she may set her immediate sights on Iadenveigh, and the secrets it's bound to yield up.

...

Chaance thanks Rhoreen for the offer of packing space, but has nothing she needs to hand off, given her own packing prowess.

When Iadenveigh raises its alarm, the elf shrugs it off. "Well, let's not tarry at the gate. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough what's brought the bee's hive to begin its buzz."

She's also not a little curious to see how the settlement welcomes a kasatha...

Lady Altouna is amenable to take care of the Rhu-Chalik on behalf of Chaance, and send notice to Kyonin, so Chaance can continue to investigate the Dominion on the field.

---

Yambul has a hard time making the chainsaw fit through the haversack hole, but ultimately he somehow succeeds. Zzvkgrogk follows concealing his gun and grenades accordingly.

Rhoreen cannot see anyone at the entrance gate. The bell sound though came clearly from the interior.

Chaance encourages the group to make it in, and the group soon discover the interior is a nice balance of natural tree patches, crops, vineyards and small wooden houses. The property is not delimited by fences, but instead with beautiful patches of flowers. An extremely odd sight on pollution infested Numeria.

As you walk through the main street, you find people has halted from doing their everyday tasks, and all are looking at you with serious expression. Farmers wait next to their plow, house-keepers are staring at you through the windows, even kids stare at you from behind the legs of their parents or older teenagers. While these people are all humans, the tanner to the left of the gate, is a halfling who stands looking at you, still with a half-worked leather at his hands. The only movement you perceive is of some people running into their homes and appearing back with bow and arrows.

Though none shot or shout at you, some people stand on the path into their patch of land, making sure you do not take that way. Meanwhile, most of people just stare at you. Many of those stares are focused on Rūha in fact.

Despite all, it seems no one opposes you in your way through the main street. It seems to end in a hill at the center of the settlement, where one of the largest wooden buildings stand. At the second crossing, at your right, you spot a tower, this one made of stone. You see a huge bell there and a person on top, staring at you.

1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 1 + 2 = 21 Sense Motive
1d20 + 11 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 11 + 2 = 17 Know (history)

Rhoreen notes the worry in the faces and tries to ease the fears by waving and smiling. ”We’re just here to get supplies! Sorry to bother you.”

”That stone building is old. Kellid built and probably very old,” Rhor smugs smugly about the building.

She looks around for an inn or something of the sort.

Chaance claimed one of the xill's swords here. Fine with the hand-off.

Sorry about that Chaance - corrected. So Yambul would have paid cash for part of the chain process and provided the remaining sword as raw material as before.

Yambul tries to keep his hand from his falchion with all the hostility, and it’s taking some effort. For he’ll mess with anyone who messes with Rüha. I mean sure, she’s got an extra pair of arms. That’s hard to miss, and it makes her weird. But she’s a good person, worthier than many of those who Yambul walks past.

At least in Yambul’s opinion.

He gets the gauge of the people.
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

”Everyone be cool.” says the clearly annoyed Yambul. ”They’re not hostile yet. Let’s figure out what’s up with the bell huh?”

He’ll keep walking in that direction and eventually call up to the bell ringer? ”Excuse me, er, so what’s the bell ringing all about?”

Rhoreen looks around trying to find an inn or tavern, but all the buildings seem small wooden cottages, except for the central large building in the hill, which seems some kind of community building. She notices though another tower a bit further West. There is a large lens protruding from there, pointing to the sky (added to the map as 15).

Yambul tries to take the right bifurcation towards the bell tower, but he is quickly barred his passage by a man that places his cart full of cabbages in front of him "Who are you? And what's that creature that walks by you?"

A woman nearby tries to calm down the man grabbing his arm "Three rings mean armored outsiders approaching." she explains and looks at your armors and weapons when Rhoreen expresses you are here just to get supplies "You do not look like traders or passers by. Are you looking for food or other kind of supplies?"

"Outsiders are more likely to survive the 'Outside' by arming and armoring themselves. Have you been outside lately?" Chaance adjusts her bow, her cloak bunching up at the shoulder.

"We are not traders. If we were lucky enough to enjoy a meal at your local inn, we would not turn away such an opportunity. We are researchers, and have been drawn to this region in our studies." The elf regards the woman before continuing. "We are not here as agents of the Technic League, if you're wondering. Is it possible to speak to someone in charge? I think that's best. If you need our weapons before that's possible, I don't think you'll find any arguments among our group."

Sense Motive v DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Knowledge(Engineering) v DC 15: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

Chaance's attention is brought to the old stone by Rhoreen, but she doesn't speak on it while they're in the company of the villagers.

"There is no inn in Iadenveigh" the woman answers at short, the people around is trying to hear what you are saying but no one approaches, she looks at the other man when Chaance states the group are researchers "You should check at the High Home, they will know what to do about you. Redfang knows this region better than anyone in town"

"Yes, he travels around and patrols the wilderness" the man adds, still staring at you as if he is not convinced by your arguments.

"He might have answers to your questions" the woman concludes pointing at the sprawling wooden building on the rocky hill at the town center.

Assuming you proceed as indicated, no one bars your way towards the central hill, and you make it through the main street unmolested, though observed. As you reach the High Home crossing, you notice an open air amphitheater to your left. It is full of children playing ball games, that stop to stare at you with a mixture of curiosity and fear (added as 9 in map).

The High Home is the largest building in Iadenveigh. The wooden lodge clings to the northwest side of the Brow and it was the first building to be built 65 years ago. No one is guarding the entrance and you make it in without further delay.

The interior is smoky and dark, with high ceilings and large windows protected by stout shutters. It is a multipurpose building, serving as a gathering place and community hall.

As soon as you step in, a gruff, barrel-chested man with shoulder-length red hair, a bushy red beard, and well-muscled arms that end in large, calloused hands steps down the stairs. His eyes are brown and warm, but lined with deep crow’s feet, and as he talks to address you, you spot his teeth are crimson "Welcome to Iadenveigh. My name is Iadrin Ashworth, Caretaker of the High Home. The question, is who are you, and what brings you to Iadenveigh?"

Sense Motive v DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Chaance encourages the others to do as they're bidden with a small series of head tilts and shoulder leans, and report to High Home without delay.

"Welcome to Iadenveigh. My name is Iadrin Ashworth, Caretaker of the High Home. The question, is who are you, and what brings you to Iadenveigh?"

"Are you the one the villagers call 'Redfang'? I don't want to presume, as we are visitors to your hometown. My name is Chaance. These folks here are Yambul, Rhoreen, Zzvkgrogk, and Rūha." The elf points to each of her companions in turn.

"Our ratfolk and kasatha friends are good souls, though they aren't human. I hope their presence doesn't cause you grief among your people. They seem... cautious of outsiders."

Diplomacy: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Chaance allows one of the others to speak about their purpose in Iadenveigh.

Earlier:
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18
KN Engineering: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (4) + 11 = 15

Rūha keeps her cloak close around her, but is significantly buoyed by the (all things considered) pretty cordial reaction from the town.
---
Now:
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (17) + 15 = 32
Rūha notes the reaction to the Technic League for later examination. It was a good sign, if not an unusual one, given the way the Technic League tended to operate. Up at the High Home, she bows when introduced by Chaance "Pleased to meet you. We're here in part to look for some friends of ours that have fled persecution by a rather unsavory group. We heard they fled here. An older man and a younger woman. It would be a serious relief if we could hear that they're alright."

"I did?"

Calliope's smugness bleeds through.

”We're here in part to look for some friends of ours that have fled persecution by a rather unsavory group. We heard they fled here. An older man and a younger woman.”

”They came here specifically to build a water purifier for your town -- to help your crops. We might be able to help, but then -- we might just be in the way – like too many people trying to cook at once. Either way, we’ve come to find out.”

Diplo: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Redfang furrows his nose as Chaance calls him "Armed groups tend to call out trouble around them, no matter how good their intentions. Our people knows and are cautious to it" the man leans his hand over the battleaxe hanging from his belt.

The Caretaker turns to listen at Rūha, and then at Zzvkgrogk, his gesture relaxes, his hand away from the axe once more, but his tone is still judgemental and non trusting "It has always been hard to extend trust to outlanders. We are a self-sufficient settlement, we have no need for trade, and can take care of ourselves. It's the safest option, as I know you understand. It's difficult to tell who you can rely on, but there is a thing you can do to earn the trust of the Deadeye Council and walk around freely to maybe find out the answers to your questions..."

Rhoreen nods when she is introduced by Chaance. She listens as others speak, unwilling to step in unless there is clear need for her to smugly say something completely correct. She’s very good at that, after all.

1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 1 + 2 = 13 Sense Motive
1d20 + 1 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 1 + 2 = 23 Sense Motive

She cocks an eyebrow, but merely shrugs. She’ll jump through some hoops for a bit.

First Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 vs DC 15
Yambul is pleased that the Technic Leaguers aren’t welcome here. But not surprised. After all, look at the reception they’re getting!

Second Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 vs DC 15
He idly wonders how they’ve made it this far without a good speaker. He shrugs, ‘cause he’s even worse so he keeps his mouth shut for the moment.

Third Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16 vs DC 15
Baine is here! Yambul gets excited at the thought of meeting the man. After all, he’d done well for himself, and is flying high on his own successes. Surely Baine must be proud of me! He grins warmly at the thought and almost stops paying attention to the surrounding conversation.

”Look, sir, we’re not stupid. Something is wrong and you’re not sure if you can trust us. You can, honestly. And, maybe, you have no choice. Look, I’m sure the couple we speak of did no harm in the time they were here, and likely a fair bit of good.”

”We’re with them. We’re here…” he trails off, should he take the chance? He does. ”We’re here to warn them about the Technic League and their power grab in Torch.” and he spits when he says the organization's name to be clear with his thoughts.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (17) + 0 = 17

Sense Motive v DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Sense Motive v DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Chaance happens to be looking directly at Redfang when he shows signs of recognition regarding Baine and Meyanda. The trail has not gone cold. This is good.

"If you speak for the Deadeye Council, we will heed your instructions. We are not here to disturb the community." The elf doesn't necessarily revel in the idea that they'll need to run a couple of errands to show their good faith, but the kasatha remains unharmed, and Iadrin hasn't immediately banished them from the village. Yet.

Redfang nods approvingly at your words, although he sniffles when Yambul mentions warning about the Technic League grab in Torch "Ok. If your intentions are to help, there is a task I have for someone equipped like you" the man points to your swords and bows "One of our farmers has been complaining to the Deadeye Council about the sighting of a monster in his orchard."

"Jevik has few friends in Iadenveigh, and his surliness stems from a hard life filled with misfortune. His complaints about monsters, mutants, bandits, and metal men interfering with his farming are something of a local joke, but his latest complain seemd different to me, if only because Jevik seemed unusually sober when he spoke to the council 5 days before" Redfang points towards the northern wall "Jevik's farm lies on the north edge of town, outside the Elkhorn Wall, a location that fits well with the man’s sour nature. I had meant to go check on the situation at the farm several times already, but other responsibilities combined with Jevik’s established record of false alarms conspired to delay the task."

"If you would like to accept come with me to check on the situation there, I might be able to help your interests going forward at town" he concludes, and looks at you awaiting a response.

SenseMotiveDC15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
SenseMotiveDC15: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Finally:
SenseMotiveDC20: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

"O.K.," Zzvkgrogk responds, confidently trusting the man's words. Cautiously, he continues. "Sir Ashworth, we shall go with you to this sour man's out-of-the way farm."

Looks like I'm going to have to dust off this spear of mine...

Rhoreen somehow manages to keep her mouth shut while others do the talking. She is willing to help (mostly because she likes to be helpful), but also people really should be treating her better. She’s the best. She deserves good treatment all the time.

She’ll clarify where Jevik’s homestead is and be willing to move there next.

"Well then, let's go" Redfang descends to the main hall and takes a bow and a quiver full of arrows before silently opening the way into the street.

You take the main street towards the north. Past a street section full of small cottages you reach another bifurcation and head there towards the northern gate. To your left, you leave behind a large building with a large expositor of tools and some weapons. A woman is hanging a crossbow from a coiled hemp rope on the façade, she follows you with the stare (added main store as 17 in the map). And just before reaching the gate, you find a boneyard, protected by a high hedge, the only fence you have seen in the settlement (7). The lonely stretch of ground is not even a third full of grave plots.

"This man you seek... what is your relation to him?" Redfang asks you while keeping walking forward, looking to the front.

”He was like a father to me when I had none.” Yambul says earnestly. ”Taught me a craft too, or tried to anyway. Still, I was his cook for a while also.” He says with some pride, gesturing to the clearly masterwork chef’s knife at his belt.

”So what kind of monster did he say he was facing? You have any idea what we're up against?”

Sense Motive vs DC20: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (20) + 15 = 35

Ruha agrees with Zzvk regarding the suggested task. She's no stranger to having to work through the prejudices of people who judge on first appearances. Unlike Redfang, she has no doubt that any complaints of monsters in orchards must have some truth to them. Not that people didn't sometimes lie for attention, but she'd already seen so many monstrous creatures in Numeria that it seemed she was overdue for crossing paths with another one.

While walking through town, she tries to look friendly to the villagers the group passes. She answers Redfang with "Some of us didn't know him as well, but he was a tremendous help when we were in trouble and vice versa. He's an ingenious fellow and quite selfless."

Rhoreen sticks close to Ruha in case some villager gets over zealous and takes a shot at her large, very scary, 4 armed friend. She doesn’t relish the idea of being an arrow interceptor, but she can do this if needed.

”He was a dear friend to me, and if something has happened to him…that would be bad. Someone would face my wrath. They would pay dearly.”

Redfang listens to your different explanations about your relation with Baine without emitting any judgement.

"Jevik’s farm is one of the few located outside the Elkhorn Wall." Redfang finally breaks his silence when Yambul asks about the monster "The man is something of a godless misanthrope who never really got along well with Iadenveigh’s locals, and so never felt comfortable living within the city’s walls."

"The Banner of the Stag and Iadenveigh's hunters generally keep the hinterlands relatively safe, but strange beasts and mutated animals are very much a danger" Redfang notes while you cross the northern gate "In other words, a monster may well have been preying upon Jevik’s farm of late. But most probably the old fellow is just going to make us lose our time"

A couple of miles after leaving the town's walls, the odor of pigs announces Jevik’s farm before it comes into view. Visible from a wide break in a roadside hedge, the house has been recently painted and sports a wide porch with several chairs. An orchard is partially visible behind the house. A few sheds and two connected pens occupy most of the side yard, but the fencing of the pen has been splintered and the earth churned.

New Jevik's farm map is available!

”Oh, this is the place. Very quaint. Let us take a look around,” Rhoreen, flies up above the house (15’ above the roof) to take a look around.

1d20 + 14 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 14 + 2 = 30 Perception

Zzvkgrogk has a better time keeping up thanks to his new footgear. He stops suddenly when they are near the northern gate, staring at the large building.

”Phwwwew! OH! Just a second everyone, I’ll be right back!”

He bolts his scrawny figure toward the woman. ”Hey, you!” he calls, ”how much for that crossbow in the window!?”

He rejoins everyone once he’s procured a MW Crossbow and some bolts.

”Thanks, for waiting! Now I can be even further away.”

~~~

"This man you seek... what is your relation to him?"

Zzvkgrogk suddenly remembers Val. ”The young girl we left by the gate also considers our friend to be her father. And I was his student, learning herbalism.”

BluffonHerbalism: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

As soon as he smells the pigs, Zzvkgrogk quaffs his tea mutagen and becomes slightly less scrawny. He then quaffs Heightened Awareness.

"Still, you can never be too sure ..." He scans looking for any signs of beasts, mutated or otherwise.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 9 + 2 = 23

"Oh no! This time he wasn't mistaken -- the porch is covered in blood! Calliope! What do you see?!" he shouts up to his friend.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 vs DC 15

Yambul is still thinking about Baine as he walks up to the house, his weapon still sheathed.

Then he hears Zzvkgrogk warn him. Blood? He wonders if he's stepping in it as he draws his falchion. He wishes he was drawing his chainsaw, but he looks at their host and gives up on that idea for now.

"That is quite a lot of blood..." (Can't fail the perception spoiler) "Hopefully not Jevik's. Does he live alone or with some others?" As she speaks, Ruha carefully advances up to porch and scans it for bodies or other clear signs of who the blood belongs to. If she doesn't spot anything, she checks if the door is unlocked and calls in "Anyone home?"

Zzvkgrogk secures a fine crossbow on the way to the farm.

---

Rhoreen and Zzvkgrogk are quick to find the marks of blood. Something gruesome has happened here.

Rūha pushes into the farmhouse, but her investigation turns up no clues, but focusing on the front porch, where the bloodstains mark the sight of a tragedy, reveals a different story indeed. In addition to the blood, deep furrows and clawed tracks the size of a large shield mar the ground.

Redhand kneels and checks the blood frowning "Seems Jevik's monsters where indeed real... we need to check if he is still alive, although I am not very hopeful at this point..."

Upon seeing the blood Val shies away, staying behind Chaance "This is perhaps dangerous, even for a ready group as you, shouldn't we call someone else?"

Redfang sighs "If I call the Banner of the Stag, I can quickly gather a few more people, but there is danger, if the cause of the marks is still alive, that it can cause more havoc"

No one answers Rūha's call.

”Oh, this is the place. Very quaint. Let us take a look around,” Rhoreen, flies up above the house (15’ above the roof) to take a look around.

1d20+14+2 Perception = 30

Rhoreen continues flying well above the house and continues to try to see what might be seen.

Rhoreen floats down to the party.

"I saw an area to the northeast of the orchard where the trees themselves have been smashed down to form a clearing. A laying huge beast there seems to be laying about," she says smugly, after scouting smartly from the air.

"Clearly, that's probably the beast in question. I didn't get a good enough look at it to know what it was. I can say it was curled ball, it definitely had deformities, and was huge. Really big. HUGE."

Yambul automatically succeeds at following the tracks.
Knowledge Local: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24 vs DC 15

”Look here, the tracks are easy enough to follow. Seems like a big brute.”

Upon seeing the blood Val shies away, staying behind Chaance "This is perhaps dangerous, even for a ready group as you, shouldn't we call someone else?"

Redfang sighs "If I call the Banner of the Stag, I can quickly gather a few more people, but there is danger, if the cause of the marks is still alive, that it can cause more havoc"

”Yeah, I agree with, ah, our guide here.” he forgets his proper name at the moment, but refrains from calling him Redfang. ”If the man is still alive, it won’t be by much. We have little time to lose. Stay back Val.”

With falchion out, Yambul follows the trail into the orchard as he looks up at Rhoreen. I gotta get me some of that, he thinks.

He keeps his eyes open for danger, though he’s mostly looking at the ground following the trail.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

He does hear Rhoreen and grins. "Big huh?"

He stops a second and looks up at Rhoreen, "Oh, hey, better hero me up huh?"

Auto Survival DC 11
Knowledge(Local) v DC 15: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

"This is perhaps dangerous, even for a ready group as you, shouldn't we call someone else?"

Chaance pats Val's shoulder. "You're right to be cautious. I've only heard one name- Jevik. Godless misanthropes rarely breed."

The elf looks the broken pen over. "Pigs, yes? How many did he have? I can't tell if any of them have been dragged away. If Jevik's monster, or monsters? killed Jevik, they would enjoy a feast uninterrupted."

Chaance looks the ground over, trying her best to identify what they're up against.

Survival: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32 +3 to Track, +2 to identify aberrations, +4 to identify constructs
One big thing, or several slightly less big things, maybe?

Those tracks are so big… I mistook them for unrelated bits of clod…

"This is perhaps dangerous, even for a ready group as you, shouldn't we call someone else?"

”Uh… “ glances towards Val. ”... I don’t want to turn my back on this thing.”

"If I call the Banner of the Stag, I can quickly gather a few more people, but if there is danger, if the cause of the marks is still alive, that it can cause more havoc"

You said these were mutants! But… are they ALL this big?!”

”What do you think, Zzvkith? Do you think we can hold down the farm until The Banner of the Stag arrives?”

Heightened Awareness 70 minutes.
+4 Dex, -2 Con 70 minutes.

"No. We hunt it, and hope it's bloated from gorging on Jevik."

"Yes, only we don't have to hunt it! You heard Calliope, it's right there, he points to beyond the flattened trees. "I'm saying we poke a sleeping mutant, and call The Banner of the Stag at the same time!" He starts heading northeast.

He pauses to turn to Iadrin and focuses his inner bully. ”This town needs purified water!”

"You got it Zzvkgrogk. Let's get it."

Yambul, once ensorcelled, moves into the copse of trees looking for something large to stick his blade into.

"Hold on. I completely missed Rhoreen's reconnaissance." Chaance looks up from the ground, heavily distracted. "Can you get closer, Rhoreen? You didn't see wings, right? If you fly high enough to hover above it, and drop something on it to get it to stir, you might yield actionable intelligence."

Rhoreen does hero up Yambul using his own nice shiny pearl. She shortly comes back to walk again upon the earth (only about a minute of flight, but enjoyable).

"I'm just telling you it was huge. Deformed."

She pays no mention to Val's worries, certain that they can handle this.

Rūha is less certain, but given that Rhor's flight has already run out, she's only left to shrug "We agreed to help with this, and it seems like it would prove a threat to the town and any other farms if left alone. I suppose we have to." She joins Yambul up front, calling on her connection to her past to empower her (Barkskin up for 70 mins). She readies a zero grenade and starts stepping carefully through the orchard. "Can we sneak up on it?" She whispers to Yambul.

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

"Similar to our manticore hunt? Well, let's proceed quietly, and maybe we can injure it from its slumber. If it's not exactly aware of our position, it might flee, and we can pursue until it wisens up."

Stealth: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Chaance keeps her bow at the ready, assuming she'll be able secure a sight line and several opportunistic ranged punches before the leviathan wakes...

Yambul shrugs and also tries not to make too much noise.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (11) + 9 = 20

He still wishes he had his chainsaw.