"This is a mighty force. Focus your attacks on the leader." Swift Wind pauses a moment to look over the remainder of the Spriggans. "I'll try to hold them off long enough for the rest of you to complete your job. If we destroy the leader we might be able to get the rest of run away. Or, we could just run ourselves at that point."
With this statement Swift Wind readies his sword and shield, waiting for the onslaught of creatures to come.
"A rope would be too dangerous if there was some beast down in the depths. If you think you can swim, go ahead and join me. I know those eyes of yours can see more than mine in the dark."
Swift Wind looks back to see if anyone is following him while he places his backpack on the ground. He sheathes his weapon and whistles to the Eagle. He looks at the Eagle for a moment, setting the bird down on top of his bag.
"I'm going down to investigate the mist. The pool is deep, so I understand if you don't wish to follow."
Ordering Eagle to guard my bag. Do I need to take off my klar to swim? It doesn't have an armor check penalty, so I just wanted to make sure.
After the combat Swift Wind takes out his wand and patches Drezi up, curling his face slightly when he sees the spell cast by Drezi on himself. "Take this Drezi, you should stay closer to the group, we may not know if you'll get stolen by some silent beast."
Instead of 2 more charges from Drezi's wand, Swift will use 4 charges from his wand.
After the healing is finished, Swift Wind looks at the party and says, "It's time to see what is causing this mist." He gives a moment for everyone else to prepare themselves, and then heads towards where the mist is emanating.
Swift Wind deftly moves foward, ignoring the rocks and water at his feet, trying to press himself between the water beast and Drezi, striking when he can with his shield. Meanwhile Eagle continues clawing and biting continually, trying to prove its worth to Swift Wind.
Eagle Attacks:
+2 inspire courage, +1 haste, +1 high ground, +4 prone, I reduced damage for 5 DR
With the water not stirring any longer in front of him, Swift Wind immediately turns around and runs through the trees, jumping down the embankment towards Drezi, tripping over the edge as he jumps. After this he dusts himself off and stands up.
Acrobatics check to jump down (I'm so going to fail): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Swift Wind whistles to Eagle, pulls out his weapon, readying for an enemy to surface.
I'm not sure if something can charge through mist, but if it can, I tell Eagle to dive against something next to me, expecting something to surface. If I know that Eagle won't be able to charge, then I simply tell it to hover above me, delaying to attack whatever comes out. Swift Wind readies an attack.
Swift Wind nods at Asharii. "We should go and see if we can surprise our enemy. He thinks he has the advantage." Swift Wind motions to Eagle, and it begins flying above him as the Shoanti begins walking up the steps. Crouching low he keeps his eyes towards the water looking for enemies to come out.
Stealth: 10+12=22 Eagle's Stealth: 10+9=19 Perception: 10+15=25* (+4 vs. human, +2 vs. magical beast)
When they reach the bottom of the waterfall, Swift Wind lifts out his left arm and whistles softly at the Eagle. Moments later the bird leaps off of its perch and flies high into the air, flying initially away from the waterfall, and then towards it.
"Eagle will tell us whether there are creatures that lie in wait for us up above." He pauses a moment and then looks at the other side of the waterfall, rife with the treeline above. "The path could be an ambush... that is true. If it were only Valorian and I, the path would be the worst route possible. However, I don't believe the forest is the best place for all of you. You will be slow within the trees, losing sight of your target, and it gives no easy way of escape. Even worse, if the gnome is here he can cause the trees to rise up and fight against us. I have a bond with nature, but his domination over it is stronger."
Swift pauses, ever so briefly before continuing, "No, the path made of rock and dirt is the best for all of us." At this Swift Wind, hunches down, picking up dirt from the ground, spreading it over his armor while speaking words of the forest. He then pulls out a sprig of holly making an odd swirl across one of the runes on his body. The rune grows somewhat and then the growth spreads to the rest of the tattoos on his body.
The shoanti stands up after this, readying his klar and katana, looking up and waiting for his companion to report back.
Rolls and spells:
Seek command used on the Eagle, pointing at the waterfall area above and ahead. Eagle will report back if it sees any creatures in the area. Eagle's perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10 Casting longstrider, feather step, and barkskin. Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4
After healing Shanks, Swift Wind moves close to the area where the druid is casting his spell. He calls over Eagle, and the bird flies to his outstretched arm. Swift Wind then patiently waits for the Druid to finish his rituals.
Swift Wind checks on Eagle after the fight to make sure that her biting and clawing has not hurt the creature. Seeing Valorian do the same, and also working on healing his companion, Swift Wind nods gently at the ranger.
"Valorian, I understand. Let me take a look at him." Swift Wind kneels down at the wolf and checks his wounds as well, seeing if there is any damage that his level of magic could not heal. He then adeptly flicks his wrist as a wand appears in his hand and starts casting spells on the injured wolf, while trying to calm it.
Heal Check on Eagle: 10+6=16
Heal Check on Shanks: 10+6=16 Sense Motive: 10+17=27 Handle Animal on Shanks to calm him: 10+7=17 5 healing per wand use. Let me know how many charges to take off.
Also angered by his inability to hit, Swift Wind whistles to Eagle to distract the monster. Stepping into a flank with Eagle or Shanks, he then recklessly attacks the will-o-wisp, hoping to bring it down.
I'm assuming as, this is a readied attack I can only get one attack. The eagle is technically "delaying" as it cannot ready a charge attack. It will charge when able.
"That was a will-o-wisp. I've only seen one once before, but this one seems different. It's invisible and must have some ability to posses or control the weak-willed, especially when they are helpless. Let's bring this druid back up and perhaps he'll help us." While speaking, Swift Wind quickly lets go of Devarre, flicks his wrist, and touches the druid with the magical wand that appeared in his hand. After this he picks up his katana from the ground and whistles to Eagle.
CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
Eagle
Eagle flies back up into the sky, keeping watch for the will-o-wisp to appear again.
After seeing Shanks move around and find a smell near the pit, Swift Wind whispers, "Perhaps I wasn't too far from the truth earlier..."
With this he takes out his klar and readies it. At this he nods at his companions and then slowly moves towards the pit, pulling out his katana as he moves.
Stealth check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30 Perception check for the pit: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29* Add 2 vs. magical beast or human
"Spells and magic and nature. I'm amazed it surprises you all so much. Give me a moment of preparation however. I don't expect anything, but the past few days have been interesting... to say the least."
Swift Wind then squats, picks up a bit of dirt and smears it on his legs, all the while speaking an incantation.
"If everyone else is ready? Let us meet this hermit and hope he isn't drunk, not well in the head, or some other thing that I can't imagine right now."
Swift Wind looks around at his companions and shrugs broadly. "Sounds good enough to me." He turns and starts following the tree, keeping a watch out for any other dangers.
Swift Wind thinks for a moment and then looks at Asharii whispering, "It's just a small fey that talks alot and plays music. I bet Vin doesn't like them too much. They probably sit in his branches playing music keeping him awake."
Swift Wind thinks for a moment and then looks at Asharii and shrugs quite obviously. Whispering back at Asharii, "I have no clue what a grig is. Maybe something of this realm?"
Is there a knowledge check I can make for that...?
Seeing the tree fall to the ground, Swift Wind leaps forward to the tree, pulls out a scroll, and casts a spell on the Treant.
cure light wounds1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Swift Wind hisses at Asharii, "Didn't I ask that you not attack it? He's not well in his mind, there's no reason to kill it. We need to water it to cure it's poison. Can anyone make water out of thin air?" While speaking, Swift Wind is checking the tree to see if it is still alive.
Heal: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14 Survival to see if there is water nearby: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
"Everyone! I think the tree is poisoned off the apple juice on his belt. Perhaps if we can cast some kind of spell to get rid of the poison or water him, it might make him better. He obviously is an ally of the Unicorn and Dryad we met earlier. Valorian! Please stop!"
"I suggest that the casters of the group prepare something for that in the future. I don't like the idea of our actions being watched constantly," Swift Wind says as he begins gathering the remainder of his items. "Let's be on our way. We have a long walk ahead of us today."
A few minutes pass. "Whatever it is, it is still here. I've... not spent enough time with the books to understand what this could be. Asharri, Oggie, Drezi, or Jokhas, do any of you have a better idea of what this could be?"
Effectively asking for Knowledge (arcana) / Spellcraft help.
Sorry guys! I've been exceedingly busy with work and planning a Convention this next weekend.
Perception Check: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25
"Valorian, that is all good advice. I agree with it. Myself and my companion will take the second watches in the mid of the night from now on."
In the morning Swift Wind readies himself by readying his shield and placing his bags on his back. "Asharii, that is a good idea. Being too prepared is never an i... What is that?! Something is watching us right now, ready yourselves for an attack!"
Is this a scrying sensor or an invisible creature? 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 If I cannot identify it I will describe what I am seeing/feeling to the remainder of the party, given we have the time to do that.
Swift Wind watches this interaction unsure of what to do with his companions. After a moment of thought he simply calls Eagle to him, sheathes his weapons, and stands next to Oggie.
Swift Wind calls out to the others, notifying everyone else of the location of the Spriggan. "You won't get away to warn your friends, abomination," Swift Wind yells as he charges the creature.
Swift Wind, seeing the Spriggan running away, whistles at Eagle and quickly begins to run towards the direction the plant moved. However, near the edge of the mist, just barely at the time that Valorian calls out Swift Wind stops. "Valorian, he may be telling his friends where we are and what we are doing. You and I can go through here unnoticed but our companions cannot! This could be also be a setup for a trap in the future. We might even be able to get information from this thing."
The Eagle, not being told to stop, flies quickly past the ranger into the mist.
Command Eagle to Seek, pointing in the direction the plant went.
The Eagle swoops down into a screeching attack on more plant creatures. After tasting it's flesh of the last time, it relishes being able to eat more plant-thing.
Options: If the Spriggan below it is alive or if it can see a Spriggran, it will Swooping charge. If not it simply moves forward until it can see another target.
Since everyone's posted... and presumably the enemies won't act in the surprise round, I'm going to post my actions for Round 1.
Swift Wind twirls his katana in a flourish anticipating an easy kill. Knowing exactly what he faces, he doesn't hesitate to kill with deadly force, listening to his companions cheers, spurring him on.
Full attack on Spriggan #3 if alive, if not move up to Spriggan #4 and attack.
Swift Wind, upon seeing the Spriggans dancing around the bonfire, quickly swaps his katana to his off-hand and begins a short incantation, touching the Shanks on his front legs. Shanks's hair seems to grow thicker almost instantaneously, as if the dire wolf had gained some form of hair carapace.
Swapping the katana back to his main hand, Swift Wind looks into the eyes of the Spriggan in front of him with a grin on his face, stepping up with a short whistle. Expecting to finish his foe quickly.
Swift casts barkskin on Shanks, it is only at +2 enhancement to natural armor (stacks with Shanks's normal natural armor, however not an amulet of natural armor if he has one). Swift 5-ft. steps up to J12, and commands Eagle to dive bomb the closest target it can see.
Knowledge (arcana) for the unicorn: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4 (includes favored enemy bonus)
"Yes, I think I do. I've heard they have a connection to the First World, and that might be how we get there. Perhaps that's even where the gnome went? Let us go down this gully and I'll search for the trees."
Not sure if it's Perception or Survival, so I'll roll both. Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (10) + 15 = 25 Survival: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (14) + 15 = 29
"Valorian, please wait and let this dryad speak. From the looks of it she is going to die regardless. She's one of the kind fey. They may trick people but they wouldn't harm people without cause. We know there is more going on here than seems, perhaps she knows more?"
"Jokhas, you may administer your blessing again. I accept your blessing, although not your gods at this time, so long as this will aid us in our endeavors."
Noticing that we are a group of humans (and a devilish person), Swift will take the second or third watch, whichever is in the dead of the night. He assumes that this would be the best time for an ambush and the best time for his perception skills.
"Priest, I shall take your blessing. Do know that I believe in this Razmir just as much as I believe and trust the other gods. They are there and meddle in their own ways in the world. Some through humans, and some through the wind, weather, and sky. It is futile to hate one or another, just as it is as if you hated air. I believe in my ancestors, their words, their power, and their protection. If your god helps us in this endeavor, then all the better."
Spellcraft to see what is being cast, just in case Swift Wind decides to resist the blessing. 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Speaking to Valorian, "Valorian, this fog seems thick. I don't see a need to sneak about as we leave, we'll simply be slowing our trek through the woods. At worst we're found and we fight them, but at least we'll be that much closer to the gnome."
"Everything seems to indicate that west is our way. If not for the mist, I would scout ahead, but I think it would be better we stay together. I will keep to the front, along with Shanks. His nose is quite keen. Swifty, perhaps your eagle could watch our rear. I recommend we travel cautiously and try to remain as quiet as possible. The mist can be to our benefit as well."
Swift cocks his head slightly at the term "Swifty," but doesn't seem to outwardly protest. Non-shoanti come up with interesting shortenings of my name. I wonder if this is the same with other Shoanti that have ventured outside. Maybe I should call Valorian "Vallie" sometime, and see how he responds...
"Eagle would gladly watch our rear. If needed he is also an able scout ahead, he has been trained to keep watch ahead of us... That being said, I should be up front with you. I am my most useful when tracking and being up front with katana and klar."
Swift Wind will stay up front with Shanks / Valorian. Eagle is set to guard the backmost person, attempting to stay within visual range of everyone, but probably above and back a little.
Swift Wind partially listens to the speeches of Oggie and Jokhas. Partway through, Valorian begins speaking to Swift Wind.
Valorian wrote:
Turning to Swift Wind, "Come, my friend. Between your eagle's eyes and Shank's nose, we shall track these despicable creatures to the holes in which they hide and eradicate them like diseased sewer rats."
"It seems these villagers are entranced, whether by Fey, religion, or powerful speeches. At least the speech has some good words in it. Come Drezi and Asharii, let's go find this bird, Tenzekil, and put it to rest.
Swift Wind whistles to bird again, commanding it to fly to his outstretched left arm. With both Eagle and klar on his hands Swift Wind turns around and being tracking with Valorian.
I don't know if possible, but Eagle will aid my perception / survival checks.
Rolls:
Spoiler:
Swift Wind:
Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (19) + 15 = 34 +2 vs. Fey, +4 vs. Human
Survival: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (13) + 15 = 28 +2 vs. Fey, +4 vs. Human, +3 to track
Eagle:
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (19) + 9 = 28 +2 vs. Fey, +4 vs. Human
