The three of you decide to patrol together. Smith explains the route, from watchtower to watchtower twice, and lets you know that he'll pay extra for resources or information that might serve the town, and warns you not to go hunting on the beach, which is Triton territory. He also encourages you to provide aid to any Tritons you see. You can stop by Jessop's before you leave, if you wish, otherwise, you should set out towards the first watchtower.

OOC: Before you go, do you want this to be a night or day patrol? Night patrols pay 5gp more, but its dark, and nocturnal creatures tend to have Darkvision.
This message was last updated by the GM at 19:27, Mon 02 Nov 2020.

OOC: I don't mind either, I'll let the others decide

Stennan walked to the meeting point, checking that he had all of his equipment with him. Here we go. First job, let's not screw it up, Stennan thought to himself, steeling his mind for anything that could happen.

Stolt hurries forward having just come back from the Jessop's shop dress in his newly purchased winter gear. He slows as he approaches Stennan.

"Just how old are you?" the wood elf queries as he comes up to Stennan, doing his best to hide his concern. The human couldn't have been a quarter of a century old. Indeed, he barely appeared to be 20! Amongst his own people, Stolt would be considered quite young with his 117 years and impetious as seen by his actions. He had been hasty in agreeing to joining the group but his true concerns were far beyond them. Hopefully things would work out. If only this human was teachable. Many humans were not but perhaps Stennan would be an exception and open to being schooled. He was certainly young enough.

OOC:
FYI - let me know if Stolt gets too annoying and I can tame things down or stop.
I would suggest we try daylight at first. Even with dark vision, Stolt can't see the distances we can see in the daytime and it's probably best to keep things easier until we know what we are up against. It will also help us to get to know each other and each other's abilities. However, if Spark really wants to go at night, I'm ok with it.

With that input, I'll let Spark decide when we go.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:20, Tue 03 Nov 2020.

Spark also joins the two others at the agreed-upon meeting point. Clad in his winter clothes that seems remarkably similar to the newly acquired ones that Stennan is wearing he greets them with a raised hand. "We all ready to head out?" He looks at the fellow cleric's clothes and nods appreciatively.

"If we encounter goblins, don't immediately assume they are a foe. I have had dealings with the small folk not long past, and some of them have settled in the surrounding areas."

OOC: Daylight sounds better so we can see what we're doing.

You set out for your patrol at mid-morning, knowing you could easily make it back before dark, even with significant delays. Though Spark lacks a frame of reference, Stolt and Stennan both find it strange, knowing that despite the cold, it's actually summer and the day will be long. Do you chat on the way to the first watchtower?

"Uh, I'm 23," Stennan replied to the elf. Stennan little interesting that the elf was focused on age, but he made no comment of it. He turned to Spark.

"So, goblins aren't immediately a foe, eh? Anything else we should know? I know Smith said orcs might be a possibility."

Stolt keeps his eyes and ears open as the start the patrol. He suspects that the danger must be considerable given they are being paid to patrol, especially during the daytime. He will do his best to familiarize himself with the landscape and keep an eye out for any hiding places or potential ambush spots.

He will listen to the conversation but will try to avoid talking too much and will keep his gaze looking outward.

"I haven't been on too many patrols myself, but the word is that there are quite a few animals that could brave our numbers to try and grab a quick bite, so it's best not to stray too far from each other."

He trots along with the others, finding that the travel pace suits him and that the less confined space agrees with him compared to his forge. Nothing can beat the sound of hammer on steel and anvil, of course, but adventuring has its thrills as well.

"What has brought you to these parts, word of the settlement and the hopes to strike a new path for yourselves, or perhaps fate and happenstance pulled you here?"

Spark isn't difficult to read, despite his apparent lack of clear facial feature he doesn't seem to conceal his feelings, and he's happy to chat about anything and everything to pass the time, while at the same time keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

"I'm here because of the opportunity and the frontier, and also to get away from the troubles of Artemisia. Too many wars and petty squabbles." Stennan scanned the area, keeping an eye out for anything unusual.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:18, Sat 07 Nov 2020.

"I've never understand that about humans," Stolt says. "Seems like you fight over the smallest of things." He says all that though he only half listens to the response. Instead, he keeps his eyes and sense peeled for danger.

Stennan scans the surrounding area for any suspicious stuff

OOC: I would like to do a Perception check

OOC: Roll it.

OOC: Did. Turned out to be an 18 raw roll, 20 total

Edit: wait, hold on

Never mind, I was right the first time
This message was last edited by the player at 14:22, Tue 10 Nov 2020.

Stennan doesn't see anything, but as you all near the first watchtower (the northwest one,) he hears, faintly, a gentle melody of woodwinds and strings coming from the woods to the northwest of tower.

Stolt will listen carefully to the sounds emanating from the woods.

OOC:
Has he heard the melody or something similar before? Any ideas what might be making the sounds?

"Fae music? That's all I can think of. Unless some band of troubadours decided to play in this wasteland." Stennan will attempt to listen closer, but keeps to the path to the first tower.

It's an unfamiliar melody. The edge of the woods is about a half-mile away, and you see nothing between here and there that could be making the music. Whatever is playing, is playing loudly.

"Tis odd for such musicians to be playing here," Stolt says in agreement. "I would have expected such players to dwell deep in forests like my own. However, this land is new to me. Perhaps there are travelers or even dwellers for whom such music holds sway."

He pauses and listens again to the music for a few moments.

"It is curious and I think worth investigating. If they be kin, however distantly, to those of the forest, they may be less threatened by a wood elf while if the melody is indeed a trap, best we all not be engulfed in it. Perhaps I could take the lead and you all follow at a distance, perhaps 60 feet?" Stolt offers.

"Be my guest. I don't trust these woods, at all." Stennan kept his eyes peeled on the edge of the forest, right hand drawing closer to the longsword at his side.

"Very well, but be careful in case it really is a trap."

Spark get ready to follow Stolt at a safe distance but keep his eyes and ears open for anything.

Stolt starts making his way towards to the woods, stopping occasionally to gaze carefully around him. Living alone for long periods of time has given him a sense of initiative. If something was to be done, he was the only one to do it. He had been slow to realize the benefits like initiative that seclusion had provided though he had a greater appreciation for that now.

He continues until he reaches the edge of the woods. Once there he stops, looks around and listens again.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:02, Sun 15 Nov 2020.

The music is quite loud. Louder than you thought lutes or flutes could get. It seems to come from somewhere further into the woods, as you don't see anything yet.

"So, should we follow the music?" Stennan asked, not taking his hand off the hilt of his sword. He eyed the edge of the forest cautiously. "We don't know what exactly is in there."

"This is very odd. The music is louder than it should be for lutes and flutes," Stolt mulls.

"Well, I'm not sure what else we can do other than investigate. It seems to me that's the job we signed up for unless you want to tell Mayor Smith we heard some odd music but turned back when we discovered it was coming from inside the forest or, of course, simply not mention it and hopefully not be found out."

"I could try to sneak in maybe 30 or 40 yards, see what I see and report back. Can't exactly move quietly in this armor though the music might cover any sounds if I am careful. However, if I start crying for help, I would appreciate some assistance."

What do you think we should do?"

"This certainly seems odd, and possibly a trap." Spark ponders the group's alternatives.

OOC: Is Spark able to determine whether or not he thinks the music is moving away from them or remaining stationary as they approach?

"I would say we investigate. Just maintain utmost caution. Spark definitely has a point when he says it could be a trap." Stennan keeps looking into the forest, before turning back to his group.

The music appears to be stationary.

"Let's go investigate," Stolt says. He looks at the others waiting for some sign of agreement before setting off.

OOC:
Assuming the other party members agree, as Stolt will head towards the music.

Spark nods. "Let's take it nice and slow." He moves with the group but tries to be careful where he puts his feet and trying not to cause his metal armour to cause a ruckus, hoping that whatever sound he makes would be masked by the loud music.


Moving at half speed and attempting stealth
14:16, Today: Spark rolled 13 using 2d20+1, dropping the highest dice only with rolls of 19,12.  Stealth.

Stennan follows the rest of the group, not bothering much for stealth, as the music seemed loud enough to cover the jingling bits of steel that made up his mail armor

Stolt, noticing the care Spark is taking, starts moving much more slowly and carefully, doing his best to be silent, at least as silent as he can in his Scale armor.

OOC:
18:11, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 14 using 2d20+3.  move silently (at disadvantage). Rolled (5,6) + 3 = 8 (lowest)

Stennan, grumbling, decides to submit to the rest of the party's idea of stealth, crouching low, and slowly walking forward, trying to not make as much noise as possible

OOC: rolled a 5 at disadvantage
This message was last edited by the player at 04:58, Thu 19 Nov 2020.

Attempting to move quietly, you all follow the music to its source. You see a huge, dead tree. The music appears to be coming from a hollow within the tree... or at least it did. The music stops as you approach. The area goes silent.

Spark recons that the jig is up seeing as the music stopped when they approached. He is still unnerved by not being able to see whoever, or whatever is making the music. He takes a few steps to the side in an attempt to divine an opening or crack in the tree while speaking out in a friendly voice.

"Hail you in there!" He pauses for a moment. "We made our way past and couldn't help but notice the beautiful music. We mean no harm, why don't you show yourself?" He asks politely.

Spark, make a charisma (persuasion) check please.

14:43, Today: Spark rolled 9 using 1d20-1.  Persuasion.

No one answers.

"What was that?!" Spark exclaims as his head spins to try and understand what had just happened. He had felt something zip past his head, and he tries to figure out if it had been a creature like a bird, or if he had indeed been targeted by some missile.

Stolt looks carefully at the dead tree, especially looking at the hollow portion from his vantage point. He uses his senses to listen carefully for any other sounds and detect any unusual smells. He also takes a survey of the immediate area to see if he can sense something hiding and where.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Sun 29 Nov 2020.

As Spark turns his head, everyone hears faint, high-pitched giggling in the direction he felt the thing zipped off to, but do they don't see anything. A strong smell of mint begins to emanate from Stolt.

Stolt, speaking in Sylvan, says, "Sai my tsnec igntrulob uyo? Ym gseoopila fi it ddi. I've tspne goln esprdoi fo teim ni neusclsoi, oyu ees, nda ssmetmeoi teofrg emos of eth asilco osnrm. I dluow eb itdereents ni ginetem yuo. Ew llyaer do emna oyu on rhma. Dwolu uoy be igwllni to owsh eylessuorv?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:23, Mon 30 Nov 2020.

Stennan will stick close to the group, unsure of how to go about this. Fae aren't exactly his specialty

Spark is a little disconcerted by the giggling voices, but he remains silent and alert while Stolt tries what sounds like some sort of communication. He keeps his hand on the hilt of his weapon but keeps it on his belt, and his eyes drift to and fro.

18:06, Today: Spark rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Perception.

Spark manages to locate the source of the giggling, though he still can't see it. The  sound seems to be coming from a tiny invisible creature, partially hidden behind a stone a few feet ahead and to his right. He also notices two suppressed laughs from inside the hollow tree. A moment later, he sees three creatures, appearing to be green elven children-- two girls and a boy-- a foot tall, with gossamer wings.

Everyone, please post your character's surface thoughts, and then give me a Wisdom save.

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:29, Tue 01 Dec 2020.

Stennan only caught a glimpse of the beings, but, in his mind, it was enough to deduce they were fae, with of course with nagging suspicions that they aren't. What were those?

OOC: Got a 12 on my saving throw
This message was last edited by the player at 04:23, Tue 01 Dec 2020.

If Spark had a brow it would have been furrowed by now as he takes in the evolving scene. What in the Forge's name are these things?

13:40, Today: Spark rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Wisdom save.

Stolt looks at the small creatures, surprised and a bit concerned. He's not sure how the mayor will react to their presence here and if he will want them relocated, if indeed they were willing and able to be relocated. There had been exceptions where creatures coexisted without a problem, the tritons for example, but he wasn't sure even if the mayor was willing, if an accommodation could be reached. The creatures seemed rather immature and mischievous. As a wood elf, though, he very much wanted to find some way to make it work though. Maybe they could be convinced to move deeper into the woods or not play their music so loudly?

OOC:
16:54, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  save vs wisdom.

One of the little people flew past Stolt, hovering about 10 feet behind and above him, "We'll quiet our music when you let the Sun go down!"
From inside the hollow the others say,
"Yeah!"
"The Sun needs sleep too!"
"No it doesn't, stupid!"
"Then why does it need to go down, smarty-stockings?"
"because its afraid of the dark, dummy!"
The one flying near Stolt says, "Shut up, both of you! I'm trying to talk to the mutant!"
"His skin is weird!"
"He smells like mint!"
"I did that, moron!"
"Oh, did you make his wings go away, too, wise-guy?"
"SHUT! UP!"

"What in Baator...?" Stennan said quietly to himself. These beings had, uh, interesting ideas about the sun, and most of all, they were really annoying.

"Are you related?" Stolt asks. "I'm guessing you are or either know each other really well."

"We wondered who was playing the music. Heard it from all the way over on the road outside the woods. I don't believe I've heard a tune like that before. Do you have a variety of tunes that you play?" Stolt asks.

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Stolt and even though I'm a wood elf, I don't think I've ever seen creatures like you before. How do you describe yourself, if I may ask?"

The one closest to Stolt, who can now plainly be seen is a girl with long, dark green hair, tied in two long braids that hang in front of her shoulders. Flying around rapidly as if to emphasize certain words she says, "I'm not related to you! I'm a pixie! Those two are my friends. We played the music. We know all the tunes! Except the ones we haven't heard. Do you play music? If I had to describe myself, I'd say, talented, beautiful, quick, pretty, fun, umm... good at music. Umm...So will you let the sun go down? Or if its not you, will you make them do it? I mean, whoever won't let it go down? Every night, it gets stuck on that huuuuge house over there! Could you maybe move the house?"

She points at the nearest watchtower, to the southeast. Given the volume of the music, the guards there must be at their wit's end by now.

Stolt shakes his head. "I'm afraid it's not my house and it's much too big for me to move anyway. Have you thought about moving? I'd be more than happy to help you if you want. If you moved a mile deeper into the woods, I bet you would barely notice the house and if you moved two miles deeper, you may not be able to even see it. Something to think about."

"So are you friends shy or do they not like meeting strangers?" Stolt asks.

Spark turns in the direction indicated to take a look at the watchtower to see if he could understand what the commotion is all about.

"What do you mean? The sun always goes down." Stennan was confused by the fey's ramblings. The tower couldn't possibly be holding the sun of all things back from setting.

"We don't live here, we just come out to play at night. But ever since you big people built that house there, the sun is stuck on top of it when we get here! Goldenrod! Periwinkle! Why don't you come out and say hi! I'm Hicena, by the way."

The other two pixies come out to meet you. A boy and a girl, they both have short, red hair and their faces look incredible similar.
"Hi!" said the boy.
"Hiya!" said the girl.

Hicena responds to Stennan,"Like I said, it gets stuck on that house. It gets scared and shivers, because it isn't used to being out in the dark. Its just cruel to do that to the poor thing. Don't believe me? Come back here tonight!"

The distant watchtower looks perfectly normal from here, though of course, the sun won't set until long after your patrol is expected to end. Still, you're all quite sure it has set every night for at least as long as you can remember.

Spark looks from watchtower to pixies and back to watchtower before he slowly turns the entire arc across the sky in a western direction. "I don't know," he starts. "Humans for sure think they are capable of a lot, and perhaps some would think they could stop the sun from setting, I think even they would have difficulty causing the sun to almost completely reverse its direction."

He turns back to the three pixies. "I think there is something else going on, and I'm Spark by the way, and yeah I'm made of wood and metal." He adds friendly.

"Nice to meet you. So are you all musicians?" Stolt asks.

"Sounds like you are very concerned for the sun. It is very important but I agree with Spark. I don't think the humans have the power to do such a think. More likely is the building is just between you and the setting sun. I bet if you change your perspective and move before the sun is low in the horizon, you'll see something different."

"I think you may be talking about a potential fire on the top of the watchtower. That's something the humans normally create for light, since we cannot see in the dark. It does "shiver" and crackle. That's normal. The sun goes behind the tower, and then the humans light the fire so they may still see. But I may be wrong." Stennan was still confused, but he was trying to make sense of the situation. If he was totally wrong, then he felt that something was completely off. He kept that thought tucked into the back of his mind, in the case he was indeed wrong.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:07, Sun 06 Dec 2020.

To Spark, Periwinkle says, "Reverse? They're not making it go up, they just won't let it come down!"

Hicena, looking annoyed, says, "No, we're not myu-ziss-shins, we're pixies, like I said! Yes, we're concerned about the sun. Poor little thing, its so slow and helpless. Every time we come out of the forest to play in the morning, its up there, minding its own business. Nobody knows what its up to, but it never hurts anyone." After Stennan suggested about the lighting of fires, she gave Stolt a "can you believe this guy?" look and said. "I know what fire is! If you light the top of your house on fire, your house will burn down!"

"I'm getting boooored!" whined Goldenrod.

"Isn't it almost nighttime, yet? We've been here all daaaay!" whined Periwinkle.

You are all quite aware, that it hasn't been much more than an hour since the sun rose.

"Hey, if we make just make the humans see in the dark, maybe they won't capture the sun tonight!"

"Oooh. Then can we go play with the squirrels?"

"Yeah! Lets go! Bye!"
"Bye"
"Bye"

The three Pixies fly off in the direction of the watchtower. A moment later, they all vanish from sight.

You all get the impression that they'll continue to cause problems until they're sure the sun is allowed to go down.

"Interesting if unexpected. They seemed harmless enough though. Are we ready to continue?' Stolt asks the others.

"They still don't seem to understand our society much, but oh well. Yes, let's continue on. We may need to explain ourselves, if the pixies do something, uh... unexpected." Stennan turned back in the direction of the tower, ready to continue. Time was wasting

As you reach the tower, a two-story wooden construct with a huge brazier for a signal fire on top, you see one of the pixies become visible, and cast a spell on the guard on the second-story platform of the tower. The guard seems to disappear amongst a poof of flower petals and sparkles. You can't see the other two pixies, but you hear one of them straining in an attempt to open the tower's door.

"Oh, for the love of Pelor..." Stennan knew something with those pixies would happen. He just hoped that everything was salvageable

Spark looks up at the mischief in play and sighed. "Why can't people, or pixies for that matter, talk more and fight less. I thought humans were impulsive." He looks to his companion. "No offence."

With a raised voice he tries to alert both guards and pixies to their arrival. "Please stop what you're doing, these people aren't here to hurt you, and they aren't here to steal your sun. If you would stop playing games with them we can fix this!"

16:13, Today: Spark rolled 16 using 1d20-1.  Persuasion.

Periwinkle flies down from the second floor, "I didn't hurt him! I promise! I just made it so he could see in the dark!"

A male, human voice from inside the tower says, "What's all this then? Gerry, what's goin' on out there?" No answer from upstairs.

"The guard tower and the humans have absolutely nothing to do with the sun stopping or holding the sun," Stolt explains trying to hide the exasperation in his voice. "They aren't doing anything to the sun nor could they even if they wanted to. What you are seeing at night is the signaling brazier up there! You see it now, right? It's not the sun."

"The humans will fight to defend and protect this tower. They will quickly run out of patience and if you don't leave immediately you will be made visible, attacked and likely killed. Leave immediately and don't ever come back and maybe they won't come after you!"

OOC:
18:30, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 8 using 1d20-1.  Stolt intimidation.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Thu 10 Dec 2020.

Periwinkle doesn't seem to believe Stolt, nor does he scare her.

You hear the sound of someone climbing up a ladder inside the watchtower, and a trapdoor creaking open. The voice you heard before says, "What in the Hells? What's this then. Gerry is that you? Alright! Who turned Gerry into a weasel!"

You see Goldenrod become visible, and a puff of glitter and petals cover the guard and...

The guard sputters and points his crossbow at the pixie!

"Turn Gerry back right now! What am I suppose to tell his wife, huh! Did you think of that, you wee troublemakers! Oh, gee Mary, guess you don't have to worry about snakes, at least. Well if Mary was so worried about snakes she would've married a cat! ... er, I mean, bought a cat. What good Amelekian woman wants to be married to a weasel?! Or a cat?!"

The invisible pixie by the door just barely fails to stifle a giggle, but the guard doesn't hear her.

Next persuasion, bluff, or indimidate check against the pixies gets advantage.

Stolt starts quietly praying. He speaks in an unknown tongue, perhaps elvish. Though it is difficult to make out, the name Corellon Larethian can be made out. Suddenly he stops. Maybe if the others are visible they will see the wisdom in leaving.

OOC:
Cast Faerie Fire to get the pixie by the door, making sure not to get any party members or human/allies. It will outline invisible creatures, effectively making them visible for purpose of attack.

Spark recognises that Stolt is beseeching a higher power to act through him, but he didn't think the time for peaceful solutions had expired yet. "You have hurt him by turning him into something he doesn't want to be. Being mean doesn't require you to physically damage them. Please turn him back to himself and let us talk about this."

The warforged keeps his posture neutral and his arms open in an inviting manner. "These men here are only doing their job, and I am sure we could come to an understanding where they aren't keeping your sun trapped. Perhaps only inviting her to come and play with them if they really need to. How does that sound?"

His nature isn't one of brokering deals and singing the sweet tones of diplomacy, but with so many enemies around them, Smith's Gambit can't afford to pass any opportunity to keep on good terms with those who might only want to keep to themselves or cause the occasional mischief.

OOC: 15:24, Today: Spark rolled 8 using 2d20-1, dropping the lowest dice only. (a 1 and a 9, what great rolls...)

Stolk looks at Spark, confused. "I haven't hurt anyone. I don't know what you are talking about and I am certainly not the one who turned someone into a weasel. These misguided pixies are the one doing this and if they aren't convinced to stop, I fear for their safety. Regardless of the motivation, the pixies were the ones who came here. These men weren't looking for trouble."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Sat 12 Dec 2020.

Goldenrod "flies away from the guard with the crossbow and goes invisible, as Stolt casts his spell. You all hear a startled "Eep!" by the door as a wave of harmless green fire fills the space around it. It washes over Periwinkle, who didn't even seem to notice it, and she becomes outlined in green light. Goldenrods outline also becomes visible, between Stolt and the door. "Stolt! Don't let him shoot meeeeeee!" he says. You still don't see Hicena anymore, and, a moment later, you no longer hear her by the door.

"I turned him into a weasel!" said Periwinkle. "That way he can see in the dark!"
"Gerry's half-elf! He could already see in the dark!" says the guard.
"Hey sis, you're on fire!" says Goldenrod.
"Nuh, uh! I would feel it, dummy!"
"Look at your hands! They have fire that doesn't burn!" says Hicena.
"Okay, so maybe they aren't kidnapping the Sun."
"Ya think!? Now let's go home!"
The pixies start to leave.
"Turn Gerry back!"
"Oops," Periwinkle giggles, and a moment later, a confused half-elf guard can be seen standing up on the platform.
"Neat trick you did with that spell, stranger. How'd you know it would convince them?" says the first guard.

"I didn't," Stolt says, "but Goldenrod, the pixie you pointed your crossbow at, seemed rather unnerved by that and became invisible. I figured if they realized they could be seen or even their outline could be seen, they would flee."

"We met them while we were on patrol. They had apparently confused the signal fire with the sun and thought it was being trapped in the guard tower. They believed something needed to be done to free the sun. We explained to them that wasn't the case. I thought they understood but then they left heading straight off in the direction of the guard tower. That's when we decided we better come here and, well, you know the rest."

"I'm sorry that Gerry was turned into a weasel for a time. I'm guessing that was distressing. I would say, though, that the pixies are very immature, were very confused and didn't really mean to do any permanent harm. They were just trying to free the sun. Perhaps, though, I should ask. Is everyone ok?"

OOC:
07:21, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 9 using 1d20+1.  persuasion to smooth over encounter with pixies.
these rolls haven't been nice to us

Gerry shouted down from the tower, "Fine now. Lucky you folks was on patrol." The other guard said, as he descended the ladder, "Come on in, and I can sign your slips, I'm sure you've been delayed long enough.

OOC: Though we usually gloss over it, Smith gave you each a slip, to be signed at each watchtower visit, proving you actually patrolled rather than just found a stump to sit on for hours or something. Unless there is an encounter at a watchtower, it is assumed you get them signed as you pass each one.

Spark smiles at Stil, although the gesture isn't all that easy to discern from the warforged's lack of facial features. "I most certainly didn't talk to you, I was trying to reason with the pixies, but you had everything well in hand. Good job!"

Turning to the guards he nods to them. "Good to see everyone in their usual guises. I only wish we could have secured a deal with the small folks for their awareness in exchange for not having to keep the watchtower lit until danger presented itself."

Turning back to the patrol he gestures to the open road. "Shall we continue this pleasant stroll?"

"All's well that ends well," Stolt says in response to Spark. "It would have been better to have reached a better understanding with the pixies. However, I'm glad they left peaceably and no one got hurt."

"Yes, let's resume our patrol."

OOC: So incredibly sorry for not showing up. Midterms kicked me in the behind out of nowhere. I will be able to regularly resume play now

"Agreed. Hopefully we don't have to deal with any more dense pixies." Stennan looked around, ready to begin.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:34, Fri 18 Dec 2020.

You each get 25 xp for convincing the pixies to go home!

You all move on with your patrol. The next few hours is uneventful, but after the third watchtower, you spot about 80 feet to the south, something very strange. There appears to be a shadow, whose size is hard to determine, because its shape on the ground keeps changing. Accompanying it is a cacophony of high-pitched screeching noises. At first its movement seemed pretty random, but it stopped moving for a moment, and now it is heading straight for you!

You each have time for one turn before we roll initiative, what do you do?

Stennan draws his weapons, steeling himself for a fight.

Stolt's hand immediately goes to the hilt of his short sword. He effortlessly draws it while looks up towards the sun figuring whatever is casting the shadow must be between them and the sun. He prepares to use Warding Flare should the thing, whatever it is, seek to attack him.

OOC:
Does he spot anything that might be casting a shadow?

"What in the worlds is that?" Spark exclaims as he too pulls a weapon from his belt and hefts his mace and readies an attack should the shadow assault them first.

As it gets closer, you can tell that it is not a shadow, but in fact, hundreds of tiny creatures, moving en mass. It begins to separate into three separate groups, one heading for each of you.

Roll initiative! If you roll at least a 17, post your action, otherwise, your reactions have been noted.


SG= Stolt
SP= Spark
SS= Stennan
Ex= Enemy x

Spark still doesn't know what he's fighting, but it seems obvious whatever the flying critters are they are on the attack.

With mace in one hand, the warforged glances at the head and intones a rhythmic prayer causing fire to erupt from bare metal, then he moves to engage the foes and takes a swing.

Move: straight for E1.
Bonus action: cast Searing smite
Action: Attack E1

21:17, Today: Spark rolled 6,5,2 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6 with rolls of 1,2,2.  Atk / dmg vs E1.
(Spectacular start to the fight...)

Stolt gaze comes down from the sky and is startled to realize it's not a shadow at all! "Rats..," he says with surprise motionless for a moment or two before he starts moving to action. Burning Hands spell might helpful but it would be tricky to avoid his companions especially if they are in front as he observes Spark already moving forward. He prepares to move forward and use Burning Hands if he can get up beside Spark and Stennan is clear as well. Otherwise, he'll have to rely on his sword.

OOC:
12:57, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Stolt initiative.

"By all the Gods..." Stennan muttered as he saw the "shadow" break into three groups. Great, horde enemies, just what I needed today... Stennan just kept his ready position, eyeing the enemies before him.

OOC: Rolled a nat 1 on my initiative roll that, with a bonus, turns out to be a 3. Hope that's not how I roll during the fight

Round 1!

Spark moves forward while chanting a prayer and flames erupt from his mace. He slams his mace down at the central group of rats, but they momentarily disperse out of the way before they surround Spark!

Swarm 1 climbs all over Spark, seeking out and biting vulnerable parts of his body. Spark takes 10 piercing damage! Make a DC 10 Con save, or lose concentration on Searing smite.

The other 2 swarms try to climb up Stolt and Stennan. Stolt creates a flash of bright light that holds them at bay for a moment, while Stennan hops from one foot to the other faster than they can grab on.

Initiative
Stolt 6
Stennan 3
Spark 17
Rats 17


SG= Stolt
SP= Spark
SS= Stennan
Ex= Enemy x
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:44, Tue 22 Dec 2020.

Spark cries out in pain and frustration at the scampering creatures crawling all over him. Somewhere in his mind, there is a flashing memory of a workshop long-abandoned infested with these creatures and a lonely warforged's attempts at keeping the workspace clean and serviceable for its master's return, so perhaps it's karma that he now be eaten alive by them.

Luckily, none of the bites reaches the web of crystalline materials that are storing pent-up magical energies, so the flame on his mace doesn't extinguish.

Spark attempts to a combination of brushing the creatures off and swiping at the ones he can get to with his mace.


Action: Hit at rats
10:36, Today: Spark rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Con save concentration.
10:43, Today: Spark rolled 11,7,5 using 1d20+5,1d6+3,1d6.  Atk / dmg vs E1.

Stolt says a brief prayer of thanks to Corellon for the Warding Flare's protection. Never had he used it in time of need, when his safety and well being were truly threatened. He felt and inner warmth and glow as confidence filled him. Corellon was with him. This battle would soon be over. He watched, our of the corner of his eye, Spark's mace roaring in flames, saying to himself, Yes, the ancient one is right. Fire is best weapon against these vermin.

Incredibly, his short sword falls from his open hand but then he starting waving it while chanting, "Ath ahnvae sekkar quin  op be uskeche!" As he utters the last word, his hands lower. Flames suddenly erupt from them, engulfing and searing the rats in flames. An unpleasant odor of roasting rat flesh fills the air. Then the flames from his hands cease and he quickly reaches down and picks up his short sword.

OOC:
Cast Burning Hands on rats.
Damage: 14
Save: DEX for 1/2 damage vs DC 13
05:13, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 14 using 3d6.  Burning Hands damage.
Continue to use Warding Flare to give attacks disadvantage

Stennan charges the nearest enemy, hoping to do at least some damage to them

<orange>OOC: Rolled a 15, plus 5, which is a 20

Round 1!
Stolt steps back a little and burns the majority of the rats with a fan of flames from his fingertips.
Stennan swing his sword, killing several of the tats in the swarm

Round 2!

Spark shakes off the rats and swipes his mace at them as they recover from hitting the ground.

Swarm was shaken off of Spark, and failed to hurt him this time.

The other 2 swarms try once again to climb up Stolt and Stennan, to the same effect as before.

Initiative
Stolt 6
Stennan 3
Spark 17
Rats 17

E1 has taken 8 damage
E2 has taken 14 damage
E3 has taken ? damage


SG= Stolt
SP= Spark
SS= Stennan
Ex= Enemy x
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:22, Tue 05 Jan 2021.

"Persistent little buggers, aren't they," Stolt says as he continues to shake off the remaining rats despite having fried a large number of them. He stabs at them with his short sword.

OOC:
21:55, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  to hit Rat Swarm with Short Sword.
21:55, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  damage  .
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Mon 04 Jan 2021.

Spark continues to play whack-a-mole with his mace and looks to see if the previous firey mace of his might be leaving someone burning a while longer

Action: Swat at rats with his purse (read: mace)
16:35, Today: Spark rolled 23,9 using 1d20+5,1d6+3
Searing Smite: At the start of each of its turns until the spell ends, the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, it takes 1d6 fire damage. On a successful save, the spell ends.
16:37, Today: Spark rolled 4 using 1d6.  Fire damage from Searing Smite (Con save DC 11).

OOC: Oh, sorry. I got a 5 for the damage roll

Stennan swung his sword back around, not knowing much else to do. Swinging normally seemed to work, and by Pelor, it better, else Stennan would end up in a world of pain.

OOC: Rolled a 7, so I miss the attack, and do no damage

Round 1!
Stolt skewers a few rats!
Stennan swings his sword again, but the rats evade!

Round 2!

Spark makes some rat paste with his mace!

The swarm around Spark continues to burn! None of the remaining ones manage to bite Spark.
Stolt has managed to keep the rats at bay a bit longer.
Stennan feels several rats climb up his legs, and feel sharp pains in his thighs and abdomen. He takes 5 damage!

Initiative
Stolt 6
Stennan 3
Spark 17
Rats 17

E1 has taken 16 damage
E2 has taken 16 damage
E3 has taken 2 damage


SG= Stolt
SP= Spark
SS= Stennan
Ex= Enemy x

"Shoo!" *whack* "Shoo!" *whack* - the warforged found himself in a rhythm of pounding the ground and occasionally flattening a rat even as some hopefully burned to death.


Action: *whack*
20:54, Today: Spark rolled 16,7 using 1d20+5,1d6+3.  *whack*
Searing Smite: At the start of each of its turns until the spell ends, the target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, it takes 1d6 fire damage. On a successful save, the spell ends.
20:55, Today: Spark rolled 2 using 1d6.  Fire damage from Searing Smite (Con save DC 11).

Stolt grimaces as he spots rats climb up Stennan's leg. Where did these rats come from? he wonders. He stabs at the rats again and readies his Warding Flare but his thoughts distract him and his aim is off.

OOC:
19:20, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  to hit rats.
Use Warding Flare as reaction to give rats disadvantage to hit.

This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Thu 07 Jan 2021.

"Sonuva..." Stennan, wincing from the pain, swung his sword again, hoping to knock of the rats covering his legs.

Rolled a natural 1 that turned out to be a 6 for my attack
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:25, Thu 07 Jan 2021.

Round 2!
Stolt stabs at the rats, but his aim is off and he just flings some snow in Stennan's direction.
Stennan swings his sword blindly with one hand as he shields his eyes from the spray of snow.
Round 3!

Spark swings his mace, launching several rats into the air. They land a dozen feet away, unmoving.

The burning rats around Spark roll in the snow. The rest try, and fail to find a vulnerable part of his body to bite.
Stolt creates another blinding flash, but the rats still manage to bite him for 4 piercing damage!
Stennan manages to keep the rats off him for a moment.

Initiative
Stolt 6
Stennan 3
Spark 17
Rats 17

E1 has taken 19 damage
E2 has taken 16 damage
E3 has taken 2 damage


SG= Stolt
SP= Spark
SS= Stennan
Ex= Enemy x

"Well, this is getting old," Spark mutters as he keeps whacking, seeing no other way to hasten the end of this encounter.

Action: The rats go ever on and on
11:55, Today: Spark rolled 20,9 using 1d20+5,1d6+3.  Rats!

"Ouch!", Stolt exclaims as the rats teeth sink into him. He stabs at them with his short sword saying, "Take that you little vermin!"

OOC:
06:28, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  to hit rats.
06:29, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  damage.

Use Warding Flare again.

This message was last edited by the player at 11:40, Fri 08 Jan 2021.

"Rah!" Stennan backpedaled just a bit, attempting to regain his composure. When he did, he brought his sword back down on the rat swarm, hoping to cleave some rats

Rolled an 11 for attack, and a 10 for damage

Round 3!
Stolt exclaims in pain, and runs a few more rats through, saying, "Take that you little vermin!"
Stennan said, "Rah!" as he backpedaled slightly, and cleaved quite a few more rats.

Round 4!
"Well, this is getting old," Spark mutters as he whacks some more rats, leaving only a few more circling his feet.
None of the rats manage to injure anybody this round.

Initiative
Stolt 6
Stennan 3
Spark 17
Rats 17

E1 has taken 23 damage
E2 has taken 19 damage
E3 has taken 7 damage


SG= Stolt
SP= Spark
SS= Stennan
Ex= Enemy x

"How are you guys holding up?" Spark shouts over to his friends while trying to aim for the remaining vermin.

Action: whack
22:43, Today: Spark rolled 19,8 using 1d20+5,1d6+3.  atk / dmg.

This message was deleted by the player at 03:44, Mon 11 Jan 2021.

"Curse the orcs!" Stolt exclaims as he stabs fruitlessly at the rats. He says a quick prayer and appear to be in better health. "I'm fine," he adds curtly in response to Spark.

OOC:
21:50, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  to hit Rats.
Healing Word on self.

"Could be doing better, but otherwise, OK," Stennan replied as he hacked away at the swarm again.

OOC: Rolled a 17 for attack, and 7 for damage
This message was last edited by the player at 22:49, Mon 11 Jan 2021.

Round 4!
After failing to kill any more rats, Stolt blames the orcs for his poor swordsmanship, and speaks a quick healing prayer.
Stennan hacks away, killing more rats.

Round 5!
Spark finishes the remaining rats around him. "How are you guys holding up?" He asks.
"Could be doing better, but otherwise, OK," Stennan replied.
"I'm fine," Stolt says, curtly.
The remaining swarms continue to have trouble hurting anyone.

Initiative
Stolt 6
Stennan 3
Spark 17
Rats 17

E1 has taken 27 damage and is dead.
E2 has taken 19 damage
E3 has taken 10 damage


SG= Stolt
SP= Spark
SS= Stennan
Ex= Enemy x

"Take that you little vermin!" Stolt exclaims as he stabs the rats.

OOC:
19:07, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  to hit Rats.
19:07, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 9 using 1d6+3.  damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 00:10, Tue 12 Jan 2021.

Having dispatched the final rat, Spark turned to assist his comrades, moving over to Stennan to hopefully provide some aid, or at least another target for the rats to focus on.

Move: to D9
Action: You get a *whack*, you get a *whack*, everybody gets a *whack*
19:35, Today: Spark rolled 24,7 using 1d20+5,1d6+3.  atk / dmg.

"Alright, this has gone on long enough," Stennan muttered, agin wracking rats with his sword. "Where in Baator did all these rats come from?"

OOC: Rolled a 16 for attack, and rolled a 10 for damage
This message was last edited by the player at 20:49, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

Round 5!
Stolt manages to finish nearly all the rats threatening him. Only a few remain, scurrying wildly about his feet.
Stennan slices an dices. Fewer than half the rats in his original swarm remain.

Round 6!
Spark moves to aid Stennan, whacking some of the rats as the dodge the young warrior's blade.
Stolt easily evades the few rats menacing him, however, several rats managed to climb up Stennan, biting him simultaneously on the inner thigh, the armpit, and the neck, for 8 piercing damage!

Initiative
Stolt 6
Stennan 3
Spark 17
Rats 17

E1 has taken 27 damage and is dead.
E2 has taken 23 damage
E3 has taken 18 damage


SG= Stolt
SP= Spark
SS= Stennan
Ex= Enemy x

Stolt stabs at the remaining rats. However, they manage to evade his poorly aimed strikes.

OOC:
21:21, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  to hit Rats.

Spark tries to make more of a nuisance to have the rats focus on him instead of his friend who seems to have been bitten a lot.

Action: Attack rats
19:02, Today: Spark rolled 25,8 using 1d20+5,1d6+3.  atk / dmg.
19:03, Today: Spark rolled 3 using 1d6.  crit damage.

"Agh-! Get off me!" Stennan will swing again, trying to cleave off the rats who are climbing up his body.

OOC: Rolled a 20 (unnatural) for attack, and 8 for damage
This message was last edited by the player at 00:48, Tue 19 Jan 2021.

Round 6!
Stolt stabs at the remaining rats. However, they manage to evade his poorly aimed strikes.
"Agh-! Get off me!" Stennan shouts as he swipes rats away with his blade.
Round 7!
Spark deftly eliminates the last few rats on Stennan, without hurting his ally.
The last few stubborn rats continue to pester Stolt, though they fail to hurt him.

Initiative
Stolt 6
Stennan 3
Spark 17
Rats 17

E1 has taken 27 damage and is dead.
E2 has taken 23 damage
E3 has taken 27 damage and is dead


SG= Stolt
SP= Spark
SS= Stennan
Ex= Enemy x

Stolt stabs like mad, eager to finally be done with the fight, shouting, "Take that!".

OOC:
15:14, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  to hit rats.
15:15, Today: Stolt Greenwaters rolled 9 using 1d6+3.  damage.

With relief at seeing the last rats of this bunch plopping dead to the ground, Spark moves to engage the final bunch. "Hang in there; we're almost done."

Move: D7
Action: Attack rats
19:51, Today: Spark rolled 24,8 using 1d20+5,1d6+3.  atk / dmg.

"Oh, thank you! Stennan shouted to Spark, as he ran over to the final horde of rats, and started hacking away at them.

OOC: Rolled an 11 for attack, and a 6 for damage
This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Thu 21 Jan 2021.

Stolt finished off the remaining rats as the others moved to assist him. Surveying the mess, Spark spots something. One of the rats seemed to have gotten tangled up in some fishing line on the way here, and was dragging something behind it. At the end of the line, he could see a small pouch. Inside: 27 silver coins and 6 copper.

Congratulations, each of you gains 50 xp!

"Thank you," Stolt says as spots the others coming to his aid. "You're hurt," he says sharply, noticing their wounds. "I don't have any cures now but I can pray for some," he offers apologetically and looking a bit ashamed.

Spark stores his mace and leans down to carefully untangle the cord from the rat to retrieve the pouch. Dumping the contents into his hand, he chuckles. "Some wealthy rats we found."

He divides the spoils up in three neat piles with 9 silver and 2 copper and holds it out to his comrades in arms. "One pile for each for our trouble."

Looking at the two of them, he looks them over to assess the damage. "Are you both able to move on, or should we tend to wounds here. I still have some abilities left."

"I wasn't expecting that," Stolt says with surprise. He takes and puts away his portion of the treasure.

"Oh, thank you," Stennan commented, as he pocketed the money. He did a onceover of his wounds, while not doing anything too drastic, before responding, "I think I can heal myself, and get to a stable condition, but thank you for the offer."

OOC: I'm going to use all five of my Lay on Hands points on myself, especially since I figure we might go to long rest soon

Spark nods, "very well. I will restore some of my own vitality, and perhaps we should move out and make progress."

He closes his eyes and mutters a few words, and on the edge of perception, there is a sensation of a great big gear turning one tooth over.

Action: Cure wounds
13:26, Today: Spark rolled 8 using 1d8+1.  Cure wounds.

"I see we are a well resourced group, at least in terms of healing," Stolt murmurs after Spark and Stennan heal themselves.

"I'm ready to continue when you are," he announces.

About an hour later, as you approach the road back to Amelakia, you see standing near the crossroads a very large person. They seem to be around eight feet tall, broad shouldered, and have a huge belly, which is barely covered by the thick hides they wear. As you get closer, you see that they appear to be a man, with a thick beard and shaggy, dark hair. a battleaxe hangs at one hip, a javelin, the other. His massive arms are crossed in front of his chest as he seems to be trying to pretend he hasn't noticed you, as his head turns every way but the one you are in. He is about 100 feet west of the crossroads.

Spark involuntarily slowed his pace as the creature came into view, with a noise of concern he quietly inquired of his companions. "Hm, what manner of being is this, then. Have any of you seen such a man before?"

There was something that tickled Spark's neural pathways, but he couldn't put his finger on it. The possibility that he had encountered something like this from before he Awoke last was certainly present.

"I have not though I'm don't think it's a man," Stolt replies in an intense whisper. "Perhaps a giant? I've heard of such things in tales." He had slowed as soon as Spark started slowing and now seemed to be dragging his feet, reluctant to keep up even with Sparks reduced pace. "Look at his the arms. If he swung that axe of his, he might cut you in half with a one swing, armor and all!"

"It's odd he hasn't turned to face us," Stolt says quietly after several moments. "He seems to be guarding the crossroads from directions other than the town. Do you think he might in the town's employ?"

"I think he could be a hill giant, but I don't remember fully. Whatever he might be, I'd rather not be on his bad side. Perhaps we could negotiate?" Stennan inquired, studying the humanoid. It definitely seemed that the creature hadn't noticed them, or at least didn't acknowledge them, but still, one can't be too careful around unknown creatures. If Stennan was being honest, however, his idea was a little more "direct" than he would've normally considered. Well, we'll see...

To clarify, the big guy is not in your path. You're heading north, so its something like this, with * as the road (not to scale)

"Perhaps the better course of action would be to simply walk on by, hope it doesn't attack and report it to the village for further patrols to investigate?"

Unless there were objections, Spark would move along the path north at a casual pace, once passed the crossroads he would raise his arm and wave a greeting to the large humanoid standing idly by the wayside.

Stolt nods vigorously in agreement. He joins Spark, doing his best to appear unconcerned. However, when Spark raises his arm, he bites his lip and prepares to bolt.

The big fellow jumps a little, as if startled, then gingerly waves back.

"Yeah, let's be sure to report it. Maybe someone forgot to tell us about him," Stolt says, after breathing a sigh of relief.

"Well, he seemed friendly. Let's move on with the patrol, though it wouldn't do harm to make mention of him back in town." Stennan kept walking forward, past the big guy. He definitely didn't seem aggressive, in fact, he was startled, so Stennan figured he wouldn't mind a band of adventurers passing him by.

You make it back to town with no further distractions.

Congratulations on finishing the patrol! You each get 134 xp and 1 downtime unit, and when you report in to Smith, you get the 20 promised GP, plus whatever he offers for any information you give him when you get there.