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Kaelynne:
Adar:
The night passes largely uneventfully; the occasional rustle in the trees or the howl of wolves, but nothing of any size comes near the large encampment.
In the morning, many people report sleeping poorly, but the general mood is still one of urgency to put more distance behind them.
The primary skills for the early days are Nature, Perception, and Diplomacy. Please, once each, tell me what you're doing to help things along, and roll against a skill. A good justification could get a bonus. A skill other than those three can be used once/challenge with a decent justification, at a higher DC.
"If it worked once it should work again...lets just keep doing what we have been."
Diplomacy and Knowledge (Nature) (1d20+8=27, 1d20+5=14)
Varlis spends the morning organising the children into teams for a series of nature trails. He manages to cajole several groups away from their parents in the hope of giving them more chance to rest.
The rest of the morning and some of the afternoon, he and a few other willing parents chase the kids through the trees near the main band.
Teven plans to scout head much like the previous day. He will move out an hour ahead of the refugees If he finds anything interesting or threatening he will return to caravan and report it.
Khronos agrees to run things pretty much as yesterday. Khronos encourages a couple of the outriders to set a perimeter around the area where the kids are playing so they don't wander off. He smiles at the sound of childrens laughter but his mind is constantly checking the speed at which the group is travelling. If the groups start getting slowed becasue of the game he'll ask Varlis to bring them back in.
Once again the half elf works is way around the caravan trying to inspire his fellow travellers and checking for despondancy or dissent.
At some point during the day he will introduce Elizah Jensen to Kaelynne and suggest that the two discuss care arrangements for the children. Given the burden that Kaelynne has in being a nominated leader and also being a single mother, he's hoping the two will work out an arrangement to give the eladrin some downtime.
When next Teven enters the caravan from his scouting trip, Khronos offers to share food with the man, as a sign of growing trust and an offer of at least one friendly companion on the trip.
Kaelynne thanks Khronos for the introduction and largely spends her time keeping the mood of the children upbeat ("It's an adventure!") and making arrangeents with other parents to make sure all of the children are watched all of the time.
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Some tempers are starting to fray as the villagers move further along in the woods, many having slept poorly, but morale is still good, overall. Varlis's and Kaelynne's efforts help with the toll this taking on the crofters' children, which in turn relieves the parents. Indeed, around the camp at morning and night, and during the stops, laughter can be heard.
The second evening, as camp is being set, the five of you are holding a brief meeting to coordinate the night's plans.
Grandma Magpie, who served as the villages sometimes-wise-woman, sometimes-crazy-old-bat, and is one of the few older Woodcrofters to come on the trip, comes up to you. "Ye folk are doing a good job o' things here. But, if an old woman can say so much, the 'crofters need to know where we're a'goin'. Is it near, is it far? Will it be safe? We all heard the noises last night, and nobody's quite sure what's in these woods."
"Sometimes the destination is less important than the journey old one." Khronos quotes the book of Desna.
"I understand the fear and resentment our people have, yet at this stage we have no clear goal except to escape those who are determined to slay everyone. I have no words that will placate the crofters. I am a Paladin and will not lie to those I serve. Others here may know better than I in how to deal with this situation, in the meantime I shall lead us in prayer again this night when the camp is settled. Maybe in their faith, the people will find the solace they seek"
With that the Paladin stands and moves to the edge of the camp, preparing a small table with an offering of fruits and silver for Desna to take as a blessing for the journey. Soon he will gather those who choose to worship to him and together they shall carve a rune of finding on the tree to mark this as a holy site to the goddess. He's aware that this may be leaving a trace of their journey for those who follow them yet he feels the significance of the event may mean more for getting the caravan safely away than trying to conceal their movements.
Besides, 150 odd people plus assorted pack animals leaves a trail a blind kobold with a bad leg and mange tail could follow.
Varlis waits for the others to speak. When no one does, he responds, "Look, I am not a leader. I don't mind helping but unless the rest of you are willing to become the leader of us elders, I say we appoint Khronos. After all he has their respect already and everyone likes him."
Varlis watches the others to see whether they disagree, especially Donaar, who is also a strong personality.
"Well?"
"If you all think he would be a better leader than me I will accept your decision..."
Varlis twists uncomfortably in his seat. "Not better, but... he does have a way with words. You know what I mean?"
The half-elf shrugs helplessly. "I don't think this Council of Elders will work if we don't have someone that everyone thinks is in charge."
Teven has nothing to add to this discussion he feels that his roll in this is to be a tactical adviser on how the Razmirans army thinks and will leave the decision of who is the the leaders leader to the other.
"I am seventeen. I have no illusions about being accepted as a leader, my age disqualifies me in the eyes of too many. Khronos' leadership in the ways of Desna recommends him as a moral authority to the rest of the village. They will obey him with less hesitation under stress -- and believe me, there will be stress. He is right, the trail is too obvious and there is little we can do to conceal it without slowing our progress. Getting out of this country as fast as we can is our best chance of survival."
He pauses for a moment. "Soon this forest will become dangerous. It has been too many years since my servitude in this forest was revenged. The goblins by now have recovered their numbers and soon they will see us as either an easy food source or a danger. Attacks will come from them and if we don't make time soon towards the border, the attacks of those who despise us for our faith will follow soon after."
"I'm honoured to be amongst you" Kaelynne comments gently, her eyes averted from the group and her expression thoughtful. "Khronos has my support also, if it's a position he is happy to take on."
Varlis calls Khronos over.
"I asked everyone if you could be made our head councillor. Someone who is willing to lead everyone. Donaar is also a good candidate but you have the friendship and will of Desna backing you."
"I do not want the burden of being the leader." The half-elf seems a bit lost.
Khronos follows Varlis back to others. When they tell him of their discussion he looks confused for a minute then laughs heartily.
"I thank you for the vote of confidence but I must say you have msread my intention."
He notices the old woman still hovering near the group and says warmly "Old one, thank you for your advice. We shall discuss our options as a comittee and talk to the crofters tonight after the evening's prayers. Now if you would be so kind, could you please check on the Jensens for me, their young daughter strained her knee this afternoon and her mother carried her a fair way. I'm sure she would appreciate a hand right about now"
As she walks off
Realising he has once again taken charge, Khronos blushes deeply and turns to the group around him. "I'm sorry. I do not intentionally take command, I just say what feels right at the time." a deep sigh, then
"Varlis, I can lead these people in matters of the faith. Of that I am confident. Everything else we've done so far I have felt as a child walking in the darkness. While I say what I am thinking, what I think may not always be for the best. You are far more conversant in the ways of the arcane and of knowledges I can begin to comprehend."
"Donarr is trained to lead people in battle. When the time comes to cross blades with those who will stand in our way, It is to him we should all turn for advice"
"Teven is a tracker, and a man who risked everything to save us and those we love. He is who we should listen to for advice on where to travel"
"Adar, though young, has lived through things in these woods that none should endure. His knowledge of the threats within these trees will aid us in determining our paths and how best to deal with danger"
"And Kaelynne, well Kaelynne is my strength. She raises a son on her own, having lost one who is dear to her. When this burden was thrust upon her she stood up and took it without complaint and still manages to care for the little one. I look to her when I am struggling and take faith in our choices"
"No, we are a comittee and I would like to see us stay as one. Accept my thoughts or argue against them as you will."
"Now, Teven, what do you feel is the best place for us to aim for as a final destination. Let us give these people something to hope for."
Kaelynne blushes faintly at Khronos' words, unable to control the warm glow she feels at hearing him voice such complimentary words. "Khronos, it's because you see these things in us that we all feel so strongly in your abilities. I cannot speak for the others but for my part you give me faith in myself which will be very important in this journey." She announces quietly with a weak smile. "Of course if you don't want to lead that is your choice and if we chose to act as a commitee then I will try my hardest to help you all."
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He notices the old woman still hovering near the group and says warmly "Old one, thank you for your advice. We shall discuss our options as a comittee and talk to the crofters tonight after the evening's prayers. Now if you would be so kind, could you please check on the Jensens for me, their young daughter strained her knee this afternoon and her mother carried her a fair way. I'm sure she would appreciate a hand right about now"
Grandma Magpie looks slightly startled to be addressed directly, but then nods vigorously, "Yes, I'll do that. You-all will do fine."
And she ambles off.
With a big smile Teven says. "It appears like the leader of this mary band has delegated responsiblilitys."
"Now, Teven, what do you feel is the best place for us to aim for as a final destination. Let us give these people something to hope for."
"For now we continue along the easter edge of the forest headed for Ustalav, once there we will see what we find."
"And what of the goblins... do not doubt, they watch us already. We cannot move with stealth in this place, not with so many. We must plan, or soon they will start to snatch. The children, the elderly. They will snatch those they can in hopes that we will isolate ourselves from the rest in a rescue attempt. Goblins are not smart, but they are clever. We must be a step ahead of them."
"Right you are to worry Adar. I had not forgotten the threat of those who dwell in these woods, I just had not got around to thinking on this while we got the caravan moving. I believe it may be best that you and Donaar make plans on how to defend us while the rest of us see to settling the camp tonight."
The half elf turns to Teven and speaks "Thank you friend, I shall tell the crofters just that. We need only be happy that we are given the opportunity to escape with our lives. With Desna as our guide, we shall surely find a place worthy of settlement by those of her faith." He speaks with strong conviction, believing every word he has spoken.
"Now, if there are no other matters for us to discuss, I would like to call a prayer for the people before we break our bread this night. I normally dine with the Jensen's but tonight I would like to share my food with those of you who care to. It would be good for the crofters to see us working together and getting along. The offer is open to you all".
He looks around the group, waiting for a response.
Varlis' back is straighter and his eyes are clearer. "That sounds good to me."
With a polite bow of his head Teven says. "I would be happy to share a meal with you."
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"Now, if there are no other matters for us to discuss, I would like to call a prayer for the people before we break our bread this night. I normally dine with the Jensen's but tonight I would like to share my food with those of you who care to. It would be good for the crofters to see us working together and getting along. The offer is open to you all".
As the cookfires have been made and the smell of stewed meats fills the air, the Woodcrofters are assembled to hear Khronos's words.
To present a united front, Varlis will stand with him. To one side of course.
Khronos moves back to his prepared offering, taking heart in the number of people who have gathered to pray with him. He feels the presence of Varlis standing near him and he nods his thanks to the mage.
Raising his voice only slightly, allowing the natural baritone to carry it across the clearing and cut through the mild chatter, he begins.
"My fellow travellers, thank you all for joining in this prayer and offering to Desna, our guide and protector on this journey. For many of you here, this point where we stand represents the furthest you have been from your homes. It is a place of transition. From here we leave behind that which we know and the small comforts of routine. Instead we take up the mantle of change and the unknown. For many this is a strange and disquieting time, and you may be challenged."
"Desna teaches us not to fear the unknown path, but ot relish in its new discoveries. She is a goddess of travel and of good fortune. She believes in the power of hope, for always there is a chance for success."
"I have amongst a small few of you some mutterings about our destination. Let me talk now of the the Fable of Ethan, from the book of Desna. When Ethan led the Three Prophets from their homes, they questioned him on what possible destination could be so important for them to leave the ones they loved. Ethan replied "It is not the destination that is important to a journey, but the reasons why you travel"." The big Paladin pauses here, his gaze moving around the gathered crofters, meeting their eyes with his. He then looks to the children being held in the arms of their parents and the elderly who made this trip.
"Hark those words my friends. Why do we make this trip? We make this trip to preserve our children. Without or children their is no future." He looks to Kaelynne, holding her son and smiles, drawing encouragement form the tableu of the little one playing with his mothers beads.
"We travel to preserve our venerable elders, those able to journey with us, for without them we lose our past." He looks now to Grandma Magpie and nods acknowledgement.
"Without a past to learn from, and with no future to aim for, we are as leaves tossed on a breeze. Our only goal for this is to preserve those we love and the life they have chosen to live. A life that shall not be accepted by the False god and his followers. We have no set destination nor path, except that dictated to us by necessity. We travel not to a goal, but away from inveitabilty. We travel towards hope."
With those last words Khronos turns to the tree behind the offering and draws out his elven dagger. The bladed weapon gleams in the light of so many cam fires, even as he carves the butterfly rune of Desna into the trunk of the tree.
"Desna, mark this location as a holy place. A place of transition and choices. A place where a journey truly began"
He turns again to the gathered crowd "Blessings of the Godess to you all"
With that, he ends the service and moves toward the other leaders, leaving the table of fruits and small amount of silver coins behind as offering to Desna.
As Khronos speaks, Varlis quietly increases the volume of his speech across the area.
Here's my skill challenge Pat
diplomacy Diplomacy (1d20+10=23)
dilomacy diplomacy 2 (1d20+10=13)
religion religion (1d20+5=16)
Varlis awakes to baying of wolves.
Making a snap decision he casts sleep at them, trying to get as many as possible, worried that his more dangerous spells may harm the refugees.
"Utuviensis alambra hummmbar!"
Varlis stands calling, "to arms!, to arms! wolf attack!"
"Wolves! Awake, take shelter behind the wagons!"