That Evening...
The night the party goes to sleep they are woken with a start by the wailing ghost of Roderic emerging from the floor in the center of their room.

"IT'S...COMING..."

Roderic's ghost repeats that over and over again for several minutes. He does not respond to any attacks or inquiries. In fact he seems completely unaware that there are people around him. After wailing about for some time he finally slowly dips back into the floor.

Outside their room several other patrons and the innkeeper inquire about what happened but with Roderic's ghost gone and giving up no useful information everyone eventually goes back to sleep.

---

After their midnight visitation waking up at morning's light was easier for some and much more difficult for others. They have a long hike ahead if they don't want to spend more nights in the Churlwood then they have to.

Their first leg of the journey is to go five miles North along the river to the ferry crossing. They could charter a boat to go directly across but if the goal is to follow the patrol then it seemed wisest to follow the patrol's path.

The party finds a part of the Chavali River that grows shallow and two rows of wooden pilings protrude from the water. What was originally intended as a bridge to connect to some other trade roads had been abandoned for years after being partially constructed.

Hallen Rosker, an old day laborer, secured a rope to the pilings and built herself a raft that she can use to ferry people from one side to the other for just a few coppers a trip. As the party approaches Hallen is just setting up a folding chair next to her raft. When she sees the party approach she smiles and waves them toward he.

"Hello there! Are you looking to cross the river? Only 4 coppers for the lot of you! Come on over and share your story with old Hallen here."

She seemed warm and friendly, someone who's job kept her away from people and someone who was eager to swap stories with as many people as she could.

The voice of Roderic's ghost had woken her up and left her shaking, but shortly after he faded she went back to sleep once she was sure nothing else was actually coming.

-----

In the morning Amara was a bit more grumpy then usual, especially with the focus on heading to find the guards. But outside of a muttered complaint she followed the others. Apparently willing to keep them alive

It was easy to notice though that she seemed quite capable outside of the city. Deftly avoiding any pitfalls or broken branches in her way that spoke of a long history with the forests, until they reached the river. She didn't seem as keen on the large river as the ground around them at least.

While most of her companions were content on walking, Kamea rode on horseback. She seemed skillful on the mount. She rode behind the group allow them to set the pace. But would occasionally ride ahead within sight of the group to stretch the legs. She would hold the glaive time to time, but would often rest within a simple sheath secured to the saddle.

Kamea dismounted as they approached the river. She produced a silver for herself and her horse. "We've been following the movements of a patrol from Roderic's Cove. Have you seen them in the past week?"

Roderic’s ghost had spooked Cathran awake and she seemed to have her hands up ready to cast a spell. Gavel who had been sitting in a corner jumped in front of her and two massive metal fists appeared out from under his cloak to bash the spirit should it come closer to his charge. It took a while for her to go back to sleep once Roderic departed, and Gavel stood on high alert the rest of the night beside her bed.

Cathran  kept quiet most of the trip there. Sometimes she could be heard whispering to Gavel, but it was nothing distracting. When they were greeted by the ferryman, she produced 8 coppers for herself and Gavel. The other two seemed to have a handle on things, so she remained quiet.

Red and blurry-eyes, Caydel trudges along with the others.  Before the 'visit', he had spent to much time in the inn; singing, drinking and asking questions.  Well, he asked questions until he had had too much to keep things straight.  He has been quiet, until now.

"I know this path is not liked by all, but I do feel this is the best things for us to do.  And..." <deep breath> "many things that seem disconnected tend to be connected when they happen together."

He tries to straighten up a little bit more, and tries to smile.  "Does anybody know a good traveling song?  Maybe that would raise the spirits of those that are still living."

Hallen grins and pockets the coins offered. She makes some modest protest about the group overpaying but the coins are already gone by the time she finished speaking.

"Aye I saw those guards of yours. Came by a few days ago and crossed same as the everyone else without a boat for themselves.  Said they were hunting after some goblins or some such. Why are you hunting for them? I guess it has been awhile. I though they must have come back across someplace else."

She is in a very friendly mood for the crossing as she helps everyone onto her raft. While she is old and has trouble moving on land she still has a strong upper body as she propels the raft hand over hand across the river. She refuses any attempts to help her thouhg.

"A woman's got to stay active. You paid for service so you'll get good service so sit yourself down and enjoy the ride!"

She is quite chatty and turns out to be a considerable source of gossip and news around Roderic's Cove. She asks a lot of questions and has a lot of comments about the massacre and the influx of gangs into Roderic's Cove. She talks about that nasty piece of work Mr. Retch:

"You lot watch out for him. You might have no trouble trouncing that fellow in a fair fight but he doesn't fight fair. He'll throw up all over you and escape while you're trying to clean the vomit from your eyes. Guards have tried to drive him off for years to no success."

If asked about the Order she huffs and rolls her eyes.

"Bunch of ink-stained good-fer-nothing scholars. Holed up in some fancy estate and leave the real work to the real folk of town but as long as they keep spending gold then I suppose they're not doing any harm."

OOC: Let me know if there is anything else you'd like to talk to her about. The whole crossing takes about ten minutes so there is plenty of time to chat.

"Do you remember how many guards you ferried across?  Maybe which way they headed after they left you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Fri 12 July 2019.

Amara seemed to consider what Hallen said as they floated by, comfortably lounging on the raft as the water went by. There was a lot she wanted to ask, especially about one person in particular.

"Tell us a bit more about Mr. Retch? I'm surprised no ones just killed him from the get go if he tends to throw up on people. That'd leave me with a chip on my shoulder."

Cathran thought about something. “Do you know if anyone knows about what the scholars might be trying to study in that manor or what subjects they are interested in? Surely they had to have mentioned it in passing at some point when getting food or going to the local library.”

RE: Guards

“It was four guards, a standard patrol. I recognized Tomin and Rebekah but the other two I didn’t get a good look at. Not too chatty besides Tomin. Mostly talked about how they didn’t want to be hunting goblins in the Churlwood.”

RE: Mr. Retch

“Oh sure everyone in town would appreciate a blade between his eyes but he is a tricky one. I think I heard someone say he had is fey so good luck trying to run him down. Fey do what the fey do. Best to just let them be then bring down some ancient curse. Mr Retch is awful but mostly just digs through the trash and throws rotten fruit at people. Annoying but not the end of the world either.”

RE: Scholars

Hallen just rolls her eyes.

“Oh they talk a lot. A lot of nonsense. They are all just bums who have found a fancy way of avoiding doing any real work.”

---

As they start approaching the other shore a lone woman steps out from the treeline and stands by the dock, flipping a coin as she waits for the ferry to cross. Hallen curses and lowere her voice.

“Roadkeepers. Just...just do what she asks. You don’t want trouble from that group. Just pay them and there won’t be any trouble.”

Looking at the woman on the shore, "Hallen, IF we don't pay, is the trouble for us or will you be dragged it it as well?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Mon 15 July 2019.

Hallen nervously shakes her head.

"Not for me, I'm paid up for the month. Just be careful. That one on the shore there is Lullaby Vancaskerkin. She's a pierce of work, you'd best not be giving her a reason to get angry."

The old woman continues to haul the party closer and closer to shore. Where they're at there isn't much other alternative. If they turned back around they'd be wide open to bow fire from the shore and if they dove into the swift running river they'd likely be swept away.

As the ferry gets closer to shore two smiling men come out from the treeline to join the tall lanky woman Hallen called "Lullaby".  When the ferry finally lands the woman steps forward with a grin and a cocky swagger. She gives Hallen a nod but the old woman just scowls back and gives a rude gesture before turning back to her ferry.

Lullaby turns to the party and grins again, beaming from ear to ear.

"Hail and well met, friends! Welcome to the scenic Churlwood. You'll surely notice that the path through the trees there has been freshly cut and that there are no trolls or ogres or other nasties waiting for you here on the shoreline. If only we could provide such services like clear navigation and safe travel for free but keeping you safe and sound in your journeys unfortunately is a costly venture. I'm sure, as noble and upright citizens, you'd be willing to make a fair donation for our services here?"

The two men on either side snicker at her words and step forward towards the group, arms out and open palms ready to receive their "donation".

Lullaby continues to smirk as she keeps talking>

"I think...ten gold each would go a long way to keeping the undergrowth cut back and the trails free of clutter, wouldn't you say?"

Behind the group Hallen lets out a gasp at the amount but then quickly busies herself to readying the ferry to cross back again, trying her best to avoid any attention from the Roadkeepers.

Caydel gets off the raft, and stands against his staff.  He placed himself on the road between the thieves and Hallen.  He then calmly looks at Amara.

Cathran disembarks and crosses her arms as the situation is explained to them. As the two men come near Cathran, Gavel slowly places himself between them and his master. A slight ticking sound starts to pick up from him, but the hand placed on his back by Cathran calmed him down and the ticking stopped. “Easy there big guy. Let’s see what are companions have to say about this.”She looks over at Amara for her thoughts on how to proceed.

"Hmmm. A pretty protection racket all things considered. But let's be honest, that's all it is. Otherwise there wouldn't be goblins ahead of us. Or are there? Hmm ten gold is pretty extreme for a protection racket after all."

Amara absently flicks her eyes left and right as she steps in front of the group lightly, taking in Lullaby with a playful smile. She doesn't seem bothered by it at all, actually tilting her head as her smile widens. Despite that, her hands are comfortably resting on the hilts of both her swords.

"And shooing our ride away so we can't just leave, it's either pay or swim. I'm impressed. But Lullaby was it? I'm a bit surprised at you. I figured the Roadkeepers knew better then to harass the guilds at this point. And these.... ahem, useful adventurers are helping me."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:40, Wed 17 July 2019.

Caydel just watches Amara as she walks forward.  He smiles at her last statement.

Lullaby's smile flickers a bit as she takes a second look at the party. She looks Amara over and then the others from Caydel to Cathran to Gavel.

"You don't look like you're part of the guild. Who exactly do you work for?"

Lullaby seems suspicious but she also hasn't ordered anyone to attack yet so Amara has at least bought a bit of time.

Kamea was about to object to the request for payment with the sharp end of her glaive when Amara spoke. She works with the guild? Kamea gripped her shaft of her weapon tightly. "Who do you work for?" She asked Lullaby. Kamea decided that she would have words with whomever these Roadkeepers worked for.

Lullaby just laughs.

"Why the Roadkeepers of course! Now, enough talking and more paying your tolls. Chop chop."

She cuts the conversation off and the two thugs approach.

OOC: The time for negotiations are at an end. Time to pay up or roll initiative. No surprise rounds on either side as everyone is being cautious.

Kamea pulled her glaive from the saddle. "This is your last chance to walk away..." She turned to face the three bandits. "Don't complain that I didn't warn you."


OOC:
rolled 18 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 16.  INIT

Gavel ripped his cloak off revealing its mechanical nature and the gears inside him starting winding at blinding speed. Steam escaped from the crevasses of its metal body. It’s clenches it’s massive fists and slams them together.

Cathran’s eyes glow purple with power. “Playtime is over. Stand aside willingly or you will be moved.”

15:27, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 6 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 5.  Gavel Initiative .
15:26, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 16 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 14.  Cathran Initiative .
15:25, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 21 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 11.  Intimidate.

"All of them, I'm a bit of a freelancer you see. Doing the jobs locals don't like doing."

Amara sighed at the fact that it seemed they had given up talking, ah well she had tried. Her companions would probably have had issue if she opened up by trying to slit someones throat.

18:21, Today: Amara rolled 21 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 16.  Initiative.

Surprised at how quickly things have turned, Caydel doesn't know what to do for a moment.


09:16, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 4 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 2.  Caydel - Init Roll.

One of the thug goes for his blade triggering a flurry of activity and suddenly it seems like violence is inevitable.

Round 1


OOC: I'll get a map up tonight but until then:

Pox is standing right in front of Amara.

Gabe is standing right in front of Kamea

Lullaby is about 20' behind her thugs so not really chargeable or attackable unless you take an AoO from a thug or double move to go the long way around.

I'm assuming Cathran, Gavel and Caydel are all within 5-10' of the rest of the group

Amara was quick on the draw, and already prepared with her hands on both of her short swords. It shouldn't have been that surprising that she was the first one to engage in the actual fight, both her short swords almost leaping out of her sheaths with her smooth drawing.

She then proceeded to attempt to end Pox before they had a chance to resist, her right hand's sword going for his throat and her left hands sword attempting to open up his stomach.

"Wrong Choice."

Move: Draw two Short Swords (TWF)
Standard: Full Attack (MH Hits AC 21 for 9 Damage, OH Hits AC 18 for 5 Damage)
- On the off chance sneak attack procs (since not sure if flanked of ff'd), feel free to roll +1d6 damage per hit.

13:37, Today: Amara rolled 5 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 2.  OH Damage.
13:36, Today: Amara rolled 18 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 15.  Off Hand vs AC 15.
13:36, Today: Amara rolled 9 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 6.  MH Damage.
13:35, Today: Amara rolled 21 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 18.  Main Hand vs AC 15.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Wed 24 July 2019.

“Fine...”The words were icy and full of power. She traced a rune in the air that then flew to land on the back of Gavel.

Upon acceptance of Cathran’s spell, Gavel sprouted more gears and armor plating enlarged as he grew to twice his size. Screeching could be heard from within his core and steam spurted out in all directions. An ominous clicking sound could be heard as he clenched his hands together and slowly brought them above his head. The two massive fists then came slamming down on top of Pox like a battering ram.

Cathran casts Enlarge Person on Gavel.
Gavel grows to Large, has -2 AC total, gains +10 hp from increase in size as a construct. Size becomes Large. Gavel attacks Pox.

23:05, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 12 using 2d6+7 with rolls of 1,4.  Slam damage.
23:04, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 20 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 14.  Gavel slam on Pox.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Thu 25 July 2019.

"You had your chance." Kamea side-stepped the bandit in front of her as she pulled the glaive short-handed. She used her off-hand to twist the blade closer to the bandit as sliced his chest.


Move: 5' step to L6. Shorten grip on Glaive (Bladed Brush)
Standard: ATK Gabe with Glaive
rolled 24,10 using 1d20+6,1d10+3 with rolls of 18,7.  ATK/DAM


This message was last edited by the player at 12:05, Sun 28 July 2019.

OOC: Ready Action -  He will engage anybody who advances past the others.

Caydel drops his staff and draws his rapier.  "Not so impressive....", as he watches the others.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:28, Tue 30 July 2019.

Amara went first, putting both daggers into the thug's chest and dropping him like a bad habit.

The other thug meanwhile pulls out his sword and stabs Kamea right in her chest. Unlike his companion though she takes the blow and stays standing.
OOC: Kamea takes 8 pts of piercing damage

Kamea's return hit likewise deals a savage wound to the thug but he keeps standing, albeit barely. Gavel walks up and punches the thug into the ground like a nail, finishing the bandit off.

With both of her backup quickly dispatched Lullaby throws her hands up as a sign of surrender.
"Oh! Sorry! I didn't...here, have my magic coin and just leave me alone!"

She tosses the coin out in front of her and then quickly mouths a spell, disappearing from sight.



Round 2

"Shes lying about the coin. Do we hunt her or let her run?"

Amara absently wiped the blood off her swords and onto the dead thug before her but didn’t put them away quite yet, she didn’t trust Lullaby in the slightest not to have something else planned for them. Who tried to strong arm a group of armed travelers with two weaklings like this?

"Fan out." Kamea moved further down the road, "She couldn't have gone far."

rolled 14 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 8.  Perception

Cathran rubbed her eyes which caused them to glow with a blue light. She looked at the coin and the surrounding area. If she was using magic on the coin or to hide herself, Cathran would be able to tell. “If she’s using magic to hide, I will find her.”

Cast detect magic and looking over the area for magical auras.

From where Cathran is standing she does not detect the presence of any magical auras.

Caydel looks down to the rivers edge for foot prints that appear and listing for wading sounds (water splash).  He picks up his staff at the same time.

"For the love of.... Fine. C'mon."

Amara kept her hands on her swords, almost casually activating her own detect magic and then following the path Lullaby had left into the woods. Unlike the others she wasn't going to hunt the rogue, as much as her trail. And she was going to do it quietly.

"Oh, and expect an ambush. I'd have one set up if I was her."

She's not the quietest, judging by how focused she is on the tracks though. Perhaps she doesn't think the others can follow her otherwise? Thankfully, the other party members won't have to try stealth from the looks of it.


Activate: Detect Magic
Survival: 26, Stealth: 9 (Nat 1), Perception: 19
10:21, Today: Amara rolled 19 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 10.  Perception (To not get ambushed).
10:20, Today: Amara rolled 9 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 1.  Stealth while Tracking.
10:19, Today: Amara rolled 26 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 18.  Survival (Tracking Lullaby).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Wed 31 July 2019.

Lullaby doesn't seem too concerned about having a trail and a few minutes later when her spell expires she starts proceeding with haste through the forest. Amara and the others have little problem following her path and as Lullaby never thinks to check, even basic measures of stealth are enough to keep her unaware of her tail.

For awhile she seems headed in the same general direction as where the goblins were reported to be. Eventually the she inadvertently leads the group to a large clearing.

The borders of this clearing are unusual in that they are well-tended, clear of brush, and strewn with gravel to form a circular road of sorts.

A single dead oak tree looms at the center of the clearing, and something silver sparkles from one of the lower branches. It appears to be an amulet hanging there. The mutilated bodies of three recently slain people wearing the armor of the town watch from Roderic’s Cove lie near the tree’s roots.

Lullaby doesn't seem to pay either the dead guards or the amulet any mind. She walks along the gravel making a long circle around the dead oak to the other side of the clearing before re-entering the forest.

"That's called a trap. One task at a time, Lullaby first."

Amara follows the exact path through the clearing Lullaby does, and leaves the bodies and the amulet alone. She's cautious but quick on her feet, keeping her detect magic up and her senses on high alert.

Cathran nods. “Agreed. Clearly a trap. At least we know what happened to most of the guards. Lead on.”Cathran and Gavel take the same route.

Amara notes that the amulet hanging from the tree detects as faint magic.

Kamea followed the others who seemed to know the trail. She almost picked up the amulet in the clearing, but stopped when Amara and Cathran mentioned a trap. She retracted her hand with a faint spark of a memory warning her of how she came into the current body. "Alright. Lullaby first."

As they hit the clearing and see the bodies, Caydel mumbles a simple benediction. "May you be at the Last Inn.  And we will make sure your families are at easy."

The trail leads them to a large clearing circling a hill. Lullaby goes East at the hill and circles around to the side. From their directions the party knows that the goblin lair lies nearby to the West.

Following Lullaby they soon come upon the Roadkeeper's hideout. A campsite spreads on a gentle
slope in this hillside clearing. A single, ancient stone building and four old wagons give the
place some shape. Tall grass grows around the wagons, as if they had been in place for a long time. A wide fire pit sits in the middle of these wagons, and a few thick logs provide places to sit around the fire.

Three bandits are standing around the campfire talking to Lullaby. Both sides seem quite agitated but from the distance it isn't clear what they are saying.

OOC: The location of their camp seems to be known if you would like to go back and deal with either the guard bodies or the goblins now.

Quietly to the group, "Are they worth all of this?  I mean, we still may have some missing patrol members."

"These folks are our first clue as to what may have happened to the patrol. And besides, they are a hazard for all travelers." Kamea adjusted her grip on her glaive. "We should attack, but try to save one for questions."

Cathran sizes up the situation. “The problem is if they live, they will tell the others in the organization about us. We will then have to face all of them. Dead men tell no tales as the saying goes.”

"So you think talking is won't work?"

“We can try talking to them first. If they resist then we can make our stand. We would just lose the element of surprise. The question is why would they listen to us after we just pulverized two of their group?”

With an odd look, "Maybe they would listen BECAUSE we just did that...plus,"  with a smile that is mischievous and charming, "I can be very persuasive.  Besides, a fight can cause us just as much harm."  He pulls out a flask and shakes it.  The sloshing makes him smile.  He then looks to the rest of the group, his face questioning....

Cathran shrugged. “Ok let’s go. Who wants to help me negotiate while the others look menacing?”

"I'll go and help you negotiate their surrender." Kamea looked at Cathran, "That is the goal of our parlay isn't it? For them to surrender and give up arms?"

"We may get more flies with honey....

“Shall we go then? Be ready for them to attack us anyways.” She begins her approach with her hands held up in peace.

When she gets within speaking distance, she’ll address them. “Hello Lullaby! Sorry about the scuffle earlier. You didn’t really leave us much choice now did you? We just wanted to clear the air and make peace with you. Would you be open to that?”Gavel followed at her side in his cloak ready to take an arrow if they came her way.

Kamea followed next to Cathran. But her hand was on her glaive. Leaving her weapon behind was never her intention. "Thought we'd give you the opportunity... if you talk with us."

Caydel follows the group...looking behind as well as forward.

Lullaby’s eyes go wide when she sees the party exit the forest and call out to the group.

”Nine hells those are the bastards that killed Pox and Gabe. I’ll go get Mother Nightthrush, you keep them busy!”

Lullaby starts running towards the stone tower while the other three bandits pull their weapons and take up a defensive position around the campfire and entrance.

One of the road keepers points out with his sword at the oncoming party.

”If you know what’s best for you, you’d be turning around and leaving here. Or else you’ll get your throat slit. Not a camp open to guests, strangers.”

"Guess you've already came to your decision." Kamea said as she moved forward with the glaive ready.

rolled 22 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 20.  INIT
This message was last edited by the player at 00:07, Sat 10 Aug 2019.

“It would appear so. I hope you don’t mind being a giant for a little bit, Kamea.”Cathran placed one hand on the woman’s back imbuing her with magic while she pointed a finger at the guards. “Gavel, bestow your might.” The construct roared to life again and charged the group with steam erupting out of various cracks in his armor.

19:35, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 19 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 18.  Gavel Initiative .
19:35, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 14 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 12.  Cathran Initiative .

"This is not needed," Caydel says.

[OOC] Init - 12

Amara wishes she could be surprised, but honestly she wasn't. She kept herself hidden and prepared for the fight. Let them try to be heroes as far as she was concerned, she'd happily stab the enemies in the back when able to.

23:25, Today: Amara rolled 14 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 9.  Init.
23:26, Today: Amara rolled 23 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 15.  Stealth.

Kamea acts quickly, readying herself for the oncoming charge of the bandits but the bandits all duck and weave to avoid her attack as they rush forward.

The three bandits press the attack. Kamea and Caydel successfully duck and parry the sword strikes but Cathran is sliced along the arm as the bandit snarls at her.
OOC: Cathran takes 5 pts of piercing damage



Round 2

Kamea side-stepped the bandit as she twirled the glaive over her head. She chopped down on the bandit. Kamea pulled the glaive closer to her body as the weapon missed the bandit.


Free: 5' step to AE19
Standard: Atk bandit
rolled 9,7 using 1d20+6,1d10+3 with rolls of 3,4.  ATK/DAM

Cathran drew a rune on Kamea’s back causing her to grow even bigger than Gavel. Gavel backhanded the bandit that hit Cathran.

17:34, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 13 using 1d8+6 with rolls of 7.  Slam damage.
17:33, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 20 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 14.  Gavel Attack bandit that hit Cathran.

Cathran:
Standard action: cast Enlarge Person on Kamea

Gavel:
standard action:  slam attack on bandit

Caydel pulls his rapier and immediately starts his attack.  He is fast and agile with his sword striking out at the bandit that slashed at him.  "This should not have happened this way."


15:12, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 13 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 10.  Caydel - To Hit Roll with Rapier.
15:12, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Caydel - To Damage Roll with Rapier.

Amara sneaks up behind a Roadkeeper and skewers him on her sword.

Gavel smashes a bandit and turns the bandit's torso into red pulp.

Cathran makes the cavalier gigantic.

Caydel slashes at the bandit barely standing from Amara's attack but the bandit is able to just barely deflect the blade.

Lullaby moves up to the tower, throws open the door and heads inside.

---

Round 2

Kamea, now large sized, finds the now small bandit too nimble of a dodger for her giant sized smash.

The two bandits both try stabbing wildly at the group but fear is in their eyes as they witness the construct and giant woman smashing through their ranks.

Round 2

"Damn it, bet there are traps in the tower too."

Amara was brutally casually as she laid into the bandit before her, negligently attempting to murder the thug in cold blood. Her main hand may have dug into the thief's side, but it was the short sword that rammed into his stomach with a violent thrust and twist as she wrenched it out.


Full Attack:
Main Hand (Hits AC 15, if Flanking applies it should hit, for 8 damage + 1 if SA Applies)
Offhand (Hits AC 23 for 6 damage + 4 damage if SA Applies)
21:18, Today: Amara rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4.  Sneak Attack Damage.
21:18, Today: Amara rolled 6 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 3.  Off-hand Damage.
21:18, Today: Amara rolled 9 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 6.  Off-Hand Crit Confirm vs AC 16.
21:18, Today: Amara rolled 23 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 20.  Off Hand vs AC 16.

21:18, Today: Amara rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  Sneak Attack Damage.
21:18, Today: Amara rolled 8 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 5.  Main Hand Damage.
21:17, Today: Amara rolled 15 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 12.  Main Hand vs AC 16.

Caydel shifts to the next opponent.


11:16, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 22 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 19.  Caydel - To Hit Roll with Rapier.

11:17, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Caydel - To Damage Roll with Rapier. [OOC] I did not remember how you did crits, but assumed roll twice....
11:20, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Caydel - To Damage Roll with Rapier (Critical).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:22, Thu 15 Aug 2019.

Kamea marveled at her large size. Her weapon increased in size as well. "You should have surrendered. But now it's too late." She shifted to move to flank position with Cathran.



Free: 5' step to AD18/19
Standard: Attack bandit
rolled 17,14 using 1d20+8,2d8+6 with rolls of 9,4,4.  ATK/DAM

Cathran pulls out a wand and casts a spell on herself. Gavel goes barreling after Lullaby.

Cathran casts Mage Armor from the wand on herself, increasing her armor by 4. Gavel runs after Lullaby as quickly as possible. I don’t know how far he gets at a run based on what the inside of the tower looks like.

Kamea steps forward and splatters bandit in front of her with one giant swing of her glaive.

The last bandit refuses to surrender, flailing his weapon around on either side to try and keep Amara and Caydel off of him. While his focus is on Caydel, Amara quickly stabs in in the back and he drops dead at her feet.

Gavel runs into the stone ruins and out of sight.

OOC: Caydel gets a new round action as all visible targets are dead.

Meanwhile inside the stone tower a thunderous boom can be heard.
OOC: Gavel takes 4 pts of sonic damage


Round 3


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:05, Tue 20 Aug 2019.

Cathran presses her forefinger and middle finger to her temple and concentrates for a moment. “There are two women mages inside! Let’s go!”She then commands Gavel to target the new woman. Cathran then goes inside and throws a ball of acid at the new women or Lullaby if she can’t. Gavel raises his fist and slams it down on the head of one of the mages.

12:13, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 3 using 1d3 with rolls of 3.  Acid damage.
12:13, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 13 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 10.  Acid splash ranged touch attack on other spellcaster.
12:11, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 14 using 1d8+6 with rolls of 8.  Slam damage.
12:10, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 18 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 12.  Attack woman spellcaster that’s not Lullaby .

Cathran move action: move into tower
Cathran standard action: cast Acid splash at new Mage or Lullaby if she can’t

Gavel move action: move to melee range with new Mage or Lullaby if he can’t
Gavel standard action: slam attack on Mage he moved next to

Amara mumbled 'oh look, a trap' to herself with a roll of her eyes shortly after the sonic blast erupted from the tower. She went to peek into the tower as well but unlike the others had no plans to charge in, scouting it out from the cover of the door. She rather liked breathing all things considered.

Move: To Entrance of Tower (I think Z24?) Attempting to stay hidden while looking inside.
Standard: Perception Search of the room as best she can, especially looking for traps or escape routes.

15:59, Today: Amara rolled 23 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 14.  Perception (+1 on Trapfinding).
15:58, Today: Amara rolled 14 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 6.  Stealth .

Being bereft of opponents suddenly, Caydel heads to the tower.  "Is anyone hurt?"

[OOC] Damn it, that was crit!!

***

He stops dead in his tracks when the eruption happens and covers his ears for moment.  "Damn all...is anybody hurt!"  He alters his course to make sure he is not in direct line of site of the tower door.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:28, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

"Caydel. Yeah, one of those buggers got to me." Kamea rushed to his side while holding a wound. She looked toward the tower door. "Do you think that I'll be able to fit through that doorway?"

Kamea rushes up and pauses to consider how best to enter the tower in her large size. After a few seconds consideration she realizes the ceiling would be too low for her but she could always stand outside and just shove her giant glaive through the doorway so long as nobody blocked her way.

The rest of the group rushes in to see Gavel facing off against Lullaby and and old woman.

Gavel charges forward and slams the old woman hard. Blood trickles down her scalp but she doesn't go down that easily.

The crone leans back and lets loose another sonic blast that resonates in the small space.

OOC: Everyone (but Caydel due to initiative rasons) takes 4 pts of sonic damage and must make a DC 16 fort save or be stunned. Gavel is immune to the stun.

Lullaby gives a shrug at seeing how effective that blast was and lets loose with another sonic boom of her own, again knocking the wind out of everyone and causing mind numbing pain to their eardrums.

OOC: Everyone (including Caydel) takes 3 pts of sonic damage and now must save vs. DC 15 fortitude or be stunned. This does not stack with the other stun. You're either stunned or not. Again Gavel is immune.

Round 4


This message was last edited by the GM at 04:39, Tue 27 Aug 2019.

Looking over the wound, Caydel pulls a out a small flask.  "This will sting a little."

He takes a quick sip from the flask and then sprinkles the wound lightly.  "May the Lord Cayden ease your pain and lighten your load.  May he greet you with a smile at The Last Inn..." Caydel adds with a sly smile, "but that won't be today."

[OOC] He sipped and sprinkled with jenever (early gin).  It would sting a bit.

15:52, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2. Channel Energy.

Amara may have stayed outside the doorway, but apparently the sonic burst didn't quite care about that and she found herself woozy and stunned from the sonic energy. Once more wondering if she was going to get herself killed because of her companions.

16:46, Today: Amara rolled 15 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 13.  Fort Save 2; DC 15 (Already stunned).
16:46, Today: Amara rolled 12 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 10.  Fort Save (1) DC16.

Kamea shuttered with the impact of the sonic attack. She staggered to the side of the building. "How much longer will I remain this size?" She looked back across the yard and stared at the dropped glaive, but a few steps from the wall where she braced herself.






rolled 10 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 7.  FORT
FAILED

Kamea is currently STUNNED

QUESTION - How long is she stunned?

SRD Stunned:

A stunned creature drops everything held, can’t take actions, takes a –2 penalty to AC, and loses its Dexterity bonus to AC (if any).

Attackers receive a +4 bonus on attack rolls to perform combat maneuvers against a stunned opponent.

Cathran is rocked by the thunderous spells but manages to keep her wits about her. Gavel shrugged it off like it was nothing, but it was enough to throw off his fist’s aim slightly. Cathran responded with another orb of acid striking the unknown female Mage. Seeing as how the enlarged warrior wouldn’t be able to enter the tower, she dropped her focus on the spell bringing the fighter back to normal size.

10:38, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 8 using 1d8+6 with rolls of 2.  Slam damage if hit .
10:38, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 12 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 6.  Gavel Slam Attack on not Lullaby .
10:37, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 2 using 1d3 with rolls of 2.  Acid splash Damage .
10:36, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 20 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 17.  Acid Splash ranged touch attack on not Lullaby .
10:23, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 18 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 17.  DC 15 fort save for stun.
10:23, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 17 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 16.  DC 16 fort save for stun.

Cathran:
Standard: hit with acid Splash for 2 acid damage
Move: move out of tower and behind a wall
Free: drop Enlarge person spell

Gavel:
Standard: slam attack on unknown Mage
Move: N/A

Kamea, Amara and Caydel are stunned by the blast.
OOC: It's sound burst so just one round.

Cathran lobs a glob of acid on the old crone while Gavel slams its fists down on her. This time, however a magical shield appears in the air between Gavel's fist and the woman's head. The struck shield lets out a tone like steel as the construct smashes into it but the shield holds and the crone remains standing.

The Old Crone shrieks at the party. "Call off your monster or I'll...we will bring this whole tower down upon all of you." Lullaby hesitates a bit but holds off her attack as well. Lullaby has so far been uninjured but the old crone's white hair is streaked red from Gavel's fists. Meanwhile both Kamea and Cathran don't look like they could survive a second volley of sonic booms.

Round 5

Kamea maneuvered to get into a favorable position should she have an opportunity. She moved to the corner of the tower and peeked around the corner. She drank a potion that she retrieved from her pouch.


Move 2 boxes north to row V
Retrieve potion.
Standard: Drink potion

rolled 7 using 1d8+1 with rolls of 6.  CLW

Gavel raised his fist again, but stopped and slowly lowered it. He didn’t move away, but it wasn’t acting aggressively anymore. The steam stopped escaping from its armor plates, but there a definite clicking sound of gears moving. Cathran stayed peering around the edge of the doorway. “We wanted to talk when we crossed the river and when we approached your camp. Unfortunately, the lady in there didn’t get the hint when we tried to be nice. We would be willing to talk to keep things from getting messy. I mean I can always make another one of him. You on the other hand would be harder to put back together. Put down those wiggly fingers and we can chat.”

Amara took the reprieve to pick her short swords back up, but didn't attack for now. Leaving the others to talk. She wasn't very keen on giving them a chance to be honest, but at the same wasn't willing to ignore the capabilities of a mage she didn't know.

The old crone's eyebrow shot up at Cathran's statement.

"You say you wanted to talk, ehhh? What I heard was you were sent by them in Roderic's Cove to clear us out. So if you're not here to kill or capture me then what are you doing in my camp?"

She kept an eye on Amara but didn't move to stop her from picking up her things. She and Lullaby just stayed in their corner, shoulder to shoulder and scanning the group for signs of trouble.

“We has no intentions of ever interacting with you at all. We just wanted to cross the river and go to our destination. Unfortunately, Miss finger waggler over there tried to shake us down for a toll that we didn’t feel like paying. We asked if we could just pass peacefully, but her buddies attacked us. Not wanting to be on your hit list, we chased after her to this camp to explain the misunderstanding and smooth over things. We don’t want any trouble from you, but every time we try to be diplomatic your group attacks us. The way I see it, we come to an understanding now and never bother each other again or we just bring this place down on top of you. Your choice. We really have other pressing matters to attend to.”Cathran leaned against the wall and listened for the woman’s reply.

Mother Nightthrush studies Cathran, trying to sense any deception but finding none she turns a withering glare at Lullaby.

"You stupid cur! What did I tell you about going out on your own and now the whole gang's been destroyed because of your greed!"

She roars in anger and lunges at Lullaby who kicks back to put some distance between her and the old woman.

Lullaby snarls back.

"I didn't come here to sit on my ass and hide in the woods. I'm done listening to your abuse."

Lullaby draws her rapier and starts towards the injured old crone. The old crone raises her hands and starts waggling her fingers...

OOC: You've got a round to either try and intercede or just head outside and let the two bandits sort out this dispute themselves.

Amara's first instinct was to advance and kill Lullaby, her second was to throw a dagger at the human woman. But her third response was the one she went with. Turning around and stepping outside and off to the side. Why? Because the old woman had already blasted out a burst of magic so wide-area'd it hit three of them as they where coming in.

Either she would survive and they could discuss this afterwards, or Lullaby would and Amara would kill her while wounded.

[OOC]Depending upon initiative now...

Caydel crosses the room and slaps Lillaby's rapier to the ground with his.

21:16, Today: Caydel Cailean rolled 19 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 16.  Rapier on rapier.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:17, Wed 04 Sept 2019.

Cathran raised her right fist and Gavel mimicked the same motion. She slammed her fist down into the floor. Gavel’s punch sent wood and debris flying. “ENOUGH! Both of you stand down or both your lives will be judged guilty and justice will be served. I don’t care about your petty squabbling. You will listen very carefully to what I’m about to say...or else.” She stared at both of the female mages almost daring them to continue their current course of action.

Kamea took advantage of the lull in the fighting to circle the building in a clockwise direction. She was checking to see if there was another doorway.

Caydel blocked Lullaby's strike while Gavel disrupted the old woman's casting. They snarled but with the threat of force standing right next to them their wits won over their pride and they both backed down.

The old woman gestured for Cathran to continue.

"Speak. That is unless Lullaby here can't follow simple directions."

Lullaby snapped back "Oh no this is all your show so take it away you old bat."

The old woman scowled at Lullaby but then chose to ignore her last comment nad turn her attention to Cathran.

Cathran rubbed the bridge of her nose. Finally she walked to in between the two of them. “We don’t really care what happens to the two of you. When we leave, you can kill each other off or whatever. Keep in mind though what is going. The Horned Fangs have been dealt a crippling blow by some unknown force that we suspect their identities. The Roadkeepers have been hurt today. I do not condone lawlessness, but I do know that if you and the Horned Fangs were eliminated, it would create a power vacuum for something I fear is worse. We have no quarrel with you nor do we wish it. We are going to leave you here under the condition that you and the Roadkeepers never bother us again. You will also not bother the ferry woman either.”She stood there awaiting their response.

The two women looked at one another. They seemed to carry out an entire conversation with barely perceptible nods and shakes and eye glances. Finally the old crone and Lullaby both gave a small nod an the old crone turned back and nodded at the group.

"So be it. Not much left here for us anyway. The two of us aren't threatening anyone anymore. Now unless there is anything else you need, please kindly see yourself out of my home."

Cathran and Gavel bowed to both of them. “I trust you to keep your promise. Before we go, we would like any information you have on the Order of scholars living in a noble’s mansion in town.”

The old woman and Lullaby look at each other and then shrug.

"Never heard of them."

OOC: Thanks to a botched roll, everyone catches a held breath by the old woman when Cathran asked her last question but then she let it out in relief at the actual question itself. It is clear the old woman is holding something back and whatever it is was probably the reason why she thought the adventurers were here in the first place however whatever it is has nothing to do with the Order.

"Before we leave, do you know what happened to the patrol or possibly the goblins they were sent after?"  Caydel looks at Lullaby and watches closely.

Cathran narrows her eyes at the leader. “In regards to the patrol, we would like to take a look around to make sure you had no involvement with their disappearance. Since it appears Lullaby has ‘protected’ everyone that crosses the river, there might be some evidence here of their passing. I would also like to ask if you know anything about some mysterious rune that we have heard whispers about.”

Hearing the lull in the conversation, Amara carefully explores the outside of the tower and the campsire. Close enough to listen in especially with the open doorway and her senses, but taking her time searching through the thieves things and tower.

The group had seen what remained of the patrol earlier by the tree in the middle of the road circle.

Mother Nightthrush gives a shrug and responds.

"The patrol ran afoul of a trailgaunt. Nasty undead bugger but can't cross a well-kept road so we've got it contained for now. Don't know much about the goblins. If you're tallking about the Bramblemouth tribe they're on the other side of the hill. "

If asked the old crone can give directions to where the goblins are located. They roughly align with the directions the party was already given back in town.

"None of the patrol made it away from the gaunt?"

The old crone shrugs.

"Don't know and we never checked to find out either. Didn't really concern us. We weren't there when they crossed the road, we weren't there for the slaughter and we're smart enough not to go in and poke around.

If there were any survivors we didn't come across them. Maybe the goblins found them or any number of things in the woods might have had them for supper."

Although the old crone's casual disregard for the guardsmen was a bit unsettling she seemed to be telling the truth as far as anyone could tell. There were no signs of prisoners in the small ruins that acts as the crone's home. No chains on the walls or piles of guard equipment in the corner.

Cathran repeats a question the old crone tried to dodge. “Have you heard anything about a mysterious rune or a blade that kills but doesn’t cut through its victims?”

The old crone just shakes her head.

"What kind of rune? Lots of magical runes out in the world. As for some magical weapon nope, don't got one of those lying around here."

Once again it seems like she doesn't know what Cathran is referring to.

Cathran sighed and rubbed her temples. “Alright thank you. We leave you in peace and hope you keep your word.”She turned to everyone else. “Search the place for anything useful then we leave.”Gavel still stood next to the old crone ready to punch her in the face if they make a wrong move while searching.

"We're going to take the three bodies of the town guards that you strung up." Kamea said with a strong grip on her glaive. She waited besides the trail that would lead back to the three bodies. "We should return the bodies before we return and continue onward. The town will want to know what befell the guards as soon as possible."

Holding my blade low, and in a flat voice "I'm glad that are good people like you.  Your care for others is wonderful to see.  I'll make sure your efforts are talked about in town...and that people know who to look for...to thank of course."  As the others exit, so does Caydel, but watching them always.

***

As we get way from the camp, his cheerier demeanor returns, "They are such a fun bunch.  I don't think I can help the Big Fellow, but those the need help...we should pick our place to look at wounds."

Amara just quietly shook her head at the others, she was still vaguely considering killing the others. After a few moments she gave a shrug, deciding she didn't particularly care. In the future, perhaps she should work with other rogues rather then those with a hero complex.

"Congratulations, they'll probably get back to murdering guards within a month. I admit I rather wanted their enchanted gear though. Shall we head back now?"

With a smile and sip, "Maybe...but the last time I checked it was not I who should judge.  I am but a humble servant of Cailean.  And, a discussion of where and when, in the right ear, may cause a visit from the town guard."  He does a slight flourish and bow.  "We should stop to tend to wounds. Amara...you first?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Thu 26 Sept 2019.

Cathran smirked. “Yes. I do have several wounds that I will need to recover from. Gavel also needs my tending and repair.”

"I'm pretty okay with judging and murdering people, but let's be honest, I'm not always a good person. And yes, a bit of healing would be appreciated, thank you."

Amara had been ignoring her wounds quite well, she had learned early on if you couldn't focus past the pain you'd get yourself killed pretty quickly. That said, they still hurt.

"The world is not just black and white, bad or good, law abiding or not.  There is much in between all extremes.  That," as he does a little twirl and produces his flask, "is why we have this.  It is how we know the gods love us."  He smiles, but puts the flask away.

"We can find a spot sufficiently way from other eyes to assess the pains we feel.  I've been many a bar fight...I know how to treat a wound.  But...we do need to make a plan for the patrol...they should be collected."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Fri 27 Sept 2019.

"Yes, there are plenty of greys. But I feel like a lot of people take the stance of being unwilling to be proactive in survival. It's weird, that some moralistic quandry means more then living. Perhaps its the lifespan? Easier to give up forty years to make sure you get into a good afterlife compared to nine hundred years?"

Amara dwells on the thought as they walk, and humanity's desire to be obsessed with sins and morals over dying.

There are plenty of viable places for setting up camp in the woods and while there are a few alarms when large and dangerous sounding beasts prowl the night none of them decided to attack the camp choosing to shy away from the fire.

The next morning came soon enough and in the dawn’s light the camp was packed up and the party was ready to depart.

OOC: Everyone heals 2 HP/level and recovers spells/dailies as appropriate.

Cathran wakes up still a little sore from the fighting the day before, but she is able to venture forth. She had healed Gavel the day before which made her feel better about her current condition. “So Shall we reclaim the bodies of the fallen patrol?”

20:52, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 10 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 8.  Lesser rejuvenate eidolon . 20:52, Today: Cathran Synthiel rolled 7 using 1d10+2 with rolls of 5.  Lesser rejuvenate eidolon .

Used last two 1st lvl Spells before she went to bed to heal Gavel to full.

"Does anyone still need help?"

"A bit yes."

Had Amara not been fully healed the night before, then the nights recovery would not have been enough to cure her wounds. Only the worst of it.

“I do need a little assistance with my wounds from yesterday.”She rolls up her sleeve to reveal purple bruising from the sonic blast.

"The wounds will heal over time. But if you are able to do it faster, I would welcome it." Kamea rose and prepared for the day.

As he looks at the others, "Well...let's look at these. Any cuts?"

OOC: I'll look at what wounds there are and address them.  I'm not sure who needs how much, but I'll review tonight.

So Kamea is at 7HP

Cathran is also at 7 HP

Caydel pulls out his flask and takes a swig.  He then offers a the flask as he attends to each person. In a practiced voice, but not of quality, he sings.
"Here's a health to the company and one to my lass
Let us drink and be merry all out of one glass
Let us drink and be merry, all grief to refrain
For we may and might never all meet here again."
When done singing, he closes his eyes, puts out his hand with fingers stretched, and let's the warmth flow from him, to the others.

OOC: It was two group channels for 8 hp each.  I'll do one more if requested, but we seem to be almost there.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:08, Wed 09 Oct 2019.

Amara nodded gratefully to the healer as her wounds knit and sealed, fading into the nothingness as if she hadn't been hurt and leaving only minor scars. This was why she put up with adventurers. Healers where so much cheaper then potions. Sure you had to feed them and keep them safe, but you had to do that with any pet.

Cathran smiled as the warmth of the healing washed over her. Gavel stood by looking out for any threat that may interfere with his master’s recovery.

Kamea accepted the flask. She drank a sip and allowed the drink to bring a flush to her cheeks. She closed her eyes and breathed deep.

"The dwarf I bought it from called it jenever.  Made from juniper...I think.  It does relax a body."  He smiles and takes another sip.