Peregrine nodded his head in greeting. "And a good morning to you as well."
Sitting down at the table Peregrine took modest portions of the various dishes and arranged them neatly on his plate, as he did so he addressed Svetlana. "My good woman, if it would not trouble you, might I see the note the raven brought last night. I am quite interested in the names mentioned in it. In last night's excitement, I am afraid I forgot to inquire about it."
I have failed.
That is the last thing Kragath remembers as the bandits blade rushed for his defenseless skull. He was prepared to stand before Abadar, and accept his judgement in his failure. Needless to say, when Kragath opens his eyes and a bedroom comes into focus, it is quite the shock.
Wha...where am I? Those packs, they look...I'm alive! How is this possible?
Kragath slowly turns to a seated position, clutching his head as he does so. He looks around for his companions, seeing none. They must have gone on without me. Can't blame them. Who would want a swordsman who can't even best a bandit in one on one combat?
It is then that Kragath hears the sounds of social activity in the courtyard. Kragath gingerly rises, and moves over to look at his shield. The markings of the bandit's strikes still there, marring his reflection distorted reflection. He makes himself look as proper as possible, given the circumstances, and then lays the shield down on the bed. He then turns, and starts to leave. His hand reflexively falls to rest on his blade, and it startles him slightly when it is not there. He then looks and sees it leaned against the foot of the bed he had been in.
Kragath makes a small move towards the sword, and then stops. He looks at it for a moment, then hangs his head slightly and walks out to join the others.
"O'course yeh can, dear. OLEG!" Svetlana bellows, loud enough for your ears to ache. The man turns around and approaches you, his face filled with frustration.
"Wha?"
"'E wants ter read th' letter yeh got las' night." Oleg looks at Peregrine curiously, reaching into one of his pockets. He pulls out the piece of paper and hands the letter to him.
Let it be known that I, Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius, grant Oleg Leveton his request of protection, and will dispatch a guard of seven to serve and protect his lands, assets and family tomorrow morning, to reach Oleg's Trading Post posthaste. So witnessed on this 25th day of Calistril, under watchful eye of the Council of Restov.
Signed,
Lord Mayor Ioseph Sellemius
Swordlord Jamandi Aldori
Kesten Garess
Andirs Medvyed
Leahne Lebeda
Eremil Fetch
Thom Eifeen
Imma Stone
Iohn Stone
Eremil is a distant younger cousin of yours on your mother's side.
You know Andirs is the younger brother of Emilia Medvyed, a woman who married into the Medvyed family through one of the knights. You also know Leahne is Malorian's younger sister.
Kragath clutches his head as Svetlana calls out to her husband. So this is The Gold Fisted's punishment for me! Effective.
Kragath moves over to a seat at the table, away from the others, and sits. When Svetlana places a plate of food in front of him, he bows his head softly, and mutters a courteous but subdued thanks.
He picks solemnly at the food in front of him, more moving it around on his plate than eating.
Peregrine nibbled thoughtfully at a piece of bacon as he perused the letter. "Hmm...an interesting list of names. It appears I am due for a bit of a reunion." As he said this he set letter down for anyone else that might care to look at it.
With that he glanced up at Kragath. "Ah, good morning Ser Lightbringer. I must say I am well pleased to see you still among the living."
Gathien looks at the dwarf and says, "There is a world of difference between tracking down this camp, and riding blindly into it, screaming a challenge and call to arms. I do not believe us so foolish as to do the latter... although recent events may change that assessment. In any case, sleep well, cleric. We can discuss in the morn."
Gathien dreams of the whispers of flames he hears when raging growing louder and stronger, strong enough he need not have the rage's focus to hear them... He feels them somehow grow closer as they speak, until finally, they are upon him, blasts of heat almost like the hot breath of a lover upon his skin... The flames ask questions and promise answers all at once as they caress him, growing in heat and intensity until they begin to burn... The breath on his neck somehow takes his voice, leaving him only able speak in those same whispers... And then, the breath moves on, up across his face, over his tattoo and scar, kissing his eyelids... the heat burns his eyes, filling his vision with a light that doesn't fade, as if he were always looking through sunlit fog... "Soon," the flames whisper, "you will be ready"..
He awakens in a cold sweat, blinking repeatedly to assure himself of his vision. The absence of those whispers in the room and the smell of cooking food give him something to center his thoughts on, allowing him to take a deep breath and calm himself, Those dreams are getting worse...
He splashes some water on his face before gearing up, taking a deep breath and entering the common area with a smile on his face, "That smells divine, Svetlana, thank you."
He looks away from Oleg as he sits, not wanting a view of the tree to ruin his appetite... As his companions shuffle in, he offers, "I am pleased to think that these people will be protected while we are away... I do think, however, if we have a one or two days as the brothers suggested, it may be worth exploring as we go -- if only to find a decent fall-back position if something... untoward... occurs."
"It will likely take us one or two days simply to locate the camp, so while we should most definitely keep a sharp eye out for such a place as you suggest, we do not have time to dally. If we can locate the river, which should be a much bigger target, finding the camp shouldn't be too hard though. We can just travel along the banks until we come to it."
Peregrine took a bite of his eggs as he considered the situation. "We should see if we can locate someone with some knowledge of the area. If not for today, then for the future. This being a trading post, surely there must be trappers and like that come through here that know the basic lay of the land." Glancing up from his breakfast, Peregrine smiled at Oleg and Svetlana. "I don't suppose you would know anyone?"
Svetlana beams at Gathien's compliment, doing a graceful bow before she heads back into the house. Oleg settles down next to you all and joins you for breakfast.
"Trappers, eh? Well, 'appens ter be ah know o'one, and 'e ain't a nice guy. 'Is name's Breeg, dunno if 'e's got a last name, ain't much fer company so ah ne'er bothered ter ask. Lives off th' land, though 'e occasionally sells furs 'n' pelts 'ere. Last ah 'eard, 'e was goin' west."
Ingle emerges from the stables, looking both tired and irritated. Plucking a strand of straw from his hair, he attempts to look nonchalant, failing. He stops near the table for a moment, looking from one companion to the next, as if expecting some sort of apology for sticking him in the stable overnight. Seeing none forthcoming, he sighs and moves to sit next to Peregrine. He mumbles what is presumably some sort of greeting to the diviner, reaching for the water pitcher and pouring himself a glass.
He sips at his water and nibbles at a piece of bacon as he listens to the conversation, trying to pick up the thread with a still sleepy mind. They're still thinking of taking the bandit's camp, he realizes, suddenly feeling more alert. He casts a look at Kragath, sitting by himself. "Are we sure, considering the display last night, that seeking out a veritable hive of such men is the wisest course of action? He looks around at those gathered, feeling less than hopeful. "It may come as a surprise, but I'm no match for our hero there, and he was bested rather handily." Looking again at the paladin, he adds, "No offense."
Kragath does not seem phased by the alchemist's words. Without looking up, he says simply, "I would not assume the rest of the bandits are as good with a sword as he. That man has apparently managed to evade capture by my father for some time, and my father is a Swordlord. If I had not let my sense of honor get the best of me last night, I'd have realized that fact and held my tongue accordingly. I did not, and I have put this expedition at risk with my actions."
Kragath looks up to the rest of those at the table, "For that, I am sincerely sorry. I promise you I will not let such a mistake happen again."
He then continues on his original train of thought, "The only reason he was subservient to the bandits, according to his words, was because he was trying to protect his brother. He was outnumbered, where as we have six men at our disposal. Yes, we may be outnumbered as well, but..." Kragath pauses and looks back to his plate of food, "But, if we act wisely in our actions, we can minimize that advantage."
Kragath pushes what remains of his food aside, and stands from the table. "If you'll excuse me, I shall go and prepare Simaron for today's journey."
Kragath then crosses the courtyard quietly, and goes to the stable. He finds Simaron there, eating calmly. He walks to him, and gently rubs the horses neck. "Hey there, friend. I trust you had a better night than I?"
"Well, we do have to start our exploration somewhere. We've got a heading to a major geological feature, the river. There isn't any reason to at least try to get a better idea of what we're dealing with. If there are too many, or the camp too well guarded, then we can simply withdraw and think of something else. If we're lucky however, given that the bandits have had, more or less, free reign in this area for so long, they won't even be on their guard. If they dispatch a group from the camp to find out what happened to their missing men, we might even be able to take them separately. Of course this is all conjecture until we see what the actual situation is. But to ignore it and hope nothing comes of it seems...dangerous."
"Are we sure, considering the display last night, that seeking out a veritable hive of such men is the wisest course of action?
Rorgrym snorts as he eats. "I'm not sure but it's apparently what we're doing anyways."
"I'm sure that some of those we face will be little more than idiots with swords but others could be just as skilled as this Asharien chap was. But we've already seen that these bandits are more organised than we thought and, at least some, are more skilled as well. And it would be folly to assume that this Kressle woman is not a force to be reckoned with. When the time comes, removing her from the fight as quickly as possible may break the backs of the greener and less loyal recruits. I think Ser Lightbringer overvalues the advantage of surprise we might attain.."
"It's going to be a hornet's nest even if we succeed. We don't even now how many bandit camps there are. If we take out this one they'll all soon figure out that someone is coming after them. I would've thought that giving the bandits a false sense of security a far batter advantage, letting us move around with less chance of molestation, than one possible surprise attack. We're going to need eyes in the backs of our heads after this..."
Looking out the door, "Speaking of Kragath, I should probably check his wounds. He strikes me as the type who might not complain no matter how painful his injuries might be."
With a great show of effort, Rorgrym gets up from his seat. Turning to Svetlana, "I fear I have grown spoiled on you cooking these last few days. I shall weep openly when deprived of it." Rorgrym then walks out the door.
Assuming that Kragath is still with his horse, Rorgrym heads for the stables. He coughs when he arrives. "Excuse me, Ser Lightbringer but I wanted to see how you were; are your injuries bothering you?" Without waiting for a reply, there is only a brief pause before Rorgrym continues, "Actually, there is something that I wish to tell you; certain assumptions that have no doubt been made that are not accurate. However, I imagine you will not be happy with what I have to reveal, nor the implications that it might bring up. Even moreso as you will no doubt have questions that I can't answer." Rorgrym looks at Kragath intently, "Do you feel up to this right now? I can return later if you would prefer."
Kragath listens to Rorgrym, continuing to tend to Simaron. "Please, Rorgrym, speak your mind. As to my wounds, I still ache, but am alive."
"Gods, I hate going over this; I was hoping I would never even have to mention it.
Continuing, "I was sent here for a very specific purpose. It was why I paid so little attention to the charter; it only interests me insofar as much as for if you cannot complete your task successfully, I will likely fail at mine. However, my task does not obligate me to follow your orders or that of anyone else in the group. I do not say this to try and undermine your authority. As I said, I need you to succeed. Bit I have been very distressed at the quality leadership shown by yourself and Ser Medyved so far. You are far too rash and impetuous. I do not know which I find more distressing, that you allowed a taunt to almost get yourself killed or that Jonas seemed to think the whole thing was the proper course of action."
Rorgrym takes a deep breath, "The Council created the charter to see a job done and placed their trust in you and Jonas to see it completed. When we attack that camp tomorrow, or maybe the day after, every bandit will soon learn that they are being hunted. At that point, we are essentially at war. Every bandit camp, however many there are, will be on alert for us. If you feel that consequence is worth it then so be it. I only ask that you consider these consequences when you make your decisions. I fear Jonas will pay little heed to anything I say. We know nothing of this land and will have little chance to learn of it if we're fighting off bandits everyday. I simply hope that no one takes the Charter's authority as a means to pursue personal goals, ideas or vendetta's. That would be a poor use of the trust the Council has placed."
"I can anticipate the two most obvious questions: Who hired me and what is my task? I'm afraid I can answer neither question. I do not trust the direction of this group nor the reasons for doing so. Maybe that will change."
"We have much to do and this has been a very trying day. If you have no questions at this time then I Believe I shall retire early. Good night Ser Lightbringer." Rorgrym will wander off unless Kragath has further questions.
Kragath then turns and walks to the window, looking out at the group eating their morning meal. "However, I understand your viewpoint on the bandits. It is an angle at the problem we had not considered. When we had been planning last night, Kragath hangs his head, "and before I let myself be goaded into a fight, we had thought it was one camp unrelated to the rest. Now we know that it is but a branch of a bandit organization, likely under the rule of this Stag Lord. You are right, to warn them of our presence would make things dangerous for us. I, for one, am not afraid of danger. But, I have been tasked with leadership of this group, as was Ser Medvyed, and for my part," Kragath looks back out to the courtyard. He watches them quietly for a moment as they discuss the day's activities before continuing, "I would not put them in more danger than I already have. I will suggest that instead of attacking this group immediately, we take the time to scout the area and their camp, waiting for a moment of weakness before we make a move. Does that allay your concerns for now?"
If they dispatch a group from the camp to find out what happened to their missing men, we might even be able to take them separately. Of course this is all conjecture until we see what the actual situation is. But to ignore it and hope nothing comes of it seems...dangerous."
Gathien nods as Peregrine makes his points, and then chuckles at his tact, "I believe the word you sought was 'foolish', Ser Fetch.", he says with a smile. The degree to which that word seems to apply to our group is rather.. depressing, however, jests aside...
He then says, "I, too, thought that a band that was large enough would likely send a 'hunting party' to seek their companions -- possibly to ensure the brothers didn't flee - especially with the skill-at-arms demonstrated by the elder. Still, it's not only that we were hired to chart the land, but at the moment, they, the bandits -- and this is but the first group - have not only the advantages of numbers, but of knowing the terrain -- where they can hide, where they can ambush -- I would rather take that from them, as much as we can in any case."
Kragath emerges from the stables, and walks over to the wagon, scanning their supplies.
It would not be a good idea to take the entire wagon with us in our exploration of the area. Let's see...if we intend to stay out in the field more than a day, we will need the pavilion. Mapping books and writing utensils, and trail rations will all easily fit onto our horses. Taking the extra horse with us also gives us the ability to return with anything we might find, or goods we reclaim from any more bandits we encounter...
Rorgrym snorts as he eats. "I'm not sure but it's apparently what we're doing anyways."
Ingle chuckles without humor at that. He watches as the paladin heads for the stable, thoughtfully chewing on another piece of bacon. What was the bigger wound, I wonder. The one to his head or the one to his pride? Well, it may be for the best. A little more caution is certainly called for.
Ingle listens to the others as they discuss the plans, nodding whenever anyone suggests a more discreet approach. "We certainly should keep in mind that our primary objective is exploration. I'm glad that we seem to have not completely forgotten that yet."
Grabbing several more strips of bacon, Ingle goes to retrieve his pack, setting it up at the far end of the table. Opening the small leather book that he carries with him, he begins flipping pages, preparing for the day ahead.
With thanks to Svetlana, Jonas digs into a very healthy breakfast. He looks thoughtful as everyone speaks, listening carefully. I wish we had someone more practiced in scouting and stealth than it seems we have. I'm definitely not of the mind that we should ride headlong into this bandit's camp. I am hoping though that we can catch them in a point of weakness, but until we do a bit of scouting this is all conjecture as Master Fletch said. In a perfect world the bandits would send out another party, we would ambush it further weakening them. Only then would we attack the camp. He sighs dramatically, I fear that is a pipe dream though. In any case, Gathien do you have any skills in forestry and stealth that might make you proficient at scouting? You seem like the most likely to have those skills between the three of us who are the more martial sorts.
Peregrine quietly ducked out of the conversation. They didn't really seem to be covering any new groud, and the decision had been made anyway. As far as he was concerned it was all largely academic until they saw what they were dealing with anyway.
Leaning close to Oleg he spoke in a low voice. "This trapper, on the off chance that he should come back in my absence, if you can get him to stay until I return I'll pay for his room and board. I'd like to talk to him concerning what he knows of the Greenbelt."
With that Peregrine stood from the table. "Pardon me, I have some preparations to make." He nodded and walked went to collect his things and look over his spellbook.
Prepared Spells
0th (3) Detect Magic, Arcane Mark, Daze
1st (2+1) True Strike, Sleep, Color Spray
Rorgrym has little to add to the conversation, somewhat lost in his own thoughts. "I wonder if the bandits bother to palisade their camps? Hopefully not one as small as this one is. I wouldn't normally expect them too but I don't know what to think of these bandits anymore. Possibly it's that..." Rorgrym's thoughts go back and forth and various issues for some time.
0: Create Water, Stabilize, Guidance
1: Bless, Magic Weapon, Longstrider*
Kragath walks towards the guest house, as he passes by the table he says, "We should prepare ourselves for the days expedition. The guards from Restov should be here soon, so we should not need to worry about defending the post for now. Oleg, is it okay if we leave our wagon and some of our supplies here?
After Oleg responds, Kragath goes into the guest house and prepares himself.
"Will do, Mr. Fetch, but truth b'told, ah dun' think 'e'll b'droppin' by. We's lucky ter see 'im once a month, 'n'e was 'ere less than a fortnight pas'.
"Yeh, o'course we'll take care of th' wagon. Ah'll cover it with a blanket, jus' park it in th' stables 'fore yeh leave."
"Leave the wagon?" Ingle says, looking up in alarm. "Oh dear." Slipping his newly created extract into an available slot on his belt, the alchemist gathers his things.
As he makes his way to the cart to gather a few other items that he has stored there, he stops next to Jonas. "I say, sir Medvyed," he says in a hushed tone. "Might I ask a small favor? You see, I've little experience in horsemanship. That is to say, I've read a few treatise on the subject... well, two to be more precise - and one of them was more concerned with the breeding of horses - a fascinating subject, I must say. Do you know that they actually have people who's sole job is... Well, maybe now isn't the time for that particular conversation. In any event, what I'm saying is, if you would be so kind as to possibly offer a tip here or there as we go along - discretely, you understand - I'd be forever grateful." He looks at the cavalier hopefully.
Rorgrym looks around emabarrased. "Ah, yes, well then." "Blasted horses hate me; the whole lot of them."
Rorgrym tugs on his beard in irritation. "Seeing as we might need to travel faster than a slow trot, which is about all I can manage on one of these beasts, I'll, ah, need to double up with somebody."
In any case, Gathien do you have any skills in forestry and stealth that might make you proficient at scouting? You seem like the most likely to have those skills between the three of us who are the more martial sorts.
Gathien nods enthusiastically, "Indeed, Ser Jonas. I spent more than a bit of time with the village's huntsmen in the day -- certainly far more time than my father would care for. I am skilled at tracking and tracking, and have more than a bit of experience sneaking about -- largely to be able to get out of the house to learn those skills."
He then looks up and says, "I will serve as our scout, for certain."
Gathien smiles, At least I will serve a useful role..., but then grows a little more somber as he watches the rest of the group... I am glad to hear Kragath's apology, I can only hope that he has truly learned something from this... However, I also hope he does not just withdraw or grow timid...
Kragath looks into the reflection of his shield once more, having polished out the blemishes from last nights fight. He slings it onto his back, then picks up his sword belt. He stares at his father's blade for a few moments, then solemnly wraps the straps around his waist. Abadar, help me to represent your will and serve you better than I did last night. Help me to bring peace to these lands, and security to those who would choose to live in them.
Oleg and Svetlana both see you off when you take to the fields. The plains stretching south of Oleg's are flat, scattered with only a few hills. The two hanged bandits are shrouded by a murder of crows are you pass the oaks, their swaying bodies making for an unsettling sight. As you discern the direction of west, you begin the journey.
The weather turns to soft rain within the first hour, the sun sinking behind the grey clouds... Time passes by quickly, and nothing but local, timid wildlife has been seen...
Kragath rides quietly near the front of the line, watching keenly for any sign of trouble. As a forest looms ahead of them, he turns slightly in the saddle so that he may speak to Jonas. "Well, we have three options that I see it: explore the area more thoroughly for a trail into the forest, head north and around the forest to continue searching for the river, or do the same, but south. The bandits said their camp was to the south, so before we head too far that direction I think we should get a good lay of the land, in case something goes wrong."
Rorgrym looks at the line of trees stretching as far as the eye can see.
"Hrm," he mutters to himself as he absentmindedly runs his fingers through his beard "Forest's a good place to hide things. We certainly have to head south at some point but I wouldn't mind knowing what's at my back first."
Ingle, who had spent the day so far becoming more and more irritated, looked briefly at the woods. He was still struggling somewhat with the bay mare, and was learning the hard way that a saddle was even less comfortable than the wagon bench. The drizzle wasn't helping.
"It may be a bit drier inside as well," he pointed out, looking up at the grey, spitting sky with resignation.
When the party stops its ride, Gathien tries to shake himself out of his thoughts, replaying the dream in his mind over and over again. What did it mean? At least there are no flames here to whisper at me.
He rides up ahead to Jonas and Kragath, not noticing their conversation and asks, "Did you need me to scout ahead, Sers, or was there another plan?"
Kragath replies to Gathiens inquiry, "It would be safer if we were to stay together for now. And like Rorgrym said, it would be safer to know our surroundings more before we address the bandit problem." He casts a look towards the dwarf, then spurs his horse to the north west, staying near the forest edge and keeping an eye out for any trails into the woods.
As you take to north-west, you skim the edge of the forest. The rain is slowly weaning away, ending after four long hours. All you can see are long plains, except to the south-west, where the forest's edge is...
Gathien smiles and says, "Do not worry, I took no offense. After all, I must have some useful skills, or I would not have been selected for this expedition...." He then laughs and continues, "And that was quite tactful. Fear not, I have already heard many times the 'common wisdom' that all my people are thieves. Not that it matters, but other than a few peaches from trees left unattended and a kiss or two, I've never stolen anything in my life. One does get used to the frustration over time."
As the rain starts to fade, Gathien studies the skies, attempting to get a read on the weather....
At every stop Ingle hopes silently that they are calling it a day and setting up camp. He wasn't quite sore yet, as Jonas had suggested, but he could feel the ache settling in. Tomorrow is going to be a real joy, he thinks sarcastically. Yet, he seems to be picking up the basics under Jonas' tutelage, and his ungainly form seems to have settled into a rhythm.
As the ride continues, he puts on a nonchalant demeanor. At least, that is, when anyone was looking.
A damp and slightly sour looking Peregrine rode up alongside Jonas and Kragath. He studied the evening sky as he spoke in that even and dry tone of his. "I am going to be frank, I think we are wasting our time riding about aimlessly looking for something interesting, that may or may not be there, when we could either, head in the direction of a known landmark, or actually explore and take the lay of the land in an orderly and meaningful way."
"I understand the desire to know the battlefield, as it were, but don't you think that it would be more advantageous to know the land that actually lies between Oleg's and the bandits' camp, as that seems the place we're most likely to encounter them. I won't belabor the point, after all you are the leaders of this expedition, but I do hope you will consider what you hope to accomplish with each decision you make. You no longer have the leisure of frivolous choices."
Peregrine looked down and sighed, then regarded them each in turn before going on. "I make no judgement if you do not think we're ready to face them. I myself have no desire to risk my life needlessly. Since our window of opportunity to take them unprepared is rapidly closing, may I suggest a more defensive strategy. Why don't we map out a ring around Oleg's. We can go back to where we first encountered the forest and begin there, them move southeast, east, northeast, and then finally back to the trading post. Then in the future we'll have an area we can fall back into should the need arise, and a good basis on which to base future forays."
"I agree Ser Fetch. I had hoped to reach the river or a trail into the forest by now. Let us turn back and investigate the periphery of Oleg's, as you suggest."
Overhearing the decision to turn back, Ingle sighs. "Retreating already," he says to the halfling riding nearby. But, without further adieu, he clumsily turns his mount around to face the direction they had come from, slowing the horse to allow Kargath and Jonas to retake the lead.
As you set course back to whence you came, the sun is well on its way down the horizon. Having just returned to the edge of the forest, the night chill starts to creep in upon you - but before you find the time to start setting up the pavilion, you hear a great rustle - and the ground starts to tremble.
Turning to the forest, you see the source of the tremor. With a great growl, a big brown bear steps out from between the branches, and it advances slowly, almost curiously... until it heaves up on its hind legs and spreads its great paws. When it crashes to the ground, it is poised to attack!
Ingle:
Kragath:
Peregrine:
Jonas:
Gathien:
Rorgrym:
Average: 15
Bear:
Average: 4
Slightly distracted by the appearance of a bear, you are still able to discern that the rain has only temporarily stopped. Tomorrow might bring on a storm - but you cannot tell for sure. There will be rain, at least.
Climbing down from his mount (a move the half-elf still needs to work on), Ingle arches his back to work out the stiffness settling in there and lets his pack slide to the ground. About to offer a small discourse on the advantages of properly outfitted carriages, he's cut short by a rather disturbing sound from the forrest.
His hand goes instinctively to his belt, and he watches wide-eyed as the huge beast lumbers from the cover of the trees. "Anyone want to take him prisoner?" he asks the group, sardonically, as he pulls one of the vials from his belt.
Taking only a moment to judge the distance, he quickly downs the vials contents and moves hesitantly closer.
Peregrine hesitated only a moment to consider that the creature might simply be to large to be affected, before deftly reaching into one of his pouches and pulling out a pinch of sand. With a breath and a word it roiled heavily through the air, settling about the large bear like a heavy blanket. Without waiting to see the results of his spell Peregrine was already reaching for his crossbow as his mind furious worked to come up with best way to handle the animal.
Overhearing the decision to turn back, Ingle sighs. "Retreating already," he says to the halfling riding nearby.
Gathien nods and says quietly, "They're city boys out in the wilderness..." Never mind that I suggested we explore earlier... Maybe my words just don't reach their ears way up there?
A bear? From what I recall, they're not usually hostile unless defending themselves or their cubs, being driven to attack or very, very hungry...
He warns the rest of the group, "Something may be driving it to attack. Be wary.", and then readies and loads his sling-staff, waiting for the bear to step out of cover before firing.
Kragath had just started to remove the pavilion from the pack horse when the growl of the bear drew everyone's attention. He quickly draws his sword and shield, and takes up a position between everyone else. "Try to being it down from range! If it charges I will try to fend of it's fury so one of you can get an open shot at it's flank!
Jonas turns as the bear charges out of the forrest. This beast will make an excellent rug. He readies his shield and turns Maelstrom to face his foe.
The creature is a grizzly bear, renowned for its fierce territorial instinct. They are strong and have a strong sense of smell, and possess enough intelligence to try to grab and subdue individuals in turn. They are faster than the average man, and far stronger too.
The creature is surely a grizzly bear, renowned for its fierce territorial instinct and its sense of smell.
The bear shrugs off Peregrine's spell without difficulty. It lets out a roar, starting to skim through the forest - within seconds it emerges by the northern edge, growling... only to get struck by Gathien's bullet. It roars again, the growl growing louder.
Kragath mirrors the bears movements, attempting to stay between it and the rest of the party in case the beast charges.
Whether consciously or not, Ingle moves with the Paladin, as if trying to keep the warrior between himself and the bear. Fiddling with another vial as he moves, his fingers seeming to know the routine themselves, he watches the bear's movement carefully. Confident that he has gauged the distance correctly, he let's the vial fly, grunting.
Gathien smiles as the bullet strikes home, but winces slightly as the bear shrugs it off as easily as Peregrine's spell. He takes a deep breath and reaches within himself, feeling the fire within him, only retreating from it for the smallest of moments as he remembers the dream. He does not yet unleash it however, but keeps it at the ready as he steps forward to stand next to Kragath and to guard Ingle nodding at the knight as he takes up his position .
He growls, first making strange sounds, and then saying, "Come, furball, Ser Jonas needs his rug."
One in position, he readies both his rage and his Lucern Hammer to strike when the bear approaches.