An old and slowly decaying castle with a surrounding village and farmland in the middle of the Charwood forest. Hidden away from most worldly concerns, even the merchants avoid the place given it is at the end of a long and lonely road. All must pass by the underground cities previously known as Rock Haven (Dwarven) and Loamburrow (Gnome) but overrun by evil forces generations earlier and now know respectively as Neang Kazan and Uriah Kazar.
Some supplies once trickled down a barely remembered trail from the north, but nothing has passed that way in a generation.

All in all Felonius is a sleepy little place. The local lord (who although has proclaimed himself a king holds little real power) has tried to maintain a military force, but without outside trade to help support the people, the best men are required to toil in the fields, the blacksmithy and other supporting industries. Even the armour and weapons are mainly second rate having been handed down from earlier generations and repaired many times.

Surprisingly to the handful of outsiders who do visit, the militia have had some small degree of success against the orcs and goblins from the south. Some would say that is because those humaniods have been outcasts from their own tribes, or drunk, or possibly even both. Even so, the general feeling of the settlement is confidence in their ability to band toget in times of crisis and hold back the forces of evil.

You however have a more realistic view of the world and the appearence of two green dragons complete with riders in the sky only add to the feeling imparted by reports of increased humanoid patrols that it's time to move on. It was a nice place to stay, while it lasted...

OOC: Get your equipment in order, etc. On the road shortly.

All good things must come to an end, Nikodemos thought to himself.  Here in this smoky barroom, everything seemed copacetic...despite the numerous rumors of seeing humanoid troops in the forest, most of the townsfolk were going about life as usual.  The general feel was that if any of those "mongrel trash" tried any rough stuff, the local soldiery would be more than capable of repelling such unorganized rabble.

Nikodemos was not nearly so naive.  He'd fought orcs and hobgoblins, and while they were far from civilized, they were often hard and canny fighters.  And he had the strong feeling that these were not merely raiders or tribal outcasts.  From what he'd heard, they acted more like scouts or forward patrols.  The overflight yesterday had cinched it for him...that reptilian silhouette was unmistakable, and he had no intention of dying choking to death.

He felt a twinge of regret...he didn't want most of these people to die.  But he had no hope of talking any sense into the local leadership...the "king" was little more than a blowhard with delusions of grandeur, and his appointed officials were toadies and lickspittles, for the most part.  He was also afraid he had little chance of convincing any of the townspeople to abandon their homes and livelihoods.  People have a right to make their own decisions, he thought to himself.  Even stupid ones.

Finishing his breakfast of sausages and fried bread, he glanced around...Ailani was off on some business of her own, but they'd agreed last night that things were likely to become less comfortable in the near future, and that they should be vacating the area today.  Well, he trusted her to take care of herself, and she'd be returning to the inn before they left; her horse had been out in the stables earlier.

He stopped off at his room to exchange his casual clothes and studded brigandine for his full armor; wars could be hazardous to one's health, in his opinion.  He checked all his weapons and made sure his equipment was packed, ready to leave quickly.  He felt no worries about leaving most of his possessions; he'd wizard locked his room upon renting it, and was fairly sure no one in town was capable of circumventing his spell.  Just to be safe, he wedged a small piece of wood in the jamb near the bottom, unlikely to be noticed...but where it would serve as a warning should he return to find it on the floor.

He made a last quick swing through the marketplace, buying a some fresh provisions...who knew when they might next have a chance to eat baked bread?  After a bit of consideration, he added a skin of decent wine...that was even harder to come by on the trail.

Whistling softly to himself, he headed back to the inn, hoping that his 'partner' would be back by then.

(...Ailani was off on some business of her own...)

"Yep! Mm hm.  That's right!  You've got it!" she exclaimed, clapping playfully.

Across from the Valley-elf were a pair of locals.  Both men stood in a highly curious position --

Each had an index finger extended directly beneath their nose, similar to what one might do if about to sneeze.  The other arm was curved up above the head.   Both stood upon just a single foot -- with the shin of the opposite leg crossed over the kneecap.

"Are -- are you sure?  It feels most awkward, I must say..."

"No.  That's it.  That's exactly the position in which we elves meditate. As taught me by my great-grandmother, Ipalilifea, when I dwelt in the Everheart forest. And you two have it down.  Keep doing it -- it will start to feel much more natural. And just wait till you see how it improves your concentration!  And, not to mention," she added conspiratorily in a lowered voice, "the difference your wives will start to notice in your, em, prowess."

"Truly?"

(People have a right to make their own decisions...Even stupid ones...)

"Oh, yes.  Wouldn't fib to a pair of upstanding gents like you. I make all my men do it.  Well, now, I must be off.  My friend and I are going to take a trek into the forest, and make sure it is devoid of orcs and such vermin. He is a ranger, as myself. We have worked together for nearly a decade, now. And remember - if you want to make the meditation especially effective - chant thrice the mantra 'Ilesere, Erevan', just as I told you.  Bye!" she waved and flashed them a winsome smile.

By Arvandor...what a religion!she reflected amusedly, as she retreated from them, trotting back toward the inn.

Fun was fun, but they had been here long enough, in her reckoning. She was growing just a little bored. And pig-snouts, blue-noses, and a pair of draco-verdant were quite far from the sort of company she wished to keep.  This place would fall ere the year was out, she wagered.

Spying Nikodemos as she neared the inn front, she waved, called "Did you get your breakfast? All set?"

"Aye, I had a bite.  Yourself?  Unless you have any last-minute things to take care of, best we be on our way."

She wore, as she often did, a rather amused expression, her eyes twinkling.  Nikodemos smiled slightly himself, recognizing her mood...no doubt she'd been up to some petty mischief or other; such things usually put her in a good mood, with laughter bubbling just under the surface.  She had once claimed, her face the model of soberness, that such things were a sacred requirement of her faith.  For his own part...Nikodemos thought she just liked playing tricks.

Lowering his voice slightly, he turned to the subject of their travel plans.  "Naturally, we'll want to head north."  If any serious troops were to move on the town, it would be from the south.  "I had thought about heading west and skirting the edge of the forest...that way, we'd have some cover, but still the ability to strike out across the plains if we needed to move fast.  But earlier I found out about an old track heading northward directly.  Maybe it would be better to stay under the tree cover, considering those greenwings we saw.  Less conspicuous."

"What do you think?"

One of the assets of traveling with this man, was that it seemed he was always prepared, always had a plan.  Of course, that wasn't her strength, exactly - so maybe he looked good by way of contrast?  Nonetheless, she had generally found his judgments sound, his reasoning on the mark.  And she had no reason to refute it in this instance.  She nodded her concurrence.

"I think it's well. Chromatics of any shade are Hell on wings. Staying out of their sight is a splendid idea.  I had some fruit this morning, it was enough, and I am ready to leave.  My steed is already packed; I can help with yours, if you've anything left. If not...then let's bid Felonius farewell."

"I just need to run up to my room and grab my pack.  If you wouldn't mind saddling Jax, I'd appreciate it."  She often dealt with the mounts; she had a natural way with them.

He took the stairs two at a time, noting his room hadn't been trifled with, and recovered his pack and bow.  He took a few moments to dispel the wizard lock on his door, so as not to put the innkeeper out of countenance, then bid farewell to the spartan room.   Time to be on the road again.

He met Ailani down in the stables and swung up into the saddle.  As usual, he took point, and the pair headed north out of Felonius.

OOC:  After we put some distance between us and the town, I'd like to do a little hunting in the early morning (let Ailani sleep in), see if I can acquire a little fresh meat to stretch our provisions.  Won't go too far from camp.

OOC: As your steed's name is Jax, I think Ailani's roan mare must surely be Cracker, or Apple. ;)

As to the rest, sounds like a plan. Late morning...yay! The life style of the rich and famous.  You hunt, she'll cook. If you bring back venison, it's fajitas.  If rabbit, then a mean haus n' feffer.  If rats...ugh...stir fry.

The day suits the overall mood - cold and wet. Soon both Nik and Ailani are drenched through, and shivering, your horses not faring much better.
The path you follow is initially fairly easy to follow given local farmers still use it on their way to and from town, but by late morning most of the farms are behind you and the once wide paved road becomes overgrown with shrubs, trees and moss, significantly slowing your progress.
Here and there patches of snow and ice resist the drizzle, sheltered underneath the denuded trees. Occasional glimpses of animals fleeing your approach the only significant signs of continuing life. Eventually you decide to seek a suitable camp site having travelled an estimated fifteen miles.
Casting about for half an hour or so, you eventually find a fallen tree, propped up on another log which will, with a little effort and time, provide a small amount of shelter. Still, without a tent it will be a long cold night, especially if you can't manage to get a fire going in the wet and miserable conditions.

Nikodemos takes some time to cut several boughs from nearby trees and lay them propped up on the angled log on either side, so as to improvise a lean-to shelter.  He also tries to find the driest (or least damp) wood that he can, to build a fire (clearing a space around, naturally).

"I hope this works," he mutters under his breath, and chants the words to a spell.  Drawing his sword, he says "blaze" and the sword shimmers with flame...he touches it to his prepared wood, trying to catch it alight while keeping himself back.

Although the elf was perfectly happy (overjoyed, even, after ample time upon the road, in conditions such as this)to be served, while residing at establishments, out here was a different story.   Her association with Nikodemos was an important one in her present life.  He supplied so much of things that were not her forte.  And had a compatible outlook on life, and an easygoing, pleasant manner.  She would be loathe to wreck such an optimal partnership.

Therefore, she did her best to pull her weight, once it was down to business.  She set about gathering firewood and shelter materials, and otherwise assisting him in the work.

However, as the half-human drew his blade, and ignited its occult flame, Ailani abruptly paused -- head slightly cocked, listening.

"Niko -- did you hear that?  Something like a drum, or gong? I am sure I heard it. But cannot tell what direction..." the priestess-rogue added with a frown of concern.

EDIT:  Alani does have the direction sense skill (and wouldn't be surprised if he has it too)...if I hear the sound again, can it be used to try and pinpoint it? 
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Sat 28 Jan 2012.

Pausing, Nikodemos rose from his crouch.  "I heard nothing."  Smiling slightly, he adds, "Alas, some of my ancestors did not possess superior hearing."

He considers trading his sword for his bow, but considering the darkening evening and damp conditions, decides against it.  Instead, he slips his arm through the straps of his shield.  With a whispered word, he extinguishes his blade; better not to make them any easier to spot.

"Which way do you hear it?  And can you tell how far off?"  He peered about the forest, looking for any sign of movement or light.

"I sincerely hope it's not a war party.  As little as I'd enjoy spending a cold damp night in camp, I'd enjoy it even less trying to outride a band of orcs."

Although assisted in firelighting by the magical sword, it will take some effort to ignite the sodden and somewhat frozen wood. Once lit, care will need to be taken throughout the night to pre-dry fuel or risk smothering the fire.

Now the sound has been pointed out to him Nik does notice it. Neither person is able to tell exactly which direction it is in, nor how distant it's source may be, but it is getting closer....
Even the horses can hear it now, as evidenced by their agitation as they strain against their pickets in alarm.

Sheathing his sword, Nikodemos fishes in his pocket for something.  To Ailani, he says, "Why don't you try to keep out of sight?  If whoever's approaching is peaceful, no harm.  If not, you might be better as an ace in the hole...or up the sleeve, perhaps.  Stay near the horses, though...if we're badly outnumbered, we can always try to make a break for it."

Muttering mystic syllables under his breath, he rubs the ox hairs he took from his pocket against his breast, and continues to try and determine where the noise is approaching from.

Ailani nodded at that good sense, and went to do as he suggested.  From her steed, she took her own short bow, and rapidly strung it. Then grabbed its quiver of arrows, slinging it over a shoulder. The bow was small enough that it did not interfere with her stealth. And being able to play sniper might be most effective, depending how this wound out.  She offered brief and silent prayer to the Trickster, for avoiding any bad situation.

Being hunted by a troop of scungy orcs or goblin kind was not how she wished to start this journey...

Moving through the gathering gloom, Ailani took up what she considered to be a concealed location, hoping to be able to attack with surprise should it be warranted.
Meanwhile Nik sheathed his weapon and cast his spell, power rippling through him and increasing his self confidence.
Both horses begin screaming as the sound increases to near painful levels, their flesh seeming to pulse in time to the vibrations. Blood oozes from their eyes and ears until Jax, Nik's horse falls over, stone cold dead. Ailani's horse still barely lives though, terribly injured.

A heartbeat later and the source of the trouble appears from beyond the horses. A single five foot long beetle, camouflaged with dried leaves and sticks glued somehow to it's carapace. Foot long pincers easily capable of cutting through a man's leg, or a small tree with equal ease protrude from it's head. Claws on it's legs indicating an ability to climb almost as quickly as it scurries forward to attack Nik!

Roll Initiative and post intended actions.

Nikodemos cursed as he dodged the falling body of his trusty mount.  Dammit, that was a good horse.

But he had little time to dwell on his ill-fortune.  Some sort of enormous insect was heading towards him, mandibles clicking...they looked vicious and deadly.  Drawing his sword and commanding it alight again, Nikodemos raised his shield and waited until it was in range, lashing out with his fiery blade.

Question -

Considering trying to blind it with a continual light, but want to know...

1) Are its eyes big (or even visible) enough to suggest it uses them as a primary sense?
2) Are they close enough together the light would be able to blind both? 

Horrified at the fate of the horses, Ailani cursed briefly and forcefully at the sight of the thing.  And fearfully, too.  She wasn't a monster hunter, by trade. She just happened to get involved with others who were. Generally in larger groups, though.  The two of them against this thing was a daunting prospect.  But here it was.

She wished now that she had prayed for a spell of silence.  It would have been, perhaps, an effective defense against the horrible sound it used on the horses.  But it hadn't seemed very useful against what she thought would be the likely encounters in this travel. They were lucky, at least, that the attack hadn't reached them! Hopefully it would be some time before it could do another.

The elf hazarded rapidly what to do, as the humongous insect closed with Nikodemos. They needed every advantage they could get!  Perhaps if it were blind..?

The spell needed no material.  One hand went to her holy symbol, while the other gestured, and she spoke the words of it.

OOC- Continual light at the beetle's eyes, adjusted init. = 10

Ailani's spell goes off at the same instant the beetle rips into Nik's magical wooden shield, barely missing the flesh beneath. A heartbeat later, and only slowed by his need to draw the weapon, the flaming sword bites into the beetle, sizzling the flesh lightly under it's carapace but essentially causing barely a scratch.

Now, instead of gloom, the campsite is brightly lit by a ball of light located about a foot behind the creature. Ailani's spell has unfortunately not had the blinding result intended and instead perhaps assisted the creature in finding its prey.

New round...

Nikodemos flinched momentarily as the bright light appeared, directly in front of him, but he recovered quickly, slitting his eyes against the glare.  His vision recovered just in time to interpose his shield between the bug's jaws and his thigh.  Its mandibles bit into the enchanted wood with a crunch, and he swore aloud again.  Nine hells, this thing is strong!

His initial blow struck home, but only a glancing blow.  Yanking his shield from its grasp, he danced around the creature's flank and struck again.

Nik swings, scoring a decent, if not fatal hit, scoring the carapace and biting solidly into the flesh with a sizzle.
Momentarily beaten back, the beetle casts about for easier prey, it's attention falling on Ailani who is halfway through another spell. With a quick burst of speed, it crosses the intervening space.
Seeing another opportunity, Nik swings again, his weapon missing as his foot catches under a root throwing him off balance.
Ailani's spell goes off, flooding the area with divine power and lifting the spirits of both Ailani and Nik.
The blink of an eye later though pincers sink deep into her arm, causing her to scream out in agony as blood pulses from the wicked wound!

New round. Prayer spell in effect
Found/remembered just enough info to go on with, at least until the end of combat

Nikodemos heard Ailani's scream, and rushed to her aid.  Unfortunately, in his haste he lost his balance, skidding to one knee (and cracking it painfully on a rock).  He struggled back to his feet, trying to aid his companion.

"Ailani!  Get away, heal yourself!" he cried out, and banged his blade against his shield, hoping to draw the beast's attention to him.

Whipping her short sword from it's sheath, Ailani had abandoned any thoughts of using her bow as originally intended, and the speed of the creature put any idea of escape from her mind. Standing and fighting was the only option left, even with blood pulsing from her wound.

The weapon slashed out almost with a mind of it's own, driving almost hilt deep into the beetles body and opening a grievous wound.

With blood pulsing from her wound, Ailani strikes out.
As good as her blow is, it does not deter the creature, now seeing an opportunity to finish at least one of the upright meals causing it pain.
Nik, clumsy in his desperation, fails to achieve much beyond a developing bruise and a knee which is going to be rather sore in the morning.

New round

Dismayed that Ailani was not able to escape, but heartened by the savage blow she dealt the creature, Nikodemos moved in from behind it and swung his sword in furious strokes, hacking at the creature's carapace.  His only hope now was to finish it quickly, before it did any more damage.

Now desperate, Ailani fished a potion from her pouch as she tried to fend off the creature with her sword. Ripping out the stopper with her teeth, she intended to upend the entire flask and swallow the lot.

Initiative 10

The creature beats both elves to the punch, scoring a nasty hit on Ailani and dropping her like a stone to the cold, wet earth in a spray of blood.
Nik retaliates with two vicious blows, heavily injuring the creature but not yet inflicting a fatal blow. From the corner of his eye Nik can see life still hanging on in Ailani despite the terrible injuries, but for how long...?

Watching Ailani fall, Nikodemos was gripped by a flash of rage.  With a guttural roar, he raised his sword high and slashed down into the creature's thorax.

With near lightning speed, Nik brought the flaming sword down with tremendous force, splitting the creature nearly in twain and dispatching it into the afterlife!

OOC: It only had 3 points left....

Panting at the exertion of the fight, Nikodemos wasted no time.  A quick word extinguished his blade, and he stabbed it into the dead carcass, leaving it quivering upright for the time being.

Dropping to his knees beside Ailani's bleeding body, he laid one hand upon her wound and the other gripped his medallion.  Chanting a prayer to Trithereon, he called upon the healing powers granted by his god.

Nikodemos' prayers go unanswered, the last trace of life having spilt onto the ground barely moments before.
Nikodemos is alone with nothing more than his wits, a horse and Ailani's belongings.

Short Sword of Quickness +2
Dagger +2, of throwing
Leather +1
Scroll of Protection, Weapons, Magical blunt
Scroll of Dancing Lights, Precipitation, Sleep
Potion extra healing, x3
50' rope
short bow
Quviver, 20 arrows cap
40 arrows (20 in quicver, 20 tied in a bundle
6 silver arrows
Silver holy symbol - Erevan Ilesere
thieves tools
Cloak, belt, etc
two weeks iron rations
1 week horse grain
Medium warhorse (13 HP max, currently on just 2)
Saddle, etc
80 lbs unprocessed Soylent Green
1 deceased and rather beaten up death watch beetle

After chanting for nearly a minute, Nikodemos stopped and faced the truth...he felt no surge of divine power, no indication that his god was granting him the power to heal his friend...he was too late.  He opened his eyes and stared down at her body, once a vibrant, lovely woman...now a shell, the spark of her life fled.  He reached down and gently closed her staring eyes.

Nikodemos knew that some powerful clerics had the power to call back the soul...but not only were such deeds beyond his power, he had never even met a holy man capable of such miracles.  The odds of finding one, and in time to work the spell...no, his friend was dead and gone.

Standing, he was silent for a moment, and then he cursed bitterly and savagely kicked the corpse of the dead beetle.  A stupid, mindless brute had come seemingly from nowhere, and now Ailani was dead.  He had known her less than a year, but they had been in some tight spots together, and shared danger makes for fast friends.

His initial grief ran its course in a few minutes, and he returned to his usual capable self, dealing with the tasks that needed seeing to.  He wrapped Ailani's body in her cloak...he hesitated before doing this, but seeing the need, stripped her of her arms and armor, as well as her pack and belt pouch.  Then, he carefully laid her aside, for the moment.

He would take her sidearms; he knew her sword was enchanted, and he had seen her hurl her dagger with lethal accuracy.  Her bow and arrows were less needed, he had his own.  He would bring her armor along; he didn't need it particularly, but if it was magical it was valuable, and he was fair certain it was.  A quick check of her pack revealed some scrolls and potions, which he transferred to his own...she was beyond needing them, but they might serve to keep him alive.  Nothing else struck him as particularly useful...he would use her holy symbol as a grave marker.

Well, there was one more thing...it was standing on four legs, still quivering from its painful encounter with their insectile visitor.  He went over to Ailani's mount, a dappled grey she had called Smoke, whispering soothing words and stroking it.  When it had calmed a bit, he chanted another healing spell.

These tasks done, he hurried to finish the shelter and kindle the fire.  Morning would be time enough to decide his next move; this battle and the death of his comrade had left him exhausted and depressed.  He just wanted to crawl into his shelter, curl under his fur cloak, and get some sleep.  He morosely chewed an apple as he ignited his sword and set back to getting a decent fire lit.

By the time Nik had finished tending to the horse, darkness had fallen fully and only the light of his flaming sword remained. It took all his skills to get the damp wood burning - a less able outdoorsman may have had to suffer without a fire that night.

Nothing of value is found on, or in the beetle, except a few twigs used on the fire which were stuck with mud and what looked like saliva to it's back. The dead horse however could at least provide some fresh meat if Nik was so inclined to save his now effectively doubled rations. A small handful of coins of little value are found amongst Ailani's possessions, apparently most of her coins having been spent on supplies for the journey. (about 10gp worth of misc coins)

By the time Nik is ready to settle down for the night beside a sufficient supply of firewood and a still injured and frightened horse (the beetle had to be dragged downwind into the forest before it would stop shaking) it's only a few hours before midnight. Keeping watch without mystical or divine aid will be very difficult.

XPs from the beetle: 1,940

Dawn finally comes and with it a landscape lightly dusted in snow. The temperature is below freezing, but the fire was able to keep the worst of the chill away from both you and the horse. In some ways, the death of your original horse and Ailani saved the life of the remaining animal - blankets and clothing normally needed were able to help protect the beast.
Attending to your needs, and the burial of Ailani, you are finally able to set out on the road again by mid morning, snow still falling, but light enough not to impede your travel. After putting about a mile behind you, you start noticing the sounds of animal life once more, strangely absent around your camp, but probably due to the beetle having killed or driven everything off with it's sonic attack.

Throughout the morning the horse seems somewhat skittish. It could be due to something unseen by Nik's eyes stalking, or it could simply be a result of it nearly dying the evening before from a terrible noise.
The horse doesn't appear to be concerned about any one specific thing, but does tend to shy from shadows and startle at unexpected sounds from the surrounding forest.