In the dawn's light, Lucien surveys the surrounding countryside. "It's always possible that the gnolls are the source of the pilgrims disappearing. If we track them to where they came from, we might find answers. Equally likely that we'd find more gnolls though. The other option, as I see it, is to backtrack along the most likely route that the pilgrims would have taken to see if we can find any clues along it." He watches Gerbo cast the spell and allows his eyes to go distant for a moment as though remembering something.

“Finding and eliminating the gnoll threat is a good idea. It seems likely that an organized force of gnolls may have harassed the pilgrims. Hopefully they’re occupying some ancient ruin we can explore...”

Volani trailed off, looking wistfully to the horizon.

In reply to Volani O'Tamu (msg # 208):

"Unless we think the giants tamed these puppies, I don't really see the point. Suppose we should have kept one of them alive." Terminax says regretfully. "So, did we have a lead to follow on these giants or what?"

Arixos gets up, and starts to sharpen his blade for the day ahead, as he did every day. "It does seem likely, missing travellers and gnolls attacking bands of people does not seem like simply a coincidence to me." He says in response to Lucien, agreeing with him.

"Inzeldrin said she would take care of the giants, I am one to trust she will upkeep her end of the bargain." He said to Terminax as he finished with his blade, putting it back in his scabbard on his back as he stood up.

He started to walk towards the direction the gnolls came from last night, to look around and see if he could find any tracks that would suggest as to where they came from.

19:39, Today: Arixos Darmaaren rolled 5 using 1d20 with rolls of 5.  Track Gnolls.
Not sure what modifier I would use, but my Nature is +2 and my Survival and Perception are both +3. Not that it matters with my 5 :(

Karon puts on his armor before breaking his fast on dry bread and cured meat. "I agree about the gnolls, we should at least try to see if they are a part of a bigger group or just a rowing band."

"Fine, then let's find their trail." Terminax says as he begins to look around.

Volani assisted those looking for tracks, offering encouragement when needed.

Help action on a survival check. Or bardic inspiration if I can’t do a help.

The party sets off again, following the gnolls' tracks the best they can. After about an hour and a half of travel further into the moor, the part hears a faint howling from the north.

Terminax takes out an axe and heads towards the sound of the howling.

At the faint howl Lucien bears off onto the flank of the group, though he takes care to keep them in sight. He does his best to move quietly and keep an eye out for danger as he heads towards the sound.

Rissa does her best to stay in the middle of the group, her hands cupping the crystal orb that she had drawn shadow and light from before.

Lathan draws his swords and follows the others toward the howling sound, taking up a position near the back of the party where he can easily observe everyone else's location.

Sticking to the back of the group, Volani slowly spun a dagger in his hand and followed the others.

Arixos takes the longsword out of it's sheath on his back and starts to head towards the sounds of what he assumed to be more gnolls, heading towards the front of the group with the other Dragonborn.

Gerbo stays by the middle of the group, sending a quick prayer in the name of Arixos, Terminax and Karon as they advance. "Oh Mystra, Our Lady of Spells, may these three be Blessed in all their endeavors, led by your knowledge," he whispers the prayer.

Bless on Arixos, Terminax and Karon (+1d4 to Attack rolls and Saving rolls)

Karon readies his pick and advances cautiously, giving Lucien time to get into position on the flank. That elf seems exceedingly good at killing people that aren't looking. But then, killing people is pretty easy, of they aren't looking. The trick is to get them to look at someone else. In this case, a burly half-orc and some weird dragonborn.

"We advance together," the half-orc says quietly. "People who go in alone tend to die alone."

"Sure, I'll keep you safe big guy." Terminax replies in a quiet deadpan, his eyes never ceasing scanning as he grips his axe handle and holds his shield at the ready.

"I feel safer already," the massive half-orc replies, his tone not at all annoyed and perhaps a little amused. Banter like this had been very common in the bandit group, and while he hadn't been very good at it, it had been better then to play along and build camaraderie than to take offense. People watch the backs of friends who share jokes, not prickly bastards who take everything personally.

As the party heads north, the howling gets louder. As they crest a small hill, they see a few hundred yards away what looks like two bodies lying around an outcropping of rocks.

"Is it just me that smells a trap?" Karon mutters to the others. He keeps a sharp eye out for any possible ambush, but doesn't slow down much. Time to see what the gnolls can do when they aren't expecting their pray to be sleeping.

OOC: I'll roll a Perception check as Karon approaches the bodies, just in case it is called for. If not, please ignore the check.

14:34, Today: Karon rolled 19 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 17.  Perception check approaching the two bodies.

Volani quietly played a low, short note on his flute. Popping out of thin air was a small brown owl with large bushy eye brows. The bird landed on his shoulder and spun its head side to side before gently preening its feathers.

“Eblis, my friend, we may need your eyes.”

Volani greets his familiar as he walks along with the others.

Terminax too looks around, muttering, "Oh, I'm sure it's not so much a trap as it is abso-fucking-lutely a trap." Terminax says, looking around suspiciously.

Lathan continues to approach with the others, maintaining his position at the rear of the party and scanning the area in an attempt to locate the source of the howling.

Lucien pauses at the top of the hill as Karon approaches. His own familiar launches itself from his shoulder and up into the sky. His eyes glaze over as he looks through the owl's eyes at the surrounding area looking for anyone or anything lying in wait.

Karon frowns as the birds take wing. "What's with the damn owl infestation anyway?" he mutters, mostly to himself as he walks towards the two bodies, waiting for the trap to be sprung.