Jack gets on one of the saddled horses, then extends a hand down to Niccan. "You can ride with me if you like."
Niccan accepts the hand up from Jack. "Thank you. I'm really not trained on handling such big creatures. I really should learn though. I can't keep up with how fast you big people walk!"
Vegazi flinches a bit hearing orcish. The sound of the language reminds her how the people of Arwyll Stead likely see her and she glances at Kit then back at Theren to answer in common, "I am happier in the wilderness. Know the land, can help."
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"I think we should notify everyone as we go out so they can pack what they want and if they feel safe they can move to town. Once we get to the last fellow, we help him pack what he needs and begin escorting back, visiting the homesteads as we return. I think we could hit the first one talk with them a bit and then move to the second homestead to arrive a little after sunset. What do you guys think?" Cuthalian says throwing his idea out to the group.
"That sounds like a good plan. Watch and listen. If we hear any fighting be ready to charge in and save the locals!"
"Sounds like a plan. And Vegi here can help is navigate if needed. I'm more a city gal myself, so I'm sure her expertise would be quite handy, being from these lands and all" she gives a toothy grin
The group departs the town to ride into the scrubby hills west of Arwyll Stead. Cresote bushes and catclaw acacia break up the dusty terrain and small animals scurry away from the road as the travelers kick up dust heading for the first homestead.
The Border Ranch, originally named after the Morter family who holds the land and runs the horse breeding ranch, is rather plain. It consists of a large pasture, barn, shed, and main house. A young boy watches as the band of strangers rides up, joined by a middle-aged woman who is clearly the boy's mother. She shoos the boy back to the house's porch where her husband watches holding a crossbow and leaning on crutches.
"Well, hello there strangers. What brings you out our way?" The woman asks guardedly.
The oracle rides forward slowly, a hand raised in greeting. "Good day, Morter Family. May the Inheritor keep you."
"I am Acolyte Jack Zaphelson from Vigil. I and my fellow Iomedaean, Theren Thornvale, and compatriots are here at the behest of Mayor Proum of Arwyll Stead. We have been asked to come and update you on the recent events in town. Several demons have attacked the town. We helped the town militia repel the evil outsiders, and we have good reports that more are in the immediate area. Our group has been tasked to find all local nearby homestead and farms, warn them of the possibility of more demon attacks, and to extend and offer for those family to take refuge in Arwyl Stead until the immediate threat has passed. We have a letter with Mayor Proum's seal on it, if you would like to see it."
"As my friend Jack here has stated, we came to help out. We may not look it, bit I can assure you we can keep our own, we've had some experience with handling the enemies that seem to pester our places of rest"
Not wanting to influence any decisions Niccan looks around for any signs of danger.
The woman listens patiently to Jack's very clear, open, and official announcement. She bites her lip and nods when Kit adds a more informal note. "Well, son, I appreciate how forthright you are about it all. It will take my family some time to get ready. About an hour."
In the distance, Niccan thinks he sees some movement. He turns to the hillock west of the house and sees several orcs crouching low and moving toward the home.
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Judging the distance between himself and the orcs Cuthalian nudges his pony with his knees (ride check to guide with knees DC 5 I have a ride of 8) to get just a little closer (110' range, right at my full range increment) and fires off a pair of arrows at the nearest orc.
standard arrow
standard arrow
Theren swiftly dismounts his steed and advances towards the fiendish orcs.
"Sh|t! Niccan, I'm setting you down before you can't understand me." The oracle lowers the ratfolk from the saddle, then dismounts himself.
Niccan hears Jack and dismounts as fast as he can, then casts a spell to summon an Aether Elemental. In Auran he commands, "Turn invisible and kill those orcs!"
The catfolk quickly makes her way up the building, wanting a good vantage point and a possible downward pounce opportunity