Centered on the page you'd been writing on in the journal a small dot appears, growing abnormally like a coffee stain on paper only it kept a perfectly symmetrical shape. Black and white shapes begin to form and grow then seemingly pass by as you watched. Unconsciously tunnel vision took over and you began to ignore your surroundings. A small breeze presses your hair against, then past your face and you begin free falling into a black and white landscape. Shapes and visions pass you at a speed that makes them impossible to truly admire or make out. The light vanishes for a moment turning into an ever growing unknown abyss swallowing up any vision you'd had prior. You continue falling... falling........ falling.... until you see in the distance, which gains upon you in mere seconds, that there are evenly and symmetrically placed lights below you. Entering this area you roll across a velvet carpeted floor of a hallway for a distance accumulative to the momentum you'd built. It is well lit and with many many doors.
You stand up unscathed but slightly shaken by what had just transpired. Eager to indulge on unknown information you begin checking doors. Most were locked while others where a mix of empty voids and mirrored hallways of the very one you walked. Soundless and colorless despite being well lit and infinite in both directions. Eventually you come to a door slightly cracked open. Pressing in the thump of your heartbeat,... or,... a heartbeat... rung in your ears. Pressing the door open reveals a forest under a starry sky just before the Crack of dawn. The vast landscapes seemingly infinite in size showing distant mountains beyond the height of the trees. You step out into what is now noticeable as a clearing feeling the crunch of the untouched vegetation below your feet and the dew begins to soak from your knees down.
'creeeeeeeeek!'
For the first time since being wherever this was, your senses picked up sound, movement and touch. Turning quickly you watch the door behind you shut close. No doorway appeared on this side and instead you see the other side of the clearing. Above clouds pass revealing a bright moon giving light to your surroundings. Inhaling you can smell a sweet aroma, glancing down hundreds of blue rose bushes decorate the clearing. Shifting on your heel to turn and view the scenery and its entirety you notice a pair of powder blue eyes peering back at you lit up only from the moon. They blink in and out of sight a couple times before retreating further into the darkness that the forest provided. Sun began peaking over the treetops cascading across the land welcomed by the sound of chirping birds, and a feint smell of.... sulfur?
You reach down with enough time to grab a rose and pluck it from its bush. A piercing of thorn through your fingertip creates a soreness as beads of blood drip off and fall to the floor.
'snap!'
A twig snaps making your jerk suddenly to look only to slip from the dew and uneven footing. You fall back and just as you suspect you'd land on a rose bush you instead land on a soft bedding of sorts. It is dark where you are but you look about and make out you are in the very same dark room again. Catching your breath realizing it was all just a dream a chill makes its way from your lower portion. From the knees down you are soaked and on reaching out the soreness of a small wound pricks from your fingertip... beside you on the cold floor you see the journal is closed and a single blue rose rests upon it.
From the darkness as you begin to stir the sound of rock grinding on rock emanates from just ahead and for the first time since you've been here, moonlight spills in. A steady stream of fresh air brushes past you and the smell of freedom becomes a reality.
Sorry for the mistype. 'perhaps this is a good time to build bigger and better', was what it was supposed to say.... for some reason tired + post didn't work out
"I think we'll be all set seeing as we are safe again... perhaps this is a good time to better and bigger..." His voice is strained but genuine as he speaks. Behind him you see a large workhorse strapped to a wooden, well crafted wagon with a wide bench seat in the front. From the looks of it there are saws among other materials for cutting wood loaded in the back. Your guess is they will be gathering wood for the fortification of the town as well as the rebuilding of his estate.
once more your eyes glean over the pitch black room only to find disappointment once more as nothing appears to be here other than yourself.
There is a short pause before the letters begin taking shape, giving the illusion of thinking (or so it appears). The elegant writing appears once more, "greetings, it is a pleasure meeting you..." The text is both faded as it writes more. Seemingly in thought there is no response at first. "I do not recall any names... however, let me show you a memory... I should like to tell you a story" the ink fades shortly after you finish reading it, where once more, the pages seem to secrete more ink. This time, the lines became ever changing shapes, drawing themselves in and fading giving the illusion of recorded movement. What started as a dot, then a square, then a hallway as if you were zooming I at an alarming rate until the entire page is covered in detail.
You write your name in blood on the page, if color was discernable in this darkness you contemplate as you imagine the crimson viscosity you taint the pages with. The blood soaks into the page as imagined, but not through. These pages were thicker than most of the journal's their size. Standing there admiring both the penmanship and the durability of the journal you watch as after a few seconds the blood is then absorbed completely. No sign of ever had been written on, (including indentations). A brief moment later you watch as letters reform in a very elegant and impossibly neat, greeting:
Hello Tassarion
After A short pause they too, become absorbed back into the journal once more.
Not that it matters but you suffers 2 points of damage
Your eyes wander as far out as your sight reaches among the void prison. Finding no purchase on anything you hadn't yet already seen. Silence has been eating at you for a time and is giving you pseudo vertigo. Your hand traces your hilt still uncertain of your new body, the change in size seemingly throwing you off for lack of experience in it.
Tracing the intricacies of your sheathed blade you call out 'Master' but to no avail, there is no response. Moments go by which only extend the silence. In this space you've yet to notice any sign you may have been looking for. As you speak the word 'master' from the corner of your perephrial the tip of the feather that sticks out of the journal waves ever so slightly as if there were a breeze of sorts when there is none to be had. It rests stock still after this display with no further movement.
As you flip throughout the pages they all appear to be blank. Returning once more to the front you attempt to write your name in it with the inkless quill. The indentations left behind are all that would remain however, as there is no ink to feed said quill. A moment passes and with a heavy sigh and a sense of awkwardness you begin to feel silly over such a feat. As you write you do notice just how stiff and sharp the quill' s tip is. The make of such an item was of higher end quality.
With a nod to each of you he mounts the horse that Cedric leads over. It is a chestnut mare with a pale grey mane. Gabriel, after mounting, pulls Lysanthir up with the help of Cedric and he then turns to each of you.
"Ari, it was short lived but thank you. I can see the concern about your face and it enlightens me to know such sincerity exists for strangers beyond those I call friends..."
"Asuri, you seem lost..." he pulls out a holy symbol of his deity and tosses it to you. "perhaps We will meet again, may Pelor bless you and gift you direction while you find your way." he smiles confidently before turning finally to Akari and Cedric.
"Cedric, I will repay this debt to you I swear it by my father's honor and my own... Akari, let us meet again, these past few weeks I've gained not only a comrade or a friend, but a brother. You have earned my respect,... prior bless you, may be bless you all with good fortune and this horse with speed. Farewell"
With one final nod he pulls the reins steering the horse towards the north and begins a steady gallop out of town leaving you all there to talk amongst yourselves. The day is young as the dew shimmers still on the blades of grass.
Your eyes scan the area but nothing appears to be hidden among the darkness that fills this tomb. The book has heft, not a cheap make and with finely tanned leather it's reminiscent of your master's. It is aged but sturdy and as you flip to what would be the title page, it is blank. On opening the journal however you notice a will made from a black feather of sorts.
Making your way through the town is both silent and peaceful. The moonlight is enough to light your way to where you wouldn't stumble into anything unknowingly. Even from this distance as you reach the other side of town the smell of burnt wood litters the air. Despite the fog you encountered outside of and leaving up to the Village there is very little obscuring your vision within the village. You call out into the night with very little expectation of any answer and as predicted there's no response. Your imagination gains the better of you and your mind wanders to the possibilities had the gods really existed in your eyes. Yet after a few moments you instinctively retreat and begin heading back to your new comrades. A voice protrudes it's your mind old, wise but not frail,... a man's voice.
"Asuri..." he says. "this land, should you look hard enough, holds many secrets... learn it well and one day stand before me, as of this day you are but a lamb in a dragons den." as he speaks through your mind the disembodied voice becomes more and more raspy, eventually fading out completely.
There is no sign of movement nor anyone within sight of you as you stand there alone. Try as you might no further replies come. There is a chill to the air tonight however, and much thinking to be had.
As you wake Gabe sits there patiently and quietly watching you regain your composure. "I dare not wake her, though she is seemingly unphased by anyone around her And her fever hasn't subsided... I'd like to bring her to Koral. I hear of many meisters who may have the knowledge of a treatment. Cedric is willing to lend us a horse,..." he looks at Akari with an expression of desperation, "I fear for the worst and should like to ride ahead with Lys. If she were to die from this I would never forgive myself"
The night passes on with few words as many of you take a rest. Bedrolls are spread out in this makeshift campsite and one by one you each drift off into a deep sleep keeping one awake as lookout. Akari takes first watch and Gabriel wakes to relieve him after 8 hours.
The sun rises reflecting off of the morning dew like a sea of glittering gens. Cedric steps out from inside of the burned building through a hole in the wall. He is carrying some damaged items and moving them into an ever growing pile maybe thirty-feet from you. With a smile and nod he greets you not wanting to wake whomever may still be resting. As you wake one by one you also notice Lysanthir is holding a black raven feather-like will in one hand that just peeks out of under the blanket, but is still asleep. Gabriel sits there awake and watching over each of you.
Gabriel's body reacts before his mind and a once resistant man realizes you're right and bows his head in thanks. "yes friend, your selflessness is well advised. " he in turn takes his own bedroll out and lays at the opposite side of Lysanthir.
The remainder of the night goes by uneventful. If you don't have bedrooms you do now as the citizens supply you with them before retreating once more to their homes.
Lysanthir nods visually suppressing any further audible pain the best she could. Occassionally Gabriel wipes the sweat that beads on her forehead before it can streak down her face. Random chit chat between the townsfolk ensues in the background unlike Lysanthir who remains silent. Clearly drained, she falls asleep within a few minutes of going silent with the same symptoms.
Over the next few hours the townsfolk dwindle until only you all and Cedric are left.
Cedric's face is littered with concern, fear and awe all at once. Speechless he then follows your eyes and conversation resetting his sights on Lysanthir as well.
Lysanthir turns her head slightly to get a better look at you still wincing in pain. Her classic cocky smirk barely able to surface as she speaks in a raspy voice showing her discomfort. "heh,... I guess you'll have to wait and see..."
Cedric appears taken back by the ill timed joke. Nonetheless he regains his composure a split moment after realizing the attempt. Looking from Ari to Asuri and back he has a look of awe, "A pleasure,... It is rare to see either of your race in this part of the world, or yours at all for that matter", he gestures to Asuri. "your help is and was appreciated though I wish we could've done more. I am... unaware of what actually did this. We5re you able to deduce what it was Akari?"
A few more moments pass before gasping is heard followed by footsteps. An old woman led by a young man make their way to Gabriel and Lysanthir. Pulling back the bandages Lysanthir squirms in pain letting out gasps in between. It is too dark to see clearly from where you're all positioned yet the vast amounts of coagulating blood leave a dark patch stained to her side. Those of the townsfolk that are reside in the immediate area either back away or continue making their way out of sight, only to return with another bucket of water. The old woman pulls out some herbs and begins crushing them while instructing Gabriel to clean around the wound. A thick paste is created in only a few more minutes from the herbs used. The woman diligently applies the paste thus filling and re-wrapping the wound. Her voice is very meek, "this is all I can do,... not even a day ago she was in my shop" Even in this low light her features are identifiable. Her grayish hair is pulled back into a bun, she is wearing a cheap pilgrim's dress with a shawl wrapped over her shoulders.
Lysanthir stays laying on the ground and Gabriel beside her. They both are drenched in sweat let alone, blood. Not a word is uttered between them.
"Really?... is it over the-..." his voice trails off as a fleeting expression washes over his face. "... at a better time maybe, my appologies about your ms Lysanthir..." Overall a sincerity is heard and seen with his appologies and he once again co times after an awkward silence. "For the better part of the last hour have we fought it and with combined effort, gotten it to this. God's bless our luck to this."
The man sighs in relief, finally showing a less structured front. Now turning to Ari and Asuri with a polite smile and extension of his hand, "it is a pleasure, I am Cedric,... owner of this..." Cedric's voice has a stressed and sarcastic tone, he waves his hand infront of, but towards, the half burned down tavern, "... is what is left of my business."
The wolf stands once more as you get off of him. It watches you each make your way away until you watch one another fade into the mist.
The air is calm, staying alert after the recent attacks are within reason, Gabe mainly focuses on Lysanthir's state. Occasionally he whispers "s+*#"
Lysanthir's condition worsens as you all travel back toward the village. At the gates the two guards left severely maimed still rest crumpled bodies on the ground under bloodstained bedsheets. The smell of burnt wood still pollutes the air and embers are still lighting up the immediate area of what was once the village's tavern/inn. While you were gone more of the residents awoke and helped lug water and are still standing outside of it in a half-circle. Some still have buckets in their hands and are seemingly catching their breath. Gabriel walks silently toward them pleading for help of some kind unbeknownst to him. The voices immediately begin talking to one another and Cedric steps forward to meet you all.
"What happened?..." turning quickly to a younger male he continues, "go get the herbalist Clara. Enlighten her on the situation" The boy runs off deeper into the barely lit streets.
A few awkward moments pass before Cedric finds his words, directing them now at Akari while glancing to the other two new faces in silent interest. "were you able to find him? What happened out there?"
As your eyes light up with sparks of Arcane energy you are able to see that once a great magic resided in these walls. Now nothing but a memory of their former glory as you only glean faint traces of the magical residue left behind. Nonetheless you trace the etchings within reach with your fingertips admiring the craft and the age of such a creation. Unfortunately nothing else becomes known to you at this time. It is very still here as the very air you breathe is a miracle to be had at all. Moments then minutes then hours pass seemingly as you make your way around this room. Once making your way around the room impatience sets in as does your hunger and fury builds inside you...
..."hahahahaha..."... cunning laughter emanates from the center of the room, echoing hauntingly off the walls before again falling silent. No one is there when you gaze hastily about for sign of the source. Cautiously you step forward toward the center before A shape falls just infront of your face unable to react with a startle. The shape stands out though, a small rectangular shape you'd come to value early on, a leatherbound titless book, similar in some ways.
It appears unmagical.
The dire wolf snorts and lowers itself down so you may dismount with ease. In that same motion Ari jumps off. The bright moon overhead lights up clearings where the endless sea of mist part. The air is still but Akari and Gabriel's ears ring from the battle. Gabriel, looking over his shoulder now replaces his sword and shield in their sheath and holster before dipping down and picking Lysanthir up in his arms, "We must find help... the potions aren't working!..." the sound of his deep and panicked breath cut short to continue, but in a whisper barely audible to those in the clearing, "Pelor bless this child... it is not her time" he pleads under his breath.
Akari can see upon closer inspection that the sounds aren't healing like they should. The bleeding has been staved for the moment nut still clutches the now dressed wound to her side. With a nod of acknowledgement Gabriel lifts Lysanthir in a princess carry and begins walking to the town.
The wolf stays still as this transpires not showing a care either way.
Raafe spits the remainder of his chew out on the roadside and silently follows Gabe.
-25 pt buy
-No stats below 10 and above 16 prior to racial modifiers
HP: Max 1st level. 1/2+1+con mod for the remainder
-Starting wealth is average or roll and keep whatever you roll based on class.
-No third party
-No Evil of any kind, (this is a good campaign)
-Teamwork is key, and the party comes into play knowing and respecting each other.
-Two traits, no drawbacks
-Certain races are frowned upon as being mostly "evil", I do not care so long as you accept the general public NPC's might not start off liking you.That said, any non third party race is allowed.
-Drow Nobles are not an option
-No Chosen child/Rich Parents
-Leadership is allowed just do not get too carried away.
-No hero point system
-Automatic Bonus progression
-Mythic is a thing, you'll get it when you get it.
-Diversity is recommended as you will each be utilizing one another's skills in both battle and survival.
-There will be all different forms of enemies, especially undead for all you favored enemy classes.
-I will not always be able to post everyday, but I will try to at least post once if not more when able
-If you don't post within so much time I may or may not either post for you, or replace you.
-This a home-brewed campaign with home-brewed items in it as well
-Rp to your hearts content
-GM has final say
*Please be mindful that rules are subject to change under certain circumstances*
Also please put the following in your Classes/Levels section of your alias and adjust for your stats and class. For Ex.
The sun rays filter down from the heavens, as the clouds streak across the sky. A breeze billows softly and across the fields plant life bend gently to its will. The sound of wildlife sing throughout forests and such, giving an overall peaceful outlook to the world. Each of you traveling together having gained each others' friendship along your journey. Due north towards what you believe to be a new beginning for each of you. Along your recent travels however, you have heard rumors... Rumors that bring back the legends of old, and makes to question if they actually had happened. Sitting down or resting in some form for a few moments before proceeding you look about the scenery before you... If true, the rumors you had heard would possibly bring destruction to this place and many other beauties of the world as well. The world has changed a lot in the last thousand years, many of the earth's scare have since become areas of beauty while others barren. In the recent town two days back, rumors had been about the great statues referred to as the "Rift Guardians", to have begun falling. Old lore addicts praise them as true protectors claiming that the fall of them meant for many evils to be closer to becoming unleashed upon the world once more.
Historia:
Historia
The world as you know it, has seen peace for roughly a thousand years since the first great war of "Four Flames". Though the world had suffered wars prior, it was the great wars that forever left it's scars on the world. It was in these wars that heroes were born and remembered throughout history... at least, most of them...
It was in the world's first great war that the evil being 'Beatrice' enacted her treachery upon the world, attempting to bring it into damnation by the very souls whom guarded it. These were known as the monks of the four fires. Brave souls born into the world as prodigies specifically to fight and cleanse the world of it's evils. In some ways they were the martyrs for which the world was able to rest easy in peace for centuries... The world has since been protected from other planes via the rift guardians. Placed by what most believe to be 'the gods', they are one of a kind constructs whom demand respect. Made of various rare metals and stones they have stood watch for these last thousand years. Though they seem as ordinary statues resembling great virtues or honorable warriors, the legends have since been looked at as folk tales by the lesser believers as the years passed. Forever dormant to those of this day in age, they still stand strong throughout the world.
The Large sized wolf creature approaches Akari, he stands still, not wanting to provoke the wolf with any sudden movements. With each soft pat it's paws made on the ground beneath it small tufts of dust would knock up respectively. Fog was sticking mostly along the treeline to either side of the road. The wolf moves from the south and with each step Akari notices a barely audible shink! sound emanating from the wolf's shoulders. Upon the beast's back are two humanoids.
The battle having just ended, leaves Akari, sword drawn and still as can be beside a large wolf, a man is kneeling and applying medical assistance to his comrade beyond that, both James and Ari are up on the wolf which is at least the size of a horse. It's sapphire eyes easily catch the attention of any whom gaze upon them as they are reflective in the moonlight. The wolf breathes rhythmically with each of your own.
The man begins bandaging the wounds of his comrade, "Lysanthir! rest now, you need to stay conscious!" His voice sounds encouraging as well as disappointment to which you could assume was directed toward himself. A soft glow emanates from his hand as he places it upon the woman he keeps referring to as Lysanthir's wound located on her side. She smiles bleakly and "that was my mistake,... " her voice trails off as she lets out a soft moan clasping her hand to her side once more.
James, Ari, if you wouldn't mind describing yourselves, the scene has been set, let the Role Play commence!
Tassarion comes to having remembered the weird dream-like visions he had just received. Up to you how to interpret them The stillness and lack-there-of light in this space reminds you of the place you hatched in as there is a solemn emptiness to it. The stone floor is cool to the touch as you come to and many thoughts rush your head as you glance about unknowingly to the new location. Realizing, as you lift your head, that you are both in your dragon form now and much bigger than before, you notice there is a pattern carved into the ground. Sitting up you begin to see more of it and apparently you are centered on this symbol. A design involving and eye in the center with a crescent design where the break faced upward, various spike attachments protrude forth from it's inner portion, (the eye), but nonetheless it is unknown to you what this means. Reminded of the loniness you once felt on being born your vision flashes to another place...
You feel a warmth inside of yourself, it is sudden and fills your mind with satisfaction as you become aware of having another of your kind. For a moment you can sense one of your sisters. It is almost as if you are seeing through her eyes as she scans the area when you notice green scales. A few moments of this pass and you finally have a lead of sorts regarding the others. Your empathy senses her slight hunger and anxiousness, the hurried heartbeat of panic and sadness wash over her like a tidal wave until eventually fear fills her heart. Your vision goes blank.
The symbol from end to end is easily three times your length head to tail and the walls are thirty feet beyond that. On the wall above the tip of the carved design you see more etchings. Circles carved, great in size though they vary, overlapping one another and only breaking to minor circles (about three feet in diameter). There are no doors or Windows here, and the ceiling proves only that this room is eventually domed at the top.
Your holy sword slashes through the unknown entity and it's screams utterly horrifying scream as the horse rears back in pain. Dark energies coalesced around it momentarily as the being dissipates to nothing more. A short-lived silence befall the immediate vicinity of the forest before a sourceless voice, seemingly unfazed, returns once more.
"A petty trick that shall not work twice! Holy man!"
And with that the squeal of a horse echoes through the woods and that is nearby but you must also Venture farther inward. Doing so will lead you to an opening where the moon shines through the foliage. The site in front of you is that of a humanoid skeleton staked to a large maple. Beyond that the moon lights up a road that is noticeable beyond a patch of trees not 20 feet away from this skeleton. There on the road in all its glory is The Horseman.
Gabriel, the man places his hand over your heart. Black tendrils of shadowy aura secrete from its pores and in that instant you are able.to combat it with your inner light. He shrieks in pain withdrawing his hand immediately. Raafe and Gabriel both see the outline barely visible of a man through the vegetation from where the horseman emerged.
"...GAH!..." he screeches, as the sound of his recoiling soul fills your ears. "...your will is not your own... soon you will die, as I did!..."
The arrow appears to find purchase in the horseman's left shoulder but pierces straight through. The man makes no indication of being phased by the damage from the bolt. Instead the man laughs as his steed hooves the ground before him and begins a charge! There is a thud sound beyond its flank where you can assume Raafe's bolt landed.
"your time is nye"
Raafe:
You'be read about these monstrosities, thus identify this as being a haunt of sorts. The ones mentioned in the tomes youd read spoke of the amplified aura of their natural malice being much more powerful than that of which is before you. You also know it will continue returning until it'seems trigger is found to set it free.
Touch Attack:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Gabriel make a will save. Raafe, Lysanthir and Gabriel make a perception check.
You find that the difference in size and height is rather intimidating from this point of view. Once on his shoulders he stands to his full height which to his back was now roughly six feet tall, (give or take a few inches). From your height in this form you hadn't ever experienced this sensation before now. The wolf, whom you knew was strong before now, appears even more so once he lifts you on his back with ease. Your legs are able to rest below his wings and with every movement you're able to recognize just how muscular it truly is beneath it's fur.
The dire wolf lifts it's head and sniffs the air briefly before taking into an all out run. The coolness of the oncoming night air combats the body heat from your new seeming ally. The forest becomes a blur of colors, scents and sounds as you travel an unimaginable distance over a short period of time. The elevation increases and you're able to notice the wolf is climbing a hill that varies between boulders, streams and solid earth. Upon reaching another opening the wolf stops and you're able to fully take in your surroundings. The trees appear similar from where you'd met the elfirst from before. The sun has set now and you see stars grow in numbers across the darkening landscape above. The moon would soon riseat your backs to the south giving light to the landscape ahead. A mountains' view out into a valley of ancient trees untouched by man to your knowledge.
You feel a warmth to the evening air as it blows past you, the companion whom had both protected and trained you disappeared from existence as if he was of your imagination. The door to the "cabin" was all but a memory as well, still, you travel sound to the forest once more. The shadows of the forest reached out into the valley roughly one hundred feet as the sun set over the southern horizon. Inside the forest you make your way back to where you knew the wolf was last, passing pines, maples and various other trees each have their own shape and scent until you are there in the clearing once more. The wolf yawns and stretches digging it'seems massive claws into the earth beneath each of it'so paws. Still it standseems there looking at you with a feint breeze at its back. Strands of its mane flow on this breeze almost artistically as you take in its vast size once more before continuing. At your approach it lowers itself as if to let you board it's back. Inside the forest it is dark though the light reflects off of the direwolf's eyes as they train on you.
"Lle ume quel..." he says with a smirk waiting for a moment then adding in, "Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle" as he says this he places his hand on your shoulder giving you the sense of pride in this minor acknowledgment. Though what he'd said was unknown to you you can assume it was positive in meaning.
Dm shenanigans:1d20 ⇒ 17
He then walks past you towards the door, "Tassarion?" grabbing your attention suddenly by saying your name, he then finishes, "do your best to survive"
"that is up to you, training is something we do our entire lives so long as we wish to improve. All aspects of life are like this, as such I was once impatient as well,... once upon a time."
He hoists his backpack over his shoulder as he had done every day now for a time. "I am here to guide you, as you and the council, have requested. The option is up to you but I can assure you," he pauses while closing the distance between the two of you in an instant. "I can find you if I need to." he exclaims with a sudden cockiness apparent on his face.
Returning to his full height once more, "what will it be Tassarion? Am I to continue with you as you discover the wolf'so secret?"
"If that is what you wish young Tassarian. You promised this wolf to do what you could for it's master, I can only assume that is why it follows you" Tonaka takes a deep breath and smiles, "elves are unique beings whom inherit vast knowledge and magics, much can be learned from one if you were to gain their favor"
Placing his cup on the table he stands, reaching his full height. His eyes never leave you as he makes his way across the room to grab his bag. "the tricky part is, your pursuers do not all fear death, it is simply an inconvenience for them... My advice is to grow,... experience and earn the knowledge you seek. Only battle can do such a thing, this is what sets us apart so vastly." During his exchange, he began placing his gear back in his backpack.
Tanaka turns his back ever so slightly to you while he seemingly continues packing his backpack, "you fear the unknown, do you wish for me to come with you on this endeavor? Or dare you go alone and test your own mettle?"
Though faced with battle, you're taken aback as the moon becomes blocked for only but a moment and in that moment... You are very afraid of this specter of sorts.
...A voice taunts you from someplace...
"Yes... soon I will feast"
...then silence...
You're paralyzed for one round
You watch briefly as your current enemy sits atop his horse in-front of you, yet your ally, Akari, becomes paralyzed.
Cedric nods in agreement rallying up those he could spare to begin filing into the church as you leave.
You travel in the direction of the forests to the south the fresh hoove-prints dug into the soft soils of the fields. Like weighted smoke the fog drifts as your movement stir it from its rest. The heft of anxiety as you wonder into the unknown keep you on edge, an occasional feint breeze would ever so slightly stir the air about you but all is silent. After half an hour passes you reach the woodline.
Please make Will saves
The treetops sway this way and that like ocean waves on their own rhythm. From the sound of creaking trunks, clattering of nearby branches and leaves to the occasional crunch of your footfalls on the frosted ground, you step into the forest where a voice alone greets you.
"You've made it! Good... I hunger!" the disembodied voice has a guttural tone, almost taunting at times. You're being watched, thus you can acknowledge for certain. Through the trees the fog is more dispersed, gradually lowering ultimately only coming up only past you calves over a short distance. First ten, then thirty,... fifty feet you trudge on into the thicket before a crisp chill coats the air. The trees before you part opening up into a clearing. Recently cut trees lay about covered mostly by fog, their stumps also protruding through the blanket of fog. Two eyes glare at you through the darkness across the way, firey and demonic in nature.
'clack clack, clack clack'...
The sound of the horses hooves stepping forward fall in sync with the eyes as they enter the clearing as well. Charred and corroded flesh cover the horses body. It's mane is greasy and matted matching it's tail. Recently dried blood stains surround wounds in it's sides. As it stands there your eyes trace upward now,because resting on its back is it'still rider. Wearing black leather boots, tattered and tarnished leather armor which slightly peeked out from beneath his overcoat, black felt gloves covering his hands, an ascot tied about his neck and a top hat resting gently on his head he smirks in your general direction. The clouds above part slowly revealing the man's details in full, more bloodstains, gashes and rot little his person. Through his left cheek a hole reveals his teeth from inside his mouth, his brow furrows at you all with asome piercing a gaze could be with the sunken in eye sockets he possessed.
"prepare yourselves!" he projects hostily as his horse rears back and he draws his sword.
The trail leads back into the seemingly endless fog. Above the woolen blanket you can see bright dots among the dark abyss. The silence, though unnerving, continues as you and your fellows are watched wearily. The unidentified man''s voice echos still fresh in your memories, time clearly is not on your side.
Cedric walks up to the group, "it's not much,... but..."tears well up in his eyes backed by an all too familiar fury. "...I want that bast are dead! If you can do this I'll give you whatever I can spare as compensation" It is obvious he is desperate and seeks vengeance for all that had transpired, his voice does not waver as it had before. A semi charred satchel hanging from his side is retched inside from which you hear the clinking of glass. "I've only four left as they are expensive and used in dire situations here... I recognize we may be dead with or without them by dawn if the enemy isn't defeated." extending his hand he hands one to each of you, "will you help us?"
Cedric turns to Akari as it snaps him out of his trance. He takes a moment to regather his thoughts then clears his throat and begins, "Akari..." he takes a deep breathe before continuing. "... as you all left there were a,... a few moments of silence. The sound of broken glass and smell of fire arose immediately after. Our attention moved to the doorway of my tavern... a man stood there as the flames cast light from behind him. He wore a trench coat, and said a few words we didn't understand at first. A shadowy horse creature came into existence and he rode past us." Cedric stumbles through his words, some more expressive than others as he relives his tale. "his face, his,... head, was... a pumpkin... or appeared to be." the townsfolk about stand completely still as the tale is told. "it was just a silhouette at first... but then a face became apparent like lighting a jack-o-lantern in the night... that's when I knew "
"... everyone was outside when it happened..."
Raafe:
The immediate area has markings here and there however most of which have been trampled over due to putting out the fire. With a bit of searching beyond the immediate area and from your knowledge you can assume fairly accurately that the horseman exited town into the mist the same way you came.
With a little effort to find the metallic item under the heaps of pumpkin, (both insides and outs), and a little tug you're able to free the objectime, thus, unearthing it. It rests in your palm three inches in diameter, stainless and with various patterns etched about it. On its front, convex in contour with a like-wise emerald green symbol of what appeared to be a flame. Two deep inlaid lines circle it's center width from the side and it is seemingly well crafted, most likely a pendant of some custom make.
Heading back to town the anxiety and anticipation grows as the fog attempts to swallow you all into its masses once more. Otherwise it takes a few extra minutes of travel time. Reaching closers proximity especially the panic gets louder but also the sound, smell and heat of fire. Just outside the gates the fog the waves of heat from the fires kept the fog at bay. Vision cleared and the sight of the Cedric'so tavern was engulfed in relentless flames. Hurrying you still watch as they lick up the sides of the architecture while billowing black clouds erupt from a caved in hole in the roof. Twenty to thirty townsfolk throw bucket after bucket on the building to no avail.
Sweat and tears stain the faces of many whom are witnessing the building burn in horror. Some are left sobbing as they watch from a safer distance. The earth begins to shake as it had days prior and with that the buildingsame remaining structure crumbles to the ground. Char marks scar the buildings to either sides but otherwise are being kept doused effectively and over the next hour, (if you all watch or help) the fire will eventually be drowned out. The heat from the hot embers would be all that remained afterward, though the townspeople remain shaken and stay their distance. Cedric silently stares at his life's work. The embers remaining give off a glow enough to make out the faces of those standing about heaving for air in exhaustion. Black smears from whence they attempted to wipe sweat from their brows litter their faces but all remain silent for a time.
Raafe swings his sword once more and misses as the creature ducks and cackles at his dire attempts. It's malicious smirk almost as threatening as it's tail whipping to and fro.
Her bomb hits just as it's mouth, (from what you could tell), opens and lands just inside. A small explosion occurs causing more of the innards to spew fourth from it's apparent mouth.
The first small newly summoned creature sidesteps and attacks back at Raafe in a way that puts Raafe in between it and the bigger monstrosity.
Attack:1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 8 + 2 = 22Make a Fort save
Akari swings his sword high and slashes through the beast's roots which supported it's weight dropping it's head to the ground with a resounding thud as the pumpkin-like head cracks under the pressure of itself landing upon the ground at your feet. With it, the other two creatures begin morphing, reverting back to their original forms. Two more, yet softer, "thuds" resonate from the ground as they each fall down, once again pumpkins. The ground beneath your feet is covered with pumpkin innards, shells, and vines.
A loud, hideous laugh echos loud across the still fog ridden landscape.
..."hahahah!
You all will see,
the end is nigh,
your lives all forfeit,
when the moon rests high"...
There is a sudden frosty chill in the air and a shadow whizzes by fourty feet out. The sound of hooves resonates from the shadow and as such, there is sound once more. Like a haunting echo of voices in peril, screaming from the village now. From all sides you hear the voice in a much more grounding bass-tone,
All but Raafe manage to hit their mark inflicting considerate damage to the monstrosity. More gashes in it's torso of vines and pumpkin flesh spew out its innards. Holes and char marks increase from the bombs. It turns however, to launch it's counter attack.
A gurgling sound erupts from within it's body followed by the continual strain of intertwining vines tightening. Two more sets of eyes flare up then rise from the ground to either side of the party. Fiendish wings and a whipping scorpion-like tail lash behind these creatures.
Initiative:1d20 ⇒ 16
Initiative:1d20 ⇒ 1
INITIATIVES
Raafe
Lysanthir
New mini monster 1
Akari
Gabriel
Monster boss
New mini monster 2
DC Planes 12:
These two new creatures appear to be Imps at a glance. Something is off about them though you know them to be cunning, poisonous and have innate magical abilities.
Raafe's bolt soars and hits true sinking into the beast but doesn't appear to have quite the effect he'did hoped for or intended. Lysanthir'so bomb just misses it landing just behind it to its left and exploding.
??? Monster's Reflex save:1d20 ⇒ 2
It is unable to move quickly enough and takes some of the explosion damage. Some of its roots begin to weave over thone charred by the explosion.
Akari makes a mighty swing seemingly missing for a moment before a seam where he'd cut becomes visible. The creature rears in pain as this appears to have had a better effect upon it. Now pumpkin gutts ooze from what looked like it's mouth and it counters with its own attacks.
Making it's slam attacks it then takes a five foot step back as more of its vines begin spreading to its wounds, seemingly armoring and/or reinforcing itself.
Quick on your feet, you all instinctually react in time to this monsters' sudden appearance. The feeling of eyes watching still lingers in your subconscious. Walls of fog still block you from sight of the village. Within this clearing sound appears to be trapped in, an odd feeling of being cut off from the rest of the world begins to build.
Thanks! Yeah, this is a mini campaign I wrote a couple years ago and implemented into this campaign for funnsies! I do apologize though as the paizo once again never told me any of you had posted so I wrote this in a hurry on my work break. :p Also! This creature is not a pre-made one so do enjoy all! ;)
DC15 Arcana/nature:
Knowledge of constructs/Venus fly traps come to mind when you think of how this was created, (though something is definitely different about this beast). It appears sentient and aware of itself as well as its surroundings. It is definitely magical but also has a natural primitive state. Without further and closer... much closer... investigation it is hard to discern if it was created or simply just a rare occurance to even exist.
Nothing appears to be in this clearing other than yourselves for the time. Akari makes his way toward the scarecrow kicking it over with ease. A lighter wooden frame holds the stuffed clothing together, consisting of tattered hand-me-downs assumably. As it is kicked aside an unsettling emotion washes over you.
Akari:
Because you are up close you see that there is a glint of metal beneath where the scarecrow was laying.
A flicker of a small flame appears before you just outside of the clearing. Another, then another as it becomes an army of endless flames. Each of your eyes adjust realizing now that the flames peer through the gaps of the broken punkin. Eerie, haunt, lit faces surround you and you hear and feel slithering at your feet. Looking down you see the vines are coming to life like hundreds of snakes.
...a rumble stirs the ground...
You watch now as this being rises from the once thought to be pile of pumpkins, huge in size. What might have been put off as broken and defected before is now make up this creature's face and body. Vines wrap firmly around one another, some with leaves, building it's arms and legs but also weaving through the pumpkins as well. At the end of its apparent arms are three claw-like tendrils and from it's feet the vines spread about in all directions outwards from its body an additional ten feet now.due to everything having readied actions I'm gonna say roll to see who goes first
Making you way closer, inch by inch, foot by foot, details begin unveiling themselves to you. As you'd walked into town initially you seen fields of crops being harvested, now, you see the aftermath and though not everything was finished, you can appreciate the time and energy that went into such a harvest. On a few occasions you catch yourselves on the vegetation which consists of vines, melons or pumpkin. All of which are perfectly ripe though some remain unpacked and others cracked as they appear to have been dropped and/or tripped over. In like you see vague shapes you recognize to be scarecrows hanging about every so often, their details blurred and unfocused from the fog which in itself, becoming thicker the farther you extend. Gabriel's light certainly helps both in preventing misplaced footing on the uneven ground and sight outward now to 20 feet upon reaching the apparent site. Beyond this range, regardless of light, sight is blocked by thick sheets of pearly haze.
Raaf:
You spot many different foot trails leading about on the well worn paths but none stand out to you. On the softer soil here and there you pick up signs of movement where wheelbarrow were wheeled, footsteps reside and plants were dragged for both picking and removing. No direct location appears discernable to you at this time.
You enter what is the equivalent of a clearing for the smaller vegetation residing here. Unwanted plants thrown aside in small piles as if they were clearing the crop soil as they harvested. Centered in the "clearing" a scarecrow lays face-down in the soil, seemingly fallen from his post a few feet away.
You feel you are being watched and are unable to pinpoint from where. Other than sound you each make, nothing breaks the silence.
you traveled close to 80 feet to get to the "clearing" you now are at.
The travel towardschedule the front entrance to the town where you'd all entered in quiet and greeted only by oncoming fog. Details are hard to make out beyond 100 feet outward from the town. Stepping out past the large wooden posts that make and mark the entrance to both sides and impaled, are the guards. Blood still falls freely from their mouths as well as the wounds of implement. A look of fear is forever frozen on their faces.
No traces of a struggle prove they were attacked by surprise.
Gabriel's sword lights the immediate area up per usual
Perception DC16:
You hear movement ahead out into the fog. The sound of moving through vegetation and in that moment see a shadow of what appears to be a humanoid fall out of sight before silence once more. The breezes have since stopped and the moon lit up the fog with an eerie infinity of void beyond your sights.
Yes sir! Yeah, I've been having problems with this site for a minute now. It's odd how sometimes it shows and others it doesn't but hey, we'recommend all still here!
Those few townsfolk whom were there before watch as the body is taken down and nod at Akari. None seem the wiser of what could have brought on such grim luck to their friend yet otherwise, only a few minutes more would come to pass before new faces began making their way towards you. The screams from before appear to have wakened a few from their slumbers or at least peaked their curiosity.
The man Gabriel speaks to looks curiously at him as tears run down his face, "I do not recognize you, we have never needed such things as a mayor..." his eyes graze over the covered corpse before immediately pulling away and turning his gaze from the man.
Cedric steps up now, "understand, we have never had anything like this happen, and with you all acting calm it does put doubt in their minds. While I know you were in the tavern, suspicion will likely fall as your comrade Akari here, says. I understand that you're trying to help, but not everyone will see it that way in the panic" he diverts his eyes from looking at the body but his voice wavers as it is obvious of the struggle to keep calm."...besides, if our guards aren't here..." his stare goes past Gabriel now looking in the direction of the front gate. If it were any indication in this poor lighting his face went pale and his breathing had a panic to it, though of the others he remained, somehow, where he was.
