They take in Ahzeem's words of kindness, second chances, and higher ideals with deep thought. A few of you also hear some stomach rumbles when Ebren brings out a bit of foodstuffs. The 'head' of the gang after a moment replies:
"Look all right. you do seem like a good lot. But a crew's gotta eat. So...how about just 6 silver?" he counters.
We'll throw in a map! one of his comrades chirps from behind him.
|
Cordelia shrugs, "Like I said, consider this a gift of thanks for your help, either way." She states, simply handing over the full gold coin, sparing Popcorn having to empty their purse, then nodding to Ebren if they still want to hand over the rations before moving to cross the bridge, "Keep yourselves out of trouble now, hopefully we'll be back through in a couple days."
"A pleasure." the man says as he accepts Cordelia's coin. He pauses for a bit after him and the rest give space for you to cross. Then adds. "And good luck"
The map they provide you in a map of the area right around the river, but whoever drew it certainly isn't winning any prizes. It's crude and amateurish and hugs only the river-adjacent areas without showing anything much deeper into the Gravelands...but at least it's something.
With any obstructions out of the way, you're able to cross the stone bridge. The Path River isn't wide at all, but somehow stepping onto its northern side just feels different. The haze seems slightly thicker, and the temperature you'd swear dropped a few degrees over that span of only a few meters.
Claudiette's description mentioned she hugged the river while she moved south. so the way to Steadfast should be able to be found by reversing her footsteps. But where are those footsteps...
|
"Well, good thing you talked them down. Sold all my belongings to buy this full plate and scythe. Barely have a gold to my name." Baga says gratefully.
The burly orc studies the surrounding area, "I have limited experience tracking and scouting on the farm. I think she was moving in this general direction though"
|
As he passes over the bridge Tx's fur bushes out, he stops, lets out a low growl and looks around.
"This place feels wrong.."
He attempts to aid Baga's skills.
He looks around, sniffs the air, looks around again.
"Sorry, no help here. my senses are overloaded right now. I trust your judgement though."
Tux and Popcorn both spread out as Baga takes the lead in trying to trace Claudiette's steps. The catfolk finds the Pathfinder's scent has long since faded. What's more, the scents in the air he does find are...strange. there isn't any perceptible wind, but aromas of ash, rot, and sour smells play erratically across Tux's nose.
Looking at the 'guards'' map Popcorn is able to discern at least a few mediocrely-sketched paths and trails. That bit of gudiance aids Baga as he moves along the river searching for signs of Claudiette's recent passage. The orc does manages to find some tracks in the mud and dirt that seem to match her shoe size and type. He follows them, and leads you all after a bit away from the riverbank and deeper into the woods to the northwest.
You follow the ranger's trail for about a half-hour. The mists grow thicker with every step taken deeper into the Gravelands. An eerie silence draws around every living thing like a blanket, pierced only by the sounds of footsteps along the trail, the distant howls of unfamiliar creatures, and periodic hoofbeats on some distant road.
Suddenly the sky above you seems to open up without warning. Rain pelts down on your skin and clothes, soaking you. But the precipitation doesn't dispel any of the mist. In fact the fog seems to improbably thicken; you can barely make your own hands out in front of you right now. Though other strange shadows seem to flit about around you...
|
|
Cordelia frowns, the sound of hoof beats putting her on edge, glancing back to the group to keep track of them, only to be met with encroaching fog, "Pull together, don't let anyone out of your sight and keep an ear out for is those hooves start getting closer." She warns, slowing her progress and dropping back to hopefully meet back up with at least part of her team. One hand reaching for the way finder hanging from her neck, tucked beneath her loose shirt, though she hesitated to activate it lest the light attract unwanted attention.
Something was very, very wrong, and the sooner they got away from it the better.
The mists seem to be twisting around you, trying to make you lose your way. But Ahzeem manages to call on the Dawnflower's teachings and takes you down a path (they believe) is a way through.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
You continue through the fog. It stubbornly refuses to lift. Every so often there is a flash of light up above you - like a lightning flash, but unaccompanied but any peal of thunder. But you have faith and push through the mist. Until after hours it thins just in time for you to halt before stepping right into an old mudflow.
The wreckage of a carriage is mired in the shallow mud basin of a meander of the Path River, seemingly driven off the road by a mudslide. The carriage train once bordered on opulent with its colorful paint, decorative filigree, and plush cabins, but it shows little of its former elegance. Of the occupants and team of horses that had once pulled the caravan, no trace remains.
...actually that may not be true. Milling about near the wrecked carriage stands a horse whose skin is ripped and torn and covered in fatal wounds that it is ignoring. And several shambling figures roam on the south bank of the basin.
Tux 27
Initative
Tux
Popcorn
Popcorn readies to strike back and Tux blends into the foliage.
Three of the zombies break out into a run towards you as they notice your group's approach. Well, they sort of run. Stagger at least. they'll get there eventually.
Initiative
Ahzeem
As Ahzeem draws his blade and calls on Sarenrae's blessing, the zombie in his face does not react quick enough to lash out.
In the mud-pit by the carvan the dead-yet-walking horse whinnies horrifically and gallops over to the cleric and the leshy.
Initiative
Baga
Cordelia
Ebren
|
|
Cordelia grits her teeth, glaring at the shambling abomination before her, more affronted by what brought the creature into being more than the creature itself, "Back to the grave with you!" She calls out, drawing her sword and leveling it on the zombie before charging forward, swinging her shield to knock it off balance as she rushes past and delivering a slash from its side as she skids to a stop!
◆ Draw Shortsword
◆ Tumble Through (Tumble Behind: Enemy is Off-Guard after successful tumble through)
◆ Strike
As the two first strikes lash out their targets are devastated! The flanked zombie catches on fire, badly whacked and burned from a critical blow. And the undead Cordelia tumbled through barely has time to register the rogue before her extremely effective cut sends is guts and tendons spilling lifelessly to the ground.
Initiative
Baga
|
|
Baga draws his scythe and move towards the zombie and dead horse. "So this is what all the talk is about?" He remarks as he attempts to strike the zombie.
|
Ranged Reprisal: In addition, if the foe that triggered your reaction is within 5 feet of your reach but not in your reach, as part of your reaction you can Step to put the foe in your reach before making a melee Retributive Strike.
|
Baga advances, scythe drawn, and almost casually cuts down the already-wounded and burning zombie. It falls with a final soft moan.
Meanwhile the fourth humanoid dead shambles towards you. Menacingly...but leisurely.
Initiative
Tux
Popcorn
Popcorn gets real angry but, well, flails as she tries to hit the horse. However her positioning seems to distract it against Tux's swipe. Their claws seems quite effective against the beast.
Meanwhile another zombie moans and advances on Cordelia....
Initiative
Ahzeem
|
Ahzeem moves further into the water and casts a spell...."Oh Great Goddess Serenade, allow your humble servant to cleanse this creature with Fire!".
A blazing band of fire arcs towards the horse-like creature....
Targets: 1 creature Ranged Strike:s +8 / +3 / -2
Ranged Damage: 4d6 F Ranged Crit Damage: ×2 Duration: until the end of the target’s next turn
A blazing band of fire arcs through the air, lighting your opponent and the ground they stand upon on fire. Make a spell attack roll against the target’s AC. The ray deals 2d6 fire damage on a hit (or double damage on a critical hit). On any result other than a critical failure, the ground in the target’s space catches fire, dealing 1d6 fire damage to each creature that ends its turn in one of the squares.
Heightened (+1) The ray’s initial damage increases by 2d6, and the fire damage dealt by the burning space increases by 1d6.
Ahzeem calls upon the Dawnflower and She answers. Firers power races into and through the cleric…who being a mere mortal has trouble directing said Divine might.
It is unclear if the horse recognizes the theological struggle happening to its left (probably not). It is content to bite and kick at the Pathfinders surrounding it. Tux gets shallowed with a kick strong enough to push the catfolk back, while Popcorn narrowly avoids what looks like a viscous bite.
for
for
Initiative
Baga
Cordelia
Ebren
|
|
"No one hurts my friends!!" Baga shouts as he steps towards the horse and swings his scythe with all his might.
After the first swing, Baga prepares another swing, grunting as he strains himself.
|
|
|
Ranged Reprisal: In addition, if the foe that triggered your reaction is within 5 feet of your reach but not in your reach, as part of your reaction you can Step to put the foe in your reach before making a melee Retributive Strike.
|
As Baga gets enraged by the horse’s strike on his ally he slices back, and then again. Both slashes cut deep into the stallion who collapses still and unmoving into the mud.
Cordelia and Ebren still up
Initiative
Cordelia
Ebren
|
|
Ebren tightens his grip on his mace and mutters an incantation. Shortly after he phases out of existence and re-appears near one of the zombies, immediately striking it.
Even as he's following through with the first swing he begins a familiar incantation to empower the mace with flame before striking again.
Cordelia gets off a parting strike as she retreats but the swing goes wide. While she moves back, Ebren 'ports forwards to land a thumping blow (though sadly his follow-up misses despite its crackling firery enhancement).
Luckily for Ebren the zombie that advances on him has equally poor luck/aim.
for
Initiative
Tux 9/17HP
Popcorn
Dim light around (though Bright light w/in 20 feet of Ahzeem at the moment)
The muddy 'river' on the map is passable but difficult terrain for Medium or smaller creatures
Popcorn runs in while Tux gets there a bit quicker and gets off a slash. It's a mediocre swing, but distracted and off-guard by its focus on Ebren the zombie is cut (excessively) nonetheless.
The king of the rock punches down at Baga. But the champion barely feeling the needs to dodge its decrepit efforts.
for
for
Initiative
Ahzeem
Baga
Cordelia
Ebren
Dim light around (though Bright light w/in 20 feet of Ahzeem at the moment)
The muddy 'river' on the map is passable but difficult terrain for Medium or smaller creatures