In reply to DM Bears (msg # 17):

It looked to Rhydd that there had been no blood shed as a result of the meeting between the smaller group of hunters and trappers and the Reghedmen.

But he was still unsure whether the small group had been taken prisoner or forced to go with the Reghedmen against their will. Once he knew the answer to that question, he would return to the others and report what he had found.

And so it was that he stayed on the trail of the Reghedmen and their new companions, staying alert as best he could, in case the barbarians had left people behind to watch their back-trail.

It gave him considerable comfort to know that Astre was up in the sky above him -- flying over-watch, as it were . . .

Reghedmen, yes. Sneaking up to a nearby tree to peer down the hillside, Rhydd was allowed a glimpse of their encampment properly nestled amid the evergreens. Tents were erected in two concentric rings, with the larger tents being near the middle. The tribe had several fires going, and hulking figures clad in thick hide and covered by hoods and robes either sat nearby or went about their usual errands. Only, several of them were hunched, larger than any ordinary man, and walked with an inhuman gait. More apelike. To the west of Rhydd, outside the perimeter, were several empty sleds clustered together. To the south, near a tent comprising the outermost ring were half-a-dozen cages, of which one was occupied by a Halfling. The specific traits were hard to discern from a distance.

The fires weren't just for warmth, Rhydd could tell. The smell of cooked meat reached him by the grace of a soft breeze.

But more pressingly, Rhydd could see there were guards around. Patrolling.

Astre would've frankly preferred to remain in the sky, though that bothersome hawk had other ideas... the last thing he needed was another winged interloper getting in the way of his investigations!  Thus the Tressym kept lower amid the treetops with light gliding flits from one set of boughs to another, still able to keep an eye on Rhydd's surroundings for him.  Though when the Reghedmen camp came into view he hunkered down in the snowy branches in long, silent scrutiny of the scene laid out ahead of them.

I'm almost afraid to ask, but can Astre tell by scent what kind of meat is wafting?  He has Advantage on Perception checks based on smell.

Also, how many tents and visible Reghedmen are there?  If not an exact number, then at least does it look like there's more tents than people present, or vice versa?

---

Astre's Perception (w/ Advantage) to smell what is cooking [8 19]: True to suspicion, this was no animal meat roasting over the fires, but the meat of humanoids.

---

Rhydd's Perception to determine the nature of the strangely hunched figures (DC 14) along with the headcount of the tribe [12]: The figures, while large and bulky, were wrapped thoroughly in hide and cloth, and deliberately so.

They, along with the members who appeared completely ordinary, numbered somewhere between thirty and forty. Considerable, but not too large of a roster when it came to Reghedmen.

Rhydd did not look what he was seeing, not at all. It seemed likely that the caged Halfling was the same one who had made the smaller set of tracks that the archer had been noticing, along and along. And there were lots of barbarians in the camp -- likely too many for a head-on attack to free them, even if everyone who was waiting back by the road agreed to take part.

~~Well, first things first,~~ he thought to himself.

~~I need to rejoin the others and, together with Astre, give them a report on what we have seen. Then we can make a plan as to how to attempt a rescue -- for I feel certain that is what will come of this.~~

Rhydd appeared from amid the evergreens, approaching the Eastway.

---

Rhydd's Survival check on Reghedmen [24]: This was a tribe of the Wolf, evident by their choice of hide and insignia. True to their namesake, they were known for their ferocious utilization of wolves to hunt their prey. But in this camp there were none.

Out of all the tribes, they numbered the fewest while simultaneously being the least amicable toward civilized folk. They had hit rough times half-a-decade prior, lost their King, and had, under the guidance of their shamans, collectively turned to Malar, god of the hunt, bestial savagery, and bloodlust.

Mallory's History on Reghedmen [23]: Even before the Frostmaiden struck, the Reghedmen's numbers were dwindling. Particularly the Tribe of the Wolf and the Tribe of the Tiger. The latter attempted to seek refuge in Bremen but was denied by suspicious townsfolk.

As a rule of thumb, the Reghedmen were a reasonable people with a history of treating guests kindly. That, however, much depended on Tribe and circumstance.

Rhydd had a serious look on his face when he walked out of the tree line and approached his companions.

"The small group that left the road and ventured off into the woods were hunters and trappers," he said, getting right to the point and beginning his explanation of what he had seen, and what he surmised.

"They have been captured by Reghedmen -- which, as you may know, are barbarians here in the Far North. The Reghedmen are split into various tribes, and do not answer to an overall leader or chief."

"This is the Tribe of the Wolf -- which has fallen upon hard times recently and has turned to the Way of the Beast -- becoming more violent and feral than was the case previously."

"By a quick count, I saw somewhere between thirty and forty Reghedmen and allies in their camp -- including some large, hulking figures that were so covered up with furs and clothing that I could not glean what manner of creature they were."

Rhydd paused and shook his head, his expression becoming even more grim. "One set of footprints among the hunters and trappers that I spoke of was small, and belonged to a child -- or a Halfling or Gnome."

"I saw a cage on the far side of the camp that contained a Halfling . . . and a big pot that appeared to contain some sort of stew, simmering over the fire."

"I fear the worst."

The outdoorsman glanced around. "Has Astre returned? Obviously he had a different vantage point than me, so he may have seen more -- or at least different things -- than did I."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:10, Sun 12 June 2022.

Rhydd's eventual return was a relief, though the mention of Reghedmen hunters being so nearby did little to raise Mallory's spirits.  She'd done her homework when she realized she'd end up heading northward and knew some of the local flavor of nomads; they seemed akin to the Uthgardt who hunted the southern portions of the Sword Coast in many ways.  It wouldn't surprise her if there was some shared heritage far back in history than she'd cared to read up on at the time.

"Last I've heard of the state of the nomad tribes, many of them have begun to fall into decline.  It's not surprising at all they'd be holed up this close to civilization with the way things have been throughout Icewind Dale." she noted.  The mention that the tribe in question - the Wolf - had turned to a particular form of Beastial worship and featured hulking figures in their number brought an unsettled scowl to Mallory's features.  "They've taken to Malar?  Really?  Gods above, they really are desperate... with that Werebear we encountered before, it makes me fear an uptick in Lycanthropy if their worship is reciprocated."

"Has Astre returned?"

The young noble shook her hooded head briefly.  "He's on his way; he's wont to follow behind and cover your back on the return.  It'll be any moment--" she began, only to trail off quite promptly as her distant Tressym did indeed come within range even while still far away amid the trees.  Just close enough for their minds to link together as Astre poured free what he'd seen and learned.

The others had seen Mallory fall into such fugue moments before though it was a new sight for Khulekani.  All at once her eyes grew dark as her pupils expanded outward to overtake her irises and fill their sockets entirely until they were nothing but blackness.  A moment where her wits and thoughts were taken by visions not her own, whether it was foresight or mental communication alike.  "Oh... oh gods, no..."  It said a lot about what she learned, however, that her face promptly drained of all color and she clapped her gloved hands tight about her mouth as she curled over in place, bent with a heaving retch again and again.  Despite how much her body tried to vomit she forced herself to hold it all in and choke it back down - it wouldn't do to put such noise and scent to the wind.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Sun 12 June 2022.

"Then I shall endeavor not to hold back my opinions overmuch. I too appreciate the honest, straightforward path. Life is too finite as it is. Why use a hundred words when five will do?" Khulekani chuckled in reply.

"Aye. I've noticed the very same thing. But the system apparently works. I for one have not seen a member of the senior order that was, say, cowardly, sadistic, or greedy. I suspect this crucible burns away such people. There are much easier ways of earning wealth and dishing out socially-acceptable violence, after all. And the Order itself does not wield much in the way of civil authority, so the power-hungry probably have other avenue's to pursue," she shrugged, surprisingly casual about the whole affair that might ultimately lead to her death.

When Mallory began her story of misfortune, Khulekani made sure to stop any fidgeting, and pay full attention. This was important, personal, and not something to be discussed casually. Indeed, the young woman was surprised the mage had shared so much.

"I...will not pry if you do not wish to reveal more at this time. But if you want to share the entire sad tale at some point, know that I will listen. Sometimes it is good to unburden your soul, even if the wound is fresh. If not, I completely understand. In either event, I am truly sorry for your misfortune, and I wish you better days to come. And please, if there is anything I can do to restore your family or station, please do not hesitate to ask," the squire said with a sad frown, but earnest and honest eyes looking back intensely at Mallory.

However, any further conversation on the matter would have to wait until later, as Rhydd's return brought some unexpected news.

"Ilmater's mercy...we have to help them!" the aspiring Paladin cried in alarm when she heard the culinary fate that awaited these innocents.

"I do not know the martial prowess of the barbarians, though the rumors say they are a fierce and hearty people. But forty is too much to handle, even if we struck them by surprise...Hm...Master Maldhon, if we created a large enough distraction, do you have the capability of sneaking in and freeing those people? I'd rather not shed blood if we can avoid it. Even for people who have turned to the behavior of beasts in order to survive," she asked, hand falling to her sword-hilt instinctively.

When Mallory began retching violently, Khulekani put a steadying hand on her shoulder.

"Lady Bonheur! What ails you?" Khulekani asked, forehead crinkling with worry.

It took another few moments of stifling her own reflex under Khulekani's concern before Mallory was able to breathe freely again and finally lowered her hands from her mouth.  What color had begun to return to her cheeks was decidedly green from revulsion.  "Rhydd's fears are correct: they're cannibals.  There's no mistaking the smell of their cooking..." she hiccuped as her eyes slowly reverted back to normal with the return of her own senses.  Not too far away, Astre sat perched on a snowy branch like a gargoyle in sentry.

As she'd been able to compartmentalize the way of things with breaking down the Ice Trolls' bodies, so too had Mallory learned in her studies to distance oneself from putting too much value in her own Humanity.  Humans and similar folk of mankind had never been anywhere near the top of the food chain, after all, and their bodies were often components of spellcraft.  She could always tell herself that, surely.  But the fact that cooked human flesh had an almost appetizing aroma to it that, when paired with the knowledge of the truth, drove up such base disgust in her that she couldn't stand it.  The juxtaposition staggered her.

It spoke well to Khulekani's nature that her first thought was to move to the rescue.  Mallory herself was of the same desire and latched to that motion to try and distract her stomach from going into uproar again.  "The tribe isn't all hunters and warriors; their own people are among the camp.  Innocents of a sort.  It's one thing to strike against those who bear violence but we cannot, in good conscience, raise harm to non-combatants." A stealthy approach certainly seemed to be the best option.  "I can create quite a few very large distractions, harmless or not as need be - but I think it would be best to first attempt to go by entirely unnoticed.  Slip in, free this Halfling captive, and spirit her away quick as can be."

She raised her dark-ringed eyes to Rhydd.  "I can render any of us invisible for a time.  Do you know how to quietly contend with locks, Rhydd?" There were still options available if he didn't, but she didn't enjoy the prospect...

Rhydd nodded his agreement when Squire Khulekani exclaimed that they had to help those who had been taken captive by the barbarians.  Well . . . at least those who were not already beyond helping.

The archer's frown deepened when Mallory confirmed -- both by her own reaction, and later, by words -- what he had suspected to be the case regarding what was contained in the barbarians' stew-pot. He reasoned that that information must have come to the wizardess by way of Astre, and he found himself wondering if it would be possible for him to form such a useful bond with a creature whose senses were more developed than his own.

Soon enough the discussion had turned to how they might best accomplish the freeing of the Halfling.

"I agree that we cannot hope to prevail by force alone," he said.

"As to the sneaking in and freeing the Halfing from the cage . . ." Rhydd took a moment and thoughtfully stroked his chin-whiskers.

"Although I am well-versed in woods-craft and the ways of stealth, my success there is not a given. I was lucky to not be detected during my scouting efforts."

"But I noticed that the barbarians had scouts of their own out on patrol. Even worse, although this is known as the Wolf Tribe of Reghedmen, I saw no Wolves inside their camp. I did see the prints of their paws in the snow in the area where the hunters were first taken captive."

"Thus, both Humans and Wolves patrol the forest. Making our way back to the camp undetected is certainly possible, but it should not be assumed."

"But . . ." he added with a shake of his head, "even if we are successful in that respect, I fear that I have neither the tools nor the skills needed to open a mechanical lock, if the Halfling's cage is secured in that fashion."

Rhydd thought for a moment longer, then added "I should also say that although the caged Halfling -- whom I assume to be a member of the ill-fated hunting party -- was the only captive whom I glimpsed, there could be others. Given my concern about being discovered by patrolling Reghedmen or Wolves, I did not linger o'erlong near the camp."

He turned to Lady Mallory and said "Mayhap Astre could provide more information on that point."

Given that Rhydd seemed loathe to mingle amid civilization longer than he absolutely needed to, it wasn't much of a surprise he didn't fare well with mechanics.  That gave Mallory reason to sigh in dismay, though not for the obvious reason expected.  "I was afraid of that.  I actually am rather handy with locks... part and parcel with the family trade when bolted shipments come through and nobody knows where the damned keys have gone." she groaned as she ran her hand up through her hair a ways.  There was no way the likes of Khulekani or Farwalker could slip in unnoticed, even when made invisible with magic, which meant it was likely up to her.  "I suppose that leaves it up to me then.  Hopefully to get in and out unnoticed, and with you lot nearby to raise a ruckus if I'm rumbled."

"...There could be others. Given my concern about being discovered by patrolling Reghedmen or Wolves, I did not linger o'erlong near the camp. Mayhap Astre could provide more information on that point."

Astre's initial bit of scouting had been more focused on making sure nobody sneaked up on Rhydd, so the actual appraisal of the camp's features and occupants was vague.  Mallory nodded in agreement on the suggestion and glanced over her Familiar's way, where the distant feline likewise nodded in turn.  "He says he'll do it.  Honestly, he practically sounds eager.  Astre's always had a daredevil streak in him..." All cats did, really, but sneaking into a camp of starving hunters was a precarious place for any small animal to go even with his stealthy skills.  Mallory looked back to their sleds and beasts of burden as a grimace passed her painted lips once more.  "I'm loathe to say it but, if we are put in a bind, it might be worth it to offer them Wifni.  It's a terrible fate but... well... perhaps they can be reasoned with to some measure if we can give them what they truly need."

---

She may not be multi-classing as a Rogue, but Mallory still has a decent Stealth bonus and +5 to Thieves' Tools.  ^^;

As for Astre, he's ready to go scouting again for more information whenever need be.  Stealthily so, so as not to be noticed for as long as he can help it.

The forest was perilous. That bothersome Falcon made sure of that, and it made its awareness of the Tressym known to its vicinity with a loud and high shriek. While Astre tried his best to navigate the treeways briskly, the Falcon had swooped down alongside him to stay on his tail. And although Astre could beat it to the Reghed camp, it would arrive in short turn behind him. Then the success of Astre's assignment would rest partly on how much the Falcon was dissuaded by Reghedmen.

---

Astre's Stealth check [15] against the Falcon's Perception check (Advantage due to Keen Sight and Disadvantage due to Dim Light cancel out) [17] to navigate the forest undetected: Falcon is made aware of Astre's presence.

@Mallory
Unless Astre comes up with a way to shake the Falcon, have him roll that last Stealth check at Disadvantage.

Though he'd hoped to avoid the Falcon by keeping amid the boughs on his return trip, it seemed the bird's earlier dissuasion had been mostly due to Rhydd's presence more than anything else.  Astre snarled in upset as the bothersome bird made a few dives each time he bounded from one tree to another, only able to get refuge when he could huddle close to the trunk.  The Tressym fixed his harasser with a glare and arched up, wings flared and fangs bared, in his best effort to look as ferocious as he could.

---

I'd actually like to try two things; an Intimidate check to scare off the Falcon first.  If that fails/provokes the Falcon and it continues to harry Astre, then I'd like to next attempt an Acrobatics check to try and get it to crash itself into some branches when it swoops in.

Also, I'm assuming this is all happening further than 100' away so Mallory or others in the Party can't assist in some manner?

Astre - Intimidate
Mallory Bonheur rolled 14 using 1d20+1

Astre - Acrobatics, just in case
Mallory Bonheur rolled 11 using 1d20+2
This message was last edited by the player at 22:07, Tue 14 June 2022.

Astre's startle display rustled the Falcon. It braked with its wings, letting out another cry, giving Astre the opportunity to lose it. However, territorial disputes could be deathly important matters to wildlife, and the Falcon was committed to its role as warden, so soon after Astre had shaken it, it reappeared behind him.

It did not help that the bird knew this weald better than Astre did. Speeding up in increasingly more daring attempts to feint the Falcon into a crash course yielded little return — when the Tressym thought he had managed a particularly canny maneuver, no thud, rustle, or shriek followed to confirm his success. And then the Falcon appeared right behind him yet again.

---

Astre's Intimidation [14] to scare off the Falcon (DC 15): Fail.

Astre's Acrobatics [11] against the Falcon's Acrobatics to get it to crash[20]: Fail.

Mallory:

Also, I'm assuming this is all happening further than 100' away so Mallory or others in the Party can't assist in some manner?

Yup, this is definitely happening more than 100' away.

It wasn't the first time that Astre had found himself in the unenviable position of having to contend with wild animals.  He seemed like one himself to an outside glance but his greater intellect left him frustrated with his feral ilk more often than not.  That binary stubbornness beasts held was, despite being far simpler, often more troublesome than dealing with intelligent creatures who could waffle and reconsider.

Astre dipped and dove and put his feline agility to work as he pulled a particularly quick turn around the trunk of a tree.  It was one thing to bank with wings alone, but another entirely as he reached out to snag his claws into the bark and whip himself around the other side all at once in an effort to shake his pursuer.  If the Falcon brought its talons to bear on him he'd have no choice but to retreat!  Rather than soar off amid the boughs like he had been, however, the Tressym ran straight down the tree he'd latched to and into the deep, gathered snow amid its roots with a puff as he buried himself in.

---

Not sure that Acrobatics check I rolled is going to cut it for another crash attempt unless the bird rolls poorly, but that's a Nat 20 on Stealth if Astre is able break line of sight enough to attempt to Hide.

Astre - Acrobatics
Mallory Bonheur rolled 9 using 1d20+2

Astre - Stealth
Mallory Bonheur rolled 24 using 1d20+4
This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Wed 15 June 2022.

While he had failed to ground or fully stop its chase, Astre had beat the Falcon to the camp and was allowed a moment of quiet before it caught up.

There was a lot going on in the Reghedmen's camp and thus difficult to gather the requested information at a glance — parts of the tribe were inside their tents, while guards, of which Astre could count at least three, patrolled the immediate area. Those were, for all Astre could see, the monstrous kind of tribesman. He counted eight of them in total, with five being inside the camp and one being directly beneath him. The rest looked like proper humans, though many bore spears, axes, and full hide armor. They also had a stash of shields by one of the tents.

The inhuman tribesman below had a short yet billowing tail, red at the base and brown at the ends, hanging out from its cloak and barely long enough to brush against the snow where it walked.

The caged Halfling was being let out by some of the human tribesmen. They had used a hammer to dislodge the pin for the door, and now tied the Halfling — a red-haired, young fellow with a bulbous, or perhaps swollen, face — to a rope by the waist. Then they handed him his own bundle of rope, a trap, a smaller cage.

The irksome Falcon landed behind Astre, cried, and spread its wings to signal its aggravation. The monstrous lookout's head darted upward at the noise, revealing the face of Wolverine beneath its hood. It had, however, only seen the Falcon and not Astre, so thought little of it and continued on its way soon after.

And then the Falcon decided enough was enough and leaped for Astre with its talons.

---

Astre's Perception to gather information on the Reghedmen's camp [6]: See post.

Astre's Stealth [11] to stay hidden, contested by the Werewolverine's Perception [6]: Success.

Initiative!

• Astre [9]
• Falcon [6]

This message was last edited by the GM at 22:22, Wed 15 June 2022.

Enough bounding amid snowbanks and weaving past trunks gave Astre enough headway to feel he'd lost the Falcon in time.  First ravens, then imps, now birds of prey... a detective's work was never without conflict, it seemed.  He set immediately to his skulking to learn what he could and took keen notice of the Halfling seemingly being let free?  At first he fretted they'd been too late and he was bound for the cooking pot himself, but it almost looked as if he'd been set to a task of his own.  Not dinner but slave labor?  Both?

Further investigation failed, however, as that foul fowl returned to harry him once more.  The flash of talons was more than Astre cared to contend with though.  His own claws couldn't compare and he instead bounded back with a swift leap and flare of his wings to kick up a surge of powder into the Falcon's face.  With a deft twist he flapped along as swiftly as he could, out across the snow in a swift arc toward the western tree line low amid the trees.

---

Astre can't use the Attack Action and has no resources to draw on from his surroundings, so the start of combat is the end of his misadventures.  Full retreat.  If the Falcon is already in melee range then Astre will just have to hope his 12 AC/5 HP can eat an Opportunity Attack.

Astre - Run Away!  Movement and Dash Action for 80' of movement per round.
He'll take a circuitous route away from the Party at first and move amid the trees to try and make it as hard as possible for the Falcon to follow him, or for any scouts who might spot him to trace him back to the Party.  Astre's Flight and Ground speeds are both 40', so he can switch freely between them if as necessary to make the Falcon's pursuit as difficult as possible.

Now, with the Falcon's newfound intent to kill, the fate of the chase was determined. Astre was fast, but the Falcon was faster, and no matter how he deftly he dipped and dove, the Falcon closed in. This was the Falcon's forest, and Astre would soon learn it the hard way.

When he swiveled his head to keep an eye on the distance, the Falcon was right behind him.

---

The Falcon's flying speed is 60'. It is thus does not have to Dash to keep up next round and can use its Action on an Attack.

Speed was the name of the game at that point and, once Astre felt confident that he'd evaded the possibility of leading the Reghedmen back to his companions, he set about in the effort to lead the Falcon back instead with all haste.

---

Astre's Movement + Dash Action speed is 80' per round, so he should be able to outrun the Falcon by a fair margin if the Falcon is only using 60' movement and an Attack Action?  Wouldn't the Falcon only be able to attack if it also Dashed in order to close the distance into melee and then used its Reaction to Opportunity Attack each time Astre tried to move away?

Regardless, Astre is booking it straight back to Mallory at this point in hopes of either hitting the 100' telepathy range or simply line of sight of the Party, whichever comes first.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:22, Thu 16 June 2022.

Another few seconds of the mad dash ensued. Then Astre was met with a faceful of talons.

---

Let's set the distance at 1000'. The Falcon is able to deliver him an Attack every round starting from the second. 1000/80 ≈ 12 (-1 one already elapsed round, so 11) rounds to get to the party (with 40' to go, but it's at least close enough to be within Telepathy range and receive assistance). This means he has to dodge 7 more Attacks (of Opportunity). I have decided to use the Hawk statblock here, which puts the Falcon's damage at 1d1. If you prefer we can roll the series instead of playing this out round-by-round.

Falcon's Talon Attack of Opportunity for next round (little changes if Astre chooses to Dodge instead of Dash as this can then become a normal Attack instead of an Attack of Opportunity) [22]: Hit.

Astre takes 1 Slashing Damage.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:28, Thu 16 June 2022.

Astre HP: 4/5 Remaining

If it's nothing but a straight chase scene, then there's nothing to be done than just run the rolls all at once and hope for the best.  I'm unclear if Astre could attempt any skill checks using the environment to interfere with the Falcon's pursuit or try to Hide again, given the earlier three-strikes situation.

Ideally Astre would move in a way that puts as many obstacles as possible between him and the Falcon, forcing it to burn extra movement or end up in positions where it can't be in melee range with him every round.  Going through underbrush where it can reach him while flying, using tree trunks and roots for cover, etc. 

A flash of sharp talons quite adept at tearing apart woodland critters caught Astre's back, though he bit back a yowl even as a flurry of glittering star-stuff flowed from the wound rather than blood.  Despite appearances he wasn't a mortal creature, after all.  But it still hurt!  Determination alone kept his voice silent - his cry might've alerted his companions to come help him, but it could just as easily alert enemies who could bring the group harm.

Like it or not, he was on his own and had to ensure he didn't endanger the others just to try and save his own fur.

As the Falcon wheeled around in preparation for another dive at his back, Astre leaped along to a younger, more slender tree bowed heavy with snow.  A sharp kick rebounded off its more supple trunk to bring another shower of powder down as he glided away amid larger, neighboring trees in hopes of cover.

---

Movement: 40'
Action: Hide!  Trees, snow, anything that can break line of sight.  If Stealth fails then Astre will switch to Acorbatics checks next.

Mallory Bonheur rolled 18 using 1d20+4

The Falcon carried no lexicon detailing which creatures bled and which twinkled when hurt, so was not at all phased by the result of its attack. But the cloud of snow it had to fly through did wonders to disorient it. In a moment, the intruder was ahead of it, and in the next it wasn't. And so it kept up its flight in the belief that Astre had shot ahead.

---

Falcon's Perception [10] against Astre's Stealth [18]: Astre successfully breaks line of sight.

Combat ends.