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Following the too quick crossbow shot, Carrion collects himself while releasing one hand from the crossbow (free action), and breaths deeply.
Carrion intones "Domnivat Octi Trelum" while using his right free hand to make gestures consisting of: his hand straight forward in a half-diamond, moving to the right 90 degrees, then inverting the half-diamond symbol.
In draconic, "I will strike true," aiming for what appears to be the leader, but he will take the opportunity on the most dangerous target
Thovin watches the javelin soar above his head. "Ha!"
He quickly lines up another arrow as his attention turns to the orc yelling at Carrion.
In reply he yells, "Ack, what kind of orc are you, sputtering such a whelp tongue?" After this, he looses the arrow at the cursing orc, hoping to strike true between his eyes:
Attack roll: (+1 for Point Blank Shot = 20)
Damage roll:
"Aye, somethin' ain't right here! These orcs are either ghosts or some sort of illusion! Look, they're see-through!" Thorvin yells as he reaches for another arrow in his quiver, keeping an eye on the odd sight before him.
Lianth, with shield raised, rushes towards her faithful wolf and it's opponent. Reaching her target, she casts a menacing glare. Meanwhile, Rourke again lunches at the humanoid, but again is deftly dodged by his opponent.
"Asa Que? Vel Thramu Vesti Ei,"it chuckles as it draws it's massive greataxe. Spinning wildly as it does it chops horizontally at Rourke.
Thorvin:
The wolf yelps in pain as the attackers greataxe slices across it's flank. With lupine skill Rourke nearly dodged the blow entirely. From the amount of blood escaping the newly rent gash, it was an act that saved the creatures life.
Arrow still protruding from it's gut, the second humanoid draws his greataxe menacingly from it's baldric and shuffles around Lianth placing himself in a flanking position with his comrade, all the while smiling wickedly at the druid through cracked lips and rotten pointed teeth. Rourke bites at the creature's hamstring as he pushes by but in it's newly weakened state, it fails to grab hold. With unexpected speed the creature whips it's axe high above it's head and chops down upon Lianth who holds her shield aloft to try to deflect the blow.
The axe glances off the top of Lianth's shield and lands squarely, high on her forehead. Blood immediately begins pouring forth. The creature savagely pulls his weapon from his target, causing even more bleeding, and howls with delight. Lianth stumbles back two steps as if drunk, blood quickly making it's way into her eyes.
The final creature jumps from the boulder as it draws it's axe. It lands dexterously on it's feat and charges directly at Thorvin roaring a throaty, gutteral challenge. As it reaches the dwarf, it brings it's massive axe low for a brutal rising strike.
The creature's axe rips into Thorvin's gut rending a vicious wound. The dwarf, just stands there stone cold, not even a grimace.
Carrion, performing a complex series of arcane gestures with his left hand, gains a look of supreme confidence after the completion of his ritual yet looks on in horror at the near slaughter of his companions.
"Aye, somethin' ain't right here! These orcs are either ghosts or some sort of illusion! Look, they're see-through!" shouts Thorvin as he backs away five feet from his attacker while knocking an arrow. Upon completing his move, the dwarf looses the arrow, stiking the creature squarely in the knee with a sickening thud, it howls ins rage and hefts it's axe menacingly.
Lianth and Virgil:
With quick work of his blade, Virgil dispatches the injured creature threatening both himself and Thorvin. It drops it's axe and falls to the ground, hands clutching at it's massive wound with it's dirty hands while doing so.
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*FIGHT!
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Round 3
Initiative Order:
- Lianth
- Ambush Party
- Carrion
- Thorvin
- Vigil
Virgil grunts in grim pleasure, marking his first kill with the sword. Mild surprise shows on his face. He had always been warned by the Captain that taking life may shake a man, cause him to doubt his purpose and test his resolve. Virgil felt nothing like that. The only feeling he had was a sharp, distinct mix of the fire of strength and exhilaration and the cold, metallic tang of morbid satisfaction in dispatching his enemy.
Virgil rushed to the second bandit, now in rhythm with the meter of the battle. "The River Undercuts the Bank." Using his forward momentum, he executes a broad, horizontal cut meant to disembowel.
Attack
Damage
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"I'm not piercing the illusion, if it's there. I will attempt to discern their nature momentarily."
Not wishing to waste the magic he intoned, Carrion lets loose a crossbow bolt at the orc raising his axe menacingly
Carrion then moves up another 30 feet, now within 30 feet of the supposed assailants.
"I will attempt to discover their magical nature, if it exists."
Seeing something strange about the bandits, Virgil will examine the body of the enemy he just slew.
"I'm not piercing the illusion, if it's there. I will attempt to discern their nature momentarily."
Not wishing to waste the magic he intoned, Carrion lets loose a crossbow bolt at the orc raising his axe menacingly
1d20+22
1d8Carrion then moves up another 30 feet, now within 30 feet of the supposed assailants.
With the help of his magically assisted aim, Carrion sinks a bolt grazes the gut of the orc threatening them. It winces and howls as it begins to bleed slightly.
"I will attempt to discover their magical nature, if it exists.
Due to the recent assault and the insistence of his companions, Carrion pierces the veil of the illusion. The fearsome humanoids are now reduced to semi-transparent, exaggerated caricature's of their former selves. They do not appear to be genuinely dangerous in any way.
Would identifying the illusion absolve me of injuries incurred, even after I know the truth? I've DM'd it as: if you know it's an illusion, it's a 50/50 chance OR they must physically interact in some capacity (being attacked or melee).
Damage generated by illusions is completely harmless (I count it as subdual until the illusion is disbelieved. Then all damage completely goes away. Illusion spells with the shadow descriptor, such as shadow evocation or shadow conjuration, have half of their damage component which is real and causes actual damage with the other half is subdual/imaginary.
Thorvin straps his bow to his back and then walks right up to one of the illusions.
"What in the fires of Torag's forge is this all about?" he says as he punches through the stomach of one of the figures. He turns and then begins walking around the area looking behind nearby trees and bushes.
Perception check:
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(If able now, or next turn)Carrion pauses, upon realizing the deception, casts Detect Magic (60 foot cone) and will concentrate for 3 rounds for full effects.
The cone comes from Carrion, so anything above him that is magical in any way (spell like abilities included), would be known; supernatural abilities aren't detected, I don't think.
"Hmm" utters Carrion as he begins moving his hands and uttering in draconic. A blast of clear, sinewy strands of energy form a cone that extends 60 feet from Carrion (think X-ray radiation with strands).
"Just illusions?" Virgil asks aloud, slightly dejected that the glory of conflict was suddenly sour in his mouth. He sighs, then sits on a nearby rock, "Let me know when you find something." He takes a cloth from his belt to wipe his sword clean, only to realize that the blood stains are now quickly disappearing. Grunting in disgust, he sheathes his sword and stares daggers at the horizon.
(If able now, or next turn)Carrion pauses, upon realizing the deception, casts Detect Magic (60 foot cone) and will concentrate for 3 rounds for full effects.
The cone comes from Carrion, so anything above him that is magical in any way (spell like abilities included), would be known; supernatural abilities aren't detected, I don't think."Hmm" utters Carrion as he begins moving his hands and uttering in draconic. A blast of clear, sinewy strands of energy form a cone that extends 60 feet from Carrion (think X-ray radiation with strands).
Upon the completion of his spell, Carrion immediately detects that there are magical aura's present, which is of no surprise as this result would have happened had his shield spell alone been active in the area. After concentrating intently for 10 seconds or so he determines that there are two other auras of faint intensity in the area. However before another six seconds pass and Carrion is able to specifically pinpoint the emanations, one of them ceases to be. The remaining aura is faint in strength and covers the area the humanoids are occupying. The location of where or what the other aura was is unknown. If it were a stationary or dismissed effect, it's aura would still be lingering. The only explanation for the aura ceasing is that it has left the detection area of the spell.
Carrion then analyzes the dweomer of the emanation to try and deduce it's type. The young sorcerer, however, is unable to make heads or tails of what he's looking at.
If Roarke hasn't already realized that the images are unreal, Lianth calls him off. She begins searching for the source of this trickery, which must be within view of the ridge, invoking the favor of the Green as she does.
1d20+8
Lianth calls to Rourke ordering him to cease attacking the illusions. The well trained wolf stops it snapping at the imaginary humanoids and lopes dutifully to its master's side. Lianth, Rourke, and Throvin all begin searching for the source of the trickery, but their efforts bear no fruit and the three return empty handed and disappointed.
"Keep looking. I'm sure something will jump up and bite you."
Thorvin carefully checks the area for any footwear imprints or disturbed patches of gravel, grass and plantlife to check for tracks.
Survival check: Take 20 (+5) = 25.
Thorvin carefully checks the area for any footwear imprints or disturbed patches of gravel, grass and plantlife to check for tracks.
Survival check: Take 20 (+5) = 25.
Shortly after Carrion makes his announcement, the images of the humanoids wink out and everything is if they had never existed.
With a very careful and meticulous search of the surroundings, lead by Thorvin, the only evidence gathered is a pair of partial boot prints, which begin out of nowhere, circle the small area, lead behind a particularly overgrown bush. There are many footprints behind the bush as if who or whatever spent some time there. Pacing? The prints do not leave this area.
Carrion Only
"It appears we are being toyed with. I do not believe we will divine the intention of this illusion and we have more important matters to address. Come along." Virgil stands and begins walking on their original course.
"Aye, looks like whoever was here crafting this illusion was here for a while... waiting for us."
Thorvin scratches his beard.
"Hah, my guess is ol' Holgast is involved somehow, given the scent of the pipeleaf. Either way, I agree with these two. Keep your eyes sharp for the old coot."
Thorvin undoes the strap holding his bow to his back and lines up an arrow against the wood-crafted limb and holds it casually with his left hand.
"Let's be off, then."
Recovering from the momentary excitement, your band gathers it's gear and wits and travels on. The trail leading in the direction you seek away from the glade towards Gray Lake appears as little more than an ill used game path. It is a wonder how Thorvin and Lianth can spot the slightest changes to the natural lay of the land detecting the ages old and mostly unused trail.
As the afternoon continues the weather worsens, the winds do not relent and the rain increases from a drizzle to a full on rain. Water is begining to create miniature flows and rivulets on the forest floor now and small pools are forming in low areas.
Lianth, with Throvin's expertise in reading the newly acuired map, navigates the difficult trail with ease. The party, though dripping and soggy, is making excellent time by all accounts.
The rain breaks after 2 hours and the clouds begin to break up to reveal a rapidly setting sun. The light within the forest is already deepening to shadow and out and out darkness is not far off. An owl hoots far off somewhere in the forest, waking and preparing to catch it's first meal of the day.
"Well, let's set up camp. Thorvin, Lianth, if you could reconnoiter a site for us? We can take 2 hour watches. First Carrion, then Lianth, Thorvin, and I will take last shift. Why? It's alphabetical. Let's go."
Mild disdain crosses Virgil's face, "Nobody made me leader. 'Leader' is not an office. We do not cast ballots or form a committee. The person who leads is leader, which is something I have yet to see from you. If you want to be leader, then go ahead and lead. But until then, just spend your time recognizing good sense."
Thorvin watches the exchange between Carrion and Virgil and then raises his hand up.
"Oi... I'll take first watch, lads. I don't mind. Whoever I wake is who I wake. I'm no leader, but I can make a decision."
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What you see as good sense, I see as overbearing and opinionated; it seems to me, that you believe yourself to be correct, no matter the situation. Cocky and arrogant have their place, it is a thin line between cocky and confident.
As to me leading, I don't believe I need to order others around to get my thoughts across; I believe that a good leader can mediate issues and lead others to their intended goal without being obvious.
Virgil smiles, "Aww, now don't get too upset, Cupcake. You can do whatever you like. Just giving some direction to our little venture." Virgil sets up his tent, eats his rations for the evening, then beds down and awaits his turn at watch.
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"Cupcake? Obviously you don't take me seriously, that and you pump your self esteem by demeaning others.
I'm unaware of how you interacted with others before now, but you need to have consideration for others, this isn't a military regime."
Carrion shakes his head in disgust and sets up his tent. Carrion wonders to himself why he is being tested, to experience such ignorance hurts him mentally.
Thorvin and Lianth locate a nice level spot, surrounded on three sides by a thicket of bushes. It turns out to make a most excellent spot to setup camp. The thicket reduces visibility on approach and the level sleeping area is soft and free of stones. Everyone busily begins setting up camp. There is plenty of dry wood to be found to start a fire. Your stomachs growl from a long day on the road.
During the middle of the argument concerning watch: Perception Check DC 5
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Roarke's head comes up at the sound, and Lianth mutters softly, "Wolves."
Perception check
She calls upon her training to determine whether or not the wolves should be a threat. (If it has been a particularly harsh season, for instance, and they are starving to death, or maddened by rabies, or similarly afflicted, or just flat out vicious in this area, so that they would be a threat to humans.)
Survival check
Knowledge (nature) check
"Well, Lianth? What are the wolves saying tonight?"
"Hmmm... seems like we are not alone in the woods. Perhaps we should take watch in pairs rather than one at a time." He turns to Carrion, smiles, "That is, of course, if it is agreeable with your sensitivities to do so." Virgil winks at Carrion, then draws his sword and sits down on a stone in the middle of the tent circle. "I will sit first watch with Thorvin. Go on. Get your rest." Virgil begins wiping it with a cleaning rag while sitting.
Virgil draws his sword and steps to the middle of the circle of tents, "Back to back, comrades. The last thing we need is to be outmaneuvered." His eyes narrow and his voice drops, "The Creeper Embraces the Oak." He adopts a slow, circling stance. His blade goes from high to low and back to constantly offer a new threat and to guard against others.
Roarke's head comes up at the sound, and Lianth mutters softly, "Wolves."
Perception check 1d20+7
She calls upon her training to determine whether or not the wolves should be a threat. (If it has been a particularly harsh season, for instance, and they are starving to death, or maddened by rabies, or similarly afflicted, or just flat out vicious in this area, so that they would be a threat to humans.)
Survival check 1d20+9
Knowledge (nature) check 1d20+6
You know that the game in this area is sparse. You can not ascertain that they are definitely starving to death, but you reason that it could be a possibility.
1d20+1
"Well, Lianth? What are the wolves saying tonight?"
"Hmmm... seems like we are not alone in the woods. Perhaps we should take watch in pairs rather than one at a time." He turns to Carrion, smiles, "That is, of course, if it is agreeable with your sensitivities to do so." Virgil winks at Carrion, then draws his sword and sits down on a stone in the middle of the tent circle. "I will sit first watch with Thorvin. Go on. Get your rest." Virgil begins wiping it with a cleaning rag while sitting.
Virgil draws his sword and steps to the middle of the circle of tents, "Back to back, comrades. The last thing we need is to be outmaneuvered." His eyes narrow and his voice drops, "The Creeper Embraces the Oak." He adopts a slow, circling stance. His blade goes from high to low and back to constantly offer a new threat and to guard against others.
The howls of the wolves appear to come from far off. If they present a threat, it will be some time before they could arrive. Even at a full run.
Your stomach growls reminding you what a long time it has been since you've last ate.
"Hmm... it seems that we are going to have visitors some time this evening. I suggest we keep watch in pairs and go about our business. I will take first watch with Thorvin." Virgil sits down, rests his sword on a stone beside him, and begins to eat some of his rations.
Thorvin raises his bushy eyebrows at the sound of the howling in the distance. "Those mutts sound hungry. Been some time since I've hunted wolf. I hope they pass us by!" he chuckles.
Thorvin collects some dry wood and then stacks it up into a suitable area. He grabs some kindling and then sets to creating a fire. Once its suitably lit, he takes a seat on a log.
With that, Thorvin fishes in his pockets to pull out some raw pipeleaf along with a finely carved wooden pipe in the shape of an upside-down dragon's head. It's mouth is in a mischievous grin with a few small holes in it's nose and teeth for extra smoke to trail out.
After a few moments of setting the leaf in place and lighting it from the fire, he takes in the smoke, lets it linger in his mouth for a few moments and then exhales an almost perfectly-shaped ring.
"It's a good night to be on watch."
After Thorvin finish stoking his newly created fire. You all manage to whip up some "adventurer stew" with odds and ends from your rations. It is a simple meal, but quite hardy.
The wind calms and the clouds overhead break revealing a beautiful night sky.
Perception Check DC 5
Perception check:
Thorvin whispers attempting to keep quiet while the others rest: "Lad, the wolves have stopped their howlin'... keep your guard up. They are stealthy critters."
Perception check
Virgil whispers back, "I heard the pause as well. Should we wake the others? Stay silent? Rise and ready for attack? What is best to respond to these wolves?"