With zarmatan saying all he had, plans were made for the group to cross the river to the north, walk towards the mountain as and to the desert, where supposedly another stone was guessed to be.

It was 3 days since the meeting, and the group divided up to prepare. Kell, while spending time in contemplation with the stone, also visited the smith in the village, manned by a half elf woman. Sonori, after her meeting with zarmatan, contemplated the information gleaned. Yacob, also after his meeting, spent time  looking for magic. Nym, at home in the forest village, looked around for magical items that may help. Nino, ever the dwarf, ate, drank and met a lovely elf woman with a pet wolf Rivka and Zell, spending quality time together, managed to resupply some arrows and visit Zell aunt once more, though that second meeting she was a lot worse off. Neliwen spent her time with the elderly cleric, listening to his tales and advice for what was to come. Finally Quinn, feeling out of place, honed his sword and armour and practiced.

The day came when the group met on the northern shore of the village, where a elven ship was prepared with food for each of you, enough for the next two days of fresh meat and fish and another week of rations.

Zarmatan, princess Almeseria and Kalthranath we’re the only three other than the three elves designated for sailing the ship over. Princess Almeseria smiled at you all as you gathered. “What you do here may effect the realms themselves. If I was but a few hundred years younger I would insist on coming, but this task is yours. All provisions are taken care of as well as a few gifts. There are two minor bags that can hold much. It was all we had in the village. Lady Rivka, there is a bushel of special arrows for you as well. I wish you all good luck”

Next zarmatan stepped forward. “This ruse won’t buy you long....a day, two at most. When they know, they will come for you. Remember what I told you all. Together you are strong....and by the gods, don’t do anything foolish”

The elderly elf smiled, and looking at each, finished his gaze on Neliwen. “Stay safe.”

<OOC: this is the final opertunity to ask or say anything before leaving. You have been given 2 bags of holding type 1 and 14 +1 arrows. I’ll move things along in 2 days unless someone wants to bring something up>

Rivka had thanked the princess profusely for the arrows.  She knew, even in a city where magic seemed to seep from the very rocks, that such a gift was hard to come by.  Since she had a quiver that, in a round about way, held an extra dimensional space, she advised others to take the two bags of holding.  Just to be on the safe side.  The ranger, while not a complete novice with magic, was still a bit leery with such powerful enchantments.

She held onto Zell's arm as they left, remembering the emotional second meeting with his ailing relative.  It had affected her more than she'd realized.  Not just because of sympathy for her man, but because it reminded her of her own father.  While not ailing in the mind (at least as far as she knew), he was physically crippled, and despite setting him and her younger brother up with a trust fund before setting out on her own, she still occasionally felt like she'd abandoned them.
Which, to be fair, she had.  Despite the nature of a ranger's job being that of protector and caretaker, being the supporter and caretaker of her family had stressed Rivka out immensely, leading to feelings of resentment and eventually apathy.  She had decided that some distance was in the best interest of everyone involved.

Still, perhaps a  short visit would be a good idea, should the group ever get near her father's new home in the city of Luskan.


As the ship left the (literal) safe harbor where it had been sheltered, Rivka went back into "professional" mode, watching everything with a Ranger's predator eyes, checking and double checking everything else.
This would be the journey of a lifetime, and, as she looked at the handsome half elf at her side, she realized how badly she wanted to live a long life on the other side of it.

Nym lets the others decide who will get the bags of holding.  He bows respectfully to the Princess as he speaks to her in elven.


Nym walks over Neliwen and looks over to the far shore.  Speaking quietly in elven to her.

In reply to Nym Eveningfall (msg # 3):

"I'll carry a Bag of Holding for you all."

  "Well that went well." the half dragon out loud."Two days isn't a lot, but it will have to do."

Sonori mostly spent the time contemplating her place in this world and this quest and her connection with the stones. She tried on and off 'reaching' out to the stones - trying to sense them or make them do something. It wasn't the standard way of preparing, but in this case, she felt it was what she needed to do to prepare.

Of course, in the mornings, she prayed. And in the evenings, she wandered around town, taking in the sights and looking for those who needed healing or help.

Nino had no clue what was going on and really didn't care. He was having fun playing with the wolf and wandering around the elven town, drinking and eating. But, when it was time to go, he seemed really sad and was on the verge of crying. It's kind of a strange sight to see one like Nino about to cry over the simplest of things.

Neliwen did not have much to pack, most of it were memories and those didn't weigh much. So all there was to gather, was some spare clothes, spellbook and nourishment for the road. Knowing that the village would need as many resources as they could get, the elf did not dare to ask for anything beyond the minimum required for the journey. The scholar was grateful for the time she could spend with Kaltranath, there was little time left before they would have to leave and Neliwen tried to learn as much as she could.

As they were saying their goodbyes, the pale sun elf curtsied before the princess [Language unknown: "Whee oerli setcomout sa mothec is e, urad ceerio. P ar al sios sta whnti e eswhtrhaev fihe i nomeol are om ntss erpeit ereiontho ho u."] she replied gently, blushing somewhat at the attention given. [Language unknown: "Rea ingainith artafo ssear."] she replied to Kaltranath's words with a slight smile, convinced the elderly elf was capable to do so.

Eventually her eyes were resting on Nino, his saddened expression somehow matching how she felt, even though she would not allow it to reach her features. Looking over at Nym when he shared his thoughts Neliwen contemplated them for a moment and searched for the right words to say. [Language unknown: "Ha eehas rein wihi'utou ent ncour siecal niwh it Somoutnterom, onne eeriom ne pa tangsa. Andineman, whi anecll larestnot peate oneearkor n asen sti. He, whni ck Ei si waetfo tabe Ou ollo ro eenndente t ulmo traiouredyineau tr ur ereainere. Urme, Of k ich eiisus ndund a elons diadck, ver liver M ti moceac stinc der ondipe t lat witentter."] the other elf expressed her concern.

Zell held on to Rivka while visiting his Aunt and cousin again, but he was a bit more angry than sad. After the good byes and returning to the group, Zell sighed when he heard that they will be traveling by boat and wondered if he would ever get over being sea sick?

Looking over at the princess, Zell politely walked over to her and gave her a bow and took in her features. He wondered if she even knew that he was related to her? He knew now why his mother left this place. To Zell, this place reminded him of a funeral and he really wanted to leave.

After walking back to the party with Rivka, Zell looked at Zarmatan and whispered to Rivka,

"I don't like him and I don't trust him."

As the group gathers on the ship, Nino notices a howl in the distance, causing his lip to waver as he steps aboard. the rest climb aboard (Zell both not too happy and nervous about water voyage) without issue.

The elves spring into action, the sails unfurling and the ship cutting its way through the water. Unlike sea voyages, the travel on the star lake is smooth, so as Zell is only mildly nauseous, while the others watch as the sun shimmers off the water.

Its several hours when the ship makes for land, and by early afternoon, the ship was moored and unpacked. As the group set about their packs, the elves, with nods of respect, set off again, leaving the group on the northern shore of the star lake.

From this area, the map given to you shows that hillsfar was over the other side, south west of you, and zhentil keep west. North west, you could see the mountains that broched the edge of the lands of Zhentil  keep, with a small grove of trees.

the decision of which way you would go  to get to the Anauroch desert was left to you....risk skirting zhentil keep where potential evil and agentws of the red queebn could live, face the mountains or even go north above the mountainsand then west to the border forest.


then the desert.

<OOC: I leave to you the decision of the path you wish to take to get to the desert>

Sonori, like Zell, was hesitant to board because of her experience with sea-sickness. By the end of the voyage, though, she felt pleasantly surprised. Perhaps it was just that a first experience being so different from what was expected had been the problem.

When the discussion came up regarding which way to go, she would vote for the way that the predominate wind was blowing - or, if none were predominate or the day was still, she would suggest the most direct path as time was of the essence. Still a follower of Shaundakul - though with her recent visions she was perhaps contemplating more how everything really fit in - the wind was still, in her mind, the surest sign of the god and the best basis for making a decision like this.

OoC: I have no idea which way that is...

When they were (relatively) alone, Rivka spoke to Zell about his misgivings
"You don't trust Zarmatan.  Why is that?"
She wasn't confrontational about it.    She trusted Zell's judgment after all,  but she was definitely curious


When the group disembarked,  she gathered supplies and spoke to her friends.
"I'm not expert in the local terrain,  but I'm thinkingwe go north, avoiding the Keep, as well as whatever dangers the mountains have to offer."

 "None are truly good options, but the fastest option is our best bet. Which means skirting Zhentil Keep unless I'm wrong. Going around is less dangerous but gives them more time to interfere. Something we can't exactly afford. The next best option is through the mountains. It gives us a little of both. That would be my second choice. Whatever we decide we need to move quick as possible. And Sonori I would speak with you a moment. It won't take long, but it will hopefully help you understand things a little bit more." he says as the rest debate and gather the supplies. He walks a few dozen paces away from them to speak to Sonori.

Sonori, having provided her vote, steps away with Yacob, letting the others have their vote and make the determination.

Sonori nodded to Yacob,

"Just a feeling. I have them from time to time. That's why I take in my surroundings and can spot things most people miss. Just little details like locations, but he didn't go to them to find the stones himself? Why was the original stone we found not taken? I just feel a betrayal coming."

Rivka nodded to the handsome jeweler,  biting her lip in thought
"As if we're being used as pawns somehow?  Getting these stones for him, perhaps?  I'll definitely keep on my guard "

Kell says "Mountains are the best option. We don't want to risk Zhent patrols. And if they have the means to Detect power, they might bring in the Mulmaster Beholder Corps."

**shudder**

Neliwen frowned as Sonori and Yacob voted then left, apparently not interested in any arguments that might change their opinion. She felt that was quite rude.

Still, the others were present and obviously willing to actually discuss a plan. "On the one hand side I agree that taking a longer route will be safer, than dealing with Zhent patrols. On the other hand side the dragon's forces cannot follow us unless they are willing to clash with these patrols. While we are fewer in number and may be able to avoid detection, the large number of soldiers will be noted, and I cannot imagine the Zhentarim will take invading forces lightly. Hopefully that will result in battles that reduce the number of the dragon's army and or slow them down." the pale sun elf elaborated her reasoning. "If they took the longer route we would be getting something of a head start."

In reply to Neliwen Nenuial (msg # 18):

"I go where you lead."

Nym voices his agreement with Neliwen's.

I agree with Neliwen's line of reasoning.  She is correct in that our smaller group is less likely to be noticed than her army if they follow us.  If they don't follow us and take a longer route that will help us keep our lead if not extend it.  We are going to be chased across the world regardless of this decision.  However, I believe it is in our best interest to take the shortest route possible.  If the Zhenti decide her army is a threat to them, so much the better for us and the world.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Fri 04 June 2021.

  The dwarf turned dragonman pulls something out of his shirt.

Rivka sighed, frowning
Rivka shrugged at the dragon-dwarf
"The mountains will still be safer.  The possibility of denizens living there compared to the absolute certainty of Zhent patrols"

"I think it's an unnecessary risk, to skirt Zhent lands, but i can definitely see your logic.   The old Halfling proverb "The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend"."

Then she smiled
"Or the old Orcish proverb: 'The Enemy of My Enemy is Still My Enemy and Hopefully They'll Kill Each Other'. "
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Fri 04 June 2021.

Kell says "pity we can't spend some gold to spread rumors that we ARE skirting Zhentil Keep around taverns in the area. I'd love to see the Red Queen slowed down by a conflict with Zhentil."

Zell whispered back,

"Just think about it. What are we supposed to do with the stones after we've found them? "She" has pawns. We were running from them. You think they were just waiting all these years for something to happen? And what about "Him"? He waited all this time for something to happen and we're the ones doing the dirty work? And for what? Two bags of holding? This just seems very strange to me and I honestly think we don't know the whole story."

After hearing the possible ways the party can go, Zell spoke up,

"I'm not familiar with this place, but my Aunt was held captive by Drow in the Mountains near Zhentil Keep. If we travel through the mountains, there's a good chance we'll encounter them and if my memory serves me right, there was a Drow in the enemy forces we escaped from. Something tells me they're connected."

Rivka nodded at Zell's conspiratorial ideas regarding their supposed benefactor.   She had no information to confirm or deny anything,  so she had just resolved to keep her wits about her and not take the elven man as a given.


During the discussion,  she blinked in surprise at the revelation of not just dark elves in the mountains,  but a connection to their Enemies.   She nodded, clearly unhappy.
"Blast it....so skirting the Zhents might actually BE the safer option after all??  It's a strange thing when that happens "

Sonori looked at it briefly and nodded.

Placing it back inside the shirt.

Sonori nodded again.

Rivka was very curious about the side conversation,  but presumed it was some kind of magic thing

Neliwen was positively surprised her logic did not fall on deaf ears and that some others were willing to follow through with it. She noticed with a side glance, that Yacob and Sonori were having a private discussion, but decided to respect their privacy and not attempt to figure out what it was about.

Turning to Rivka she asked "Have you heard of a prayer named 'Lay of the Land'?"

In reply to Neliwen Nenuial (msg # 30):

Rivka frowned in confusion for just a moment,  then nodded with realization
"Ah, yes, i remember that incantation.  I heard about it from a mentor years ago, when i was learning the craft.   I've never tried it, though.   You're right, that would be damned useful here."

In reply to Sonori (msg # 28):
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Sat 05 June 2021.

Nym looks at Neliwen with a confused look as she and Rivka talk about a prayer named "Lay of the Land".

Neliwen, would you please refresh my memory on that one?  It has been a good number of decades since I've heard anything about it, let alone tried to grasp it.

The pale elf smiled gently when realization dawned upon Rivka's features, much like a teacher would when a student correctly resolved a difficult puzzle. "Indeed, it would benefit us greatly if you could use it during our journey." she told Zell's queen.

Turning to Nym she answered his question with a similar smile, pleased she could be of assistance "This magic is divine in origin, granted to protectors of nature - rangers or druids, sometimes bards. It makes you aware of the features of the land around you: Major landmarks like rivers and lakes but also settlements of hamlet size or bigger. Basically you could say it gives you a mental map of roughly 50 miles around you." the scholar finished her description of the spell, still smiling gently.

 The dragonman walks back to the party and says as he approaches "Did we figure out what the plan is? Which route to take." he asks very much curious about the discussion that the others had while Sonori and he talked.

Rivka nodded at the sage's words
"I learned the ritual in my early days of training,  but had to work on strengthening my connection with the land before i could attempt it.   Our recent trials and victories have helped me achieve that.  I should be able to cast the ritual,
at least once a day"



She nodded to Yacob
"We're still debating, but it looks like skirting Zhent territory is looking like the least horrible of the three horrible options. "
She added a wry smile to her last words

Kell nods. "Unless the dwarves know of an underground tunnel that leads where we are bound, skirting Zhentil lands is likely our best option. At least the Red Queen's army isn't subtle. If they are following us, they are much more likely to draw the attention of the Zhentarim nation away from ourselves."

We need to be moving not standing around talking and wasting our advantage in time.

Nym turns Neliwen and in a very nice tone continues.

Perhaps you can teach me more about this prayer along the way.

 " I don't know the Underdark so let's not add that option to this and that can be much more dangerous than I would like to think. Since we have that settled let's move on. As Nym said we don't have time to lose." Yacob goes to find the horse that was trained to allow him to ride. The dwarf spent a bit of time making sure that he doesn't slow the party down.

Neliwen nodded in agreement "Of course, let's get moving, I shall share as much knowledge on the way as I can." she replied with a gentle smile in return.

Nino had never been on a boat going over a lake before and thought it was amusing. He didn't have a clue where they were going and was the first one out when they party reached the town of Phlan. He waved to everyone on the docks.

In reply to Nino (msg # 41):

Quinn tried to keep an eye on Nino. He follows along with him and gives him jerky and beer when he needs it. North might be a better direction.

Sonori nodded,

  With the party choosing the more risky, but faster route Yacob urges them onward. "When we get closer we will ride during the day and camp at night with out a fire or lights. Move as fast as we dare to get beyond the reach of those in the Keep. Agreed?" he asks as if there was really any other choice.

Nym speaks his agreement as he makes sure he's ready to go and moves to walk with Neliwen so they can talk about things they agreed upon earlier.

Lets go.  The sooner we start the sooner we will have this behind us.

"Should we move at night? Many of us can see in the dark, or at least in the dim moonlight. We might be even less likely to be noticed that way, and those who can see can help those who can't."

  "A lame horse will give us away faster than a fire." he says as he shakes his head. "If the horses could see like us that would be one thing, but they can't. A lamed horse screams like you would not believe and then we either ride 2 to a horse or we slow down for the one without a horse. If you want to travel at night we would need to have leads and a lot of coordination. We could try it before we reach the Zhent area."

Kell rumbles "Sonori, if it will not offend your dignity, perhaps I can carry you atop my pack. I see perfectly in the Dark, and I can sense even the unseen so long as it is in contact with the ground. That way we can keep a steadier pace if it worries you."

Sonori chuckled slightly looking up at the gigantic Goliath, "Kell, it would not offend my dignity - I have ridden hybsils - sentient beings - many times. As a young child, in fact, that was my main mode of transportation.

I would not want to offend your dignity, and I appreciate the offer. If needed, certainly.

But I also can see in the dark. I can ride and I long ago learned move as fast as most humanoids - though I still can't keep up with hybsils on my own.

Those who can not see in the dark would be at far more risk, and may more greatly benefit from your help at this time."

"I've only heard stories about the Zhentil Troops and their God Bane. I think we need to move fast and bribe who we can and those who can't be bribed, should be "dealt with" quickly. This party is a motley crew and people will remember us. People won't forget somebody who looks like a Lizard or a Giant or a Dwarf with a black metal arm."

Zell, if we kill everyone we meet we are just going to leave a trail a blind orc can follow.  Granted, I don't think that will matter.  However, it is in best interest not to leave an obvious trail.

"Please." Neliwen said with a soothing voice, "As sensitive as the topic is, we will try our best to evade any contact. I am positive Queen Rivka can help us do that with her skills and experience." she tried to calm her companions. "When we need to enter a settlement, for supplies or because we cannot avoid it, I am positive we will find a way to hide the more distinct members of our group. Either with magic or just hidden under a tarpaulin." the elf suggested, confident they would find a solution to pass most settlements unnoticed.

"Rivka is a queen now?" he asks in a tone saying he doesn't believe it. "Not that it isn't possible just well I know I have been more introspective as of late, but that is a bit of a stretch."

In reply to Yacob Stoneveins (msg # 53):

Rivka grinned and chuckled lightly
"My apologies, Neliwen.  That 'queen' stuff was just Zell being poetic and romantic.  I love him, but it's probably better if you didn't take him completely seriously"
She smiled
"That being said,  my skills are definitely at the disposal of the group "
This message was last edited by the player at 23:54, Sat 19 June 2021.

Kell says "if it helps, my people are native to those mountains and along the southern ridge. If we happen upon a village, I won't be the one standing out, nor will the dwarves. Well, dwarf, I sometimes forget that Yacob has scales. Must be the dwarvish demeanor...."

Nym teases his friend Yacob in serious but lighthearted tone.

If you weren't so self absorbed in your own issues and those of your cousin all the time you might notice other things going on around you.

His tone turns more serious when speaks again.

It is time to get moving and stop wasting our advantage.

Zell chuckled at the joke about him,

"A man's better half is always the queen of his life. She just like to play in the dirt, but I vowed that I would teach her the ways of the filthy rich and then she would rule with an iron fist!" Zell smiled as he made a fist and then shook his hand as if he squeezed it too hard

Rivka chuckled,  looking at Zell fondly

Neliwen blushed somewhat when Rivka clarified the misunderstanding. She should have known, alas, even she could be wrong. She gave the ranger a tentative smile and only nodded her consent to moving on.

In reply to Neliwen Nenuial (msg # 59):

Quinn listened intently to the conversations, he understood some of it, other bits were over his head. He stayed by Nino and they ate jerky and drank beer.

With the decision made, the group opted for the easiest path (Physically), to risk danger for speed if the need arises and skirt the area known as Zhentil keep.  It was the first night camp when the group started seeing campfires in the distance, scattered, as well as a light in the distance that could be the city keep itself.

the next day dawned cool with a mist, cloaking the place in an errie haze that shielded you all, but also dangers from you By midday, the haze had all but burnt off, leaving a mild day with cloud low, giving the landscape a omnious feel. The mountain range to your right slowly loomed over as you made your way past it, both wondering at the weather and the denziens of it. The group moved on, cautiously, when rivka came from the front scouting, warning of horses coming along the area.

Rivka would return to warn her Traveling Companions,  looking for suitable hiding places, if that's deemed appropriate

Upon Rivka's words, Sonori nods, and looks around for a good hiding spot for the group.

Rivka surveys the immediate surroundings to look for natural cover
OOC:23:24, Today: Rivka rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Survival

Kell looks quickly for rocky outcroppings to hide amongst.


Take 10, Spot 11, Search 13

Zell follows her to hide, while turning invisible and keeping an eye on his surroundings.

05:25, Today: Zell rolled 19 using 1d20+12.  Spot check.
05:25, Today: Zell rolled 62 using 1d20+45.  Invisibility Hide check.

In reply to Zell (msg # 66):

Quinn followed Rivka, "C'mon Nino, let's play a game of hide and seek."

Hopefully, it's just a minor patrol that we can either avoid completely, or deal with quickly if needed.

Nym's doesn't hold much optimism in it for either occurrence.  He moves to blend in with the surrounding terrain as best he can.

OOC:  HAHA.  Nym's so out of the area he can't hide if his life depends on it.
12:55, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Hide.

"One can hope, but I doubt it if they are coming right at us." is all he says as he starts to ready his options for dealing with the situation.

Neliwen bit her lip, she had expected trouble would head their way, but she didn't expect it to be right on the first day. It didn't matter, they had to deal with it. "Well, I can turn invisible for a brief time." she told them. "If we can create a diversion that will make them go a different direction, that could work." the scholar suggested.

Rivka does her best to hide tracks and other signs of their presence

OOC: 20:14, Today: Rivka rolled 28 using 1d20+9.  Tracking

Nino is so dirty that all he has to do is lay down in the grass and he blends in.

15:58, Today: Nino rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  hide.

In reply to Nino (msg # 72):

Quinn goes into the undergrowth and badly attempts to hide!

07:39, Today: Quinn rolled -4 using 1d20-8.  hide.

With some people trying to hide, the results are astounding and comical. Quinn's attempt at hiding was like hiding a glowing sphere in darkness - even some rabbits stopped and looked in amazement. Nino's attempt to blend in was suprising - the amount of dirt and filth made him look like a rock on the road.

those who stood their ground saw in the distance a group of riders in black armor, perhaps a patrol. They pulled up and several peeled off riding towards you, while the rest remained.

<OOC: there are several unknown riders making a be line for you - perhaps 5 mounted warriors that will arrive in minutes>

In reply to AO (msg # 74):

Quinn, feeling like Curly Howard, just stands there, realizing it was all in vain!

Rivka, sighing in frustration that their efforts to hide had been largely in vain, moved to stand by Quinn, backing him up.

Kell moves to higher ground, where boulders might be thrown from.

  Yacob just waits. Standing there holding his staff and waits. He shifts a little when he needs to but that is about it. He doesn't say anything.

OOC: Can we tell who is approaching?  Zhentil troops or someone else?

Nym grumbles quietly and moves to support Quinn.  Staying far enough away that one enemy can't attack them both, but close enough that we can support each other.

Neliwen gestured to for Quinn to stand next to her as she moved over to stand by Nym, putting her hand on the elf's arm. Her eyes went to Yacob "For once, please let me do the talking." she asked, her gaze wandering to the knight and sword-mage.

Seeing that the others are going to engage, at least to talk, Sonori moves to the side to try to stay out of sight.

Nym stands close to his friends but also tries to look both harmless and friendly.  His hand near his sword in it's sheath so as not be caught off guard, but also able to defend himself and the others quickly if the need arises.

I hope Yacob is quiet for once.

Zell is still hiding and looks around to see if he could spot anything.

05:10, Today: Zell rolled 27 using 1d20+12.  Spot check.

In reply to Zell (msg # 83):

Quinn moved to stand by Neliwen as she had told him to do. Time to find out who they were.

<OOC: sorry I’ve taken so long. Moving, work and such have gotten me a bit distracted.>

The small group of humans rode up, their silver and black armor recognisable to all as soldiers from zhentil keep. The party consisted of 7 soldiers, 6 of which held spears with swords hanging from every saddle. The one in the lead, unusually was a female, the obvious commander from the detailed and form fitting breastplate, lack of spear and a beautifully crafted sword hanging from her warhorse. The approached and stopped 50 feet away, the woman dismounting.

She looked at the group and then narrowed her eyes, looking at Quinn. “You….step forward. What is your business in Zhent land?”

Neliwen's heart pounded in her chest, fast and loud like a marching drum as the Zhentish soldiers approached. She was ready to address the leader, pleasantly surprised it was a woman, but heard her demand an explanation from Quinn.

Not knowing how the knight would fare in such a situation, the elf tried to intervene. "Well met Commander." she said, not sure how to call the leading lady, bowing slightly, showing her respect. "Please allow me to explain ourselves. My name is Neliwen Nenuial and these are my companions. The Paragnostic Assembly has lead me south of your great nation. Our intention is to pass through your territory, peacefully." the scholar tried to explain, hoping the other woman would understand they posed no threat.

ooc: 23:40, Today: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 22 using 1d20+13.  Diplomacy check.

In reply to AO (msg # 85):

"Just passing through." Quinn parroted Neliwen.

Nym stood quietly beside Neliwen and let her do the talking.  She was better at diplomacy than he.  He also stood alert but in a non threating way as possible to help with Neliwen's attempt at diplomacy.  His eyes looking around slowly looking for any sign of a threat.

The woman looked them all over, and showed partictular interest in the dirty dwarf, the dragonborn and the goliath. "Quite a mixed party here ...." she said the words with a sneer as she looked around. "...what is your destination and purpose?"

In reply to AO (msg # 89):

Quinn looked to Neliwen for an answer.

"Ah yes..." Neliwen began, casting a look at the different people. "Trustworthy traveling companions are a difficult find these days, so I chose not to discriminate." she told the soldier with a shrug. "They keep me safe, that is all that matters to me."

"Commander, the Paragnostic Assembly has been looking to recover lost knowledge over the ages and that is my mission. In addition we are trying to recover a item of great importance to the understanding of the world, the universe and its creation. We hope to find it in the Anauroch desert." the elf explained without going into details. "Please understand that I cannot share the intricate specifics of the mission, treasure hunters might get wind of it and beat us to it." Neliwen reasoned, staying vague but not lying outright. The Paragnostic Assembly did recover lost knowledge and items, her being a member made this general directive a secondary mission target.

"Commander, you are a smart and dutiful person. If you cannot trust us, feel free to escort us through Zhentish territory and make sure we do not interfere with your business." the scholar offered. "In fact, we would appreciate the added safety your presence would afford us and I'd be willing to compensate you and your men for your time." the elf suggested, putting a delicate hand on her purse. The offer could be read multiple ways, verbatim or as an attempt to bribe the soldiers into leaving them alone.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:59, Mon 26 July 2021.

From her hiding place, Sonori's wonders what Neliwen is thinking offering to have the Zhents travel with them for a while. But she remains silent and hidden.

Rivka, ostensibly there as the group's guide, stayed vigilant but not threatening.

As she waited for the Commander to reach a decision, she recounted her reasons. Given a typical military structure, the soldiers could not just up and leave their post. Hence, the offer to accompany the group was most likely to be dismissed. However, if it were, by some unforeseen condition, accepted, the presence of the soldiers would negate the necessity to convince other patrols of their harmlessness. It would also deter brigands from engaging such a big group. Last but not least: If the troops of the dragon queen would engage the Zhentish forces, they would automatically become a threat that needed to be dealt with, for the rulers of Zhentil Keep could not afford letting an enemy roam freely inside their borders.

Given Zhentil history though, it was most likely that the soldiers demand a bribe, then would leave them alone.

Zell smiled as Quinn looked really foolish trying to hide, but then his attention went to Neliwen and his smile went to a cringe when she told them about the desert. He was still invisible behind Rivka when he whispered to her of Neliwen's mistake, while keeping an eye on the ground. If he could be invisible, so could somebody else. But, you can't hide foot prints.

"She shouldn't have mentioned the desert...."

16:20, Today: Zell rolled 32 using 1d20+12.  Spot check. (Nat 20)

Kell remains quiet, relying on the reputation of Goliaths being a shy race. It wasn't unusual to encounter one in the mountains. What WAS unusual was to find one traveling, much less with others. Fortunately, as a Master Craftsman, he had a ready-made explanation should he be asked, which had the benefit of being a partial truth.

Nino remained hidden, having no clue what was going on. He assumed he was doing a great job, since nobody said anything to him yet.

The woman narrowed her eyes, but shook her head. “We cannot spare the time - our mission is too important. Our former captain has sent word that there is a group of killers and vigilante’s on the loose. Her mistress is hunting for them and have sourced the forces of zhentil keep. All I can say is make your way to the keep as fast as you can for your own safety, and my advice - put off your trip until these vermin are captured or killed.”

Nym stood beside Neliwen quietly.  He looked around carefully searching for signs of ambush or deceit but trying not to be obvious about it.  He silently hoped Neliwen would just say some words of thanks but not much else so they could continue moving on.

"Of course." the pale elf replied "Thank you very much for your concern, may the gods smile upon you!" Neliwen added with a beatific smile and a slight bow of respect. Sometimes politeness was the key and now they were aware that the dragon queen had managed to paint the group in the worst light.

The schoolar waited for the soldiers to leave before she addressed anyone else. "I think that went surprisingly well." she admitted. "Perhaps we can find a path far from the usual roads, Rivka?" Neliwen asked the ranger.

Rivka nodded with a wry smile
"That's a damned good idea.  I've taking people on hunting trips to out of the way places, so this shouldn't be much different. "

Sonori waits until the guards have gone on their way before saying something, and even then she stays hidden. "Those of us hidden should remain hidden. They will doubtless talk to others, who will look for a group of our description - as they saw us. Having additional people could make them more suspicious."

  "Better idea is make the clanking knight invisible and silent. And myself this might confuse them some." is all he says as he follows after Rivka.

Rivka tried to lead them safely off the beaten path
OOC:  20:09, Today: Rivka rolled 20 using 1d20+9.  Survival

Kell moves to join them. He says "luckily we maintained a noncombative demeanor and didn't present as overtly dangerous. Our hunter has overplayed her hand with that vicious description of us."

Neliwen was more than just relieved the encounter did not end in bloodshed, or worse: their capture. However, she had to agree they needed to present a different racial makeup and perhaps number of group members to have a minimal chance to fool the Zhentish troops again.

"I can use my wand to change myself into a human or other humanoid race, Nym could probably use it, too. Perhaps even Yacob." she said, looking at the dragonkin. "But it will be depleted quickly and it doesn't provide a solution for anyone not able to activate a wand." the elf mused, almost lost in thought.

"A magical hat of disguise would be a great boon for us now." she added whistfully, sad she had not thought of that before.

As the troops move back, The group discusses the wiseness of going off track, Rivka watches the army move off.

...most of them

Two soldiers slowly mill around as you discuss what is happening and Rivka scouts.

Nym keeps an eye on the two soldiers hanging around and passes his observations around to the group quietly.

We better get a move on.  I think we are going to have some company following us to make sure we don't get into trouble.  Rivka, try to lose our followers if possible.

Zell was still invisible as he kept an eye on the guards, but watched the ground near them for foot prints that suddenly appeared out of nowhere, indicating another invisible person around like him. He then took note of Nino still trying to hide and went up to Quinn,

"I'm still invisible. Don't forget Nino. Nobody told him to stop hiding."

In reply to Nym Eveningfall (msg # 108):

Rivka chuckled and spoke quietly
"A group this size probably won't be able to lose a couple of soldiers following us.  Butb I'll make them work for it"

Nym replies quietly to Rivka.

I'll take the rear to try and keep an eye out on them.

Nym whispers to Rivka.

In reply to Nym Eveningfall (msg # 111):

Rivka nodded to Nym, then spoke to the air
"Zell, if you can, when you're trailing us, try to walk in our footsteps if you can, in case they have trackers as well"

In reply to Rivka (msg # 112):

"Nino! Time to go, you can quit hiding now. Want some jerky, or do you have some?"

Nino pops his head up, like an ostrich that had it's head in the ground. He already had a piece of jerky in his mouth, but offers Quinn some after the big Dwarf got up.

In reply to Nino (msg # 114):

"Thank you Nino~" Quinn says with a smile and puts his arm around Nino's shoulder and pats him on the back. He then hands Nino his Beer skin to wash down the jerky they were eating.

"That's a good idea, but with Quinn walking around in that armor, people in Waterdeep can hear him." Zell chuckled

Quinn turned red in embarrassment, knowing it was him that gave the party away to the Zhents.

Rivka grinned
"True, perhaps, but that also might be useful later, if we need a distraction to send other people around unnoticed.   Quinn could be the beacon that provides shadows for the rest of us to hide in.   I've used similar tactics before"

Neliwen was quietly pondering the issue, it was apparent they needed to evade the Zhentish forces. One way was to take a path off the usual roads, another was to hide from patrols until they had moved on. There were spells which could provide cover, unfortunately the elf had focused on the wrong schools of magic but she was too embarrassed about it to admit this. So she kept wondering on how she could help this group with these problems...

Nym looks at Neliwen and then speaks to the group.

I'll bring up the rear.

"I think it best I remain hidden as much as possible as we continue," Sonori said quietly from where she hid.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:23, Wed 18 Aug 2021.

"My old friends and I just ran away as quick as we could into the alleys and sewers. I just hope this doesn't come back to bite us on the butt. We have a long way to travel still."

Neliwen heard Zell's words and gave him a reassuring smile "Do not worry, young Zell, I am confident this is the least of our worries. We need to be swift and stealthy, qualities that you seem to have in abundance."

In reply to Neliwen Nenuial (msg # 123):

Quinn stays by his friend Nino as they travel, he wasn't much for conversation but he was good company.

Nino enjoyed the trip, but still hasn't figured out why he had to hide. He looks around as they walked, but everything looked OK to him. When Quinn talks and points to things, Nino looks and smiles, but doesn't say much.

With Rivka looking at the milling soldiers, both huddled and talking to themselves, she looked around and found a decent path that could lead safely past the keep. The human started leading the group, now with people  around (And zell invisible at Rivka's side) towards the lowlands of the mountains.

---

The trip was slow on the hills at the base of the mountains, the cold could be felt blowing off the top of the mountain as the group went about their way. Zell, his eyes sharp, noticed the soldiers following at a distance, and when night fell, the group set up camp, but even as the darkness fell, no signs of a campfire of them could be seen.

In the distance from this perch, the distance to the south west, a faint light could be seen - zhentil keep.

---

OOC: it is clear to Zell and Rivka the soldiers are following, though with the darkness, there is no signs of them. I want shift watches, and spot and listen checks from those on watch.

Quinn 2nd shift

07:48, Today: Quinn rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  listen.

07:48, Today: Quinn rolled 9 using 1d20+2.  spot.

Nym takes the 2nd shift with Quinn.

OOC: 08:19, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Listen Check.
08:19, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Spot Check.

Rivka worked to make a secure campsite for the group.  She pondered trying to hide their tracks,  but presumed that it was too late for such a ploy now. Not to mention that such a tactic might seem more suspicious to th soldiers

She'd take first watch

OOC:
11:23, Today: Rivka rolled 26 using 1d20+9.  Survival .
11:23, Today: Rivka rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  Listen.
11:23, Today: Rivka rolled 22 using 1d20+7.  Spot

With both Darkvision and Tremorsense, Kell was good at spotting intruders, despite his untrained eyes.

Taking 1st Watch with Rivka.


10:31, Today: Kell rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Listen.

10:31, Today: Kell rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  Spot.

Nino doesn't care what watch he's on. All he knows is that when they stop walking, there will be food.

15:42, Today: Nino rolled 4,18 using 1d20+2,1d20+2.  Spot check & Listen.

19:47, Today: Zell rolled 20,15 using 1d20+12,1d20+7.  Spot check & Listen checks.

Zell used any cover he could find to make sure the enemy didn't know there was another person in the group. He expected them to attack at night and he wanted to be ready for them. He became visible again during his watch, but wanted to remain hidden from the enemy.

19:50, Today: Zell rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Hide Check.

Neliwen milled about for a while, busying herself with tasks around the camp. Collecting firewood and stones for a secure fire and looking for a convenient place to lay down her head to rest.

When they all gathered around the fire, the elf was looking over to where she expected Zhentil Keep to be. "Did you know Zhentil Keep was founded in 640DR, just one year after the arcane formula for the Wall of Stone spell was discovered by Netherese arcanist Mavin? It was originally a small trading camp, meant to facilitate trade with the Iron House dwarves in the mines of Tethyamar." the elf mused, half to herself, half to anyone who would want to listen. "Perhaps we should ask the hidden watchers to join our campfire? It is quite cold out there." the scholar suggested and it wasn't clear if she was serious or joking.

ooc:
00:37, Today: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Listen check.

00:37, Today: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Spot check.

Rivka chuckled at what she hoped was the elven sage's joke.
"Best not," she replied,  deadpan.
"It might seriously stunt troop morale."

Either way, we better keep a good watch all night.

Nym replies as he finds a comfortable spot to sit and eat.

Seeing they were being followed, and knowing that she had made herself memorable, Sonori stayed as hidden as possible as they traveled.

Only when darkness fell, so she would likely remain unseen, did she come out.

She was willing to take whatever watch the others wanted her to during the night.

The night passes without incident, and no obvious campfire is seen out in the darkness. When dawn comes, there is no sign of them as you prepare to leave. Yacob, ever quiet lately, mused as he held his staff, his draconic features staring into the distance seeing something unseen by the others.

the path up on the base of the mountain was slower, but there were no signs of men nearby.

<OOC: I need spot checks for everyone, search for whoever is front and rear guard.>

Rivka was happy to move on, though she continually checked ove their shoulders for trouble behind them.
OOC :
19:13, Today: Rivka rolled 23 using 1d20+8.  Search.
19:13, Today: Rivka rolled 12 using 1d20+7.  Spot

Kell nearly stubs his toe a dozen times during their upwards trek. He was too busy looking around to spot dangers on the trail.

01:19, Today: Kell rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  Spot.

Nym brought up the rear as the party began moving out.

OOC: 07:23, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Spot Check.
07:23, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 25 using 1d20+10.  Search .

Sonori is still cautious, generally trying to stay at the edges of the trail and keeping quiet as they travel.

She doesn't like how quiet Yacob has become, but she isn't sure how to break him from it. He needs to be in the present, not lost in the past.

Quinn gets ready too, he shares some jerky with Nino and washes it down with beer. He hands the beer to Nino when he is done!

He then packs up and gets ready to move.

08:45, Today: Quinn rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  listen.

08:45, Today: Quinn rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  spot.

He hears and sees nothing.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Wed 06 Oct 2021.

Nino woke the next day and picked up his pack and moved with the party. He enjoyed the scenery and the farmlands and petted the horses of the party. He just wished that he could pet a wolf again and feed it beef jerky.

04:59, Today: Nino rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Spot check.

The elf moved on, her mind busy with the possibilities that lay ahead and the options they had to react.

ooc:
00:37, Sun 05 Sept: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Listen check.

00:37, Sun 05 Sept: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Spot check.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:30, Wed 06 Oct 2021.

Being right in the middle of Zhentil Keep territory wasn't one of the things Zell wanted to be caught up in. Those cruel bastards were all over the place, so he was happy to be moving on, but he didn't like the fact that the group might be followed. He just hoped nothing would happen around here because Zell heard even the farmers will turn you in for a reward.

04:42, Today: Zell rolled 19,21 using 1d20+12,1d20+7.  Spot check & Listen.

The group moved steadily up the mountain, rivka looking forward, Zell's sharp eyes behind. though vigalent, no one saw any signs of the soldiers following or ahead.

It was towards the end of the day that the weather turned cooler in the mountain pass. a few hours before twilight Kell with his new abilities linked to the stone paused a split second as the trap sprung, a pit opening up under Rivka, Nino, Quinn and Yacob.

Even as that happened, there was a roar as several large figures emerged from the rocks and shrubs. Kell reconised them immediatly

ogres.

---

<OOC: Ok guys....fun time again

Rivka, Nino and quinn, roll a reflex save please

And everyone roll iniative.>

08:42, Today: Quinn rolled 6 using 1d20.  initiative.

08:42, Today: Quinn rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  reflex save.

Kell readies his big hammer. A small smile creeps across his face. He calls out in Giantish [Language unknown: "Plave! St pl Niome o Belicain! Elwaur mo ne lome eeelec!"]


10:04, Today: Kell rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Initiative .
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Sun 24 Oct 2021.

Nino's Trap Sense kicked in as the pit opened up beneath his feet and....

14:41, Today: Nino rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Initiative.
14:39, Today: Nino rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  Trap Reflex.

Utterly flabberghasted Neliwen stood watching the ambush running its course...

ooc: Initiative 3.

Nym is caught looking in the wrong direction at the first hint of danger.  However he recovers more quickly than some of his fellow companions.

Nym quickly draws his wand and tries to move to a location where his line of sight and line of fire is not impeded by his friends or anything growing alongside the trail.

OOC: 18:33, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Rivka dropped back, getting her bow ready.

OOC:
19:35, Today: Rivka rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  reflex.

19:35, Today: Rivka rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  initiative.

Sonori was no melee combatant, and her first instinct was to find a place to hide until she could see more what was going on and/or someone needed help. She was okay at range, but needed to see what was going on.

Zell was actually ashamed of himself for not spotting the ambush, for some of his comrades could get killed if things go wrong. And things could go wrong really fast with Ogres. Zell goes Invisible.

11:30, Today: Zell rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

  Yacob was caught as unaware as the rest. Difference was he was half asleep. He knows that ogres are very dangerous especially for mages. So instead of trying to keep an even fight he takes to the air.

05:52, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 7 using 1d20+4 ((3)).
  Casting Fly

ooc - Quinn fail his save? Or did he make it?

As the pit falls, surprisingly all the people on it managed to avoid falling all the way in, luckily as in the pit there was stone spikes at the bottom. All people seem to face off with most of the enemy advancing - until Kell yelled out in a gutteral language. All of them stopped, looking confused at the goliath, but a figure up high spoke.

The Ogre speaking seemed different - wearing a grey robe and held a staff. Surprisingly, the next words were in common. "You came to the wrong mountain!" he said with a smile

Rivka, having learned a healthy respect for the power of spell casters,  drew and fir3d two sleep arrows at the staff wielding ogre.  She wasn't sure how well it would work , but it might slow him down at least

OOC:  00:14, Today: Rivka rolled 10 using 1d8+2.  Second damage .
00:14, Today: Rivka rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  First damage .
00:13, Today: Rivka rolled 23 using 1d20+9.  Second  arrow .
00:13, Today: Rivka rolled 27 using 1d20+9.  First arrow .
00:12, Today: Rivka rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Initiative

In reply to Rivka (msg # 158):

Quinn drew his sword and readied his shield, "Ready to kill ogres Nino? Just a few of them!"

09:32, Today: Quinn rolled 11 using 1d20.  initiative.


He takes a defensive stance next to Nino, helping his friend, though he knew he would probably be the one needing help!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:31, Fri 12 Nov 2021.

ooc: How many ogre's are we talking about? Are there any trees or other objects to bind a web to?

The pale elf held on to her staff as the ogres started their assault but cocked her head a bit to the side when Kell challenged them. However, all the best words could not stop the giant-kin and they attacked anyway.

The mage fidgeted with one of the small pockets that held her spell components only to come up with some dirt. She gave the clammy feeling soil a glance, confirming it was what she had been looking for before starting her incantation. Ancient words thrummed with power as they agitated the strands of the weave that permeated the lands of Toril, the soil trickled to the ground as Neliwen lifted the staff and made a circular motion in the direction of the ogres. As the last grain reunited with the soil underneath her feet, a pale grey mist rose from the ground where the ogres stood, enveloping them, sapping their vitality...

ooc: Cast Kelgore's Grave Mist using Sculpt Spell. 4x 10ft cubes, each around an attacking ogre. If there are more than 4, targets are the closest three plus the leader. The mist is stationary and remains 5rds. Fatigue remains.

The spell fatigues [No charge, no running, -2 STR&DEX] the ogres +3HPs cold damage, no save. Penetrate SR17 (SR allows to ignore fatigue but still takes damage)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Fri 12 Nov 2021.

  "Always with the eating. Come up with something new like have a nice cup of tea with. No matter you set the tune." from his spot out of reach of the immediate range of most of the combat. He twirls his staff and points it at the opposing mage and an arc of electricity crosses the space between them.

Round 1 Casting Lightning bolt at the mage.

"STOP!" Sonori shouted, from where she was trying to hide. She didn't want to draw attention to herself, but this wasn't right. Yes, someone tried to ambush them - and that wasn't right. But now her team was attacking when one of them was trying to attack. "They are willing to talk - let us talk as well!" She demanded of her companions. "If we can't talk things out, so be it - we can murder each other than. But life is too precious not to try to parlay first!"

Kell says "sorry, kid. The leader just told them to kill us so they can eat man flesh tonight. Don't think they're of a mind to talk."

OOC Further action pending a map.

...a Fiery Great Axe suddenly appeared in his hands as he sees the ogres around him. He starts roaring like a bear.

"Oh," Sonori says, clearly disappointed. Not least of which because she had given up any chance of being hidden. She closed her eyes for a long moment, made a gesture, "Bless us in this battle!"

OoC: Casting Bless
1/30 rounds Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

Nym was going to use the wand until he caught sight of the one on top of the hill looking down.  Then he casts a Magic Missile spell to hopefully ruin any chance it has of a casting a spell first.

OOC: 08:27, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 12 using 3d4+3.  Magic Missle damage.

<OOC: The above image is the enemies you see. The Hex are the ogres, the red rectangle is the boss (ogre mage) The grey in the center is the pit you avoided (Which you are around) Zell was toward the back (So the left hand side) where Rivka scouted ahead (the right). All others tell me where you are and i'll place you and make a post

I need combat moves from all of you who haven't made one.

In reply to AO (msg # 167):

Figure above the pit probably 10 feet above that ridge so I am looking down on the ogre mage more or less. Unless I couldn't move that far and then far enough away from the ridge that jumping would put you in the pit and still give me line of sight on said ogre mage.

Kell throws off any mental compulsions and races to face a pair of Ogres (to the left). His mighty greathammer slams both opponents, but the second swipe bounces off due to a bad angle.


Using Moment of Perfect Mind, Steel Wind maneuvers.


22:26, Today: Kell rolled 27 using 1d20+10.  Will Save



22:30, Today: Kell rolled 20 using 1d20+11.  Greathammer attack #1.

22:30, Today: Kell rolled 24 using 3d6+10.  Greathammer damage.

22:29, Today: Kell rolled 6 using 1d6.  Cold damage.

22:29, Today: Kell rolled 13 using 1d20+11.  Greathammer attack #2.

22:28, Today: Kell rolled 26 using 3d6+10.  Greathammer damage.

22:28, Today: Kell rolled 1 using 1d6.  Cold damage.

1st ogre takes 24 bludgeoning and 6 Cold damage.

2nd Ogre is missed unless a 13 hits.

Quinn Smites evil on the Ogre to the lower left!

07:20, Today: Quinn rolled 16 using 1d10+6.  damage.

07:19, Today: Quinn rolled 17 using 1d20+11.  to hit.

  "More of these brutes up here. So watch above you in case they think to jump down. Will try and warn you."

ooc: Take cover behind big rock on the bottom right hand side (middle).
Target of Kelgore's Mist: 3 ogres left side of the pit & ogre mage.

With the group surprised by the ogres, as well as the trap, everything seems to happen at once. The ogres wade in, their great clubs swinging. The first connects solidly with Quinn, depite being fully armored, he felt the strength of the ogres swings knocking him back <Quinn takes 20 damage>.

The one facing the seemingly unarmed dwarf wached as he manifested a flaming greataxe with a smile and seemingly nothing, missing his swing with wide eyed fear in his eyes at the dwarf's magic.

The one facing Rivka swung, but the human saw it coming and missed the nimble hunter.

One swung at kell, hitting the goliath in the side, though the goliath outwardly seemingly didn't even flinch <Kell takes 16 damage halved to 8 due to resistance to bludgoning> One swings at the dragon dwarf, missing, confused by what he faced.

The final one faced nym, hitting but a glancing blow, though the strength was still considerable <Nym takes 10 damage>

The ogre on the mound with the magic user threw one of a handful of javelins, aiming at Rivka, the javelin flew true, skewering her leg <Rivka takes 14 damage>

The ogre mage focuses on the dragon form and smiles as he casts a spell

Sonori, quickest of the group grasps her amulet and calls to her god, the magic of the divine flowing through people <All people have +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects>


The nimble archer fired two of her speciality arrows at the orge mage. Both went of simutaniously, causing not only the ogre mage, but the javelin thrower to blink, close their eyes and drop.  The one who threw the javelin fell off the cliff and into the pit.

Nino, feeling the cold of the mist, simply shrugged and swung his axe, the magical axe biting deeply as he roared, the ogre now fully scared, thinking the dwarf's power not only conjured the axe, but the deadly mist.

Quinn, seemingly more focused on the ogres than the stinging mist and the hit, waded in with a grim look, pale as his master, swinging his magical sword with such force it cut the beasts arm so hard it dropped limply at its side.

Yacob, tapping into teh silver dragon staff's power, began to rise, seeing the three enemies behind the mage and javelin thrower even as they dropped to the ground, shouting a warning.

Newilen ducks behind a rock, her hand reaching in and flicking dirt as she incanted a spell. A patch of thin mist enveloped the three ogres, the ogres up above as well as Nino and nym, on the edge of the mist. The ogres within feel the full effects the mage stepping out with a shiver, glaring from a height at the gnome. <Both Nym and Nino take 2 cold damage from the mist>

---

<OOC: End of round 1.

Of the ogres, two are unconsiously asleep (One fell in the pit with a thud and will wake from the damage next round), several minorly damaged.

A few hits from them too.

Next round guys. I know christmas is around the corner....I have a few days off and will work on a map tomorrow>

---

Newiwen: 32/32
Kell: 52/60
Nino: 62/64
Nym: 22/34
Quinn: 22/42
Rivka: 36/50
Sonori: 34/34
Yacob: 33/33
Zell: 28/28

Ogre (8): ??/??
Ogre Mage: ??/??
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:16, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Rivka winced in pain, pulling out the javelin from her leg.  She dodged tye at of the massive ogre facing her in hand to hand combat,  and backed away 5 feet, to fire two giant bane arrows into the creature

OOC :
22:47, Today: Rivka rolled 20 using 1d20+10.  1st multi arrow
22:50, Today: Rivka rolled 9 using 1d8+4.  Damage 1st arrow. .
22:51, Today: Rivka rolled 4 using 2d6.  1st bane damage .


.

22:48, Today: Rivka rolled 26 using 1d20+10.  2nd multi arrow.
22:50, Today: Rivka rolled 11 using 1d8+4.  Damage 2nd arrow
22:51, Today: Rivka rolled 9 using 2d6.  2nd bane damage

In reply to Rivka (msg # 174):

07:58, Today: Quinn rolled 20 using 2d10+6.  damage.

08:09, Today: Quinn rolled 28 using 1d20+9.  to hit. .wait, that is a crit!

Quinn is hurt bad, but keeps at it. Ready to meet Kelemvor.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:59, Wed 15 Dec 2021.

Kell responds to the hit, laying into the Ogre with a Mountain Hammer strike. He readies a Wall of Blades against incoming attacks as he recovers his other maneuvers.

Using free reroll (holiday bonus), Mountain Hammer, Wall of Blades.

Recover Action before Thought, Steel Wind.


15:18, Today: Kell rolled 17 using 1d20+11.  Wall of Blades AC.



15:17, Today: Kell rolled 13 using 1d20+11.  Greathammer attack.

15:18, Today: Kell rolled 22 using 1d20+11.  Greathammer attack (reroll).

15:17, Today: Kell rolled 28 using 5d6+10.  Greathammer damage, Mountain Hammer .

Kell's strike bypasses all Hardness and DR. The Ogre's armor is probably ruined as well.

Wall of Blades lets Kell substitute attack roll for AC, Works vs Touch attacks and spells.

Sonori debated briefly whether she should fight or heal her comrades. Her fighting abilities were only so-so, but she was likely to be able to help heal.

She took out her dagger in one hand and a wand in the other, dashed over to Quinn, placing herself so that he was between her and the ogres, and tapping him with the wand to help with the worst of his wounds.

There was no way he could go toe to toe with an Ogre, but Zell knew they were stupid brutes, so he was hoping to distract the ones near him from attacking the party if they thought the enemy was behind them by yelling to get their attention. They wouldn't see him, of course, because he was invisible.

"Thank you Sonori, I'm fine for now! Save it for someone that needs it.! Please." Quinn Lays on Hands on himself for a further nine.

"I can keep going for a while. You need to be able to keep fighting," Sonori responded.

Nino saw that his friend Inn Inn was hurt, so he immediately raged and went after the nearest Ogre.

04:56, Today: Nino rolled 25 using 3d6+17.  Damage to Ogre.
04:52, Today: Nino rolled 12 using 1d20+9.  confirm critical .
04:52, Today: Nino rolled 28 using 1d20+9.  Power Attack -4.

Nym starts to sing and as he does so he attacks with the nearest Ogre to him with his longsword.

O Lightning Bolt, O Lightning Bolt.

OOC: 10:54, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  To Hit w/ Longsword.
Pretty sure that misses.

"How mighty is your fury!" Sonori joined in the song with Nym.

ROUND 2

With Yacob warning of more ogres coming up, two from his words, the group watch as three ogres fall asleep, one newly coming to the edge, while the javelin thrower tumbling down into the pit with a grunt and cursing.

With their leader incapacitated, the others fought on. The one facing Nym went in for a swing with the huge club, but the elf had since figured out the tactics and easily dodged it. The one between him and Kell threw a javelin at the archer Rivka. The woman, so intune to her surroundings, knocked it aside with her bow. The one facong kell swung in with a massive and solid blow that woud have crushed a man's ribs, but the sturdy goliath, along with the effects of the earth stone, was able to withstand the brunt of most of it. <OOC: Kell takes 26 damage reduced to 13 due to resistance un bludgeoning damage>

The other two, facing both Nino and Quinn likewise swing, but the warriors deflect the blows with ease.


Sonori was begining her spell to help Nym, but saw the savage hit rock Kell, so redirected her spell to the goliath, placing her hand in his back, letting the healing energy flow through to him.

Rivka, wincing in pain at the javelin that the one threw, grimaced and fired her arrow at the one in the pit as it stood up, the arrow catching it's eye, it dropped agan into the pit, dead. with a fluid motion, she fired the other arrow at the one who threw it's javelin moments before, the arrow sticking into it's chest. Though seriously wounded, it still stood.

Nino, seeing the javelin thrown at rivka, Kell hit and the ogres, screamed in rage as he swung his axe in a visious overhead chop. The hit was so brutal it hit the ogre in the base of the neck and went down through his chest and out just above his hip, the top of the torso dropping with the face of the ogre having a look of horror.

Quinn, likewise hurt and seeing his friends being hit, let the ogre's swing soar above as he slid on his knees, his sword following up and impaling the ogre. it's look of surprise was comical as the tip of Quinn's sword appeared out behind it just below the skull.

Kell, having felt the brutal hit, snarled and came in with an equally visious hit. This one, however, sent the ogre sprawling, the ogre clearly would not get up from.

Nym, having dodged the hit, began singing as he swung his sword, hitting the ogre but the armor harmlessly deflecting the blade.

Yacob flying in the air, focused his magical energy for the two ogres that were approaching, knowing they had seen him and were focused on him

Neeliwen, overwhelmed,
focused her energy on her friends and was ready to attack when nino and quinn dispatched them, deflating what her plan was, she turned to the other side and saw the other three.

---

<OOC: As Yacob and Neliwen did not post, they are in a holding pattern.

Two critical hits from players, but one from an ogre (Luckily the only hit this round.)

The two ogres that kell and yacob see will be within range next round, and will attak the round after. Three dead, one very hurt, the others mod hurt AND one normal and ogre mage asleep.'

Next round people.>


Newiwen: 32/32
Kell: 42/60
Nino: 62/64
Nym: 22/34
Quinn: 22/42
Rivka: 36/50
Sonori: 34/34
Yacob: 33/33
Zell: 28/28

Ogre (9): ??/?? (4x DEAD)
Ogre Mage: ??/??



This message was last edited by the GM at 08:23, Mon 10 Jan 2022.

Rivka looked around for Zell, hoping that his absence was his Invisibility, rather than being struck down by the ogres.   She was concerned about her man, but trusted his skill.
She also worked to use her own skills to their best advantage as well.  Seeing the three ogres approaching, she moved up and fired her giant bane arrows at the one in the middle

OOC:
(Forgot some bonuses on my initial rolls
00:18, Today: Rivka rolled 20 using 1d20+12.  1st arrow
00:19, Today: Rivka rolled 11 using 1d8+4.  1st arrow damage
00:20, Today: Rivka rolled 4 using 2d6.  First bane.

 00:18, Today: Rivka rolled 14 using 1d20+12.  2nd arrow
00:19, Today: Rivka rolled 9 using 1d8+4  2nd arrow damage
00:20, Today: Rivka rolled 11 using 2d6.  2nd bane damage

The pale elf had observed the battlefield, gathering the information to best support her friends. Noticing how Nino dispatched the ogre in one fell blow, she realized he was like a force of nature best directed against the brutes that were harassing them.

She briefly closed her eyes as her delicate fingers reached out to touch the invisible strings of the weave, her elven voice reached out, singing the syllables that would open a conduit through the ether.

Nino could feel the touch of magic but it wasn't an aggressive force that was trying to harm him, instead it plucked him from where he stood over the dead body of an ogre, only to reappear before another one that was previously facing Nym. Similarly, the other elf in the group felt the tug of beneficial magic, drawing him away from under the club of an attacking brute and putting him where Nino had terminated one threat just a few heartbeats ago.

Neliwen opened her eyes and searched for Nym's eyes, attempting to let him know it had been her doing.

ooc: Cast 'Benign Transposition', switching Nino with Nym. With no opponent in reach for Nino I thought it makes sense to get him where he can do the most damage. Nym probably has a spell he can losen on the ogres. Sorry if that assumption was wrong.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:43, Mon 10 Jan 2022.

Having dispatched one foe, Kell strides 10 feet to place himself between two ogres, one of which was threatening Nym. As he moves into position and strikes both ogres with a Steel Wind strike, he sees Nym disappear and Nino appear in his place. Kell Frost Greathammer slams into both ogres with mighty cracks.

Move 10' up/North, placing him between the remaining ogres on this side. Steel Wind allows me to strike 2 adjacent enemies with attacks.


02:36, Today: Kell rolled 25 using 1d20+11.  Greathammer attack #1.

02:36, Today: Kell rolled 23 using 3d6+10.  Greathammer damage.

02:36, Today: Kell rolled 5 using 1d6.  Cold damage.

02:35, Today: Kell rolled 20 using 1d20+11.  Greathammer attack #2.

02:35, Today: Kell rolled 19 using 3d6+10.  Greathammer damage.

02:34, Today: Kell rolled 6 using 1d6.  Cold damage.

One ogre takes 28 damage (23 bludgeoning, 5 Cold). The other takes 25 damage (19 bludgeoning, 6 Cold)

Quinn moves to get up on the ledge to deal with the two sleepers, not realizing two more were coming.

He'll drive his sword through the Ogre Mages throat and spine, cutting arteries and paralyzing him. A kill shot.

07:19, Today: Quinn rolled 15 using 2d10+6.  damage. Automatic hit on helpless foe.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Mon 10 Jan 2022.

Sonori glanced around, looking for who was now appeared most hurt of their group within her reach, skipping over to them without being hampered by the snow, and tapping the wand against them to dole some healing.


Bless: 3/30 rounds: Each ally gains a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and on saving throws against fear effects.

20:49, Today: Sonori rolled 8 using 1d8+1.  clw.
20:49, Today: Sonori rolled 14 using 1d20+10.  heal - who's worst hurt?

Nym finding himself in a different place quickly locates the nearest threat to him and casts a magic missile spell.

OOC: 21:23, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 14 using 3d4+3 with rolls of 4,3,4.  Magic Missle damage.

From his vantage point Yacob can see the two coming from further away. He pulls out the components for his spell and a small orange bead goes streaking at the pair. They are engulfed in flames. The whole area is clear of snow and ice from the heat.

06:11, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 23 using 5d6 ((4,6,5,4,4)).

After Nino killed the Ogre in front of him, he looked around for other enemies, then he was suddenly in front of another one and he didn't know where it came from. It made Nino confused, so he just swung at anything in front of him. Good thing for Kell that Nino swung on the Ogre, which was the bigger target.

05:06, Today: Nino rolled 25 using 3d6+17.  Damage to Ogre.
05:05, Today: Nino rolled 21 using 1d20+9.  Power Attack -4.

In reply to Nino (msg # 192):

Quinn pulled his blade from the Ogre Magi's throat and began looking for more enemies or quick kills! He moved to the other prone ogre and slew him too!
This message was last edited by the player at 16:57, Sun 16 Jan 2022.

ROUND 3

Yacob, seeing the approaching ogres, sends a lethal spell as the fireball soars over the sleeping pair, detonating  a huge ball of fire. Both ogres are knocked down, severely burnt, as well as hitting the two sleeping ogres.  The one throwing the spears was burnt, the charred corpse sent over the edge, the ogremage screamed in pain, and was still alive - barely....but yacob also saw another figure caught in the fire.

Zell

rivka, seeing the fire above from his spell go off, aiming her arrows at the most uninjured ogre.  the two arrows hit in succession, killing it where it stood, dropping it to the ground.


The detonation of the fireball had startled the living or conscious ogres, their leader severely hurt and n the lower level, two left standing.  They backed away as if to run.

But Nym and Kell would have none of that.

Nym, holding out his hand, sent magic missiles into the backtracking ogre who flinched and fell, the elf quickly finished him off. Kell, his hammer leading, smashed the ogre's leg, it howling in pain up until the hammer again came around and caved in it's skull.

Nino and Quinn, seeing no other enemies, circled around with intention of facing the mage, and saw the two burnt ogres and Zell.  Quin  went to the burnt rogue, while nino done what he did best, and with bestial fury, killed the ogres with a mixture of axe and his gauntlet.

Within seconds, the only one alive was the mage, who coughed, looking at Yacob.

"You've won nothing fools....she will find you and destroy you all." The ogre laughed, coughing gouts of blood before dropping dead from it's wounds.

---

<OOC: Combat is over people.

Zell was invisible and caught in the fireball range.....ouch. depending on his save he has taken either 11 damage, or 23. Either way, he is alive - hust hurting a lot>


Newiwen: 32/32
Kell: 42/60
Nino: 62/64
Nym: 22/34
Quinn: 22/42
Rivka: 36/50
Sonori: 34/34
Yacob: 33/33
Zell: 28/28

Ogre (9): ??/?? (4x DEAD)
Ogre Mage: ??/??

Limping over to where their dead foes were, Rivka rolled her eyes as the last ogre died.
"They always have to die with some cryptic prophecy or dire threat on their lips, don't they?   Why can't these monsters ever just die quietly for once?  It seems like a much more polite way to go out."
Smirking a bit, she started checking for valuables on their enemies, as well as clues as to their leader.   The ranger also kept a sharp eye out for Zell.  She had hoped fervently that he'd used his invisibility to stay out of danger, using his stealth to advantage in the fight to choose where to strike, but in the chaos of battle, with magical shenanigans flying hither and yon, anything could have happened.

OOC:
20:56, Today: Rivka rolled 15 using 1d20+8.  search.

Kell jumps up atop the overlooking knoll. With his Hunter's Sense (scent ability) and his tremorsense, he reassures himself that no other enemies are in the area.


19:20, Today: Kell rolled 40 using 1d20+30.  Jump check.

ooc: Assuming Zell is a rogue he should have Evasion, allowing him to avoid injury on a successful save. *keeping her fingers crossed*

Neliwen watched her companions dispatching one ogre after the other, relief washing over her. The message the ogre mage delivered, had her worried, but it was not really news. Of course, that her reach extended this far meant they had to move faster if they wanted to succeed on their mission.

Biting her lip when everything fell quiet, the elf moved forth and put a healing hand on the human knight. Quinn could feel the positive energy slowly helping him recover.

ooc: Cast 'Lesser Vigor', cures 12HPs.

In reply to Neliwen Nenuial (msg # 197):

"Thank you Neli, you should have saved that for someone else though." He laid on hands to heal the rest of the way though.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:55, Tue 15 Feb 2022.

Rivka looked at the healer with interest, but decided that she'd wait until others who were more injured were healed first.

Sonori saw Neliwen move to heal Quinn, so she moved to Rivka, who was also obviously wounded, touching her and healing her with a brief chant. "We should search the bodies quickly then go,"


20:08, Today: Sonori rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  cure light.

"Aw Mystra mystical monthly madness." the dragon-dwarf yells as the fireball engulfs the rogue along with the ogres. "Fool rogue. Quinn! Zell might need ya get up here." he goes to land near where he last saw the rogue. "I swear if I had known you were here boy I would have done different." panic isn't the emotion worry is. His scales are giving off an "cold ozone smell" as if a early spring rain storm was building.

In reply to Sonori (msg # 200):

Rivka smiled sheepishly at her gnome friend, feeling a little embarrassed that she wasn't able.to hide her limp as well as she'd thought she could,  but she nodded to the healer.
"Much appreciated,  my friend "

With the battle over Nym moves to search the bodies for anything useful to group.  As he does so he realizes he's been injured more than he would admit to anyone.  Anyone watching him sees that he is only using one hand and arm as he searches.  Holding the other one carefully against his body.  He curses quietly in elven at his own stupidity again.

OOC: 22:27, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 14 using 1d20+10.  Search

After noticing no movement among the ogrescabove, Kell searches the bodies, starting with the leader.


23:12, Today: Kell rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Search.

In reply to Kell (msg # 204):

Quinn helps to disarm and de-armor if needed and turn pockets and pouches.

At Quinn's words the pale elf blushes a little, she had only meant to help but would remember for the next time, nodding in understanding. Noticing Sonori was looking after Rivka, Lurue's servant looked at each of the other companions and noticed Nym seemed to be in need for assistance.

Moving swiftly to him, she grabbed the symbol of her faith and held out a hand asking "I see you are injured, may I help you?"

ooc: If Nym agrees Cast 'Lesser Vigor', cures 12HPs.

In reply to Neliwen Nenuial (msg # 206):

"I hope there is no misunderstanding, I greatly appreciated the cure, just do everyone else FIRST and save me for last as I can heal some damage myself, though not as well as you." He smile at her, he liked Neli, she is sweet.

Nym looks at Neliwen with a friendly smile and replies in elven.

Nino strikes a proud pose on the closest dead ogre with his axe and eats some beef jerky as a celebration to the party's victory. He looks proud and smug before he belches.

In reply to Nino (msg # 209):

Quinn walks over to Nino and hands him a beer skin, a waterskin full of beer, to wash down the jerky.

Quinn's explanation has the elf look back at the paladin with a shy smile "Do not worry, it is all good. We have not known each other for long, I am positive it will work out eventually." she added, turning back to Nym. [Language unknown: "Tr iseess, eveun beadsa n prshe ughichted n thi strndeyin, one ulro k prnt todi pe ionatikor ll, ic no m utol es ant fo hith tost interaall ti staingsti."] Neliwen said softly. The scholar was relieved that there had not been any casualties, yet.

  "You and that blasted Invisibility ring. One of these days you are gonna get in over your head or something and die and none of us will know. Sune's harem boy I swear." the Sune's harem is almost said as a curse. And you can tell it's good natured gruffness but with a point.

"And what's wrong with my ring?" Zell said to Yacob as he materialized next to Rivka, not a mark on him. "I saw your spell and used my superior skills to dive into the snow!"

Zell then gives Rivka a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Rivka chuckled with delight, both at her man's clever quip, and his success in avoiding getting injured in the chaotic fight.  She hugged him fiercely.
"It's good to see you.  I was hoping your fleet feet and that ring would keep you safe from those monsters."

With a big smile, Nino drinks the beer, probably spilling 25% on his beard.

In reply to Nino (msg # 215):

Quinn grins at his friend and claps him on the back!

Nym continues speaking to Neliwen in Elven.


Nym moves his arm in some normal ways to test it out.

As good as new.

"Who else needs healing?" Sonori asked, seeing Neliwen also healing.

If no one else, she went to one of the nearest enemies. She wanted to see not just if they had anything valuable, but if they had any orders. Was it luck they had found them? Or was it an ambush. "We shouldn't stay here long."

Rivka smiled to the gnome.
"I'm still nicked, but I can wait until others have been sorted."

Kell calls down "I'm a little scratched up, but a good night's rest ought to fix that." He continues his search of the Ogre mage and the other ogres atop the knoll.

"At least we have a ready made hole to drop them in. No need to cover it, the animals and birds need to eat!" He shares beer and jerky with his friend Nino. Quinn knows Nino is a killing machine, and is glad of it and respects it greatly! He'll do what he can for his friend to help him through the loss of his cousin Yacob the dragon. Try to get him to accept the new Yacob, but that won't be easy. Nino is very smart, but he is a bit slow.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:29, Sat 19 Feb 2022.

The scholar smiled gently at Nym's words and nodded but didn't comment any further, there seemed to be no need to. Still somewhat new to the companions, cast her gaze over the people she was traveling with. They were good people, a few of them a little odd, but goodnatured nonetheless. Quinn's suggestion to let the ogre's rot in the hole had her frown but didn't object, the creatures were dead and others of their people might want to go through burying rites. Biting her lip Nerissa thought for a moment before speaking up anyway. "They were our enemies and tried to kill us, but they had a soul and I would like to say a few words, lest their spirits return to haunt us."

With that said she walked towards the corpses and began speaking a few blessing words in the Giant tongue. Eventually she arrived at the ogre mage and noticed something off "Uh... someone, preferably with a sword or axe, come here. I think this one is not completely dead." she called out pointing at the wounds that seemed to get smaller.

ooc: Afaik Ogre Mages regenerate damage (unless it is fire or acid).

Quinn poured oil on the Ogre Mage and got out his tenderbox, flint & steel and lit him up.

The elf watched the knight pouring oil over the creature and was about to stop him when the body went up in flames. "Uh... decapitating should have sufficed." she told him sheepishly, feeling at fault for not letting Quinn know earlier.

"Meh, he's dead now anyway. Stinks to the high heavens, let us gather everything and move on."

The group search through the bodies and find rags, javelins and greatclubs on the warriors. The ogre mage had a robe with a potion, pouch of various spell materials and a dagger

The elven scholar had a look at the items her companions had retrieved from the bodies and frowned. "May I have a closer look at these?" she asked politely.

ooc: Cast 'Detect Magic'

the only item that has magical quality is the potion.  the robe and dagger appear to be of modest quality with the robe having some tribal alterations as to his station

OoC: Any papers that might indicate orders? Or anything similar?"

Once the enemies had been searched, Sonori was eager to get going. "Let's go. We shouldn't stay here long."

Nodding,  Rivka prepared to lead the group out

Pursing her lips in disappointment Neliwen handed the items back save the potion. "This seems to be the only thing magical. I can try to identify the contents once we decide to make camp this evening." she let the others know, trying to be helpful.

"Sonori is right though, we should not tarry." she agreed.

Quinn packed up ready to move, took his place in line near Nino. That way they could share Jerky and beer.

Kell remarks "the earth stone truly improves my durability in these kinds of fights. I have to learn how to not get hit so easily, though."

Nino didn't like Ogres and proceeded to urinate on them while the party was getting ready to leave.

In reply to Nino (msg # 234):

Quinn mimicked Nino, and urinated on the ogre magi, wanting to build his relationship with his friend. Afterward he gave Nino some jerky and beer.

Rivka.rolled her eyes, discreetly, at the antics of some of the men in the group.
Part of her understood the impulse, and an even smaller part pondered if joining in might be a nice "team building exercise".  However, her personal "situation" made such activities a bit more awkward and involved,  so she merely moved away to give them some privacy, even if they didn't seem to want it

Catching a glimpse of Nino's and Quinn's p'ssing contest, the elf turned away in disgust at the barbaric display. She would be happy to leave this scene as quickly as possible.

With the enemies searched of their meagre possessions, the group decided it was best to move on as the smell of blood would no doubt attract predators. The group, led again by Rivka, went on, and not an hour later, the sounds of howls of wolves could be heard - rivka smiled knowing the wolves had found the bodies and a potential meal.

The trecking through the mountain proved hard at times, the path leading up a steep slope, but by evening, you watched as the sun set over the horizon atop a bluff, Rivka making a sheltered fore so the light couldn't be seen.

this was fortunate as in the distance, the specks of fires could be seen both behind and to the side of you - had you gone the plains, their would have been more than the ogres to contend with.

With the watch set, people got a good night sleep, and woke early to a chill in the air and drizzle that hinted at snow. The decision needed to be made that should they continue along the mountains, they either needed to go a little higher, or back down to the plains and for the desert that lay a few more days away.

Rivka made sure everyone was safe in their campsite, then snuggled up to Zell, only partially for warmth, to spend the night. She pulled her fur cloak tighter around her, holding off the chill of the air.
After cleaning up their campsite, and making sure the fire was out, Rivka cast a ranger enchantment to study the land and their surroundings.   She hoped that she would be able to get information to help their decision.
Her bias was to stay in the relatively unpopulated mountains, but she was willing to use new information for advice.


OOC:  Cast "Lay of the Land"
You cast this spell and are surrounded with a nimbus of green light.
 In your mind, a map unfolds of the surrounding area, showing the cities,
 hamlets, and known ruins as if penned by a cartographer. The light fades
but the knowledge of the map remains.

You instantly gain an overview of the area around you. Lay of the land gives
basic information relevant to major landmarks, such as rivers, lakes, and
settlements (of at least hamlet size). It indicates the direction and distance
to each from the current location. You have a good understanding of the terrain
 up to 50 miles from your current location.

Unlike find the path, this spell does not give information on traps, passwords,
or impediments to a journey.

Zell loved the snuggling as well and slept like a baby. The trek in the mountains reminded him of when they found the caves back home and he was happy that he had some outdoor training, limited as it was. After Rivka cast her spell to gain information on the land, he asked her a few questions,

"Remember what my Cousin said about the mountains here? About the evil Drow bitch that tortured my Aunt? Are we near that cave?"

Rivka concentrated on her magic, listening to Zell and nodding in understanding
"Let's see.....
There aren't any human, elven or dwarven communities nearby.
Oh, wait....there IS a village of Trolls down the Mountain from us.
About...10 miles away there's a set of ruins of some kind.  It looks to he adequate shelter, with an....underground river and a cave entrance,  about.....7 miles away.

She concentrated a bit longer
"There are several camps, actually 10 or so, down on the plains.  The closest camp is about 6 miles away.
Going along the Mountain towards that cave would avoid those camps."

She looked at Zell
"That mountain you're talking about is more to the northeast.   Were heading southwest"

Nym spent part of the time speaking with Neliwen about various things related to the elves, magic, and their mission.  Except when he was on watch he spent the rest of the time mentally preparing himself for the next day.

Nino just wandered around the camp and collected twigs and rocks and made crude pictures of various things. He mainly hung out with Inn Inn, since Bob Bob was gone.

Quinn shared jerky and beer with Nino and just hung out with him to be his friend. Nino was a mighty warrior, a killing machine!

"So it sounds like you should lead on, Rivka," Sonori said.

Rivka smiled at Sonori, nodding
"So, is everyone alright with staying in the Mountains?  Or would you rather risk the lowlands and the more crowded areas?"

"I'm fine with staying up here. No Zhent patrols and it took a lot of energy getting up here. I don't want to go down now." Zell chuckled

 "We need to make up time. How we do it isn't important, but this is a race we can't lose. Either we win this race or we give up and go for another one and maybe get two before they realize we gave up on the one. But speed is important. A lot is at stake. How we get there isn't as important as moving fast." he isn't gruff just matter of fact. "To much is at stake. And failure means death or worse. So if you think we can make shall we say decent time going through the mountains by all means lead on. But if not tell us straight. In this you are the expert and I won't gainsay you in this, but I will advise speed over comfort or ease of passage until we near the final confrontation."

Kell adds "yes, Rivka. Let us know now. I'm very comfortable traveling through mountain terrain, and can aid any who move too slowly for the pace you set, if they can forego their pride."

Rivka chuckled wryly at the scaly dwarf's words.
"But no pressure, Yacob, I understand."
She looked at the group.
"There's no guarantees, of course, but I think that avoiding more populated areas by going through the mountains is our best bet"

Neliwen talked with Nym, enjoying the conversation on topics not many people were interested in. She spoke freely and out of habit slipped into the Elven tongue, making it easier to explain certain arcane circumstances. The pale elf had to admit she was grateful they finally made camp. Her studies had not prepared her for the challenging march through, at least partially, hostile territory. Soon after they settled down and had something to eat the elf lay down and slipped into reverie.

Early in the morning the sun elf was up already, preparing herself for the new day. Using her magic to clean herself up for the new day she looked almost as fresh as a daisy, although she slightly smelled of roses. Only then did she start praying and refreshing her memory on spells and prayers. As it was suggested to go through the mountains rather than the valleys, Neliwen sighed, but her face showed the resolve to keep up with everyone. "If you believe that is our safest route, I am all for taking it."

Nym caught Neliwen's sigh and the look on her face.

I believe that going through the mountains is probably the safest route as well.

He then smiled at Neliwen and spoke to her with the intent of inspiring some confidence in her.

In reply to Nym Eveningfall (msg # 252):

"We'll carry you if we have too Nel."

"Then let's get going," Sonori prodded, impatiently.

Unless there were any objections,  Rivka led the way forward

Neliwen looked at the others, offering their help to carry her, a little bit sourly but eventually brightened up again "Thank you, that is very sweet of you to offer. Rest assured I will do my best not to become a burden to anyone." she said and grabbed her gear. "I agree, let us move on."

Nym gathers his stuff up and prepares to take the rear guard position.

He noticed Neliwen's expression but didn't make further comment as there wasn't any more to be said on the topic at this time.

I'll take the rear guard.

With the decision to make for the cavern pass made, the group made for the cave entrance that Rivka had a 'feeling' about.

The next few hours was tough, with some times the terrain hard, and others the need for stealth due to close sounds nearby, but after a few hours, Rivka pulled up and looked up, a small, almost hidden ledge had a cave about the size of a dwarf in it.

The climb, like the trip, wasn't the easiest, with people slipping, but Kell and Rivka helped the process, with Zell, nimbly scouting it as the others came up.

By dusk, the group were entering the cave.

---

It had been an hour or so after sunset, and the trip was eerily quiet as the group went. After some time at the surface, the group came to an almost sheer cliff. Rivka and Zell, her scouting prowess and his eyes, found signs of old climbing equipment, and Yacob confirmed the metal was dwarven in make, though very old.

With the groups rope and the equiptment, you were able to decent the cliff...a whopping 400 meters in height.

The group came to the bottom and found moss and lichen, as well as a cave leading out - which you followed. That was over an hour ago, and even with torches and light, the cave seemed old and errie.

Then the cave opened up into an gigantic chamber. The roof was out of sight in the darkness, though there was specks of light that almost looked like stars high above, they were too few to be the stars. The chamber itself was likewise so big you couldn't see it all, but from what you did, there was what looked like a temple, so old that is bordered on being a ruin.

---

<OOC: Sorry i've taken so long - i've had to sort out my next steps in the mission here

you are currently in a reasonably flat and open cavern, it's size so large your not sure of the size. At the edge of the light, you see a huge building that looks like a castle, temple or such, looking old and almost ruined.>

Neliwen did what she could not to slow her companions down, although it was apparent she was struggling in the hard terrain. She gave those helping her a genuine thankful smile that also hid a tinge of embarrassment. So the elf was glad when the group reached a point where they needed to stop and arrange themselves to climb down. Not skilled in climbing, she once more relied on her companions to aid her getting down onto the ledge. Fortunately nothing bad happened and the mage took a deep breath as she looked into the cave full of amazement.

Walking in was comparatively easy and when it became too dark to see normally, her vision changed to black and white, allowing her to steer clear of any objects that might cause her to stumble. She shuddered lightly, not because the air was cool, but because of the oppressing atmosphere weighing down on her. Trying to convince herself the hole in the mountain was actually open to the skies above helped a little, lifting her spirits.

The elf wondered how deep the cave would go when they happened upon the derelict temple, immediately fascinated by it...

"Nice temple! Want some jerky Nino? Beer?" and he offered them to his companion.

Nym kept his promise to Neliwen by keeping an eye on her and helping her when needed.  He also kept a good eye the group's rear as they travelled.  Upon seeing the temple Nym muttered quietly in elven.

He wanted to explore the temple but knew the group was really too exhausted to do anything more than make camp, set a watch and get some sleep. So he checked out the immediate surroundings.

Rivka was in her element, amd reverted to full "guide" mode for the group, advising them on where to climb and how to best avoid disturbing the fragile cliffside.  She was obviously more at home in forests than mountains, but the skills translated fairly well.
She also fell into a very easy and coordinated partnership with Zell, his elven eyes picking up details that hers might have missed.  The pair worked together in perfect harmony, seamless and even with occasional flirtatious fun, but always effectively

When they got to the strange building, Rivka looked at the structure suspiciously.  Not recognizing it, perhaps due to its age and condition, she turned to the others.

"I can scout ahead, if you'd like?"

Nym replies reasonably to Rivka's comment about scouting ahead.

After we all get some rest.  The journey this far has got all of us needing a break.  We don't need to split up here.  We have a long way to travel for our primary mission.

Zell didn't like heights all that much. He wasn't afraid of them, but wished there was an easier way to move through the area. He helped anyone from grabbing a hand to untangling a rope that got tangled in a pack or weapon scabbard and was relieved when the climb was over. But, when he saw the creepy ruins, his thoughts immediately went to the undead.

Lord Greystone is gone. Lord Greystone is gone. Lord Greystone is gone. Zell whispered to himself

Kell pushed on, keeping a light heart and sunny attitude. He was glad to help whomever needed aid to navigate the terrain  which was like Home to him. When they arrived at the ruins, his mind turned inwards as he concentrated on the Earth Stone. He reaches out his senses trying to feel for any movement traversing the ground.

"By the gods!" Neliwen exclaimed in an unusual burst of excitement. "This is wonderfully impossible!" the elf went on and took a few steps toward the building.

"This is an amalgamation of various races. That arch is typically human architecture and over there you can see a traditionally dwarven roof. The crude orcish pillars completely took me by surprise, especially finding it this close to dwarven work." she explained, sounding quite fascinated with the discovery while pointing out the details. "And that floor, the mosaic was definitively made by one of the elder elven craftsmen." the Sage babbled on, completely oblivious to anything but the structure. "It's marvelous, like a monument of peaceful coexistence." Neliwen concluded eventually, seemingly out of breath by the discovery. A discovery that was sure to get her a permanent seat at the Paragnostic Assembly.

All that climbing around made Nino a bit thirsty, but nothing about the building impressed Nino at all as he "broke wind" while eating the jerky that Inn Inn gave him. He liked his friend.

  Yacob does wizard things as they travel. Mainly being as unquiet in the forest as dwarvishly possible. And when they got to the cliff helps the others down as best he can. Going down last, but his descent is far easier as he merely jumps off the cliff and cast a spell slowing his fall. It wasn't until Neliwan's exclamation about the temple that he got worried. "You really don't know your history do you? Ancient dwarf strongholds that have any other race features for anything are either dust or worse. Stop being loud for the love of Shiallia. If the races didn't come to blows then it was dragons that did this place in. Be wary. Best case is it was tuskers or hobgoblins. I have no want to fight a dragon today. And Myth Drannor wasn't the first time that was tried lass. We did it first or maybe at the same time."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:47, Wed 11 May 2022.

Rivka listened to the elven sage closely,  clearly fascinated.  Yacob's response was a bucket of cold water on the revelation,  though.
Still, it was an interesting find

  "This wasn't unity more like each race forcing themselves on each other. But that isn't the troubling thing see the runes? At first I thought it was three languages but no it is one language that uses three written systems. This is unique. While I was able to figure out the last trinity language where this" he motions with the staff "was found. This one is beyond even my abilities."

Sonori was used to hiking and traveling, but she really hadn't been in the mountains much. But she didn't complain - indeed, she seemed rather cheerful, humming along with the wind.

She looked around the strange architecture with curiosity, darting lightly from place to place.

Neliwen seemed oblivious to Yacob's words, at least she showed no outward reaction. Her curiosity turned to the writings and while she could not decipher them immediately she would pray for the spell to comprehend languages. It would help her to figure out what they said, be it a prophesy or a warning or perhaps a message telling all visitors of the glory of their gods.

Not waiting for anyone the sage moved forward to investigate the structure further.

Quinn waited for any instructions, sharing his jerky and beer with his good friend Nino. He kept a close eye on the girls, in case they needed help.

Rivka, bow at her side, followed Neliwen, not wanting to lose track of someone in her party

Nym saw Neliwen start towards the structure.  Seeing as the others were not going to take his advice he grabbed his gear and followed along quietly.  At the same time he started to a much more detailed look as they walked.

Quinn clapped Nino on the back, "Let's protect them my friend!" Detects evil.

"Don't any of you like to just sit around and do nothing?" Zell jokingly sighed as he got up again to follow

 "No inn or nice fire with a chalice of mulled wine and a lusty lass. So no sitting around is for the dead out here." he says with laugh somewhere between a bark and a hiss from his dragon throat. Little curls of mist leak out from his nostrils as he clasps his hands at his mouth at the noise clearly embarrassed.

Kell chuckles. "Always wondered what a dragon's belch sounded like. And no beer was involved, either......"

The group made their way closer to the stone structure, curiosity getting the better of them. As the group came closer, you all notice the stone, though worn with age, was of an unusual type of stone that none recognized.

the temple itself was huge, angled like a ziggurat but the designs had aspects of many races.....elven, dwarf, human and other unknown designs. There were no doors or windows, just carved holes much like a underground dwarven temple. The sconce hooks held what looked like once pots that held oil, long rusted to dust.

the floor to the entrance held a mosaic of a dragon with someone astride it battling what looked like a hoard of demons, behind him winged angels and other beasts in what looked like a fight of good versus evil

---

<OOC: everyone roll a spot check and a wisdom check please. Anyone prof in knowledge - planes also roll that too>

Rivka had her bow ready, just in case, but found herself fascinated by the structure and the story, perhaps an important one, that it told.

OOC:  21:56, Today: Rivka rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  Wisdom.
21:56, Today: Rivka rolled 20 using 1d20+9.  Spot

Kell says "all right, this is odd. The Earth Stone is reacting. It's giving me a feeling, or the Echo of a feeling, of both recognition and caution. So no one charge forward, regardless of how fascinated you might be....."



20:11, Today: Kell rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Spot check.

20:11, Today: Kell rolled 10 using 1d20.  Wis check.

Neliwen stared at the battle depicted but could not put her finger on what it wanted to tell them.

ooc:
08:26, Today: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 11 using 1d20+8.  Legend Lore check.
08:23, Today: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 12 using 1d20+11.  Knowl. o.t. Planes.
08:22, Today: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Spot check.
08:22, Today: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 14 using 1d20+2.  Wisdom check .

In reply to Neliwen Nenuial (msg # 283):

08:09, Today: Quinn rolled 8 using 1d20+1.  wisdom.

08:09, Today: Quinn rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  spot.

Yeah Kell's warning and his own earlier are probably the only things holding Yacob back like a kid in a candy store.
07:59, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 6 using 1d20.  Wisdom.

07:59, Today: Yacob Stoneveins rolled 6 using 1d20.  Spot

Nym could tell there was something different here.  He just didn't know what was different or why it was different.  He continued to be alert as he followed along side Neliwen.

OOC: 10:07, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Spot Check.
10:07, Today: Nym Eveningfall rolled 15 using 1d20.  Wisdom Check.

Zell was last to "arrive", even though it was probably only a couple hundred feet, but he really didn't care about the structure, so he didn't pay much attention to it.

15:51, Today: Zell rolled 17,5 using 1d20+12,1d20+2.  Spot check & Wisdom check.

Sonori cocks her head with interest about the Earth Stone reacting. She walks - almost skips - over to Kell. "Can I see?"

PM

Rivka noticed the doors, as she routinely looked for ambush points.
"That's a good sized door, Neliwen.  You think some giants, or perhaps some goliaths or ogres, spent some time here, leaving their mark on the place?"

Kell palms the stone and shows it to Sonori. "could be goliaths or ogres,maybe. But I'd think it more likely the work of cyclops. They are, as a whole, more craftsmen than those races mentioned."

Quinn puts his hand to his sword but doesn't draw it, he rests his hand on his hilt.

Nym starts to speak in Elvish, but stops almost as soon as he starts and switches to common.

Look closer at the races in the mural.  You see the dragons, demons, devils, angels, and celestials?  There is another race in there as old as the dragons themselves.  I know deep down I know who they are, I just can't recall who at the moment. Tales from a long lost legend among the blade singers.  The tale is true, but the details may have been embellished over the centuries.

Paying keen attention to the details that Nym had pointed out, the pale elf examined the mural...

ooc: 14:10, Today: Neliwen Nenuial rolled 30 using 1d20+10.  History check on the mural.

Sonori looks for a long moment at the stone. She really wants to touch it again. Something about the stones... "Okay, are we going to explore here or keep going?"

Kell asks Yakob "could the Earth Stone be reacting to the presence of another Stone?"

  "Anything is possible. For all I know it could be reacting to a concentration of magic, a previous owner, an elder earth Elemental, or a half a dozen things. These are primordial magic which means I am guessing and while I have more information than some I am still figuring this out as well. Does it feel like another stone?"

"No." the elf replied, but it was apparent her mind was busy with some other question. Taking another step forward her eyes lit up in recognition. "It... it cannot be, it is just a myth..." she said, doubting the evidence or herself, which one was not clear. "I read about these battles a couple of decades ago. My uncle had returned with an ancient tome from a previously undiscovered library in Myth Drannor." Neliwen explained, awe evident upon her face. "It was the time before humans walked upon Abeir Toril, before dwarves or even elves set their foot upon the ground. It is written that demons and devils ruled the world and it was a desolate, terrible place. At that time beings of divine might fought against them. These celestials and angels were more powerful than the demons but fewer in number but their own strength as well as the infighting between the creatures of darkness, allowed them to maintain the balance. And neither the light nor the darkness could gain the upper hand." she recited from memory. "Then something happened that brought forth unity in the enemy, making the balance tip in evil's favor. Somehow, they gained some form of leadership and the fighting among the devils and demons ceased. But the cosmos would keep balance." Neliwen stopped, licking her lips that felt dry as parchment before she continued.

"And thus they came to be. No one knows how they did, or their names - perhaps another dimension, or another place. Maybe even from the future. But these beings were even fewer in number than the celestials and angels, but held a vast power. They were neutral in all things, and with the evil tipping the balance, it fell to them to restore it." the sage said, her voice filled with fascination as she realized where it all lead. "What they lacked in numbers they made up with magic - the first magic users in existence. They were said to have created dragons, brought magic. For an unknown time, they kept the balance, until again something came to be, and the demons and devils vied for a final assault

They knew that they could not defeat them, so they joined each others minds, and tore existence asunder. Thus they created the upper and lower planes. The demons, banished to their own world to destroy all they knew, the celestials to live in peace. But the price was said to have destroyed them all - at least physically. Their gathered essence gave birth to a new entity..." she stopped, mentally processing again what she had just said.

"AO"

"I bow to your knowledge, Neliwen, but how could anyone even believe such a thing? Stories get manipulated over the years, decades and centuries and who could say if any of it is true? It sounds like a wild campfire story." Zell said as he rolled his eyes

Nym speaks to Neliwen in common when she pauses.

No Neliwen.  It is not a myth.  It is true, Zell.

Nym continues to move with Neliwen standing beside her as he starts to whisper to himself in Elvish.

  As the dwarf begins to speak he reached into the fold of his long coat and pulls out a silver medallion on a sliver chain.
"Thus Bahamut tells the story of Creation to his non-dragon followers. It was in Myth Drannor that I found the faith and it was there that I truly understood what it was to stand before the might of the draconic folk. I watched a green get torn to shreds by a mercury dragon. The mercury then left. And as it flew away wounded itself it was majestic. And shortly after I found the church of Bahamut and converted from the worship of Dumathoin. At first they thought it a fake conversion. I have spent years learning about them. I have traveling tomes that I research as time has allowed. AO is both older and younger than you can imagine."

In reply to Yacob Stoneveins (msg # 301):

Quinn crossed himself at these revelations and handed his beerskin to Nino. He moved forward with a funny look in his eyes.

As soon as Neliwen mentioned Myth Drannor, Rivka was all ears.  She wasn't a terribly religious person, but she was always up for a history lesson, or at least a good story.
She listened with awed silence, nodding in understanding, if not complete acceptance.
It wasn't that she thought the sage a liar, just that the story was a bit...much.  Not just a bit much, but a bit overwhelming.  As if she were hearing about the dawn of time.  It was a history she felt very unworthy of receiving, as a mortal.
The two men, while not as detailed, provided a enough for a convincing corroboration of the mythical story, and Rivka let out a low whistle of awe as she pondered the tale.

In an epiphany, Quinn fell to his knees in awe and wonder.

"We may have found something just as if not more important than a single Stone. Kell youbsaid the Stone felt something can you describe it? Did it feel like it was coming home so to speak?"

In reply to Yacob Stoneveins (msg # 305):

Quinn opened his mind and soul to Ao, momentarily forgetting the others, including Nino. He was ready to receive the Greater God!

Kell shakes his head. "Interesting story. Doesn't line up with my people's creation myths, but that's hardly a surprise. No, the Stone merely put a feeling in my mind. One of recognition and of caution. Perhaps something is entombed here from those days, something this AO decided needed to be locked away? I think we can study it if we like, but maybe not, I don't know, interact with it?"

Taking out paper and ink, which she usually used to make maps and such, Rivka sketched out the temple front, unable to get it out of her mind

"AO," Sonori repeated thoughtfully. "He's the one who talks to me when I touch the stones."

She slowly spun around, looking at the chamber again. "I could try touching one of the stones again. But I'm not certain exactly what to ask. And I'm not sure how beneficial it would be."

"I think we may have found the Stone's holder. And your stone knows it has a powerful Guardian. That or we found the place they were last used as a set together."

Sonori looked around, doubtfully. "No... The hub is supposed to be something alive."

Quinn stretches his arms out and looks up into the sky, rears back his head and takes it all in, he wants to learn as much as he can about the All Father and starts here!

He prays out loud with his eyes closed for enlightenment and to show him the path. He also prays to Kelemvor for the same thing!

Kell asks "if the Stones predate the rise of humanoids, is there something in those glyphs that refers to the stones themselves?"

 "We can only guess until we know Sonori. This is beyond anything we could have records of. Heck this place predates any of our races."

The elf nodded thoughtfully at everyone's words, making mental notes of their reactions. Her gaze lingered on Quinn for a while, the human was obviously deeply religious and his fervent prayers were by far the most extreme reaction of the companions.

Turning to Yacob and Kell, Neliwen said "I can pray for the gift of understanding languages after we have rested. With a bit of luck we can make sense of this all then."

ooc: Neliwen can pray for 'Comprehend Languages' which should allow her to understand the texts.

Save your effort Neliwen.

Nym casts comprehend languages as he looks closer at writings.

OOC: I will update my spell list this evening to reflect the casting.

"Looks at Kell. Short rest then in? Because I am not staying the night with a potential threat over my head." he asks the Goliath in particular. "Of course any one is more than welcome. And it's either find out what is making the Stone say caution or leave this place today. Anything that makes a Primordial magic go be careful is to much for me to say nope this can wait."

"No, there is no doubt. I was told - the hub is something alive." Sonori said.

"We don't know what is in there. Could be something alive. I'm not saying it isn't or is. Something or someone is in there. I am going to find out."