There was a lot happening on the deck of the White Swan, many sailors in awe of the spectacle of a second moon slowly rising over the horizon, Ersin and Kali among them. Other were predictably more terrified, the Selunite included. Styx seemed to keep his cool and pointed at the sky, having noticed a peculiar constellation that when you looked at it, looked like a pair of eyes, that always seemed pointed at the viewer. Without warning, the bugbear climbed the mast.

What are you doing here, Moonbeam?

Do you see that moving light, Wind?

What moving light?

But despite the bugbear pointing him in the right direction, the druid couldn’t see anything, and Styx climbed down, soon replaced by Kali, that could not find the light either.

All that agitation attracted the attention of the ship leaders and Machrel approached the companions.

Do you have something you wish to tell us, mister Styx?

Kali got nearer to the praying Selunites and asked what was wrong with them. Asuni lifted her tear filled face toward the tiefling and said, her voice near the cracking point.

I barely feel Selune, Kali, Her presence is so far! I don’t know what I’ll do without Her, serving Her is all I’ve known in my life!
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:28, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

The moons, yes moons. Two, the sky, things are very wrong here. Styx and I move our eyes from the moons to the sky. If the moons are wrong the sky is so much worse. Not only do I not recognize any stars patterns but they have shaped themselves into two enormous eyes that seem to be looking upon us. Asuni clutches close to me, openly weeping now. Kali comes running over to us asking why we are so bother by the appearance of the new moon. I don’t know how to explain it to her.

For we who follow the moon this is wrong. Selune is our goddess, the goddess of the Moon. This is upsetting the balance of all things. Our connection has suffered. I can’t explain it all now. Kali please stay with Asuni, I’ll be right back. I need to get my things.

I feel better that Asuni is with someone I trust. I make my way down into the ship and find my chest. Although chain mail is not needed for sailing I fear I may need it now. For the eyes in the sky we’re bad but the lights make me nervous as well. Lights on the horizon and moving, fast. I finish buckling my armor, take my shield and axe and make my way back to the deck. I make my way over to Kali and Asuni. I do not know what will happen and with out diminished connection I hope there I will still be able to help as I usually can. I look to the horizon, to the sky, to the two moons, I fear I don’t know much of anything anymore.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

I take Asuni’s face gently in my hands and wipe the tears away.

There is no reason that I see why you can’t keep serving her here. Perhaps the reason she feels so far away is she is not yet worshipped in this world? Mayhaps you are just thinking about this with the wrong frame of mind. What if the reason you were brought here is to bring the light of Selune to this place? This could be your greatest achievement. Do not fret just yet, dearest Asuni. All is not lost.

I smile at both Torinn and Asuni and settle myself near Asuni, laying backwards to keep my eyes on the new constellations.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

After Styx's report of a strange light on the horizon I step up to the rail and remove one of my most prized possessions. The spyglass was old and showed signs of much use but its lenses were clear. I have mixed memories surrounding getting the instrument but it was very useful. I sweep the horizon slowly but I don't see anything after nearly a minute.

"There! Something is moving just to the right of the bow." Esa whispers into my right ear as she perches on my shoulder.

"Starboard." I correct her gently and a laugh softly as the strange tingling sensation along my shoulders where her claws would be intensifies. I look where she directed and there, just above the horizon, is a soft, wildly moving light not unlike those I can conjure. Just much much bigger.

"Almost looks like a giant firefly." I mutter under my breath as I stare at it. "Good eyes Styx. Well done!." I call back to the Bugbear. He took his duty on the bilge pump with grace; I almost feel bad about that joke.

I lower the glass down and look at the others on deck with me. Who might know what that thing is. My eyes fall upon Sunny as he stands staring at the strange constellations and speaking with a couple of sailors pointing at this star or that. Are they making up their own constellations or trying to find familiar ones? Whatever. "Sunny can you please come here a moment."

When the Tortle reaches my side I hand him the spyglass and point him towards the light. "What do you make of that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Hey Captain.   There's a weird light bouncing around on the horizon.  It's about 60 miles off ar the moment.

Also, if you havent seen, the stars have eyes and they are watching us.

After his attempt at encouraging everyone the tortle stood there on the deck looking up at the stars and the moons. Someone asked him about identifying magics this powerful but it sort of washed right over him. He sort of shook his head and mumbled something to her while he continued to gaze upward and outward. "I don't have anything like that committed to memory right now. I'd have to use a ritual from the tome and that could take a while.."

Styx pointed out the shape of the stars appearing to be eyes looking down on them and Sunny latched on to that. He flipped to another page and started the process of creating a star map, beginning with the eyes constellation and expanding outward from there. He may have commented here and there about the stars and the moons to any of the sailors who asked but his attention was almost wholly absorbed until someone else called his name. It was the half-elf fellow, Ersin, and he had a spyglass.

As requested he pointed the spyglass in the direction he was pointed toward. It took him a moment to see what it was Ersin and apparently Styx had seen. There was a light way out there only it wasn't a stationary light. It was moving to erratically to be something like a structure on a landmass or even another ship he thought. He lowered the spyglass and squinted but couldn't see the light with his naked eye so he raised the glass again and peered a little while longer.

"Nothing comes to mind immediately that could fit that things behaviors. The erratic movement visible at this distance indicates it's moving about very rapidly though for it to be visible this far away. Whatever the source of that light is, well I don't know for sure but, whatever it is I think it is either very quick or massive."

Another might advise caution after those words but Sunny felt something inside him about all this. An almost giddy feeling that had him feeling quite light all about. For the sake of others' sanity he tried to suppress it. He handed the spyglass back. His head turned to look at the moons again. He spotted the paladin looking out at them as well, newly dressed in his armor notably.

"Torinn might I query you? The moons, as a devotee of Selune, you would know your moon very well yes? Do either of these moons seem alike to ours?"

Ersin and Sunny were joined at the prow of the ship by the captain and first mate. Using their own spyglass, they looked at the light and discussed about it, even asking the opinion of the half elf and tortle, but there was nothing new that came out… there was a light at the horizon, two moons in the sky and a pair of starry eyes that seemed to watch everything. After conferring with his officers, the half elf called for everyone on the deck. It wasn’t hard to get everyone’s attention. Standing tall on the back deck, he removed his hat and seemed to look at each and everyone in the eyes.

Companions, we have all sailed together, some for years, other for less. This bond, this solidarity, is all around us. I would put my life on the line for all of you, and I know you would all do the same for me, for any member of this crew, of this family that calls the White Swan home.

He paused, letting that sentiment sink in, and smiled when he saw most of the heads nodding.

A week ago, we have left Caer Callydir in an hurry, because of what was uncovered by our family members, a danger to all. We had to do this to ensure the safety of all of us. I am proud of the reaction you all showed, despite the shore rest that was cut short. I promise you, next time, we’ll stay longer at port, and I will pay for enough rounds to each of you to have a night to remember!

That earned him cheering and clapping, that he let occur for a minute, before talking again.

Tonight, we experienced something new, something that probably no one in the Realms has ever lived. I cannot, and would not, hide the truth from you, the signs are manifest. Was it Umberlee that brought us here? I cannot say. What evidence we have, you can all see it. I do not think we are in the Realms anymore.

His hands gripped the balustrade and he leaned forward towards the crew.

Sisters, brothers. We are in a unique situation, where we’ll need to depend even more on each other, until such time where we can go back home. The White Swan has sustained damages during this storm, and we need to find land, a port, a shelter of some sort in this new world, to do those repairs. The sharp eyes of mister Styx has detected a light at the horizon. With no other immediate alternative, lets sail towards that light and see where that will lead us. But first, we need to honor Umberlee, if She can hear our prayers, for preserving us from the worse during that storm.

Brothers, Sisters. We will go back home! Keep that hope, keep that faith in our gods, in our family, in ourselves! WE WILL GO BACK HOME!

A loud cheer erupted on the deck, as everyone received their assignment from Machrel, the crew enthusiasm obvious in the preparation to set sail towards the light. As if Umberlee answered the prayers and sacrifice of gold the crew did in her name, a breeze lifted up, the expert sailors harnessing it to propel the ship towards the light…

Intellectually I know that sailing towards a large, moving light that no one can explain is a terrible idea. But the Captain is right, the ship is in a bad way and there's only so much we can do with the materials we have on hand while underway. I have a feeling we'll all get a turn on the bilge pump before long. Emotionally, I am excited at the prospect. I have wanted this chance for years and i am looking forward to the trials to come.

Besides we're in strange waters with no land in sight, all we can do is pick a direction and pray.

"It's finally happening Esa! This could be everything we've wanted for so long. Pleny of food for you and I will have a tale of my own to tell Charlie when we meet again. Maybe then she'll want me around."

Esa rubbed her head against the side of his and let out a gentle purr. "You know my thoughts on that One. She may have her reasons but she was horrible to you and I wish you weren't so eager to please her. You've always been worthy, it's her failure that she can't see that."

We pause to enjoy this moment of companionship looking out over the water before I must resume repairs. "Sustenance would be appreciated. I know you've done your best but it's been so long since that Abomination. I need much more if I'm to regain what's lost."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:55, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Of course a captain who could tell the tales he did around the table would be capable of such a rousing speech for his crew at a time like this. Sunny found himself smiling and nodding along with the others and adding his own voice to the cheers as well as applause. It was good to get spirits high again. With so many unknowns ahead of them everyone would benefit from a little morale boost. However long or short lived it would be remained to be seen. He set to helping wherever he could. By this point he knew which things to make light at what points to at least keep things moving. Better yet he knew when to stay out of the way of a smooth sailing machine. In those moments of stepping aside he continued to record the stars in their new positions. No, in their positions. For all he knew these stars had always been here and the only thing truly out of place was the ship and it's crew.

To ensure his star map was accurate he fell into a pattern of holding his hand out to the stats at a full arms length away, incanting, and creating an illusory overlay between his thumb and foreclaw of whatever constellation was next on his pattern spiraling outward from The Eyes that were so prominent. With the overlay only lasting a few handfuls of seconds he would then use the same incantation and a pinching motion toward his pages to set a more permanent mark in his tome that replicated the overlay perfectly but on a smaller scale. With the mark in place he would ink in the stars and start the process again. With only two marks remaining at a time since the overlay also required his attention he slowly but surely pieced the next bit of the puzzle into his tome. Piece by piece it fell into place.

He couldn't help but smile in wonder at the brand new sky of discovery available to him. Whoever lived in this world surely had their own constellations that he hoped to learn upon meeting them but for now he took joy in finding his own, presenting them to whoever happened to be passing by and labeling them in the chart.

"Look, Styx, doesn't this one here look like it could be a bison?"

"No Wind, there. If those are the eyes then just there where an ear would be. Those fifteen stars roughly make the shape of an octopus, or a kraken..."

"You're right, Kali. They do look more like a crown than a shell."

"Eight, nine, ten and eleven there. They flow like a river don't you think, Torinn? Or perhaps a serpent."

"A bird, but what kind of bird..."

"Do you have a name in mind Ersin? I mean my first thought was Felis but that just seems a little on the nose for something in the form of a cat."

"Oh yes a whale makes more sense. Thank you."

"Some sort of arachnid I'd think."

And on and on...
This message was last edited by the player at 06:05, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

Sure, the speech was rousing and had a great effect on the crew, but something seemed off about it.  Styx couldn't help but remember some of his training.  When someone tells you they are not lying to you, they are usually most definitely lying to you.  When the captain said he wouldn't hide the truth from us, Styx wasn't so sure.  He didn't have any reason to not trust the captain, but everything seemed too convenient.

I mean, why does it seem like we were the only ones effected by the storm?  Was the whole world pulled into this new realm or was the storm more centered around us?  That seems doubtful.  Why us, why now?  For someone who has been sailing for hundreds of years, I find it surprising that he knows nothing of what transpired and didn't anticipate it in any way.  How were there no warning signs and if there were, how did he miss them, as experienced as he and his crew was?

Styx felt there was more to this and while he cheered and smiled at the Captain's speech, inside he thought to himself, something just wasn't right and he was going to uncover the truth.  If there was no truth to be found, so be it, but Styx decided to remain on guard for now.  He didn't share his thoughts with anyone, at least the thoughts of mistrust, as he didn't want to raise question to ghosts that weren't there, but he decided to speak with Ersin in hopes to get his opinion on the matter.

Ersin, what do you think of all this?  It seems very strange to me that this storm pulled us into this realm.  Was our whole world pulled in?  Was the storm seen everywhere and by everyone?  That seems unlikely don't you think?  Why would this storm be happening in the middle of the ocean and were we just that unlucky?  That seems too convenient to me.  What is your take?

Insight check:  8  (Captain's Speech)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Tue 11 Aug 2020.

"I think this is fantastic. I'm sure it's going to be dangerous and getting home will be difficult but that's what makes it interesting."

I pause a few seconds to think about Styx's other questions. "I don't think our whole world was pulled here, if it was we would see signs of it. If I'm wrong, we'll know shortly; after all, we were on a well traveled route.

"Unfortunately, I can't say if the storm was seen everywhere. It seemed to originate very high up in the sky so I am sure it was seen over a great distance. Given how severe the winds were I am sure it is affecting the entire Sword Coast."

"Most of our world is covered by water so it seems highly probable that this would occur over the ocean. The worst storms build up over the open ocean so why not a mystical one?"

I guess you could see us as being unlucky but I would rather think of it as being gifted a unique opportunity. Given the scope of what we saw I am sure some god was involved and it's no fun for them if it doesn't inconvenience any mortals."

"Besides, while portals between worlds or planes aren't common they happen more than you think. The fabric of our reality is a lot thinner than many are willing to believe. But there are many different ways to travel between them and since we were pulled here there must be a way back. We will just have to find it."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:00, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

Oh, don't get me wrong.  I'm excited about it too, I just find it strange that it happened to us.  Especially since we don't see any other ships in the area, including the ones that were in our general vicinity when the storm occurred.

I'm not as well traveled as you Ersin, it seems, as I wasn't aware that most of our..old world was covered by ocean.

Maybe unlucky was a poor choice of words.  I'm more curious why WE were singled out in all of this.  Do you think it has to do with us or the captain?

What worries me, is that if we were pulled here, what came through the same portal into our world?  Our world could be crumbling and we are stuck here and can't do anything about it.
Or maybe we need to do our part from this side, in order to save our world.  There are just so many if's here.  Hopefully we get some answers soon and get off this boat.

As the crew was working hard to profit from the wind to go towards the moving light, it was decided to split the crew in half shifts, to allow rest, as much as could be gained in this strange and exciting environment. No one knew what would await the White Swan over the horizon. The going was slow at first, the wind barely allowing 3 knots of speed so the excitement turned quickly to a vigilant boredom, with as many of the crew resting as possible.

Debris! Debris in the water, port side!!

The call from Wind had the duty crew jumping, as they started looking for what he had seen. It started slowly, a crate here, a few plank there. Hector, the shift leader, got his boarding crew, Kali and Ernesto, prepared to pick up survivors. Soon the macabre spectacle of a corpse floating in the water came to view, followed by others, until the remains of a fishing boat appeared, still bearing the Gwynneth flag. A quick search for survivors didn’t find any, the small boat obviously ripped apart by high wind and waves. The somber discovery was not the last. In the following hours, more debris were found, mostly ships of various sizes, and the sailors recognized most of the insignias and flags.

But not all. One in particular attracted the attention of the captain during his shift, a white winged ankh on a field of light blue. It was picked up from the remains of a fighting ship that must have been about the same size as the White Swan, the wood burned and blasted by lightning bolts, like those Saudron inflicted on pirate ships. This prompted the half elf to get his crew to prepare for a fight.





Those observing the light noticed as the hours passed that it seemed to be moving generally to the right, still zigzagging in the sky, floating about 100 feet above the horizon, but not getting much bigger. And another thing was noticed. The ship had been out of the storm for more than 15 hours now, the moons sluggishly moving across the night sky… but there was no signs of a raising sun.

Suddenly, there were flashes of lightning coming from the direction of the bright light, the man in the crow’s nest using that extra luminosity to call.

Land ahead!  Captain, that light seems to be attacking a town, 3 miles away!!

The half elf looked at Machrel who nodded.

Battle stations! Let’s be ready for anything!

Once we started seeing the remnants of other ships floating in the water beside us, I decided it was time to put my armor on. I came back up on deck just as the call rang out there was land ahead.

I strapped my shield on my left arm and pulled out my longsword, swinging it around deftly to help loosen my muscles for the possible fight ahead. I then found Torinn and Asuni. I would hate to see anything happen to Asuni and I knew our ability to fight together would give her the best chance of survival.

You ready for this, Torinn? I'm not sure of what to expect here. Whatever happens, protect Asuni. She's the best of us.

Action: Put on shield
Item Interaction: Pull out longsword
This message was last edited by the player at 02:43, Thu 13 Aug 2020.

The flotsam wasn't a surprise to me, but was concerning.  Whatever was taking out this many ships and doing so this quickly, didn't bode well for us.

Following the lead of Kali, I went and got my armor and weapons, and quickly started passing out some of the potions I've been neglecting to distribute for a while, giving 2 each to Torinn, Ersin, Asuni, Kali, Sunny, and Wind.  I explained to each of them they were healing potions and to keep them at hand, should they need them.

My rapier at my side and my crossbow on my other, I grabbed my more important belongings as well, should the ship not make it through the battle.  Running quickly back upstairs, I looked for the captain.  Seeing him bellow orders out, I ran up to him and asked:

Where do you need me Cap? Spreading sand on the deck?  Helping to secure and arm the cannons?  Or do we plan just on ramming the town and fighting whatever looks like the bad guy?

Lightning, okay I am going to want some solid cover. It looks like this thing can do a number on ship our size so better make sure my stuff is ready to go if we need to abandon ship. As I finish prepping my gear for a quick exit, yes there is plenty of food and water in the life boats that's good.

At the call for battle stations I move up to bow of the ship I reverently take out my old spyglass and look towards the flashes. It looks to be a good size town with buildings and walls made of dark stone, must be a good local source nearby. The docks of the town are moderate with a number of boats of varying sizes tied up to the pier. And hovering over them is a brightly glowing humanoid, that is casually casually blasting the docked ships with lightning. I guess we know what happened to the other ships. I can't see anything else threatening the town but you never know.

Esa is sitting up on the railing next to me on her back legs trying for as much height as she can. "The Glowing One looks powerful. It would provide much sustenance."

"I'm sure it would but it'll probably turn me into ash before you can get more than a taste. We don't know what's going on here so I don't want to just jump in. However, I doubt that thing will leave us alone."

I call back to the other sailors what I saw as I gently put away the spyglass away and ready to fight. This is where it starts, this is where I begin to earn my name.

Summary
Ready Shield
Take as much cover as I can from the creature while remaining in sight.

I pulled my longsword out of habit but thinking on it, my new dagger might be the better weapon choice here. It was slightly easier to hit with and the damage was purer. Plus, in a pinch, I could cause the enemy to become poisoned which may cause some unwise decisions to be made on their part. I swapped weapons while waiting for the ship to get close enough to shore that we could do something.

Item interaction: Put away longsword
Action: Pull out +1 dagger of poison

As the hours progressed Sunny continued to devote his attention to his record of the stars. His star map spilled over from page to page until he had to begin labeling them in sectors. The moons progressed across the sky and where others may hold beliefs about what drove celestial bodies from horizon to horizon, Sunny held to his father's graviturgical discoveries. Fifteen hours and no sign of a sunrise meant the stars were more readily studied. If there was a point in the sky that didn't seem to move over the hours while the rest moved around it, that should be north... or south. The captain and other weathered sailors would no the basic premise behind the idea as well. After all, how could one navigate the seas without knowing the stars.

When the crew switched to shifts, Sunny stayed vigilant and ever recording. The process was long and arduous but precision now while he had the opportunity would pay off in the long haul. Slow and steady. Even the call that there was debris in the water didn't distract him. Not immediately right away. When the search for survivors began he did put down his book and put his eyes to the task of helping look but found nothing except for the spectacle of corpses here and there. It put dreary thoughts in his mind that he didn't wish to dwell on. He was only able to record his stars a few hours longer before finally having to put it all away when the call went up that the light was attacking a town.

The crew and company looked to be readying for a fight, and well they should be. After Ersin explained what was seen through the spyglass Sunny wasn't sure what he should be doing other than preparing himself as well. He tucked away his tome and retrieved his staff. He would use everything in his arsenal to keep this ship from becoming like the others. He really liked the crew here and felt at home in their company. True he felt at home anywhere he brought his shell, but these were good folk.

"Remember folks, lightning and water don't mix... If we can get it into the water instead of in the sky we may be able to disadvantage whatever this thing is." That smile had returned but behind it was a sort of determination and he began preparing to draw to mind all of his father's graviturgical knowledge for the coming fight.

Concentrate on being light unless someone else would like to bound about.

I’m glad I took the time to grab my weapons and armor. Since the two moons I’ve had a feeling gnawing in my mind that something like this was coming. The eyes confirmed it. Even with my connection to Holy Selune strained I feel more confident in this battles then any I have faced before because unlike the others now my companions can fight. Especially the Tiefling at my side.

I’m ready whatever comes it will not get what it wants. I will protect Asuni with my life. This is what we’ve been readying ourselves for Kali!

I look over to Sunny smiling!

My color is not just for show my friend. We get them in the water we will bring them a thunderous death!

Asuni stay behind us!

I lower my stance, tighten the grip on my shield and my axe. Now the hardest part...

waiting.

Slowly the White Swan creeped in amongst the destroyed ships carcasses and the captain directed it toward the shore about one mile out from the town, instructing a skeleton crew to go back at sea with the ship, to protect if against the glowing humanoid. On shore with the majority of the crew, the half elf then turned to Styx.

You wanted to know how to help Mister Styx. Despite your indiscretion at the Spitting Mermaid, I think I can trust you with leading a hand picked team in that town and see how you can help. The population probably needs help to evacuate, fires to put out, anything to create a good name in this new world. Even if this town is full of orcs, we can’t let it burn down. I will go with Sandron and those you don’t pick toward the port and try to stop this floating menace. And we’ll let Umberlee  sort who’s who after, there will be time to apologize. The population first.

He moved aside to let the bugbear see everyone on shore, although he didn’t need to, as the rogue was towering over everyone and could see quite well over the captain’s hat. The eyes of the crew were on him, expecting an answer quickly, there was work to be done and peoples to save…

Styx was surprised when the Captain asked him to lead a hand picked team for the town.  It was his second chance and he wasn't going to mess it up.Can do Cap'n!

We have a tough task ahead of us.  Whomever needs our help in there, we can't let them down.
So, I'm going to need those with me whom I've come to trust will watch my back, as I will theirs.

Sunny - You're not only our morale booster, but someone who can "lift" our spirits, and is only rivaled by Wind when running a rig.  You're with me.

Torinn - I know we got off to a rocky start, but after seeing how you've overcome such difficult circumstances with honor, my respect for you has grown tenfold.  You're with me.

Kali - Who am I kidding.  We need you to kill as many bad things as quickly as possible, with the same vigor and passion I saw at the Spitting Mermaid.  You're with me.

Ersin - While at times you seem quite distracted with some internal conflict, you've proven to be a most helpful ally both on the ship and off.  You're with me.

Wind - If you cause half as much trouble as I've seen just in this past week, the enemy will have no chance whatsoever.  You're with me.

Asuni - The strength of your faith is inspiring and unwavering.  We will need...I will need that strength for what is to come.  You're with me.

The rest will go with you Cap'n.  Good luck and you're welcome.  I'll be expecting more pay for my new leader type position as well. Styx smiles at the Captain, enjoying his moment of busting his chops before heading off into battle.

Alright team Styx.  Let's go save the world!

Bold decision Captain, taking sides with as little information as we have. This could really come back to bite us. He is right though about needing to establish a reputation for ourselves here; that will open doors for us later.

Styx leading the splinter group; an interesting choice. He has the presence to pull it off but being a Goblinoid may not go over well with the towns people but if the rest of us back him up he should do fine.

Esa's ears drooped when we weren't selected to engage the glowing creature. "I was hoping to taste the Glowing One; I'm sure it'd be most satisfying. Perhaps we can sneak into Big Hat's pride when they leave."

"No. We have our orders and I won't cause the Captain or Styx any problems while they are dealing with a crisis. But don't worry, I'm sure there'll be many opportunities for you to feed."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Fri 14 Aug 2020.

The little troop selected by the bugbear set out into the gloom, only illuminated by the light of the stars and moons. They quickly found a road paved with cobblestones going towards the town and decided to follow it, as they did not came as infiltrators but as potential saviors. Styx bid them to make haste, as the glowing humanoid was still hovering over the town, generating lightning strikes, the thunder deafening, the strobing light from the bolts creating a surrealistic view in the cultivated fields surrounding the road.

Alert but quickly moving, the hand picked team started to see the walls of the city looming, half a mile from them, the screams of the citizen piercing the night. There was a massive door ajar in the wall, but curiously no one was flowing from it to flee. They continued closer, when a massive lightning strike illuminated the road, the grisly scene of humanoid corpses covering the ground visible for a second, struck down as they were trying to flee. The sharp eyes of Ersin, Kali and Torinn also noticed something else,  a dozen small balls of light randomly flying around the vicinity of the door, like guarding it.

It looks like those balls are stopping anyone from leaving! Shall we dispose of them, fearless leader Moonbeam?

Wind smiled and showed his sharp teeth like he wanted to transform right away but Styx stopped him, telling him it might be premature.

Not as blood thirsty, Asuni, looking uncomfortable in the leather armor she had borrowed from a female crew member that stayed on the ship, was nervously gripping her crossbow, and had to remind herself constantly to point the thing away from her allies.

Informed of the lights, Sunny examined them from afar and said

Huh, these things are like Ignes Fagui, oh uh will-o-wisps, but will-o-wisps with lightning... Fulgars Fagui, wisps-o-lightning one could say hmm. Try not to touch.

Examining the location, one could see that the wall ss to the east of the party, with the road on a strait west-east line, cultivated land with some wheat growing, starting 50 feet from the road on each side of it. The Fulgars Fagui are patrolling from the ajar door to about 100 feet away from it, over the road and surrounding area, but not entering the field.

Still out of sight of the electric will o wisp, the group huddled and discussed what skills and spells they could bring to the fight to come. Wind was simply disappointed that he couldn’t just charge in as a bear, but relented to cooler heads, and agreed to help by raising earthen barricades in a effort to channel the flow of enemies, and give cover. They decided to hide the defenses in the wheat, even if it was a little far off, and then Sunny explained to Styx he could make the bait lighter on his feet.

Now can I transform and attack them, Moonbeam? I’ll bring them back here.
I think I will do it, Wind. I have a nasty surprise for them and I can run fast too… Remember that chase in Caer Callidyr?
Oh yes, that was fun!

The bugbear apparently took his leadership responsibilities seriously, Wind still insisting to stay on the first line, with Kali and Torinn, for when the fight would come to them. The tiefling had an hungry look in her eye, her sparring sessions with the paladin good fun but not like a real fight and she was itching for one. The trio of Selunites did their prayers to the moon together, before taking their positions, Asuni struggling a bit with the crossbow she had learned to use at the temple, but never really practiced with.

Styx nodded to Sunny, who used his powers over gravity to affect the bugbear. Unused to this lightness, the rogue struggled to crawl through the wheat and on the patch of grass to approach the closest wisp.

Nearing his firing point, the bugbear, still struggling, brought his hand crossbow in front and froze when his intended target also changed it movement pattern  and seemed to start scanning around, like unsure if it was seeing something or not.

(Situation : Asuni, Ersin and Sunny are behind ¾ cover  in the back line of defenses, Ersin taking position to always see Styx and prepares to cover him with EB

Kali, Torinn and Wind are holding steady behind another series of inverted V barricades, to try to funnel the wisps in a killing zone.

Styx is crawling, trying to approach the closest wisp at the NW to strike it.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:48, Sat 15 Aug 2020.

I carefully crawled through the thick wheat, knowing that any erratic movement could easily be seen on its top layer, if I didn't take it slow.  The earth was a little moist, maybe from a recent rain or storm, though it probably helped muffle some of the sound of my large body as I moved through it. As I crept closer, the tension was palpable.  Why was I so nervous?  I've been on so many high risks jobs, why couldn't I get it together?  Maybe because I always worked alone and I was only responsible for me and now...now others are depending on me...risking their lives with me.  I'm not used to that.  I'm used to knowing my own capabilities and not having to worry about anyone but myself.  If I didn't get away, it was my own fault, but now if something happens to these friends who I've grown close to, how will I be able to live with myself....

I give my head a quick shake, trying to focus my thoughts again as I get to the edge of the wheat field.  I slowly remove my crossbow from my belt, already loaded and ready to go.  I creep out onto the road quietly, moving slowly so that I blend in with bodies strewn about on the ground.  I stopped periodically, pretending to be one of the dead, when I saw flickers in the ball of light, in case that meant it might be looking my way.

It was unsettling, seeing all those dead faces staring back at me as I waded through the blood and the blackened charred bodies.  I had never seen carnage like this before, at least not up close.  I must have crawled around 30 bodies or so; I couldn't help getting some of the spilled blood in my fur, the sticky wetness still fresh, though at times I found clumps of it with charred hair, which almost made me empty my stomach right there and then.

Keeping an eye on the ball of light ahead of me, when I got close enough for a more accurate shot, I quickly stood up, aimed, and fired in one quick motion.  Knowing I can't change the outcome once the bolt was loose, I turn and dash, making as much room between the ball of light and myself, hoping to draw it in to our trap.  Now, with my feet under me, I could feel the lightness in my feet provided by Sunny.  I could get used to this!

Crossbow shot (Advantage): 15, 18
Bugbear Damage: 5
Sneak Attack Damage: 4
Crossbow Bolt Damage: 5

Total Damage: 14

Move action:  40 feet away from wisp.  (extra 10 feet from Sunny!)
Bonus action: Dash - 40 more feet away from wisp. (extra 10 feet from Sunny!)