The Pearl Fort market square is bustling with activity, even at this hour of the morning.  A blue sky with warm sun and just a scattering of clouds promises a fine and clear day.  The natives of the town are getting their shopping done before the visitors rise from their beds or berths or bunks.  Most sailors in town stay aboard their ships for the free lodging, but mercenaries or caravan guards for the merchants are often found lodged in the so-called "Sailors' Barracks", a former warehouse now outfitted with rows of stacked bunks, along with a bathhouse.  It's far cheaper for a merchant to pay for a space there for their employees than most rooms at the Pearl's Rest Inn (the only place in town that regularly has overnight guests), and less flea-ridden than buying a spot on the floor after closing at one of the taverns.

The half-stone-half-timber Pearl's Rest Inn is the finest the town has to offer in terms of food, drink, and nightly music, but other taverns like the Pig and Potion, Cracked Hull, Wicked Coin, Drunken Salt, and the Kraken's Deep offer either rowdier clientele, gambling, amorous company, less refined music, or sometimes an incurious staff and privacy, depending on the place.

The market square has stalls set up between various storefronts so people can display their wares: produce, bread, eggs, fish, oysters, pearls, candles, oil, salt, spices, leather goods, jewelry of many makes, supplies for pack animals, a small beast market, furs, clothing, weaving, one stall even sells paper, ink, and small books for those who wish to write letters, or keep accounts or a journal.

Amongst the crowd are a few natives to Pearl Fort, Amber and Aria, and several relative newcomers.  The black-braided half-orc has been lurking around the town for days, while the older man in robes and the young blond man with the sturdy build seem to be here for a different purpose they haven't divulged to any of the town gossips.

All those are in the crowd this morning when they all witness a most curious sight: a cloud appears above the stall of a single weaver, deluging her with an abrupt cloudburst out of a calm sky.  But what is most curious is that the weaver doesn't get a drop on her, as if the water dares not touch her uninvited...

Amber arrived in Pearl Fort just before dawn broke. She hasn’t been in this settlement since she was hired to capture a group of cattle thieves less than a year ago. The homey air of the area didn’t seem to change over the years, although the same cannot be said for Amber. For she is not here for sightseeing, she is here for a mission. And as she walks among the crowd, she is reminded of this fact when a cloud suddenly appears a few steps beside her. A spellcaster? Is it something related to this heir?

Amber approached the stall directly beneath the cloud, covering herself with her cloak. “Hi, there! Might you be in trouble?” she shouted toward the the girl in the middle of the downpour. Holding her sword tight behind her, she might not seem as cordial as she intends. But safety always comes first, they say.

Since the weaver woman set up her stall in the morning, Davor had been sitting in the shadow of an alley across the square watching her. He had been perched on an old crate that barely supported his weight with his green eyes fixed on her stall a few hundred feet from his hiding place. Earlier in the morning he had prepared himself by infusing his armor with some essence of the spirits such that in the darkness it now seemed to cast a light of its own. He didn't know why, exactly, he was watching this one particular weaver, but the whispers had led him to that course of action.

Davor casts Magic Vestment (3rd level) first thing in the morning on his armor.

When the clear skies opened up above the woman, Davor stirred. He got to his feet and began to make his way into the square proper at an oblique angle to the woman without taking his eyes off her. When another woman approached the weaver with a sword clutched behind her back, Davor adjusted and began to push directly through the crowd towards them. As he neared, he reached up with one hand to grasp one of the bones in his hair, made a distinct gesture in the air before him with his other hand, and spoke a single guttural word aloud.

Davor casts Detect Evil (1st level).

The first light of dawn found Aria strolling casually through the awakening city of Pearl Fort. As usual, she had broken her fast with her parents in the small, cramped kitchen of her childhood home. Her mother's cooking had remained excellent as had her father's penchant for nosiness. It had only taken the red-haired woman six times of politely telling him that her current business was best kept discreet before he finally took the hint. Still, she would not have traded her mornings for anything and the fact that she would soon be bereft of such familial luxury made Aria sad.

To say that the sudden downpour caught Aria by surprise would have been an understatement. The fact that the sky was a brilliant azure and the sun a golden halo casting warmth amid a scant scattering of clouds made the odd weather a curiosity that even the normally stoic woman could not ignore. The fact that the target of the offending cloud appeared to be immune to such watery hijinks gave the red-haired woman pause. Aria knew little about magic, but this situation literally shouted to the heavens of its involvement.

Abandoning her casual stroll, Aria walked purposefully toward the weaver's stall. She noticed both the swordswoman and the half-orc's interest and her own was even further piqued.

"I don't suppose you're doing that," Aria asked the weaver as she stood just outside the deluge's radius.

The day had started just normal enough. The weaver was most likely not old enough to be considered a woman, she was fairly young to be on her own. Yet she managed to scrape enough to survive by herself. She did her best to keep a nice and well-kept look within her means, as good image led to customers spending more money. Her long wavy black hair was tied by two ribbons to keep it out of the way.

She had been working since early morning, awaiting for people to buy some of her wares or to commission some work. It had been a slow day, perhaps she wouldn't be able to afford a decent lodging that day. She kept her focus into her craft and just sighed when she heard the sound of water raining. Frowning, she motioned to pack for the day when it suddenly dawned on her that not a single raindrop touched her. She turned up and then back to her arms and body trying to make sense of the confusing situation.

Then she heard a question about her doing something by a woman to her right, she was just trying to process what was happening when she got questioned by an imposing and threatening cloaked figure in front of her. "Just what is happening?" she said completely confused and spooked.

Rising before the crack of dawn as was his norm, Jerec had studied his spellbook until the sun broke then freshened up and left his room in the Pearl's Rest, making sure to take his things in his travel-bag strapped across his chest and resting against his hip underneath his faded grey cloak. Even with daybreak it was too early for the kitchen staff and he wasn't able to get a bite to eat, but he had heard the market would be open and bustling, with vendors selling food.

The mage had arrived in Pearl Fort just a day earlier, with only vague information about a lucrative job. There was a demand for a man of his talents, as there always was with wizard's of at least a modicum amount of talent, power and skill. Jasper had told him he would send word of his arrival ahead and the job would find him rather then Jerec having to seek the employer out himself, for secrecy was apparently paramount in this particular job.

As he walked among the stalls of the marketplace Jerec's eye wandered over the many stalls while his mind wondered not for the first time over the past few years if Jasper's age had finally caught up with his mind. Perhaps it had not been a good idea to travel with such vague information after all...

Suddenly his attention was taken by a cloudburst over only a singular stall, though the occupant, a young woman, was not drenched in the slightest. Though the even might surprise many, to one trained in the arts arcane it was not so astonishing. Avoiding the effects of the weather was a simple magic, often used by the mercenary-mage himself on his many travels. However in this instant the girl seemed taken by surprise, which meant she had not cast the spell. Which in turn meant the cloud appearing only over her had not been conjured by her also, unless she was a very good actress and sought to draw in a crowd to her stall

Stroking his beard Jerec walked closer to the stall and the girl, noting others in the area doing the same, and one of them, a cloaked woman pointedly asked the girl right out if she was responsible for the limited deluge.

Keeping a short distance away he watched curiously to see where this might lead.

"Well it is raining around you, and only you mind, but you are not getting a single drop on you," the red-haired woman said matter-of-factly. "Most would find such an occurrence odd, to say the least. I, however, find it very intriguing. My name is Aria, what is yours?"

Amber was certainly curious of what is going on with the girl. But of all the people who came to the scene, Amber was most fixated on the charging half-orc. She drew her weapon and held it in front of her torso just in case. Now seeing that another woman had already engaged with the confused girl, Amber turned her body toward Davor. She crouched in a stance, staring at his movements and ready to strike if absolutely necessary.

“Don’t make me use this weapon on you, now. Who are you?” she exclaimed to the half-orc, still staying in place.

Despite pushing his way through the crowd in rather dramatic fashion, Davor had not drawn the rather imposing sword on his back even when the suspicious woman rounded on him and threatened him with her own weapon. Reassured by the lack of sensation from his spell, he grinned at the warrior but also kept an eye on the second woman, this one with red hair, who was now speaking to the weaver. In mocking imitation of formality, the large half-orc bowed to the woman brandishing her sword. "It's good to meet someone who knows how to greet others properly. Everyone else in this town is too polite to draw their weapon just at the sight of me. My clan called me Spiritwalker, but you can call me Davor. Who are you?" The sarcasm is apparent in his tone.

Rising from the bow, he cast an eye over the situation. "I don't need the spirits to tell me that this is strange." He gestured at the sudden downpour and then the clear sky. "It has all the markings of an omen and a rather obvious one at that. Why are you important?" This last statement was addressed to the weaver over the shoulder of the sword wielding woman.

The weaver couldn't take it anymore, the whole situation was beyond absurd. Suddenly everybody was interested in her somehow. And two very scary imposing and threatening people seemed like they were about to start fighting? There was only one way to solve this, flee!

The girl left everything and began running as fast as she could, leaving all questions unanswered.

The situation had escalated alarmingly. One of the women had drawn a two-handed blade and was confronting another newcomer, a half-orc with it. Unsurprisingly, the girl they had all been looking at dropped everything and ran off!

"Bloody hell!" Jerec muttered into his beard, and grasping his staff moved forward to intervene before the situation escalated into a bloody affair. Moving closer to the sword wielding woman and the half-orc he remarked, "Look now lady, this fellow doesn't mean any harm. He's not even drawn a weapon, it appears he was just curious about the sudden downpour like we all are. Lets just sheathe that blade now before someone gets hurt."

He smiled at the end of his statement, trying to look like a friendly uncle solving a dispute between two favorite nephews. Glancing at the retreating form of the weaver he added, "Oh and someone should stop and talk to her, she seemed quite confused and frightened, likely thinks this is all her fault."

Urle had been off in the distance, just having left a public house after finishing a drink. He maintained a watchful eye on the curious happenings as he unhitched his horse Demetria from the post.

Whatever had happened had caused her to start running away, and as much as fixing some local squabble wasn't the reason he was here, it was good enough reason to start. He got up on his horse and gently rode after the woman, giving plenty of space to  try and be nonthreatening.

"Excuse me young lady" as he caught up to her "I promise that I mean you no harm. You seem to be in some distress. Can I help you out somehow? At least give you a ride to wherever you were planning on running to?"

Amber considered the wizard’s insistence for a moment. After some thought, she put her head down and sighed silently. She sheathed her sword, although it was clear that it was done with some reluctance. “Maybe I’ve been out in the wilds for too long and I forgot my city manners,” she shrugged. However, it was clear that she was still suspicious of everyone. Her client strongly warned that this was going to be a perilous task, and that she should only rely on her instincts. He was adamant that Amber must not put her trust in anyone, even those who seem the most worthy of it. This particular morning, she was inclined to believe him. After all, what had happened left her with an uncomfortable sign that some change is about to happen—something she can barely handle. Deep down, although she should be more adaptive, a sense of wariness crept up to her. I’m not all that brave and mighty as I thought, I guess.

“My name is Amber. Nice to meet you too.” Amber responded to Davor’s sarcastic tone with her own, albeit a less apparent one. She was about to continue talking when Helena abruptly ran away from the scene. “We can finish our quarrel later. Now, I need to make things right,” she said, focusing her attention away from the half-orc and on the frightened girl. She pushed her way through the crowd to catch up to her. Amber was a bit guilty since she was probably the one who made her run away. She glanced at the cavalier who was riding after the girl but kept her focus on Helena.

When she was in shouting distance, Amber called out to her. “What happened with me and the orc wasn’t your fault, miss. Please come back to your stall. I promise we’ll be a lot nicer this time.” Amber definitely had some questions she wanted to ask, which is why she needed to calm Helena down first. Hopefully, she thought, this wouldn’t create more of a scene it already had. But that kind of thinking was probably too optimistic at this point.

Davor didn't have a chance to respond before the warrior was off and chasing after the fleeing weaver so, instead he turned to the bearded man who had intervened. He gives the man a far more polite nod of the head. "I appreciate your intervention. That may well be closest I've come to being stabbed since I came here." The half-orc seemed utterly unconcerned about the fleeing girl. He was confident, after all, that he would be guided back into her path if necessary.

As he took in the man's appearance, there is enough of the implication of magic to cause Davor to ask the question. "Do you know anything about the cloud? The spirits tell me it is important, but that's about it."

Aria calmly watched the chaotic scene unfold around her. Her employer's words echoed loudly within the vault of her mind as she digested the revealed portent. They had said that this personage's identity would be revealed by a sign from the gods themselves. If rain falling from a clear sky upon one individual, who then miraculously defied the laws of nature to remain dry, wasn't a sign, then the red-haired woman did not know what was. The fact that several other people, including a man on horseback, were taking interest in the girl gave Aria cause for concern. If this girl was the heir, then many would be looking for her, some for good and some for ill.

With an inward sigh Aria took off toward Helena, her stride swift and sure. She thought about forming her mind blade in case the mounted man was a threat, but decided against it. Instead, she decided to call out and see if the absconding woman would listen to reason.

"Please miss, I mean you no harm. In fact, if you are who I think you are, I mean you the exact opposite."

The girl quickly ran out of steam. She didn't have the endurance nor was fit enough to sustain a sprint for long, and that was under normal circumstances. When the kind man in the horse intercepted her and the threatening woman caught with her, and that other woman who first approached too... She just resigned to all of the attention. "Maybe this is all a bad dream?"

She leaned on a wall to catch her breath. "Ok, you all win." she spoke with resignation as she noticed the rain was still following her. "lovely..." she mussed as the adrenaline rush began to fade. "I can't feel my legs..." She began to feel drowsy and the world around her started to turn black.

There are no evil auras in sight around the rain or the startled young woman.

As Amber, Jerec, and Davor speak and argue in the town square, they attract no little attention from the other merchants and patrons.  As Amber dashes off to follow the young woman, Jerec and Davor are left holding the bag.  Jerec, looking perhaps less intimidating than Davor, is addressed by a motherly, plump halfling who runs a baker's stall.

"Goodness gracious, what in Yondalla's name is all this fuss and sword-waving about?  Who might you be?  And you?  Why did you scare off that young Helena?" she asks, addressing Jerec, then Davor in turn.



As Amber, Aria, and Urle dash off after the young weaver, the exertion and excitement grows too much for her.  As she begins to swoon, Amber and Aria quickly realize that in the young woman's fear, she had run directly into the waterfront district.  And while Pearl Fort is prosperous, prosperity doesn't lay its hand on everyone equally.  This part of the waterfront district is mostly warehouses and the occasional tavern, the clientele of which is generally rough.  The Cracked Hull tavern is not known for its refinement, and the clatter of hooves from Urle's steed has brought out a knot of hard-eyed sailors and mercenaries.  They linger in front of the battered wood of the old tavern, eyeing the three warriors and the woozy weaver.  Amongst the crowd you also spy a short figure in dark robes, a rather unusual choice for the ruffins of the Hull.

Looking rather unperturbed over all the commotion, Jerec watched the weaver being chased by a horseman, then the sword wielding woman and then the other woman. Sighing, and hoping the young girl wouldn't fain out of fright he turned his head towards the half-orc as he spoke.

"Oh no need for that, I have come across many types of folk in my travels, and I can recognize a fellow adventurer when I see one, at least most of the time." Jerec replied with a chuckle, waving his hand as the half-orc inclined his head at him. "Stabbings are never a good thing, least of all when they happen to you. My name is Jerec, by the way," he added with a knowing smile.

Stroking his beard as he considered the half-orc's question, and the implication that he knew Jerec's trade, the mage considered how much to reveal about himself. The half-orc appeared as clueless as he was about this place, so there was little chance he would be his contact here for the mysterious job Jerec had come to this town for.

On the other hand, the half-orc appeared knowledgeable enough about the world to realize Jerec was a mage, which would not be a surprise if he was a mercenary or adventurer as Jerec surmised.

"The spirits told you hmm? Interesting. I confess to not knowing much as of yet, but the cloud fall could be from any number of things. For a mage, it is but a simple trick, but I do not know if that girl has knowledge of the arcane arts. Her reaction implies she was just as surprised as anyone," he answered finally with a small shrug of his broad shoulders.

As the girl lost conciousness, Amber rushed to help her up. She glanced at the Urle and Aria while scanning the premises. The folks who gathered around them didn’t seem friendly enough for her taste. “We don’t want to linger here. These people might be bad news for us,” she whispered. In this rough area, her eyes were particularly drawn to the conspicuous robed figure. But she tried to avoid eye contact and instead paced toward Urle with Helena still on her shoulder.

“Could you help bring her back to the market square with your steed?” she asked the cavalier. “It would be better if she is taken to a safe place as quickly as possible.”

He held up his hands defensively to the halfling baker and gestured towards the rain cloud which had stopped somewhere in the direction of the waterfront. "You cannot just ignore an omen! There is some mystical force at work." As he said that, one of the ropes holding the awning of the stall snapped causing the awning to fall lazily. Looking up in the air at nothing in particular, Davor said: "That seems a little anti-climactic."

Returning his gaze to Jerec and the halfling, he grinned wide, his expression just a little manic, and answered the woman's question. "As I told the rude woman waving the sword around: I am Davor Spiritwalker. I am shaman from the mountains." For all his talk of omens, he seemed strangely unconcerned that the most significant one was now some considerable distance away.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Thu 31 Jan 2019.

Jerec looked at the plump halfling woman with a raised brow, suppressing the urge to bring his staff in front of him in a defensive gesture at the matronly woman's ferocity.

As Davor dared to face her Jerec simply nodded along and added, "Indeed, we were just staring at her because of the sudden appearance of the cloud above her head. That's not normal, though since I am but recently arrived perhaps its a regular occurrence here?"

In case she took afront at his subtle barb and started chasing him with a rolling pin, the mage hurriedly added, "We just wanted to make sure she was alright, nothing more. Can you tell us if anything like this has happened to her before, or if any odd events have happened around her in particular?"

As he waited for her reply Jerec looked at Davor and gestured in the direction where the young Helena had dashed off to. "Should we investigate and see if aught is alright? The horseman riding after her could have some ill intentions for all we know, we don't want to end up charged with aiding and abetting a kidnapping," he said wryly.

"I agree," Aria said with a nod. "Perhaps we should vacate this area as swiftly as possible. In fact, let us retire to the Pearl's Rest Inn. We can get some breakfast and discuss our interests regarding this situation. My treat..."

The entire time she was talking, the red-haired woman did not take her eyes off the gathered ruffians. The dark-robed individual garnered most of her attention and her blue eyes searched for any symbol or marking that might identify who or what they were.

OOC
I'm going to take a good, long look at the short, dark-robed figure and see what I can see.

18:43, Today: Aria rolled 34 using 1d20+19.  Perception check (Dark-Robed Figure).

"I'll get her there and make sure she's okay. Probably just too much excitement for one day."

It took some coordination, and a slight lack of dignity, to hoist the fainted woman on the horse with Urle, but once safely on, he moved back and headed towards the inn that he had just left "Not the day we had planned for ourselves, is it girl?" He asked his horse quietly.

“Pearl’s Rest sounds fine. Thank you very much for your generosity,” Amber said to Aria. With Aria already keeping an eye on the suspicious figure, Amber focused her attention on the weaver girl and the cavalier during the conversation.

She took her leave and followed Urle closely behind, keeping in mind that trouble might yet appear this morning.

Outside the Cracked Hull tavern



With agreement all around to get someplace less insalubrious, Urle, Amber, and Aria take Helena with them.  But as Aria looks back, she stares carefully at the hooded figure who seems to be trying to bore a hole in them with its gaze.


The sailors and mercenaries give the three warriors a once-over, but seem to decide it would be more trouble than its worth to tangle with them, and drift back into the tavern, grumbling.

In a short while, the group has arrived back in the market square near the Pearl's Rest.

----

In the market square



The baker seems mollified by Davor's quick response.  "I've seen you lurking about the place for a while...  But you've done no harm."  She shakes her head, as if to rid it of uncharitable assumptions.  "For certain if you're a Spirit Walker, you know a thing or three about omens.  What does that rain mean, and why did it fall here and now?"




"Good heavens, that's not normal!  We petition Vogon and Obad-Hai regular as anything for fair skies and calm seas, and for certain our priests are not to lax as to forget their rites.  And if the gods were mad, why just drop a little rain on poor Helena?  Foundling babe, sweet as sweet, always does what she's told, always singing to pass the time, she couldn't offend a fly, let alone a god, big or small!" the baker says, throwing her hands in the air.

As Jerec and Davor are discussing, Urle, Aria, and Amber arrive back in the square with Helena in a swoon across Urle's saddlebow, pausing in front of the Pearl's Rest Inn.

OOC: Vogan is the god of rain and weather, Obad-Hai is the god of nature.

Scratching his chin a bit, Davor contemplated the baker's question. "Rain washes away the old and brings the new. Or it could be a sign of stormy times ahead. Without knowing who sent it, it's hard to tell." To Jerec's question he said: "I think we had better go, yes. Though I don't think we'll have to go far." He smiled in thanks to the baker and began to make his way across the market square just as those who had chased after the girl returned with her unconscious. He approached until he could see if the girl was unharmed and then kept a bit of distance to observe.

Aria breathed a little bit easier as they arrived back in the market square. What she had seen beneath the hood of that dark cloak worried her, but in such a crowded and public place, she doubted anything nefarious would occur. At least that was her hope.

"Let us not tarry here," Aria said as she glanced back over her shoulder. "That man in the black robe...let's just say I'd rather not discuss what I saw here. Let us get some breakfast and I'll explain."

"Agreed," Jerec replied to Davor, following the half-orc's gaze towards the returning group with the young Helena (or so the baker had named her) draped across the horseman's saddle.

"Well there she is, looking sound. Worry not madam, we will get to the bottom of this," Jerec said to the baker before following Davor to the returning group. He got close in time to hear the emerald eyed woman's words and raising a brow asked, "A man in a black cloak you say? That sounds ominous..."

He did not ask for details, the woman had said she would rather not discuss what she saw in public. Moreover Jerec was also worried for the young girls health. Glancing at her prone he looked up at the horseman and asked, "She is not injured in any way, I hope. Otherwise the townsfolk will have us hanged before the day is done."

He was only partially joking though, for some reason Jerec found himself truly worried about the girl's safety. She did look quite innocent, and it seemed she had gotten caught up in events far outside her mundane life.

Amber mentally calculated how many people were involved in this scene. “It seems that there are five of us here who do not look like an average villager.” The preceeding events that transpired had made Amber a bit hungry. And so she started moving toward the Pearl’s Rest. Beckoning the others over, she added, “In any case, let us hurry to discuss this situation together in the inn.”

With the group of those apparently very interested in Helena's fate all gathered, the group can quickly decant to the Pearl's Rest Inn.  Helena starts to come around a little, or at least enough that she can walk with much assistance, so at least the group is not hauling an unconscious woman into the finest inn in town.

The Pearl's Rest Inn has a large common room with fine carved tables and chairs, a very large fireplace well-faced with neatly-trimmed stone, walls decorated with elegant scrimshaw and sea-themed tapestries, with a large polished bar behind which stands a human barkeep; a blonde woman of middle age and quiet charm.

The Inn is lightly populated at this hour, mostly consisting of those having late breakfasts.  As the group doesn't seem travel-worn enough to be seeking one or more of the rooms upstairs, a serving halfling politely inquires, and provides, access to one of the private dining rooms.  The fee is five gold for the room and another ten for food and drink for all, if desired.

Inside is a round table, a dozen chairs and two leather-covered benches, along with a sideboard containing several crystal-cut bottles of various-colored liquids and accompanying glasses.  The walls have a few more paintings of seascapes, and some others of scenes out of legend or myth, showing nymphs and gods, forgotten kingdoms and the broken empire, strange animals and lost lands.

The serving halfling will appear after just a moment with bread, butter, and a pitcher of the house wine (along with glasses), before taking himself off again.  Such things are part of the price of the room.  Certain meetings cannot take place without the breaking of bread and a toast or two.  More gold will bring more or tastier viands or beverages to discuss the strangeness that brought you here today...

Aria didn't bat an eye at the requested payment. In fact, she reached into her belt pouch and dropped five, shinny platinum coins in front of the barkeep.

"Bring your best and plenty of it," the red-haired woman said with a glance toward the massive half-orc. "I have no doubt we are all in need of sustenance and long discussions always make me thirsty."

Once they had all entered the room and the hafling had scurried off to bring the main course, Aria glanced around at those gathered. Her gaze lingered upon Helena for a long moment before she spoke again

"We all saw what happened earlier, with the rain and this girl," Aria said matter-of-factly. "I was hired by the church of Tritherion to find a girl whose presence would be heralded by some divine sign or portent. I believe this young woman to be the one that I'm looking for. With that being said, I'm curious as to the rest of your intentions. I would assume that others are interested in her as well."

Davor raised an eyebrow at Aria as she paid for the dinner room, the food, and presumably quite a bit more. Once everyone was inside and the halfling server had gone, he took a seat and reclined against a wall. "Maybe a round of introductions? I am Davor Spiritwalker, a shaman from the mountain tribes. I came here following a vision given to me by the spirits of my ancestors." For the time being, he said nothing about Helena. He leaned forward, poured himself a glass of the house wine, and leaned back again to drink it.

There was a bit of blur, and the noises were hard to understand, but little by little the senses started to return. The feeling of being on a moving object, the touch of a hand and the guidance, blindly and shakily going along with the flow. Then sensing a soft seat. The light became painful and there was no choice but to close the eyes to avoid it. Then the noise became less and less confusing and noisy, starting to turn into intelligible sound.

What a nightmare, what an odd dream, the feeling of strangeness had been strong, but at least it was quickly fading. Good thing the nightmare was over.

Helena could make something out of the voices, but that was to be expected. She would share a spot on a communal room for lodging and she wasn't one for peeking into other's conversations. Feeling finally better, she opened her eyes, making sense of the shapes around as her eyes got used to the unexpected brightness of the room...

"Ah!" she exclaimed as she noticed she was sitting on a bench surrounded by half a dozen strangers, or were they?. Her fear turned into resignation as she recognized both of the scary people that were about to stage a fight from before "So, it was not a dream...?" she lowered her eyes to show her disappointment.

Slathering some fresh butter on a chunk of bread, Jerec popped it into his mouth as he listened to Aria speak. Swallowing he nodded and introduced himself, "I am Jerec, a humble man of modest talents. I came here on a job, the nature of which I am now beginning to understand. It involves finding and protecting an unknown person."

Inclining his head at the slumped form of the girl he went on with a small shrug, "I don't believe the rain to necessarily be a divine omen, there are spells that can conjure a similar phenomenon easily enough. Still, the mystical arts of the divine are not well known to me so let us assume for now that she is the one I am seeking as well; what more did the church tell you about her?"

He had been looking at Aria as he spoke but as the girl came to Jerec glanced at her curiously, even giving a friendly smile. "Well hello there! You had quite an adventure today, do you feel alright?"

The girl did her best to recompose, despite all that had transpired, the new environment was actually quite comfortable. She didn't want to sound ungrateful. "I think I feel better." she ventured a stray look at both Davor and Aria and back to the older man "I feel tired though" she took a piece of bread and ventured taking a small bite of it.

Davor did his best not to look intimidating and failed utterly. He took a piece of bread in his free hand and dunked it in the wine before taking a bite. He looked somewhat puzzled by the idea that Helena is tired, but didn't comment on it. Instead, he ignored all of Jerec's tact and cut straight to what had drawn his attention to her in the first place. "I am Davor: a shaman of the mountain tribes. I have been led here by portents, visions, and whispers of the spirits of my ancestors. I don't really know why though. Do you know why omens lead to you?"

As Helena and the others talk, two of the servers come back with food - grilled fish and octopus, oysters and seabeans, fine cuts of beef and ham, fried potatoes with herbs, salads with vinaigrette, fine pale wines and darker vintages from local vineyards, along with bowls of glaceed fruits and little iced tartlets.  As the dishes are laid out temptingly, you can hear some louder conversation from the common room on the other side of the doors.  The servers move quickly, and as they slide out the doors and shut them behind them, those facing them can catch a glimpse of what's going on outside.  It's quite a bit more crowded than normal, and it seems that the cook has come to the bar to argue about something with the barkeeper, face flushed and angry.

Then the door shuts behind the servers, and the noise is muffled for now.

Urle sat quietly, a cross look on his face, trying to read the group. He wasn't much for tribal superstitions, ancestor worship, or Half-orcs in general. In his experience most claiming to communicate with the spirits were hucksters, and most Half-orcs were violent savages.

The food presented to the table was grand, perhaps too much so for a man on the road. Much of this would not sit well either in a sack along the way, or in his belly on a horse. More so, the platinum coins given was, essentially, charity; the establishment could never produce the amount of food equal to what they received. He pondered on this; he had seen nobles, especially young ones, dramatically overpay for trivial items, either to appear as benevolent, or as a means to show off their wealth to the commoner. Urle began to wonder if this Aria person had any noble ties.

Hearing the rumblings of a disagreement, Urle removed himself from the table to investigate. Assuming the argument was about them, he tried to disarm the situation "Listen, we don't want to cause any trouble. What's going on?"


OOC: 11:09, Today: Urle rolled 9 using 1d20+8 ((1)).

Urle had intended to open the door and ask the nearest server what the impending ruckus was about.  However, with all that was going on, Urle opened the door with more vehemence than he'd intended and his question came out in more of a loud growl in one of those unexpected moments of silence.  His question rings out loud and clear, bringing everything in the Inn to a halt.

One of the cook's helpers looks behind him and yelps, diving for cover, as suddenly a swarm of robed figures come pouring out of the kitchen.  Vaulting the bar, table, and patrons, the flood of robed figures comes barreling towards the door, knives, small axes, and maces in hand.  Some hood flop off as they move, showing faces that are seemingly random combinations of fish and birds, cats and horses, lizards and dogs, with hands that are scaly, feathered, furred, clawed, or taloned in equally random patterns.  They howl and roar in a cacophonous choir as they run straight for Urle!

Pleased that the girl seemed better, Jerec waited for her to regain her strength and composure before asking any further questions. Reclining back into his seat he was making himself more comfortable when suddenly chaos! A swarm of figures poured out of the kitchen, weapons in hand and bestial faces.

Eyes widening in shock Jerec yelled, "Ambush!", before reaching for his staff and starting to rise from his seat...

Piling her plate high with an assortment of the delicious food that was lain before them, the red-haired woman tucked in. It was a bit comical considering her small stature, but Aria assaulted it with gusto. Her mental abilities demanded a high caloric intake and thus her metabolism was more akin to a hummingbird. Quite literally, she was always eating something, her ability to consume and keep her athletic figure a boon that aroused jealousy in many of the women in Pearl Fort.

As she finished a rather sumptuous piece of octopus, Aria sighed, the pangs of hunger momentarily held in abeyance. Now, she could tell them about the black-robed figure and what it might mean considering their current objective. Just as she was about to speak, however, the kitchen door burst open and a mass of those same creatures, mongrels, came pouring out with weapons bared.

"Mongrels," Aria shouted as she made ready to spring into action.

Davor was also arms deep in several of the dishes that had been brought to the table. Since the meal had been generously paid for, he didn't want to let anything go to waste. The half-orc tried everything that had been put in front of him though for the time being he resisted the urge to reach too far over the table in an imitation of having manners. Magical rings were all well and good, but nothing really compared to the taste of a well prepared meal.

When the fracas in the other room started, Davor let out a grunt of irritation as he dropped the turkey leg in his hand and it skittered away across the floor as though it had a life of its own. He rose to his feet and, keenly aware that his questions had not been answered, moved to interpose himself between the table and the door to the room. As he did so, he spoke a word of in some guttural tongue, made a sign with his hand, and then grasped one of the bones in his dreadlocks. Moving around the table, he touched each other person present with the hand that had held the bone and a soft, green glow seemed to pass to them.

Once he had interposed himself between the table and the door, a giant blade with a pale green, ghostly appearance materialized in his hand. The giant sword was much larger than the falchion strapped to his back almost to the point where even the large half-orc seemed like he ought to have trouble wielding it. He said nothing, but grinned savagely at the strange creatures and readied himself.

Casting Communal Protection from Evil. Creatures touched: Davor, Helena, Jerec, Aria, Amber, and Urle. Duration: 1 minute each.

Activating my Ancestral Weapon.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sun 17 Feb 2019.

The mongrels charge the door, howling and hooting, two larger ones slamming into the door and Urle, trying to get through, more trying to hurl knives from behind them.  Two daggers hit the wall, but one grazes Jerec's arm.  A fourth misses Davor. 



Aria rushes to the door to put herself next to Urle to stop the mongrels from flooding the room.    Urle stands firm and keeps himself from being grabbed or pulled off-balance.  Amber pulls her sword and makes a flashy display of dazzling prowess, signalling death for any who try to get inside.  One of the newest looks rather cowed by her show! 

Helena keeps herself at the back of the room, behind the bulwark of bodies who seem determine, for whatever reason, to protect her.



Everyone protected against evil, and falchion now floating, the mongrels will have a wealthy of ways to die if they breach the doors!

They continue to push and shove, and the doors begin to shudder against what sound like the pounding of axes.  Soon they will have reduced the doors to splinters!

"This door is not going to hold long under this constant assault," Aria said as she glanced over at Urle. To emphasize her concern, a piece of wood splintered right beside her face. "My suggestion is that Amber, Davor, and Jerec protect Helena. Flip the table and put her behind it. Urle and I will step back and allow the mongrels to come. Any that get past us, you three deal with. Sound good?"

The great half-orc looked a little put out at the plan not involving him getting a first crack at these cloaked creatures, but he was trying to be amicable so he nodded. "Sounds like a good idea to me. Stand clear, things are gonna go flying." Davor backed up around to the far side of the table and got his shoulder underneath it enough to give a push and attempt to heavy the thing over onto its side food and all.

Grunting in surprise as the dagger nicked him, Jerec gazed down instinctively at his arm. Cloth or skin had not been pierced, but still the lucky shot was disconcerting. Taking out something from a pouch at his belt with his free hand he muttered archaic words in an unfamiliar tongue, "Variae Armis!"

For a moment Jerec considered barring the door with magic and suggesting everyone run, but the door was already being reduced to splinters; he also wanted to capture one of their attackers to learn the motives for this ambush, and who it was targeting. It would not be a surprise at all to learn that Helena was the target of this attack, but the mage wanted to be sure.

"Stay behind us Helena," he called out to the young woman, before moving forward to help Davor with toppling the table over to use as a barrier.

---

Move Action: Help Davos with overturning the table if possible. Standard Action: Cast Mage Armor (duration 6 hours).

Things happened quite fast. The girl had barely had any time to start to process everything when the world went chaotic again. Helena moved behind the table and dropped to the floor. If there was just a way out of the place? She turned around looking for a window, a secluded spot or a space in the wall...

"I wonder what deity did I anger to deserve this?"

Table upended by Davor and Jerec (making a horrible racket and mess), it now provides a sturdy bulwark between the splintering doors and vulnerable young woman in the corner.  Amber pulls out her double-bladed sword, the blades flashing darkly as she swings it into position with precision, as Jerec armors himself with magic and Davor prepares himself.  Aria and Urle pull their own blades, Urle's of steel, Aria's of shimmering force that blinks into existence in her hand.

The mongrels start to force open the doors, and Urle and Amber fall back, ready to repel them.

A brace of hunchbacked mongrels, one with a face that's the half fish, with mismatched hands like a bird's talon and a bear's paw, the other with a dog-like face and goat's hooves, both wielding axes with ugly daggers thrust into their belts.  Behind them are six more mongrels, all equally twisted in form, with some sounds like there could be even more coming out of the kitchen.  The inn is in chaos, but it seems most of the patrons and staff are fleeing out the front door without being pursued by the mongrels; their prey is here, it seems.

As the two door-breaker mongrels step forward, swinging their axes with murderous intent, Urle and Aria are there.  Urle's sword forces one back hard, making the mongrel grunt with the effort, while Aria's quick glowing blade slices into the other, leaving a smoking wound.  Both mongrels swing their axes in retaliation, missing Aria but just scoring Urle. 

"Give us the heir!  She will be our queen of all nations, empress of all!  Do not deny her to us!" one in the back howls, its face like a raven split with a squid.

The mongrels in the back begin to hurl slingstones and daggers at Urle and Aria, with the table making it difficult to hit Davor, Amber, or Jerec.  Most miss, but one lucky stone snaps across Aria's forehead with painful force!  The rest of the mongrels press forward, and soon the doorway will be filled with them!



While Helena doesn't recall doing anything (or not doing anything) that should have offended any god, great or small, it doesn't change the fact that monstrous creatures were here and trying to get to her.  Seeking an escape, she turns away from the chaos of combat and pats along the wall, seeking some kind of out.  The room was built for privacy, but Helena's frantic search reveals that a decorative tapestry hides a small door!

When he heard the shouts of the wild looking creatures, Davor retorted from behind the table."Did any of you consider asking politely rather than swarming the inn wielding weapons?"

As the stones began to fly at them, Davor decided that some additional cover was in order for those on the front lines. "Everyone watch each other's backs it's about to get hard to see." Davor shouted a word in his strange tongue and clapped his hands together. Mist spewed from the half-orc's mouth in a billowing torrent until the entire room was filled.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Helena searching for an exit. He backed up through the mist until he was once again next to her and held his ghostly falchion in a defensive stance. He did nothing to impede her attempts to find an escape but merely made sure that nothing dangerous came through the mist.

Casts Obscuring Mist at 1st level.

Ducking behind the table as the creatures swarmed and stones flew Jerec considered his options, his brow rising as he heard what the creatures said. Heir, queen of nations...what the blazes have I gotten into? he thought, though he had to admit to himself the thrill of danger and a mystery did make him feel alive, after what seemed like a long time.

Peering over the table the mage saw the doorway behind the first two mongrels swarming with more of the creatures, with possibly some even more behind them. The staff of the inn seemed to have charged out of the kitchens already, and if any were left behind Jerec doubted they were still alive.

Suddenly mist swarmed from Davor, engulfing the room and making it harder to see. A wise move Jerec thought, that would allow them more protection against the creatures slings and thrown daggers. But that did mean they would try to close to attacking them hand to hand.

Thus before he lost sight of the enemy completely or they moved to close to stabbing range, Jerec focused his mind and made a circular motion with his free arm, bringing it down close to his chest and intoned, "Et ignis FRAGOR!"

There was a flash of light as the mage snapped his arm palm forward and a fiery ball of angry flame streaked out towards the group of mongrels by the ruined doorway, burning through the mist until it exploded into an inferno!

---

"Heir? empress of nations? what is all that nonsense" Helena couldn't form a coherent thought out of the situation. The day just kept getting weirder and weirder. Taking advantage of the mist obstructing all sight, she dared to try to open the trapdoor and peek inside. Perhaps it could be a site to hide, or even a way out?

The battlefield becomes a place of mist and shadow, making the mongrels pause in confusion as fog reins indoors.



Bright fire illuminates the mist as shrieks sound further away from the room.  It sounds like Jerec's spell caught a goodly number in its lethal nimbus!

Urle and Aria continue to press the doorbreaker mongrels that they can see, slicing into them with sword and soulknife.  The half-fish-faced one goes down screaming, while the dog-faced one ducks from Aria's blade with a ferret-quick squirm.  Both of their return blows miss, but it seems like there are more mongrels that are pressing forward to take the place of any fallen foes.



Helena opens the door and finds a short hallway lit with a small lantern, and beyond that a stone staircase descending into the ground.  From the faint whiffs of beer and wine, likely it goes to the inn's wine cellar.

Helena noticed the passage, this was it! her way out!

But these people had been so nice to her... She touched the older man that was behind the table and whipsered to him "I found a trapdoor, it goes outside. You should follow."

Having said that, she moved to try to climb down the stairs..

Squinting his eyes and trying to see how many of the critters had survived his conjured flames, Jerec muttered under his breath as the sorcerous mist made it all but impossible to determine. Tugging his beard in frustration he was about to cast another spell when he felt a touch on his arm and a whisper; turning he noted Helena climbing down the stairs through a trapdoor she had discovered.

"Wait, I don't think that leads outside," the mage said quickly, but she had already vanished. "Great," he muttered. If the staircase led down to the cellars they would be trapped in a dead end. Still, the room along with the cover provided by the mist could be useful in avoiding pursuit...

Thinking quickly he gestured at Davor to follow them saying, "Follow us, I have an idea," then quickly descended the staircase himself into the room below.

Heading down the stairs, Helena (and soon Jerec) finds herself in a damp but not unpleasant cellar, stone-floored and lined with large tun barrels on one side, racks of wine bottles on the other, with smaller kegs, butts, and firkins stacked up and labeled neatly.  Another staircase is at the far end of the basement from where she is standing.  Looking around carefully, she sees a trapdoor in the ceiling above some of the largest tun barrels.  There's an echo of shouting and cursing coming from the other staircase, along with some whimpering and muffled sobs.

Davor made sure to stay next to Helena as mist enveloped the room. It would be very unfortunate if she managed to disappear. When it became clear that she and Jerec intended to descend the stairs, Davor nodded to the wizard and followed behind, keeping an eye on the the opening to back into the dinning room in case any of the strange creatures managed to follow them. The combination of walking backwards and having to duck slightly in the passage, meant Davor was significantly behind the other two by the time they reached the cellar.

As soon as Davor descended Jerec gestured at the trapdoor in the ceiling above them and whispered urgently to Helena, "Quick girl, climb up and open the door, let us get out of here before those creatures realize you are missing. They were searching for you and I feel they will not give up so easily."

Glancing back across the cellar towards the staircase they had descended, the mage looked to see if any of the creatures had detected their escape and followed them downstairs.

Helena paid attention to Jerec and agreed to his words, but she couldn't help looking towards the second set of stairs in the cellar "Up there or the stairs?"

Protectionist at heart, Urle's first and foremost concern was keeping himself between the threat, and the target.


Pushing the monster he was grappling with to the side, he grabbed the large table nearby and, disregard for its contents, threw it on it's side in front of the doorway, creating a very crude barricade. It wouldn't stop the horde, but it would at least slow them down, and if Helena could get to safety, that would be enough.

Gesturing at the staircase at the far end from where they had descended Jerec replied, "That way, I believe that should lead us out of the inn; at the very least its the farthest point from the common room so it should give us some distance."

Davor stares intently at the stairs for a short time and his green eyes flash. "The spirits whisper of something evil that way. It might be more of whatever attacked us in the dinning room, but let me go first and make sure that it's safe." He readies the massive ethereal sword before himself and advances across the room to the base of the stairs. After pausing for a moment to listen, he begins to cautiously ascend.

Urle pushes the already-toppled table in front of the door to give the mongrels something else to have to hack through.  Aria and Amber station themselves right behind it.

"Get going and follow her!" Amber hisses in his ear, bringing her two-bladed sword into attack position.  "I can't use my sword in that little passageway, so I'm going to stay here and buy you time."

"I'll need room to move, so my place is here with Aria.  Go, save the heir," Aria says quietly, her glowing sword illuminating her face through the mist.  If Urle so wishes, he can duck through the tapestry and down the stairs to the cellar, hot the heels of his charge...

---

Helena can scramble onto the stacks of barrels with a little difficulty.  They're meant to be climbed on so workers can retrieve the right vintage, so it's not too hard, but kicking the wrong barrel could start a chain reaction of burst containers and make an awful racket.  Investigating the trap door above, it seems its latched from this side.  Sliding the latch, and pressing up, Helena realizes the trap door is rather heavy.  But the view is a slice of the street outside!

Davor goes up the stairs, and quickly realizes that this staircase must lead into the kitchen.  The smells of fresh food and smoke are unmistakable, and the growling and yelling of the mongrels above must mean they're using the back door from the alley to get into the inn!

Davor backs down the stairs and returns to below the stacks of barrels that Helena has climbed towards the trap-door. Keeping his voice low, he shares with the others what he learned. "The kitchen is up the stairs and from the sound of things, the mongrels are coming in that way. We'll have to keep fighting if we go that way." He looks up towards Helena expectantly.

Helena peaked at the small opening she could get "I see daylight in the other side." She told the others. "But this is a bit heavy for me to move"

Glancing back towards the way they had come, Jerec turned and looked up towards Helena, "Excellent, that is the way to go then. If you can't open it jump down and let Davor take care of it."

The mage looked at the half-orc expectantly and urgently. There was little time to waste, they were vulnerable as long as they stayed here. He was worried about the others they had left behind, but they seemed capable enough to hold their own, not to mention Jerec's conjured exploding flames had likely whittled down the mongrels enough for the others to have a fighting chance.

In the cellar of the Pearl's Rest Inn

Those down below can hear a great ruckus from above as Amber and Aria are likely giving a good accounting of whatever mongrels are trying to make it past the blocked door.  Urle comes down the stairs a few seconds later, saying that the two women were going to buy them enough time to escape.

With a trap door established as viable escape route, Helena can climb back down and Davor up.  With a heave, the trap door flops open, revealing it to be wood with an outer covering of cemented stone to make it look like the cobblestone streets outside.  However, in Davor's haste, one of the small kegs kicks loose and tumbles down the stack.  It bangs on the floor and rolls to the base of the kitchen stairs, but mercifully doesn't burst.  There is a snuffling sound at the top of the stairs, though, as if someone, or something, has become curious...

---

Just outside the Pearl's Rest Inn

Zenna had been wary when coming into Pearl Fort.  Her friend Amber had beaten her here by several days, but as Zenna had made her way, she had spied a few mongrels on the paths.  Armed with that information, she had been ready to warn the others and get the heir into hiding.  Except when she entered the gates, there was a huge ruckus going on at the Pearl's Fort Inn, with smoke pouring out of the front doors and screams echoing through the streets!

---

The back alley of the Pearl's Rest Inn

Teana had been making her own way to the town of Pearl Fort, her mission, and the need to locate the mysterious heir, at the top of her mind.  It had been unfortunate that her employers had not known precisely what the heir looked like, but prophecy was not known for its pinpoint accuracy and ease of employment.

It seemed, however, that Fate had chosen to throw the dice in her favor.  The sounds of a small riot from the Pearl's Rest Inn had attracted her attention, and as she turned the corner to its back alley, she saw a trap door near the back wall suddenly flop open!

Teana was not used to walking long distances (much of her life, she'd preferred to jump from point to point instead), but she did realize that flying through the city would attract even more attention than she otherwise would. And while she rather liked attracting attention, she did know that she didn't want to shine too much of a light until she knew where the Heir of Prophecy was.

But when she saw the trap door, her instincts didn't fail her. She launched up into the air in her trademark hop-up jump, carrying her effortlessly to a roof overlooking the alley where the trap door had just opened. Looked like trouble was either starting or ending, so she crouched where she was, trying to be inconspicuous to anyone just coming out of the ground.

Unless otherwise stated, Teana has Air Cushion and Wings of Air on at all times, and can take to the air at a moment's notice.

Zenna chasted herself when she knew that she was going to be late. She had missed Amber, and the chances of finding the heir was greatly reduced because she was late. However when she saw all the ruckus at the Pearl's Fort Inn, she wondered if Amber was at the center of the ruckus.

She ducked to a store front wall so not to be spotted by the Mongrels. But she needed to get closer in order to get a better understanding of what was happening.

Get closer
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Wed 03 Apr 2019.

Seeing the keg by the stairs Helena panicked. "Let's get out of here before someone comes" She rushed back up again looking to leave the cellar soon and hopefully get somewhere safe.

Before climbing the pile of barrels, Davor released the giant ethereal sword in his hand. Before the blade struck the ground, it dissolved into green mist which quickly wafted away. It was then a matter of moments before the half-orc was atop the pile of barrels and putting his shoulder against the trap door. The action was rendered awkward by the falchion strapped to his back and he knocked one of the barrels loose while adjusting the blade to allow himself to push the door open.

As the keg crashed down, Davor wasted no time pulling himself up through the opening, quickly scanning the street for more mongrels and then laying down at the opening to reach back in and help the next climber out of the hole. "That will get someone's attention. I don't see any trouble out here. Quick."

Suiting words to his charge's action, Davor can look around and sees no immediate enemies.  He reaches down to pull up Helena, then Jerec and Urle can climb up on their own.  The noises below start to get a little louder, as it seems something is coming down the stairs to investigate the noise...

---



Out of the trap door emerged a substantial half-orc with elaborate tattoos and thick dredlocks with many beads and bones.  He looks around the area carefully, then reaches back down to help a young woman emerge.  She's wearing simple clothes and carrying no weapons, her hair looking a bit disheveled, as if she's been rushing about.  She looks a bit bewildered.  Two others emerge, a bearded man in robes with a crystal-topped staff, and a sturdily-build blond man with a beard, wearing chainmail and carrying a trident and warhammer.  They look like they're scanning the area for foes.

---



Getting closer to the Inn, Zenna can see the the tail-end of a group of cloaked figures going in through the exterior kitchen door, while the well-dressed typical patrons of the Inn seem to be pushing through the main door, trying to get out.  A few are sporting wounds obviously inflicted by violence, slashes from blades or bashes from clubs and maces, rather than the kinds of scrapes and bumps from jostling in a panicked crowd.  The inn's main room seems to be filled with hazy smoke, making seeing detail very difficult, but there's a lot of growling and battle cries inside!

Well the mongrels were focused on a target inside the building. They practically ignored the well-dressed patrons. They must have a specific target. She needed more information. She hustled forward and grabbed one of the fleeing patrons.

"Shhh! Don't shout!" Zenna hissed. "How many mongrels did you see? Obviously they are not after you. But you must have seen something! Who are they after? And what other exits does the building have?"

Helena hurried to close the hatch and turned her attention around. "They could find it at any time. We need to move and find a place to hide."

Climbing up behind the others Jerec turned and quickly lifted the heavy trapdoor with a hand, grunting as he put his back into it, and slammed it back shut. Then standing back he gripped his staff with both hands and pointed it at the portal, staring intently at the closed portal and whispering some unintelligible into his beard.

Nothing outwardly apparent happened, but then Jerec lowered his staff and glanced at the others saying, "That should hold it, now lets get somewhere safe where we can figure out what's going on and why those creatures were after Helena; I suggest leaving the town altogether for now."

It would mean abandoning the two who were still fighting inside, but Jerec felt that Helena's protection was more important. Not to mention with her out of there, the creatures would likely abandon the fight, as their priority had seemed to be killing the girl.

After helping Helena out of the trap door, Davor turned his attention to checking for threats outside again while the others climbed up. None of the mongrels appeared to be waiting for them out here at street level. At Jerec's suggestion, Davor turned and eyed the others critically. "Most of you hardly seem ready to go traveling through the wilderness. I know the wilds well enough, but that will only take us so far..."

He paused, seeming to consider. "Normally, I would suggest that we consult the spirits about our next move, but that needs somewhere safe. If we can get off the street for long enough to catch our breath we can decide what to do."

Davor Spiritwalker rolled 21 using 1d20+4. Knowledge: Local. Somewhere to hide.

Outside the Pearl's Rest Inn



The person you stopped, a stout older woman wearing a buff-and-wine linen and velvet gown, gapes at you for a moment in shock.  It takes a little shake of her arm to get her talking, but she finally manages it.

"Oh gods, it was horrible!  There were dozens of those awful beasts, just running in from the kitchen and towards that back room, and then a huge explosion of fire went off and scared me out of a year of my life!  I ran as soon as I could!" she says, more than slightly hysterical.

--

In the alley behind the Pearl's Rest Inn

Being elsewhere seems like an excellent thing to be right now, and Urle, Jerec, Davor, and Helena all know it.  Davor takes a moment to ponder where might be a good place to hide.


As the others keep a lookout, they see no mongrels coming to the alley... yet.  There's a lot of noise towards the front of the building, and the kitchen side, but the back alley has only echoes and the faint smell of garbage.  A couple of children come running down the alley, squealing and shrieking in excitement, but pause when they see you, and dart back the way they came.

Teana decided that these four probably were likely to know what was going on. However, for the moment, she simply wanted to shadow them. Right now was not the time to make contact.

Outside the Pearl's Rest Inn
The stout older woman pulled herself free and fled. Zenna didn't give chase because she learned what she needed. The mongrels were focused on the backroom. She needed to move to the rear of the Pearl's Rest Inn. She decided it was worthwhile to run since others were already fleeing the scene. However her pathway took her to the back of the Inn.

Davor began to lead the way down the alley away from the front of the inn. As he did, he laid out the options that came to mind. "There are places to hide outside of town if you all think you can handle roughing it. There are caves in the hills to the northeast, maybe a day's travel or sea caves just past the docks which are closer. Personally, I think we should just find a place in town to catch our breath. There are plenty of warehouses. If we can find one that isn't being trafficked right now, that might be best. Otherwise, if we can manage to look inconspicuous enough, one of the cheaper taverns might work. Seedier places, you know?"

As Davor, Urle, Jerec, and Helena are starting to walk down the alley, two things happen.  One, Jerec and Urle spot a woman crouching on the roof looking down at them.  Two, another woman appears at the end of the alley behind you, this one armed with a scimitar and longbow!

Zenna, as you head to the back of the Inn, you see a well-build armed blond man with a neat beard, an older human man in robes with a staff, a dredlocked and tattooed half-orc, and a somewhat bewildered-looking human woman wearing the simple clothing of a typical citizen.  All four are together and headed away from you.

Jerec was considering Davor's words as they moved, though he wanted Helena to make the choice and offer counsel when possible. Before they got much further though, the mage spotted movement upon the rooftops, as well as the opposite end of the alley.

Though his first instinct was to blast them with spells or confound them with illusions, the fact that they were not unnatural creatures caused Jerec to stay his hand. He was still wary though.

"Ho there strangers, be ye friend or foe?" Jerec called out loudly, pointing his staff at the woman crouching on the rooftop with his staff, while turning to stare also at the woman at the end of the alleyway. "It is not nice to follow without announcing yourselves; speak quick lest I turn you into chimpanzees or something far more unsavory."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:29, Thu 11 Apr 2019.

Davor had not noticed either woman until Jerec called out with his threat. The half-orc tensed and turned, his hand clutching as though at the hilt of a weapon that wasn't there but no sword materialized in his hand. Instead he focused intently for a moment on the two figures.

Using Detect Evil to focus on Zenna then Teana. I assume there's nothing.

Teana smiled and lifted her hands to show that they were empty, before expertly hopping from the roof to the ground. "Save your spells. I'm on the job, and we're probably friends." Unless brawls in this town usually spilled out through the cellar, anyway. "I'm Teana the Windstorm, from down south, and more questions can wait until we're away from here."

Zenna waited looking for a familiar face. When she was called out, "Mongrels are at the front door of the Inn. I'm looking for a friend... a woman, she uses two weapons." She didn't move from her position since it gave her an excellent vantage point to see multiple angles.


She basically described Amber

Davor relaxed after a moment. "The spirits whisper that these two are not with the monsters, just more souls drawn into whatever tempest of fate it is that blows today. I agree that now is a good time to be leaving. A woman like that is currently holding back the tide of creatures inside."

Zenna eyes widened after she understood that Amber was inside the Inn. That was typical of her, but foolish. "I've got to help her. She was protecting someone!" She cried out as she rushed towards the group that exited the Inn. She pulled her bow and nocked an arrow with the full intent of entering the Inn.

"Just you wait" As Urle started to put himself between this mystery woman and the door "Who is she protecting?" He was starting to piece things together, but there was still too many moving parts in the last few moments for his liking "and if it's who I think, how do you two know about it?"

"Stop," said Teana - a word directed at just about everyone at once. "If she's staying in there, we shouldn't waste the chance she's giving us. Let's get somewhere safe where we can all swap stories." Hopefully, that would be enough to get the crew moving in some kind of direction.

In reply to Urle (msg # 87):

"Stranger. It's best for you to leave since you're already out." Zenna switched her tactic as she drew the scimitar seeing that the bow wouldn't be effective indoors. "The person that you described is a friend of mine. We came to this town to protect a woman." She tore her attention from the backdoor of the Inn to look over the assembled group outside the Inn. "Have you spoken with her? Her name is Amber. Was she with you?"

OOC: rolled 16 using 1d20+13.  Perception to spot a woman in the PC group.
Is there more than one?

Helena kept her head low and cowered behind Urle through the whole exchange. She still didn't know what to think and what to do. She was dying to apologize to this new woman, and yet, despite all of the guilt, she felt dread and fear.

The shouting from the Inn is growing louder, and there's some banging and thuds inside that are only growing angrier.  Now is the time to move.  Amber and Aria haven't emerged yet, but from some of the deep-voiced shouts and screams inside, the two are giving the mongrels a suitable taste of hell.  The group can move away from the scene of the ruckus, away from the market and core of the city, closer to the salt, fish, and seaweed smell of the docks.  With a little effort they can find an untenanted warehouse and get in through a barely-locked door.  There, amongst the dusty crates and bales, they are safe for the moment...

"The woman you need to protect is right here," Jerec said to Zenna, thrusting his staff at Helena. "Your friend is fighting inhuman assassins in there, ready to give up her life just so Helena here can have a chance at freedom; the best way to honor her wishes would be to ensure she does."

With that little speech Jerec gestured at the group and darted towards the docks; hopefully they would be able to find a place to lay low, and maybe a ship to get them as far away from here as possible. When he spotted the abandoned looking warehouse, Jerec immediately made for it, pointing it out to the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:03, Mon 15 Apr 2019.

Davor follows Jerec, but makes sure to stay next to Helena in case something happens again. Once they are inside the warehouse, he takes a moment to breathe then begins searching through his pack. After a moment he pulls out a strange looking berry. "While we catch our breath, I will commune with the spirits. They can give us guidance on what we should do next and perhaps what the least dangerous route is." He pops the berry into his mouth and chews as he takes a seat up against some crates. His eyes roll back and he begins to hum to himself.

Teana followed along with the others, though she didn't run. Instead, she moved in graceful leaps, bouncing from one point to the next and arbitrarily hopping from ground level to the rooftops and back at a couple of points.

Once inside the warehouse and not moving for the moment, she turned to Urle. "Anyway. My employers and I have a vested interest in Her Highness' safety, and they want me to stick to her like glue and keep assassins, monsters and other troubles away." She turned to Helena with a smile and a wink. "I'm sorry it's not that I'm enchanted by your beauty and defending you out of courtly love, or some other reason that the bards would prefer to sing about," she teased.

In reply to Jerec (msg # 92):

Zenna turned to face Jerec. "So you're all here to protect her?" She gestured to Helena, "What makes you so special? She turned to face the Inn. Amber was inside fighting to buy Helena and the others time to find safety. She blew a sharp whistle. In the distance, a wolf's howl was heard. Zenna turned to the others. "I will go with you. And protect our charge as best as I can."

Helena just lowered her head, the petite girl was quite uncomfortable. She actually wanted to understand the reality of the situation. What little explanation she had gotten so far had been quite short before all hell had broken loose. "How I wish I knew"

Teana smiled at Helena. "It's not really you. It's what you represent. Hope for peace and prosperity throughout the South," she said. "That's what it means to be the heir to Mekarium."

Urle's eyes squinted thin. He looked at Helena behind him, than back at his newfound "friends"

"This...doesn't make sense. Although we would seem to be on common cause, you're not supposed to know of such things. I was given this task by my Lord and Master, who in turn was given this from divination from a prophet. I was told this was of highest secrecy and importance. Not the sort of thing to be handled by mercenaries."

He looked at Helena again, and his face softened. "Don't worry. All will be explained"

With a sharp whistle, he beckoned his horse's arrival "I have cause to believe that this girl is who you claim. If she is, than you will understand that I am not entirely trusting. My life is sworn to her protection."


Turning back to the newly discovered princess, on bended knee "You are more special than you know, and more important. I" retracting himself briefly "we... would like to take you some place safe, and quiet, so that this can be properly explained. Now, would you like help onto Demetria? I promise, she and I mean no harm."

As the unlikely band discusses what to do next, there is a small knock on the door.  Anyone looking out of one of the few windows, or through a crack in the wall, can see a street urchin, one of the ragged homeless children who live in the forgotten spaces of the city.  This one is clutching a scrap of what looks like paper, and their face is smeared with soot.

From his trance, Davor briefly cracks an eye to weigh in. "Your prophet isn't the only one who can read the signs. The stars tell the same message to anyone who can understand. The spirits whisper of the future to those who listen. My old master swore by the coloration of the tribe's... anyway, I expect there will only be more who come. Judging their intentions will be another matter. So don't you try dragging her off on your own." He directs these comments to the knight and then appears to returns to his meditation.

Jerec simply stood to the side, leaning on his staff yet listening intently. Some of the others appeared to know more than he, something that was not a usual occurrence for the mage. He kept his counsel for now and his ears open to learn more.

The knock at the door startled him, and taking a peek out the window he spotted a street urchin, clutching something in his grubby hands. "It appears our arrival did not go unnoticed...should we confirm our presence here?" he queried the others, not making a move to open the door yet himself.

---

Knowledge (History):24 (To learn anything about Mekarium, and/or the Heir thereto.)

Zenna turned to the door. She peeked outside to get an idea of who was there before she opened it quickly, pulling the child inside. "Hush. Don't yell or alert anyone. What is it that you have?" She grabbed the note and passed it to someone before she checked outside the window. "I'll keep an eye out."

Zenna pulls the child in, and it remains silent, proferring the folded paper with a sharp gesture, one hand over its mouth, not making a peep.

Anyone examining the paper find that it is folded in a complicated manner so that it looks like a short-petaled flower.  Though slightly smudged by the child's fingers, it has a distinct scent of some exotic wildflower.

Helena moved to reach the kid and take the flower, she examined it and got it close to her face, closing her eyes and appreciating the aroma. Somehow it was a bit significative. "Who gave you this?"

The child looks over at the others, then creeps closer to Helena to whisper into her ear.  "Got it from the Court of Stars, least that's what he said. Short guy, maybe a halfling? Wore a hood and black mask with silver on it, seemed fancy, gave me a whole silver piece, said it was life and death. He was at the Mist Maiden, on the Blue Docks, about an hour ago.  Said to call him Myrian," the child says softly.

Helena just sighed and resigned to the fact yet someone else knew of her. She just turned to he protectors for advice. "Does any of it make sense to any of you?" she moved to the child "Did you find us or was that guy who told you where to find us?"

The child shakes its head.  "Said to look for a lady in the middle of a ruckus.  Saw what happened in the square, waited outside the inn, saw you go into this area, and then hunted around 'til I found the right place."

Davor considers the spirits. 

Zenna, you keep a lookout in the alleyway for anything untoward.  Your diligence pays off when you spy a couple cloaked figures that you are almost certain are mongrels.  From the way they are walking, they are wounded underneath their cloaks, so it seems that Amber (and the other woman) did a goodly amount of damage before anyone escaped.  The mongrels don't seem to be looking very hard, as one is clutching his side and the other is limping badly, but they are a couple buildings away from you.

Urle, the warehouse was large enough that you could get Demetria inside, because it would defeat the purpose of hiding to have your magnificent steed standing out in the alley as an advertisement for all to see.  She seems restless and keeps looking over at the door. 

Teana remains alert and watchful for any treachery.

"Does the message say anything? The Court of Stars is a real thing, but I don't know why they're involved in all of this."

The child looks at Teana, standing up a little straighter as it seems she wants an honest answer.  "Dunno, it was all folded up when I got it.  Was supposed to take it to the lady and right quick, so I did.  Can't read anyways!" the child says, the last almost cheerfully.  "'Sides, it looks all nice, like a flower, so I didn't want to muss it."

Davor opens his eyes and slowly get to his feet. "The spirits have given their message. We should read the one the child brought as well." He walks up to Helena and gently take the note from her hands, unfolds it, and reads the message aloud to those assembled.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:42, Sun 05 May 2019.

Though he was quite uneasy about having been discovered in their hideout so quickly, not to mention the description of the figure giving the message to the lad sounding rather foreboding, Jerec's ears did perk up at the mention of the ship. "That ship this 'Myrian' is on...it could be out ticket out of this deathtrap," he said to the others.

"Though it could very well be a trap, we are damned if we stay here anyway; we will eventually be found, and though we can put up a fight who knows how many resources our enemy can field against us," he added matter of factly. Better to take their chances and seek shelter aboard the Mist Maiden.

Ofcourse, a lot depended on the contents of the message itself. He glanced towards Davos as the half-orc attempted to decipher the message, silently urging him to hurry and share the contents with the rest of them.

---

Knowledge (Local): 11; Knowledge (History): 20 [Trying to determine anything about the Court of Stars]

In reply to Storyteller (msg # 108):

Zenna continued with her watch. "A couple of mongels. But they don't seem a threat. Let's figure out a plan. What's the note say?" A four-legged canine approached their building. She opened the door to hiss at the creature in the dark before she closed the door again.

After a moment of study, the note unfurls with a few careful tugs.  Beneath is a lovely script in a slightly sparkling blue ink, as if the ink had been mixed with metallic or mineral dust.

Gently stroking his beard as he considered the message, Jerec glanced at Helena to gauge her reaction. After a long moment he finally said, "Well, this seems to be as good an option as we are likely to get, given the circumstances. I have heard about the Court of Stars and I do believe we can trust them. For the moment, at least, though likely they too have their own agenda for helping you."

Tapping his staff on the floor with a touch of impatience he turned to the lad and said, "Well then lad, unless anyone here has any reservations, I say take us to the ship so we can be out of this deathtrap."

Zenna concurred with Jerec but she needed to hear it from the person she was entrusted to ward. "What say you, Helena. Where will you go, I will make sure to protect you wherever you decide."

Having now read and message, Davor shared some of the details of his vision with the others. "The spirits have shown me four paths that we might take: a mountain redoubt, a forest glen, a cavern in twilight, and the sea coast. A woman and a group of knights who I believe represented this Court of Stars offered these options, but they stood over a pit of vipers. I think we must be cautious. Even if the good will of this Myrian is genuine, their organization may be compromised." He looked at Helena. "Wizards are known to be wise, but I will follow you."

Helena just kept struggling to make a choice. "I don't know. All I want is to wake up from this nightmare." She turned to catch a glimpse of everybody. She trusted these kind people, but the whole deal seemed shady to her. She told the kid "Can we see you in an hour by the pier?"

Teana slipped over to Helena. "One dream ends, another begins. It's up to you to make the next dream a good one. But we've got your back," she said with the confident voice of experience. "We can hear them out, and if things get rough, we will ensure your safety."

Davor nods his agreement.

¬_¬ Is the kid gone already?

"We need to move quickly, before those beastlings pick up our trail my lady," Jerec said to Helena in a urgent tone. "If we are delayed in reaching the ship our benefactors may sail without us."

The mage tugged his beard in absently as he cautiously peered out a window, as if he expected one of the creatures to leap inside at any moment. It wasn't just the creatures that had ambushed them at the inn; given the nature of the girl and the number of people seemingly interested in her, there was no telling how many other factions could be involved. Any one of the others could end up here on their trail and cut off their escape.

The following is assuming the kid left already

"We cannot stay here, these things are dangerous". Helena said "But I trust Davor, and I don't trust these people. We need to leave the city, but I don't want to be trapped in a ship with them."

The child had nodded and given Helena an odd little bow before going to the door, looking through a crack cautiously, and then skittering down the street.

Jerec's examination of the outside after the messenger has left doesn't reveal any further activity outside, though it's clear there is a great deal of yelling going on in the general direction of the Inn, so that has likely drawn most of the attention in town.

Zenna, continuing her watch as the discussion carries on, does spy the same two cloaked figures staggering back the other direction at the end of the street; while they are moving slow, they do seem to be making a thorough sweep of the area.  Before long, more may start to join them...

Aside from the road out of town, and the docks, the other routes out of town would be along the seashore itself, which could be reached from the most run-down parts of the docks (in the opposite direction of the Blue Docks), or from the sewer system. There is also the possibility of scaling the walls in some fashion and leaving that way, making your way into the forest to confuse pursuit.

"We need to get moving," said Teana. "We should take the main road out, and then leave the road as soon as we're out of town," she advised. She gestured to Davor. "After that, you know the terrain and know where we can hide best while we plan our next move."

Davor nodded to Teana. "Alright. I think that is a good plan. We can cover our tracks or maybe draw anyone who follows us into a trap." He moves up to the door. behind Jerec and takes a look outside for himself. "There's no time for shopping. We'll have to make do with what we have and what we can find." He steps out into the alley and heads away from the inn.

Helena just nodded and followed the others. Hopefully the kid would stand out and call enough of these critter's attention to be a diversion.

Zenna stopped Davor before he stepped out into the alley. She motioned that she would go first. She stepped out into the alley and let out a high pitched whistle. A few seconds later, a large wolf appeared. "We follow him. He'll show us to safety. Mongrels are still about." Zenna moved to follow the wolf.

Davor let the ranger move out ahead of him and nodded to her as the wolf appeared and began to lead the way. Something gave him confidence in the woman's ability to lead them to safety so he instead allowed the party to pass him and made sure that Helena was ahead of him before following so as to keep an eye on her.

Jerec believed they were making a mistake not going for the ship, but it was too late to argue the point now. Tugging his beard in frustration he girded his shoulders and followed the others, letting those with the lore of reading and hiding tracks take the lead.

With Zenna and her wolf leading the way, the group can get through the maze of buildings and side streets without meeting any more mongrels (though they spy a few at a distance).  As they get closer to the gate, the amount of guards increases, as does the occasional corpse, mostly of mongrels.  From a few chance-heard comments, it seems that after inexplicably flooding the Pearl's Rest Inn with murderous intent, the band of mongrels was fended off by a pair of women warriors.  As the mongrels flooded back out of the inn with apparent mayhem in mind, they were met with the city guard, who had been trying to hunt them down since.

Most residents seem to have fled to their homes and barred their doors and windows.  The Pearl's Rest Inn is somewhat damaged and smoke-smudged, but seems intact.  However, when you get to the main gate, it is heavily barred watched over by six Guardsmen.  It seems Pearl Fort is not taking the risk of letting marauding mongrels out to make trouble along their roads and forests and coasts...

Seeing the guards barring the way out of town, Davor left his spot at the back of the group and made his way to the front. Never having had an ideal relationship with the city guard given his origins, Davor still felt optimistic that he could talk the group through the gate. Before approaching the guards, the waved his hand and spoke a word of power in his guttural tongue. His eyes flashed briefly with green light and he strode forward.

"You're barring the way for those creatures right? We were at the Pearl's Rest when they attacked. I know you have orders to bar the gate, but my friends and I clearly aren't those strange mongrels. You can let us leave for our own safety can't you?"

Davor casts the Enhance Diplomacy Cantrip to give himself a +2 bonus to his next Diplomacy roll.
Davor Spiritwalker rolled 22 using 1d20+15. Diplomacy.

Jerec remained near the back of the group, using his staff as a walking aid as he gazed at the guards from underneath his hood. Davor seemed to have the right idea of trying to convince the guards to let them pass, and the mage hoped it worked. The last thing they needed was to draw more attention.

"My lady, try to appear vulnerable and scared, it might help convince them to let us pass," he whispered to Helena.

The guards had been looking quite sternly at all and sundry, and as Davor steps up, begins to open his mouth to speak (likely to tell them to move along) when the shaman gives his calm reasoning for them being allowed out.  The man hems and haws just briefly, twitching his moustache, then steps closer to Davor and the others.

"We don't want to open the gates because we've had every nervy merchant clamoring for the same thing.  And if one wagon goes out, this will become a madhouse.  Now, you're an odd sort, but you've been polite all the time you've been here, and I know you're not responsible for those fool mongrels getting ideas.  Go down to the postern gate, just down that way, and give this to Hob, the man there.  He'll let you out.  Between you and I, we've nearly got the fools rolled up, but no need to start a panic.  Go quietly and with your gods," the man says, giving Davor a small wooden chit with a stamp of a crowned pearl burned into it.

If you follow the instructions, you'll find a small gate, more of a door, set into the wall.  The guard Hob will accept the chit with knowing nod and lets you out (after checking for any watchers).  Once outside the gate, the day is oddly quiet.  There no one on the road you can see, at least immediately, and the weather still looks clear.  From behind you, there is still some shouting and cursing as the last of the mongrels tussle with someone.

The road stretches out before you: Do you go along the coast (north or south) to the other communities that dot it?  North to the Farlight Forest, perhaps a half-day distant?  Further west, to the Vellowgrass plains?

"Well," Helena said. "I think e will be safe for now, but I have no idea where we should go. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do." She just wanted to go back to her life, but that just wasn't an option, her protectors no doubt expected her to fulfill this destiny whatever it was.

"Let's go north. We can get to the forest." Zenna offered a route once they were outside the town.




OOC: What was the plan again?
I thought the plan was to go to the port. But from where we are right now... that wasn't the plan :)
Someone pick a route and let the story develop.

"If it were my call, I'd take the bold road. South, because it's safest in the eye of a storm." Teana grinned. "Of course, that's cheap advice when I can fly."

Davor thanked the leader of the guards in a low voice, took the chit, and then led the way to the postern gate where he gave the chit to the man there. Once outside, he voiced his own opinion on the path they should take. "Nothing in my vision looked like lands to the south. The southern realms may be more 'civilized', but that doesn't mean they're safer. No, I'm for the north and the forest as well."

"I think I trust your visions" Helena said to Davor. "Once we find somewhere safe, I would like to hear your opinions and decide what is the big picture"

"North it is then, towards the forest," Jerec said, tapping his staff on the ground to emphasize his words. "Couldn't we have stopped by the stables to borrow a few horses? It would have helped us put distance between those creatures quicker, not to mention the mercy it would be on my old bones," he muttered.

Turning to glance back at the town Jerec peered at the gates from underneath his hood, just to make sure there wasn't a horde of the creatures following them. The guard had confirmed they were all dead but still, the mage was jumpy given recent events.

With a direction in mind and little time to waste (lest any clever mongrels see where they go, or any well-meaning guard or merchant decide they needed a lecture or company) the group hustles off to the north.  It is barely mid-morning, and with a good forced march (perhaps with Urle letting Helena ride from time to time) you can turn off the trade road to the forest by noon, pause for a bit of a meal and a break, and then carry on until the cool trees close in against the road.  Assuming you are wishing more privacy, Zenna can find a game path and get everyone off the road, eeling past the brush and concealing your trail until you're far enough away to seek a place to camp for the evening.

Casting about, Zenna eventually finds a small stream of good water and a good, flat place for everyone to rest.  With a bit a work, everyone can help make a decent rough camp and a small fire (carefully concealed from the road and using the driest wood to make little smoke) to heat up water for tea, or soup, or to cook a small beast or three for their meal.

Around you the tall trees of Farlight Forest begin to show their intermittent glow as the sun sets.  Spots of luminescence speckle the canopy, and you can spy the occasionally flitting forms of bats or owls as they dart about, seeking their own dinners.  The forest is quiet, just a few natural sounds farther away in the brush, with the night songs of birds singing overhead.

There's a small cluster of mushrooms beyond your circle of firelight, glowing softly blue, and you can spy a few small lizards, glowing a faint pink, chasing each other around the trunks of the trees.

Throughout the days travel, Davor allowed others to lead and instead stayed at the back and did his best to obscure any evidence of the group's passing. When they arrived at the stream he set up his tent, bedroll, and blanket on the flat spot, but offered it to Helena who he assumed would not have had any survival gear of her own even if she had had a chance to pack. "I've lived most of my life sleeping out in the open. I'll be fine." After helping to build the fire, he says a single strange word and the wood immediately bursts into flames.

Taking a seat by the fire, he makes an observation to the rest. "If we're going to be in these woods for long, who will need food? I can forage and hunt pretty well." The question was phrased strangely; as though he himself had no need.

Davor Spiritwalker rolled 14 using 1d20+4. Knowledge: Local.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Tue 11 June 2019.

Being used to traveling around on foot, Jerec found the going to be easy enough, even with a forced march. Still he welcomes the opportunity for breaks during their travel, and when evening finally approached he gratefully settled down onto the camp site Zenna found.

"I do not have any skill at hunting, but I would welcome some fresh food; some tender rabbit meat perhaps seasoned with some herbs and spices," Jerec replied to Davor absently, as he stared at the glowing blue mushrooms nearby. He didn't have any seasonings on him himself, but Jerec hoped the others were better provisioned.

"Now that we appear to have shaken off those beastmen, we should also discuss our plans for the morrow; do we have a specific destination we are heading for? Or are we going to wander endlessly in these damn woods?" The mage posed the question to his companions, albeit looking at Helena as he did so.

---

Knowledge (Nature): 15 (to discover what those shrooms are)

Helena just sat in place, she had never been outside the walls and that was on top of everything else. "I hope we can think of a place." she turned to the others "I don't know what to do or where to go. Maybe you guys have some ideas?"

"I've never been around here," replied Teana. She looked at Davor.

The Farlight Forest is known for its populations of elves, fey, and trolls.  The elves keep their communities hidden unless one knows where to look, the fey are usually elusive (unless they have targeted you for their amusement or an insult done to them), and the trolls, well, no one really wants to meet the trolls.



That said, there are a few known villages of elves along the road through the forest that act as trading posts for the few communities who deal with non-elven merchants.  The nearest, Greenbriar, is perhaps two days away on the road, longer if you keep away from obvious paths.

"We should head to Greenbriar. It's an elven village... a trading post a few days from here." Zenna suggested a destination. "And that gives us about two days time for you." She stopped and leveled her gaze at Helena. "Tell me Helena. Who are your parents?"

Davor nodded in agreement with Zenna's suggestion. "Yes, Greenbriar will be a good first stop to allow us to gather supplies. After that, the spirits say that we should make our way to the Circle of Crowns. There are wise elves there who may be able to shed more light on recent events."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Sat 15 June 2019.

Jerec nodded slowly as the others discussed where to go next, Greenbriar seemed to most obvious. "We could also purchase horses from there, it should allow us to cover more ground faster," the mage said.

He also hoped Helena would divulge more information about herself, either in response to Helena's gentle probing or otherwise of her own volition; it might help them understand what made her special and why so many different people were after her. It may also help them figuring out where to go to seek help.

The mage reached into the travel-bag by his side and produced a slender book with a firm brown cover, and opening it began to thumb through the pages. Strange runic lettering made up the pages along with equally strange diagrams and designs.

"By the way, do not touch those mushrooms, you won't enjoy it," he muttered to the others, gesturing absently towards the glowing blue plantlife in the distance.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:47, Sun 16 June 2019.

Teana had been about to pick up a mushroom when she heard Jerec's warning, then nodded to Davor. "Greenbriar it is."

Helena just lowered her eyes and made an effort to take something from the space between her dress and the girdle. She showed the item with a somber expression. It was an old and discolored playing card with the word 'Helena' written on it with a beautiful calligraphy. "This is all I know. What was left with me."

Jerec peered up from his spellbook and glanced towards Helena, or more specifically at the object she was showing. "Hmm, doesn't seem like much but looks can be deceiving," he muttered, closing his book and moving closer to the girl.

"Do you remember where you found this Helena, or who gave it to you?" the mage asked curiously. Reaching forward with a hand he murmured something under his breath and held a palm outward, pointed towards the playing card. A glint of light appeared to pass over his eyes and he stared at the card intently, keeping his palm pointed towards it.

---

Zenna seemed unimpressed. "That's not even a full deck." She was about to say something else but then Jerec began to murmur something under his breath.


Not much for me to do. Carry on!

As the group discusses their past and future around the campfire, something curious happens.  The cluster of glowing mushrooms moves, the ground and mushrooms together lifting up as if the edge of a carpet.  Below the edge, the firelight reveals a pale columnar body with a flat face on the upper portion, topped by a domed red cap that flares out.  One pale, stumpy arm with thick fingers is holding up the edge of the ground, the other is on the ground, tapping the fingers on the dirt as if from impatience or nervousness.  The being is at least three feet tall, though you cannot see its feet... if it has feet.  It resembles nothing so much as a mushroom person!

"'lo.  What you?  Why you?  Need thing?  Need name?"  The mushroom person's voice is high and breathy, its eyes wide and round.

Davor turns around to face the strange creature. His eyes glow briefly, but he shows no other sign of aggression. When the creature posses it's questions, he responds in kind. "We are just travelers. We didn't intend to trespass, we just need a place to sleep. Call me Davor."

Teana likewise rose to her feet gracefully and bowed to the creature. "I am Teana Florin."

Jerec started when the strange figure emerged from the ground, and nearly lost his concentration on his spell. Focusing his mind, he kept the spell going but also listened intently to the conversation with the creature.

The mushroom-person shakes its head- cap- at Davor, and looks at each of the others with interest.  "No 'esspass, 'avor, 'eana. Is asking what you are needing. Sleep be a good thing. But safe, also good? Knowing, is good?"

Davor settles back. "We appreciate safety, yes. What is there to know?"

Zenna was unsure if her purpose here was really warranted. The heir apparent wasn't sure if she was actually an heir. And people were putting their lives at risk. She withheld her name from the mushroom person since she wasn't sure of their purpose. Davor did ask the question that came to her mind.

What else is there to know... many things. Who are they to give these answers.

Darcon nodded cautiously at the fungal creature and said, "Well met. Being safe is good indeed, as is knowledge. We need both these things."

The mage offered a pleasant smile while trying to recall if he knew anything about mycanoids which might be useful in negotiating with it; he dimly recognized the creature from some obscure texts and faded illustrations, but strained to remember anything more.

---

Knowledge (Nature): 28 [Trying to recall anything useful about Mycanoids]

"Much, much to know.  Sound travels to the ground.  We're in the ground, of the ground.  Hear much.  A bit ago, much sound by the coast, much commotion.  And then, some leave, and you are now here.  Not hiding, but not mean.  Knowing, then, that you are good, and not wanting to be there.  If more sounds come from there, maybe they are angry sounds.  Maybe we can find out where they are going.  Would be a good thing to know, yes?" the mushroom person says, eyes wide and bright.  "And safe is good, very good.  You came closer to the earth before you left, yes?  You can go into the earth again."  It gestures below, as if inviting someone into a house.  "The earth has roads.  When things are destroyed above, it doesn't mean it was destroyed below."

Though the creature seems honest enough, Davor is naturally skeptical of anyone or anything offering so much in exchange for essentially nothing. "We did flee from the coast. It's impressive that your network is so extensive." He declines to say anything about the mushroom person's deduction that led it to conclude the party was good.

He considers the thing for a time. "We would like to know if anything angry came from the coast or if anything from that direction came this way that might be following us." At the mention of the roads below he cocks a quizzical eyebrow. "Would we need to offer anything in exchange for passage? We would not want to impose."

Jerec's eyes widened as he grasped what the Myconid was offering them, a way out of their predicament, or at least a nearly fool proof way to shake off any pursuit.

"A passage underneath the ground itself, with our very own guide. It would be close to impossible for anyone to track us if we go down there, unless if they use magic," he remarked excitedly to the group.

Realizing they might have suspicions about the Myconids he added in a softer tone, "These beings are innocent and peaceful by nature, living in harmony with the earth and the things that grow underneath. They know little of deception, I firmly believe we have little to fear from them or that they will betray us."

"Underground," said Teana, rubbing her arms together a little. "I suppose if it's the safest way..." She looked over at Helena for the final decision.

"I urge caution. We don't know anything really about these mushroom people." Zenna didn't seemed convinced.

"Maybe we could try." Helena said, she found the creature a bit spooky, but far from untrustworthy. At the very least they weren't anywhere near as fishy as the guys from that order..."They seem nice."

Davor presses two fingers of his left hand to a tattoo on an exposed portion of his right shoulder, then moves it in a deliberate motion across his body to touch one of the pieces of bone in his hair as he speaks a word.

Davor casts Detect Evil and carefully regards the mushroom person.

"It is a good thing to know, 'avor," the mushroom person says.  It takes one hand and then carefully pressed the tip of one large finger to the soil.  Spreading white... rootlets? emerge from it, finer than hairs.  The mushroom person waits a moment, then nods ponderously.  "As you see, how they go.  They spread all ways, sea and land and where the water meets both, going out like roots seeking water."

A search pattern, that is clear enough, but one with no inkling of where their quarry had gone.

"Not impose, to go below. Want stories, color, maybe food, as we go, so we can make the histories sing," the mushroom person says.

Davor, making a decision, smiles at the mushroom person though he has no idea if it can recognize a smile. "I think the advantages presented by our new friend would be very helpful."

To the mushroom person he says: "Stories we have. What do we call you?"

Jerec stared at the emerging rootlets with fascination. Assuming he interpreted what the mycanoid was saying correctly, they represented the people (and possibly other things) searching for Helena.

"Fascinating...can you determine why they hunt for their quarry?" he asked, though not really expecting a conclusive answer. That would be beyond the creature but then again who knew.

"Food we have and stories many, colorful and otherwise," the mage said with a laugh, wondering if they should just take the underground route to the elven village they had intended or go even farther.

The mushroom person's mouth stretches into a strange smile.  "Am Caprin.  Will come, with color?" it asks, holding the "carpet" of the ground open wider.  Caprin is a bit taller than you estimated, and the opening below ground wide and generous enough even for Urle's mount.  Looking in, you can see a broad road "paved" with thin rootlets that seem to form a springy mat.

When Jerec asks about why the mongrels are hunting prey, Caprin tilts its cap.  "Not I can say. Maybe others with magic that reads the heart."

For those who go below, there is a long, shallow, spiraling ramp that leads down, down, down.  Glowing mushrooms, something like what you saw above, cling to the ceiling like chandeliers, giving off a cool but clear light.  Other strange mushrooms that resemble fans, antlers, wrinkled mounds, and enormous puffballs are scattered on either side of the road like brush, while tall capped mushrooms soar above your head thirty feet or more like trees.  Tiny lizards dart through the "foliage", along with large, pale, cricket-like insects perhaps a foot long, their chirps taking the place of bird calls.

Caprin selects one road from the five at the end of the ramp and marches along it at an easy pace.  As he does, you notice the one true incongruity of this place: above, on the ceiling between the glowing mushrooms, are what looks like an upside-down ancient town.  Squares of paving stones echo the fungal mats below, and round spires, domed complexes, and tiled roofs are scattered across the ceiling, forming an elegant town with sophisticated lines and architecture.

Davor takes the lead into the tunnel behind Caprin. He looks around him as they travel, fully absorbed in the sights of the strange underground realm. Walking beside Caprin he asks: "What did you mean when you said 'come with color'?" He hardly seems to remember the purpose of their travel as they march.

Caprin nods around at the scenery.  "Many colors aboveground, not as many below.  Different colors.  They are important.  Precious."  Caprin looks sideways at the group as the follow the fungal road.  "Do you have a precious thing you must hide?  Many do not choose the low road unless they need to keep something secret and safe.  Some come for knowledge.  Many of those do not leave, and they leave their colors behind to choose ours."

"I guess that's..." Helena shivered to tell it out loud as she hadn't considered herself to be precious, but these people were risking their lives for her sake. "me they want to protect.."

Though he is inclined to be honest with Caprin, Davor wasn't prepared to simply state that Helena was what they wanted to keep secret and safe. When she takes that duty upon herself, he simply smiles a toothy half-orc grin. "A lot of people seem interested in the young lady. It's hard to say why, but I trust the spirits will reveal more when we need to know."

Caprin only nods at Helena's comment, though he looks her over carefully.  "Upper-worlders are strange.  They build this, but we don't know why," he says, gesturing at the stretch of "town" they're walking under right now.  This one sports several larger buildings, one with a crystal dome, one with a slender spire of pale stone capped with a metal figure much like an angel, and a fountain that flows in perfect, gravity-defying arcs.  "What grows up also grows down, you know," Caprin says in a low voice, as if in confidence.

As they walk, Davor considers the structures above them. "How do you know upper-worlders built this? I've heard that saying applied to plants, but not to cities." He seems inclined to move the topic of conversation away from Helena, but also very interested in the wonders that the group is passing underneath.

Jerec walked the underground path along with the others, gazing about him in wonder. The most captivating sight of-course, was the upside down town above them, and the mage who had seen sights most mortals never would could only guess at its purpose and construction.

"How far are you going to take us Caprin?" he asked the mycanoid curiously as they walked and made conversation.

"Down here building not like this.  Why have roofs?  No rain or ice that falls from above.  Rocks, sometimes, but it's best to be where the rock is firm, yes," Caprin says in response to Davor.  "Upper worlders wanted their buildings to be built easy, so used magic, so stories say.  Magic makes reflections."


When Jerec asks about destination, Caprin nods politely at the wizard.  "Not far.  To our First Circle for an exchange of color, and then we can tell you where our roads go so you know where you want to go."

Zenna followed in silence. She did not like traveling beneath the earth. The wolf companion followed near Zenna. She reached down to scratched the head. "When can we leave this place?"

Caprin turns to look at Zenna and her wolf, and his expression looks a little hurt.  "Until you want to go.  You came for a road no others were on.  The First Circle is close."

Within an hour the road widens to what looks like a grove of carefully-sculpted mushrooms, their girthy stems the side of a small cottage, their caps as large as thatched roofs.  The cluster around an open area carpeted by blue and green lichen and populated by many other mushroom people of all sizes, from willowy ones nearly eight feet tall, to little ones no bigger than a foot.  Some of the mushroom folk have vest-like garments made from woven fibers in dull brown and blue, some have elaborate woven and beaded nets upon their caps, like huge, ornate doilies.  Caprin leads you into the center of the circle and bows to one with a bifurcated stem-body and two capped heads, only four feet tall.

"Seekers, this is Twin Eyes.  Twin Eyes, they seek safe passage and maybe more," Caprin says with a bow.

The upside down village you left behind soon after your conversation with Caprin, and while a flagstone road echoing the matted one below remained on the ceiling, you didn't see any other structures until you reached the First Circle.  Hanging above the "market square" of First Circle is another prosperous village with a domed central structure, many small shops or houses with handsome carvings and stonework, and a curious network of canals and fountains whose water remains stubbornly up.

Davor spends the rest of the march pondering Caprin's answer about where the upside down buildings came from and says little. He does shoot their ranger companion a sympathetic glance when she complains about having to travel underground.

When Caprin introduces the group to the miconid it calls Twin Eyes, Davor mimics their guide's actions and bows in turn. "You've been very accommodating so far. We hope we can continue on in safety."

Jerec entered the myconoid village (First Circle) cautiously, and gazed about him in amazement. To think there was an entire civilization of these beings underneath the earth...who knew what else remained hidden from prying eyes and seeking spells from humans above the ground.

He stopped respectfully before the elder myconoid, awaiting the beings answer to Caprin and Davor's words. His eyes were drawn though to the upside down village hanging above them, and he couldn't help but wonder what might happen should powerful enough spells of dispelling be cast on these wondrous towns and villages shaped into the earth above; would they simply vanish, or would they come crashing down, burying them all underneath tons of rock?

"I am here because of her." Zenna was clearly referring to the heir. "My preference is to have the wind in my face and travel with the sun or the stars shining the path. This, while I'm sure is natural for you, is clearly not for me. The sooner we get to wherever we need to go, the sooner we'll be back to where be belong."

Helena just went along with Zenna's statements. "This is a pretty place, and I'm grateful for the help. But I agree with you, I can't wait for things to go normal."
She then bowed for the elder Myconid. "Thank you for your help so far"

Twin Eyes steps closer, leaning to examine Davor carefully on two sides simultaneously, then repeating the action on each member of the party.  When it is finished, Twin Eyes steps in front of Davor again and says, "What safety shall continue?  Safe from all harm?  We know spores that will put you to sleep and places where you could hide in such a state for a thousand lifetimes.  Safe from being hunted?  Less surface-dwellers know of the low road, and you could live here without hunters for many of your sunlit years?  But perhaps you are not who would prize physical safety above all other concerns.  Do you wish to be safe from ignorance?  Part the veils of the future and see what could be writ there?  Or perhaps the past holds your answers."  Twin Eyes glances upward to the ceiling city.  "Or does safety to you lie in numbers on your side?  Do you wish to raise an army?  Or yet does your safety lie in magic, power, and arms, and you wish strength to wield them better?  Tell me, what safety do you seek?"



Twin Eyes pulls back from Davor as Zenna voices her concerns.  "The way back is open to you, but the door may be thick with enemies.  If it seems that you must leave to thrive, we will find you a door clear of foes.  Those that do not thrive must find places that they can grow."



As Helena speaks up, Twin Eyes seems to smile, though it is a subtle expression on the stiff, myconid face.  "It is well you see the beauty.  If you are who one is here for... do you have colors you can share with us?"

When Twin Eyes mentions parting the veil of the future and answers in the past, Davor grins conspiratorially. Despite being underground, a breeze seems to blow through his hair causing the bits of glass and bone to clink together softly. "I have had the veil of the future parted for me before and secrets of the past whispered in my ear."

He ponders the myconid's question as it addresses Zeanna and Helena and nods in response to what it says. "A door clear of foes that lies ahead on our path and not behind would be safety enough. Physical safety for ourselves we can supply though I would not object to warnings of spores that can put us to sleep."

When Davor mentions his own connection to the future, one of Twin Eye's head winks at him slightly.  "Then we can find you a door.  We must let the roots wander and see what is to be said.  Rest a while.  The sun is still dark in the above-world," Twin Eyes says.  And true, it has been a long day with little rest for most of you.  If anyone wishes to sleep, the myconids will provide large puffball mushrooms, curiously soft, to sleep on, and slightly firmer ones to eat (which have a pleasant nutty taste).  Twin Eyes gestures to several of the other myconids, and they scatter to various paths, sent on errands that were not voiced in a way you could hear.

Some hours later, whether people choose to sleep or not, Twin Eyes rises up, looking pleased on one face and worried on another.  "A door has been found where foes are not.  But it lies in a dangerous place.  No sleeping spores are there, but hungry distant brethren.  It lies through a mushroom forest, and you must be wary.  They like us as prey, but would not scruple to eat you as well.  When you gain the surface, though, you will be a day away from the foes that spread from the coast, amidst the sea of grass."

The "sea of grass" is likely the Vellowgrass plains to the west, which are the strongholds of the smallfolk (halflings and gnomes).  Anyone taller than the smallfolk stands out very obviously against the grasses, and can be easy pickings if they prove to be more trouble than they're worth.

"Now," Twin Eyes says, leaning forward.  "Do you have color for us?"

Davor elects to both sleep while the opportunity presents itself. He also tries one of the mushrooms, but more out of curiosity than out of any apparent need to eat. When Twin Eyes explains the situation, Davor considers the information and then nods. "I think we can look after ourselves. A day's lead on our pursuers is worth a little risk if Helena agrees." He looks to the young woman for confirmation.

Still unsure exactly what the mushroom people meant when they referred to offering color, Davor asks a question. "Is there specific color you'd like from us? You've been very generous so far."

"How do we do that?" Helena said finally admitting she understood little of the request.

Jerec woke, feeling rested. He took a few bites to eat from the nutty tasting mushrooms before taking some time to peruse his spellbook, glancing over some spells he thought might be useful in the immediate future and committing their formulae and chants to memory.

Then he joined the others to stand before Twin Eyes, listening intently to what the elder myconoid said from both his heads. The mage didn't like the sound of the dangerous place they were to exit from but it appeared they had little choice.

"What sorts of creatures are these that prey upon you? What do they look like, and have they any weakness, say to fire or other elements?" Jerec asked Twin Eyes curiously.

Twin Eyes spreads their hands, indicating the relatively dull colors around them.  There is dull read, dark blue, occasional ocher yellows and browns.  Slightly brighter colors are seen the glow fungus that provides the light, but it's mostly pale and washed out.  Nowhere are sunny yellows, bright reds, cerulean blues, pure whites, deep pinks, or any of the colors commonly found in flowers or fancy clothing on the surface.

"You have dyes perhaps?  Or songs about bright color?  Or stories of such?  The colors that can be seen in the sun, those are what we wish."



"Know you any of the dyer's art?  Or have you any trove of lore or song to share?" Twin Eyes asks.



Turned from his explanation of color, one of Twin Eyes' heads answers, "Like your forests above, like where I found you, but tall stalks of mushrooms with large caps.  Except some hide the predators, as they imitate the 'trees'.  They spit sticky secretions and then reel their prey up to their mouths.  They are not fond of fire, and they are clever to hide themselves and strike when you are unaware."

"Hmm, I see," Jerec muttered, stroking his beard slowly as he listened to Twin Eyes inform them about their potential foes outside the door they would exit. These foes sounded quite dangerous and unpredictable, making Jerec wonder if it really had been worth it traveling so underground? Only time would tell he supposed.

"We shall make a note of these creatures and take the proper precautions," the mage said finally. "As for songs or stories of color, well I do believe our lady Helena here could regale you with some tavern shanty or sailors tale from her town?" He looked at Helena expectantly.

Expecting a certain reluctance from Helena, Davor grins and steps forward. "I've seen a great many things in my time and I have a tale or two that I can tell." The shaman begins to chant and wave his hands, a moment later a pale shimmering image of a snow capped mountain at night appears. In the translucent star-field behind the mountain the shifting, multicolored waves of the northern aurora can be seen. "This tale is of a hunt I undertook. A great wolf that stalked the northern peaks." He indicates the huge skull that serves as his pauldron.

Over the next few minutes, with the help of his illusion, Davor relates the tale of hunting and killing the great wolf in great detail. When he is done, the images fade and he returns to stand next to the others.

Davor casts Minor Image to enhance his story.

Helena remembered the paper flower she'd received from the shady people. She took it out and showed it to the elder. It was plain white, with some of the scent still on it. "This is a white paper flower, it has some blank ink inside. At first glance it is not the best of the colors, but this fake flower was made out of a plant with some of the prettiest and shiniest flowers from a land far away, they bright beautifully in fields I can only see in dreams. These lands are across the beautiful green sea and this one flower came through them, towards me." She hesitated "It also has some other colors, the color of happiness, the color of doubt, the color of fear. Happiness, because somehow I was worthy of this humble, yet exotic gift. Doubt, because I don't know if the people who gifted this to me want to help me or use me. And fear, because it is the symbol of my uncertain future. In a way this flower is white, because it has all of the colors under the sun. Maybe it belongs down here?"

Jerec smiled in wonder as he beheld both Davor's marvelous illusion, heightened by his skilled storytelling, and Helena's simpler yet more heartfelt tale about the paper flower she had been gifted.

"Well then elders, I believe that is more color than you may have received in quite some time," he said to both heads of Twin Eyes. "Will that be enough to sustain you, until we return some day and bring more to share?"

Twin Eyes and the other myconids watch Davor's story with its illusions and examine Helena's origami message with deep appreciation.  Twin Eyes smiles, their strange mouths oddly wide, and nod to both.  "Color-givers, you have done well.  Come, let us get you to your surface away from your enemies."

Twin Eyes will press a small mushroom into each of Helena and Davor's palms, a small one with a white-spotted red cap.  "To ward against anything that would affect your eyes that see such colors, just eat it," they murmur to each of you.

Caprin escorts you out of the Circle and along your way.  You travel two more hours along the curious fungal road, as always echoed above by a stone road on the ceiling and occasionally spotted by perfect upside-down structures.  Some resemble a stable, some more like outbuildings, one looks remarkably like a manor.  But when the fungal growths on the ground begin to get thicker and taller, the structures above begin to retreat.  As the fungal forests rear up to sixty foot heights, they brush the tops of the low structures hanging from the ceiling above.  The fungal road below winds through the mushroom behemoths, and the end of it cannot be seen.  Strange glowing lights in violet and blue speckle the forest at random intervals, sometimes creating more shadows than they reveal.  It is something like the forest you left above yesterday, but with a strong eerie tinge.  Though there are no sounds of birds, you can hear sounds of insects, dripping and flowing water, and occasional rustlings in what passes for undergrowth here.

"I leave you here.  The road will go all the way to the end, and then you simple push upward.  It is perhaps another hour through the forest at a trot, but... trotting can sometimes mean you are more likely to be thought prey.  I wish you all of the luck you can muster," Caprin said, his speech curiously refined from how he had been talking yesterday, as if he was remembering things he had once forgotten.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:59, Tue 03 Sept 2019.

Davor grins at Twin Eyes as the myconid gives him the mushroom. "Thank you. You've been very helpful." He slips the strange mushroom into his pack for use when the situation arises.

During the walk through the mushroom forest, Davor continues to appreciate the structures above, but when they reach the place where Caprin wants to leave them, he refocuses on what is in front of them. "Thank you for all your help Caprin. I hope I find my way here to visit you again."

To the others in the group he says, "I know we want to be above ground again, but I think we should move slowly through this place. Even in strange terrain like this I think we can move cautiously enough to avoid attracting too much attention."

Zenna nods cautiously, her wolf nudging himself under her hand for a scratch behind the ears.  "We can scout for any of these ambush creatures so they can be avoided.  Give us a few moments to get ahead of you, then you come after," she says.  If people are in agreement, she moves to the thicker part of the undergrowth and begins to slink through the mushroom forest.

Teana looked at Davor and rubbed her arms again. "I agree, as much as it pains me to admit it. Having me flying around the place will just draw attention."

Davor grins and lets Zenna get out ahead. Once the ranger has almost gone past where he can tell where she is, he begins to follow as quietly as he can. He splits his attention between following Zenna and making sure the others are with him.

Zenna goes carefully through the "underbrush", her wolf at her side, often disappearing entirely from view.  A few moments later the rest of the group can follow on the path.  Zenna periodically appears, signalling all is well.  But the fifth time she does this, she signals you to wait and circles back to speak to everyone.

"I saw the predators ahead.  There's a clearing about sixty feet ahead with at least six of the ambush hunters hidden on the tall mushroom stalks.  Anything going through or near the clearing can be targeted, and the undergrowth on either side is very thick."

Davor seems strangely excited by the news when Zenna circles back and tells of the ambush. "I think the hunter can become the hunted. If there is really no way around then an illusion entering the clearing could get them to spring their trap early and then we could spring one of our own." He pauses and thinks for a moment. "We might not even need an illusion. I could summon a pony. I think that would draw them out." A wide grin has spread across the half-orc's pace as he looks around at the others and gauges their enthusiasm.

Jerec had waited patiently for Zenna to return, waiting for the ranger to ply her art while he stood silently with the others, admiring the eerie beauty of the forest. Finally, as Zenna returned with news the mage listened to the others speak then added his own counsel.

"A good idea friend Davor, a charging creature making enough noise to wake the dead would certainly put those lurking in wait on edge, and force them to spring their trap early. At the least they will be disoriented and off guard, allowing us to pick them off easily," he said in a low voice, looking at the half-orc with a small grin of his own.

Turning to regard Zenna he asked her softly, "If we creep up closer to the clearing while remaining inside the underbrush before Davor conjures the horse, do you believe the hunters will be able to see or hear us?"

---

ooc: In other words, can we move say, within 30 ft of the hunters/clearing while remaining within the underbrush and not be spotted without needed to make skill checks? Just want to get in range to use my spells before setting off the trap but want to get an idea how risky it might be.

"But won't that pony get hurt?" Helena asked, not being versed in the arcane arts, she showed concern for a living being. "I mean it seems like a good idea, but I worry about hurting an animal"

Teana looked at Helena with a little, tolerant smile. "You don't eat horse meat where you're from?" she asked.

Davor's broad grin softened slightly and something in his eyes said he was not used to such shows of compassion. "It would merely be a manifestation of the spirit realm and not a true animal. If it were badly hurt, it would simply return from whence it came. Before we attempt this, everyone gather close. I will ask the spirits to lend us their aid."

It takes only a moment and a guttural incantation for a pale green mist to pour out of Davor's mouth and suffuse each member of the group. Continuing his ritual, the shaman next draws a piece of tanned hide with black markings from his breastplate and waves his hands over it while chanting. A moment later he is surrounded by a dull, green glow and as he stands, his massive spectral blade materializes in his hand.

Finally, Davor pulls one of the glass beads from his hair and, holding it between his fingers, begins another chant. His request is answered a moment later when a plume of green smoke rises from the ground and dissipates to reveal a perfectly ordinary looking pony. "Now, let's see about these strange hunters."

Davor casts Bless on the entire party and Shield of Faith on himself (AC 22/15/21).
Davor summons his Ancestral Weapon.
Davor casts Summon Monster I to summon a pony.

Everyone thusly prepared, Davor calls the pony from the spirit realm.  The little beast shakes its head and then trots out into the open space as Davor bade it.  Nothing happens for the first few moments as it traipses across the open space.  But then one of the mushroom caps opens a maw and shoots out strands of sticky white that slap into the pony's side!  The little beast gives a squeal of surprise and pain, which redoubles when a second from the opposite side does the same, trapping the pony between them as they play tug-of-war!

Jerec felt a twinge of pity for the pony as it was attacked and about to be made into a meal, which was in fact being fought over. It appeared now was the time to spring their own trap.

He nodded to the others and rising up took something out from a small pouch on his belt and closed his fist around it, while chanting softly. A warmth grew inside his closed hand as he extended two fingers from it and made a series of motions in the air before him. Finally he opened his hand completely, and a sphere of bright flame sparked into existence, hovering above his palm.

Snapping his palm forward he sent the sphere of flame streaking towards the clearing with the creatures, where is exploded with a whooshing sound, engulfing everything in its path in bright flame.

---

Initiative: 19; Standard Action: Cast Fireball (aimed to try & include as many of the creatures in its radius as possible); Damage: 26  (Victims may make DC: 19 Reflex save for half damage).

The pony, being in the middle of the clearing and restrained by the white strands, takes the brunt of the fiery explosion and dissipates much as it appeared in a billowing cloud of green smoke. Behind it, Davor emerges into the charred area chanting loudly in his strange orcish tongue. He places a single finger on the flat of his blade and runs it up the length of the sword. As his finger passes, a ghostly flame engulfs the weapon. Davor stands at the base of one of the two mushrooms and lets out a bellowing challenge before adopting a fighting stance in the hopes of drawing all attention to himself.

Davor casts Extended Sun Metal. 12/12 rounds.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:56, Sun 15 Sept 2019.

The fireball detonates, and the two mushroom cap monsters cannot dodge, tied as they are to the pony.  Both get charred from the burst of flame and release their prey, screaming outrage from the top of their tall stalks.



Davor makes himself a target, the flames on his weapon a warning.  The creature bellows and casts its sticky strands at him, entangling him in its strands!

Zenna bends her bow at the one targeting Davor, only her first arrow finding its target, but sinking it deeply into its charred hide.  It whines at the injury, but doesn't let go of Davor yet.

Teana unleashes a blast of air, but with the smoke of the fireball hanging in the air, her blasts twists away without striking the creature.

The second creature casts its strands back towards Jerec, but they fall just short!

Urle hurls his trident at the second capped foe, but it falls short, clattering back to earth!

Davor swings his flaming blade and severs the sticky strands in one swift stroke of the massive weapon. The half-orc then rushes next to the nearest mushroom in preparation for another strike.

Davor Spiritwalker rolled 23 using 1d20+9. Escape grapple.

Teana looked at one of the monsters and frowned as her shot fell short, then leaped up, pirouetting in midair and shooting a forceful wave of air at the mushroom monster, hoping to smash the fungal fiend directly into the ground.

18:46, Today: Teana Florin rolled 26 using 3d6+12.  Air Blast Damage.
18:45, Today: Teana Florin rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  Air Blast.

The mushroom monster gives a shriek as Davor severs the sticky strands, and from the stench as the strands retract, your realize they are not a sticky silk, like a spider, but some part of the creature, like a tongue.  Davor dashes over to the base of the next mushroom, cutting off the angle of attack for one of the high-perching foes!



Leaping into her natural element, Teana's fierce gust of air indeed dislodges one of the beats from its high perch and tumbles it to the ground, where it smashes into paste!

Zenna bends her bow again, harming the last remaining foe with one well-placed shot, and a second that hits even deeper!

Jerec decides to try to bring their elevated foe down to earth, and flicks his fingers to fire several darts of magic at it.  His magic missiles hit with toppling force, and the beast falls with a hearty thud from its lofty stalk. 

Urle, seeing a foe on firm ground, urges his mount forward and swings his warhammer with a will.  With the beast on its back on the ground, it's an easy target, and Urle makes certain it will not rise again!

With the last smash of the hammer, all is calm again for the moment.  Furtive scurryings are heard in the depths of the grove, but it seems they are mostly going away from your group, not so surprisingly.

Though he has played his part well, Davor is still caught up in the adrenaline rush of the fight. He swings his massive sword, which is still ablaze with the phantasmal fire and burries the blade in the trunk of the mushroom on which their opponent had so recently been perched. He makes several more swings, hewing at the massive mushroom until it teeters and falls with a crash. Finally, the shaman warrior flings his massive sword like a spear into the dense growth beyond the clearing. The sword impacts into the stalk of another large mushroom and, a few moments later, dissipates into mist.

It is only once he has sated the spirit of battle that Davor calms enough to examine his surroundings. Still panting slightly from the exertion, he looks down into the detritus that surrounds the base of the felled mushroom. "These stalkers appear to have had considerable success with their ambushes in the past. These are the indigestible remains of more than a few victims." He reaches down, grasps the exposed hilt and pulls in an attempt to free whatever weapon is buried here.

Jerec cautiously walked over to the group once the enemy was either dead or scurrying away, and looked at their mushed corpses, wondering what kind of creatures they were. Davor's battle-rage was amusing to the mage, though he hid his smile in his beard and waited until the half-orc mystic purged it from his being.

"A good plan my friend, we survived unscathed. Though we must hurry onward lest the ones that ran return with reinforcements," the mage said, gesturing at the path with his staff.

Jerec noted then that Davor appeared to have uncovered something, and he watched with interest as the half-orc attempted to pry what appeared to be a weapon from the stalk. "Careful of any traps," he cautioned, taking a step back just in case.

Pulling on the hilt, Davor pulls out a fine longsword with a black metal pommel and hilt carved to look like ravens, the blade blue with a pattern of flames upon it.  There are several coins in some belt pouches, mostly modern coinage totaling about 250gp, but also one old belt pouch made of rubbery pink leather that has platinum coins marked with a stylized flame on one side and a crown on the other.  There's probably another 50 pieces of platinum in there, but the coins are of an old design you haven't seen before.  There is a set of leather armor in the remains of a rotten backpack, the leather slightly purplish and marked with faint pawprints worked into the leather.  There are also two wands, one pale and studded with tiny crystals, one deep brown and marked with symbols of armor.

"Quite the haul," Jerec said, glancing at the items Davor pulled out one by one. His gaze lingered on the wands and he said, "If no one wants those I can take them off your hands. For safekeeping you understand, wands can be dangerous in untrained hands."

"Does anyone know a spell that can identify the magical properties of the armor?" asked Teana.

Davor passes the wands to Jerec and stands with the rest of the findings. He looks off to where he had heard the retreating scurrying. "It might be better to get a move on and find out what this stuff is later. We've scared the creatures off, but they might well find some friends and be back. I think we'd better not be here if that happens."

He looks at Zenna. "You've been doing a fine job leading so far. Caprin said it was an hour at a trot, so it can't be too far to the surface."

Helena was impressed by the groups carefully executed plan. "That went very well. YOu guys are great!" she then turned to watch in the direction the creatures fled to. "But, maybe we should hurry to the surface, just in case."

Jerec can take his time to identify the items, a white wand of ice lances, the dark one of swift girding, the armor giving one the qualities of a cat, the sword one that can be hurled from a distance and has an affinity for ravens.  Thusly informed, the group can ready themselves and trot through the mushroom grove, wary for any more predators.

Zenna is of the opinion that with two such voracious predators within the grove, they likely didn't have any competition.  Still not dropping their guard as they pass the massive "trunks" with their mats of colorful mosses and algae, slowly the multihued gloom begins to give way to the warm gold of fading daylight, and the faint drip of water gives way to the singing of insects and the sound of wind.

Finally you find yourself in the mouth of a long, low cave in a small hummock, looking out on a vast sea of golden grass: the Vellowgrass Plains.  In the distance you can see the rounded shelters of a traveling gnome community, their ponies kicking up their heels as they frisk about in the sunset.  Aside from that, the plains look as trackless as the sea, though there are supposed to be trade roads and small cities scattered amongst the roaming communities of smallfolk.  The dangers here are from the predators that hide in the endless waves of grass, anything from landsharks to predatory large cats to wild horses to bands of raiders to carnivorous plants...

Davor eyes the gnome shelters, then turns to the group. "Allow me a moment to consult the spirits on the best path forward." He pulls a leather bag from his belt, draws a circle in the dirt at the mouth of the cave, and then casts the bones from the bag into the circle. For several minutes, he simply stares down at the arrangement of bones and from time to time he takes a step to slowly move around the perimeter of the circle.

Davor is using Wisdom of the Ancestors. He wants to know about the safest path to Greenbriar.

Jerec felt a sense of relief as they reached the mouth of the cave and beheld the vast golden plains beyond, bathed in the light of the setting sun. He closed his eyes, feeling the fresh air on his face and perhaps it was just his imagination, but it smelled sweeter than the air they breathed before whilst traversing underground.

"Divine what you will, but going by those gnomes in the distance, I believe there is no threat to be found outside the cave," Jerec said to Davor. Still, the mage waited patiently as Davor divined to find the best route ahead; it could not hurt surely, and it was certainly possible any number of predatory beasts stalked within the tall grass of the plains.

Davor consults the spirits. 

Zenna nods at Jerec's words.  "Seems reasonable, but let me and mine find out," she says.  Zenna and her wolf carefully circle the area for several minutes before returning, looking somewhat amused.  "The villagers over there probably do feel confident because there's a line of warning stones in a big circle around here.  They might just be a kind of spirit fence, but then again maybe they shout or explode or something.  Care to take a look?"

Davor collects his bones. "The spirits suggest that we don't travel alone. I think we should pay a visit to the village over there once we get past the stones."

Jerec nodded at both Zenna and Davor, then followed Zenna to the stones. Remaining a reasonable distance away he focused his mind and held out a palm towards the stones, chanting softly.

---

Cast Detect Magic on the stones. Also using Knowledge (Arcana): 19 to determine what he can

From the distant smallfolk village, you can see small dots of colored lights and hear the occasional faint cheer or happy shout.  It seems there might be a festival of some sort in the offing.

Jerec examines the stones carefully.

Urle had been silent for some time.  Following the group.
Well more following Helena.  His face was grim.
He had not smiled sense the Mongrels had attacked.
This had turned into a frown once he found out that others had come to find the princess.
They had gotten in the way and made his mission more complicated.

It was only now that the last words of his Lord and Master had come to stick in this throat.
As he turned to leave his master called out.
Remember two things.
It is our job to serve the crown, not rule it.
The great of our order are the most humble.

So Urle looks from Davor to Jerec.  Then Teana to Zenna.
lastly back at Helena.  Then just waited.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:29, Sun 06 Oct 2019.

Teana nodded to Davor. "Sounds good to me!" she said.

Double post

While they were discussing the direction they should go in, Teana picked up the leather armor and stepped over toward Helena. "Here. I think you should have this."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:07, Sun 06 Oct 2019.

Zenna nods to Helena about the armor.  "It would be nice to have you in something if those mongrels or anything else come back and start trying to get at you.  We want to keep you safe."  She smiles at Helena briefly before continuing the scan the horizon.

Lowering his hand Jerec turned to his companions and said, "The stones have an enchantment upon them; they will, to put it bluntly, sound an alarm if we cross."

Stroking his beard thoughtfully he added, "I can remove the enchantment, but perhaps it might be better to let them announce our presence rather than simply appear in their midst with no warning?"

He left it to the others to decide what course to take, though Jerec was willing to dispel the magic if needed.

Davor agrees with Zenna and Teana. "Things are unikely to get safer. The armor would help protect you."

In response to Jerec he considers the stones. "I don't think we should sneak up on them either. Smallfolk are skittish. Setting off their alarm probably isn't much better as an introduction. Let me try something a little more conversational." The half-orc quickly prepares one of his small rituals.

A moment later, a booming voice echoes across the fields towards the encampment. "Hello there! We are travelers who would like to approach your camp. May we pass your stones?"

Davor casts Ghost Sound to make the booming voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:51, Mon 07 Oct 2019.

Helena looked at the suit of armor. It felt heavy in her hands. "I'm not sure. People are after me, but... what if we find someone who isn't?" She looked around with puppy eyes. "Can I even move in it?"

Zenna dismissed Helena's concerns with a curt, "You'll manage."

Her eyebrows raised and her lips pulled out into a smirk when Davor's ghostly voice echoed across the grasslands. "Well. I guess that's less alarming than an alarm? Low bar we're setting." She winked at the half-orc to let him know she didn't have a better suggestion and was simply poking fun.

Then she commanded her wolf to lie down. Given that he was nearly as large as a halfling, she supposed the sight of him might frighten them, and she wanted to make him look as non-threatening as possible.

As Davor's booming voice echoes over the plains, you can hear an uptick in the amount of noise from the settlement.  There's a swirl of activity, and soon a group of riders come trotting out from the town.  It soon becomes clear that the riders are halflings on ponyback, dressed in colorful festival clothes over which hasty armor and tabards have been thrown.  All are armed, some both bows, some with throwing steel, flanking a somewhat older man with a trim little goatee, mounted upon a curly-horned ram.

"Hello there, travelers!  Who are you and how have you come here by this route?" he asks, his voice deep and resonate.

Teana smiled at Helena. "Try it. You might find that it limbers you up."

When the halflings came up, she moved to the front and gave a courteous bow to the older man. "Blessings of the day upon you, friends. I am Teana Florin, called the Windstorm, and these are my friends. We were kind of lost underground." She gave a practiced rueful grin. "So we came here to find a place to rest, buy provisions and reorient before heading out again."

"Is there a celebration going on? Your clothes look quite festive."

"Lost?  Lost?  How did you manage to get yourself lost down there and found again?" one of the riders asks, sounding incredulous.

The leader shoots the man a glance but doesn't quiet his question.  "Aye, it's the Festival of the Horned Moon tonight, Teana.  How did you and your friends come to be underground, and more importantly out again and with no good idea of where you are?  Seems you might be a spot of trouble."

"A mixture of bad and good luck. We were down there at the request of my employer, who'd sent me to retrieve something of personal importance to him," lied Teana, not wanting to mention the mongrels or Helena's backstory right now. "Anyway, we were inconvenienced by some monsters on the way back and got turned around a bit..." she gave Zenna a feigned sidelong glance, "...but we did find our way to a cave that led us back up into the open air. Can you tell us where we are now?"

Teana smiled. "And if possible, we'd like to enter town and arrange trade and accommodations. I haven't had a proper-cooked meal in weeks."

If necessary, I take 10 on a Bluff check: 25

Urle waits and does his best to catch Helena eye.
He quietly mouths.
I will help you with the armor My Lady.  If I can do anything to help you with your new role in life just ask.  I will do my best.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:47, Thu 10 Oct 2019.

Davor simply shrugs at Zenna and grins. "I figure they're going to be alarmed regardless. At least this way they can feel like they're calling the shots."

As the small band of smallfolk approach. Davor allows Teana to take the lead. Since the massive half-orc is on a level with the mounted halflings, he tries not to look intimidating during the conversation.

The leader strokes his beard for a moment, then nods, seeming to accept what Teana has told him.  "You're within a few moment's ride of Avar Hollow, my friends!  And on the eve of the Festival of the Horned Moon, no less.  Care for some dancing and feasting and a bit of a masquerade?  The more friendly faces, the merrier, I say," he says, his smile growing wider by the moment.  His fellows seem to thaw slightly as their leader's ease, their grips on their bows somewhat slacker.

"Now that sounds like something we can get behind," said Teana with a big grin, turning around to her friends. "Come. We are invited to join the people of Avar Hollow in their festival and merriment, and I for one think it's the best way to shake off the road dirt for a bit."

"So much for alarming them," Zenna whispered Davor. "A bit odd, their eagerness to welcome armed strangers, isn't it? I'm surprised they've still got a village left at all."

Davor gestures at himself in mock indignity. "I naturally put others at ease. What well meaning halfling wouldn't welcome me to a festival. Plus the spirits appreciate a moon festival. I think this is a good distraction after the underground." The half-orc hikes his pack up onto his shoulders and prepares to follow the riders.

The tension in Jerec's body released as he realized there would be no violence coming from the Halflings, but even as he slumped in relief he could not help but feel a bit uneasy at the almost too warm a welcome the villagers gave them.

But he dismissed those feelings as the result of years of wandering and adventuring having permanently frayed his nerves, making him suspicious of everything.

"Well, lets enjoy the celebrations, we could do with a bit of relaxing before moving on," Jerec remarked the others with a smile.

The leader makes a sweeping motion and watches as the group passes the fence of stones.  When nothing sounds, glows, or makes a noise, he smiles even wider.

"Nothing with wicked intent could pass those stones.  Welcome, guests!  I am Thane Wylie Tosscobble of Avar Hollow, and these are my friends, brothers, and warriors.  What are your names and where are you headed after our Festival?" he asks.  He listens to your answers as you ride and walk back towards the town.  There is a stone and log palisade around Avar's Hollow, some of the logs being living trees of great size, and the entirety of the palisade of topped with colorful lanterns in varying sizes.  The large gate is being manned by at least two of the various guards you spot atop the wall.  After some waved signals, they disappear and soon the doors creak open.

Beyond them the neat village is bedecked with more colorful lanterns, chains of colorful greenery, and homes touched up with fresh-painted designs that show flowers, animals, and the repeating pattern of the Horned Moon (a crown-like symbol with the two pointed ends up the moon pointing up into a starry sky).  Halfings and a few gnomes are bustling all over, pushing carts of decorations, costumes, dishes, and food.  Sweet and savory aromas waft on the breeze: fresh-baked bread, cake, roasting meat, bubbling soups and stews, fried savories, along with the sweet breath of juice and the slight bitter tang of beer.

Thane Tosscobble guides you in to the large town square where a large painted wooden replica of the Horned Moon is set atop many branches and old, broken carts and furniture for a bonfire.  Games of chance, fortune tellers' booths, food and drink stalls, and vendors of many goods are nearly set up all around the periphery.  You see darts, the greased pole, pin-the-horn-on-the-unicorn, a rope suspended a few feet above the central fountain for people to balance on, a stage setting up a marionette show, along with a few different Harrow readers.  A group of musicians is warming up on a nearby stage.

"We'll open up the festival rather soon, then game, eat, and seek our fortunes until the time comes to light the fire.  Then we shall have our masquerade!  A few of the booths have masks one can decorate if you have nothing suitable," he says with a chortle.  "You might be the only tallfolk in the village, but we masque ourselves to honor the moon, so please do find something to woo her!"

With a merry laugh, Thane Tosscobble goes to the marionette stage and delivers a bright shout to bring attention to himself.  The crowd noise fades as they turn to him.

"I have brought guests to help us woo the moon this night, ones with good hearts who come from under the earth.  Let us make them welcome and let us show the moon how much we miss her!"

The crowd cheers, the band begins to play, and the festival starts in full swing!

Davor gives the stones a second glance as he passes by them, but refocuses his attention on the smallfolk leader when he asks for their names. Some call me Spiritwalker, but Davor will do for pleasant company." He leaves the rest of the question for the others to answer.

Davor, always appreciative of the mild chaos that a festival brings to the otherwise orderly civilized world, is amused by the sights and sounds as the group passes through the town. After the Thane gives his opening remarks, the half-orc looks at his companions. "It sounds like the first order of business is masks!" He seems eager to join in the festivities.

Teana picked up the mask with the gaudiest glazing she could find, and chose a second mask that she thought might complement it (though they both looked just a little small on big folk faces). She picked out the masks and offered the second to Helena, grinning a bit.

"May I have the honor of the first dance, when the time comes?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Wed 16 Oct 2019.

Once they were accepted into the community without hesitation, Zenna felt some of the stress of the road melt from her shoulders. The music and festive atmosphere certainly helped as well. "What luck!" she remarked to her companions. "Good timing, huh? This should be fun. Let's make masks!"

Urle listen to the halfing introduction and welcome.
He lets the others take the lead.  The village maybe what the group needs.  Rest and time for Helena to come to terms with who she is would be good.  However how safe this place is only time will tell.
Urle lead Demetria into the village and find somewhere for her to stay.

Slowly he walks over to the place with the masks and takes one.
Thank you.  He tell the halfing and give a smile.

Then he settles back and finds a safe place to take in the fun and festive activities.
He keeps an active eye on Helena but does not interfere with what she is doing.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Fri 18 Oct 2019.

In reply to Teana Florin (msg # 251):

Helena smiled shyly. "Thank you, you are very kind, and I..." She spoke with some hesitation. "...but, I..." she made a pause looking for a way "I'm thankful for you all coming to me and helping me. It's just I'm scared. Things are changing too quickly, and I feel I'm expected to become something I'm not. That more and more things will be dictated for me, and then I'll no longer get to be myself. " She moved to hold Teana's hands fighting the desire to cry. "I want to hold on to the small things. I need to hold on to the small things. I need to know I can keep choosing things like what mask to wear or... you know. That thing you guys want me to use, that is definitely not me."

She moved and started to look for a different mask, something that would harmonize with the colors she was wearing at the moment.

Zenna's bubbly spirit evaporated as Helena shared her worry. "Listen," she said. "Look at me. There is no you. There is just what you choose to be. And that can be whatever it has to be. You can be as strong as you choose to be, and now you have to choose to be strong. The carefree life you were used to is gone. You can mourn it, but you can't afford to hold onto it."

"I can't choose a thing if you have already decided for me." Helena answered with her eyes on the ground, her voice wasn't even angry, it was dispassionate "Besides, what do you know about my life to decide it was carefree? Being me is all I've ever had. Growing up I could never allow myself to dream of a future or to dream at all. I've survived on my own for over ten years with nobody to lean on. Being true to myself is the only thing that has kept me from giving up. If I have to surrender even that, you'll have no one to protect because I'll be dead inside."

Teana bowed to Helena. "Of course. I look forward to what you decide - but I hope I can still have the dance," she said. "And I don't agree with Zenna. There's still a girl who's Helena, not just all the other stuff that's become attached to that. I'm very glad you're still holding on to that. I know we won't always agree, but I'd rather that than you become some mindless puppet."

The halflings and gnomes have a wide variety of masks available, and more things to embellish them.  Most are various animals: horses, deer, squirrels, badgers, moles, mice, otters, bears, owlbears, unicorns, goats, bees, falcons, eagles, songbirds, sheep, griffins, lizards, and dragons.  Helena can find a nice one of a blue bird which harmonizes well with her dress.

Urle can find a place for Demetria near one of the inns that's clearly proportioned to cater to bigfolk, a place where his mount can easily oversee the square.

As the group circulates amongst the games and booths, they see a couple of other masked bigfolk, but otherwise it is entirely halflings and some gnomes, making most of the group feel quite tall.  The music begins to get lively as the games and trading enter full swing, and though it's not yet the time of the formal masquerade, some spontaneous dancing breaks out during the livelier songs.  The puppet show is in full swing, telling stories about the moon to children and adults alike.  Gnomes use their illusion abilities to spice up the performances, sending small illusions and balls of light across the stage and sometimes across the square.  Tantalizing smells of fried delicacies and rich pastries fill the air, many things decorated to look like the Horned Moon.

The Festival continues happily for several hours, until it seems that many of the youngest children have finally gone off to bed.  When that has happened, the music becomes a bit more stately, and the people start to gather for the masquerade.


Then, from the road leading to the gate, comes a roar that sounds like doom!

Teana, in a bright red robin mask, spent much of the time socializing, some of it showing off with feats of impossible acrobatics, and not a little time playfully flirting with the smallfolk. Then the formal masquerade began, and Teana began moving back toward Helena...

...And then the noise so rudely interrupted.

"Shit." Teana turned and leaped to the top of the gatehouse to get a better look at whatever was coming.

Urle had drifted back out the way.  The mask he pick was simple just black and white.

In same way as soon as roar started he steps up next to Helena.
His mask in his hands not on his face.
Makes a whistle noise and Demetria come trotting over to him.
Good girl.  Urle says to his horse.  She nods back to him.

Turing to Helena Urle speaks.
This maybe nothing to do with us but Demetria senses it is bad news.
So we are here ready if you need us.

Davor is strangely silent and seemingly introspective for a time after Helena airs her concerns. The half-orc says nothing, but merely takes a mask, the visage of an old woman, and puts it on. He feels that his counsel is not needed at this moment. Instead the shaman wanders off a distance to a corner where he can see most of the town square and begins to entertain some of the smallfolk with his own illusions and fortune telling though only the bolder members of the community are willing to give him a chance. As the night wears on, Davor keeps an eye on Helena from a distance.

When the roar disturbs the revelry, Davor jumps to his feet and places a hand on the wolf skull pauldron which glows eerily for a moment before the half-orc rushes off towards the gate. Since Urle appears eager to stay at Helena's side, he will take the initiative and investigate.

Casting Magic Vestment to refresh the enchantment.

When the sound echoes across the landscape, Zenna looks first to her wolf to see its reaction. Regardless, she draws her bow and eyes the halflings to see how they react. Are they surprised? Scared? She doubts it has anything to do with them, but just in case....

Zenna's companion is as agitated as Demetria, looking at the sky and growling.  Urle steps in front of Helena as the crowd mills about, uncertain.  Some people start hustling the children away, and others start to take the paper decorations off of their weapons.

At the gate, Davor and Teana see a terrible sight as it flaps into view, silhouetted against the moon.  Large bat-like wings, a heavy body with lion's paws and a serpent tail, and not one but three heads of a ram, a lion, and the curved horns of a black dragon - it's a chimera!  Roaring again, it dives out of the sky and over the town, dragon jaws agape as it blasts the front gate with burning acid!

As the chimera comes down into the light of the torches and bonfires, the festival crowd screams and starts to panic.  The Thane shouts for order, and those who seem to be members of the town's defenses start to hustle people to shelter, while a half-dozen archers find perches and get ready to fire their bows!

OOC: Davor takes the full 23 points of acid damage, Teana takes 11 points of acid damage.  Let's get Initiative, and everyone let me know what you're doing.  The front gate is about 70' from the town square where the festival is being held.  The square is mostly full of booths and whatnot, but there is a stone fountain, and more sturdily-built shops and inns dotting around the square.

Teana leaped back from the gate enough to avoid the full force of the blast, and remained flying in midair. She thought she could probably outmaneuver the chimera, so she curved out around the wall, hoping to keep the fight away from civilians. Only when she was outside did she unleash the force of her wind against the monster.

00:05, Today: Teana Florin rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Initiative - rush rush rush.

When my turn comes:

00:10, Today: Teana Florin rolled 20 using 3d6+12.  Damagee.

00:09, Today: Teana Florin rolled 23 using 1d20+9.  Air Blast.

Zenna followed her wolf's gaze to see a chimera swooping through the sky. She didn't waste time taking cover, not while she had a clear shot, bow already drawn and arrow nocked. Instead, she fired off three shots in quick succession, the taut word of her bow transferring the strength from her muscular body into the missile's trajectory.

14:04, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
14:07, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 25 using 1d20+12.  Attack.
14:07, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 32 using 1d20+12.  Attack (Many Shot).
14:08, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 28 using 1d20+12.  Confirm crit.
14:07, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 22 using 1d20+7.  Attack.
14:10, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 34 using 3d8+18.  Damage.
14:10, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 19 using 2d8+12.  Critical damage.

Apologies if any of that rolling is wrong, first time fighting with this character.

Exposed as he is on foot and in the middle of the main street, Davor has no way to escape the blast of acid breath. As the acid burns into his armor and skin leaving an acrid stench and a light haze around him, he determines that there is little he can do to attack this creature from the ground. Instead, he dashes back to the others and pulls one of the small pieces of bone from one of his dreadlocks. Chanting as he runs, a green mist pours from the hand clutching the bone and surrounds each of his companions as he touches them.

Initiative: 18
Standard Action: Cast Protection from Evil, Communal on Davor (1 minute), Zenna (1 minute), Urle (1 minute), Jerec (1 minute), and Helena (2 minutes). Get +2 AC (deflection) and +2 on saves (resistance).
Move: Move between all those people.

Davor Spiritwalker rolled 18 using 1d20+3.

Jerec had been sitting in a chair and enjoying some of the festival food while the others milled and danced. He was too self-conscious (and too old!) to wear masks and prance about, but he could appreciate the sight and the music.

Ofcourse, then it all went down the drain. They were cursed it seemed.

"Blazes, I knew those stones had been warded for a reason!" He cried as he stood up quickly, the plate of food dropping to the ground. The mage was angry at himself for letting down their guard and not taking precautions.

Starting to back towards the corner of a building Jerec stared hard towards the monster, focusing his mind while his left hand moved in a circular pattern with two fingers and a thumb extended. His lips whispered an incantation, "Tempestas Fulmina!"

The mage's body tingled and suddenly lightning leapt from his left hand onto the head of the staff clutched in his right; Jerec held the staff up and aimed it towards the flying beast of legend, and a bolt of brilliant blue lightning streaked out to smash into the Chimera with a shower of sizzling sparks.

The smell of charred flesh began to permeate the air...

---

Initiative: 08; Standard Action: Cast Lightning Bolt @ Chimera; Damage: 21 (Chimera must make a REF save vs DC: 20 to take half damage)
Move Action: Move behind cover of a nearby building


This message was last edited by the player at 14:13, Sat 26 Oct 2019.

Urle draws his bow and fires at the creature.
He gets Demetria to place herself ready to he can mount her and ride at the creature if it turns to attack him or Helena


OOC:
11:15, Thu 24 Oct: Urle rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.
20:34, Today: Urle rolled 14 using 1d20+7.  Attack with bow.

Zenna bends her bow and fires off two powerful arrows at the chimera, striking deep into the creature's body and making it bellow with pain!



Urle bends his bow as well, but the string snaps in his haste to protect his charge.  Demetria pounds up to him, and he swings into the saddle, lance at the ready for the next attack!




Davor's protective magic flows around his closest companions, armoring them against the chimera's evil!

The chimera flies over Teana and looks down at the brightly lit square.  It dives, snapping and butting at Zenna, Urle, and Demetria.  The dragon head connects with Zenna, the lion head misses Urle, but the goat head butts Demetria hard!




Teana, seeing the chimera blow past her, can fly after it and carefully target her air blast to foul the creature as it starts to land amongst her companions, intent on carnage.  The blast of wind strikes it hard, and the dragon head roars back at her in anger!



Jerec's lightning bolt hits the chimera broadside, making lightning dance over its hide as it leaves a smoking wound behind.  The chimera seems unusually tough, the lion head screaming at Jerec in defiance! 

The town guard fire several arrows at the beast, a few hitting and adding their own chastisement for daring to interrupt their festival.

OOC: Initiative:
19 - Zenna
18 - Urle (higher Dex)
18 - Davor
14 - Chimera
09 - Teana
08 - Jerec
06 - Townsfolk
02 - Helena
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:56, Thu 31 Oct 2019.

Reeling from the dragon's bite, Zenna staggers back and fires another volley at the three-headed monstrosity. "Go!" she shouted to her wolf. "Defend Helena!"

5' step backwards, then full attack to fire two arrows with many shot followed by second attack. Free Action to command wolf to Defend Helena.
15:27, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 10 using 1d8+6.  Damage (PBS).
15:27, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  Attack.
15:26, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 17 using 2d8+12.  Damage (PBS/Many Shot).
15:24, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 20 using 1d20+13.  Attack (Point Blank/Many Shot). This should actually be 19, modifider should have been 12.

With the beast now on the ground where he can hit it, Davor summons the massive ghostly great sword and swings it over his head at the monster's flank. The blade finishes materializing as it comes down and the half-orc roars.

Free Action: Summon Ancestral Weapon.
Move Action: Move adjacent to the Chimera (preferably flanking).
Standard Action: Attack with Ancestral Weapon hits AC 17 (19 w/flanking) for 11 damage.

Davor Spiritwalker rolled 17,11 using 1d20+10,2d6+5. Attack w/ damage.

Teana slowly rose higher in the air as a storm of wind surrounded her, growing in force as she readied her attack and pointed her hand at the beast. When she was ready, she fired the blast of air at the chimera.

5 foot step upward, Gather Power, fire an empowered blast.

14:21, Today: Teana Florin rolled 16 using 1d20+9.  Attack: Empowered blast.
14:21, Today: Teana Florin rolled 42 using 3d6+12.  Empowered blast, damage (x1.5).

If I hit, 42 damage to the beastie.

Deciding attack is sometime the bests form of defense Urle charges with his lance.
Demetria herself is well trained horse and not like other animals.
She also little upset at being head butted.  The horse has look of two can play at that game.  So she give creature a good bit back.

The two do there best to run the creature into the grown and knock it over.


OOC:
22:57, Today: Urle rolled 25 using 1d20+14.  Attack with lance.
22:59, Today: Urle rolled 7 using 1d8+5.  x2 damage.
23:04, Today: Urle rolled 24 using 1d20+11.  Over run action.

Hit AC 25 for 14 damage and CMB 24 knocked prone CD 19 less (cannot be avoided).

23:08, Today: Urle rolled 25 using 1d20+7.  Attack bite.
23:08, Today: Urle rolled 7 using 1d4+4.  Damage.
23:12, Today: Urle rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Over run action.

Hit AC 25 for 7 damage and CMB 11 knock down (cannot be avoided).
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Wed 30 Oct 2019.

As the beast landed and attackers swarmed it, Jerec crept out from behind the corner of the house and darted forward in order to get in range to be able to target the creature with a potent spell he knew.

As soon as he was able to get a clear view Jerec made a pattern with his left hand and murmured a series of quick incantations, pointing at the creature with the stiffened fingers of his hand. A blast of white hot fire lanced out and blazed into the beast's broadside, scorching its flesh.

---

Move Action: Get into range; Standard Action: Cast Scorching Ray (2 rays);
Ranged Touch Attack (Ray I: 10); Damage I: 11
Ranged Touch Attack (Ray II: 10); Damage II: 15

Zenna's companion sprints across the square, out of reach of the chimera, and plants himself between Helena and the beast, growling ferociously.  Zenna unleashes a barrage of arrows, but only two get through, driving deep into the joint by the wing and making that wing droop uselessly.



Urle and Demetria come in from the other side in the next breath, barreling the chimera right over and striking true with lance and tooth!  The chimera is knocked off it its feet, seemingly stunned.  Its dragon head snaps at Urle as he passes, but misses, and the lion head tries to get at the wolf, who dodges with alacrity, leaving it with nothing.

In rapid succession, Davor's spiritual greatsword, Teana's blast of air, and Jerec's twin blasts of fire bring a certain end to the chimera's life!  The town guard fire a couple of volleys of arrows into it, just to be certain.  After a several more moments of silence, it becomes clear the creature is quite dead.  A hush falls over the town, a deathly quiet, as the light of the Horned Moon silvers the scene below with pale light.

Urle sits high on the back of Demetria and lifts his lance up in the air toward the moon.

Thane Wylie Tosscobble of Avar Hollow.  A real challenge has been set to see if we are all worthy of courting the moon.  You have opened your gates to us in friendship.  Together we have face the foe and have won.  Now let us heal the wounded,  move the creature body and return to our celebration.  Let us celebrate this friendship.

If Urle can spot the Thane he turns Demetria toward him and faces the halfing.
He places his simple mask back in his face.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:28, Sat 02 Nov 2019.

Teana let out a breath and stilled the wind around her as the chimera fell, then turned back and descended into the village, aerobraking with invisible wings and coming to a perfectly graceful landing. She took a look at her acid-spattered vest and the armor underneath and winced a bit, but said nothing, instead turning to the others - villagers and fellow adventurers alike - and nodded to Urle. "Well done with that charge, there," she said approvingly. She then walked over to Davor.

"Are you alright, Davor?" she asked the shaman.

"I'm fine too, thanks," Zenna assured Teana with a sly wink as she shook acid from her hair. "What the hell was that?" she asked the halfling chieftain. "Have you seen that thing before? Any idea why it would attack you here?"

Davor thrusts his sword into one of the beast's heads and leaves it there. A few moments after the blade leaves his hands, is dissipates like smoke blown by a light breeze. He looks at Teana and grins. "I'm going to need to get some new tattoos I think." He flexes his left arm experimentally. The acid burned skin cracks and black paint chips away from his breastplate revealing the silver gleam of mithril in the light of the moon.

Strangely, his cloak, though it was already badly tattered, does not seem to have suffered too greatly from having been drenched in acid. From one of its folds, Davor produces a thin piece of wood to which he speaks a word before he starts passing it over his wounds. The burned and blackened skin returns to its original grey-green hue though the tattoos that once covered it are badly damaged. After a moment, only scars remain on the shaman's exposed skin.

Standing, he looks around. "Anyone else?"

Use 2 charges from Wand of Cure Light Wounds to restore 6 hit points.

Davor Spiritwalker rolled 3 using 1d8+1.  Wand of Cure Light Wounds.
Davor Spiritwalker rolled 3 using 1d8+1.  Wand of Cure Light Wounds.

Davor Spiritwalker rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge (Nature): Chimeras.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Mon 04 Nov 2019.

Teana held out her hand for a single tap of the wand, causing most of the acid burns on her body to heal.

09:07, Today: Teana Florin rolled 5 using 1d8+1.  1 wand charge.

After Davor uses the first cast of the wand Urle stops the half-orc.
I thought you where a Mystic.  A Shaman, a Soothsayer.
Are they not skilled in healing magic?  Why do you use a magic item?

There seems to be an edge of contempt or dislike in the names Urle uses for the half-orc.

Dashing forward to join the others Jerec gazed at the corpse of the beast with consternation, before looking at Davor in concern. The mystic had taken the brunt of the creature's foul breath, and it was a wonder he still stood on his feet.

The cracked and raw skin of the half-orc with its wounds exposed made him ill, and he swallowed down nausea. Before he could say anything though, Davor healed himself by using a wondrous wand containing spells of healing.

"A very useful item that, I pray we won't have to use it much in the future," Jerec remarked gazing at the wand with naked jealousy on his features.

Gesturing at the beast's body he went on, "Well this was certainly not a normal occurance. Why did this creature attack?" The mage glanced at one of the guards and gestured him over. "You there, are these types of attacks by unnatural beasts and monsters a normal occurrence?"

Jerec hoped the guard answered in the affirmative, because if not it meant it was Helena's presence here that may have drawn the creature from the skies, and that would be trouble not only for them all but for anyone in their proximity until they unraveled the mystery of Helena's past, present and possibly future.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:55, Sat 02 Nov 2019.

"I'll take a couple hits," Zenna tells the half-orc, smiling in gratitude for his sharing the wand.

09:34, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 9 using 1d8+1.

09:33, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 5 using 1d8+1.

09:33, Today: Zenna Kern rolled 3 using 1d8+1.  CLW.

Davor takes care of the others with the wand and then eyes it before looking at Urle. "I guess I could channel the power of the spirits to the same end, but I took this from... well, at any rate I got my hands on this and it does the work without needing to bother the other side." He stuffs the stick back into the folds of his cloak and looks around to see how the town is fairing.

Urle seems irritated.  Moving the reins of Demetria.  Stop.  He tells Davor.  That is a waist of a good magic item when it maybe needed later.
He gets of his horse.
Under his breath you can here him speak.
Mystic, Shaman, Soothsayer.  Spellcaster spell blasters Wizards and Sorcerers.
Cleric, priest and paladin.  Charlatans, shister, Rogue, scoundrels and thief's they are one and all.

He turns to each one of the group with a stern look.
You did not see me do this.  Not a word or you will be as breathless as the beast at our feet.

Urle gets down on one knee.
For the Lady of the Shattered Lands, Weaver of Peoples.  For they that guard her.

A wave of positive energy comes from Urle.  Followed by two more.  He gets up.  Not a word.   He repeats.

Urle goes to get back on his horse but stops as he remember something and  turns to Teana Florin.
Thankyou dear lady.  I have been trained sense I was 12 to become a Rider in the Cavalry of Our Lady of Shattered Lands. I worked hard in the skills of horse and weapons that I could join their number as a simple rider.  Just to be one of there riders was enough.  More than enough.
He shakes his head.  But because of Robbins stupid actions it seems I became her body guard.  Me? They should have chosen someone better.

Urle leads Demetria away to the stables and returns to the place he had been in to watch over Helena.
As he does he speaks to his horse.
You did good girl, very good.  I am proud of you.

OOC:  Everybody heals 17 hp.
19:33, Today: Urle rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Heal all.
19:33, Today: Urle rolled 7 using 1d6+1.  Heal all.
19:32, Today: Urle rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Heal all.

Everybody healed up.
Davor you should only used your wand once.  You be on 1 hp down.  Up to you if want use second cast.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:10, Sun 03 Nov 2019.

Davor makes the motion of turning a key in front of his mouth and throwing the mimed key away. He then begins looking around for smallfolk likely to answer the other's questions while he studies the body of the chimera.

Davor considers what he knows about chimeras.  They are violent, predatory beasts said to be created by unnatural magical experimentation.  While some breed true, they are often found at the end of a metaphorical leash of some kind of spellcaster specializing in transmuation magic or priest of chaotic or monstrous god.



The lead guard, an older woman who takes a moment to wipe her brow, shakes her head slowly.  "We get nasty beasties every now and then, but normally they're from underground.  The warning stones give us time to arm the walls and we can cut them down before they get too close.  Big bugs usually, sometimes big snakes or lizards.  Sometimes we get grasscats going after the herds, and once in a while a big flying thing gets blown here after a hard storm, but we haven't had a good blow like that for months."

Davor kneels next to the body of the chimera and gives the creature a sniff and a stiff prod. He considers the amalgamated monstrosity for some time before rising to look back at the others. "Beasts like this aren't natural. The spirits hint that this may be the pet of some mage. We bear a fate and there are no accidents with fate. This is an ill omen."

"Ehmm...interesting," Jerec replied to the guardwoman, stroking his beard and peering at the corpse of the chimera thoughtfully. It seemed to be as he feared, the presence of Helena somehow drew this creature, whether by dark chance or darker design of some twisted conjurer.

However it would not do to let the villagers know they had brought this upon them, assuming it was indeed true. "Yes, an ill omen indeed Davor. Perhaps we should help the villagers with the wounded and then be on our way, we do have a destination to reach and answers to get."

The group can assist the rest of the townsfolk in getting rid of the corpse by helping them hitch it to their ponies and taking it to the cave mouth they emerged from.  "Something will eat it," seems to be the general consensus.  They'd rather not burn it and let everyone for miles know they were burning something vile, they won't let it lie for dangerous scavengers to pick over it, and they'd rather not bury it and poison their land.  The creatures below are not known for being picky, and they usually stay below.

As those who are interested help drag the chimera away, they notice something interesting.  Between the creature's shoulderblades is a faint mark, easier to notice when you were hitching the creature up to the various beasts of burden.  It's a mage's mark, an arcane sigil, for a wizard known as Thray Mountainson. Having a solitary tower in the foothills of the mountains to the north, the Mountainson is said to be an expert of stone, the crafting, creation, carving, animation, and enchantment of it, and of the study of creatures who carry stone within them, or have abilities to carve or shape that he finds useful.

As well, the group knows that Greenbriar, the elven village some five days away now, has an an elven sage who might know more about Helena's sudden rise to prominence.

The Thane, while grateful for your actions, is also happy to see you upon your way.  "We will never forget this festival... one way or the other.  I am glad that no one was seriously hurt.  Here, take these masks in remembrance, and best of luck to you on your journey," he says, pressing upon you the masks you had during your brief time at the festivities.

Zenna accepts the mask without acknowledgement. "Have you had any dealings with a wizard in the mountains yonder?" she asks the little Thane, nodding in the appropriate direction. "Thray Mountainson, if that means anything to you?"

Davor is one of those who offers to help transport the corpse of the chimera to the mouth of the cave. He is of the opinion that, if anything, the myconids will appreciate it. Though he doubts that they often venture to that entrance. He notices the mark and recognizes it from his time in the mountains. When he returns to town, he informs any who did not come of the discovery.

When the Thane offers the masks, Davor accepts his with a grin. He is eager to discuss their plans once they are beyond the borders of the village, but for the time being he doesn't feel inclined to ask any questions that might invite suspicion.

The Thane gives a small shrug.  "No dealings direct, though occasionally caravans have come through that bear goods of his tower's working, statues and icons and delicate little decorative bits.  He takes apprentices from time to time, so it is said, which makes sense as one man would be hard-pressed to do all he is said to do, even if only mundane things."

Jerec noted the mark and the remarks about the wizard with a stoic, unreadable expression. Stroking his chin he glanced towards Helena and said, "Our journey to the Sage must take priority, and we must leave as soon as possible."

Looking at the Thane he bowed slightly and added, "Our thanks for your hospitality, and any trouble we may have caused. One small favor I must ask, we arrived here because we are escaping assassins hunting us for...reasons that will take too long to explain. Let me just say, those hunting us are evil, enemies of all good folk. So if any anyone comes inquiring about us, please feign ignorance of ever having seen us."

Jerec did not want to go into too many details in case their pursuers caught up (and if what he suspected about the Chimera was true, they may already have) and interrogated the villagers. Nor did he want to reveal their destination for the same reason. He just hoped any trouble they had brought upon the villagers would leave with them.

Teana took her mask with a gracious nod, then looked to the others. "We should get going. Faster we make it to Greenbriar, the safer Helena will be."

Davor nods his agreement. He is clearly reluctant to discuss anything else in the presence of the smallfolk. He heads for the gate.

The group makes their hasty farewells and departs before anything else can happy.  It lacks only a few hours until dawn, so you can travel for a while longer before needing to sleep.  Mounting a guard throughout part of the day, you don't see much but birds, insects, and the occasional rustle of rabbits or rodents.  Waking before noon, you can press on to try to cover as much ground as possible.  The Vellowgrass Plains stretch out before you as you keep pushing back towards the Farlight Forest, the growing line of green from the towering trees growing taller by the day.  By the third day, you're into the cool green paths, a relief after the shadeless expanse.

While on the Plains, you had been wary but had not seen signs of any mongrels, only the occasional traveler or trader on the road.  But when you reach the Farlight Forest, the places to hide multiply, and anything may hide within.  You seek out the best path you can, keep alert, and travel warily.  It's perhaps midday when you see what seems to be mist ahead on the path.  But as you get a little closer, you realize it's not mist but spiders' webs, huge sheets of them, thick across the paths and through the trees.  It's eerily silent except for a faint drip of water from an early-morning rain shower, with even the birds having fallen silent...

Despite their strenuous march, Jerec found the days of travel to be a welcome reprieve from the trials of the days before. The mage finally found he could let down his guard and chat with his companions, or just enjoy the scenery.

Ofcourse, good things never lasted. It seemed to be going well when they entered the forest but as soon as they came across the webs Jerec knew there would be trouble. "Not a good sign, where there are webs there are giant spiders, and even worse things, things from older ages," muttered the mage to his companions, gazing at the webs warily.

The webs appeared to be across all the paths they could see, so there did not seem to be an option to chose another path, aside from turning back, which they could not do. Unless...Jerec quickly turned to Teana and asked her, "Teana, could you use your talents to fly above the tree line and see if there is another way through the forest?"

Anticipating trouble nonetheless, the mage murmured the words to a spell of warding, and a slight shimmer suffused him for a moment before vanishing.

"Unless if Teana finds us another way through, I think there is nothing to it but burning our way through these," he said to the others. "I hope we have torches aplenty."

---

Perception check: 11. Aside from listening and looking for signs of an ambush from the path, webs and the trees, Jerec will try to see if there are alternate paths in sight.

Each night during the journey, Davor communes with the spirits looking for insight on their path. He shares what he learns, no matter how cryptic with the rest of the party.

When the group reaches the spider webs blocking their path, the shaman's first instinct is to search for magic. A word and a gesture before his eyes allow him to see traces magic in the surrounding area. "The spirits might know another path as well, or at least which way would be safest, but it would take some time to consult with them."

Davor casts Detect Magic.

Urle studies the area head.
Drawing his sword instead of his lance.

OOC:
04:16, Today: Urle rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge: Nature.
04:15, Today: Urle rolled 26 using 1d20+8.  Perception.

"Sadly, I can't even carry one of you, or I'd suggest that we go over."

Teana rose to try to examine the forest from the sky, looking for a way through - or around - that didn't get them tangled in webbing.


19:28, Today: Teana Florin rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

The group examines the area with great care.  Davor's sight shows some faint conjuration magic within the webbing, dispersed evenly throughout.  While Jerec and Teana don't see any particular route through or over the webs, Urle's eyes snag on a particular set of webbing that looks more sturdy to his eyes.  He takes a few steps to the side to confirm it, and then he sees: there is a way over, through a cunningly-concealed rope bridge that starts as a low tree branch just outside the webbing.  It wouldn't be visible to most, but the broad bridge, now that he sees it, could easily take three people walking abreast.

Davor shakes his head. "The spirits are showing me traces of magic in the webs. I doubt that it is meant to be helpful, whatever it is. I think it would be best to find another route if there is one."

As Davor speaks, the webs shift slightly, and six shimmering spiders the size of large dogs, each ghostly silver, appear amongst the webs.  They slowly creep downwards in perfect synchronization, each making a peculiar bell-like tone as their legs strike the webs.

Teana landed and looked at the pale spiders. "They don't look friendly."

21:49, Today: Teana Florin rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  Knowledge: Nature.

26. What have I heard about these?

A moment later, she shook her head. "Actually, I retract that. These are moon spiders - and this is not their normal behavior. Please don't attack." She then walked toward the spiders - though remaining at something of a distance - and bowed respectfully.

"[Language unknown: T thehasnce anove, essromtedder k le Me]," she said in flawless Elvish.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:12, Sun 01 Dec 2019.

Zenna was not particularly inclined to attack the spiders even before the half-elf spoke. Her hand hovered near her bow just in case, but she kept her distance, hopeful that Teanna could learn something from the arachnids, or at least convince them to permit the party passage through - or along? - their webs.

Jerec had instinctively moved back at the appearance of the spiders, staff raised defensively and the words to a powerful spell on his lips. It was a powerful conjuration of fire, which could not only dismay the spiders but possibly also burn through the webs.

He hesitated when Teana spoke though, listening carefully and waiting to see how the spiders responded, as he was fluent in Elven as well.

Urle says to himself.
Spend to much time speaking to spirits and not enough looking right in frond of yourself.

Urle walks over and tests the spiders web.

He then point.
I can see a way through.  It looks like it is a rope bridge make of silk.
What do you think.  Shall we try this.