It is one week later. The events of Tanzy's unfortunate family situation are still very much in everyone's minds, but at least some semblance of routine has softened the unpleasantness, somewhat.

The next temple is now only three days off. It seems like an eternity since the last temple you explored. Tanzy's death and the ensuing mess took priority for so long that it's almost refreshing to get back to business as usual.

The ride thus far has been blessedly uneventful. No monsters or undead. No villagers in distress. No white skinned, black eyed creatures hunting you. Just simple, uncomplicated forest and the simple sounds of nature. It's glorious.

It's also nice to have everyone back together. Halek and Loden, now fully in the mix rather than waiting out one thing or another while the rest of you take risks, seem pleased to finally be included again. You have a feeling that Loden, used to being more in the action, is grateful to not play protector. Not that Halek ever really needed that much protecting. As for Halek, himself, he seems happier too, chatting and conversing with far more brightness than usual.

As for Tanzy, with her newfound control over her siren form, she's getting accustomed to the benefits, though Prizzard likely is still getting used to her siren form being benevolent, rather than the nightmarish time he had in the underworld. Raknesh, for his part, still wakes up from vivid dreams, on occasion, where he was once again in that blasted cell-seemingly unable to escape. It is jarring, to say the least, and makes him wonder if he ever truly was freed from his prison and if life itself is simply the dream. It is, needless to say, an exhausting stress that you can't seem to get away from.

Bryon and her husband, at least, are happy as ever. Enjoying the time in each other's company without the stress and separation of one battle after another.

Now, three days from the next temple, you come across a tiny village as you near nightfall. It's just big enough to host an inn, a farmer's market, and a handful of shops. The townsfolk all seem to gather at the inn, more for the tavern than to actually stay. You decide hot baths and real beds would be a nice change from camping, and soon are settled and having dinner. The townsfolk, clearly not used to outsiders, give you curious looks, though they don't seem threatening. The food is good, the drink even more so. That is, until a young man bursts in, absolutely covered in blood. The patrons gasp in alarm. A woman screams, and he staggers in the rest of the way, collapsing on the floor in a heap.

ooc: Ok, he's alive but unconscious. If you want to investigate, roll spots and other such related rolls. He looks to be about 16 years old and covered in wounds.

Prizzard may have rather poor perception but to him something was clearly off. The young man wouldn't have made it far with such wounds so he digures the threat is right outside. He will cast Swift Expeditious Retreat and get outside quickly. Surely the villagers will tend to one of their own wounded.

Up to 140' of movement, assuming no obstacles.

OoC: Love the chapter name and timeskip narration!

Tanzy may be getting annoyed at her siren form being treated as a completely different "person" by him. He likens the magic curse to a type of posession, even knowing the visions were false and that sirens are very similar to lycanthropes. That might require a good talk to work out.

Tanzy is seated at the bar when the injured man stumbles in. She hesitates long enough to down the last of her ale before following Prizzard outside. Given the recent events with her family she has been leaning heavily on sarcasm and alcohol. “The peace had to end sometime,” she mutters with a frown. With the weight of her rapiers in her hands she stands near the front doorway in case whatever evil may be lurking outside wishes to enter.

OOC: Tanzy is very aware of Prizzard’s dislike of the siren and with respect avoids using that form in his presence. Also while Tanzy generally maintains her good natured personality, she can get moody if she goes too long without changing, so it’s not uncommon for her to slink off into the night to “practice” especially if there’s a body of water nearby.

Prizzard rushes outside, and Tanzy sticks her head out, both see the cause of the problem immediately. It's moving slow, but a large, hulking figure is lumbering toward the inn, clearly after the wounded boy. It's somewhat humanoid looking, but obviously bears no flesh. No. Instead, it appears to be made of clay. A wide, heavy, sturdy thing who is single mindedly approaching and looking none too friendly...

ooc: Ok, you can roll knowledge arcane if you want to know more about it but it's a clay golem. His AC is 18 and he's in ranged distance and won't be at melee distance for 2 rounds. You can either do 2 ranged attacks and wait for him to get close, or you can do 1 ranged attack and meet him halfway etc. You have options. Also, roll spots while you're at it. You're not too worried about taking him on, but it does seem rather unexpected...

“What is that thing?” Tanzy steps out into the yard but will wait for the thing to get closer. She’s somewhat concerned about the effectiveness of her weapons against the mud monster.

OOC: spot 7 (1+7) lol Tanzy doesn’t notice anything

Still being unable to manage so much as a cantrip doesn't seem to bother Prizzard much anymore, but that does mean he has zero ranged options currently. "A golem, I believe, or possibly an unusual elemental. Only things I recall currently regarding golems are that magic doesn't work but adamantine does." He waits on Tanzy or the others while he thinks about golems. Maybe he'll remember something useful. Then again, he's no wizard and this isn't a field he has much interest in.

rolled 19 using 1d20+18.  Know Arcana.

OOC sorry for the absence, I'm back, thanks for the reminder.

Raknesh is obviously perturbed by the dreams, maybe close to PTSD, his face showed an slightly haunted look. Despite all his meditation training, it was hard for him to get over it.
The fact his dual nature should have made it impossible for him to dream, even less have nightmare, made him totally unprepared to cope and face it.
--> currently unable to maintain his psi focus, and all skills linked to it.
(might even have trouble with materializing his blade? )

The most keen observers may have noticed him materialize a tiny blade along his finger and scaring his arm, the pain a reminder this was reality... he hoped ...

It made him less attentive to the rest of the team and the little rift between Prizzard and Tanzy.  But it also allowed Halek to be more on his own.



"Halek, see what you can do for the boy, then get ready for anything coming your way." he orders, as none of the others are good at healing, anyways.


Getting out he immediately spotted the big bad guy, but stayed alert for others threats.
10:20, Today: Raknesh Kaltash rolled 21 using 1d20+17.  spot.

As you discuss the matter amongst yourselves, the golem lumbers closer. It is then that you hear it. A wailing, moaning sound coming from the creature. It sounds sorrowful, anguished, and angry. There is something jarring about the sound of it and you don't know why but you can immediately tell something is very wrong.

Meanwhile, Halek and Raina help the wounded lad, telling the other patrons to clear out while they can, which they seem only too happy to do.

Loden joins you outside, watching the thing approach with a grim look. I don't think I have very good tools for a golem...he mutters. Then, glancing at the small village, he starts to dart off. I'll be right back. I'm going to look for something blunt!

As Loden goes his way, Raknesh notices two more forms in the distance, also making their way towards the inn. More golems.

ooc: If you don't attack him first, the golem will ignore you, hell bent on getting into the inn after the unconscious teen. If you try to stop him though, it's on. So make any rolls accordingly. You all get first initiative before him.

"Oh, right, it has to be both blunt and adamantine. And they leave wounds which resist healing magic. Let us prioritize defense. Prizzard moved to meet it somewhere open with room to maneuver."

rolled 1 using 1d20-4.  Initiative.
Defending weapon shifted to AC.

HP: 162/162
AC: 25/19/19
BoB 11/12

This round run or double-move to a good space.

Next round we meet and Prizzard will use 1 charge from the Belt of Battle to position for flanking before delivering a full attack while fighting defensively.

rolled 24,19,25 using d20+15,d20+10,d20+5.  Full Attack ATK.
rolled 14,12,14 using 2d4+7,2d4+7,2d4+7.  Full Attack DMG.