With their information and new gear gathered, Elisar, Irsoneic, Tusk, Izayah, and Tiria headed for the gates of Smith's Gambit and headed on their way. The group had quite started their journey early in the morning, however. It was closer to a late morning start with the snow lightly falling around them. It was only slightly more brisk than it was usually, but for those now used to the Rimewood this wasn't anything new.

"We wonder if there will ever be a day we wake to find it is not cold here. We think not." Irsoneic had his supplies gathered and ready to go. They'd managed to find a cat, surely finding a man would be easier than that.

Izayah glanced over the lizardfolk he didn't know. "Nope. That's kinda the thing 'round here. It's ALWAYS cold. It's like the Rimewood's callin' card."

He then continued, "Say, not t'be rude, but I like t'know who I'm travelin' with, instead'a just callin' out "Hey You!" all the time - an' I don't believe I caught your names back at the shop." He looked from one to the other of the new folk who'd showed up at Jessop's Goods.

"We are Irsoneic. We are warrior of lizard tribe. Here to survive. You?"

Tiria grins and introduces herself, "I am Tiria, last of the Nailo people. You can call me Tears," she gives a sarcastic fabulous flourish of her hands along with a slight bow, "I'm here to learn and make history."

Izayah's lips twisted in to a wry grin and he said, "Pleased t'meetcha both. Like I said back at the store, I'm Izayah Hamadrell, a Ranger. At your service." He nodded to them both and then turned back to walking forward, keeping an eye out.

Tiria turns to Elisar and places her hands on her hips, raising her eyebrows she asks, "So he knows his way around the wilderness then, being a ranger, what about you? By the look of you, you have some Or-tel-quessir heritage, yes?"

Elisar grinned at Tiria. “Forgive me, oh beautiful one, how clumsy of me to forget introductions.” He whipped off his broad hat and bowed in a theatrical manner. “I am Elisar, called the Moonraven. A humble singer of songs and teller of tales. Izayah and I have adventured together recently, and I will personally vouch for his skill and courage. He is a handy fellow to have with you in a scrap.”

He paused for a moment. “I know not this Ortelkessir you speak of, but if you are asking about my heritage then, yes, I have fey in my blood.” He pulled back his hair to reveal slightly pointed ears. “My mother and step-father are both human, as are my siblings, but I never knew my real father and my mother never spoke of him. I often dream of him as a great king in a woodland realm, or a sand pirate gliding in a land-skiff across a great desert. But the truth, alas, I know not.”

He regarded the Elven woman again. “You say that you are the last of your kind. That is a sadness. I would be happy if you would tell me about them some time, maybe together we can create an epic poem so that they might be remembered for all time, their story passed down as legend to those yet to come.”
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Sun 30 May 2021.

"Ah, raised among the humans then," she says in what seems a disappointed tone, but her face brightens almost immediately, "well, keep your wits about you and I am certain you will find plenty to say in your poem about me. My people, I mean."

With a lightness in her step on the edge of being a skip, she moves past the man and follows after Izayah.

"Come on then, we're burning daylight!" she calls out over her shoulder.

Tusk rests his halberd on his shoulder and heads out with the group.

He takes up a position at the back, so that if they are ambushed from the sides or rear he'll be in a prime position to respond.

The group went on their way finding things to go smoothly, of course the group had not quite entered the Rimewood yet. It wasn't until about half the day had passed that the group found themselves finally entering the Rimewood. With those in the group skilled in traversing the forest terrain things seemed to go almost as smooth as when they were outside of the Rimewood. The sun eventually found itself starting to go down and the time to make camp was nearing.

"Hmmm, time to find shelter for the night I think, this wood is colder than I am used to so I'd prefer not to be caught out."

She peers around them looking for likely positions to set up tents such as the leeward side of a cliff or hill.

"Any thoughts Aesiah Haemadryll?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Sun 30 May 2021.

Izayah slowed to a stop. He acted like he was looking around for something, perhaps a good spot to camp. But he wasn't. He opened his mouth and started to slowly turn back towards the group when Tiria spoke up.

He reared back a little as if slapped, looking very surprised. "What did you just do t'my name??"

He then shook his head and became serious and kept his voice very low. "Look, never mind. Don't act weird but we got company. 'Bout sixty feet away." He slowly inclined his head towards where it was. "He's dressed up in camouflage o'needles an' branches. So hang on a sec an' be ready."

He turned back around and took a step towards the creature, looking dead at it. "Howdy. We mean you no harm if you mean us no harm." He repeated the message in the Giant and Goblin tongue as well.

Tusk sees it, too, and carefully sets down his pack.

"It looks like a sentry, but I can't make out what it is from here. It blends in a little too well. It's a bit shorter than I, whatever it is."

"We can chase it down and eat it," Irsoneic offered.

Tiria mutters, "[Language unknown: Ourvenearsti]," and makes a somatic gesture, four versions of herself seeming to shimmer and shift in her place as she moves to stand beside Izayah, looking in the direction indicated. Her hands are empty and held slightly outwards, showing no weapons.

"[Language unknown: P is thaoutomelat he yin str, encandsti eenus lenaal enad pa mepl lehibe ur m]?"

OOC: Casting Mirror Image.

Elisar tried to casually peer in the direction of the hidden scout but could make out nothing untoward. “I’m glad of your eyes, Izayah, for I see nought but trees and bushes.” With a nonchalant air he turned around and scanned all around to see if anything else seemed out of place.

As he did so he smiled at the various versions of Tiria that appeared. “My lady, I didn’t think you could make yourself more beautiful, but you are now four times lovelier than before,” he chuckled with a flirtatious air.

The multitude of Tears laugh lightly at Elisar's comment, a confusing reverberating sound.

As the group looked towards the direction that was pointed out to them and, just barely, their eyes caught sight of slight movement of a small sized humanoid looking creature holding a staff. His clothes seem to blend into the forest so well that most of the group could understand how they had missed seeing it the first time.
"Take only what you need and there won't be any problems from me as long as you are not like the Redfoot scum cutting down trees just because they feel like it."

Izayah frowned a bit as he pondered the spoken words. But then he shook his head. "Oh...uh...we ain't hear t'chop down any trees. An' I NEVER overhunt. That's rude an' causes problems." He shook his head. "Sorry you've had trouble with the Redfoots. We've heard about 'em recently."

He gave a nod. "We're actually out here lookin' for someone that went missin'." And he will give a description of the lost bard.

Elisar finally spotted the little fellow. He narrowed his eyes, trying to make out what he was. A halfling? No, too skinny. Maybe a gnome?

Seeing that the small person has revealed their position and is speaking civilly, Tiria lets her protective magic fade.

"Perhaps you might like to share a meal and some conversation with us? We were about to set up for the night, you might know of a good place to do just that."

She makes a point of looking at the height of the sun in the sky, "Setting a small fire from fallen wood for a hot meal as the sun sets would be quite nice."

Tusk nods in agreement at Tears' suggestion.

"Green wood gives off too little heat and too much smoke; it's pretty worthless for most fires. Say, do you know of any Redfoot... Redfeet?... war parties camped out near here?"

Seeing that the others seemed to have a discussion is hand with the small fellow, Elisar began to scout for a suitable place to pitch his tent, as well as looking for firewood.

The little fellow switched his staff over to his right hand and listened to what Izayah had said. "I haven't seen him, but I did notice some human tracks a few days ago." The little creature walks closer upon seeing Tiria let her magic fade and hearing her offering. As he walks closer it can now be seen that he is a rather skinny and small halfling standing at just an inch short of 3 feet. His staff stands sturdy at 5 feet. His attire is that of evergreen needles and branches woven into more natural looking clothes. Even with the halfling moving the group finds it hard to tell him apart from the scenery until there is nothing, but snow around him. "Indeed, a meal would be quite nice, thank you." Then he turns to Tusk and answers, "The closest Redfoot camp was at Three Claw Point, but they've since been cleared out and replaced by some white skinned goblinoids." He starts walking past the group back off the other direction (not the way you guys just came from). "Follow me. A good camping spot is just off this way."

Upon hearing his suggestion, Tusk looks at the others, shrugs, and shoulders his pack.

As he follows the evergreen-enshrouded halfling, he keenly watches his surroundings for any signs of an ambush.

22:11, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 18 using 1d20+3 ((15)). Perception

Izayah looked over the little fella that approached them with bit of wariness for only a moment, but also with interest. The halfling was unknown to him, dressed strangely, and seemed to be a resident of the Rimewood. That was all that was required to pique Izayah's interest.

He gave a small bow of his head. "We would be honored to accept your offer of hospitality for the night, and offer ours in return. As you share with us, we will share with you, in friendship and honor." The words had a very formal or ritual sound to them, and lacked almost all of the 'twang' of the human's normal speech.

Actually, Izayah didn't know if the halfling would abide by or know the wilderness pledge he offered, but it didn't hurt to try. And he meant it for himself, and would enforce it if needed on his party members.

He waited to follow the small one.

Tiria happily follows the halfling, very quickly moving to walk beside them, seemingly unafraid of any potential ambush.

"I am Tiria Nailo by the way, it's nice to meet you."

At the mention of the white-skinned goblinoids, Elisar glanced at Izayah and raised an eyebrow.

As the little fellow headed off in the other direction he abandoned his attempts to find a good camping spot, but kept hold of the small bundle of firewood he had collected. Merrily he trotted off after the little fellow, confident that no harm would befall them from this tiny forest guardian. A skinny halfling! Whatever next, a tribe of fat, balding elves?

The group followed the little fellow along the other direction from where they were heading (to the left) and eventually they came upon a small clearing in the trees. It was a snug fit for everyone to make camp here, but it was doable. The little man walked with his staff over to one of the trees at the edge of the clearing and started to move snow off of what appeared to be a blanket left behind hidden in the trunk of the tree.
He looks back to Izayah as Izayah speaks then says, "Offer accepted, as you say, in honor and in friendship."
The halfling looks at Tears and gives her a slight smile, "Tiria it is nice to meet you. My name is Radagast Druid of the Rimewood."
Radagast continued shaking off the deserted blanket until the snow was gone, then proceeded to wrap it around himself. It was unclear if the blanket was his or simply one he knew had been deserted.
"You there," He gestured toward Elisar. "Would you mind clearing snow away from here and setting your bundle in the center away from the snow?" Radagast pointed to the ground at the center of the clearing.

Irsoneic kept quiet during the exchange. He knew that talking with outsiders was not a strength that he possessed, and no one was showing signs of aggression, so that skillset he did have to offered seemed unneeded here. His mood picked up at the mention of food, however. Food was always a welcome distraction.

As introductions began to be made, he finally spoke, "We are Irsoneic. We...hmm, no from these cold place." As the druid asked Elisar to clear a spot and set his things in the middle of it, confusion set in and Irsoneic was suddenly a bit weary once more.

Tusk assists with clearing the snow away from where Radagast gestured.

The sooner they get a proper fire going, the sooner they can eat and warm up.

Elisar didn't like being given orders but he held his tongue. The instruction was a sensible enough order and what he probably would have done anyway.

He began to clear the snow, using an evergreen branch as a broom to clear a patch that was big enough to house a good sized fire. He then began to assemble a suitable fire. His efforts were crude, but he had seen others doing similar with more skills and tried his best to copy what they had done. In good time he had the stack build and delved in his pack for his tinderbox. After a few good strikes he caught a spark and brought the fire to life. As the flame licked the wood and exhaled a puff of smoke he looked at his companions and grinned like a small boy who had just learned a new conjuring trick. Carefully he built it up to form a solid fire for both cooking and warmth.

The elf busies herself laying out what food she had managed to gather as they had traversed the wilderness, a selection of fruits, roots and vegetables.

There is enough to feed six, as though she had figured they'd find the bard.

"Ingredients for a modest meal but it will suffice. The Rimewood is not as generous as my home was, but there is still enough."

OOC: Wanderer feature means food and water for myself and 5 others assuming the environment allows. I presume our resident Ranger might do the same and scare us up something non-vegan :P

Izayah looked at Tiria, looking surprised. "Oh...you wanna hunt?" He smiled and looked nervous. "I usually just eat rations, 'less we get attacked by somethin' we have t'kill an' can eat. Huntin's dang'rous in the wood."

He had stopped, hand halfway in to his backpack, doubtless pulling out a ration. Or maybe his bedroll.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:27, Fri 11 June 2021.

Tiria smiles and shakes her head, "I have enough foraged here for all of us today. If you do get a chance to catch a rabbit or fowl every couple of days then I do prefer more of a mixed diet, otherwise I get tired and weak."

She looks to the druid briefly then back to Izayah, "Some days we are the prey and some days we are the predator, that is the natural cycle. The wood will provide and we will take only what we need."

Radagast held his hands up to the fire to warm them then turned his back toward the flame to warm the blanket around his shoulders. Once some time had passed he pulled some roots and berries of his own out of the small camouflaged pack he had carried with him. He went around to each in the group as he offered a root and some berries to each. "It's not much, but should make for a filling meal with the rest of what has been gathered. I hope you each enjoy."

Irsoneic was not a picky eater. He preferred meat to plants, but food was food, and he was happy to accept whatever was offered so long as it was actually edible. "We thank you."

Elisar accepted the offering of food and added it to the trail rations he had settled down to eat. He eyed the root, not quite sure what it was, and decided to save it for later. He popped a Berry in his mouth and chomped down on it. It was sweet and juicy. And served well to counter the bland dried biscuits and cured meats that made up the rest of his dinner.

As he tucked into his meal he looked over at Radagast. “So, Radagast, do you live out here on your lonesome, or do you have family, or, err, a tribe out here?” He was unfamiliar with the lifestyles of these rural communities, but they fascinated him in their bonds of complexity.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:36, Sat 03 July 2021.

Izayah thanked Tiria and the strange companion for their contributions to the meal. He gave a nod to her, and said "I'll keep an eye out. I always do." He was referring to both something edible to hunt but also just in general.

He glanced at Elisar when the question was asked. It was a valid question. Izayah himself was interested in the answer, looking at their guest.

"No, no family or tribe. I live here in the Rimewood alone protecting what plants and animals I can. I scavenge what I can to survive and I make do. I really don't interfere with anything unless I'm needed, otherwise I keep my distance and let the environment thrive. Though, from time to time I do run into some nasty things that are best to avoid entirely." Radagast nibbled on a root he had and seemed to enjoy it's taste.

Tiria nods along as the halfling speaks, "I see, do you have everything you need out here? If there is anything we could get for you from town please let us know. Tools perhaps."

She looks out into the wilderness almost wistfully, "I hope this man we're looking for had the sense to avoid those nasty things as well..."

Elisar nodded along in response as Radagast spoke. "Well, we have come from Smith's Gambit, a young town over that way." He gestured vaguely in the direction they had come from, but couldn't be exactly certain. Navigation wasn't really his strong point, especially out in the wilds. Hopefully his generic wave had been enough. "There are traders there buying and selling all manner of things, and I'm sure you could trade wild herbs and suchlike to buy whatever you might need, or just fancied some company while enjoying an ale or two by the fire."

He took a bite of dried meat and chewed for a moment, then washed it down with his waterskin. "We have encountered other communities out here; mostly friendly but some, well... err, not so much. We are looking for a fellow who ventured out this way, goes by the name of Finnious Finestar. A skinny chap about my height, grey-haired with a big nose. He was heading towards... what were they called now? Ah yes! He was heading towards the Columns of the Land, whatever they may be. Does any of this ring a bell in your good head, sir?"

He offered forth a small pouch of dried berries and nuts from his daily provisions, inviting Radagast to take a handful.

Izayah looked over and smirked a bit at the bard as Elisar spoke up. His friend seemed to have things well in hand, talking about the right things and asking the right questions. He set back and listened but kept eating instead of talking for the moment.

To Tiria he responded, "Thank you for your offer, but the forest provides what I need."

Radagast then turned his attention to Elisar and listened carefully. Once Elisar finished Radagast spoke, "I will keep your town in mind." Radagast accepted a small handful of berries from Elisar. "Thank you. As for your friend I'm afraid I haven't seen him, but I did find tracks of a human a few days ago. Perhaps they belong to him. Either way he has a head start over you lot, but you think you know where he is going, eh?" Radagast rubbed his chin as he thought for a moment. "I'm not familiar with the names you town's folk have come up with for different parts of the Rimewood, but Columns of the Land sounds like something that would be very tall, don't you think?"

"His tracks, but no others with him?"

Izayah started to say that the person wasn't really a friend, but waved it off mentally. It didn't matter. He made a slow nod. "I think that might be about right for timin'." He smiled at Radagast. "Thanks for the information."

Elisar nodded as Radagast spoke. "Tracks? That is a start. Perhaps you could show my friend Izayah here where they were. He is good at that kind of thing, certainly better than a humble minstrel such as myself."

He rubbed his chin in thought. "Tall? Yes, we thought so too. Maybe mountains or suchlike, or some very tall trees maybe. Do you know of anything significantly tall in the direction the tracks were heading?"

Tusk chews his foraged supper without speaking, simply listening to the others. Finally, as he finishes eating, he speaks up.

"I recall that our friend, Jessop, clarified that Finnious likely meant 'Pillar of the World', if that name has more significance to you."

Tiria gently jerks a thumb towards Tusk and nods her agreement.

"I'm afraid it still doesn't, but the most notable, tall, thing in that direction, however, is the Feather Tree. Though I could see someone naming it such a thing as "Pillar of the World" it is quite tall."

Izayah shook his head and smiled, letting out a small chuckle. "It's alright, friend. You don't gotta know EVERY destination an' place in the Rimewood." He gave kind of a half-shrug. "We got an idea where we're headed, so no worries."

He took a pull from his waterskin.

Tira scratches her temple lightly, "If you can tell us which way to the Feather Tree that will only leave avoiding those nasty things you mentioned."

"Certainly, less than a day Northwest of here." Radagast answered promptly.

Tusk stands up abruptly after finishing his meal, and sets about preparing his tent for the night. When that is complete, he seems to remember a few manners and heads back to the group.

"Thank you, Radagast, for your assistance."

He settles back down by the fire with the others.

"Anyone have a particular Watch shift that they prefer?"

Tiria smiles at Tusk's question, "As long as I can stay warm, I can watch all night. Though it is best if there is always at least one other awake with me."

OOC: Tiria's Trance means she is aware of her surroundings while she rests but her passive perception isn't all that crash hot. I suggest you each take a 2 hour shift on watch as well.

Izayah yawned and then smiled. "I'm fine with the dead o'night. Got no problem with the dark." He glanced at Tiria and chuckled. "Nor a problem partnerin' with you."

He laid down. "Gonna get some shuteye now tho. Wake me when it's my watch."

Tusk nods in acceptance of Tears' offer.

"An extra set of eyes is always appreciated. See you then."

As he gets up to head to his tent, he calls to Izayah.

"I'm no stranger to pre-dawn operations. Wake me after your shift if you don't mind.

"We do not have good sight for darkness, but our ears work."

Tiria gives Izayah a return wink as he goes before she sets up her own tent and bedroll inside.

She leaves them empty however, and instead draws her winter clothes and cloak tighter about her and moves back next to the fire.

"You're welcome to use my tent if you like Radagast, I will not be using it unless the weather takes quite a turn for the worse."

As the conversation wound down, Elisar retired to his tent to get some sleep before his watch.

"Thank you. I may take you up on that offer, but first I think I'll stay up for first watch. I hope whoever is staying up with me from your group doesn't mind." Radagast smiled at Tiria, then turned around in his seat to look outward rather than inward towards the fire.

"The more eyes and ears the better," is all Tiria says with a small smile.

Each of the group settled in for the night while those on first watch (Irsoneic and Radagast) took their places. Irsoneic and Radagast watched for any signs of hostility from the nature around them, but none came as the time passed. Next up for watch was Izayah and just as the others had he too took position to watch for the group's safety. Again the time passed and only peace remained with the group. Soon it was time to wake Tusk. Tusk set himself into position for watch. Nothing came and nothing disturbed the group. Once Tusk finished his watch he woke the next person. Elisar took to his watch with Tiria having been meditating this whole time. They were the lucky ones awake, or at least semi-awake to see the sunrise and rise it did. It dawned into a beautiful morning with birds singing in the trees. Radagast was the first to rise from the sleeping group just in time to catch the last of the night sky disappear. He simply wrapped himself further into his blanket and waited to greet everyone once they were awake.

Sorry about the delays guys I somehow missed that the group was ready.

Once the sun is halfway over the horizon Tiria begins her morning calisthenics and sword-form. The air fogs from her breath and the morning frost crunches gently beneath her feet as she performs the series of deliberate and measured movements.

Satisfied with the warm up exercises, she gently tells those awake that she will go for some more wood and what she can forage then return shortly.

As morning occurs, Tusk rises from his bedroll into the chilly air. Grunting a bit and cursing under his breath, he loosens stiff joints with some obscenely loud pops and crunching noises. Satisfied that his body will last another day, he quickly packs up his campsite with military precision before breaking his fast near the fire.

"Morning," he addresses to anyone who is listening, and to no one in particular.

Izayah woke slowly, consciousness drifting in bit by bit. He rubbed his eyes, stretched, rolled his head around on his neck a bit, and then scrubbed his face a bit with his hands. Then he blinked a few times and looked around. "Mornin'."

Then he roused himself and packed up his gear once more, readying himself for the day.

"Welp, Radagast, it was nice t'meetcha. I wish you well." He lookeda t his companions. "Everyone ready? Let's get movin'."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Tue 03 Aug 2021.

After a quick meal, Tusk falls back into the familiar marching order from the previous day and heads out with the others.

After eating her own breakfast and sharing what she had been able to forage, Tiria also breaks down and packs away her tent. She hums pleasantly to herself as she does so, apparently one of those people who is disgustingly pleasant in the morning...

"Let's not waste any daylight then, hopefully we can catch up with this man before he is eaten or freezes to death."

Before they leave Tiria approaches Radagast quietly while the others are busy, "If you do go to Smith's Gambit to get new tools or anything like that you will need gold, I can give you some if you need it."

OOC: If Radagast indicates he needs gold Tiria will give him 10 gp, otherwise she will bid him farewell before heading off with the others.

Elisar smiled as the warmth of the sun broke through the darkness of the night. He felt the warm rays wash over him, and they invigorated his spirit and readied him for the day's forthcoming excursions. As the others stirred he broke his fast and busied himself, putting away his tent and covering the place it had been, just like Izayah had shown him before. A practiced scout would spy his resting place easily enough, but it was enough to avoid a casual glance.

As Tiria hummed he found himself whistling along in time, complementing her pleasant sound. As she glanced over he flashed her a warm smile. He liked morning people!

Soon he was ready to depart. Before he did he spoke once again to Radagast. "Radagast, I thank you for your hospitality last night, it was most welcome to meet a friendly face out here. Will you journey with us awhile, or do you have errands of your own to attend to?"

"Thank you for your offer, it is quite generous of you, but the forest provides what I need." Radagast nods and smiled at Tiria. "I must return to running my errands, but perhaps we'll meet again sometime. For now farewell and and until then." With his goodbyes spoken he tugs his blanket over his shoulders and takes his staff as a walking stick. He begins to walk away back into the Rimewood from whence he came.

Irsoneic made ready to leave with the others, making no comment to Radagast, but giving him a bow of his head instead.

"Farewell then, Radagast. May your road be ever lined with ripe berries and waterfalls of pure spring water." He bowed a theatrical bow to wish their temporary companion adieu.

Turning to the rest of the group he flashed a warm, overly cheerful smile. "Well, gentlemen," he glanced at Tiria and winked. "And, fair lady. Shall we be off?"

Tiria snaps her fingers and points over her shoulder, "Yep, let's make like a tree," she then awkwardly finger guns before heading off into the woods.

Izayah waited patiently as everyone got their gear together and said their goodbyes. Once everyone was ready, he began to head towards where their destination was, or at least in that direction.

With Radagast on his way the group set out on their own toward the direction the druid had given them. It was a brisk morning just like many others had been. The sun held its position tucked behind some rather thin clouds allowing its light to shine thru. With the ranger in the lead finding the right path to follow was easy enough and they made good time too. With everything going smoothly they eventually made their way to a slightly thicker tree with a single branch reaching out. A single owl can be seen perching on this branch, but something soon takes its attention away from the group and off into the distance. Following the owl's gaze the group soon sees something amiss on the ground not too far away. It looks almost like a dark grey cloud racing across the ground, but from this distance it is hard to make out any details. Whatever it is is moving quickly towards the group. It is currently about 60ft away.

Please roll me initiative.

Tiria clocks the incoming cloud, her mouth making an O shape as she realises it's almost upon them.

OOC: 16:25, Today: Tiria Nailo rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13.  Initiative.

Tusk is traveling at the back of the group, and has a hard time seeing past everyone else to see what they're looking at.


04:20, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 6 using 1d20+2 ((4)). Initiative

Elisar peered into the near distance, trying to make out what this strange sight was. "It appears a storm cloud has gotten lost and isn't very happy about it," he said in a facetious tone. as he watched the oddity he loosened his rapier in its scabbard and mentally began to prepare same of his magick tricks, just in case.

09:54, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

Izayah cocked his head at the owl but then as he followed its gaze, his eyes widened a bit and his eyebrows shot upwards very quickly. He looked confusedly and surprisedly at...whatever that was that he didn't recognize.

He cleared his throat and readied his shortswords. "Anyone know what that is?"

11:48, Today: Izayah Hamadrell rolled 18 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.  Initiative.

"We know not..." Irsoneic watched the clout approaching, trying to see it clearly enough to know whether he actually did know anything or not.

21:01, Today: Irsoneic rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Are there rolls we can make to ID it?

PM

"Rats," Tiria manages as she gets ready to act, "lots of rats!"

"Rats?" Elisar questioned. Then he grinned. "If there are rats then we need a cat! Cats to scare rats!"

His hands moved with a flourish, waving back and forth. After a few moments something appeared in front of the group, halfway between them and the onrushing cloud. A large cat, with rich yellow fur and dark spots. A leopard! Surely no rat would dare take on such a beast! The leopard stood, ready to strike at the swarm.

Casting Minor Illusion cantrip. Illusory leopard is positioned about halfway between the party and the swarm of rats, so about 30ft which is max range for the spell.

Looking from the sudden leopard to Elisar, the elf wonders aloud, "Good idea but I think they might already be afraid of something else..."

OOC: We rolled initiative, are we waiting for an order or jumping straight in? I feel like I'm missing something obvious :S

Tiria tells the group that the supposed cloud is what looks to be a huge swarm of rats headed their way. With quick thinking, after hearing the news, Elisar conjures an illusion and the group then sees a large leopard with yellow fur and dark spots appear on the snow covered ground halfway between the rats and the group. As the rats see the illusion they come to a halt and the group hears loud squeaking from most of the rats, then as quickly as they had been coming the rats start to run diagonally away from the leopard and from the group.

No you didn't miss any Tiria. I'm afraid I just got a late start on this one. Quick thinking Elisar, way to use your head.

Standing up straighter from her ready stance, Tiria scratches her head and looks around awkwardly.

"Ummm, that was bizarre..."

She peers around for anything that might obviously have scared or been chasing the rats while saying with an upwards inflection, "I suppose we just keep going?"

---

16:14, Today: Tiria Nailo rolled 5 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 3.  Perception.

Elisar beamed a huge smile. It seemed his plan had actually worked! Quickly he followed it up with another spell to drive it home. He gestured again, and this time from close to where the leopard stood there was an angry “ROOOAAARRRRR!!!!” Hopefully that would reinforce the message and make the rats keep running, at least for a while.

Casting Minor Illusion cantrip agin, this time to create a roaring sound just behind the leopard.

Izayah slowed his forward momentum and then stalled to a halt as the rat swarm fled away from them...and the illusory predator. He turned his head to look at Elisar for a moment, then grinned and shook his head. "Show off."

But it was obvious he was a little impressed with the quick thinking of the bard.

You each get 30xp for the rats being scared away. What next? Will the group continue onward toward the direction Radagast gave them?

Tears shrugs, "Well, yeah, good job Elisar. I don't see anything that might have scared them so should we keep going?"

She frowns to herself, thinking that this was an incredibly bizarre encounter indeed.

"Before whatever it was does find us? Yes."

Irsoneic continued to keep a wary eye open.

22:46, Today: Irsoneic rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

Izayah stood there for a moment longer, staring the way the rat swarm had been coming from, just trying to make sure that no more danger was coming that way - that something hadn't been chasing the creatures and was headed for them now. But he didn't spy anything immediately.

So he gave a shrug and a nod. "Aye. Let's keep going then."

OOC: Continuing to lead the way they were going.

Tusk stands there a moment with his halberd in hand, facing the direction the cloud of rats ran off to. As the rest of the party moves off, he shrugs and heads off after them, grumbling to himself about being short and unable to see what's going on.

Elisar grinned, looking very pleased with himself at having besting a murderous swarm of giant, vicious, plague-ridden killer rats! “Let’s be on our way then!”

As he stepped off he began to sing, not too loud but enough to warm the hearts of those who enjoyed such things.

Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on
Under cloud and under star,
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green
And trees and hills they long have known.

There was a strong chance he was going to be insufferably happy today…

Tiria hums along to the tune gently as she picks it up, her fingernails tapping the pommel of the scimitar hanging from her waist. When the Elisar seems to have almost come to the end of his song, she picks up the song herself.

Still 'round the corner there may wait
A new road or secret gate;
And though I oft have passed them by,
A day will come at last when I
Shall take the hidden paths that run
West of the Moon, East of the Sun.

As the group walked on, some singing a merry tune, they soon started to see another tree off in the distance, but this one was unlike any of the others they had seen yet. The trunk looked massive even from this distance and it had no low branches. All branches on this tree reach high up into the sky and their leaves were truly something to behold. They were colorful of many bright different colors.

Tusk walks along silently, lost in the song while he subconsciously watches for threats. Long marches were pretty typical for him, so it was a habitual practice at this point.

Seeing a gigantic tree off in the distance wrenches him back to reality, and he lets out a low whistle in appreciation of its size.
"Do you think that's our Pillar?"

Irsoneic got the attention of those nearby, "We think there is a white wolf with teeth bigger than Ours, trailing behind Us, within distance to attack."

Izayah didn't like having the music going - he'd had bad experiences with Elisar's music and getting attacked before - but he held his tongue. He slowed as he approached the large tree. He glanced back at Tusk and gave a shrug. "Maybe...I mean...it's certainly unusual, ain't it?"

Then he heard Irsoneic from behind him and he let out a low curse. "What IS IT with wolves attackin' every trip??"

He pulled out his twin rapiers and stepped to the back of the group, eyes scanning. Muttering under his breath, "fool me once, shame on me...


18:18, Today: Izayah Hamadrell rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Perception.

Tusk turns around at Irsoneic's words and readies his halberd.

He looks for the wolf, but the glint of sunlight on the snow is too dazzling for him to see anything.


04:27, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 7 using 1d20+2 ((5)). Initiative

05:10, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 4 using 1d20+3 ((1)). Perception
This message was last edited by the player at 09:12, Tue 17 Aug 2021.

Tiria simply gazes up at the tree with a bizarre look of longing and a broad smile on her face, "I'll bet that would be fun to climb."

At Irsoneic's warning she turns, "A big bad wolf? Must be pretty big if it's just the one."

The wood elf likewise draws her scimitar and peers into the woods for the likely camouflaged creature but doesn't seem to see anything.

"Are you sure?"

OOC: 18:50, Today: Tiria Nailo rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

Elisar stared at the tree. “What a tree! I wonder if there is a giant who lives at the top!?” He grinned as he recalled the tale told to children. “I’d swear it’s taller than the Tower of Sighs in Old Sevenport, and maybe even more beautiful.”

When Tiria mentioned climbing it he flashed her a smile. “Milady, you have a streak of trouble a mile wide in you, I like it!”

Then someone dropped horsedung on his mood. A wolf? Another one? He turned and looked all around, drawing his rapier as he did so. He couldn’t help but look at Izayah. “You’d think these damned pups would learn their lesson, we’ve taken enough hides to clothe a giantess on her wedding day.”

Everyone please roll me initiative.

Izayah looked over at Elisar for the barest of moments and then back towards where they thought the 'enemy' was.

18:30, Today: Izayah Hamadrell rolled 21 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 3,18.  Initiative.

Irsoneic turned to face the wolf more directly.

19:35, Today: Irsoneic rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

08:16, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 14 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 12.  Initiative.

"A wolf pelt cloak would certainly be warm..."

17:19, Today: Tiria Nailo rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Map is as follows.

E = Enemy
X = Trees
Character Initials for placement.

	Iniative Order:
1.	Izayah Hamadrell	21
2.	Irsoneic	16
3.	Tiria Nailo	14
4.	Elisar Moonraven	14
5.	Enemy
6.	Tusk Bristleback	7

First round actions please. If I didn't get your placements right let me know and I will correct it. Tusk if you would like you may wait to post your action until the enemy goes.

Finally, Elisar spotted the wolf. He suppressed his fear, knowing how dangerous such creatures could be. Instead he decided to play a little trick upon it. Loudly he called out, “Call that a wolf? I’ve seen more impressive hounds carried by gentle ladies at the fair in Magestown. It looks like it has spent too much time licking it’s own arse!” As he cajoled and taunted the beast he weaved subtle magicks into his words.

Casting Vicious Mockery cantrip. Wolf must do WIS save vs DC13 or take 1d4 psychic damage and have Disadvantage on next attack.

Izayah stepped forward slightly, looking around and listening for more - there were almost always more than one wolf. Or dire wolf. Or winter wolf. He held his rapiers ready and waited for the wolf to get closer.

"Be careful! There is almost never just ONE wolf."

Move to J-10.
Action: Ready attack if something hostile comes in to reach.

10:20, Today: Izayah Hamadrell rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Perception (unless it's an action).

10:32, Today: Izayah Hamadrell rolled 25,11 using d20+5,d8+3.  Rapier vs Wolf (if ready is triggered).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Fri 20 Aug 2021.

Irsoneic moved south to the far side of the tree and fired his crossbow at the wolf while distance was on their side.


Move: to L12
Action: Crossbow Attack, miss AC 6

13:01, Today: Irsoneic rolled 6,8 using d20+5,d8+3.  Crossbow.

Tiria nods her agreement with Izayah's assessment and twist her hand in a pinching, drawing motion before seemingly miming throwing a dart at the wolf.

"I only see the one, that's worrying..."

OOC: Casting Mind Sliver on E1, DC 13 Int Save or take 4 psychic damage and have a 1d4 penalty on it's next saving throw, hopefully Elisar's Vicious Mockery.
07:50, Today: Tiria Nailo rolled 4 using 1d6.  Mind Sliver.

Round 1
Izayah Hamadrell moves into position and readies himself for whatever attack may come.
Izayah Hamadrell moves to J10 and readies an attack if something hostile comes into his reach.

Irsoneic moves quickly aiming a crossbow at the wolf once in position. He lets the bolt fly, but it goes wide off into the snow in the distance.
Irsoneic moves to L12.

Tiria Nailo thrusts her hand as if throwing a dart at the wolf and hears it yelp shortly after.
Tiria Nailo casts Mind Sliver at Enemy 1 dealing it 4 damage (due to it failing its save). Enemy 1 will have a -1d4 on its next save.

Loudly Elisar Moonraven called out to the wolf, “Call that a wolf? I’ve seen more impressive hounds carried by gentle ladies at the fair in Magestown. It looks like it has spent too much time licking it’s own arse!”. His attempt to taunt only angered the wolf who responded by growling and barking back at him.
Elisar Moonraven cast Vicious Mockery, but Enemy 1 made its save.

The group hears the wolf growl ferociously, but the sound seems to be coming from all around them. It seems almost like an echo until the growl becomes louder. While the party's focus is on the wolf behind them 5 other wolves reveal themselves to be apart of the echoing growl as they charge members of the group taking their chance to attack. One thing can be noticed, all of these wolves seem to already be covered partly in dark dried blood.

As Enemy 1 charges ahead directly at Izayah Hamadrell he gets his chance to attack. Izayah Hamadrell slices into Enemy 1 with his rapier revealing fresh blood on its coat as it is pushed to the ground.
Enemy 1 moves from A9 to I10 triggering Izayah Hamadrell's readied action. Izayah Hamadrell attacks Enemy 1 dealing it 11 damage. Enemy 1 is dead!

Enemy 2 appears from behind the trees to the side of the group. It charges Tusk Bristleback tearing into his legs trying to drag him down to the ground.
Enemy 2 moves from H1 to J6 and attacks Tusk Bristleback dealing him 11 piercing damage. Tusk Bristleback must make a DC 11 strength save or fall prone.

Enemy 3 appears from behind the trees ahead of the group. It moves quickly to attack Tiria Nailo. Its teeth pierce into her side as it tries to drag her to the ground.
Enemy 3 moves from W4 to N7 and attacks Tiria Nailo dealing her 7 piercing damage. Tiria Nailo must make a DC 11 strength save or fall prone.

Enemy 4 appears ahead of the group to the right and darts towards Elisar Moonraven. It bites into his right leg tearing at it and dragging it down trying to pull Elisar Moonraven off balance.
Enemy 4 moves from V12 to N8 and attacks Elisar Moonraven dealing him 9 piercing damage. Elisar Moonraven must make a DC 11 strength save or fall prone.

Enemy 5 reveals itself from the side of the group, but swiftly moves to attack Irsoneic. It sinks its teeth into his other leg and jerks him towards the ground.
Enemy 5 moves from M16 to L13 and attacks Irsoneic dealing him 7 piercing damage. Irsoneic must make a DC 11 strength save or fall prone.

Back towards the first wolf to reveal itself Enemy 6 steps out from behind the trees and rushes at Izayah Hamadrell. It strikes, but misses its mark horribly catching nothing except for air as it chomps down hard.
Enemy 6 moves from D15 to I11 and attacks Izayah Hamadrell, but misses its mark.

Map is as follows.

E = Enemy
DE = Dead Enemy
X = Trees
Character Initials for placement.

	Iniative Order:
1.	Izayah Hamadrell	21
2.	Irsoneic	16
3.	Tiria Nailo	14
4.	Elisar Moonraven	14
5.	Enemy
6.	Tusk Bristleback	7

Ok Tusk's round 1 action then round 2 actions please everyone.

Irsoneic saw the wolf bite onto his leg, and he returned the favor, biting the wolf on the back of the neck then shaking his head back and forth and biting down a second time.

Str Check: 13, no prone
Action: Bite hits AC 24 for 9 Piercing
Bonus: Bite hits AC 14 for 4 Piercing
Move: to o8, if it's dead, stay if it's not

01:01, Today: Irsoneic rolled 24,9,14,4 using d20+5,d6+3,d20+5,d6+3.  Bite x2.
01:00, Today: Irsoneic rolled 13 using 1d20.  Str.

Izayah had mixed feelings about killing the wolf. A surge of triumph conflicted with having to kill an animal - especially one that might be sick and not in control. But if that was true, it was better to put it down than let it infect or kill others.

He stabbed at the next wolf that rushed up to attack him, though his thoughts distracted him from making well-aimed strikes.

00:17, Today: Izayah Hamadrell rolled 10,4,14,4 using d20+5,d8+3,d20+5,d8+3.  Rapiers vs Wolf.

"Ack!" comes the cry of surprise and pain from Tiria as the wolf sinks its teeth into her side, half pulling her to the ground before she is able to detach herself from it.

The scimitar sweeps out and thrums a low note while green flames erupt from it's edge. With an angled cut the flames coruscate across the offender's coat and erupt sideways to partially engulf its packmate.

---

HP: 13/20 | THP: 0 | AC: 17 | Spd: 45ft. | Arcane Recovery 1/1 | S1 4/4 | S2 2/2 | Adv vs Charm | Immune Sleep | Bladesong 1/2 |
Bonus action: activate Bladesong
Action: Greenflame blade attack on E3, hits AC 11 for 6 slashing damage.
On hit E4 also takes 3 fire damage
16:50, Today: Tiria Nailo rolled 6 using 1d6+3 with rolls of 3.  Scimitar Slashing Damage.
16:50, Today: Tiria Nailo rolled 11 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 6.  Greenflame Scimitar Attack Roll.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 06:51, Sat 21 Aug 2021.

Tusk gets bowled over by the larger wolf, squealing in rage as it sinks its teeth into him. While the two are thrashing on the ground, the change comes over him, as his boar shields metastasize into existence.

He jumps to his feet, bringing his halberd down onto his attacker.

09:28, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 7 using 1d20+5 ((2)). Strength Save

09:33, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 12 using 1d10+5 ((7)). Shifting THPs

Stand up

09:40, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 21,12 using 1d20+5,1d10+3 ((16,9)). 21 Attack + 12 Damage

Elisar's bravado bit him on the arse, or to be precise, it bit him on the leg. Either way the blow took him by surprise and knocked him to the ground.

07:19, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  STR save v DC11. FAIL!

He turned to face his assailant, and stared deep into the eyes of the blood-caked wolf. But instead of fear the wolf would see anger, passion, even madness. Elisar's mouth broadened into a maniacal grin and his eyes glowed a deep shade of crimson. From the ground he muttered a dark incantation, a spell that he had tried before without much success, but now he had practiced to perfect the words. “Lasann lasracha na feirge tríd an spéir, ag díol aingil ina gcarbaid ag tabhairt anáil scorrach an bháis síos.”

As he completed the incantation he shot out his free hand and pointed his splayed fingers at the two wolves in front of him. Three rays of deep red fire shot out from his fingers, one striking the wolf closest to him right in its face, while the other two struck the flank of the beast attacking Tiria.

As quickly as they had appeared the jets of flame vanished, leaving only the smell of singed hair and burnt meat hanging in the air. Gingerly Elisar got back to his feet and brushed damp leaves and twigs from his clothing, then looked around for something else to kill.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
“The flames of wrath blaze through the sky, avenging angels in their chariots bringing down the scorching breath of death.”

---

Elisar Moonraven
HP - 28/19
Action - Cast Scorching Ray, one at E4 for 12hp damage and two at E3 for total 14hp damage
Move - stand up and look around to appraise the battlefield.

12:48, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,1.  Damage.
12:48, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 24 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 19.  Scorching Ray3 v E3.

12:47, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 1,6.  Damage.
12:47, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 22 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 17.  Scorching Ray2 v E3.

12:46, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 12 using 2d6 with rolls of 6,6.  Damage.
12:46, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 15 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 10.  Scorching Ray1 v E4.

Round 1 Cont.
After being brought to the ground Tusk Bristleback quickly gets back to his feet and then with all his might brings his halberd down on Enemy 2's head slicing it in two.
Tusk Bristleback attacks and hits Enemy 2 dealing it 12 damage. Enemy 2 is dead!

Round 2
Izayah Hamadrell swiped at the wolf in front of him (Enemy 6) missing the first pass, but striking true with the second. The wolf yelped in pain, but only for a moment then it responded with a growl.
Izayah Hamadrell attacks and hits Enemy 6 dealing it 4 damage.

Irsoneic returned the wolf's bite in kind with two bites of his own. His teeth tore into the wolf's skin and only deepen as Irsoneic shook it back and forth until the body stopped moving.
Irsoneic attacks and hits Enemy 5 dealing it a total of 13 damage. Enemy 5 is dead!

Tiria Nailo attempts to slash at Enemy 3, but misses sending harmless green flames onto the ground next to it.
Tiria Nailo is still prone on the ground.

Enemy 4 managed to knock Elisar Moonraven to the ground, but before the wolf had much time to reaction Elisar Moonraven started cast an incantation, “Lasann lasracha na feirge tríd an spéir, ag díol aingil ina gcarbaid ag tabhairt anáil scorrach an bháis síos.” and with that he lifted his free hand pointing it at the two wolves in front of him. Without hesitation three scorching rays of fire shot from his hand at the two wolves burning into their fur and flesh.
Elisar Moonraven casts Scorching Ray and hits with all three dealing 12 damage to Enemy 4 and a total of 14 damage to Enemy 3. Both wolves are dead!


Enemy 1 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 2 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 3 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 4 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 5 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 6 looks at it former pack. It backs away slowly until its gained distance then turns and runs away.
Enemy 6 disengages and moves to A11.

Map is as follows.

E = Enemy
DE = Dead Enemy
X = Trees
Character Initials for placement.

	Iniative Order:
1.	Izayah Hamadrell	21
2.	Irsoneic	16
3.	Tiria Nailo	14
4.	Elisar Moonraven	14
5.	Enemy
6.	Tusk Bristleback	7

Ok Tusk's round 2 action then round 3 actions please everyone.

Izayah dropped his rapiers and quickly drew his longbow. He pulled an arrow from his quiver and nocked it, aiming at the wolf even as it retreated. "Just in case, if it's got a disease or somethin', we gotta keep it from gettin' away an' passin' it on."

He let the arrow fly at it.

23:04, Today: Izayah Hamadrell rolled 19,4 using d20+5,d8+3.  Longbow vs retreating wolf.

Irsoneic let the wolf fall limply to the ground before him, and scanned the area for signs of the others. Seeing his companions still alive and all but the lone, fleeing wolf dead at their feet, Irsoneic let the last one flee as it wished. He then drew out a dagger, ready to field dress this wolf carcass right here and now, if there were no further threats.

Elisar looked around. Though bloodied somewhat, his companions had made short work of the rest of the pack with just one fleeing survivor. He quickly turned and began incanting a simple spell. "Tine beo chun an dorchadas a éadromú.”

A small ball of fire, no bigger than an apple, appeared in his hand. He turned his body sideways and flung the ball towards the escaping wolf, as if he was skimming a stone across a millpond. The mini fireball flew through the air but missed its target, landing harmlessly on the damp floor where it fizzed for a brief second then popped out of existence.

He wrinkled his brow, mildly annoyed at the miss. To hide his annoyance he turned all around, checking to see if there were any other wolves hiding nearby. Assuming he sees nothing he will turn to Tiria and offer his hand. "Milady, we cannot have you sitting on the damp ground a moment longer. You might catch a chill." He beamed a warm smile as he helped her back to her feet.

Elisar Moonraven
HP - 28/19
Action - Cast Fire Bolt at fleeing wolf - MISS.
Move - look around again, then help Tiria up.

08:35, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 11 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 6.  Fire Bolt v fleeing wolf.

Tusk pulls out his handaxe and lobs it at the remaining wolf. As he does so, a resolve comes over him and he shrugs off the worst of the damage from the mauling. He then approaches the wolf with his halberd held at the ready, only limping sightly.



04:16, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 9 using 2d20+5, dropping the highest dice only ((4,20)). Attack wolf at A11 disadvantage due to range.

04:19, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 6,8 using 1d8,1d6+3 ((6,5)). Precision attack(9+6 to hit), damage roll(8)

04:25, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 9 using 1d10+3 ((6)). Second Wind to recover hps

Move to E11.

Tiria snorts derisively but takes the extended hand to get up, dusting herself off first then inspecting the teethmarks in her side.

"It's always on that side..." she thinks to herself with a brief grimace before flashing Elisar a winsome smile.

"I wouldn't mind getting a little wet but it wouldn't do to be cold," she comments incongruently.

OOC: I thought Tiria got a nat 20 against being knocked prone, did I miss something? It seems you lot dispatched the wolves though so it makes for a good scene at least.

OOC: My bad I missed your roll and thought by the way you wrote your post that you had failed. Either way glad it didn't seem to effect much.

As he helped Tiria up, Elisa grinned at her cheeky innuendo. He then looked around at the group, most of who seemed to have some kind of wound. “Shall we rest awhile to patch up our wounds? I can sing a song to soothe aching bodies if you like?”

If we do a short rest I can do Song of Rest to boost hip recovery.”

Round 2 Cont.
Tusk Bristleback threw his handaxe after the remaining wolf, but the wolf was just to far out of range for the axe to hit its mark.

Round 3
Izayah Hamadrell loosed an arrow at the running wolf attempting to bring it down. It yelps in pain as the arrow finds its mark in the wolf's side, but still the wolf continues to run.
Izayah Hamadrell attacks and hits Enemy 6 dealing it 4 damage. The wolf is still running.

Irsoneic prepares to harvest from the wolf he had just killed.

Tiria Nailo gets to her feet.

Elisar Moonraven takes aim at the remaining wolf casting Firebolt, but misses his mark with the bolt extinguishing itself in the nearby snow.


Enemy 1 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 2 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 3 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 4 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 5 is laying on the ground dead.

Enemy 6 continues running as fast as its weakened legs can carry it.
Enemy 6 dashes and moves a total of 80ft more away from the group and putting it 80ft off the map.

Map is as follows.

E = Enemy
DE = Dead Enemy
X = Trees
Character Initials for placement.

	Iniative Order:
1.	Izayah Hamadrell	21
2.	Irsoneic	16
3.	Tiria Nailo	14
4.	Elisar Moonraven	14
5.	Enemy
6.	Tusk Bristleback	7

Currently the remaining wolf is 125ft away from the closest member of the group (Izayah). Are you all still going after that wolf or are you letting it go? It looks like Izayah could get one more shot off at it before it gets to his long range where he'd have disadvantage.

I had moved to E11, but I don't think it matters at this point

Tusk moves the short distance to where the wolf was, and retrieves his axe.

"Oh, let her go. I expect she'll think better of attacking people again, and there might be some hungry pups nearby."

She moves to a fallen log and checks it for creepy crawlies before taking a seat with a grimace.

"A break would be nice, and a song to go with it nicer still."

Izayah ignored the words of Tiria, stepping further towards the direction where the last wolf was running. He nocked and loosed one more arrow at the fleeing creature, hoping to drop it before it was lost from sight, just in case he was right about a disease. The arrow seemed to fly true and strong as he watched it, eyes narrowed.


09:35, Today: Izayah Hamadrell rolled 21,10 using d20+5,d8+3.  Longbow vs retreating wolf.

Sorry Tusk completely missed that.

Izayah looses his arrow and watches as it flies true to the back of the wolf's head. With one final loud yelp the wolf falls to the ground mid jump and lands hard in the snow. With all the wolves dispatched only peace remained in this part of the Rimewood. The giant tree seen from before still lays off in the distance ahead.

Well done guys! Each of you gets 60xp!

As others began the process of butchering and cleaning the carcasses, Elisa stayed well away to keep watch. As he walked around he checked that each member of the group was well and helped clean and bind wounds as needed, all the time singing a gentle tune to soothe their spirits.

“In touch with the ground
I'm on the hunt I'm after you
Smell like I sound, I'm lost in a crowd
And I'm hungry like the wolf
Straddle the line in discord and rhyme
I'm on the hunt I'm after you
Mouth is alive, with juices like wine
And I'm hungry like the wolf”

Singing Song of Rest. Any PC doing a Short Rest regains an extra 1d6hp.

12:33, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 4,6 using 1d8,1d6 with rolls of 4,6.  Short rest with Song of Rest.

Now fully healed.

Tiria spends the time keeping pressure on her wound to stop the bleeding then allowing Elisar to help her clean and bind it.

Now at 17/20 HP.
OOC: 21:42, Today: Tiria Nailo rolled 4 using 1d6+1d6 with rolls of 3,1.  Hit Die + Song of Rest.

Tusk rests briefly to fully recover, before standing up and joining the others. He's ill-equipped to slaughter, butcher, or clean carcasses, but is capable and willing to lend a hand if useful.

10:34, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 9 using 1d10+1d6 ((7,2)). Short rest

"This song - it is best We have ever heard, Elisar."

Back to full
11:14, Today: Irsoneic rolled 11 using 1d8+1d6+1.  hit dice + song of rest.

Izayah let out a sigh and nodded as the last wolf went down. He retrieved the arrows that he could and dragged the bodies closer together, but a small distance away from the group.

He took about an hour while the rest of his party...well...rested, to see about examining the wolves, looking for signs of infection, or to see if he could tell if the blood was their own or from something else, whatever he could find out.

He would not, for once, be skinning and harvesting the wolves, just in case.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Sun 29 Aug 2021.

The group had a short rest before returning to their journey, but there was one who didn't rest with the others. Izayah gathered the dead bodies of the wolves together, then took a good look at each of them examining them for any sign of illness or disease.

Izayah finished his examination and then slumped backwards on to his butt in the snow, head hung for a bit. It was part being tired after all of it and the fight...but part of it was also that he had killed the wolves. Again. Attacked by, and forced to kill, wolves again. Like every time he entered the damned woods.

He joked about blaming Elisar's music but...he himself was the common denominator for when attacked by wolves. It was every time HE entered the wood. Him. He might be overthinking, just blaming himself for no reason, and that there was no logic behind it but...it still sucked and pulled at him. It wasn't like he'd only been attacked by wolves - it was just becoming something that he didn't look forward to every trip out of town.

He drew in a deep breath and let it out a long sigh.

Then he picked himself up, brushed himself off and didn't look at anyone as he started to lead the way once more. "Let's get -" He paused very briefly and changed what he'd been about to say of 'this over with.' instead to, "goin'."

Elisar regarded Irsoneic for a good moment. He had difficulty reading the features of dragonfolk, and couldn’t tell if he was being genuine or sarcastic. Eventually he gave him the benefit of the doubt and offered a courteous bow. “You are kind, friend. It is but a simple tune I learned from a group of travelling Gnomes from the city of Duran. I thought it somewhat appropriate.”

As they readied to leave he noticed Izayah. The fellow seemed gripped by a dark mood. Elisar approached him. With a smile he joked, “It seems that the beast of this great forest like not my singing. Maybe I should try some of my poetry instead. I could recite ‘The Day the Vogons Came’ if you like, it is an epic tale with 42 verses!”

Standing behind Elisar, Tiria mimes with her hands waving and then forming a cross as she shakes her head and silently mouths the word "No."

Should the bard turn around she will put her hands behind her back and look up to the side, then start whistling innocently.

Tusk brushes the worst of the snow off of his clothing and approaches the ranger. Seeing him in some kind of funk, the grizzled veteran lightly claps him across the back and nods encouragingly.

"You did real good back there; you're a natural at this, it seems...

Any idea why they're so bloody? The way they came after us, you'd think they hadn't eaten for a few days, but they look like they didn't even have time to clean the blood off from their last kill. Makes no sense to me. Do you think they're sick?"

Chuckling as he sees the exchange between Elisar and Tiria, a wide grin spreads across his face and Tusk speaks up.

"So if you think the wolves are after you 'cause of your singing, what are you hoping to draw out with your poetry: an owlbear?"

Izayah looked at Elisar first, but with a glance behind him at Tiria. He shook his head. "No, but thanks. I figured out that your music ain't the thing that's always drawn wolves o'dif'rent sorts every time." He paused and then smiled, "Well...it may not help an' may give 'em somethin' t'hear an' head towards."

He turned towards Tusk and gave him a wry look. "Lots o'practice." He shook his head. "Twas strange. The blood was from a different kill, not sickness or disease. I don't know why they attacked us so. Another mystery in this odd wood."

Elisar looked on with an air of mock indignation, pantomiming that he was offended. That couldn't be farther from the truth, however. He knew it was his duty to raise the spirits of his companions, to help them through the darkness; and this wood was a dark and mysterious place. "Very well then," he harrumphed. "No epic poetry today, that can wait until we are all returned to a nice warm tavern with time to sup on a foaming ale and enjoy each and every verse!"

OOC - happy to proceed towards the tree when everyone is ready. I'm not interested in butchering the bodies.

If no one is interested in harvesting the wolves then we'll continue...
After their rest the group felt a second wind come over them as this had seemed to be a long day, but it was not over yet. Up ahead could still be spotted the tree with magnificent colored leaves. To reach any of those leaves would be quite the task, but perhaps not impossible. Either way the group trudged on through the snow. As they at neared the tree even more the appearance had deceived them. The tree was even bigger now that they stood before it. Its massive trunk stood firmly in place with no doubts that its roots probably dug deep into the ground. Most likely far deeper than most would be willing to dig, but then again why would anyone want to dig up such an amazing tree. As the group draws nearer still the leaves come clearer into view. They were shaped and look exactly like colored feathers.

Having finally arrived at the tree, Tusk searches around the tree for any sign of the missing bard. Ultimately, he is very impressed by the sheer enormity of the plant as it scrapes the heavens, and it's probably distracted by it and therefore less thorough in his searching.

He also takes a moment to gather a bundle of branches from the tree. They will no doubt be worth something to Hexia.


05:45, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 4,13 using 1d20+3,1d20 ((1,13)). Perception | Investigation

Irsoneic is certainly interested in harvesting his, but today he sucks at it.

Meat: 13:56, Today: Irsoneic rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Survival.
He'll use his Cunning Artisan racial to turn the pelt into a shield.

The tree of feathered leaves, he found intriguing. Was it a tree, or was it a bird? Could he eat it? Could it eat him?

Dice roller hates me.
14:00, Today: Irsoneic rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Nature.

PM

"Woooow," seems to be all Tiria can manage as she looks up at the tree with wide glistening eyes.

She makes a couple of circles around the trunk as though looking for a way to climb up before stopping again next to the others with a sigh.

"I doubt this guy can fly so he's probably not up there. Hopefully he wasnm't eaten by those wolves."

Tusk makes his way back to the others and seems less jovial than before.

"I think three mysteries have been solved, and not in a good way. I think our Finnious is -- was -- on the other side of this tree... And I think I know what the wolves got to before finding us. Finally, I think this proves that the wolves are drawn to music. I truly hope I'm wrong, however."

He looks at his fellows, and leads any who follow to the remains he found.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:10, Wed 01 Sept 2021.

"This is Feather Tree, the druid told us of. The Pillar of the World?"

Tusk nods at Irsoneic.

"It was his suggestion, yes. 'Pillar of the World' was an unknown name to him, but his best guess was this place. If we can find a way to identify these remains, we can determine if this is our guy. I recall something about vines carved into his lute."

Tiria tears her attention away from the tree and follows Tusk to the apparent remains of the man they were sent to find.

She frowns and kneels, checking to see that the man was actually dead.

Izayah looked up and up and up as they got closer to the....calling it a tree seemed wrong. Like the word was too insignificant for what they were looking at. It was like a tree as a blade of grass was like a bush. And it was...awesome and strange.

"Wow indeed."

Then Tusk spoke and Izayah's gaze dropped down from the tree and he let out a sigh. "damnit." He shook his head. "Not completely unexpected, but still disappointin'."

He nodded and followed Tusk to the remains.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 14:40, Wed 01 Sept 2021.

Elisar looked on mournfully at the body of the lost minstrel. "Tis a shame, I was hoping for a much happier outcome." He stepped closer to look at the corpse. "Can you tell how he died? Did he fall, or was he attacked?" He looked up into the high branches of the strange looking tree. "They do say it's not the falling that hurts, it's the landing."

When Tusk mentioned the lute he looked over at it, trying to see if it did indeed have the vine detailing that the halfling had mentioned. That might confirm that this was indeed the lost bard. He also noticed that Tusk was preparing to climb the tree, and so spoke to him. "It would take a brave soul to climb that tree, braver than I. I'm sure you can do it. Maybe you will find a cloud giant at the top, with a hall full of wondrous treasures! If you do, send down the good stuff first!"

Giving Tusk Bardic Inspiration - Once within the next 10 minutes you can roll 1d6 and add the number rolled to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw it makes. You also regain 1d6+3hp immediately if needed.

Tusk ties a spare pair of his pants into a loop and places it around the arches of his feet. After taking a moment to let Elisar's words inspire him, he gets to work. He hugs the tree tightly and pulls his knees up to his chest. Pushing the loop against the tree, he locks his feet on the sides of the trunk and sort of stands up from the trunk, with the loop and his feet firmly wedged against the bark. He repeats this series of steps like a giant inchworm, with his movements becoming more fluid as he works out a system.

04:54, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 23,24 using 1d20+5,1d20+5 ((18,19)). 2x Athletics checks to climb tree -- just like free-climbing a palm tree apparently

Nice rolls!
The group followed Tusk around the tree to see the gored remains of a minstrel holding a lute. As they got a better look at the instrument it did indeed have vines and leaves etched into the wood. This did appear to be the missing bard they were searching for. Not long after everyone had shown their disappointment Tusk seemed to show a determined spirit as he looked at the tree. Retrieving a pair of pants from his bag he wrapped the pants around the trunk and started his attempt at climbing up. With almost ease he made his way to the lowest branches approximately 30ft off the ground. Once there he looks around attempting to find any less than alive branches, but finds that this tree seems to be in excellent condition, not a dead or dried up branch to be seen. If he wanted to claim any then he would have to cut them from the tree himself.

Elisar picked up the lute. "It does indeed match the description given. I'm afraid our quarry has met an unfortunate end." He strummed gently on the lute, testing the strings. "I think we should bury him here, where he fell. It is a fitting place to rest eternal, and beautiful too." What he didn't say was that it would also avoid having to carry a corpse all the way back to town.

He began the grim task of laying out the body. As he did so he check for pockets or a satchel that might contain anything of interest (purely in the interests of returning personal items to his friend you understand). Hopefully someone else would have a shovel and could begin to dig a grave.

"Once he's in the ground I will say a few words." Then he looked around at his companions. "A few quiet words."

Tusk uses his rope to tie himself off to his branch (safety first!). Satisfied that he's tethered to the tree with no slack in the rope, he pulls out his handaxe and begins pruning the monolithic plant.


15:12, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 21 using 1d20+2 ((19)). Acrobatics 1

15:13, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 9 using 1d20+2 ((7)). Acrobatics 2

So I'm reasonably certain even with inspiration I am not staying upright on this attempt. Do I just keep rolling until I manage all three?

Tusk, you successfully chop down the first branch and it falls to the ground, but as you go to chop the second one you lose your balance and fall off the branch you were on only to be caught by the rope you so smartly tied to save you. I'll need you to roll me an athletics check to regain your stability on the branch (DC 12) and keep rolling Acrobatic checks for me until you either roll 15 or higher for the last two branches or if you roll less than a 15 you'll need another athletics check to regain stability once again. If at anytime you roll less than a 5 then the branch you are tied to will break and you will fall.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Tiria calls up the tree, clearly quite cross, "Leave the tree alone!"

Tusk handily detaches the first branch from the tree, but the second one he goes for is barely within his reach. He overextends, and slips off the branch. Cursing under his breath, he climbs back up, only to lose his balance a second time. The whining from below drifts upwards, and is distracting enough that as he's telling Tiria to be quiet, he loses his balance again. The third time he falls, the branch he's on breaks.

08:35, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 22 using 1d20+5 ((17)). Athletics

08:36, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 5 using 1d20+2 ((3)). Athletics, branch 2, so I used 08:37, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 2 using 1d6 ((2)). Bardic Inspiration

08:38, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 22 using 1d20+5 ((17)). Athletics

08:39, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 4 using 1d20+2 ((2)). Acrobatics... Snap?
At least the branch I'm on became my second one =)

Izayah, still on the ground, looked up to watch Tusk moving around the tree up above. He frowned and then started slightly, blinking and looking at Tiria when they shouted. He scratched his chin and then said, "You know...she might be right. Not sure if you should mess with the tree."

But he clearly wasn't going to try and stop Tusk either.

Elisar glanced upwards, wondering exactly how high a dwarf could climb. He also couldn’t help but wonder how good they were at falling.

Tusk tries his best to keep his balance while chopping at the branches, but doesn't seem to be doing very well. Eventually, when attempting to chop at the second branch, he goes to chop and right on the other side of the branch appearing out of seemingly thin air Tusk sees the pale transparent form of an old man. Startled by this sudden appearance Tusk loses his balance once again, but unfortunately for him the branch he is tied to is not so forgiving. As the rope is pulled tight to it the branch snaps. Tusk while in mid drop grabs hold of the broken branch and as his hand lands on one of the leaves suddenly his fall slows. The leaf his hand had landed on vanishes, but Tusk is no longer falling at full speed, instead he seems to be floating much like a feather back to ground.

Tusk, in apparent slow motion, falls rather ignominiously to the ground, where he lays for a moment gathering himself.

He gets up and brushes the snow off his clothes, looking around quickly as if trying to determine whether anyone saw him fall or not.

Irsoneic watched Tusk's fall, "Interesting. Could be also stupid. But interesting, still."

Elisar inspected the lute more thoroughly. Muttering gently to himself he sai, “Strange, no blood stains at all. How curious.”

09:58, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 13 using 1d20+4.  Arcana.

Izayah's eyes widened and his eyebrows shot up quickly as he watched the events unfold. He didn't even have time to....try and really do anything to stop Tusk's fall but....the fall slowed and Izayah's head tilted to the side.

When it was completed, he walked over to Tusk, smiling. "Well. That seemed like fun. Wanna go again, or we good t'get outta here?"

Tusk shakes his head sheepishly, before securing the branches.

"Yeah, I'm all set. Time to tell our employer the unfortunate truth."

Just as everyone started to talk about leaving out of no where everyone hears a voice, "Ehem," As everyone looks for the source of the voice they turn to see the form of an old man transparent and pale facing the group floating next to the feather tree. He continues to speak, "Hello, sorry to interrupt..."

With an exasperated sigh Tiria glares at Tusk before turning to face the apparition with a contrite look on her face, "Hello, I take it you are the spirit of this great tree? I apologise for my barbaric companion, he clearly doesn't understand the venerability of such a being. I hope that you can forgive his ignorance."

Mostly ignoring Tiria's unsolicited outburst, Tusk greets the apparition.
"How do you do? Carlton Honeywhisper sent us on a quest to locate a friend of his, Finnious Finestar. You wouldn't know of such a person, would you? Our best guess is that this fellow," he indicates the recent, shallow grave, "belongs to that name, but the remains were pretty difficult to properly identify."

Does this old man match the description of Finnious Finestar?

Elisar was too busy inspecting the lute to notice the appearance of the apparition. He was quite startled when the voice appeared.

He spun around, but before he could speak his companions had already begun to do so, so for the moment he kept quiet.

Tusk, yes he does.
"Finnious, that's me and you'd be right in guessing this body belongs to me. Damned wolves." He curses to the side then returns his attention to the group. "Carlton send you all after me? He is a good pal. I'm sad I probably won't get to see him again or perform. Just as well I suppose, I was never able to finish my last song. I really need to complete it, but I just don't know how I can in this form. Perhaps you lot could help me? I do believe one of you has already found the paper I was writing it on."

Elisar pondered the strange man's words for a moment, then it dawned on him. He stuffed his hand in his pocket and retrieved the small coin pouch that he had recovered from the corpse. Rifling through it he found a scrap of paper. He opened it hurriedly, revealing what appeared to be some kind of poem, or maybe song lyrics.

He held the paper up and waved it in the air. "Good Master Finestar, you are indeed correct. Your friend Master Honeywhisper did indeed entreat us to locate you. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Elisar, called the Moonraven." He whipped off his hat and bowed theatrically. "I am but a humble singer of songs and teller of tales, but I know fine verse when I see it. Perhaps I could help you finish your song? I would be happy to try out your fine lute, with your blessing, or maybe I could join you with viol or flute, if you'd prefer?"

"Nice to meet you Moonraven. I would prefer to play my lute, but you are welcome to join in verse." The ghost of Finnious Finestar picks up his lute and starts to play it, then in tune to it he starts singing in a comforting voice.
"Feather Tree, oh, Feather Tree
Pillar of the World,
Stretch you branches up to the sky.
Never falter
Never fade
Never tire of the strain
Keep reaching up to the sky."

Elisar handed over the lute and quickly pulled out his viol. He listened carefully to the melody that Finnious played, and began to play an accompanying tune to complement it.

He looked over at Finnious and smiled, then began to sing himself, making up lyrics on the spot that he hoped would find favour.

"Feather Tree, Oh Feather Tree,
Pillar of the World.
Reaching to the gods above,
Your leaves all soft and curled.
Cool winds blow,
And bring the snow,
That settles on the moss below.
A carpet now of green and white,
Upon which fairies do delight."

He glanced from Finnious to his companions and back again. It wasn't his finest work but he was making it up on the spot. It was common enough game amongst performers, to take an idea and expand upon it in a kind of musical duel. Often it was used to mock your opponent to win the approval of an excited crowd, but other times it was done for the pleasure of crafting new verses on the spur of the moment. This was the latter, and he hoped his words found favour with the spirit before him.

Izayah watched, a bit warily especially at first, at the spirit as it talked to them. Then his eyes narrowed a bit as the request to help finish a song came. It could be a trick. But more likely? It was just a way to call the wolves back to try and eat them.

He sighed and turned away from the tree, walking a slow perimeter around it to watch for more hungry music-lovers.

Irsoneic listened to the song, watching and waiting to see what might come of it.

As Elisar sang his verses the ghost of Finnious listened all the while continuing to play his lute to the melody. When Elisar reached the end of his verses the ghost added in tune, "With roots growing into the snow." At that point the ghost finished his song with a grand finish from his lute then he returned his attention to the group and spoke, "What do you think? All together that is. A worthy piece of art worth performing?" The ghost seemed to eagerly be awaiting an answer from those of the group. "Excellent work, though my good sir. I couldn't have come up with better lyrics if I had done it myself."

Tusk nods his head in approval, and a faint smile splits his face.
"That was pretty good. So, what are you going to do now, being... Not... Alive, and all?"

Elisar beamed at the approval of his lyrics. “Yes, yes, that works well. I think it is a fine song, I would be proud to sing it to the masses who crave the warmth of music. I shall name it ‘The Ballad of Finnious and the Feather Tree’, what do you think?”

Then Tusk spoke. His smile dropped somewhat. “Tis a good point. Will your spirit remain here, or will you ascend to the heavens? I know little of such matters.”

"I will ascend, that is if you can promise me a favor. Just a small something to let my soul rest in peace. When you make it back to Smith's Gambit perform that final song for my friend Carlton. Let it hopefully put his soul in peace too. As for me, I lived a good long life with one of the best buddies I could have asked for. Let him know that for me too."

Elisar nodded. “It would be my honour. I will play the song for your friend, Carlton, and will tell him that you are happy and free. And afterwards we will drink until dawn, and he can tell us stories to celebrate your life. Shall I take your lute back to him too? It is too fine to allow nature to simply reclaim it here.”

"My lute is a fine item indeed. It is magical too, though only towards animals. I agree its journey should not end here. Take it as payment from me for doing such a great final deed in my honor and with that I do believe I hear the heavens calling me. Farewell my friends and safe travels." With that Finnious bowed a mighty bow and lifted up higher turning even more transparent as he does until at last he seems to vanish over the feather tree.

Izayah couldn't resist. He rolled his eyes over his shoulder, glancing back at the group. "Oh, trust me, it'd be harder t'get Elisar NOT t'play that song. He had a hand in creatin' it so he'll be MORE'n happy t'perform it." Small pause. "Repeatedly."

He then let out a chuckle and winked at Elisar to show he was partially joking. Then he went to watching out for trouble.

Having remained quiet for this exchange, Tiria can be seen looking up the tree with a look of longing before it turns to one of planning and finally resolve.

The bard's spirit now gone, she notes, "There is still some light, shall we start heading back to the Smith's Gambit?"

Elisar watched as the spirit ascended. "Safe travels, Master Finestar! May the gods guide you on your journey!" Then, as an afterthought he whispered. [Language unknown: "Stenc ainilline, poilnc ommi ven lltha ardreacom netr ithng u derhatill olure outiveess."]

Once it was out of sight he picked up the lute and held it close. He had wondered if it was indeed magical, and now was curious to find out what it actually did.

When Tiria spoke he nodded. "Aye, I guess we can make some progress before setting up camp for the night."

As the spirit ascends and the group makes to head back, Tusk gathers up his belongings and heads off with them.

With the body now buried and the spirit moved on the group took a look at the sun. It was on the last stretch of the day, but the party decided to push onward just a little further in hopes of making their travel back to Smith's Gambit that much swifter. Try as they might though the group only made it part of the way back to the shore. They would have to travel more the next day to come out of the Rimewood and see their way home to Smith's Gambit. The group was able to make camp under a familiar tree they had come across earlier and while it was thicker that a bunch of the other trees it was still nowhere near as big as the "Pillar of the World".

Izayah lead them for as long as it seemed like they had enough light, then called a halt. "We should set up camp." He tried to find something defensible, and under the tree was about as good as it was going to get.

"I'll take middle watch. Wake me in a few hours." He set up his sleeping arrangements and nodded off pretty quickly. It had been a long day.

After a long day of traveling and that bardic excitement, Tusk sets up his tent, and then settles down at the outside edge of their camp.

"I'll take first watch."

"We will watch second, then."

“I will take the dawn watch,” Elisar stated simply. He was curious to know more about his newly acquired lute. Once camp had been established and he had eaten some food he settled down on the ground, sitting crossed legged with the lute in his lap. For a good hour he at with his eyes closed, humming gently to himself while his hands explored every inch of the musical instrument.

Tiria nods and moves about to gather enough food from the wild to fill their bellies for the cold night ahead. Having done so she returns to their camp site to build the fire enough for cooking.

With their long day now coming to an end the group settled into their positions for the night. They each took comfort in doing their nightly routine then set about watch as the night grew dark. The moon was bright in the sky with few clouds to be seen. Elisar set himself to the task of examining the lute while Tusk sets himself up at the edge of camp awaiting whatever may come, but as the night grew on nothing ever did. Soon it was time to wake the next guard for watch duty, Irsoneic. With senses keen to their surroundings, Irsoneic took his position and paid close attention for his time on watch. Ambience from the forest could be heard, but nothing out of the ordinary. Once again the watch ended with no sign of any danger and it came time for the next one. Izayah was the next to be awoken and take place for his watch. The night drew on now nearing early morning, but still no signs of any danger. At last the final watch came time to take place and Elisar had volunteered for just the task. Elisar sat peacefully waiting just as the others had and just like the others nothing seemed to approach. Through out the night Tiria had been meditating keeping aware of the surroundings that she could. All went well. The night slowly made its transformation into morning with the light of the sun just peeking over the horizon coloring the sky with blues and purples hidden ever so slightly behind the clouds that lazed across it. After a peaceful night the morning had finally arrived and it was time to wake up once again.

Izayah was surprised that nothing had come after them by the tree nor during the night's rest. The Wood was being...kind? Respectful? Just lulling them in to a false sense of security? He woke and stretched, ate a small breakfast and then cleaned up himself and gathered his gear up.

"Right. Let's try t'make it back t'town without gettin' eaten, an' let our employer know the mixed news, yes?"

"Yes, we should fill our bellies and be ready for the long trek back. It was a queerly quiet night so I feel a little paranoid that something is happening out there," Tiria agrees with an almost foreboding tone, looking a little troubled.

As his companions rose and broke their fast, Elisar joined them, reporting that his dawn patrols had seen nothing of interest. "Quiet indeed, as peaceful as the sun's rays peeking through the soft branches overhead."

He ate some trail biscuits and hard cheese, washing it down with some fresh spring water. A hot breakfast would have been nice, but it was best to get on the path sooner rather than later. Shortly he was ready to depart, his belongings packed away in his magical bag.

As he waited for the others to be ready he spoke gently to Tiria, guessing that she would find his news of interest. "In my musings last night and this morning I discovered something quite fascinating." He held up his newly acquired instrument. "This lute is indeed magical, and more so that our departed friend, Finnious realised. It does have the power to charm common beasts as he assumed, but will also enhance the power of any magick tricks that I may try. A most useful item indeed, in the hands of own skilled in its use. This expedition has certainly been very rewarding."

Tusk stirs from his sleep, his joints protesting profusely at the cold. As quickly as he is able, he helps break camp and heads off with the others.

He munches his rations along the way. If they're going to be dull, there's no sense sitting around pretending to enjoy them.

"Onward we go, yes?"

Izayah began to lead the way back towards what passed for civilization around these parts, and was their home.

In response to Elisar's commentary on the lute Tiria says, "If it is able to enhance your ability to cast magic then the dead man's gift to you is quite valuable indeed. Just remember the lesson of Finnious's foolishness; a song might cost your life and it is dangerous to venture into the wilds alone. [Language unknown: Fi it onssa o ativoroulwitent fo an ai wapoit ur nosa blesanate]. Be mindful of who knows you possess such a thing, power invites conflict."

She gently pats the man on the cheek, momentarily seeming much older and more tired than a moment ago but then it passes.

"Onward, as you say Irsoneic, let Aesiah Haemadryll lead our return."

Led by Izayah the group gets underway back thru the Rimewood towards the shore. It feels as though little time passes before the group can start to see water beyond the trees off far in the distance. Hope of returning to Smith's Gambit seems to brighten up the group as they near the edge of the forest.

To Tiria's words of advice he nodded. "Tis true, alas, some men do desire more power than is good for them. Maybe being circumspect is a wise choice."

He kept us a brisk pace as they trekked through the forest. He did his best to follow the trail, but truth was he was reliant on Izayah's unerring sense of direction. Luckily he trusted the fellow, he had proved himself to be a brave warrior and good friend in their adventures together.

When he saw the blue of the water he smiled and gestured. "The sea! That is a welcome sight, we must be close to Smith's Gambit now!" He quickened his pace as they approached the forest's edge, the thought of a hot bath and hot meal (not to mention a hot companion to share them with) re-energised him. He wanted to sing, but restrained himself this time, instead singing a tune within his own head, his feet keeping pace with the lively beat of the song.

Izayah stopped suddenly, eyes narrowing, a frown sliding on to his face. He looked around slowly, as if looking for an ambush about. Then he moved forward, but off a bit from a direct line to Smith's Gambit.

He drew closer to a tree and slowed. Then he crouched down and peered at...something. "Somethin' here. Buried." He began trying to dig it up.

Izayah couched down before one of the medium sized trees and started to dig away the snow. As he did this eventually he and the group could see the buried item looked to be a small brown and silver chest.

He left it in the ground for a moment. "Well. That...is int'restin'" He frowned, tongue moving around inside his cheek a moment. "What ya'll reckon? Been here long? A trap?"

He peered closer to see if it appeared trapped.

21:05, Today: Izayah Hamadrell rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Investigation on chest.

"Suspicious, We think."

23:04, Today: Irsoneic rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Perception

The group watched as Izayah and Irsoneic examined the chest.

“Most curious,” Elisar mused. “Why would someone leave such a thing all the way out here? Maybe it’s pirate treasure, left here by a handsome buccaneer fleeing from a cruel king’s fleet! Here, let me look closer.”

He crouched down on his haunches and inspected the box. [Language unknown: “Kor dionfi di intei thunc, arekoreen undpo?”]

If anyone goes to open it he will stop them. “I may have a little trick to open it more cautiously.”

08:16, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Investigation .

Elisar takes a closer look at the chest.

This message was deleted by the player at 11:56, Fri 17 Sept 2021.

Eliar regarded the chest. "It seems perfectly ordinary to me, no lock to seal it and no obvious traps. I have a little trick that might open it to reveal the contents without us risking touching a hidden trap."

If all were in agreement he waved them back a good few paces then prepared the spell. Standing about 25 feet away he gestured, and momentarily and ghostly hand appears, glowing softly with a pale red light. Carefully he guided the floating hand towards the chest. He moved his own hand in the air, and the floating hand mirrored his movements. Carefully he opened the latch and lifted it clear of its housing, then the hand moved again to grasp the lip of the chest. Nodding at his companions to keep back he slowly manipulated the floating hand to lift the lid and push it open.

Casting Mage Hand cantrip

Izayah gave a small nod. "I don't see a lock or any traps, but..." He spread his hands, "I ain't perfect."

He stepped back and gave a shrug at Elisar. "Sure. If you want. Go ahead."

The group, now standing about 25ft back from the chest, watch as the translucent red hand floats towards the chest. It lifts the latch then slowly lifts the lid to reveal the contents held within. With the lid of the chest now open inside can be seen three different looking potions, a scroll, and a sack of gold.

Tusk attempts to keep a lookout in case this is a setup for an ambush, but is incredibly distracted by the glowing hand spell.

16:17, Today: Tusk Bristleback rolled 7 using 1d20+3 ((4)). Perception ... This is embarrassing. I thought this crap only happened to Malkus.

Izayah looked innocent and straight-faced for a moment. "Looks trapped an' dang'rous. I'll take care of it. Ya'll go on ahead t'town." Then he let out a chuckle and grinned.

He walked back towards the chest to see what was inside. "oooh shiny!"

"This is all very exciting, if there are other such caches in the Rimewood perhaps I should make a point to study the art of Identification."

The elf laughs lightly at Izayah's jest and isn't far behind him, looking with great interest past his shoulder.

OOC: I'm unsure how identification of items is being run in this game. Tiria doesn't have the Identify spell but if a knowledge check is suitable she might be best suited to figure out what these are.

Utilising his Mage Hand, Elisar carefully lifted out each item one by one and placed them gently on the ground for the others to inspect. Once he had done so the spell ended and the hand slowly faded from view.

OOC - I do have the Identify spell and can use it on anything that you guys don't work out.

The mage hand floats towards the items in the chest and attempts to pick one of them up, but try as it might the item did not seem to budge.

"Mmm, is a trick after all, yes? We knew it."

Irsoneic continued to keep an eye out for trouble.

Izayah frowned at the mage hand's inability to pick up anything. He then gave a shrug. He'd take the hit for the team if needs be. He walked over and attempted the same with his actual hand to see if it was a trick or trap or something else.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Sat 18 Sept 2021.

Izayah puts his hand in the chest to retrieve one of the items, but as he tugged he found that the item was stuck. Then suddenly the chests lid snapped shut was Izayah's hand still in it.

Everyone please roll me initiative and post your first round actions.