Gabriel thought over Teves' question for a few moments before nodding slowly. "They were shambling all about the place, but I believe I could do so, depending on where we were headed and everyone's ability to move with stealth."

Having said that, he looked to Sedril. "I am not certain, my magical education was limited largely to more... practical applications. How to recognize its presence, know what someone is casting, that sort of thing," he said with a shrug. "I suspect Fenix will know better than I," he added, looking to the wizard in question.

Ashell nodded in agreement with Gabriel's words. "I did not see any sign of violence or anything destroyed, nothing unusual..." He spread his hands. "...aside from how the townspeople are acting, of course."

He listened as the other spoke on further. He frowned lightly behind his mask. "I think we should proceed with caution. I am fine with seeing what we can do to...'snap them out of it', as it were, but if that causes them to all turn on us or something, I do not wish to harm them if we can help it. Perhaps to start with, we can find one...on it's own more or less?"

Gabriel returned exactly as Fenix had anticipated. The diviner definitely had not been caught off guard and he definitely had not jumped slightly when the beast emerged from the forest. He paused for a moment to compose himself before he joined the conversation. He nodded along as he listened to the others strategize. "If the entire town is enchanted then I think we have bigger problems than the villagers. Putting one or two people under your control is something a normal mage could do, dozens of people though? Whoever or whatever created that effect is formidable. If we cause a scene an unknown caster might be able to catch us off guard. I don't like the idea of Sedril's scythe suddenly turning and attacking me."

The diviner paused for a moment to let his warning sink in before he continued on. "I think Ashell might have the right idea. Have we checked the area around the village? It's a farming community so there is a chance someone didn't live in the town itself and might have escaped their fate, or at least is isolated from the others.

If we want to go directly to town I agree we should try to sneak up on them, although I'm not great at sneaking about. I can't determine what magical effect they are under unless I can see them for myself. However in the event we are spotted might I suggest a, uhh, well a kidnapping? If we can grab someone and get them away from the village I'll have a chance to examine them. I might be able to figure out what has happened and possibly dispel the effect."

Rasiel's face grows troubled at the mention of 'bewitched' townsfolk and he lowers his axe. When the idea of capturing one of the villagers without alerting the others is raised he nods emphatically, adding, "I have no interest in risking or taking the lives of those who may yet be saved, though now I wish they'd sent us with more in the way of magical assistance." He turns his attention to the stealthier members of the party and continues, "Gabriel, Ashell, do you think the two of you could isolate and capture one without raising any alarm so that Fenix can safely examine whatever compulsion has taken them?"

"Yeah, I'm not so great at sneaking either," Sedril said, stating what the others had likely already guessed. He tapped on his mithral breastplate for emphasis. "But I am faster than most. And pretty strong. So if Gabriel and Ashell can grab someone, I can rush in and carry them out if needed. I can watch from a distance with my bow ready until then," he suggested. He stowed the intimidating scythe he held and quickly retrieved his composite longbow instead.

---

For reference, Sedril has a speed of 50 (walking and flying), and can carry another 63 lbs before moving into medium load territory. Over 200 lbs before he gets into heavy load territory. 410 lbs before he reaches his max load. So he could carry one or two unconscious villagers on his shoulders if need be, and still retain a walking speed of 35. If they take a single small child, he probably wouldn't be slowed at all.

Gabriel thought over the proposition that he and Ashell abduct someone with a conflicted expression, seemingly waging some form of internal war before shaking his head and speaking up, a measure of distaste coloring his voice."I believe Ashell and I could incapacitate someone off on their own without much effort, yes. Gaius can drag the unfortunate soul without much trouble, but I would appreciate having support nearby in case it all goes wrong. Any volunteers?"

Ashell hesitated and then gave a nod. "Yes. I am...somewhat trained in dealing non-lethal blows to others." There was a slight pause and he spoke on as if feeling the need to explain, It comes in handy when dealing with unruly...patients." He changed the word he was going to say from 'subjects' to 'patients' with barely a pause.

He patted the rapier at his side.

"I'll try to stay within 100 feet and cover you with my bow," Sedril reassured Gabriel. "Far enough that they hopefully won't hear me, but close enough that I can charge in and Pounce into combat if needed. But I think you two will do just fine."

Ashell and Gabriel, moving up on the outskirts of the town, find someone standing at the edge of the forest, hacking away at a tree with an axe. He is clearly no lumberjack, lacking the upper body strength normally associated with that profession, and his movements are both clumsy and monotonous, the axe rising and falling with the steadiness of a metronome.

He looks up at the approach of the two, hearing some faint noise from their footsteps on the forest floor, and manages to let out a strangled cry. But it doesn't appear that anyone heard, and he is quickly, easily subdued.

Sedril watched with both excitement and a hint of anxiety as Ashell and Gabriel did their thing. From his hiding spot further off, he kept his arrow ready to fire if any trouble arose. But it was looking like it wouldn't be necessary after all. He instead readied himself to assist in carrying the axe-man once Ashell and Gabriel brought him closer.

The young suli man was eager to hear what the more inquisitive minds in their group would discover.

 Gabriel had hung back and let Ashell actually bring the poor man down, instead choosing to produce a length of rope from his robe. He moved in quickly once the man hit the ground, hogtying him with the efficiency that can only come from long experience. After that, a quick command had Gaius dragging their victim back to where Sedril was waiting by the collar of his shirt.

There may or may not have been a momentary pause for concern from Gabriel when Ashell drew his rapier as they approached. He shifted his grip slightly and when he walked up behind the man, he punched outwards with the hilt first rather than the blade, intending to give the man a non-lethal bludgeoning knockout. And as he had stated previously, it did indeed look like this was not the first time he had done this.

He then turned his masked face back to Gabriel as he sheathed his rapier once more. "Are you strong enough to carry him yourself, or shall we each take an end?"

Looking up from where he was securing the ropes, Gabriel replied. "Gaius can manage his front well enough, but I would appreciate some help with his legs, thank you."

The man is quickly bound and carried back away from the village to the group. He appears to be stirring by the time they reach the rest of the Forsaken, but doesn't say anything, just looks warily from one person to the next.

With the man brought before everyone else, Gabriel made a quick job of untying him. As he did so, he spoke softly, hoping to keep him calm. "You can relax, we're not going to hurt you. We just need to examine you, maybe ask a few questions."

Ashell looked the man over carefully, first without actually touching him or doing anything, just observing. He asked his allies without taking his eyes off of the man, "Can someone please cast Detect Magic on him? I am curious to hear the results."

To their 'prisoner' he asked, "Hello. My name is Ashell. Can you tell us your name?" He watched them intently to see what, if any, reactions they showed. And if they spoke.

22:43, Today: Ashell Rookwood rolled 15 using 1d20+12.  Perception (Sense Motive is 1 less if needed instead).
22:43, Today: Ashell Rookwood rolled 2 using 1d6.  Inspiration die.

When the crew got their target back to the group, Sedril felt it best to remain quiet and let them do their work. Although he had decided to switch his bow for his scythe again and stood not far away somewhat menacingly. His eyes almost dared the person to try and escape. And his eyes simultaneously Assessed their abductee, letting the vorpal knight catch a glimpse into the poor man's soul.

---

Sedril is using his Assess ability on the person they captured.
Assess: As a move action, I can focus on a 1 target and determine its HD and class levels. (I don't believe it tells me what those class levels are though.)

I am also attempting to use Intimidate to make sure he doesn't try anything against us.
14:34, Today: Sedril Crovast rolled 37 using 1d20+20.  Intimidate.
Hope he doesn't pee his pants...

Fenix clapped his hands when the other members of the Forsaken returned with the bound man. "Well done, I knew you would succeed. Now let me have a look at him." Fenix mumbled a few words and his eyes briefly flashed crimson. He then poked and prodded the captive as he looked for signs of magic on the person.

Cast 'Detect Magic' to view any auras on the captive.
21:01, Today: Fenix Laurefort rolled 20 using 1d20+15.  Knowledge Arcana: Identify a spell effect that is in place.

Seeing that the abductee is safe and in good hands, Rasiel lets the more magically inclined of the group do their work and silently steps away to keep watch, just in case their actions have been noticed.

The prisoner remains still and calm, eerily calm, as he is examined.

"Can't speak to the magic on him," Sedril said in semi-hushed tones from the back of the group. "But his soul is quite puny. I've seen sheep with a stronger soul than this guy." Of course the strength of the man's soul had absolutely nothing to do with anything, but Sedril liked to feel like he was contributing. And it helped to break up the quiet as the more educated members of the group did their thing.

The wizard stroked his chin after he had finished examining the villager. "It as I expected. He is under some sort of enchantment spell, a complex charm effect. I might be able to dispel it but I can not be certain." Fenix paused his speech and reached into his bag. He dug around for a moment before he pulled out a thick worn book. "I did not prepare the appropriate spell however it should not take me long to memorize it."

Fenix flipped to a page near the back of his book and studied the spell he wanted to cast. After a minute he put the book away. "I am now ready. Let us see if I can dispel the magic that has grabbed hold of his mind." The diviner took a moment to peer into the future to help him before he chanted and held a hand out towards the man.

Fenix prepares 'Dispel Magic' for his open 3rd level slot.
Free Action: Prescience (1/8) to replace any d20 roll this turn with (12).
Standard Action: Cast 'Dispel Magic' to use a 'Targeted Dispel' effect. I'll replace the natural roll with Prescience roll. New Dispel Check total = 19

12:36, Today: Fenix Laurefort rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  Dispel Check.
12:35, Today: Fenix Laurefort rolled 12 using 1d20.  Prescience (1/8).

The spell takes effect, ripping the charm away. The man slumps to the ground, eyes rolling up in his head. He appears to be alive still, but unconscious.

Ashell walked forward and then knelt down next to the person. He checked for a pulse and breath. Then he stood once more and stepped back.

"Hmm. We should wait for them to awaken and see if it worked but..." He let out a sigh. "I have other thoughts but will wait to see if this worked first."

OOC: Luckily Nat 1s on skill checks don't mean super-bad things happen.

12:46, Today: Ashell Rookwood rolled 6,4 using d20+5,1d6.  Heal check on the unconscious man.

As the man collapsed, Gabriel caught him beneath the arms and eased him to the ground. Once he was settled, he looked up to the others, Fenix in particular. I presume that means it worked then. While we wait for him to awaken, what can you tell us about the spell that held him Fenix? I expect your insights will far outstrip my own."