After the group joins back together at Oleg's the plans are set to ride out into and map the Western plains.

With the trading post hours behind you the plains seem endless and vast.

As you look over the the open plains in front of you, there is no sign of any trees or hills, just open grasslands.

The sky is clear and a group of birds circle and glide through the sky above the new hex D1...

Knowledge nature or local DC 15

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Looks like fair weather and a family of hawks feed from these plains suggesting plentiful game...

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:27, Wed 29 Aug 2018.

This time Raz seems to be experimenting with percussion instruments. After a few false starts and a rather unfortunate attempt at playing a triangle he settles for a regular drum and beats out a steady rhythm while he toys around with various lyrics for a marching song.

None of it makes any sense in its incomplete state but the beat is at least steady enough to not be unpleasant and helps keep everyone moving along at the same pace.

Riding his grey horse Linta, Filarion gives the horse his lead to tire it out a little before they got into more dangerous territory. It was obvious that the animal loved to run, and the elf was more than happy to let it get it out of his system. Truth be told the elf wanted to jump off and run himself, but that was the crux of sentience, knowing when not to let your animalistic urges out.

He didn't let the beast get too far from the main group. Linta was just lead in a large loop around them for about half an hour before coming back into line, the horse's energy tempered. Smiling broadly, he relaxed into the rhythm of the ride.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:23, Thu 30 Aug 2018.

The column of adventurers ranged across the grasslands with two tasks in mind, but in reality they were drawn by the unknown.  A restless curiosity pushed them to see what was beyond the next hill or thicket, to fill the empty spaces of the map.

Drezghl rode parallel to the party, close enough to shout to them but far enough to give them time to prepare for a threat if he discovered one.  He also kept an eye out for signs of game, hoping for something large enough to feed the party with only one or two kills. He had packed a week of rations, but fresh food was always welcome.

The day is mild, the grasslands has a large amount of a naturally occurring wild radish and carrot plants the large leafy tops are dotted all in the knee deep grasses.

The hawks continue to circle overhead as you note a large number or profusion of holes in the ground about the right size for rabbits or maybe foxes.

Knowledge nature DC 15

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
this appears to be the work of prairie dogs

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DC 28

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
This large warren extends for almost the entire area which may mean that this is one huge community of prairie dogs, or many banded together.

---

Tauron sits on his donkey with his new animal friend with him.
His swain fly along side.
The elf does not say much but looks around and enjoying the fact he out in the wilds again.

A quick forage of this land reveals the plethora of wild turnips, carrots and even wild onion and garlic.

There is enough to feed the entire group and the animals...

Riding up beside Octavia, the elf had to give Linta as sharp tug on his reigns. The horse defiantly shook it's head and bumped into her horse as it asserted some of it's dominance onto her's. "Stop that!, he says, giving the reigns another yank to get it to turn away.

Smiling in an apologetic way, he rides for a little beside her making small talk to the cleric."

Drez noticed the prarie dog holes and commented, mostly to himself.

"We could probably make due with few of these if we had to. The native forage is generous today."

He stopped to gather the turnips and carrots as they presented themselves for collection.   Never losing sight of the party.

You’re riding  through this section of the Kamelands, you see something greyish caught on a shrub some distance away.  Upon closer inspection, the greyish thing seems to be a section of the shed skin of a snake.  The section is roughly three feet by four and appears to be just a fragment of the entire shed skin.  As you continue on your explorations, you find five more pieces of the shed skin—all some scrapped off on rocks, others left in a widened hole of a pairie dog burrow.  Some are as large or larger than the one you found first—but no further signs of the giant snake.

It is around midday when you find the last piece of the snakeskin.

Drez stopped to collect the snake sheds as they went along, figuring that they may be useful later on.  He examined the skin, folded the pieces carefully, and rolled them up like a scroll.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:59, Thu 06 Sept 2018.

The skins are primarily found around the bottom point of hex D1...

Nearly dark and the far edge of the hex you find a roundish and oval rock about the size of a loaf of bread...

Drezghl dismounted and walked near the rock.   He looked around and then knelt down to examine the rock.

Tauron stays on his donkey and waits to see what Drezghl has found.

The smooth rock appears to be a prairie dog effigy made completely of stone.

Nearby is another rock that appears to be a brown snake, but it to is solid stone.


Perception and knowledge nature/arcane may be in order.

Tauron get of his donkey and come over to have closer look at the snake.

OOC:

16:31, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 19 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 11.  Perception Check.

Picking up the stone snake, Filarion muses aloud, "What manner of beast could do this? A medusa, perhaps?"

He really didn't know, but just guessing.

"Remember when I collected the skins earlier?  I've never seen a snake shed that large. I have a feeling that it might have something to do with one of those tatzylwyrms that Oleg was talking about. I dont know how the stone snake has any connection.", Drez added based on his earlier observations.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Sun 09 Sept 2018.

"What is a tatzylwyrm? Never heard of it."

As you more closely examine the stone effigies it is easy to note some defects in the smoothness of the skin, there are scratches that seem to be on the skin in three rows that narrow as the move across the surface, also near the neck you find a small wedge shaped bite mark.


Ranger or Druid

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
This appears to be the work of a cockatrice an overgrown chicken like creature that can turn it's prey to stone

---

Aside from the piglet and the snake you also find a stone shaped like a turtle.

Tauron Alphmellon move back to his donkey.
I think it I remember from my text books that this may be a cockatrice.
It like a large chicken.  However it does not peck you to death it peck you into stone.
I would suggest not getting to close to it.
However for the good of this area i think we should deal with the creature.

"I believe you're right, Tauron.", Drez agreed. He drew a tomahawk from his belt.

"With so many stone animals, I suspect that we may be close to it's lair.  We should be careful and don't bunch up."

Just then you hear the crowing of what sounds like a tormented rooster....

The non combat trained mounts stop in their tracks as does any animal companions.

The area where the noise came from is 60 Feet away.  There are at least a few abandoned burrows that direction...

Freezing the elf whispers, "We should leave. If any of us are turned to stone, I doubt we have the magics available to correct it." As such he moves to leave the area, looking to see if there others follow or not.

Raz gives a shrug as he tunes the mandolin in his hands now.

"Not a lot of glory in running away. I can only think of a handful of tales where the hero was the hero for avoiding conflict. Nobody says we have to fight it. Perhaps it is already dead and we're just jumping at remains from a long time ago."

"No.  It's alive.  You heard it.  Be wary, it's small.  Nock an arrow if you're able.", Drez said.

He shifted his sword to his off hand and kept the throwing axe in his dominant hand.

Perception DC 15

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You see what appears to be a chicken head pop out of the center prairie dog hole.  It ducks back down fairly quickly

---

Knowledge nature or arcane DC 15

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Although dangerous this is nothing like the gaze attack of the Medusa, and no one is certain if these creatures are natural, fey or abominations

---

Those without combat trained mounts find the mounts unwilling to move closer.
Those who have can make handle animal or ride checks DC 13 to move closer...

Filarion looks about nervously causing his eyes to fall upon a small mound. "There it is!" he calls out, warning his fellow adventurers. He pulls on the reins of Linta to pull him back away from the beast so that the stallion doesn't rear up and dump the elf on the ground.

Once they are a few extra feet away, the warrior drops to the ground and pulls his bow out.

Standard action: Move Linta 30' back
Move action: Dismount and draw bow

"I missed it.  Watch out.  It might come back from a different hole.", Drez shouted.   His arm was cocked and ready to throw his axe.

As you all watch the rooster head pops up out of the same hole...

Those who have readied a ranged attack can go ahead and do so....

Tauron draws his bow and had a go at the hitting the creature.

OOC:
21:11, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 7 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 5.  attack with bow.

Raz magically produces a violin and starts fiddling out a folk diddy about farmers tending to their flocks. It is an uplifting tune although the actual lyrics are quite dark as the farmers lure the animals to the slaughterhouse one by one. All the animals try different clever ruses to avoid being next but all of them fail and they all end up on the meat racks.

Still it does help shift the heroes' minds into the right place and calms their nerves to allow maximum effort.

OOC: Inspire courage! Everyone gets a +1 to hit and +1 to damage!

Drez was ready when the cockatrice popped it's grotesque head up out of the hole.  He threw his axe with a grunt and watched it fly towards it's target. Unfortunately it struck harmlessly in the dirt in front of the beast.


21:44, Today: Secret Roll: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 12 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 7

The attacks seem to be ignored by the creature thus far.  It crows again a bizarre sound indeed....

Carry on...

Drawing back the string in his bow, its made obvious that he's focused on the sword rather than the bow.


I'm going to move up within the first range increment.

06:06, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 9,5 using d20+5,d6 with rolls of 4,5.  Attack/damage.

The feathered head bobs back down into the hole, it rises up again and crows...

You can attack again....

Tauron lets of another arrow.
This time with better effect.

OOC:
16:52, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 7 using 1d8 with rolls of 7.  Damage.

16:52, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 18 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 16.  attack with bow.

A chicken? Really Gorum? This is what I am to be tested with?

A frown tugged at the corners of Octavia's ruby red lips as she marched out in front of the archers. She produced her holy symbol and with a shout she summoned a shield of pure faith in front of her before readying her blade.

"If it comes close to us I will strike it down. Gorum shall see my strength, even against a stupid chicken."

Whether she was ignorant of the cockatrice's danger or was perhaps trying to downplay it was anyone's guess but the armed and armored woman strode forward.

Drezghl smiled at Octavia's outburst but said nothing to her.  He simply readied his sword as well and walked with her and took up a position on the opposite side of the hole.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Wed 19 Sept 2018.

"I wish it was just some," he let's another arrow fly, "crap, just some chicken." His arrow hits the dirt and nothing else.

15:16, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 10,2 using d20+5,d6 with rolls of 5,2.  Attack/damage.

Tauron hits with an arrow the creature squawks and retreats into the hole....

It sounds like it is getting closer in a tunnel underfoot....

The cockatrice pops out of the ground near Tauron and attempts to mount and bite the neck of his goose.....

Knowledge nature or wisdom check DC 12

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The creature is attempting to mate with the goose....

---

"It's over there," the elf calls out missing yet again

19:31, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 10,1 using d20+5,d6 with rolls of 5,1.  Attack/damage.

Dagnabbit!!

Tauron turns his bow on the creature again trying help his friend.
However trying not hit the swan his aim was way off.

At the same time his swan tries to get away from the creature and it advances.

OOC:
12:18, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 6 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 2.  Swan fly check.
16:39, Yesterday: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 3 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 1.  attack with bow.

Drez chuckled to himself a bit when he saw the cockatrice assaulted the goose.  Knowing the consequences of the act, he ran forward kicking at the cockatrice in an attempt to separate them.


OOC - 19:21, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 25 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 20.  Bull rush vs cockatrice.

Unless it makes some great rolls, that chicken got punted like a football.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Mon 24 Sept 2018.

The armored woman charged forward alongside Drezghul but instead of playing football she led with her giant greatsword in a fearsome chop.

Drezghl kicks the cockatrice straight into Octavia ‘s sword splitting it not in just two pieces, but somehow splitting it into thirds.

Raz grinned and stopped strumming as he looked at the pieces on the ground.

"It looks like meat's back on the menu, boys! Hmmm...how does one prepare cockatrice? Perhaps battered and fried?"

Glad that the thing was taken care of, Filarion tried to gather up the three arrows he shot, but to no avail. "You can have my portion," the elf says with a disgusted look at the bard. He then collects the stone animals, they might fetch a return as trinkets

19:58, Today: Filarion Petxalim rolled 81,100,68 using D100,d100,d100 ((81,100,68)).
Find my fired ammo. I'm guessing it's all lost.

Knowledge nature or arcana DC 14

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The beak and possibly the claws seem to have a strange substance on them, perhaps related to the calcification of the prey items....might not wat to eat those parts...

---

DC 20

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The source appears to be the gizzard and gall bladder of the beast

---

Tauron looks over at Drezghl Zuhv and Octavia Cassiana.
Thankyou.  I do not think my swan very happy with what just happened.

The swan make few noises and then shakes it feather and looks around madly.
Then in moment it takes off.

Razmatin begins preparing the carcass.

"You see as long as you avoid the gizzard and the gall bladder you will be perfectly fine. Tastes like chicken and even if not prepared to your standards how many wenches can you woo by making the claim that you've eaten roasted cockatrice."

He grinned and finished his preparations before wrapping up the meat.

OOC: Aracana check: 23

"I saw that too, Raz. I still won't eat that disgusting thing.", Drez replied. as he walked away and retrieved his throwing axe.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:58, Fri 28 Sept 2018.

Octavia rolled her eyes at the silly bard and offered up a quick prayer of thanks to Gorum.

"Let us move forward. I am sure there is more blood to be spilled then that of a fowl."

"Yes. There is, Priestess.  Remember those pieces of skin that I collected?   Large skin.  Large creature. Maybe even a tatzlwyrm. ", said Drezghl.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:19, Fri 28 Sept 2018.

Raz continues on, apparently trying to find all the words that rhyme with "tatzlwyrm" in a painfully arduous process. When anyone gives him a harsh look he just proclaims that true art takes time and effort and that none of them start as a masterpiece.

The evening meal of cockatrice turns out good, but the lack of meat is made up for by the vegetables found...

I have listed everything in hex D1 in the hex map thread....

Tomorrow you start into hex C1.

The campfire burns into the evening the last reminantes of cockatrice bones feathers and grease burn to ash...
Unless someone was keeping something...

The night passes without event and the morning finds a light coat of dew coating the grassy plains...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:45, Mon 01 Oct 2018.

Raz continues to tune up his guitar and work on his "masterpiece"

"There once were heroes from Brevoy
That embarked on an epic convoy
They fought a cockatrice with brawn
After it went for our swan
But not before it mounted the poor boy"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Mon 01 Oct 2018.

Drez stoked up the fire a bit and warmed some of the foraged veggies into an inpromptu soup for breakfast. He sat watching the sunrise and tried to enjoy what piece and quiet was left before the party awoke

The holy woman going through her morning rites, speaking over each piece of armor before clasping it into place and consecrating every knife, dagger, and blade as she slowly equipped herself for the day. Every movement was in ritual to the great god of battle with repeated promises to bring bloody glory to his name with every step and every breath.

Filarion was ready as soon as the sun broke the horizon. He stood with with armor and shirt off, moving in intricate circles and moves against in invisible foe. Once they were on their way, he ran beside the horses rather than ride his for the first hour, easily keeping up with the light canter of their hooves until he was sufficiently warmed up for the day.

Sweat glistened on his chest and slightly muscular arms while he smiled broadly and made small talk. All conversations though eventually circled around to the Swordlords and his wish to be one.

Tauron looks after his animal friends and does best check that others in group are all healed up.
At one point he turn to other elves.
He looks over to bard.

The next hex has a wild and relatively small herd of wild and wooly sheep....
They seem intent on grazing the plains

Raz is actually quiet this day, spending the time to write down lyrics and notes in his notebook. It seemed that his tinkering was finally paying off in actually composing a tune for his friends to hear later on in their journeys.

The sheep make the land seem more tame, only the shepherd is missing in the overall stretch of land, it becomes apparent that the 8 sheep you initially saw were only part of a larger herd.

Though the sheep themselves are no threat it is likely that such herds mean predators of some sort ranging in and out of the grazing areas....

Chuckling at Tauron, Filarion looks at the sheep. "They might be something to round up on our way back. What do you think brothers and sisters?"

Tauron looks over that Filarion.
Why?  What wrong with them being free.

The soil here has few rocks, the next hex over has rocks strewn on the top of the ground.

High overhead an eagle soars...

Perception DC 18

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
This pure eagle, with feathers that shine white like moonlight and beak and talons that appear cut from solid gold....if you see it feel free to tell others to look-up-here and they will see it as well

---

In reply to Filarion Petxalim (msg # 67):


"With a flock this large, I suspect there may be a shepherd somewhere nearby.  It would be unusual that they would range so far from a settlement by themselves.", Drez replied.   

With smile on his face Tauron studies the birds flying above.

OOC:
22:39, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 15 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 7.  Peception.

Suddenly you notice that a goblin war party is fast approaching the small green skinned and bubble headed creatures are truely disgusting, but they are chanting something in both goblin and common...

“We be goblins, you be food!”

Tauron cast spell on himself.

And in moment of silliness answer the goblins.

"We be mostly elves, you be plant food."

The goblins mill about for a second, before one of them stands up on the beast he is riding and puts his hand over his eyes to see who or what he may have heard.

The goblin riders have litters behind them and are dragging something.

The goblin archers stand ready and wait for the one on the giant rat to say something.

The goblin barks an order...

The whole gaggle of goblins turns around and starts to head back the way they came....

Sitting on his donkey Tauron turns to the others.

Was it something I said?  He asked.

Filarion looks puzzled as well. "Could be the ass," he says with a shrug. Right now he felt like letting them go as he sees what the others want to do.

The goblins depart, back the way they had come.  Just then an eagle descends from the heights of the morning sky.

The celestial eagle, with feathers that shine white like the moonlight and beak and talons that appear cut from solid gold, wrapped in a light silver barring comes to a rest on a nearby large stone...

“I am Thorondor, I hear wolves’ voices! These goblins I have watched over days they make no mischief in the woods.” 
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 15:17, Fri 12 Oct 2018.

Octavia huffs at the thought of leaving the foul little creatures alive.

"They are only considered mischief until they sneak upon you in the night and cut your throats. We should chase them back to their lair and purge the world of their filth in glorious combat...or as glorious as one can get fighting little green-skinned runts."

“Truth be told only problem is they are from the upper lands and points beyond.  Normally even I would not be so far beyond my own area.  They seem focused on the flock of sheep much more than raiding humans.  I had heard of troubles at the trading post and came to offer aid.”.

The eagle is certainly beyond being an animal
Knowledge nature or religion DC 15

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Perhaps this is a celestial eagle from the higher planes...

---

DC 16

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
This is not a celestial eagle perhaps an awakened animal of some sort

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 15:29, Sun 14 Oct 2018.

Filarion didn't know what to make of the bird, so he kept quiet and just watched.

Drez watched and listened as the strange gilded bird talked.

"The trading post had some problems with bandits recently.", Drezghl replied.

"That particular problem has been taken care of for now. Is there different problem that we are not aware of?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Mon 15 Oct 2018.

“Most assuredly there are problems a plenty awaiting you.  I am not sure what they are however.  I am on my way to talk to the goblins in hopes I can teach them to retain their flock in the areas above, and to the North.  Do you have any questions or requests that perhaps i can do before i return?

Raz clears his throat and puts on his shiniest, most disarming smile.

"Why yes, now that you mention it. We are explorers and thus were are here to do much exploring but having such a lofty view of the world such as yourselves...what I mean to say is there anything on our map that you could point out as areas of interests for those looking to make the world a better place?"

“Yes far across the plains where the two rivers converge a large sycamore tree sits inhabited by mites and near it, but closer to the river an old mine houses kobolds. They seem to be at war with each other, possibly a dispute over territory, as I detected no evil in the two I saw talking together.  What other type of information might be useful to you?”
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:14, Wed 17 Oct 2018.

The eagle continues

“It is likely for you to encounter the two sooner rather than later as they were eating radishes from a patch not so far from here.”

"There's supposedly a lost temple," the elf pipes up, "do you know of it? We are looking for some radishes would you be so kind as to lead us there?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Sun 21 Oct 2018.

“I really do not have time, but let me describe the place to you.  It is the lee side of the top edge of the forest...”

He describes an area on the plains side of hex E2..

“I could fly over and ask them to await your arrival.”

Raz nods eagerly.

"Yes, please do. Let them know that great and mighty heroes of the land will soon be approaching and they should prepare accordingly."

Question asked....where from and more of you...
“From the North.  I was once a familiar, but was awakened and am now a paladin in my own right.    I do hope one day to mate with another like myself.”




“I go, I go.”

With that the eagle takes flight
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:45, Fri 26 Oct 2018.

"That was strange." , Drezghl simply as the eagle flew away.   He stepped away then then mounted his horse.

Suddenly questions fill the elf's mind, but it's too late. "Shall we continue?" he asks as he begins to move his house in the direction of the eagle.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:48, Sat 27 Oct 2018.

Tauron smiles.
Well that was different.

The next two plains hexes B1 and A1 offer similar opportunities for foraging vegetables, but do not yield any further discoveries, but the nights watch must stand guard ....

The middle watch
Filarion and ?

Perception DC 18

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You spot a strange bat like creature

---

DC 20

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Make that two and they look like weird bats with a long nose

---

DC 25

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Make that three!

---

If and only if you make the perception roll
Knowledge nature or arcane or dungeneering DC 12

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
These are blood sucking strive, giant mosquitoes

---

Filarion is distracted during his watch.

Filarion is started as Octavia jumps up from the campfire draws her sword and runs towards the horses...

“Ware the bloated bats!”




As you all awake you can roll perception checks!
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:39, Wed 14 Nov 2018.

Tauron takes his turn at watch.

OOC:
22:14, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 11 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 3.  Know Nature.

22:13, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 21 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 13.  Perception.

Dezghl woke with a start.  He grabbed the sword lying next to his and rose to his feet. He looked around for a threat but did not see one.

Raz awakens with a start, but then he begins clapping and singing.

“We would like to see so come he lights and put on a show!”

Dancing light swarm from his hands and float out to illuminate the night sky...

With the added light two bizarre creatures are revealed for all to see.

Octavia is trying to poke a bloated creature far above her head, but cannot reach...she picks up a stick and throws it, but misses badly

Tauron pulls out his bow and takes aim at creatures Octavia is trying to attack.
As he does so he say.
I not the best with this item.  Messing around with magic more to my liking.

OOC:
21:19, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 10 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 8.  attack with bow.

Once the creatures become illuminated, the elf pulls his bow and lines up a shot.

Oops. Sorry y'all. I saw Octavia throwing a stick, but somehow missed the first sentence.

[06:15, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 22,2 using d20+5,d6 with rolls of 17,2.  Attack/damage.]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:17, Tue 20 Nov 2018.

Drez pulled his tomahawk from his belt and let it fly at the nearest beast. The cold iron weapon found it's mark and buried itself deep in the breast of the creature.

Tauron and Filarion shoot arrows in the dark only one arrow hits the bloated creature.

The axe however splits the bloated bat above Octavia in two halves, dumping a glut of fresh hot blood over Octavia ‘s head....

The other creatures attempt to fly away...

Perception DC 15 or knowledge nature/dungeoneering

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Fresh blood! The horses!

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:55, Tue 20 Nov 2018.

Drez walks past Octavia to retrieve his axe.  He looked at her curiously and smiled a bit.

"We should check on the horses, I think those things could have been feeding on them."

“Tis fresh blood you seek and none of us are yet injured.”

Raz extends his lights to illuminate the creatures flying away...

With the threat delt with, Filarion goes to retrieve his arrow and then back to his horse to check it over.

20:12, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 73 using 1d100 with rolls of 73.  Retrieve arrow.  Lost arrow

The stirge did indeed drink blood from the horses, the open sores take some time to clot, but surprisingly the horses do not seem to be in any pain.

Knowledge nature or alchemy DC 13

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Likely something that both numbs the wound and prevents the blood from clotting is in the creatures saliva or venom sacks or glands....

---

DC 18

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
It might be harvested but only by a trapped creature not from the obliterated ones....

---

The next morning your horses all seem fatigued.
This message was last updated by the GM at 20:35, Thu 29 Nov 2018.

Octavia had spent some time cleaning the foul blood from her hair last night, the noisome shower putting her in a sour mood.  She watered her horse after greeting the day, moving through her ritual forms that both cleared her mind, warmed her muscles, and centered her spirit.  As she stroked the neck of her horse, she looks to the others as they prepare.  "Do we continue onward?"

Checking over his horse, he can feel the exhaustion in the gelding. "Yes, but let's not be in too much of a hurry. The blood bats must have drained the horses before we found them."

Mounting up, he doesn't run the house as he'd previously done.

The horses are ok for walking and with careful monitoring and rest breaks you find yourselves still able to explore the partial hex that defines the boundaries of your charter.  By midday you are ready to proceed into the next hex on your route....

Tauron keep a careful eye on the horse and uses his skill make sure no long lasting damage done to them.

Tatyana was uncharacteristically quiet as they rode. She almost seemed like a different person.

After a while she pulled up next to Razmatin, their quartermaster and spoke to him in a low voice, apologetic.

"This bow. I think I'm having some buyer's remorse. I think there are others who can use it better than I. Do you think we could re-distribute it?"

Razmatin was unusually quiet, quietly strumming his instrument to pass the time but mainly keeping his eye out as they went.  He did not want to be caught unawares again and the more eyes on the horizon, the least time he would be treating a smarting wound later.

Riding slowly with her horse, Octavia kept her eyes out for anything of interest or danger as they moved into the next portion of their exploration.

Octavia Cassiana rolled 11 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 9.  Octavia Perception Check.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Mon 03 Dec 2018.

As you enter the new hex B2, it is obvious that this field of grasslands seems to be littered with more stones than the other open spaces.

The grass is thick with morning dew and a light haze of fog lays low in the air.

Knowledge local or nature DC 12

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
The air is heavy with moisture it may rain some today

---

Please roll individual perception checks in the dice roller.

Tatyana's eyes scanned the plain as the rode, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

---

Rolls are labelled backwards, perception is the +9 and comes first. +10 for trap finding, so 17 if it's traps we're looking for.

10:01, Today: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 16,15 using d20+9,d20+6 with rolls of 7,9.  know, nature and perception.

Keeping a careful eye on the horses Tauron travels along with the others.
The elf it finding the adventure fun.  Out in wilds at last.
His teaching seem to have place him in good stead.

OOC:
19:34, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 26 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 18.  Know Nature.
19:33, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 23 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 15.  Perception.

Razmatin enjoys the whiff of ozone in the air and makes sure his cloak stays nearby.  He looks at the rocks to see if they might be useful as building material at some point but mainly just keeps an eye on the horizon for ambush.

21:34, Today: Secret Roll: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 22 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 15.  Know nature.

21:33, Today: Secret Roll: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  Raw perrception.

The fog lifts by midmorning, and a slight rain starts to fall.

The bottom trough of the hex contains a large patch of blackberries growing in the bottom corner of his hex.  The thick spikey brambles are growing over an extra rocky place.

As you are noticing the small hillock that the berries are growing out of you note that the stones appear to have been stacked here for some purpose, long ago...

You horses seem to be excited about the prospect of more foraging along the trail.


The berries remind you of Svetlana's pies, cobblers, turn-overs and jams; they also remind you of the crazy old Bokken and his fangberries.....


Moving in?

In reply to The Spirit of the Land (msg # 116):


Drezghl sniffed at the air.  He recognized a new freshness in the air.

"Hmm.  Looks like we might get some rain later.", he said to nobody in particular and dismounted his horse.

"Best go easy on these horses, they lost a lot of blood last night."



19:37, Today: Secret Roll: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 17 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 12.  Knowledge - nature.

19:38, Today: Secret Roll: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 14 using 1d20+8 ((6)).  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Tue 04 Dec 2018.

OOC: Absolutely!

Tatyana dismounted when they hit the brambles over the rocky patch. Concerned for her horses leg, and apparently unconcerned about the rain, she left it to forage while she looked through the briar patch.

She moved carefully towards the cairn of stacked stones, as stealthily as she could in broad daylight. When she got close enough she moved to inspect it, taking care at first to not disturb any stones.

Octavia watched the horizon while she also walked her horse over the patch, giving her horse time to graze while she stood to one side while Tatyana examined the stack of stones.

While Octavia stood overwatch for Tatyana, Drezghl slowly circled around the stones in the opposite direction.

As Drezghl circles around 5 grouse chirp and take flight.  This doesn’t startle the horses at all.

An archer could perhaps bring one of more down for lunch...

Drez watched the grouse fly off made a mental note of the direction for later.  Then he turned his attention back to Tatyana and the stones.

Tatyana ignored the birds, her attention focused on the stones.

Both the birds and stones interest Razmatin, but the stomes are more interesting. Sometimes wildlife does weird things in places of power but the stones might mark a ruin or the like.  He keeps his eyes open.

"Why is everyone so quiet?" Filarion says in a loud voice as he watches the potential lunch flying away.

It becomes apparent that this is a grave site a marker stone is set at the end with a flat edge up.  A carving that looks like a tiger is etched in the stone.

Knowledge local or nobility DC 16

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Appears to be a burial site of the Tiger lord Barbarians, though you do not recall them ever being here

---

"Granted the right of exploration,"she said out loud, quoting the charter they'd all been given.

"Think it applies to this. Because I'd really like to do a little exploration of this final resting place."

She looked to the others to back up her thoughts on digging to see what's buried under the marker.

"It is not as if we are invading consecrated ground, and this is no different than investigating a tomb and taking what is found there," Octavia replied.  She lifted her spear from her horse, standing nearby the stones to keep watch as any others begin to dig.  For those using a skill, she murmurs a prayer to Gorum to guide their hands.

OOC: Adding Guidance to one person a round if they are using a skill. +1
This message was last edited by the player at 15:46, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

It takes a good 30 minutes to topple the stones and dig up the body. Once exhumed, the body still wears tattered and rotted remnants of hide armor, and the skull still displays the crushed-in side that spelled this barbarian’s doom.

Searching the dirt

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
By the skull you find two silver coins and near the right hand you find a green wooden ring...

---

Knowledge local or history DC 15

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Tiger Lords, from a time when that tribe’s territory stretched all the way from Numeria to the Narlmarches—patrols from Rostland have forced these barbarians back to the east, and the majority of their cairns were toppled and the bodies looted—but this one has been forgotten, obscured as it is by brambles

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:32, Thu 06 Dec 2018.

"There's a song to be sung here.  I'm going to write it as we travel.  Still, let's leave the coins with the fellow.  We hardly need two silver and it paid for his passage to the afterlife."  He doesn't say anything about the ring since it might be magical and its hardly like this guy is going to need it.  He is, however, considering inspiration about a man he never met and knows nothing about and there is definitely a lot of song potential there.  "A tiger warrior.  How interesting..."

15:36, Today: Secret Roll: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 15 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 9.  Know Religion.

15:36, Today: Secret Roll: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 20 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 14.  Know History.

Tatyana watched carefully for traps and triggers as the dug, then checked over the body and the ring before letting anyone touch them.

"Traps I can usually find, but I have no knowledge of spellcraft. Does anyone? Can we identify that ring?"

---

09:45, Today: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 20 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 11.  perception to examine grave and cairn (+1 to look for traps).

Octavia nodded to Razmatin's suggestion. "I agree about the silver coins.  As to the ring," Octavia looked to the ring, and with a murmured prayer, sought to divine any magical emanations from the rough jewelry.

OOC: Octavia casts Detect Magic, focusing on the ring.

The ring is carved with fishes and eels and even a frog and turtle...

Magical aura

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
A ring of swimming

---

After a few moments of concetration, Octavia spoke to the group.  "It seems this Tiger Lord wished to ensure rivers and lakes would not be an impediment.  This ring improves one's swimming." She gestures to herself.  "I gird myself in armor to stand before our enemies. Not to swim from them, so this item would not benefit me."

"I can see how it would come in handy. But it's not something I really need either." Tatyana replied to Octavia and the others.

"I swim ok as it is."

" I must admit that there's something rather romantic about owning the Ring of a potentially long Lost Hero called a tiger Lord.  Anyting that might help me make this ballad is a very welcome thing."

"Now that you're finished desecrating that grave.  I'm going to try to kill some of those grouse that we flushed.  Does anyone want to come with me?", Drezghl announced.

The rain is still just barely a sprinkle.

Those who saw the grouse know they did not go far and are waiting on a chance to eat more blackberries...

Anyone burying the body?

Once she feels she's searched as thoroughly as she can, Tatyana will go about re-burying the body and setting up the cairn again.

With no immediate threats in the area, Octavia assists Tatyana, pausing at the end to send a prayer to Gorum over this long-dead warrior lord.

Completely bored with the whole affair, then excited about a magic ring, then back to boredom, Filarion tried to be helpful, but his over active mind keeps dragging him away to other things. At the offer to hunt the birds, he immediately offer his services. Anything to do something else.

I'm not interested in the ring, but I think it should be sold, unless it can beat useful to someone.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:22, Sat 08 Dec 2018.

"I don't mind if we sell it, but I'd like to keep it until we do.  It will help inspire me to write my epic."  He beams and strums a note on the strings.

Tauron looked at the ring and through for moment.

No.  If I am going to go messing around in water I think I prefer to breath water naturally.  I sure we find something more useful to me later on.

Octavia nodded as she finished helping with the cairn.  She took a long pull from her waterskin, then continued.  "Then it is agreed.  Razmatin will hold onto the ring until we return to Oleg.  I am not opposed for him keeping it when we return to Oleg's if he chooses to do so."

"There may be times when we will find unique items that may only benefit a few of us or even just the one.  My opinion is if it increases our chances of surviving this uncharted land in any way, then we should take that into account.  While I understand it is fair and equitable that if we cannot share in a magic item, then we all share in the equivalent gold of its sale, that will not always be possible."  She shrugged.  "As long as we take the time to come to an agreement as now."

"For now, does this look like a good time to give these horses some much need rest while Drezghl and Filarion hopefully return with fresh game for tonight's meal?"

This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Sat 08 Dec 2018.

"Thanks guys.  This will be helpful.  And as long as we rebury the body and keep a watch out in case of God knows what coming from the Caern, then I think here is as good a place as any.  I think the ring, the grave and this place under the stars will be inspirational for my work."

Drezghl manages to bring back a half dozen grouse each one being the equivalent of a game hen.  Just enough for a meager meal, adding carrots from the prior hexes makes a full meal.....

Once the meal has been started, Octavia suggests they camp nearby, allowing the horses additional time to rest and begin exploring the next day.

Even though Drez has done most of the work, Filarion still walks in like a returning champion. "We have returned with foul," he announces dropping them near the fire. Looking at the women with a triumphant smile, he takes a seat and starts cleaning and plucking one of the smallish birds.

"That sounds like a great idea, Octavia."

In case the new people are not aware, Filarion is a bit of a playboy and braggadocious.

Tauron finding the birds and the berries an interesting this to study collect some the the berries.

As Filarion Petxalim is sorting out the birds Taurin swan walks up to him.
Honk. It says.
Looks to see what type of bird he got.  The swan give him stern look.
Honk.  It says again.  Then walks of.  It seem the swan satisfied with what it sees.

Then after Filarion Petxalim finish the other strange creature that Tauron has comes along and clears up the leftovers.

Tauron looks over to Filarion Petxalim.
I think if I was you.  I make sure any bird we find and eat are not swans.
For personal reason Tauron does not eat any of the birds meat.


OOC:
19:40, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 25 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 17.  Survival Check.  Looking for food for himself and looking at berries.

Strumming and muttering to himself, Razmatin seems deep in thought creatively fugueing the vocal components to do just to the scene in his minds eye.

"A starving man will eat his own hand," the elf says with grease dripping off his fingers, "but I understand your companion might not be thrilled with us eating these birds. Doesn't mean I'm going to stop either." He finishes the bird and collects what is left.

Leaving the others, he then carries it over to the pile of entrails and feathers that were in a small hole he'd dug earlier that had then been covered with a rock. Moving the rock and depositing the bones in a particular pattern, he then fully buries the animal. Finally, still out of everyone else's eyesight, says a prayer of thanks to the bird's spirit for it's sacrifice.

Coming back to the camp, he sits to listen to the Bard's strumming.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Tue 11 Dec 2018.

The dreary day was a nice respite for the horses.  The rain finally slacked off to nothing around midnight when morning came it was apparently a clear day with a few high clouds.

Another hex of plains exploration awaits you today.

Octavia finished saddling her horse after breaking her fast.  With a short prayer, she refills everyone's waterskins after emptying her own to ensure her mount is watered.  She looks towards the east. "We should have just a few more days before we return to Oleg's. Perhaps then we might look to adding additional supplies and mounts for a longer foray into these lands." 
This message was last edited by the player at 16:37, Tue 11 Dec 2018.

In reply to Octavia Cassiana (msg # 157):

"Nothing wrong with that.  I look forward to an actual bed for just one night.  I've got four stanzas but block on the Tiger epic.  I need something else inspiring to sing about."  He strums a few verses, "Something besides the rain and grey skies."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 20:26, Tue 11 Dec 2018.

Octavia shook her head slightly at the bard's words.  "These are lawless lands, rife with banditry and danger.  I am sure you will suffer no lack of inspiration in the coming days."

The ride through this new hex C2 has continued grasslands suitable for grazing.  The near entire hex (as far as you can see) visibility is 12 miles.

There is continued opportunities for late season root vegetables here you find both potatoes and rutabagas growing wild...
Perhaps part of farmsteads from long ago.

Perception rolls please....

DC 12

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
A rabbit stirs and can be hunted for game

---

Up before the sun is, Filarion is a buzz with activity. His meager possessions packed quickly, he eats a small breakfast before going for a run himself. One everyone is ready, he returns ready to ride off.

Watching a coney, he thinks about going after it, but shrugs. He wasn't starving and had plenty to eat as it was. "While this could start as grazing land, it would also be great from an estate."

Ooc on mobile and can't do proper post now but will roll perception. Oi

22:47, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 10 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 1.  Perception +1 more for trap finding.

Tauron looks across to Octavia.
I come from great learning towers of my homelands.
We have great days of celebration with great chorus of elven and human sings performing exquisite peace of art.  I am afraid Razmatin skills are more the three drunken sailors trying to to throw up while doing sea shanty out of tune.
Please do not encourage him.

The elf has grin on his face.  Shooting a look at Razmatin.
Waiting for his comeback.

As you ride through this hex nearly in the exact center, covered over by damp and windswept grass you see the remnants of a large tree toppled over....

Closer look?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
What you see is a square stone column of some sort, covered over

---

"Oh I know three men who were drunken slobs
Drunken slobs of pirates
They wandered the halls of the gods unseen
Drunken slobs of pirates
They yacked in the holy rainbow room
They hurled in the holy mirror
They ralphed in the Room of Quiet repose
And vommited on the feet of coughcoughcough

Three drunken slobs
They stagger from port to starboard
Back and forth they sway
On highly dangerous seas
Someone clean up the mess
Before we get disease

Oh I know three men who were drunken slobs
Drunken slobs of pirates
They wanted the halls of hell unseen
Drunken slobs of pirates
They yacked in the burning pits of doom
They hurled in the torture chamber
They ralphed in the Room of Deathly death
And vommited on the feet of coughcoughcough

Three drunken slobs
They stagger from port to starboard
Back and forth they sway
On highly dangerous seas
Someone clean up the mess
Before we get disease

Oh I know three men who were drunken slobs
Drunken slobs of pirates
They wanted the halls of limbo unseen
Drunken slobs of pirates
They yacked in the burning empty void
They hurled in the cloud of ending ennie
They ralphed in the Room of unending gloom
And vommited in the feet of NO ONE (echo echo echo echo echo)

I know 214 verses....who wants to hear them all?"

He beams widely.


13:55, Today: Secret Roll: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 12 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 2.  Perform.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Thu 13 Dec 2018.

Octavia grimaced at the shanty coming from the bard.  "Perhaps not, thank you."  She paused her mount as she noticed the large tree, nodding her chin towards the fallen log.  "Shall we investigate?  Something like that often becomes a lair for some creatures."

Razmatin nods, "Can't disagree with you there.  Opportunity for death and/or treasure."

Octavia dismounts while she pulled her spear from the horse, the large greatsword at her back as she waits for the others, waiting for the others while she scans the horizon.  Even the smallest hillock could hide something watching them.

OOC: 10:42, Today: Secret Roll: Octavia Cassiana rolled 11 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 9.  Octavia Perception.

This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Thu 13 Dec 2018.

Drezghl dismounts as well.  He covers Octavia with his longbow as he looks around carefully for threats or items of interest.



Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Knowledge - Nature.

09:28, Today: Secret Roll: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 25 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 17.  Perception.

Tauron stays on his donkey but draws his bow out ready.

Now should I invent a ring of permanent silence or should it be set of shackles?
that is the question.

Tatyana dismounted and followed Octavia, her longsword in her hand. She moved quietly and tried to stick to the underbrush as much as possible staying out of sight while trying to stay within 20 or 30 feet of the cleric.

---

15:36, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20.  stealth.
15:38, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 11 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 2.  perception.

I am INVEESEEBLE!!! But I can't see a damn thing. It's 12 perception if it's traps I'm looking for.

As you start exploring the rock and grasses...

Tatyana suddenly vanished from sight....
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:46, Thu 13 Dec 2018.

Seeing the others were also watching, Octavia approaches the fallen tree, spear at the ready while she cautiously approaches.

Razmatin isn't that stealthy, so he is a bit behind the group but close enough to sweep in and play the right song to help in a single round if something happens.  He is very curious and feels the tension in the air light lightning on the plains.

Sighing, the elf flows the others, his sweeties still on his hip. "I doubt the stones with attack us." He says as he eyes the two favorite targets to look at when he asks, "Where did Tatyana go?"

There is no immediate answer as a hushed silence falls over the area...

Seeing no immediate threat, Octavia begins to walk around the fallen tree, moving closer to examine the covered stone column.

10:30, Today: Octavia Cassiana rolled 13 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 11.  Octavia Perception.

Tauron gets of his donkey and spell moving toward area Tatyana disapeared.

OOC:
Cast Detect magic over and over walking towards the area Tatyana disappeared.

The large post was likely either a totem or a standing stone border indicator of some sort, from some time in the distant past.

This was probably something involving the Tiger Barbararians but for some reason it felt significant to Razmatin, like an ominous portent from a story but try as he might he could not recall what it was significant for.

Such was the nature of portent.

Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 9 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 3.  History.

With a look around to the plains and no immediate threat or entrance to a lair or horde of goblins bubbling from the ground, Octavia nodded to Razmatin and the others.  She turned, speaking, "Tatyana, if you would mark-"  She paused, looking around, frowning.  "Tatyana?"

Tauron turns to the others.
Odd.  I would have thought what happened would have left some magic sign behind but I did not detect any.

Tatyana stood up behind Octavia, but not close enough to risk being run through with a great sword. She rolled her eyes in exasperation, but then a smile crossed her lips, shining through her annoyed look despite her best efforts to keep the scowl.

"You know, it kind of defeats the purpose of being stealthy if people start shouting 'Tatyana? Where did you go??!' as soon as you hide."

"Not sure there's much more to see here," she shrugged, wondering if anyone had sharper eyes than hers.

"It looks like there was nothing important to be found here.  I suggest we keep moving on.", Drezghl said simply to the group in general and started back towards his horse.  He stowed his bow and mounted up.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:04, Mon 17 Dec 2018.

Octavia turned quickly at Tatyana's voice, her lips pressed tight.  She shook her head at the elven sneak.  "Let us hope your skill remains sharp when in the presence of true danger."  She paused a moment before continuing.  "Well done."

She hoisted her spear as she mounted her horse. "Perhaps this place may mean something to scholars, but let us be onward."

The stone had been uprooted from the earth some time back. Perhaps a client mbinqtion of wine and rain the thing had fallen back from its base; away from Restov and towards the stolen lands.  The markings revealed on the top of the stone clearly indicate it once faced Restov.   The waymaker though impressive has little value...

Knowledge stonework or profession minor DC 15

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
A stone cutter or burial marker could make many tombstones from the material already here

---

You are now headed into a new hex...
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:20, Mon 17 Dec 2018.

"Gah!" Filarion jumps when Tatyana comes out of hiding. "Maybe you let us know so we don't look for you? Just a suggestion."

"Perhaps a big flashing sign and a herald shouting out 'Tatyana is going to hide now!'?" she continued teasing. "I don't think I can afford that. Heralds are pricey out here, I hear."

she moved on with the group, eyes scanning the new territory carefully as they travelled.


11:51, Today: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 21 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 12.  perception, new hex.

"Oh I would be delighted to fill in that station."

The new hex is mostly plains with a glade of trees filling in the far edge.

Tatyana perception result;

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You see a chain wrapped around a sturdy tree, near the ground and covered over with debris

---

Octavia rides with the others, whispering a word of guidance as she watches the land about them.

08:36, Yesterday: Secret Roll: Octavia Cassiana rolled 7 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 4.  Octavia Perception Plus Guidance.

Filarion gives her a sarcastic look and then a smile to continue the fun. "A kiss everytime you do would be fabulous," to which he follows it up with a laugh.

"We're reviewing your application and we'll let you know," she teased back to Razmatin. Then jabbed back, laughing in reply to Filarion, "You have no idea how fabulous, sweets."

But as soon as she saw the chain she stopped, pulled up on the reins and held up a hand indicating that everyone should freeze.

"There's a chain around that tree," she whispered as she dismounted and moved closer very carefully, scanning the ground. "Might be a trap. Keep your eyes open."

She moved closer to the tree with the chain around it and examined it carefully.

The chain leads out to a nasty looking bear trap, that is completely covered with dry leaves.....

She carefully broke a branch from the tree and used it to trigger the trap, then tried to unwrap the chain from the tree. "Never know when it'll come in useful. Thing about a trap line is that if you see one, there's probably more. Let's keep our eyes open while we ride. This thing could cripple a horse."

"Beware.  If there is one there may be more." , Drezghl warned.  He got down from his horse and readied his bow. On foot he began a wide, cautious  circle around the tree.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:37, Wed 19 Dec 2018.

Anyone moving about must state mounted or unmounted and roll perception checks....
Or as teams or a group you can search

Octavia motions to the others.  "Let us move in a double line, walking our horses.  Tatyana and Drezghl, if you would lead us, I can help with providing guidance from Gorum.  This will give us two sets of eyes while we watch for a possible ambush.  It will be slow going, but safer."

OOC: If they agree, Octavia will walk behind them, casting Guidance one at a time (+1skill check)

He starts to oo, but stops mid noise and all serious when she pointed out the chain. He then follows her wise advice and dismounts to help find any other traps. "These are probably someone's property. Are there any symbols on it?"

19:52, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 7 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 6.  Perception.

Hello. My name is Filarion and I suck at everything.

that's a good idea Octavia. we should be careful." she dismounted and led her horse while scanning the ground carefully, looking for more traps and marking where she found them.

21:30, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 25 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 14.  Perception trap finding with guidance.

"Very well, Octavia.  Your plan sounds good.", Drez replied. He back-tracked to the group and fell in beside Tatyana.



OOC - 20:54, Today: Secret Roll: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 23 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 14.  Perception - searching for traps.  Included guidance+1

Tatyana and Drezghl each find another bear trap....

"I agree with Tatyana that if safely done, we should keep those we find," Octavia comments. " Animals cannot see marks or other warnings that sentients can see, and if this trapper is that inconsiderate, then we can put these to use as some point. "
This message was last edited by the player at 18:54, Fri 21 Dec 2018.

Forgot to say, please continue searching the area

He kept his eye out for the others.  He didn't see a lot but he kept an eye out.

17:08, Today: Secret Roll: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 8 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 2.  Knowledge Nature.

Octavia keeps a careful eye out towards the surrounding area while the two in front focus on the ground and possible traps.

17:24, Today: Secret Roll: Octavia Cassiana rolled 21 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 18.  Octavia Perception plus guidance .

Tatiana kept searching as well.

not sure how many checks you need but...
16:38, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 27 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 16.

16:38, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 26 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 15.

16:38, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 21 using 1d20+11 with rolls of 10.  Trap finding with guidance.

3 more rolls for me too.

Drezghl Zuhv rolled 22 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 13.  Perception - searching for traps.

18:01, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 15 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 6.  Perception - searching for traps.

18:01, Today:  Drezghl Zuhv rolled 24 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 15.  Perception - searching for traps.

What the heck. Maybe the dice roller will show me some love.

05:25, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 18,13,13 using D20+1,D20+1,D20+1 with rolls of 17,12,12.  Perception.

Well, look at that.

What the heck. I'll throw a Survival in the mix as well.

05:27, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 7 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 5.  Survival.

And there it is. . . I'm starting to feel like Joe O'Brian from the GCP.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:28, Fri 21 Dec 2018.

Eventually a total of 10 traps are rounded up, and no one was injured in the process.
It was pretty much the entire glade on the side of the hex, just before the forested area.

"Nice haul,"she commented after they were pretty sure they'd collected them all. "They'll come in handy. somebody really wanted to catch something. Wonder where the trapper went?"

She tried to track whoever set the traps but couldn't make any tracks out

assuming my 9 survival check falls to find tracks

Yes also be aware each trap is bulky and each weighs 10 pounds, not counting the length and width of chain.

"Who would go to all of this trouble and what are they trying to catch?  Let me take one last look around."


Drezghl takes one last look around the area.  He searched for tracks (animal/human) to try to determine who set the traps and checked the lures or baits in the traps to determine what kind of creature was trying to be captured.



OOC -

  11:11, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 22 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 15.  Survival-tracking.
  11:19, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 21 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 16.  Knowledge - nature - bait.

"Good work on getting us through that area safely," she nods to Drezghl and Tatyana. She looks at the size and number of the traps.  "Drezghl, if we take three or four with us, do you think you can cache the rest somewhere you can find again if we come back this way? Something we can use later and keep other travelers safe for now.  And if we find the hunter, perhaps you can educate them on not endangering others who might settle here."

Razmatin strokes his chin, trying to get into the mind of the guy who did this and just failing.  He just didnt seem to care if it was a bear or a person.

" I believe we can give it a try, Octavia. Having this many traps is a bit cumbersome. As for protecting settlers, I don't think that will happen for quite a while. The trapper will probably move somewhere else when his prey moves away from any new settlement.", Drezghl replied.

There is no sign of the trapper, these traps were set and it does not appear they have been checked in some time.

The remainder of the hex holds little of interest and the terrain shifts from the glade at the edge of the hex to fairly dense forest ahead of you in the newest hex.
You are about to explore hex D2.

For those watching me update the hex information it is listed under the "Hex Map for Exploration" thread..
Link back to this game


This section of the Greenbelt is characterized by dense copses of early growth sycamore and poplar trees with thick underbrush.  You find a patch of blackberries that hasn’t been completely eaten by the birds and other forest creatures and have a nice snack of them.  There aren’t many old-growth trees here as this area is where the forest meets the plains of the Greenbelt, but you can tell that the forest is making a decided effort to push outward.




Perception rolls are needed
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:56, Sun 30 Dec 2018.

Octavia rides next to everyone in turn, and with their permission, provides them with the guidance of Gorum, while she herself scans the nearby horizon for anything of interest.


10:32, Today: Octavia Cassiana rolled 23 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 20.  Perception Plus Guidance.

This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Sun 30 Dec 2018.

Drezghl trekked back and forth in front of the party, looking for tracks or clues about any creatures that may be nearby. When Octavia rode near, he gladly accepted Gorum's aid.





OOC  These rolls do not include the guidance spell bonus.

12:09, Today: Secret Roll: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 17 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 8.  Perception.  12:09, Today: Secret Roll: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 20 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 13.  Survival-tracking.

Razmatin is not really a perceptive guy and today is no exception in large part becauase inspiration for the Tiger ballad has finally struck.  He looks around in kind of a token effort but isnt it doing very well at it.


11:44, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9.  Perceptio .

Tauron keeps his eyes and ears open as he rides along on donkey and looks after his two animal friends.

OOC:
20:37, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 21 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 13.  Perception.

The elf warrior is similarly distracted as Linta decides to be honore.

02:34, Today: Filarion Petxalim rolled 13 using 1d20+2 ((11)). Perception with guidance

The dense new growth forest is interesting but you find nothing beyond growths of trees and underbrush....

As you encamp in the evening you see distant pale foggy torchlight moving in and out of view within the neighboring hex of dense woods...

The light is too far away to guess a distance or even the true source of the illumination, within a time of a minute the light fades and never reappears during the night....

Your perception spoilers (based on earlier rolls, no need to re-roll)
DC 18+

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

Appears to be a torch or lantern deep in the misty woods...

---

DC 20

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

It would be impossible to follow or track this light through the dark dense woods

---

DC 23

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

You are fairly certain this is a dancing lights spell or similar phenomenon

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:25, Wed 02 Jan 2019.

"Something out there," she commented on the lights, though wasn't able to make out any detail. "Who knows what."

---

12:00, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 16 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 7.  perception, 1 higher for trap finding.

Looking long at the lights, Octavia concentrated.  "They float smoothly. Unnaturally so.  Perhaps they are magical in nature."  She gestured to the fog and dense woods as she looked to the others.  "Are there types of fey who can cast such light?"

She shrugged at Octavia's question. "Could be anything, it's hard to say. Including some things we really aren't prepared for. We should keep an eye on it and try not to draw attention to ourselves. Maybe no fires tonight?" 

Razmatin searches his mind for stories or songs related to the region or lights about who could be responsible for the search party that they saw.  As it is, he also looks for any trails or hints about who or what might have been there even though he has little expectation to find anything.

17:28, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 14 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 13.  Survival.

17:28, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 13 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 7.  Knowledge Geography.

Unsure over what Tatyana sees, Filarion squints to try to peer through the food, but still can't see what she sees. "I guess it's rations for the night if we're not going to have a fire."

"I've eaten worse.  We gain nothing drawing the attention of an unknown enemy.", Drez replied.

"We should be extra vigilant tonight."

Having explored the new forest growth in hex D2 and noting the mysterious lights in the deep forests of D3 you continue on your journey to explore hex hex E2.

A bit of forest spills into the lower side of this hex and the majority of the hex is plains.  Towards the center of the hex you note the smoke of a small campfire in the distance.

Exploring or going straight to investigate?

"Interesting," she muttered, holding up her hand and making sure everyone saw the plume of smoke and knew to stop.

"I can check it out hopefully without them seeing me. But it'd be best to not split up too far apart. Let's find a place to tie them and leave the horses and get closer on foot? Or can anyone scry without getting close?"

Octavia compared the land before them after nodding at Tatyana's words.   "That campfire means whoever is there might be there for a time today.  This forest will be here forever, they won't be.  You have the right of it Tatyana.  If you can disappear in plain sight, then perhaps scout ahead while we approach in the open."

"If they are bandits, then you are a deadly surprise while they focus on us.  And I've seen Drezghl's skill with the bow, so he can provide cover if you need to run back.  If they are not, or don't attack outright, you can watch for an ambush."  She looked to Razmatin. "You seem to have a gift for words and can be friendly enough.  If this isn't a battle, then perhaps a quick tongue might gain us more than a sharp sword."

She looked back to Tatyana. "I agree on scouting where we can, but if you are found out, we may be too far out to help immediately.  Perhaps you at the lead, Drezghl also keeping out of sight distance behind, then the rest of us riding in behind?"

She nodded to the rest of the party. "Any other suggestions? Tatyana has a good idea, but we certainly don't have to over plan approaching a campfire in the middle of the day."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:23, Thu 03 Jan 2019.

Filarion yawns and shrugs, "Sounds good to me."

"Sounds fine to me.  Let's get on with it.", Drezghl said.   He untied his bow from his saddle.

As you approach the campfire and the single evergreen tree nearby you see two small humanoid figures one is wearing a heavy cloak and is under the tree, with some packs and bundles. The second one is a small reptilian creature with an admixture of red and black scales, he is wearing a loose fitting robe and practicing some impressive hand and foot fighting techniques....

Grazing in the tall grassy field are a couple of saddled horses.

Razmatin is playing softly as they approach and then attempts to play something light and peaceful as they approach.  "Greetings folks, how are you doing?"  Since stealth is not a primary concern, he is openly broadcasting their presence.

13:34, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 11 using 1d20+10 ((1)).

Keeping her reins loose in her hands, Octavia pulling up next to Razmatin, watching the pair while he speaks. Playing music was a good idea, and hopefully would have these two pause and talk instead of going on any offensive.  This also gave her a chance to scrutinize the two.

15:15, Today: Octavia Cassiana rolled 19 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 16.  Perception +3 (Guidance).

This message was last edited by the player at 20:45, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

While the other two talked and watched, Tatyana tried her best to hide from sight, ready to move if things went south.

---

15:15, Today: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 23 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 16.  stealth.

The kobold continues his motions and exercises and does not even pause as he says in broken common...
”we are... well, are you sent by the great bird?”


Octavia


Tatyana

Not being the most diplomatic, Filarion hangs back, but does comment just before they reach ear shot, "I think these are the two the bird was talking about."

Razmatin is about to open his mouth spilling some gibberish when he realizes he might actually know the answer to this.  He spends a solid thirty seconds slowly working through all the different things it could be in his mind, considering the problem from as many angles as he possibly can before he decides which answer to best give the small humanoid creatures.

19:41, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 11 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 5.  Religion.

19:41, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 21 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 15.  The planes.

19:40, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 16 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 9.  nobility.

19:40, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 15 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 8.  Knowledge Nature.

19:40, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 27 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 20.  Local.

19:40, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 20 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 14.  history.

19:39, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12.  Geography.

19:39, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 12 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 6.  Engineering.

19:39, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 8 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 2.  Knowledge Arcana.

Raz recalls...

Raz surmises
This message was last updated by the GM at 02:09, Sun 06 Jan 2019.

Drezghl watched the kobolds for a minute or two.  Not seeing any real threat so far, he nudged his horse towards Octavia.

"Octavia, those must be the kobolds the eagle told us about.  They might know about the radishes that Svetlana was wanting.", he said.

Razmatin attempts to lie, with only middling success, "Yes, I think that they mentioned something about a spell caster and someone who has a rare breath weapon."  He had a whole like worked up in his head and all he could think about was what he actually knew.  It was like this giant blank space entered his head where he previously had an ending source of malarchy to be.

21:42, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 11 using 1d20+10 ((1)).

Octavia nodded at Drezghl's words, then gave a glance to Raz.  His approach with the music had given them a peaceful opening, and now things looked as if they could progress with some civility.  She wasn't sure what the bard was speaking of but kept her thoughts to herself.

"Rare indeed," she said softly, as if echoing Raz's words. Louder, she continued, "I see you move as a skilled warrior," she said to the moving kobold, glancing to the other covered figurer. "I am Octavia, and my companions and I are exploring this part of the lands.  May we know how you are called, and the great bird suggested you might be able to help us with a question?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 13:30, Sun 06 Jan 2019.

The kobold snorts a whisp of smoke curls up from his nostrils...

“A warrior is not so great.  My friend...”
He points under the tree
“Speaks only his tongue and undercommon.”

“We have great troubles, a war between our peoples, what is your trouble?”

Octavia shrugged slightly as she sat in her saddle.  "Our trouble is not so great as a war.  We know a trader who says there are some radishes they can use in this area, that is all."  She spared a glance to her companions.  "If we could share this fire, would you share your tale?"

Razmatin smiles,"My new ballad us finally ready but yes, we woold be honored if you would tell us about your plight."

Mikmek tells the beginning of the story….
”I am Mikmek I traveled for a time with a man who was my teacher and from him I learned fighting.”

”For a couple of years now NIVEALNELUB or cracking jaw in the big head and I have been friends, he is a druid, together we kept the kobolds and mites from having hostilities towards one another, but then a year ago Tartuk came to the kobolds, the Sootscale tribe.  Tartuk has magical powers and insisted that we worship a reptile god statue he calls “Old Sharptooth.”

”Each time I went on patrol into the lands, Tartuk created more and more fear in my fellows, even now none of them will stand with me against him.  The ones he said old sharptooth was angry with would be found torn to shreds by a creature that could never be found.”

The cloaked figure chitters something and Mikmek translates….anyone speak Mite?
”Even worse old Sharptooth or Tartuk demands the tribe be at war with the mites, his people.  Thus starting an ongoing set of raids back and forth constant war between our tribes.”


”As it stands right now the kobolds may lose the war and the entire tribe lost; We often meet at the radish patch and have a bushel of radishes packed up under the tree and a couple of bandits we captured.”

Octavia had dismounted, holding the reins as she wiped her mount's neck while the kobold told his tale.  She listened to him tell the tale of war, new idols and radishes.  At the mention of bandits, she looked to her companions.  "What do you think?  Do we offer to assist??  I am interested in dealing with the captured bandits and taking them to Oleg's along with the rest, and the radishes will cross off a task on our list. But it sounds like this Tartuk is starting a war where peace existed." 

"Bad business all around.  This invisible creature of his could be a spell, any variety of things that live partially on the etherial plane, or a creature of force like an invisible stalker; but all of them are not good.  Taking him out or that statue out would be a major priority.  Gotta say, the stories of our exploration are good but stopping an unjust war by an evil interloper? I like that more.  It's worth the risk to me to say the least."

Reasoning that things could still go south on the group, Tatyana stayed hidden and silent, close to the kobolds, ready to engage at the first sign of trouble. She let Octavia and Razmatin talk, happy to follow their lead. It was good to know that the bundles that she could identify as men were likely bandits.

Tauron sits on his horse and listens.
He is not sure what to make of this all.  So he keeps quite for the moment.

"Taking the bandits off of their hands would be a gesture of good will.  Even if they're likely to be hung back at Oleg's when we return. ", Drez replied in a low tone.

Octavia waited while the others either gave their comments or their silence.  With a nod, she turned back to Mikmek. "It seems that we are both in pursuit of peace here.  We have been hunting these bandits in one form or another, and we would take them off of your hands to face justice.  As to this war," she once more looks to the others, "we would need to come to an agreement upon that.  If we were to assist and help you bring peace, would you be willing to open trade with the trading post not far from here?  Perhaps starting with trading radishes?  If you are willing to treat for peace not just with the mites, but with any settlers who were to be in the area, that might go a long way to helping convince my friends here."

The kobold smiles
“The prisoners are yours as already agreed; Our people have been at peace with humans for generations we still honor the treaty named the walk in the accord; i have read it, it is stored in our home.  Will you go and see it and see the ravages of war on our peoples?”

Octavia nods.  "Yes, I would wish to see it. I am new to these lands, and to know of such a treaty already existing is a welcome surprise.  But first, we must deal with these bandits.  Where we take them is only a day away.  You would be welcome to travel with us to see how we deal with them, along with your radishes for trade.  Then, if my companions are willing, we will return with you to see for ourselves the ravages of this war."

"Agreed?" she asks the others of their small company. She waits for their response.  She knew Tatyana was still out there, hiding, but without an agreed-upon signal, she was willing to wait to bring attention to her until she knew the decision of Mikmek and the others.

At first Filarion isn't so sure that allowing one tribe to destroy the other and then mopping up the other afterwards want a more prudent course of action. Then he hears about the treaty already in place and sighs his assent in the current plan. "Do the mites have a similar agreement as the kobolds?"

Mikmek laughs heartily...
“No they do not understand such things they are fey and typically only steal and prank they rarely injure or kill humans.”  Kobolds have lived by them for a long time with no problems, but Tartuk forces unending war.”

The mite chitters quickly
Mikmek translates
“Riders approach!”

Tatyana was just about to stand up and announce her presence when the call of riders approaching came. She twisted around, trying to see if she could see them, while remaining hidden.

---

10:13, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 18 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 9.  looking for the riders.

Riders could be anyone, but with the threat of bandits in these lands, Octavia wasn't taking chances.  Still dismounted, she spoke in firm tones, calling upon the power of Gorum to sharpen their blades and aid their arms.  Then, the pulled the spear from where she kept it near her saddle as she watched the approaching riders.

OOC: Octavia casts Bless, 50' burst centered on her, +1 Atk / +1 Saving throws 2minutes (20 rounds).

The Spirit of the Land rolled 25 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 17.  Riders initiative.


Beat 25 to win initiative for the party!

OOC: Nope!


11:25, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 14 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 12.  I literally can't beat a 25!

OOC: Seize the Day  on Octavia (roll 1d20 twice for initiative)


12:28, Today: Secret Roll: Octavia Cassiana rolled 8 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 2.  Octavia Second Roll.

12:28, Today: Secret Roll: Octavia Cassiana rolled 7 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 1.  Octavia Initiative First Roll.

That's right.  I rolled a 1, then a 2.

Beats the reverse!

Well, actually it doesn't, but it just seems even more painful the other way.

The eight riders are so close they set their spears, level the points and immediately charge the party!

They close in rapidly; three of the riders suddenly stop as the grasslands turn and twist bringing them down and tangling those riders into prone positions the others charge in to skewer the party.



The spears go out wide around both Octavia and Filarion; Drezghl takes a solid hit with 7 damage; Raz also takes a solid hit for 8; while Touron gets a nasty gash along his upper arm for 4 points of damage.

You are up!
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:35, Wed 09 Jan 2019.

Octavia snarls, readying to throw her spear, but at the sight of first blood against them, she paused to shout.  "GORUM AID MY ALLIES!" Energy pulsed out from her, healing the wounds from the attackers' spears.

19:06, Today: Secret Roll: Octavia Cassiana rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Channel Energy. heal 5 points
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Thu 10 Jan 2019.

Ooc: well, I'm no help!

Tatyana bided her time until the riders were close enough. She carefully drew her sword then when the time was right lunged at the closest of them. But her timing was off, and she missed by a mile.

---

20:08, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3.  Power Attack from stealth (hopefully vs flat footed).

Drezghl snarled with the pain of the blow and retaliated with his bow. He drew back the string and let loose with an arrow at the nearest of the riders. Unfortunately, it landed short of it's target.

Razmatin is tempted to try and distract the lot of them since horses had simple minds and these idiots didn't impress him at all, but rather than inspire everyone, he decided to do something more direct, taking his guitar and striking a discordant cord between the group and the bulk of those swinging around for another try.

Razmatin casts GREASE.

Two more riders go down in the area coated with a greasy sheen of oily grassland.  Unexpectedly Mikmek breathes out a cone of flame into the grease coated riders....
The horses manage to right themselves and flee the riders however take some token damage but also catch fire.

The remaining PCs can still act before the bandits turn
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:52, Thu 10 Jan 2019.

Disregard.   I jumped the gun.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:40, Fri 11 Jan 2019.

Tauron draws his bow and fires an arrow at the creatures.

OOC:
20:30, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.  Damage.

20:29, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 16 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 14.  attack with bow.

Getting his horse steady by more luck than skill, Filarion lashes out with his blade, scoring an easy hit on the other rider.

19:17, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17.  DC 20 ride check.

19:57, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 23,9 using D20+7,d8+1 with rolls of 16,8.  Attack/damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:50, Mon 14 Jan 2019.

The two riders who were attacked by the party go down; however the remaining three charge in again.

The first bandit misses Octavia; the second however hit Tatyana for 8 Points of damage, while the last rider nicks mikmek for three points of damage.


You are up!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:58, Sun 13 Jan 2019.

Octavia had enough of these riders.  "BEHIND ME!" she shouted to the companions near her as she dropped her spear.  Pulling her greatsword from her back, she took a step forward, and with a prayer to the war-god, she suddenly grew to almost ten-feet in height, her sword expanding with her.

OOC: Casts Enlarge person on herself, free action to drop her spear and pull her greatsword, 5 foot step forward.

For GM - New AC is now 15 but she now has a 10' reach
This message was last edited by the player at 14:26, Sun 13 Jan 2019.

Tauron lets of another arrow from back of his donkey.

OOC:
23:03, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 7 using 1d8 with rolls of 7.  Damage.
23:03, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 21 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 19.  attack with bow.

Razmatin does just that but takes advantage of situation to whip out his guitar and try to improve party morale by striking up a stunning tune about the virtue of the righteous against thieves, liars and scoundrels.  It is one of his better performances and the exact opposite of the drinking song he used the other night.  Potent magical energy reaches out to help the party.

18:56, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 27 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 17.  Performance. Inspiration +1 to Attacks and Damage

Filarion was not so successful with controlling Linta this time, so he gets off the horse. Ready to attack once they come back around.

04:51, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13.  DC 20 ride check.

Move: Get off horse
Standard: Draw bow

The three bandits hesitated for a second, but they glance at each other and charge it straight for Octavia.

Octavia now has reach, so she will attack before I roll the bandits attack....

Octavia braced herself against the riders, and with roar stepped forward with a thrust of the  giant sword.

OOC
08:38, Today: Octavia Cassiana rolled 18 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 9 (Bless and Inspiration).  Greatsword Attack AoO.

08:38, Today: Octavia Cassiana rolled 17 using 3d6+9 with rolls of 3,3,2(Ferocious Strike and Inspiration).  Greatsword Damage.

Drezghl took up a position behind and to Octavia's right but out of reach of her huge sword.  Seeing the 3 bandits charging, he drew back his bow and aimed for the one on the right.  His arrow flew straight and embedded itself in the bandit with a solid thunk.


OOC:
12:39, Thu 10 Jan: Secret Roll: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 6 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2.  Damage to rider.  Comp longbow +1,  favored enemy +2, +1 for Inspiration.
12:37, Thu 10 Jan: Secret Roll: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 23 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 17.  Attack riders. Ranged BAB 4, +2 favored enemy - human
This message was last edited by the player at 01:37, Tue 15 Jan 2019.

OOC: Sorry catching up!

Tatyana formed up on Octavia after releasing a rather creative string of profanity on being wounded. She stood shoulder to shoulder... err shoulder to thigh with the gigantic cleric, but not too close to that gigantic swinging sword. She was feeling momentarily inadequate, not to mention nursing a serious case of sword-envy.

---

Tatyana hits AC 14 for 13 slashing damage

17:17, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 14 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 6.  longsword attack (two handed) with bless and inspire courage.
17:18, Today: Secret Roll: Tatyana Dec'lan rolled 13 using 1d8+7 with rolls of 6.  damage with inspire courage.

Octavia manages to down one bandit before he can even reach her, the second hits hard but the spear shaft shatters on her armor, the last rider misses as well.

Still need an attack from any PC who has not yet done so

OOC: What happened with my arrows or are we on third round now?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:53, Tue 15 Jan 2019.

Octavia pivots with the riders, her sword slashing out at the rider as they pass by.

21:10, Today:  Octavia Cassiana rolled 14 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 5.  Greatsword (with Bless and Inspiration).
21:13, Today: Octavia Cassiana rolled 15 using 3d6+9 with rolls of 1,3,2.  Greatsword Damage (Inspiration + Ferocious).

Filarion sights down his bow and realised the string with a hum. He then draws another arrow, ready to fire again


Move: None
Standard action: fire bow

06:57, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 18,6 using D20+5,d6 with rolls of 13,6.  Attack/damage.

The remaining riders go down.

Combat over?

The mite chitters and Mikmek translates
“He says the entangling spell will not hold much longer.”

You look and the bandits are still struggling the horses though broke free and ran away...

Octavia points towards the entangled riders, ready to attack once the magic fades.  "Archers! Before they are free!"

At Octavia's command, Drezghl turned and took aim at one of the entangled bandits. The arrow flew in a perfect arc that ended with a solid thunk and a loud scream.



OOC: How many of the bandits are still entangled?

10:29, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled 21 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 14.  longbow vs bandits.
10:29, Today: Drezghl Zuhv rolled *10 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 6.  damage to bandit. *forgot to add strength bonus for composite.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Sat 19 Jan 2019.

Tauron lets of another arrow.

OOC:
18:53, Today: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 2 using 1d8 with rolls of 2.  Damage.

18:53, Today: Secret Roll: Tauron Alphmellon rolled 17 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 15.  attack with bow.

Dropping his instrument he grabs his bow and lets fly into the entanglements.

17:39, Today: Secret Roll: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 4 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 3.  dmg.

17:38, Today: Razmatin Vulcovila rolled 18 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 14.  shortbow.

"Give up," thunk an arrow hits home, "before you are," thunk, "you're all dead."

"Umm, not that I have anything against self-defense," she called back to Octavia who was clearly calling the shots in combat.

"But wouldn't it be a good idea to take a prisoner or two?"

She moved to close with the entangled riders, careful to stay out of the way of the arrows that were flying. She called out to the captured riders, "I'd surrender if I was you. I think I might be able to protect you from her if you do." She motioned back to the fearsome sight of gigantic Octavia.

“Bloody hell I surrender!”

Octavia stalks towards the entangled remaining rider, coming up next to Tatyana as she stares at the man.  She stands with her greatsword ready, still bloodied by his companions remains.  Her visage is a hard scowl, her sweat-stained hair clinging to her face while she visibly reins herself in.

"Be thankful that cooler heads prevail," she growled.  "Gorum's thirst is never quenched."

She looked to the others.  "Drezghl, Tauron.  Would you be able to gather whichever of their horses remain?  I noticed that some of them were burned.  If you are able to bring them closer, I can heal them along with those of you who have taken injuries."

"Razmatin, would you be able to aid Tatyana in subduing and questioning the prisoner? Once he is under control, and if you both see fit, he may enter the sphere of healing once we are ready. I leave that for you to decide."

She looked to Filarion.  "Before this spell expires, I will gather the fallen bodies together to make searching them easier.  Will you aid me?"

To Mikmek and other, hidden one, she nodded.  "Thank you both for your aid.  Once we have the prisoner taken care of and what horses that can be gathered, I would heal you also."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Tue 22 Jan 2019.

"C'mon silver tongue," she called over to Razmatin. "You heard the big lady. You do the questioning, I'll do the subduing," she smiled, approaching the prisoner and kicking his weapons away (presuming he's dropped them). She then searched him very thoroughly and tied him up (do I need a skill check for any of this?)

She wasn't very gentle about it.

"Very well, Octavia. I will collect the horses." , Drezghl said.

He mounted his horse and trekked out after them. Working the furthest ones and pushing the herd back to the group. He had  a difficult time of it since some of the horses were wounded and badly spooked.

The lad is a youth you guess barely in his teens, he has ragged clothing and an old scrap of leather armor and a buckler, also the spear for mounted combat.  His hair is red and covers his eyes at times.

"Names Tuck, short for Tucker, been a bandit for about a week now, did not rightly have a choice in the matter, was forced in and always under guard."


Sense motive DC 13

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
This kid seems to be telling the truth

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DC 15+

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Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
You believe that he has been forced into riding with the bandits

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Mikmek looks over the kid and also begins piling up stuff from the bodies.

Crackjaw the mite chitters away...
Mikmek translates.. "We can deal with the bodies if you like."

"But of course," he says with a mischievous grin that is keep from the prisoner. "It would be my pleasure." He stows his bow and gets down to the grim work out moving bodies, collecting and arrows that weren't broken, and looting anything of interest.

11:01, Today: Secret Roll: Filarion Petxalim rolled 67 using 1d100 with rolls of 67.  Reclaim arrow 50%.

Crud. Lost another one

While dragging two of the bodies back to lie next to each other, Octavia shrinks down to her regular height.  She pauses, then with a roll of her neck, continues to drag both bodies to where the rest lie, straining to finish bringing them to where Filarion had brought the others.

She assists him in gathering what they could; weapons and anything that might be of value.  Once completed, she stands, cleaning her greatsword with care as she waits for the others to gather the horses, finish with the prisoner and gather together before she heals everyone.

Healing warmth pulses from her as she bows her head, her grip on the hilt of her greatsword.  Once, twice, as she calls upon Gorum to heal her allies.

At Mikmeks and Crackjaw's mention of taking care of the bodies, she looks to the others. She had overheard the boy's comment of being pressed into service to these bandits.  They had fallen in battle, and to her, that was ritual enough.

She looks to the others.  "Unless someone has an objection, it is not my concern what they do with the remains." She had a suspicion of what the creatures would do to the bodies, but scavenging was different than actively hunting.

12:09, Today: Octavia Cassiana rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Channel Energy.

12:08, Today: Octavia Cassiana rolled 3 using 1d6 with rolls of 3.  Channel Energy.

6 HP healed. Also affects any injured horses brought nearby.
1 channel energy remaining.

Razmatin is briefly horrified to learn that many of those they killed were there against their will but ultimately gets over the idea.  They were good to defend themselves after all.  He briefly considers how to help with the interrogation but on realizing he isnt needed remains quiet and continues practicing his ballad.

She looked at Razmatin puzzled that the bard didn't seem to want to do the talking, but shrugged and turned back to Tuck.

"So Tuck, we've got good news and bad news. The bad news is that we have a charter that lets us put bandits to death by rope or sword. The good news, and I think you'll like this part, is that we have some discretion in applying this judgement. See if a bandit prisoner agrees to join us and swear allegiance to our cause, we don't HAVE to execute them. If we believe them. And they can contribute to the cause somehow. And well, if we feel merciful."

She closed her eyes for a moment and basked in Octavia's channeled energy, savoring the feeling as the healing warmth rushed through her.

"Mmmmm. Thanks Octavia! Hey big girl? You feeling merciful today?"

Drezghl soon had the horses back and tied up on a picket line. He looked at each of them and selected one that looked to be the best. This was to be his backup and pack horse.

He led it away next to his horse and began  transferring bear traps and other heavy items to the new horse.