The Geenest Council Chamber has been prepared for the govenor's Meeting. A simple lunch of bread cheese fruit and water has been laid out on a side table. The govenor is speaking with the Chamberlain as you arrive. Others in attendance include 10 council members, the captains of the Gaurd and Militia and a group of scribes.

The room has a large rectangular table in the center with 12 chairs around it. Most chairs are occupied by council members. There are another 16 chairs arrayed with 8 on each side of the table with room for others who have been invited to sit.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:39, Sun 30 Jan 2022.

Bross set his pack down in an anteroom, and took a seat against a wall, with a view of the door. (He politely declines the food, for now.)

Alleycat had a long-standing habit of eating whenever food was offered -- perhaps it was a holdover from his earlier days as a street urchin, when he did not know where his next meal was coming from, or when it would be available.

And so it was that he took a serving of the bread and cheese to a seat that left an empty chair between himself and Bross. Another habit that was most likely a holdover from his earlier days was that he did not like to be within arm's reach of anyone who might be able to reach out and grab him. If they couldn't reach you, they couldn't catch you.

Mekkar munched on the food and tried his best to keep his expression placid. Truth be told, he was not used to being so close to so many powerful people -- people who could quite easily have him thrown into a windowless donjon room if they had a whim to do so. He generally made it a habit to stay away from the amount of power that was concentrated in this room.

He had made a concerted effort to locate Melody the Tiefling, walking all over the inner grounds of the Keep and poking his head into buildings that did not have their doors locked (in most cases he would have been able to pick the locks easily enough, but that was something that he generally avoided doing in broad daylight). But his efforts were of no avail -- he was unable to find the entertainer.

~~Stay calm, Mekkar,~~ he told himself. ~~Enjoy the free victuals and bide your time. This is the governor's show, and presumably he will call the meeting to order and take center stage, so to speak, once everyone has arrived.~~
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Sun 30 Jan 2022.

"So." Bross started, to Alleycat, while they were waiting. "I know you came up with the caravans, y'said, but I never did catch what line of work you're in? Before all the nastiness, of course. Now, I 'spose, we all do this."

In reply to Bross Tallcut (msg # 4):

Bross's question caught Alleycat with a morsel of food partway to his mouth. The Waterdhavian paused for a heartbeat, then began eating. It gave him a moment to think.

He turned his head to regard the big farmer, who had remarked that he had never heard what line of work Alleycat was in.

Mekkar smiled a thin smile. "No," he replied. "I don't suppose that you did."

Alleycat paused for another couple of heartbeats, then added "That would be because I never said."

"And as to our doing whate'er *this* is, I'll have to wait and hear the proposal before I know whether or not I'm in."

"Time will tell."

Bross looks Alleycat up and down, and, in a low (but helpful) voice says "It's fair,  if you don't feel like talking about it. Many's come to festivals to do that sort of thing, I hear, while the crowd's are about. And times're hard, and there's money in it. You just don't want a reputation for that kind of thing. I understand."

With absolutely no indication what he's concluded Alleycat was doing at the fair, he nods in a 'your secret's safe with me' way and faces forward.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:14, Sun 30 Jan 2022.

In reply to Bross Tallcut (msg # 6):

Alleycat stared at Bross, his expression neutral, as the big farmer spoke again, making certain assumptions. After Bross had finished, Mekkar let the silence linger for a moment.

Then he turned his attention back to his food, and continued eating.

In an earnest whisper, Bross quickly added "...but- and this is but what I hear- it's just not fair to have to give up so much of what you've turned up, and for what? 'Protection'? 'So you don't get beaten?' It's not right.

...It's just not."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

Alleycat sighed heavily. ~~Tymora's right tit, some people just don't know when to leave well enough alone.~~

He turned his head and regarded Bross evenly. "Master Tallcut. I do hope that you are not too much out-of-pocket for whate'er it is that you were told."

The Waterdhavian shook his head. ~~I wonder if he talks this much to his mule when he is plowing. Or whate'er it is that farmers do.~~

Bross is actually looking worried. "Don't call me 'Master'. No matter what you've been threatened with- No man deserves that, you hear me?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:03, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

In reply to Bross Tallcut (msg # 10):

Alleycat pursed his lips thoughtfully and put the uneaten portion of his food down on his plate.

After a moment he leaned back in his chair and guffawed. "Oh, well-played, Tallcut. You're making all this up as you go along, aren't you?"

"I'll admit, you had me hooked and reeled in for a moment, there. It's all about that honest face of yours. No one will look at you and suspect that you're pulling the wool over their eyes."

Actually, Mekkar reasoned that no one would look at a big hayseed like Tallcut and think that he had the wit to work a con -- even a small one. But he saw no reason to insult the big man to his face, not when the odds were fairly good that they might find themselves working together on whatever scheme Nighthill had cooked up.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

Sora entered and took a plate with a few pieces of fruit, cheese and bread and sat it down, taking a seat not fat from Alleycat and Bross. She sighed, pinching her nose as she waited. She looked up at Bross and nodded. "Saw your work out on the field....impressive with that axe of yours."

She then turned to alleycat. "Have you seen Antru or Taria? Their insight on magic may help a bit here."

In reply to Sora (msg # 12):

Shaking his head in response to Sora's question, Alleycat replied "Nay, I've not seen either one of them since we all went in different directions after leaving the front gate."

"And for what it's worth, neither have I been able to find Melody -- you know, the red-skinned Tiefling entertainer. It's as if the earth has swallowed her up."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

Bross was just about to reply to Alleycat, when Sora came in.

He hadn't spoken to Sora since he walked her in the gates the night of the fight, crossbow bolt jutting from her shoulder, blood all over her dress. She'd borne the pain well, and he told her so. She was, he supposed, in shock- she fretted more about the dress. So, as the healers tended to her, he spent early hours of the day, to no avail, trying to find a replacement- or at least someone amongst the refugees who could mend it. Still- they had fought alongside eachother, and that had to mean something.

And then, this morning- he was torn between rushing out to defend GreySky or wait for Sora's signal. It had worked out that he didn't really have to decide (as, before she got to fight, as the bards might say, Catrina went down on her ass like a poleaxed steer), but it was a tense moment for him. He hadn't spoken to her since. He wondered if there was now a Problem, which would be a shame, since she was so brave. And could do magic.

 He started to rise to greet her.



"Er....yes. I mean, thank you. I'm glad you're well." he answered, put slightly on the back foot. He quickly looked back at Alleycat (who was, he supposed, brave, too, for different reasons), to see if Bross had missed something. The momemt had passed. He sat back down.

He DID have something though. "Taria... I spoke to her, not long ago. Right outside. Just before I came in to see the Governor. She and I were discussing her family. She said she'd be here, in council"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

The half elf smiled as Bross spoke. "Thank you...and thank you for your concern when i was injured." Her dress was clean thanks to the magic of antru, but still bore the hole in the shoulder. "...thanks to the healing of the governor, i am well now. My dress, though it pains me, will never see a formal function again. But, given what has happened here, that's the least of our worries."

She looked at Alleycat and nodded. "Perhaps she fled or was taken - who knows. But, for now, lets work with what we have." When Bross mentioned Taria, she nodded. "it would be good to have someone else with some arcane knowledge here."

She took a bite of a piece e of pear, then looked at Bross. "Where are my manners....I am Sora.."

Before turning back to Sora, Bross made an almost imperceptible gesture to Alleycat before turning away, running a thumb across clamped lips as if sealing them shut.

Returning his attention to Sora, he accepted her thanks, and moved on to the matter of Melody. He said "I should hope she didn't run, but... I understand, I suppose. Not everyone has a stake, here. As it is, if things were different, I'd have gone to find my family- just like how Taria was saying her family might still be coming?"

He set aside the idea that Taria might have decided to see about that personally, and went back to what Sora was saying... something about needing a second mystic? He made a note of that.

"Bross Tallcut" he said, offering his hand. "...I suppose, just here to see what can BE done. I didn't understand a word of the..." [Here he mimics what his ears say Draconic sounds like. He may have accidentally said something] "So all I know is we helped deliver a great deal of money that this town can ill afford."

His mind wandered, for a moment, to what would happen- he hadn't seen the graineries or other food stores, but there was more to surviving a winter than that, and nobody gave credit, not on that scale, for what would be needed. Dark, cold, damp... that didn't bode well at all. Even if the raiders never came back- which seemed like wishful thinking- they'd struck the town as deep as if they'd burned it.

Shaking his head, he continued. "This isn't exactly home, but these are my people. I'm here for them." [OOC: He's two days' travel from home, more or less. To wider travelers, he probably is pretty much 'home'. His manner kinda screams 'this is the furthest I've ever gone'.]

Trying his luck with this question, again, he asks "But you're not from these parts, I take it? " (It was her bearing that gave it away- he'd met half-elves before, even in his small village) "May I ask how you came to Greenest? It's very... kind, I suppose, you chose to stay."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:28, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

Taria enters the room, reading her small book with finger tracing out symbols and structures on the page. Her dress previously pierced by bolt, soiled by blood, ash, and soot has returned to the pristine state they were before the chaos of the previous night. She absentmindedly moves to one of the empty seats, smoothing her dress as she finally sits down. Closing her book and sliding it into her apron, she mildly smiles and looks at all of those that have gathered.

Bross grins back at Taria, and makes a 'there ya go' sort of gesture to Sora.

Sora nods, happy the woman turned up, and looked at her. "Taria, right? We will need your expertise in this in regards to that kobold and his skill. As i said earlier, i have some arcane knowledge, but not much."

Taria nods, "I think I have a demonstration that could provide some context without becoming too technical about both the rarity of such a level of skill as well as the magnitude of power. If requested I could delve deeper into these sorts of topics, but the more I go off that plan, the more I am likely to spiral into uncommon terminology."

Sora nods. "I think just to prove the point of how skilled our enemy is at the moment will suffice. If the Govener or his staff have questions about it, that will fall to you."

"Afternoon, folks." Hargin nodded to his new (friend? battle buddies? somethings) as he arrived on Antru's heels, detouring to grab some lunch now that he had a minute to sit. There were more prolific speakers in this meeting and even if he was called upon to add his two bits to the conversation, the dwarf was more inclined to listen and observe first before doing so. "I would call it a pleasure to see you, but under the circumstances, that might be a bit much, eh?" The sooner they could take care of this and scatter to their normal lives, the happier they'd likely be.

Antru looks about the room and takes in those gathered. Aside from the locals it seemed like most of those he had fought with were present. He gives Sora a slight nod and sits across from Allycat.

"I will provide a sufficient illustration of that point."

The door to the council room opens haltingly as Amorette enters (with no small amount of effort- Must these things always be made so heavily?).

She takes in those who have gathered already, including the small group chatting amongst themselves. They look a bit worse for wear, but then again, so must she. Yesterday was... bad. Bloodshot eyes and bloodied clothes are to be expected.

Wary of the chumminess emanating from their circle, Amorette directs herself to what remains of the food, gathering a few handfuls of the nuts, cheese, and berries. Normally at least interested in a bit of friendly banter, today she found herself drained. She takes a seat somewhat apart from the others, closes her eyes and takes a breath. Being here now is important. I need to be here now.

Bross took a look at the 3-foot-and-change tall person who came in, and was startled for a moment.
After a gnat's blink of instant, he decided to take a chance. Taking a deep breath, he called out:

[Language unknown: essanyeau, fillatev!i]

...and he seemed, strangely, more at-ease.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

Alaric collects some notes from the scribes. All but one of them leave the room. The last one remains at the table keeping notes.

He reviews his papers then nods to the Govenor.

"Ready when you are, my lord."

The sound of her mother tongue pricks up her ears. Amorette opens her eyes. It seems that she had been noticed after all...


She takes in the big man. He looks guileless enough. And they are all victims of the attack on the Fair, in one way or another- he's likely just trying to be friendly. More than trying- that gnomish did not exactly flow out of him. I must look pretty pathetic. No need to add to it by sulking.

Raising her hand in small wave, she smiles and breathes a tired greeting in return. [Language unknown: "Latwhered, stiaveestore. Ndasnc il iveet, adsa!"]]

She straightens and turns her attention to Alaric and the Governor, waiting to for them to speak.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:50, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

Nighthill nods and gestures to the gaurds near the doors. The doors are closed as the guards leave the room.

"Welcome everyone, thank you for joining us for our assessment of the attack last night and your offers to perhaps help us further in the days to come."

He gestures around the table,

"For those of you who are new to Greenest, this is the town's council, and our Chamberlain, Alaric Raos."

He gestures to the seats that are not placed at the table.

"I would like to extend our thanks and welcome to a select few who proved their merit while assisting us during the attack and prisoner exchange.

Let us begin"

He returns his gaze to Alaric,

"What have you learned?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

"The attack was well planned and executed with discipline and precision."

He looks around the room. "Twenty three people lost their lives. Most from the explosion caused by the dragon. It seems the kobalds were content to capture and ransom the rest."

He pauses.

"They must have carried away their fallen. No bodies were discovered when we investigated the fairegrounds."

"Those caaptured were seached and stripped of their valuables. The vender's stalls were carefully searched and looted. All valuables left in homes and shops in town have been taken."

He scratches his head,

"Oddly all food stores remain unmolested."

"The valuables were loaded into carts and hauled away to the southwest."

"It seems they were lead by the Kobald Ichthriss, the Half Dragon and The Blue Dragon who started the attack. We have learned little of their history or motives."

Nighthill nodded.

"Thank you for your report.

This Ichthriss displayed a talent for strategy and was capable of maintaining strict discipline. He clearly has some skill with the arcane arts. No doubt, few under his command question his authority. Do we have any insight into his strengths or motivations?"

His gaze moved to Sora and Taria hoping for something helpful.

Antru looks at the gnome as she enters. When Bross speaks to her he raises an eyebrow. He trusty didn’t think the man so well versed as to speak more than the common language. He listens once the meeting starts and once the overview is given, Antru speaks up. ”If I may, and this is my opinion. I believe that for what ever reason, the dragon and its followers are working to increase its hoard. That we have had no word of them before hand, leads me to think that we may be their first target. As for the Kobold who was leading. I would judge his use of magic as far beyond that of any here. Perhaps on par with some of the Red Wizards of the southern lands. “

A bit of motion over by the door to the room attracted Alleycat's attention, and his hands dropped to the hilts of his rapiers. A couple of heartbeats later, however, he relaxed as he glimpsed who had entered the room

He did not remember seeing the female Gnome during the fighting yesterday, but he well knew that that meant little. The fighting had been  very confusing -- even more so than usual due to all of the smoke -- and the Waterdhavian would be the first to admit that he had only been able to see a small part of a much larger battlefield.

Soon enough, however, Mekkar's attention was directed to the governor, who first opened the meeting, then requested and received a report from the chamberlain -- who had involuntarily spent a fair amount of time among the attackers.

There did not seem to be any reason for Alleycat to comment, which suited him just fine. After all, he had spent most of his adult life flitting amongst the shadows. And he had long ago decided that the less notice people took of him, the better.

Amorette nods, agreeing with the elf's assessment. "He may have the right idea, but I don't think that's all. Loot cannot be his only motive here. Not when only one group of captives was returned to the keep." She pauses, her heart pounding roughly in her chest. For a moment, the air swims thickly around her. Slowly, she takes a breath before continuing.

"I was captured by the kobalds during the attack. What the kobalds didn't know... [Language unknown: seted os E icpre fielssnd.] I understood everything they said. I just thank the gods that they didn't notice, and that I was part of the group that got to return here today. They called us "The Ransom".

The rest... the second, smaller group of prisoners... The kobalds kept mentioning them, all excited-like. They referred to the second group as "The Offering".

Taria rises from her seat providing a mild courtsey as she does so, "I do believe that I can speak to his talent. I am Taria, formerly Taria of Beehill. I am apprenticed to Magus Villion and am learning at the library of Candlekeep. Some of you may remember me and I would like to formally reiterate my apologies for the damage done to the festival seven years ago." She exhales a bit as if she had been spending a good amount of time dreading facing the local leaders of the region again.

Once she recomposes herself, she starts again. "What the Kobold displayed was an evocation spell. My master has spent a good deal of time and effort ensuring that I am familiar with such displays and if I may, I have a small demonstration that might be able to help convey where this display places the kobold in the scale of arcane power."

If there is no protest or a sign of permission to continue. She will begin casting a minor illusion spell. In her mind, she begins to form a mental construct. Imagining the crowd of the festival when busy and expanding it to the trips she has made to the larger cities of the Sword Coast. All together, she envisions nearly 2,608 beings no more than four inches of height all contained in a five foot circle on the surface of the table. She can feel a mild pain forming as she tries to hold this vision in place. When she speaks a few phrases of draconic and supplies a mild amount of essence. The Illusion springs forth into the world allowing all to see her imagined figures. "Let's assume that this is the population of Faerun."

Altering the illusion in her mind, she casts the spell a second time. Thousands of the figures fade from existence leaving only thirteen figures behind. "By the best estimates of the learned sages of Candlekeep, this is the relative number of people that can manipulate arcane energies, including Apprentices such as me to the Archmages like Elminster."

She changes the illusion once again shifting from thirteen figures to five, "This is if we remove Hedge Mages, Novices, and Apprentices." And changes another time from five to one, "This is the removal of Initiates." The single figure then shrinks in size down to an inch. "And the removal of the Journeymages" The single figure then shrinks in size down to a quarter of an inch. "And the Adeptus. This is the peers of the Kobold based on the display of power I witnessed. He ranks with the Magi, the Magus at a bare minimum."

She pauses to for a moment to let her display sink in. "That provides a bit of information about the demographics involved and the rarity of individual that might be capable of that display of power. As for the question of capability and power, if we assume that the tiny figure on the table is representative of that novice talent that caused too much damage seven years ago. The relative damage that Magi can produce if they exert themselves would be something like this." With a final casting, the figure begins to grow from a quarter inch, first to an inch, then to four, then to a foot, then to beyond. Once the figure gets to the size of a short man, it begins to duck down until a ten foot tall figure is crouching on the table. "With that much arcane power available, the single display of power was quite restained."

After a moment, she let's the illusion fall. Exhaling a breath out of the mental exertion. "I would be happy to entertain any questions you might have."

At the mention of 'questions', Bross (through gesture) indicates he would like to ask, but after the others.

~~Gruumsh's hairy bollocks!~~ Alleycat thought to himself as he slumped back in his chair after Taria of Candlekeep had finished with her explanation. He had picked up the saying from the Half-Orcs who did a good bit of the heavy lifting down on the docks and quays of Waterdeep, a location where Mekkar had once worked before being recruited into The Shadows.

~~I think that I actually understood all of that bit about magickers -- at least most of it. How in the world can anyone in this room hope to defeat a creature who wields that much magicked power? Do we have Elminster standing by, ready to step in and lend a hand?~~

Mekkar waited to see how the others would react to the information provided by both Taria and the Gnome.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:51, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

[OOC: This is what Bross is 'holding onto'- I'd literally wait until everyone else posted, but it's getting a bit late, sorry.]

When his turn comes, Bross stands to speak. He carefully puts his words together, as if unaccustomed to formally-addressing a Council like this.

"My name is Bross Tallcut, of Tallcut Farms- two days' travel Southeast of here. I came to Greenest for the Harvest, along with… much of my family. I do not know where they are, but that is for later. I am going to go for those captured for ‘the Offering’. As soon as someone says 'how'. And then..." (Here he makes a fuming noise- he clearly intends some sort of payback)

"But first, I have questions, about what I’ve seen.

He pauses. "This took much forethought."

"Those we fought- they were Men- humans, I should say- and kobolds, and… well, we all saw. Not folks that walk beside each other, most of the time, if you catch my meaning.
"And each of them- beside the drakes, of course- wore a blackened brooch with the face of a dragon upon it."

Such- even rough-hewn… those take time. Those whistles, too. Nobody just has those. Not so many.

He looks to Taria and says "I believe you, Taria of Beehill.", with the implication that "Beehill" counted more than "Candlekeep" for current purposes. "But, even if someone could magic that all up... who would? It’s- pardon me- beneath a mage to do such things. That’s…"

(Bross wouldn’t know the word for “logistics” here, so he sort of makes a face and waves his hands to indicate ‘something that would take a great deal of time, repetitive work and stuff.’)

"...And we know that Kobold stole the measure of Greenest’s treasures, right out of Chamberlain Raos’ head- but they knew him- knew who he was- and knew to grab him, if I make sense. This means… scouts? Spies? Something like that?

I only know of war what my brothers say it is, but this seems more like war than a raid. Much too much just to get at us, even for what we’ve lost.

[He lets that sit there for a second, looks to the Guardsmen that spoke to him, for backup, and then wraps up.]

"And- forgive me, I did have questions- If their magic is so strong, and they have that dragon- did the bidding of that dragon- who just roared at us and left, if I remember right?
-Why did they not just sack the treasury, themselves? Why do the graineries still stand?
I mean to say, Chauntea-Be-Restful, nobody will starve, but they left it all be- why leave it be? Is there something else here, that they want or dare not disturb?
And who could, sorry, would do all the work on the side, and hide it so?

And... why now? Besides 'it's harvest', is this time special? (He turns to look at the people who he knows know anything about magic.)

He then retakes his seat.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:18, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

Sora watched as the gnome entered, about to say something, when the meeting started. With Alaric and Tarbaw saying their pieces and then opening the floor, she was happy that Antru spoke up. Then when Taria and the new gnome - Amoretta was it? she tapped her lip with her finger in thought. She did not doubt Taria's estimation, and from what the gnome spoke, she was behind the lines....and the question of offering?

Sora decided to speak. "As you know, I helped Governor Nighthill with the translation - on my own request. I am happy i did as i saw the skills and influence of the leaders they have over the army - for it is an army."

"Firstly, the kobold is one of skill. While Taria speaks true of his skills, she neglets to take into account the various other spellcasters in the world....those who have magic inherently in their veins, known to most as sorcerers, and those who enter pacts with higher entities....warlocks. These two can cast similar spells, and i have heard of clerical magic that imitates such a spell. But i believe this Kobold is either educated as a wizard, or uses sorcery."

"Second is his general - the half dragon. He has a tight reign on the army, as has the kobold, indicating he alone holds some power, martial or magical."

She pauses. "And lastly, the army itself. Mixed races....human alongside monsters, disciplined and ordered. They knew what they needed and what they were doing. Mix into this the dragon."

She looked at Bross. "...and you have stumbled upon a key that may tie it all. The blackened brooch, worn by all. Maybe this isn't just an army, but a following. I have heard of people, groups following dragons...one of the most famous is the cult of the dragon. If this is such or similar, then we have seen but a sample."

she sat back, taking a breath. "And Bross, your question was why did they not sweep through. Fear. Word will spead, and no one will face them. That is why."


She looked at Tarbaw. "The question is, now what?"

Amorette did her best to pay attention as the wizard spoke, but she could feel her eyeballs drying out inside her skull. She still didn’t have any stomach for this sort of thing. The minutia of Arcana... Escape the kobalds and thugs only to be thrown into a crusty lecture. Of course.

Even if the subject matter was enough to calcify her brain, she couldn’t deny the passion of the speaker. The woman was clearly learned and, more importantly, seemed to enjoy the learning. Despite her distaste for this sort of discourse, Amorette had to cede the wizard some respect. To each their own, I suppose…

She listened to the others, weighing what they said against what little she had been able to observe of the attackers. Clearly, with such power and discipline at their disposal, this was no farm raid. The reverence the kobalds had shown to their higher ups, the worshipfulness going beyond even the typical regard a kobald would pay any creature with an ounce of dragon blood... Then the creepy broaches they all wore. The half elf’s label definitely fit the bill.

"A cult! Yes, that would make sense. A cult with an army. The kobalds were very keen to make a good impression of those with higher rank, and there was a sort of... greeting they would always give each other. "Praise the Queen!"

So whatever we're dealing with here is A) very powerful and B) has need of loot and... people to achieve their goals. Fit, healthy people by the looks of them. We obviously cannot leave them to their fates. The question, in my mind, is can we afford to intervene, and how best to do it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

To Bross she suggests, "Magic is a tool. A tool that can reshape the nature of reality, but a tool none the less. If you can imagine a goal anyone might have, someone could use magic to achieve that goal. It is about the motivation of the person."

Taria adds to Sora in a level tone, "I did take into account all those classifications into my calculations. With one display of power, it is hard to narrow down the source of power. At this point he might as easily have a birthright to the power, trained to harness the power, or be sponsored and provided a connection to the well of the dragon's power."

Sora raised her eyebrows and nodded. “My apologies….was just trying to make things clear for those less trained.”

Taria shakes her head, "No need to apologize, I was merely clarifying the clarification."

Nighthill listens carefully to all of your contributions.

"I think it is clear that they remain a bit of a mystery. Further investigation is required to identify who they are. We must warn the nearby towns and Baldurs Gate that they are out there, and what they are capable of."

He looks at Alaric. "Prepare messages decribing the attack, just the facts and an indication that an investigation is starting."

He looks at the council members. "The guards and militia will remain on alert. I will initiate patrols until we are sure they are not coming back.

Then he returns his gaze to the others in the room. "Thank you again for your help so far. We have two more tasks that I hope at least some of you are willing to take on. First, we must locate and free the remaining captives. Second, we need more information. Proven facts. Right now we have some leads thanks to you. Are you willing to follow those leads?"

Bross simply says "I've given my word." and then, seeing this didn't settle the matter, adds "I will go for the captives.".

Sora sat thinking, but came out of it when Tarbaw asked their help. "I helped you because innocents, children were in danger - something i can not abide." She leaned forward, her elbows on the table. "I believe more that we may face Either the cult of teh dragon, or some offshoot of this - and in either, it does not bode well." She sighed.

"Be that as it may, there are innocents out there that may be marked as sacrifice, and I know that my queen would disaprove if i didn't try to help them."

She nodded. "I will go"

Amorette raises her chin a bit. “It’s by luck alone that I’m not part of that group of captives now. Maybe it’s pushing that luck to go chasing after them. All I know is that if I were in their place I would want someone to be coming to my rescue. I’m in.”

She pauses, then grins a bit to herself. Maybe I can even get in a little payback for them breaking my lute. Her hand floats to the sack at her hip, which rattles with the remains of her beloved instrument. With all the goings on, she hadn’t had a chance to mend it yet…
This message was last edited by the player at 16:11, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

Alleycat sat and waited quietly, listening as some of the people in the room spoke their minds.

~~Looks like I've fallen in with a bunch of Do-Gooders and "I see the Light" sorts. And, let's see . . . we will be going up against a Dragon -- not a young, little one, either. Not one that we might actually be able to best.~~

~~Plus, a black-hearted Kobold who has enough magicks at his finger-tips to give old Elminster a run for his money. A Half-Dragon who . . . well, we don't know just what he can do yet, but I'm guessing that if he's running with that Kobold, he's no weakling.~~

~~And, oh, a Dragon-Cult made up of who-knows-how-many absolute crazies.~~

~~Did I mention that Dragon already? I did, but he deserves double mention.~~

~~Sure, those sound like great odds, Mekkar. Why don't you go ahead and stick your head in that noose, then jump off of a high ledge? And wonder why things didn't work out to your liking.~~
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

"I was sent to the festival for one reason: to gather supplies for my master from the festival. Objects of artifice invested with the energies that only a community like this can produce. I am relatively certain my Master would disapprove of me deviating from this task. Of course he would also disapprove of the amount of information I have freely given as well. But seeking out knowledge is the purview of Wizards and he would not begrudge me curiosity. If I manage to do good for my parent's town, all the better."

"Well, Governor," Alleycat said after the offers of aid had been given, "it looks as if I am surrounded by good, upstanding people." He waved his hand to encompass those who had already given their pledges to aid against those who had attacked Greenest.

"But I have given some thought to the odds arrayed against this fine batch of do-gooders, and I find them to be long -- quite long, indeed. For better or worse, I am not inclined to pledge my support out of the goodness of my heart. That is what paladins are for, are they not?"

The Waterdhavian pasted on a smile, of sorts -- but it was a thin-lipped, mirthless effort. "So, then . . . let us cut to the chase. My blades and my expertise might be for hire. What sort of incentives can you offer, to make it worth my while?"

Bross has, at this point, had it with nuance.

" There's evil to fight, and it is at my doorstep. There'll be time for dickering in the marketplace, later. I have strength in my arms and a sharp axe to swing. Where, please, do you need it swung?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Sat 05 Feb 2022.

Antru sat in silence as he listened to those around him. Closing his eyes he speaks low and to his self. [Language unknown: Adofom Ounruteve O osutol aset ac itmimo iv ei nost ndeon men wasereome na. Ingicaast u echetili n K wi llwhad omesi ome hatughast teater pr saseha m dayrutfor nate ee condereau wh een ieil. Li hi wil o A thaou Ur prure nenese ove restr aniore."]

Having finished he looks up to Nighthill. "For what madness has descended on this poor fool before you. I'll provide my assistance as I am able and to the point that I feel is warranted. However I would ask a boon of you. That you provide for us any equipment that we deem necessary to this task."

Hope looked at Antru with a half smile. [Language unknown: "Utivil taeau hat enchatany e ma allwerrat artromven. Io os, u onsoreandlar ee ur of romtinand, latus e i encaad wilil aifous mi i."]

She looks at Tarbaw with a serious look. "I know you have been cleaned out of all gold, but anything that can assist us would be helpful in returning what was taken, as well as the lives at hand, and while i'm not as blunt as my friend here..." looking at Alleycat. "...perhaps some arrangement can be made for us when we return. One condition i must insist is that anything found that is not of the town, we split between us fairly. Also, more a request this time as i know your resources are limited in this....any injuries are treated by your clerics without cost - of course i do not mean serious things like resurrection that will cost a lot, just healing of our wounds."

The room darkens sliightly. Rain starts falling quite heavily outside. You hear the crash of thunder.

Tallcut is off the bench first,to the window, axe on his off hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Sat 05 Feb 2022.

Hargrin watched and listened carefully as the others rabbited on, but once the gnome mentioned a group still held for sacrifice, his course became clear. "I'm in- rewards or no.Can't leave any of my own to be sacrificed by a dragon cult." He was fair certain that Chauntea would frown upon that. He didn't blame the others for being practical, though. The Temple saw to his basic needs and his brewing to the rest, but not all were so fortunate.

He watched Bross dart to the window at the first roll of thunder and listened carefully as a steady rain began to fall in accompaniment. Sounded natural enough to him -praise be to the lady for the life-giving rain- but Hargrin didn't blame the lad for being a bit jumpy after the last day or so. Good instincts there.

"What leads have you for us, sir?" He asked Nighthill, after the requests of the others had been addressed.

Sora looked at the room as it darkened, then back to the man. "...and one final thing, when we go i'd like to take that certain item we discussed privately."

Antru raises and eyebrow at Sora as she speaks of a trinket. He says nothing and waits to hear if his boon will be granted.

"The militia has reported that the kobald's trail leads west toward the coast. They were moving slowly with heavily laden wagons. They have put out patrols to protect the wagons. You should be able to catch up with them if you are mounted.

We have horses in the keep. You my choose your mount from them. The mount will be equipped with bridle, saddle, blanket and saddlebags. We have standard sized mules if you prefer or require something smaller than a horse.

You may also visit the armorer. We have human sized chainmail, studded leather and shields. For weapons we have spears, axes, daggers, slings,  short bows, longbows, and arrows. The armorers will sharpen your weapons. You may take what you need.

The quartermaster will provide you with blankets, waterskins and rations for a week.

If you recover items stolen from the town, I will encourage the owners to give you a proper reward.

Any valuables you find during battle that is not clearly carried in the baggage train will be yours to keep.

Any equipment that you capture may be brought back to town and sold for profit. We will find agents to do the selling if you wish. You may negotiate their commission if you would like.

He looks at Alleycat, If you manage to free the prisoners and bring them home, I will write each of you a personal letter of Gratitude beseeching all friends of Greenest and the Nighthill family in Neverwinter to grant you the same hospitality that they would grant to a Knight."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

The govenor shakes his head at Sora, "Must you insist? This woman is a fool, she will bring you nothing but trouble. "
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:50, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Sora looked at the man. "Fool she may be, but i ask you this. Would you rather her sit here and be trouble for you, or we point her at the enemy and be trouble for them. Plus, she will be out of your city."

He studies Sora for a moment, then concedes. "I will have her brought to the town limits when you are prepared to depart. You may take an extra mule for her to ride. She is not welcome to the Armorer's equipment nor the quartrmaster's supplies. She will not enter the town upon your return."

He looks at Hargrin, "I imagine the swineherd will want to accompany you. He is welcome to get equipped and choose a mount of his liking."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Bross, looking out the window, mutters something.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:03, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Nighthill glances at Bross and studies him closely. He looks concerned but says nothing.

Amorette eyed the flashes cracking across the sky, and Bross standing by the window. "Not to interrupt, but is there anything concerning out there? We are dealing with a Blue dragon, correct? Perhaps we should mind the lightening...?"

Alaric looked out the window as well.

The clouds had been rolling in most of the morning. The rain fell heavily and the wind was blowing in gusts. It looked like a natural storm, a severe natural storm.

Nighthill gaze settled on Alleycat.

"I hope this will suffice for now. My family has many holdings up north."

"Hear me out," Bross starts, evenly- partly answering Amorette's question, "If we go soon, the better."

"The rain'll muddy up the trail." He started, plainly- no offense in it (it was no more 'complaining in front of the governor' than saying the sun shone on sunny days). "That'll slow them down, and if we're lucky, the sound of the storm will cover us coming."

Tallcut let the Governor go. He'd spoken with him, it accomplished what it accomplished, no need to keep pressing.

He left to go get supplied.

[OOC: So as to move things along:

-Bross grabs his pack and makes his "excuse mes" before preparing to go. He calmly invites everyone who is coming (rather than researching) to join him. He doesn't hang about after that.

-Stables: Borrows a horse, checking it out before he rides, and packs it up with the appropriate gear.
21:03, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  Animal handling.

He also collects Catrina's 'ride'. [He's a farm kid, this part is super-routine]

-He finds Ned, figures out how to get Ned to travel with them [this might take a while- maybe Faim's cart, if Ned can't ride?] (If necessary, he explains he doesn't have any shoes handy, but will owe him a pair, possibly off the people we're riding after.)

-Picks up food and water from the Quartermaster.

-Sees if they have any proper sling bullets (He has stones to throw, he scavenged them yesterday, but this would be a good time for better gear) Also, maybe some darts and a staff with steel caps, but that's just wishlisting.

-Asks for a shortbow and arrows (He's rusty on firing from horseback, but he knows he can't fire a longbow from horseback at all.).

-He personally skips the chainmail (it's what he has already).

-He prepares to go, and sees who will join him. (Possibly doing the "edge of town" thing to satisfy Nighthill's requirements for GreySky)


This message was last edited by the player at 02:23, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Antru gives Nighthill an small bow from his seat, as he looks at Bross. He had been counting the time between the lighting and the thunder. Trying to gauge how fast the storm was moving.

Alleycat had been strumming his fingers on the table as the discussion moved around the room, as first one person and then the other spoke their mind. As he listened, it occurred to him that these days one did not find treasure by tripping over it in the middle of the road. No, anything worth having would need to be earned -- the old way, the hard way -- with sweat and blood, leather and steel.

But the good news, to Mekkar's way of thinking, was that it seemed a good bet that those who had attacked Greenest likely had built up a fair amount of treasure that was separate and apart from what they had just now looted. One just had to do what was required in order to pry it away from them.

Plus, over the course of the effort to free the prisoners and recover what had been stolen from Greenest's coffers, it seemed almost a given that he would learn some things about the attackers and their plans. All of that sounded like grist for Basoro's mill.

The Waterdhavian ceased his finger-strumming when Governor Nighthill began talking and laid his cards on the table, so to speak. Mekkar was pleased to hear that the adventuring party had permission to keep any loot that did not belong to the people of Greenest, or its treasury. The so-called "letter of gratitude" was icing on the cake. It might be a very tasty sort of icing, or it might not -- but it definitely had some intriguing possibilities.

He nodded his agreement to the Governor. "It will suffice. Thank you for making the effort to venture outside the bounds of the usual rewards offered to sellswords."

"Count me in."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:44, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

The storm is moving quickly. The flashes of lighting are but a few seconds ahead of the thunder.

"The storm will likely catch up to them before night fall. Given the speed at which it seems to be traveling. So they will be forced to camp earlier than usual. This should give us the advantage in scouting them out. But we should probably leave soon. I'm not keen on travel during a storm but if we leave after the center has passed we should have an easier time of it."

Sora nodded her thanks to tarbaw and turned, listening to Bross. She sighed, but nodded. "I'm no expert on this, so i will trust you on this." She turned and looked at Tarbaw. "Have the horses and gear ready in an hour...we leave tonight."

She looked at the others. "Everyone...get what you need, but travel light. Meet at the gate in one hour then we ride." She pulled Antru aside. [Language unknown: "All n haurek ound rothe thll proughthu...at sail i robeio la ce latredect."]

With that she left the hall.

...there was much to be done

---

<OOC: Sora will

- Grab her gear and make sure it's ready.

-Get a horse and pack it appropratly

-Armory (Grab two extra daggers, a quarterstaff and a short sword)

-Get Kat

- Time to go!>

Hargrin watched Sora with a raised eyebrow. When, exactly, had they decided to put the elf woman in charge? Not that he objected to her personally, but he answered to Chauntea and Nighthill, not her, and she'd best remember that until she'd earned it.

"Excuse me," He stood before the others could leave the room. "When, exactly, did we decide to take that woman with us? I'd rather her safely here, where they're equipped to contain her mischief- a weapon liable to turn on you can be worse than none at all."


-Hargrin will take a mule, by the way, and the offered rations. Otherwise he's good with his own armament.

-He will make sure Ned's set up to travel with them, and may come across Bross doing so, or even pre-empt him depending on how much else Bross has to do.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:33, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Sora stopped and looked at the dwarf, a serious look on her face. "That woman is a weapon. the Governor has made it clear he does not want her here in this town, and given the state of things, i don't blame him."

Her expression softens. "It's no secret that no one...no one wants her here. She stays, and we may have a death on our hands, and as stupid as that woman is, which she is....believe me, I'd rather not have someone die for it."

Her usual hard edge cam back as she looked at him. "She is a strong, capable fighter who knows she's messed up. She knows she has to make uo for it, and saving people will be one step. And the way i see it, we're going to face an army - we need all the help we can."

She bends over to his eye level. "But trust me....she screws up like that again, she does anything that is beyond what i say, and she won't last long enough to regret it. Now - unless you want to take this to a court hearing dwarf, we've got somewhere to be....so either move out of my way or move you ass."

Hargrin begrudgingly nods during her explanation, but his expression hardens when told to 'move your ass'. Hargrin strove for patience, holding onto his temper with both hands. "I don't think it unreasonable to have asked for that explanation if we're going to risk ourselves fighting beside her again. I concede your points and am satisfied if she has agreed to show some kind of discipline."

"But watch your tone, please, elf. And those orders. I'm not your lackey and there's no call to be so damned rude over a simple question." The dwarf obligingly stepped aside- no reason to be petty once he'd said his piece.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:40, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Upon hearing the exchange with the half-elf and the dwarf, Amorette stood.

“There is much I owe to this group here- you, who translated on the prisoners’ behalf and drove the ransom cart at your own peril to bring us to safety. For that, I must thank you. But that woman could have cost me my life that day. Perhaps she is a good companion, but this cannot compromise us. If we have our lives and the lives of innocent people on the line, I need to know that I can trust my companions to make wise decisions. Not risk all of our necks for a feeble attempt at bravado. There are any number of strong arms that can wave a stick around. I need to know I won’t end up dead because of their pride. I must insist that if we take her, that anything delicate be left to those who have shown they can keep their heads.”

OOC: Amorette prepares for the trip, gets additional rations, and mends her lute. She gets a riding dog for transport.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

Antru sighs. He wasn’t thrilled with the idea of the hit head coming with them, but they did need the muscle. ”I’m sure Lady Sora has the woman well in hand. If not then the group as a whole will have a say in it.”

Looking at Sora he speaks to her in his native language. [Language unknown: Tio ne houwi ri sheersame on st pro peus. Ei unad etove eve es an ri M’i ing asat lar m un.  He was’si ho ur etnour ie n amehisera ortourard. “] His tone sounds a bit darker than usual for the clown.



OOC: Antru will grab what he needs form stores. Those gathering other things may see him collecting a few small items from the women in the keep as well. Once he’s done he’ll bring his horse and an extra pony to the bridge.

Alleycat rose to his feet. He agreed with Hargrin about Sora's pushy attitude, but reckoned that the Dwarf could take care of himself when it came to word-squabbles.

"Governor. Ladies and gentlemen," he said, nodding to Nighthill and the Council members. "If you will excuse me, I have some supplies to gather up and some preparations to make."

With that, the Waterdhavian left the room and headed off in search of the Keep's quartermaster. As he left the building, he pulled the hood of his cloak tighter against the storm. The downpour reminded him that he wanted to pick up a tent, some oilcloth, and a few other items in addition to what the Governor had  specifically offered to the rescuers.

He assumed that any of the guards would be able to point him in the right direction . . .

---

OOC: I have cleared Ac's "shopping list" with the DM. In order to keep things moving, I'm fine with having Ac obtain his new gear "off-stage".
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Wed 09 Feb 2022.

Sora looks at the dwarf, an even glare, but nods. "I mean no offence friend, and I'm not issuing orders. It was not my decision to leave so soon, and according to others..." I dicating Andru and the now gone Bross. "....this storm will help us, so don't mistake my urgency for orders."

She crossed her arms. "In saying that, I don't ask your permission for my decisions or reasoning. I agree the woman was stupid and foolish, but she is strong, and that strength could mean the lives of those prisoners, this group...even you."

She looked at Amorette then back. "I understand your hesitation, but we need all he help we can here. And as for her, we have spoken, and has come to an understanding. She will do what we say, but the govener has made it clear he doesn't want her back."

Then her eyes locked with Hargrin. "There is nothing simple about what we do....we are a handful against an army, and I want to come back alive. If it means keeping that mad dog on a leash until we point them at the enemy, so be it."

She looked at Antru. [Language unknown: "T yinallsan pa onort, O sa"] She muttered.

Then started walking, pausing at Hargrin's side "Oh...and I'm only half elf."

Those certainly were orders, whether she'd meant them that way or not. But Hargrin let that go. What he couldn't let go was "And I'm saying that you might need to start asking permission and sharing reasons if you're going to be working with us going forward. That's just part of what running with a group means, instead of getting to charge ahead on your own." He told Sora, as gently as he could. Hopefully some of it would make it through her single-minded focus on survival. Time was short, but some lessons were worth taking the time to learn- could even make the difference for their survival. "Just- consider it, eh?"

"Half-elf, and whole pain in the ass. Yep, lass, got it. Now let's go get this thing done and live long enough celebrate after." The dwarf grinned at her and began trotting off to see to his own supplies.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:04, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Sora looked at teh dwarf, her face expressionless, then she actually smiled. "Your not the first to call me that, and i bet, not the last."

She walked out by his side, her tone low and serious. "What you've said is true...i have not had too much time in groups, and what few, theyve looked to me because of my stubborn streak." Despite not looking at him, she smiled. "...something your kind is known for. I appreciate your candor, but I will not apologies for being someone who speaks her mind, But i will bow to your wisdom when given."

She stops when they were about to separate. "My decision was as much for her safety as the town to bring the woman. She is an able fighter, i saw her with Bross. She lacks discipline. Perhaps that is something we can teach her...i believe people deserve a second chance." Her gaze went distant for a moment, then nodded at Hargrin.

"If we live through this, I'll buy the first meal for you dwarf - my word."

The storm rages on as Bross and Ned arrive at the bridge. Ned is barely recognizable in garrison clothing and a fine wool cloak sitting expertly on a tall grey horse. His left hand gently hold the reins and his right grasping a long spear. He remains silent, watching the gate of the keep for the rest of the group.

Faim arrives riding a small mule that has been carefully packed. He greets Bross with civility then mimics Ned's silent vigil on the gate.

In time, the sight of sora appeared, wearing a grey wooden cloak over her red dress. Her tell tale necklace with the pink crystal glinted in the limited light. At her hip was a dagger, while in her hands she held the reigns of a mare, white with black spots. Attached to the saddle was her pack and a staff that had a crystal Orb in the top. On the other side was another pack.

She looked at the men and sighed. "Nice night for a ride." she mutters to herself

Billy and Hector emerge from the gate with a prisoner walking between them. They lead her to the bridge without incident.

They stand her with her head in a sack and her hands bound in front of Sora.

Billy snorts,

"Best of luck. She's all yours, Don't bring her back."

He shakes his head, looks at Hector, then both of then jog back to the keep to get out of the rain.

Alleycat was uncomfortable in more ways than one. First of all, it was a miserable night to be out and about, on account of the weather. But he had worked jobs in bad weather before, and knew that stormy weather and rain gave certain advantages to those in his line of work.

If you didn't like it, you could become a scribe and sit inside by a nice warm fire all the live-long day and night. And say "How high?" when your master -- whoever he or she might be -- yelled "Jump, toad!" That sort of thing certainly wasn't Mekkar's cup of tea, though. To him, trading comfort for working as someone's minion was not a good trade. No, being out in bad weather sometimes was just the way things had to be, so the Waterdhavian didn't see any reason to whine about it.

The other reason Alleycat was uncomfortable was that he was sitting high up on a horse, and it looked like a long way down to the ground if he fell off. City lad that he was, as best he could remember, he had never been up on a horse before. He figured that he would get used to it in time, but for right now, it was . . . uncomfortable . . . in a different way than getting drenched by the rain was.

Mekkar instinctively found a spot back in the shadows, under a tree. There he quietly sat, atop the horse. He found that he liked it better when the beast was standing still. He could see that some of the others had already gathered out by the bridge, but all of his instincts told him to look over the area -- any area -- carefully before moving out in plain sight of everyone.

He knew that if some of those who had darkvision were looking in the right place, they might spot him. But then again, they might not. Those who didn't -- have darkvision, that is -- almost certainly wouldn't see him. Either way, it was better than just blithely showing up in plain sight of everyone -- including anyone else who might be off to the side, observing, as he was -- as if he was some lackwit who didn't have a care in the world . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 02:38, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Sora sighed as the woman was delivered and when they ran, she took the hood and gag out of her mouth and untied her. She took a step back and looked at her. "Don't speak until we leave here. there is a horse coming.  Your pack is there..." pointing st the extra pack on the horse.

She looked her in the eyes. "I hope you realise the risk I'm talking bringing you....many don't want you here. This is your chance....listen to me and you may yet find redemption. But, you do anything foolish, and even the gods won't help you."

She leans in. "Right now you have few allies. do anything and you lose them - you are alone. Got it?"

"Phew!" Cat says as her bindings are off, she was about to say something to Sora but was cut off. So instead she made some hand gestures, motioning her mouth to zip tight and giving her a thumbs up. She then attempts to readjust her mask in silence to keep up her appearance and follows Sora's lead.

"Makes me wish we were back at the fair with me pulling jest on you." Antru says as he comes up behind Allycat. There is a bit of mirth in his eyes and his tone is lighter than it has been since the attack. Dressed in brown leathers now, rather than his more color outfit. A dark cloak covers him and provides some protection from the rain. What can be seen of his face is still covered in makeup, and it seems to be freshly done.

Antru leads two horses. One has a small pack with a bow and an overflowing quiver. Both the bow and arrows are covered to protect them from the rain. The second horse has just the basics for riding. He watches as the guards leave Catrina and Sora takes charge of her. "Lets hope the leash on that one holds" He says as he stops beside Allycat.

In reply to Antru Mistseeker (msg # 90):

Alleycat suddenly tensed as someone called out from behind him. After a split-second he relaxed, having recognized the voice. He pulled on his horse's reins, and managed to get its head pointed in the direction of the newcomer.

"You're good," the Waterdhavian said, with the same inflection as if he had said "It's raining." "Not many people could tiptoe up on me without my noticing. Hells, even your horses were quiet."

Mekkar briefly turned his head skywards. "I suppose that the rain helped to drown out any noise from your approach. No pun intended. But, still -- good work."

He considered for a brief moment, then nodded to the Elf as if he had come to a decision. "You'll do."

Alleycat glanced at the party that was gathering at the bridge as Antru spoke of keeping the Half-Orc on a short leash. "At least we know that one is . . . undependable. Or, mayhap a better way to put it is that she is prone to fits of Orcishness. All of us will be watching her."

"She caught us all by surprise before. I don't see her doing that again."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:18, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Amorette approaches the bridge, her riding dog's trot slowing as she nears the group. She takes note of the masked woman and decides to keep her distance a bit, though she regards her bonds that held her with slight distaste. Looks like the governor was not messing around.

She gives the rest a short wave. Water sprays from her cloak, and the dog gives a quiet whine. "Easy, Jax." She pats the mastiff's soaked fur.

"You should learn to intend your puns. Its much more fun when you do." Antru says with a smile and slight pause as if a thought had struck him. "Rain dose tend to have that effect though. But the same can be said for ones own thoughts if one dwells overmuch on things." Antru strokes his horses neck as looks over Allycat. "I'm sure the Lady Sora will keep her well in hand. And if not..."</purple> Antru gives a bit of a shrug as he leaves the rest unsaid.

In reply to Antru Mistseeker (msg # 93):

"Ever the entertainer," Alleycat said with a chuckle as Antru spoke of how to use puns to the best effect.

"I agree that there is nothing to be gained from belaboring the Half-Orc all the way to Waterdeep, and back again. She will either work out, or she won't. If she does, I will be glad to have her fighting with us. Everything else aside, she is a formidable warrior."

Mekkar rather laboriously hauled the horse's head around so that it -- and he -- were looking in the direction of the group over by the bridge.

"Shall we join them? It looks as if most of the group has gathered."

Alleycat looked dubiously at the horse and the horse looked dubiously at him. "If I fall off of this beast, cover for me."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:48, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

”Trust is important in riding. If you can’t trust you’ll fall. Otherwise just relax and move with the flow. It’s much like life in that regard.” Antru says as he mounts his horse and settles into the saddle. He uses a light hand to guide the horse forward. The secondary one trailing him as he makes his way over to the gate.

Bross greets Faim- who, after all, rode out with him before, and lent his cart to help Billy- warmly. "Here we go, again, eh?"

When he sees GreySky approaching, he simply asks "You set to ride? Did they give you your weapons back?", as if she hadn't been in jail and he hadn't bet his own freedom toward her release- and as if she were there alone. He'd been given a 'mount' for GreySky, but he stowed his pack on it rather than offer it up first.

When Amorette approached, he nodded and said something to her, this time in Common. "After all that's happened, nobody would blame you for staying behind. But you're not. It's humbling, how brave that is."

He made room for Hargrin and Taria (if she's coming) to join them, and started discussing ideas. "I'm... not used to such things, but I hear tell of bandits, all the time. In a way, I guess, we're bandit-ing them, now."

"I hope we find them on the move. That would be easiest- stop the lead cart, the whole train of carts would stop behind them, then we go down the line breaking wheels, and the rest can draw them off into ambushes or something like that."

He shrugs. "Or, so it seems to me. Anyone done this, exactly, before?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:04, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Cat gladly takes out her staff from her mount and gives an affirmative nod to Bross, she spins her staff in agreement that her weapons have been retrieve. She also looks to Bross and mouths the words,"Thank you for your support!" she silently says with a smile and gives Tall cut a curt bow, she then mounts on to her steed and rides along with the others.

In reply to Antru Mistseeker (msg # 95):

Alleycat watched Antru intently, hoping to learn a few things about horseback riding. At least that was what the Waterdhavian had heard it called. ~~To call it that seems . . . unnecessary. Where else would you ride upon a horse, other than on its
back?~~

Unfortunately it was quite dark, and Mekkar couldn't see much. The rain clouds blotted out both the moon and the stars, so without some artificial light . . . well, it was very dark.

He grunted when the Elf began explaining about 'trust'. "You must have a different definition of 'trust' than I do. I don't trust anybody. Not until I've worked with them for a long time, any way. Trust has to be earned."

Taking a deep breath, Alleycat tentatively nudged the horse in its sides with his heels.

"Move, horse," he muttered.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:56, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Bross muttered. He wasn't much of a mutterer, before the last few days, but it's been a dizzying chain of events. He then makes a clicking noise with his tongue.
[This is a standard 'come along, horse!' noise, typically made toward trained horses. If I need to roll Animal Handling, let me know, coming right up.]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:41, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Sora looked around and nodded, seeing most of the people there, she mounted her horse, and came up beside Antru, speaking in elvish. [Language unknown: "Her nius thu tanoic ckof prre et daysomsan il ethaen el ave u ughiv al con. Ic tin vorverrea ac."]

She looked at Bross and his effort, shaking her head, she looked forward. "Who has skills in stealth and tracking? Those should take lead."

At the mention of tracking skills, Bross looks up, but he otherwise continues to kibbitz with the people he was speaking to. [OOC: Bross does.]

In Common, he added " Maybe we should catch up before we start thinking about how we're going to Stealth on 'em. Scouting's good, but seems to me it won't be hard to find them- they've formed a caravan, sounds like- Dragging a ton of gold and such at that. 'Tracking' miles of wagon-ruts and the hoofprints of their outriders should be easy.

 I'd be worried if they camped up, honestly. That could be like a small fort... and I don't fancy a stand up fight with that half-Dragon fella... And sneaking up on them in camp and doing a cutthroat on 'em probably gives us one good shot. And it'd have to be all of us, likely as not."

He is clearly brainstorming as much as not, looking to the people he was speaking to for input. He nudges his horse into motion, along with the supply animals.

To Amorette, he asks [Language unknown: U prho trer, ineonehis hatni hosi hisom ck lalo Ica Di nout? Her nc iv u erapreion u anyconwhi omhis histrastr ioive, nte peisut prpofi intderast heter staorthis.]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Antru hands off the spare horse he has to Catrina. Looking to Sora he replies. [Language unknown: "Ck thein mi staivekor esrore sita roaiil t wheei lipeha. Thoromtho aistma te unaniv t ni la."] He gives Sora a broad smile and a wink. Clearly he was in a better mood and much more his jovial self. [Language unknown: "Ai oerencsti os thaeveous undtinoureveear, linineect thu ce erato se waswilreapro. Insa fo ith oer loble te. Relin llouul e utlino oulin m fipetr.]

After having his say with Sora, Antru addresses the rest of the group. "They should be easy enough to follow. I've some skill in staying unobserved, and am happy to act as forward scout. However I would put that we stay cautious and gather more information before we decide to act. We are acting on limited information at the moment, and acting on what we have is dangerous at best." He gives a small glance at Catrina as he says this last part.

Hargrin joined the party on his mule, looking a touch enviously at Amorette's mastiff. Unfortunate that the beast wouldn't be up to a dwarf's weight- though some might say the mule suited him better in more ways than one. The weather appeared to bother him not at all, priest of farmers who often needed a word or a hand at odd hours and less than ideal conditions.

After a few moments of taking in the threads of the group's conversation, he volunteered "I've some skill at following tracks, though I'm not the quietest around." He rattled his chain mail slightly in emphasis. "I would be happy to seek Chauntea's blessing upon someone's efforts if they do scout, however."

"And I agree with Tallcut- best to see exactly how things stand before we start deciding how to go about solving the problem."


OOC: As a general fyi, if anyone needs to make a skill check and has time to look to Hargrin first, he'll usually be happy to "seek the Lady's blessing" and cast Guidance on them to get that extra d4 for a minute.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:30, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

In reply to Catrina GreySky (msg # 97):

It seems the guards were very happy to part ways with the large donkey provided to Catrina for a reason. It nips at her as she leaps to mount it without so much as an introduction.

[Ooc: so Bross' general idea, for starters, is to ride to get within visual range of the wagons, preferably from high-ground, like a hill. If we don't make a spectacle of ourselves we should get a good look. Anyone opposed?]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

Sora looks at bross and Hargrin and nods. “My worry isn’t the actual caravan - mine is if they have people branching off to guard their backs. It’s all good sneaking up on them, but I’d rather not have an ambush of a rear guard.”

She looks at antru with a raised eyebrow as he winks. “Behave yourself…and keep your mind on the task, rogue” Though her tone was serious, there was a slight smile on her face.

When the donkey nipped at cat, she sighed. The town were determined to punish her even away from town. “Try not to kill your mount - he drops and you walk.”

Bross turned to Hargrin, and asks for Chauntea's blessing, before they ride. And then starts, taking the pack-animal with him.

Cat waves her finger as her steed tries bite her, though she doesn't really feel much from the bite if it did try it. She then pets her steeds head and mane,"Shh! Shh!" she calmly quiets her steed down, ignoring any bites that it did try on her.

05:46, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 14 using 1d20-2.  Animal Handling.

The storm rages on. Visibility is reduced to a few hundred feet until darkness falls an hour or so after you started your ride. Then your vision is restricted to the limits of your dark vision if you have it. Those who do not have dark vision can see the shapes of the other riders within ten feet of them. Progress is very slow in these conditions.

Still the trail is obvious. The road is filled with drenched tire ruts and footprints. There is no indication of any groups leaving the trail.

Amorette overhears the Elvish conversation, and acknowledges Bross’s request in Gnomish with a nod. She certainly doesn’t mind guarding their flank, but she has no intention of chasing off after anyone. If the gold wasn't good enough and they want to leave, they can leave. As far as the woman in the mask... Sora and the others seem to have talked some sense into her. That's a good sign.

The dragon attack had left them all wary, that was true, but what they need now is to work together. There is no way they can defeat the cult if they are all too busy keeping individual tabs on each other.

She knows what her greatest source of agitation is, and decides to face it. Sitting up straighter, she directs her dog toward that masked woman and her biting mule.

“Hello. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting these other fine folk, but I do not think we have been introduced: I am Amorette Springspell. I assume I can count on you to keep the big bads busy while I sling creative insults from my mount.”

Her eyes slide jokingly to Hargrin. “Provided the dwarf doesn’t take Jax for himself, the way he’s eyeing him. I have shorter stumps than even you, Bitterbrew!" She wiggles a foot at him. "Don’t steal my mutt on me or I'll have no way of keeping up with this lot."

Turning to the rest, she grows serious. "I have no great skills at tracking or skullduggery, but I am small and hard to notice, and I can see well in the dark. I have an illusion or two up my sleeve as well. I'm happy to assist anyone who leads us at the front, or to help disguise our approach."

In reply to Amorette Springspell (msg # 110):

Alleycat regarded Amorette as he listened to the Gnome's suggestions. After a moment he spoke up and replied "I'll admit to not having the eyesight that you do after darkfall. Having another with darkvision in the lead might be a good thing."

"As far as your magicks are concerned, although I am certainly no expert in such things, I have heard tell that in most cases one's available magicks are limited. In that respect they are similar to arrows or bolts, I suppose. If that is the case, I would say not to use them for our forward-most scouts unless we foul up and blunder head-on into the caravan's rear-guard or flankers."

"If, indeed, your magicks are limited, it seems to me that they will be of the most use when we choose to make our move against those who are escorting the caravan."

Amorette smirks at Alleycat. "No expert, he says. You're certainly knowledgable enough! Normally, you would be correct. But making an illusion for a gnome is almost as natural as breathing. You'll find no limitations to my little tricks and annoyances. But if it's my eyes you need, I'll join you at the front and keep a look out."

OOC: What Amorette is referring to here is actually a racial trait that allows her to use the Minor Illusion cantrip.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:09, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

Catrina, after listening to Amorette's introduction, she moves her thumb to jab at her chest, pointing at herself pridefully. Then she moved her hands on top of her head where she place two fingers on each hand and they start making a floppy-like motion. She then purrs like a Cat and then points at a greyish cloud among the dark clouds forming around them. She then starts posing in a bravado kind of pose mixed in with some wrestling moves all while she balance herself to ride her biting steed. She then gives a silent laugh, but it can easily be seen as a boisterous one, she then gives a bow and continues to pet her ever biting steed.

In reply to Amorette Springspell (msg # 112):

"Ah," Alleycat replied to Amorette, "in that case, I stand corrected."

"That being so, I would say to use your magicks as you see fit. You certainly know best what . . . tricks and annoyances you have available to you, and how to employ them to the best effect."

Upon mentioning the Gnome's tricks and annoyances, Mekkar flashed a quick smile, one that had come and gone in an instant.

Sora smiled as she watched the woman move her hands as they rode, her natural eyesight in the dark better than most humans. "We're out of town now...you can talk now." She muttered as she looked forward.

At the mention of magic, she looked at the gnome. "What kind of magic do you use? Offensive spells, or more charm and illusion?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:23, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

"Aww, really, you sure boss? I was just about ready to show you my grand charade skills in full course." Cat says somewhat disappointed but snaps her finger in a jovial manner,"But your words are absolute, I'll do my best to follow... Now Amorette was it, the names Catrina of Clan GreySky, great to meet you. And also this is Manfred, my fine steed for this trip." she says, already named the donkey.

In reply to Sora (msg # 115):

Amorette takes in the masked woman's jovial miming, and breaths a sigh of relief at Sora's words. "That's good. This one's got me stumped, although she seems to be in a good mood. Well met... Purr Cloud? Oh, Catrina! I get it" She laughs.

"As far as my magic, I'm not much of a powder keg. I'd say I'm more of a... helper. I can heal a bit, make enemies flee, or spew such a nasty insult that it leaves them reeling until next Tuesday. I can deal a bit of damage, but the damage is... limited."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:40, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

Sora nods at the halfling, then looks at her. "Don't underestimate your magic Amorette....even the simplest spell can make the difference." She smiled as she rode forward. "I once saw a magic user use a simple illusion spell disguise a bear trap by putting a shrub over it. The orc walked straight into it without realizing. Damn...once i saw a gnome hide in her own illusion of a barrel"

She nodded at the woman. "I have some magic, but though limited in number, mine is more....damaging"

Sora's words about a rear guard linger in Hargrin's mind, and as darkness falls he contributes increasingly less to the conversation in favor of scanning the gathering darkness around the party with his sharp dwarven eyes.

Unfortunately, the chatter is *very* distracting.

20:59, Today: Hargrin Bitterbrew rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

Cat, with her orcish blood in her veins, can see shades of grey all around them, a sign that her darkvision is working. She then tries to find any sort of dangerous opponent, she was laser focused, well she was until Manfred tries biting off her mask,"Gah, bad Manfred, the mask is off limits. You can bite at me anywhere but not the mask. I need to keep my identity hidden after all." she says as she readjust her mask, completely forgetting about what she was doing.


10:18, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 10 using 1d20-2.  Perception

As the conversation begins to ebb, Amorette moves toward the front of the group to scout the path. While she could usually see fairly far, even at night, the rain and mist makes the road ahead murky. Her chest begins to tighten as she realizes dark vision may not be as helpful as she thought, and she just placed herself on the front line. Perhaps I shouldn't have spoken so highly of myself. It's like trying to peer through a tub of potato stew.

21:27, Today: Amorette Springspell rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:41, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

Sora rode along on silence, hearing all the people chatters frowns as she looks around. She was no expert at tracking, but her elven blood gave her some advantage, if only a small amount.

...still, the talking was distracting.

---

<OOC: Sorarolled 10 using 1d20+2 - Perception check >

Antru rides slightly in front of the group. He listened to the conversations as he kept his eyes scanning the area around and in front of them.


19:41, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Perception.

Antru peers through the rain and mist. The wind howls. You all hear a whistle, followed by a familiar hiss, as bolts zip through the rain. Three bolts find their marks. Antru feels one pierce his shoulder. Catrina's arm is grazed and Amorette is struck in her thigh. Antru sees four kobolds retreat into the mist. They scatter into the darkness.

ooc: Antru takes 7 damage, Amorette takes 4, Catrina takes 3

From a different direction you hear a kobald shout "Go back!, death awaits you!"

Antru hunts in pain and suppresses a louder cry as the bold his his shoulder. On hearing the Kobold, Antru turns his horse around. [Language unknown: Ave rea.] The bolt in his shoulder clearly causing him pain. He moves his horse so as to force the others back.

"Tsk!" Cat exclaims as a bolt grazes her arm, it wasn't a big wound but she's still rather fatigued to continue on a fight. However she's really aching for one, though she looks at Sora before she does anything,"Hmm, got any orders boss. Want to go for a retreat or shall we pick the fun option." she says, cracking her knuckles.

Bross, attempting to cover their retreat, prepares a sling (from horseback).

[OOC: It's dark, but he's gonna try to aim in the direction of the kobolds. any mods?]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:27, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

Damn. This wasn't going well. Hargrin nudged his mule to put himself between Amorette and the direction the arrows had come from, hoping his more solid profile and armor would give her a bit of cover from any more volleys.

Still, it seemed odd that the kobolds were taking the trouble to warn them away instead of just killing them. Perhaps it signaled the enemy party lacked the strength to be certain of taking them. If they could just pin the pests down...

"We saw your strength in the village." Hargrin calls back, "We wished to join you, and serve that strength as well." The lie itched his tongue, but he hoped it would lure them closer to talk.

07:55, Today: Hargrin Bitterbrew rolled 20 using 1d20.  Deception.

Amorette gasps a little and her leg throbs around the bolt wound. Don't touch it don't touch it don't touch it…. You're supposed to leave it in, right? You're supposed to just sit there with a stick in your leg, right?! Or else you bleed out? Me and my damn mouth.

Her panic ebbs as Hargrin moves to her aid. She gives him a small smile and moves back a bit, appreciating the cover. Listening to his plan, she fights to prevent the smile from turning into a smirk. A dwarf with a gift for subterfuge, eh?

She considers giving a hearty shout of "Praise the queen!", but figures she should wait to see if the kobalds are even going to take the bait. In the meantime, she starts brainstorming some spicy insults… Her leg really hurts.

Given how long it had been since the caravan rolled out, Alleycat hadn't expected to find trouble so close to Greenest. But the Kobolds had set an ambush, pretty as you please. ~~Can these little bastards see in the dark? I have no idea. I'll have to ask someone, once things settle down.~~

Mekkar didn't think that the Kobolds would want to get involved in a pitched battle, unless they heavily outnumbered the rescuers. Still, they might hang around for a bit and try a few more shots.

It took only a moment for him to slip out of his saddle and take cover behind a tree that was close to the roadbed. There he readied his crossbow and turned his attention to trying to find a target for his bolt. Given the poor visibility (at least for Human eyes), Alleycat found himself relying more on his hearing than his eyesight . . .

---

OOC:
18:30, Today: Alleycat rolled 10 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 4.  Perception Check: Trying to Locate a Kobold.

Comments: Not very impressive, I fear.

Sora heard the thud's of teh bolts and the warnings from the side, and she knew her worst fear came to pass...all hopes of surrise against them was now gone.

She looked at the others, her gaze finishing on Cat. "Fall back."

Cat looks at Sora with a disappointed expression,"Really, how lame, but alright then. Come Manfred!" she calls her fine steed to make a hasty retreat, though she stops to be side by side with Sora,"Better if I stay close to you, don't want folks to start focusing their attacks on you. Shall we ride then?"

Sora nods as cat pulls to her side. "Trust me....I'd like to do something, but in this darkness if we seperate, we will be slaughtered."

She assisted everyone to get back.

In reply to Hargrin Bitterbrew (msg # 128):

The Kobald who spoke pauses after Hagrin's proposal. Recruits were of great value.

"You wish to serve the Queen of Dragons?"

He asks in common.

You hear footsteps in the mud as he steps toward Hargrin. Those with Darkvision can see him.

You hear a few others adjusting positions further up the road in the direction that the kobalds who shot at you were running when you lost sight of them.

~~Will wonders never cease?~~ Mekkar thought to himself.

~~A Dwarf sweet-talking a Kobold . . . this could be interesting.~~

Alleycat held his position behind a tree alongside the muddied roadway, his crossbow at the ready, as he waited for the scene to play out . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 01:08, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

Bross, seeing that (despite all odds to the contrary) the deception worked, did his best to not break the spell. As it were.

He lowers the sling he had prepared, stores the bullet while and (facing generally toward the voice that said 'you wish to serve the Queen of Dragons?') says "I didn't see it was you, there."

Which he didn't- Blind as a bat in this gloom- but he hoped "not exactly lying" by stating true things would get him through.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:31, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

Sora listened to Hargrin and smiled at his deception. He is a clever one. She thought to herself.

Sora nodded at the dwarf. "Such power is to be respected. Your might was clearly overwhelming, but the sheer tactics of it was genius. Your army was unapposed." She looked at the group, hoping they fell in line. "Come forward so we can see who we talk to our new allies." she looked at Cat, nodding her to her side.

---

<OOC: Sora rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  deception check.>

Cat nods in response, she's ready at a moment's notice to strike but for now she waits in silence. Gripping the handle of her steed just in case.

The kobald steps into the view of Antru and Hargrin.

"I am here. If you would serve the Queen, line up in single file behind the dwarf and follow me."

The storm rages in the darkness.

"May we tend our wounded first? We would prefer to arrive showing only strength, as befits the Queen." Hargin's eyes darted the other members of the party to check their reactions to the kobold's announcement. In truth, the dwarf wasn't sure how far to take this- just that getting folks fixed up would be a good start. Did they take the leader at some point and worry about the other later? Were they minded to try full-on infiltration of the enemy?

"Yes, do not move forward until the line is formed."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:34, Tue 15 Feb 2022.

~~That one can think on her feet, it seems,~~ Alleycat thought to himself when Sora did her part to add to the clever ruse that Hargrin had devised. ~~Good for her.~~

And it looked as if the head Kobold had bought into it -- at least for the time being.

For his part, Mekkar was uncertain whether Hargrin's intent was to ride the coat-tails of his ploy all the way into a spot inside the captors' night camp, or whether the Dwarf was merely looking for a more advantageous situation from which the rescuers could launch an attack against their ambushers.

To the Waterdhavian's way of thinking, if they could keep the wool pulled over the kobolds' eyes, they should take advantage of the opportunity to gain a position inside the captors' camp. Being able to deceive one's foes -- or marks -- and hopefully catch them by surprise was almost always a good idea, in Mekkar's experience. Once in place, surely other opportunities would present themselves. Probably. Maybe.

For the moment, however, Alleycat held his position and waited to see how things would play out . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 01:43, Tue 15 Feb 2022.

Sora move dup towards Antru and Hargrin, but no further.   She could hear the Kobold but not see it. "Please do not attack, i am seeing to my cousin." She heads over to Antru and guides him over to Hargrin, speaking loud enough for the kobolds to hear. "Please see to his wounds Brother....can i get some light here please?" She then whispered to them both.

"We need to see what we are up against here."

Amorette moves to Hargrin's side, slowly and casually, as if to make room for Sora and Antru. Her eyes drift to the road before them, trying to peer through the mist. She couldn't agree more with the half-elf- She would rather not submit herself to the kobalds again, especially blind.

"Friends, gather! Patch your wounds, and we will finally be brought to serve to the Queen!"

Antru guides his horse as best he can with one hand. His other clutching at the bolt in his shoulder. He didn't look to happy with having yet another bolt stuck in him. He slowly gets down off the horse once up closer to Hargrin. [Language unknown: "Ratwi iv waatil. Pehis t O? Nd hiadon?"] Antru mutters to his self. "How far you want to go with this ruse?" He asks, keeping his vice as low as possible, while letting Hargrin look at his wound.

The kobald stands, waiting quietly, in the raging storm.  He is at the limits of your dark vision, if you have it, and look for for him, while standing near Hargrin.

Sora smiled at her elven friend. [Language unknown: "Din mipachllri....As fi to i ore ect tio ati."] She loomed at Hargrin. "What can you do for my cousin brother Hargrin?" she said this loudly enough for the kobd to hear them...just, then whispered.

"If we can get some light up and see what we are against, we may have a chance. The element of surprise is gone - let's see if we can push this"

Speaking loudly, Amorette peers over at Antru. "That's quite a wound! Could take a bit of time to heal it." She looks up at Sora and whispers, "I cannot cast any light myself. Do we line up?"

She pushes down around the shaft of the bolt in her leg, hoping that keeping some pressure on her injury would help in the long run.

Hargrin carefully got out his supplies and set about pulling arrows and binding wounds. It wasn't such healing as his Lady could supply, but it should at least help keep them from bleeding out further. "I've no light." He murmurs, holding up a bandage for Sora to ostensibly assist with. "I've no need of it, especially if I am to head the line." He could probably take the leader, or down him enough for the others to pile on.

The dwarf reached for something else in his supplies as went from Antru to Catrina to Amorette, surreptitiously keeping an eye on the kobold's doings. "I say line up, and if anyone catches sight of the other bastards, let them lead the attack. Take the leader before we hit their camp if we don't, and scatter before they can shoot back."

Taria looks down and grimaces. Her face mostly hidden by a cloak that has been pulled well over her head to protect from the weather. She wondered if this duplicitous artifice would prove successful, such ploys were well outside her expertise. She had to place her trust in others, those that are masters of spinning tales and bending others to their will. She never expected that from the holyman, but perhaps the veil over her eyes as a child were enough to blind her to his talents.

Antru rolls his eyes at Sora, but has a slight smile about it. At least until Hargrin starts poking about the wound. Turning his head to look at the Kobold, Antru speaks in their harsh language. [Language unknown: Sser fondal po eingri ol of? Ast Assiin calias ncta ons unalhoev tr lesintpre semete yinro. At miai iouourcom ekoun e a somte tekor nopl? It korinerut mochsa omsa whe u prtrpe acpr Er ratardoer ck n laar nd ect ssca iometi io lo."]

The kobald stares at the group. The rain falls in buckets. The wind howls.

"Recruits call me sir. Recruits get in line. Recruits do not ask questions."

Sora looked at the kobold, feeling anger bubbling up inside. She looked at him for a moment, then to teh otehrs as she was at Antru's side. "We need light here....Faim, if you could be so kind. I don't want my cousin to fall because his wound is infected. He's one of the best trackers we have."

She looked at Hargrin and Antru, whispering. "When the lights come on, we move. Seperate and take out the archers. I will focus on the kobold."

"Yeah, you got that Manfred. Wait for it." Cat says to her donkey steed, it yee-hawed in agreement. Cat readies for the light to appear.

Faim nudged his mule to the group clustered around Hargrin. He nodded to Sora but seemed a bit hesitant.

"The light must be cast on something I can touch. We will be illuminated when I cast it."

She looked at him. "Just cast it on a stone - we need it only to check the wounded." As he came forward, she whispered to him. "Something small. Then if need be we can cover it or throw it and light them while we take cover."

Faim casts light on a small stone and hands it to Sora. The group is briefly illuminated as the stone is exchanged.

Alleycat could see very little. Nor could he tell whether his companions intended to follow through with Hargrin's ruse as means of gaining access to the captors' night camp, or whether they intended to gain a more short-term advantage against the group of Kobolds that had ambushed them.

He decided that he was accomplishing nothing at the moment, so he set his crossbow down against the trunk of the tree behind which he had taken cover, with the tip of the bolt pointed upwards. Then he shrugged his pack off of his shoulders, and set it down on the ground.

Next, he opened up the pack and pulled out his two lanterns. He was unsure of the location of the Kobolds -- other than the leader, who had stepped forward -- so he was also unsure which lantern would be most useful if his companions elected to pick a fight here and now.

With the hooded lantern and the bulls-eye lantern placed on the ground before him, he could choose one and light it up when the time came to either fight or move on . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Thu 17 Feb 2022.

With everyone's wounds as tended as he could get them without magic, Hargrin nodded tensely to the others and went to find his place in line. Best to get this show on the road and hope the kobolds got comfortable or cocky enough to make a mistake.

Sora felt anger at the kobold, but once the wounds were attended to, she got in line behind Hargrin, a smile on her face. "If you would indulge....sir.  Some of our kind are without the ability to see in the dark. May they keep the light handy?"

The heavy rain continues to fall. The wind howls.

The Kobald replies.

"Recruits may light their way."


Lightning flashes!

It illuminates a group of kobalds scattered along the road in your direction of travel. They are armed with crossbows and shortswords. All have crossbows at the ready.

The group seems larger than your own.

There is a crash of thunder, then all goes black except for those with dark vision and those within the limits of the light spell.

Everyone within the limits of the light spell can be seen from at least a 1/4 mile away even in the storm.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:12, Fri 18 Feb 2022.

Amorette takes the group of kobalds in as they are lit with the glow of the lightening. Her stomach churns a bit- this is a far bigger group than she anticipated. They all appeared to be alert, as well. Trying to surprise a surprise attack here was not likely to be effective. Better to get them to take them closer, or at least walk with them, then attack while they were slightly more off-guard.

She felt the need to move biting at her- Who knows what was happening to the prisoners as they waited here...

"Thank you, Brother Hargrin! This dressing should do nicely. Please, let us go! Let us not delay our guides."

She addresses the kobald then. "Please, sir! Show us the way. Let us be of service!"

Bross simply does his best to uphold the charade, making supportive "Yeah!" noises when the others praise the Queen.

~~Not very good odds,~~ Alleycat thought to himself as the sudden flash of lightning lit up the surrounding vicinity and showed the gaggle of Kobolds down the road a ways -- all of them with their crossbows in hand, looking ready to shoot at a moment's notice.

The Waterdhavian was not a trusting man, even in the best of circumstances. And it struck Mekkar that while this was not the worst situation that he had ever found himself in, it certainly wasn't the best, either.

And to top things off, his gut was telling him to stay hidden, stay out of sight. Actually, not telling -- yelling at him . . . well, if guts could yell. But call it what you like, Alleycat had saved himself lots of trouble -- and maybe even his life, a time or two -- by paying attention whenever his instincts were trying to tell him something.

For one thing, he wasn't sure what the head Kobold meant by "recruits". Did it mean that the adventuring party would be accepted among those who could fight on behalf of this so-called Queen of Dragons? Or was the idea to have them serve in another way -- say, by joining the ranks of those who would be offered up as sacrifices?

For another thing, it seemed pretty clear that the Kobolds held the advantage just now, given the present circumstances. And to make a perfect target of himself by stepping out into the bright light seemed like a really, really bad idea.

And so it was that Alleycat resolved to stay put for the moment, hiding in the shadows behind his tree, where he could watch and listen. He could always join his companions later, if things went well for them. Or try to free them, if things went not so well . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Sat 19 Feb 2022.

Cat follows along with the groups ploy, waiting at least for a signal that the group will attack. Though she doesn't really understand the threat,"Hmm, just a bunch of kobolds with crossbows. I can probably kill off the leader from here, they'll either be scared off or fire at me. Good news is crossbows have a reload time meaning everyone has the advantage to killing them all before to start reloading." Cat thought, strategizing a game plan as everyone follows the kobold.

Antru moves his shoulder, testing the wound a bit. Though painful he was sure he could still use his arm for sword or bow. He makes a show to get on his horse to get in line and slips in the mud. He tries again with the same result. He keeps an eye to the Kobold to see what his reaction is. If it looks like his performance isn't being bought he will get up on the horse with his third attempt.



18:01, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 4 using 1d20+1.  Performance.

ouch that really sucks. Was going to do fall on his ass with the last attempt but with that roll...

Sora looked at the scene with a cool detachment - their were several of them, but all armed well with crossbows. The good news is once they fired, the group would have time to attack...the bad is if even half of them hit, then many of the group would be injured - or worse.

The half elf looked around seriously, thinking of what she could do with the enemy
This message was last edited by the player at 04:39, Sun 20 Feb 2022.

The rain continues, the wind rages on.

As the line starts to form up the lead kobald nods with approval and turns to begin the march to the caravan.

"Recruits follow."

He shouts and point down the road in the direction you were going,

As you start moving, kobalds with crossbows start to follow along both flanks at the limits of the dim light provided by the spell. There are also two drakes with the kobalds on your left flank. You can see about 10 kobalds around the light but are certain that others are out there from the sound of them walking and the image of the area during the flash.

Bross follows.

As the groups starts forming into a line, a kobald enters the light ahead of you and begins shouting at the kobald you've been talking to.

What's going on here?Why are you leading these adventurers to the column?!

Through the wind and the driving rain the gorups sees their former "leader" begin to stammer and shift his feet.

"They are voulnteers..."

The new kobald at the head of the line throws a fit!

"Fool! The one in the mask is the adventurer who challenged Ichthriss!"

Cat smirks as she flicks the reins on Manfred and they charge at the two kobolds talking. She gives a whack to the one that figured her out with her staff and a jumping kick to the kobold that was leading us,"Looks like they've figure us out you guys, oh well, let's take them out." she says, landing right back on her steed.

Action: Staff Attack
08:59, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 21 using 1d20+6.  Quarterstaff Attack.
09:00, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 6 using 1d8+4.  Dmg.

Bonus Action: Unarmed Strike
09:01, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Kick
09:04, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 7 using 1d4+4.  Dmg


This message was last edited by the player at 01:23, Wed 23 Feb 2022.

Amorette feels a lurch of panic but sees that the masquerade is over, mask and all. She retreats about 15 feet on her mount, then turns him around. Steeling herself, she lets out a string of giggles with a mirth that she doesn't quite feel. "Took you long enough, you goons!”

"Her majesty reigns
Over the stupid and vain.
All praise the Slug Queen!"

She inhales with gusto, gives a particularly wet raspberry (considering the rain) and strums her lute, releasing some purposely out-of-tune twangs as Catrina clobbers the kobalds.

She hoped that, despite their circumstances, having a little laugh at the kobalds' expense would help everybody keep their chin up. "There's no need to be afraid of these scaly bunions! Atta girl, Catrina!"

OOC: Amorette uses a bonus action to give Catrina Bardic Inspiration. She uses her action to cast Vicious Mockery on the nearest kobald in her range of vision.

Bross was just trying to figure out what lie to tell about Catrina ("...and we brought her as tribute?", "...And, having felt his fury, she knows to switch sides?").

And then, GreySky goes to work. (~~Aw, hells.~~)

Luckily, there was more than one kobold visible, from his position.

Shortbow attack from horseback.
22:08, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 21 using 1d20+3 ((18)).
22:08, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 8 using 1d6+3 ((5)).

Using ACTION SURGE! (Now with Taurine!), gonna take a second attack

Shortbow attack from horseback
22:11, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 18 using 1d20+3 ((15))
22:12, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 9 using 1d6+3 ((6)).
 
This message was last edited by the player at 03:12, Wed 23 Feb 2022.

Sora knew the act was up as soon as the kobold spoke.  Her smile faded even as the others reacted, and she tapped into her magic, her eyes becoming pools of onyx black, looking at the closest one, she uttered a word in a language similar to elvish[Language unknown: "Eklaatre po"]

The shadows seemed to reach around the kobold, binding it's mind and body. She reached out her hand and sent a bolt of purple/pink energy to the kobold, narrowly missing it

---

<OOC: Movement - None

Bonus Action - Cast Hex at closest Kobold (Disadvantage on wisdom saves)

Action - Cast Eldrich blast

Sora rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  attack - Eldritch blast.>

~~So much for keeping that one a short leash,~~ Alleycat  thought to himself as the Half-Orc threw herself at the Kobolds.

~~Ah, well. Time to get to work, it looks like.~~

Some of Mekkar's companions had already engaged the Kobolds who were lined up on each side of the road. Alleycat spied one of the little creatures to the rear, where it could easily reach Taria and Amorette. He decided to aim at that one, in the hopes of killing it before it could harm any of his lightly-armored companions.

Unfortunately his bolt flew well wide of the mark, whistling off into the gloom.

"Hoi, you little turd! I'll get you next time!" he shouted, shaking his fist at the Kobold that he had targeted. His hope was to concentrate the creature's attention on himself, so that it would not aim at either Taria or Amorette.

Then he slid behind the tree that had been serving as cover for him as he looked on, intending to continue to use it for that purpose.

---

OOC:

Action: 15:14, Today: Alleycat rolled 7 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 2.  Crossbow Attack vs. Kobold. Miss.

Free Action: Taunt the Kobold that Ac had aimed at, hoping to cause it to target him.

Notes: Ac aimed at the Kobold at the rear of the formation, on the same side of the road as he is. To the extent that he can, Ac will use the tree from behind which has been watching the proceedings as cover from Kobold missile attacks.

Separate and apart from any benefit gained from cover, Ac's present armor class is 15 (he does not gain the +1 from the Dual Wielder feat).
This message was last edited by the player at 21:25, Wed 23 Feb 2022.

Antru winces as he pulls his bow and takes an arrow out. He flisp his self to sit backwards on his saddle before leaning to the side to make the horse a bigger target than his self. He sights up the Kobold who was behind him and lets his arrow fly.



This should be fun. Lets see if I can break this down enough.

Movement: Turn around in saddle and turn horse enough to acquire his target.
Bonus Action: Hide (via cunning action)
Action: Bow Attack (with adv is applicable)
Damage: 8 (+1 sneak attack damage if applicable)

Relative rolls: (that may be needed)

20:02, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 11 using 1d20.  Animal Handling.

20:03, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 15 using 1d20+7.  stealth.

20:04, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 8 using 1d20+7.  Acrobatics.

20:05, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Bow Attack.

20:06, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 14 using 1d20+7.  Bow Attack (Adv).

20:06, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 8 using 1d8+5.  Bow Damage.

20:07, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 1 using 1d6.  sneak attack damage.

Under her cloak, she makes a few arcane gestures tracing out the glyphs meant to evoke the primal elemental energies of fire and whispers a comparable draconic word. Extending her right hand she evoke the power of flame, sending a bolt at one of the clearly visible Kobolds.



15:02, Today: Taria rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Fire Bolt.
15:02, Today: Taria rolled 2 using 1d10. Fire Damage

The quick witted halfling casts faerie fire on the drakes and kobald clustered in front of Antru, then dismounts and draws his rapier.

Ned hops from his horse, flies into a rage and charges the glowing kobald and drakes.

His first strike with the new weapon misses. The thrust with the blunt end does not. THe glowing kobald crumples to the ground.

Damn. That could have gone better.

As attacks start flying and bodies start dropping, Hargrin also drops from his mule and charges the leftmost drake as he prays for Chauntea -the only Lady he truly served- to strengthen his weapon and guide his hand.


Bonus action: Cast Shillealagh
Action: Attack left drake
With the faerie fire advantage:
00:23, Today: Hargrin Bitterbrew rolled 21 using 1d20+5.

Damage:
00:24, Today: Hargrin Bitterbrew rolled 5 using 1d8+3.

It remains dark, the moon is obscured by the storm. The wind continues to howl. The rain falls in buckets. The group can see within the 40 foot radius of the light within Sora's grasp.

Catrina launches herself at the two kobald leaders. Her staff whizzes and connects, she takes advantage of the momentum and launches a crushing spinning hook kick. Both Kobalds drop.

A taunt is heard from Amorette, Catrina gets inspired by the gnome's song.

Bross shoots and kills two kobalds from horseback in an amazing display of mounted archery.

Sora's blast misses wide but her hex takes hold of the kobald closest to her.

AC's shot in the dark misses his target. He slips back to the cover of a tree.

Antru's shot Slays the hexed kobald closest to Sora.

Taria's firebolt finds it's mark but the kobald remains in the fight.

Faim's spell illuminates the forms of the ambush drakes in pale blue light. His song inspires Bross to greater prowess.

Ned's attack kills a kobald and places him in position to hold off the drakes.

Hargrin rushes to support his fried and strikes a blow against the drake on the right.

The kobalds are shocked by the intensity of Catrina's assault on their leaders.

The kobald furthest and to the right of the group shouts,


He sees Bross as a dangerous threat and aims carefully. The bolt flies true, striking him in the sholder.


The kobald scampers into the darkness.

The next kobald on the right side of the road takes careful aim at Bross and shoots.

The bolt flies wide. The kobald turns and runs.

The kobald closest to Faim, shoots at Antru. The bolt flies wide. The kobald turns and flees into the darkness to the right of the party.

The kobald taunted by AC looses sight of the rogue but sees Bross as the larger threat. He aims carefully and delivers a terrible blow. The bolt pierces Bross' left kidney. The kobald runs disappearing into the darkness on the left side of the road.


A hail of bolts hiss through the darkness from further ahead. Two strike Catrina. One hits Ned the rest of them miss.


The two drakes attack Hargrin, both manage to scratch him before they two turn tail and run for the darkness ahead of the group.


OOC: Hargin can attack D1 as an AOO.

The drakes run west at top speed along the road illuminated by the farie fire. They do not stop. The group is still illuminated by the light spell.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:50, Sun 27 Feb 2022.

Cat whizzes as she was hit by two bolt straight to the chest. She's breathing heavily and looking very pained. However, she remembers the encouraging words of that cute name and instantly felt the need to push through,"Manfred, charge!!" she says, her steed closing the distance between her and the drakes,"Let's see how you deal with a GreySky you scaly beast." she says, ramming her staff on the beast's back. And seeing the magic fire highlight the beast's weak point, Cat opts to elbow drop it's forehead to finish it off.

Action: Quarterstaff Att
 07:32, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 24 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only.  Adv Quarterstaff Att.
07:33, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 11 using 1d8+4.  Staff Dmg.

Bonus Action: Punch
07:32, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 13 using 2d20+6, dropping the lowest dice only.  Punch Att with Adv
07:39, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 6 using 1d6.  Bardic Inspiration Die Use For Punching.

With inspiration, that's a 19 to hit

07:34, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 6 using 1d4+4.  Punch Dmg.

Antru sits up on his horse, pulling another arrow out he sights down it at one of the fleeing Drakes. He takes his time to aim before letting the arrow fly. [Language unknown: Omroth Atiativer tra pe arno ain.] He says just before the arrow leaves his fingers.




Action: Bow Attack
Total Damage: 16

18:31, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 3 using 2d6.  sneak attack damage (crit).

18:30, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 13 using 2d8+5.  Bow Damage (crit).

18:28, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 27 using 1d20+7.  Bow Attack (Adv).

18:28, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Bow Attack.

Bross shouts, in a strangled, gargling yell, as the two crossbow bolts slam into him.

He had just been drawing aim at the last target he could see when this all happened (the remaining visible drake), and the shock of the impact makes Bross lose control of the shot.

22:42, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Bowshot. 22:44, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  Bow damage.

He then (taking a ragged breath), slumps, and essentially falls out of the saddle.

22:34, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 6 using 1d10+1.  Second wind. Now at 7 HP

22:56, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 1 using 1d6 ((1)). Now at 8 HP
This message was last edited by the player at 13:22, Tue 01 Mar 2022.

Mekkar had expected the Kobolds to put up more of a fight, but they had all disappeared into the gloom. Of course, they might still be planning to snipe at the party of adventurers from out of the darkness.

In any event, they were now out of Alleycat's sight. The only foe that he could still see was one of the creatures that someone had called a "Drake" during yesterday's fight. It was some ways away now, glowing like a beacon in the night.

The Waterdhavian took a shot with his crossbow, and thought that he had hit the creature. How much damage he had inflicted was a different question -- he couldn't really tell, at this distance.

---

OOC:

Action: 12:14, Today: Alleycat rolled 23 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 18.  Crossbow Attack v. Fleeing Drake. Assumed Hit.

12:14, Today: Alleycat rolled 5 using 1d8+3 with rolls of 2.  Crossbow Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:33, Tue 01 Mar 2022.

Sora grimaced as the kobolds ran off - their element of surprise and deception was now gone, and if they told the leaders, their chances were dramatically less of success. Her frustration led her to focus on the only foe - the drake. Mentally guiding the clinging shadows to it, she held her hand out, her eyes dark as the night as pink/purple energy erupted from her hand, hitting the beast a solid hit with a scream of pure frustration.

---

<Bonus Action - Move Hex to Drake

Action - Cast Eldrich Blast

Sora rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  attack - Eldritch blast.
Sora rolled 6 using 1d10+3.  damage - eldrich blast.
Sora rolled 2 using 1d6.  hex damage.>

Amorette watches with narrowed eyes as the kobolds flee into the darkness. She could perhaps get in one lousy shot at the last drake... Biting her lip, she decides against it.

She directs her mount toward Bross instead, wincing at the arrows that found their mark. She dismounts and scrambles for something to cushion the farmer's head. She glances at the bedroll strapped in to her mounts saddle, but curses and pulls off her cloak instead, finding it the more expedient option. She places it gently under his head, and grabs her lute. Playing a soft, healing melody, she sings just above a whisper.

Like the sun that drives out rain
And gives us strength to persevere,
Let this man be free from pain
Let him find some comfort here

Having done all she could do for the moment, she turns to the rest. "We're all shaken and banged up, and this one at least could use some more rest. We're not going to catch them in this dark, and they'll likely already have alerted the rest of their company. I suggest we get off the road and find somewhere to rest for now. See if we can't wait out this storm and nurse our wounds in the meantime. We can try to regain some element of surprise then."

23:31, Today: Amorette Springspell rolled 6 using 1d4+3- Healing Word on Bross.

Bross says something quietly to Springspell, and pushes himself upright.




Bross finds his way to a rocky outcrop that might serve as a good place to pitch camp for the night.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

After all drakes are slain, Cat rides back worse than wear,"Are we making camp, cool. I heard rest and relaxation is a good remedy in removing bolts in ones heart." she says with wheezing breathes and fiddling with some bolts sticking out.

It seemed to Alleycat that Bross had picked out a good spot for the party to spend the rest of the night. Well, as good as could be expected, given the rain and the gusty winds that made it very difficult to stay dry.

The Waterdhavian had picked up a tent before the group left the keep, and he congratulated himself on his foresight. It would enable him to sleep with a roof over his head, without having to wedge himself in with everyone else trying to find a spot under the rocky overhang.

As he was setting up his tent, he remarked "I would suggest setting up a Watch rotation for the remainder of the night."

"It would be embarrassing for the Kobolds to slip back and cut our throats whilst we sleep -- or for forest creatures who are drawn to the area by the smell of blood and gore to decide to nibble upon us, as well as the dead Kobolds."

"My suggestion would be two-person shifts -- one with darkvision, one without."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Sun 06 Mar 2022.

Sora follows the others to the camp without word, and on alleycats suggestion, nods. "Myself and Catarina will take first watch." she made point of finding a dry spot to keep watch with the warrior woman. She looked at her with the bolts and spoke to Hargrin.

"Can you remove those bolts and start her healing process....the rest later will help, but if someone sneaks up on us, I don't want her dead."

---

When the two were alone, Sora spoke with the warrior woman quietly. "Catrina....I do not doubt your skill as a warrior, but I need to make something very clear." she looks at the woman. "What happened in town has made you a lot of enemies....the town sees you as more if a threat than the kobolds and wanted you either dead or exiled. It took every bit of good will I had with the govener to release you, as well as bross."

She sighed as she looked out in the darkness. "Many of this group did not want you along....the threat of death facing this force tipped their hand. In saying that, now you are free to do what you want."

She looked again at Cat. "If you want to leave, you can...but you will never again be welcome back in the village. Your only hope of reception is to help rescue the prisoners - their testimonial can help garner trust again."

"In seeing you fight, i know you rely on your passion - your emotions. But sometimes you need to keep them in check. While in this group i ask you heed my words, follow my advice as best you can. If not me, the dwarf - he is pratical and level headed."

She looks out into the night. "But, your antics endanger us, you will die and be left to the wolves - by my hand or others. This is no threat, just a warning."

When the two were alone, Cat was silent when Sora explains her reasoning and also warnings for Cat,"... Hmm, I knew something like this would come up. Kind of weird to have two people that can both see in the dark to take up a watch. But is that all?" Cat says, then she shrugs,"Honestly I thought this was more of an evaluation on my performance. I was rather reckless in that fight, though in my defense, you guys really didn't account for the fact that one of us is highly recognizable. Anyways, I'm pretty crystal cleared on how most view me, but that doesn't mean I'm gonna ran off. I've vowed to stick around and follow your orders, ain't backing out now, I'm still in it to win it and whatnot."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:38, Sun 06 Mar 2022.

Sora listened to the woman. She half hoped the woman would leave, but suspected she would stay. The fighter had a reckless streak and was chaotic and strong, but also had a sense of honour (though her pride got in the way of that.)

The half elf nodded. "I can not judge you on your fighting skills - I am no fighter so such tactics are beyond me. Anyway, as much as you think, we are not too dissimilar."

She looked st her, her visage softening. "Before I was forced to leave home, I was still a child - innocent and full of life. My mother and uncle were killed in front of me, and I was hunted. I fled, and when I stopped I was exhausted and near death - that is when my mistress came to me, telling me if I helped her she would grant me power to never again be frightened. Rely on my emotions for my power, but i always need a clear mind, does that make sense?"

"Is that so?" the half-orc says as the half-elf claims they are more alike then they appear. She listens to what she says with curiosity,"I think I understand the lesson that your mistress has taught. It means to act with what you feel but have a sense of control, emotions are a highly chaotic power that not a lot of folk can master, at least that's what my masters would say." she says, then scratches her neck,"Hmm, I may not know much of you and your past, but I think I understand you a bit more. I can't say if we're alike as you think, theirs a clear difference between you and I. But that'd be a nice thought, who knows, we could be friends by the end of this." she says, keeping up with jovial appearances.

Sora looked at the woman with a slight smile. "You seem to understand - and that is all I ask. Understand not only me, but the others as well. We will all have our place in time, even you if you stay." she lost her smile as she thought again of her history and her mistress - someone who taught her much of the world

...both good and bad.

She looked at the half orc at the final statement. "Perhaps we will....I have few true friends because of my views. I tend to speak my mind unless I have reason. The kobolds I didn't as I had the peoples lives in mind. My view is to the task, and can seem calous at times, but it is how I am."


Sora sighed. "We may be friends in time....but for now, you are someone I can trust, and I hope you trust me. If you stay close and watch my back, I will protect you however I can"

"And I'll protect you with everything I've got. You may count on me whenever you need some extra muscle." Cat says with a flex in jest, and so she keeps a watchful eye on their watch.

Sora smiled and nodded, focusing on the watch.

When it came to relieve, she woke Antru softly. [Language unknown: "The lesreatha....der ol teulas. E aswhi era ul ectel p ant ardi no comwashat lleiiv arwer oneeicsi."]

Bross is unlikely to find a comfortable way to sleep, so any shift is fine.

Once the camp's location was decided upon, Ned helped with the mounts and cut thin branches from the hemlochs in the hollow to use for bedding. He laid them in the driest spots for the rest of you to use. Once satisfied that you could all sleep with a bit more comfort he set up a spot for himself and went to sleep under his new blanket.

Amorette finds a small soft spot to sit down with the dog. She’s unsure of the watch shifts, but knows that she may be called upon soon due to her dark vision. While she waits, she dozes, slowly scratching Jax’s fur. Everyone seems like they could use some sleep, rather than a song anyways!

Though it looks like her outfit marks her as out of place for sleeping on the ground, there is a contentment to her face that suggests this is far from the first time that she has slept outdoors and it might be something that has been missed. Contently she sleeps, waiting for the disturbance marking her time to stand vigil.

Hours pass as the storm fades away. The wind fades to a gentle breeze, the rain stops. A new day welcomes you with a wondrous sunrise. You all feel restored by the benefits of a good night's sleep. Ned has checked on your mounts and they are all in good condition. Ned checks your trail into the area. There is no indication on the trail that you were followed.

Catrina stretches her arms after that rest,"Woo, I feel fantastic, a good night's sleep is all it takes to get rid of any fatigue." she says as she approaches Manfred, her might donkey steed,"How long do we need to ride until we reach our destination?"

Alleycat climbed down the rock-face and dusted off his hands once his feet were on the ground. "Doesn't look like the caravan got very far down the trail last night."

"The rain and mud made for slow going with all those wagons, I would guess. So, at some point, they just gave it up and made their night-camp."

He glanced over in the direction where he had been looking when he was up atop the rocks. All of the trees made it impossible to see the caravan from ground level. "Saw lots of campfire smoke and some flying Kobolds when I was looking around up top," he remarked.

"That lot looks to be a mile or so away, give or take."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:04, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

Sora woke with a serious look, and mud on her dress. With a simple word and wave, the dress magically became clean as if the mud just fell off. She followed the others and listened to alleycat's estimation, nodding.

"The storm may have slowed us, but it all but stopped them.  That may be helpful for us. If we could get around them and ambush them, we may have a chance."

"Even better, we can all see and they may be exhausted." She takes a look at the terrain to see where they are to see if any of the familiar landmarks of her youth.

Bross approaches Taria, and asks her something,in a hushed quiet tone (just in case).

Alleycat nodded to Sora and Taria upon hearing their comments.

Then he set about taking down his tent and folding it up so that it would could be carried atop his backpack. No question about it, a tent was a handy thing to have around if you were going to be wandering around out in the woods.

Next, he dropped some trail rations in his haversack, where he could reach them while he was on the move, if necessary. It didn't seem like he should plan on having a leisurely breakfast this morning whilst lazing about.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:11, Wed 23 Mar 2022.

The rock formation seems to be the start of the range south of Greenest. The trees grow along the northern edge of the foothills. The locals in the group would be familiar with the road in this area. You could probably follow the hills and get ahead of the waagon train under the cover of the trees. During the day you could probably spot patrols before they see you if you are careful.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 22:57, Wed 23 Mar 2022.

Her brow furrowing and a line appearing between her eyes, Taria traces the local skyline. She concludes with a nod, "Unless primordial forces, mystical effects, or largescale earthworks have changed things in the past few years. The trail led us well south of my family's apiaries. We could probably use the hills to get ahead of them with better cover, if they stick to the road."

Sora looked at the woman and nodded. She was not familiar with the terrain here so she deferred to the people who lived here. "If we can get ahead of them before they realise, they will be looking behind thems=for us, so won't expect a ambush from in front. I'm not one for trap designs, but i'm sure at least one of you has an idea"

It looks like it's going to be a frontal assault, so Tallcut just gets ready to go.

"Woah, look at all you guys. Strategizing and playing your mind chess game, though I'm all for it with this frontal assault plan." Cat says as she stretch her arms nonchalant-like,"You guys can count on my might, and on Manfred's speed to be successful."

"Nice," Alleycat said, nodding to Taria when the young wizardess offered up her local knowledge, and explained how the party could put it to good use to get out ahead of the caravan.

"My vote is to pack up and get going, then. We can eat as we move forward."

Sora nodded with Alleycat. "The more time we have to get ahead, the more they look behind, and the more we can prepare." She grimaced. I'd like to give that kobold down there issuing orders a little surprise."

Amorette finally gets around to packing up her things and wringing out her cloak from the rain the night before. Being from nearby, she feels she likely had traveled this way to market before…

She shakes her head slightly to clear her mind, then nods in agreement at the group’s decision.

“Yes, I think we all owe them another visit. But perhaps it would be worth it to try and travel off the road? If they hadn’t shot us last night, we probably would have walked right into the scaly creeps.”

"Alright, for our marching order I'm thinking caster on the back, then the warrior's at the middle and scouts at the far front." Cat says as what they'll do has been decided,"I'll o course stick with the caster's side, so don't worry about them cause I'll be defending them."

In reply to Catrina GreySky (msg # 217):

Amorette nods slowly, considering. “I confess I don’t mind being a bit farther from the action, but I would like to remain close enough that I could heal and distract as needed. If you are so kind as to volunteer, I will definitely feel better with a strong arm guarding our backs.

“But who will strike out ahead? I should think at least our sly Alleycat could keep an eye out for us… Are there any others feeling particularly sneaky this morning?”

Upon hearing Amorette's words, Alleycat nodded. "Aye, I had planned on acting as a scout. I know how to move quietly and take advantage of cover to stay hidden, although admittedly my woods-craft leaves much to be desired."

"I plan on ranging out ahead of the main group, and sliding over to the flank nearest to the caravan as we pass them by, just to make sure that no nosey Kobolds get too close."

He shrugged. "Not much I can do about those flying bastards, though. 'Ware them."

"Is that all, than in that case let's go. Come on everyone, we're burning daylight as long as we stand here and those folks over their definitely need our help." Cat says, just about ready to go.

The party is sucessful at using the terrain to hide their movement. The caravan is moving very slowly and with great difficulty over the muddy road. The kobalds and humans grow frustrated with the slow pace. The halfdragon paces the line demanding greater effort. His followers obey but the mud is deep and stubborn. Their pace remains less than half of what would be expected under normal conditions. The prisoners are forced to assist. They are whipped mercilessly to encourage greater effort.

The party overtakes the vanguard by noon. The road seems to be curving closer to the hills over the next mile. As you watch you see Ichthriss appear from a wagon. He approaches the half dragon, gestures at the prisoners, speaks further instructions then gestures toward the coast. The prisoners are forced to the front of the line. There are about 50 of them. The halfdragon issues orders to the kobalds. Forty kobalds with crossbows form up with 10 drakes. The halfdragon leads the group forward at a normal walking pace. The prisoners are herded along by the drakes as the kobalds form skirmish lines around the group.

It appears that the prisoners have someplace to be and or some reason Ichtriss has decided that getting them there ahead of the caravan is important.

The enemy has split its forces. The group leading the prisoners marches at a 25 movement rate away from the main group which is fortunate if it can move at a rate of 10.   

Sora moved quietly around the group, constantly watching for signs of being seen.  As they came around, she watched as the groups split up, her brow furrowed in thought, she waved everyone over. "There's about the same umber of enemies as there are prisoners. If we can release them, it can change the odds a bit, but the issue will be getting to them."

She looked at them. "If we can seperate them, if only fr a moment, then we may have a hope."

Amorette squints at the group of kobalds herding the prisoners. “Would a diversion be helpful? Or would we prefer to have the element of surprise? I can create an illusion to draw some of their forces away.”

Catrina starts stretching as she watches the cultists moving all over the place,"If you want me to, I could join in on the whole diversion thing. I can be pretty loud, and distracting, part of my quirks."

Sora looks at the group, with a shake of her head. "It's too risky now. We should wait for an opportunity. For now, lets follow them and see if something presents itself. With the drake's and kobolds on alert, we'd be hard pressed to separate them without injury."

She looks at them all. "Lets just follow them for now."

Alleycat nodded towards Sora. "She's got the right of it. There are just too many of them to deal with, and the prisoners aren't going to be much help in trying to fight this lot."

"So, we should stay close and watch. My guess is that our best chance to do something will come this evening -- although we should stand ready, in case a good opportunity pops up before then."

"So we have to watch them and take them out at the most opportune time." Cat says as she starts cracking her knuckles,"Yeah, I'm up for it, let's move out before they start to get a headstart on us."

(Bross is still gtg.)

You follow them until they camp that night. The locals in the party, and others familiar with the area, realize that you will most likely reach the coast before noon the following day. The kobalds maintain a watch with patrols, but the patrols do not stray too far from the road. Their night tactics have proven effective for them so far. Before night falls completely, you can see that the patrols are fairly small consisting of 4 kobalds and a drake, but they maintain kobald gaurds and drakes prepared at the main group to respond to the dreaded whistles in a hurry.

The main group with the carts and treasure remains hours behind having struggled all day through the mud. The exhausted captives are huddled together in a group just off the road. Their hands and feet have been bound for the night. A pair of drakes circles the bound prisoners. You observe two patrols circling the group. Both consist of four kobalds and a drake. One group circles the perimeter. The other is circling at the limit of crossbow range from the first. The rest of the kobalds and drakes are resting around a fire and a two person tent. The halfdragon seems to be the only one resting within.

Crouching down, Bross turns from this scene and simply says "Plans?"

Sora looks on at the guards, chewing her lip. "If we can take the patrols one by one, we stand a chance, but it will need to be quietly"

Bross nocks an arrow. "Alright then. Call it."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Wed 13 Apr 2022.

The woman closes her eyes, then opens them, the eyes now jet black as the shadows gather around her, giving her a little more protection.

Her eyes again went normal as she looked at Hargrin and Taria. "Do you have any magic that can manipulate a group of people? I have heard of magic that can cause people to sleep or cause them to be less lucky in their strikes....anything like that could help us here."

---

<OOC: Casts Mage Armor (Eldrich invocation) on herself>
This message was last edited by the player at 23:48, Wed 13 Apr 2022.

Taria's brow furrows as she shakes her head, "Those would primarily be Enchanter or Illusionists. Those that muddle with the mind and confound the will of the susceptible. The magicks, of course, follow the same patterns. If I had access to such a pattern, I could likely replicate it or enact it." She pulls a small notebook from her apron and hits her knuckle on it twice. "However, my studies have not been in that direction yet. My current abilities lend themselves to flashy, dangerous, and utility purposes."

"Flashy and dangerous huh, now your speaking my language." Catrina says, staying close to Sora for now,"If we get spotted, just say the word and I'll gladly charge ahead." she says and waits for the attack.

[OOC: To clarify- call 'now', and (if you're doing that) who you want taken out first. I'm thinking they'll be easier pickings if he wears down or takes out the half-dragon, but ymmv. Call it. :) ]

Amorette perks up at Sora’s question. “I know of a spell that may help thin the crowd. If I am successful, I can make them flee. The rest I can make unlucky with my mockery, but that is one at a time- I like to make my insults personally tailored.”

She winks.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Fri 15 Apr 2022.

sora, her eyes now normal, nods. " can cause one person to flee, but that is limited. Most of my magic is offensive in nature. My mistress has also granted me with the ability to scare or charm a small group, but they must be close to each other."

Amorette bites her lip. “Yes, I’m not sure it would be enough if we wanted to take them on on a fight. Based on what we know and have seen about their fire power, I think we need a different tack here- we need to approach quietly and rescue the prisoners without being detected, if possible.

I wonder if we could manage to sneak a few away at a time if we could get close? Do the kobalds keep track of their numbers? Perhaps we could disguise or conceal ourselves somehow so we could get close and learn more about how their guard works…”
This message was last edited by the player at 15:35, Fri 15 Apr 2022.

"What about this?" Alleycat suggested.

"I think it likely that I can get in among the prisoners undetected. Once I am there, I stay still and keep my head down whenever a patrol passes close by."

"But when the patrols are not paying attention, I will be working to cut the prisoners' bindings, both hands and feet."

"I will caution them to remain quiet and still until I give the signal -- which, hopefully, will not be until all have been cut loose and ready to leave."

"Once I give the signal, all should try to steal away quietly,  fleeing at their best speed if they are discovered. Those those of us who are armed with steel or magicks will stand ready to cover their escape, if need be."

"Whoever can escape into the woods should try to regroup with us later. Taria, you know the area. Is there a convenient rallying-point nearby where we can try to regroup with any who have had to flee for their lives?"

Sora grimaced at the plan of Alleycat. "these beasts and monsters are trying to get them somewhere fast, and i think for the sake of most, they won't hesitate to kill some of them. If we leave in a chaotic scramble, death's will occur that i want to avoid. No...we need to be creative in..."

She paused, frowning, then looked at Amorette and Taria. "Do any of you have the ability to change the look of your form - disguise who you are magically?"

Amorette nods. “I am able to disguise myself. I won’t be much help at changing the appearance of others though. Perhaps those of us who can disguise ourselves, or otherwise use stealth as Alleycat can, can go and see what we can learn about what is going on down there. If we see an opportunity to rescue prisoners we can take it, but at the very least we can learn more than we will standing up here.”

"HMMm You have paste and wigs like Antru?" He scratched his chin. "Be hard to make you look like a kobald with those."

The moon rises as yoou consider your next move. Those without darkvision can see the camp fairly well because it is out in the open. The shadows thrown by the trees shelter you in darkness but also make it difficult to see while under the trees. THe outer patrol passes your position. It will be about ten minutes before they pass again.

Sora looked on with a smile, and brought the group in. "The outside group comes close in complete darkness...if we can take them quietly, that will thin one group. If you..." looking at Amorette "..can turn into a kobold and take a prisoner in close, then we may get closer to the others before attacking."

Cat watches the patrol carefully,"Ten minutes before they pass by us again. Taking them out is easy enough, not sure about being quite, but Manfred here is quick, they'll not know what hit them."

Amorette eyes the patrol group nervously. “I can definitely disguise myself as a kobald, and I can speak Draconic, so that will come in handy. However, I don’t like our odds if we run into that patrol group. The small fry will not be hard to incapacitate, but those drakes are tough brutes. I don’t think there’s much chance of us defeating them before they sound some kind of alarm, especially in the dark. We’ll be at a disadvantage. I propose that I go down into the camp with anyone else who can magically disguise themselves. I’ll try to get close to the prisoners or find out some information about their plans. I don’t mean to direct you all, but I fear that our priority should be to avoid detection.Otherwise we may lose our chance to gather information, and will be in a position to fight great numbers with half our group blind…”

Sora chewed her lip and nodded. "We need to know the plan above all - thats our best advantage. If you can disguise yourself as one and try to get information, that will help us. Until then, we stay hidden."

Amorette nods. “I’ll see what I can find out. I should be back within the hour.” With that, she strums a discordant melody on her lute, quietly. Her face seems to erupt into scales, her limbs stretching thin, her fingertips shimmering into claws. She hides the lute under her cloak as best she can and surveys herself- a kobald, if not in the flesh, at least in appearance.

“If any of you would care to watch my back from a distance, I would be grateful. Hopefully I’ll be able to get in and out without much notice, so full backup won’t be needed.”

Sora nodded. "If you are discovered, make your way this way as quick as you can, but try remain reasonably subtle - we don't want all of them after you. A few of them we can deal with."

"Will do."

[And that's what Bross plans to do.]

The outer patrol has passed by. for the moment , their backs are toward the group. Amorette should be able to get close enough to the camp before they would spot her. THe inner patrol moves slowly and watches outward. A few other kobalds mill about without gathering any attention. The majority of them are sleeping around the fire. All of the prisoners are huddled together near the tent. Most appear to be sleeping.

Amorette gets by the outer patrol unnoticed.

[OOC: Is Amorette still within reasonable bow-range? If he has to, Bross (on foot) sneaks along an appropriate distance away, to keep her covered.]

Amorette keeps her movements casual but cautious to avoid undue attention. Now past the outer guard, she peers around, trying to get as close as she can to the prisoners or their guards.

Since Amorette had not requested that Alleycat accompany her in close-support range, the Waterdhavian decided to work with Bross to provide support from longer range.

He took up a position near to the larger man in a spot that provided some concealment and cover, cocked his crossbow, and placed a bolt in the groove.

Then he stood quiet and kept an eye on the little Gnome's progress . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 16:34, Sun 24 Apr 2022.

Amorette passes through the camp without incident. The kobalds look exhausted. Most are sleeping around the fire east of the tent. Half of the drakes are sleeping as well. Two of them have been posted near the prisoners who are huddled to the west of the tent, These do not seem to be very alert. The patrols attention is focused outward and away from the camp. None of the kobalds pay any attention to one of their number walking around or checking on the prisoners.

Amorette approaches the prisoners casually, as if she is just passing by and is ensuring everything is secure. Seeing that the drakes are inattentive, she peers a little closer at the group. She has a dagger she could use to cut the bonds at their wrists, or could give them so they could free themselves. She realizes though that she may not have the opportunity to free many prisoners before the drakes discover them. She assesses the individuals before her, considering who may be most useful if push came to shove.

As Amorette approaches the prisoners, she notices that one of them is watching her with a confused look on his face. He is lying on the ground at the edge of the group with his attention focused on the slightly odd position of her tail which does not seem to be moving in a natural manner as she walks. Amorette recognizes the man. He is another bard who had been at the festival. One with local reknown as an entertainer with some magical talent. Most of the other prisoners are sleeping. She can get close enough to whisper a message if she would like.

[Continuing to keep watch.]

Sora crouches in the darkness, watching the disguised gnome keenly as she moved around. She had to hand it to her, she was good at what she did, but with that many enemies around her, the stakes were high.

she watched intently, ready to act if needed

Amorette cocks her head, a reptilian habit she’d observed in the other kobalds. She noticed the man noticing her, and gave an internal cheer that here, at least, was someone useful.

She looks away and walks casually up to the group of prisoners. As though muttering to herself, she speaks just loud enough for him to hear. “Even a stone, though a dull instrument, in the hands of an artist, can work wonders.” She fingers her dagger under her cloak, then casts her illusion, making the sharp edges appear smooth and round- a simple rock.

As though continuing her patrol, she strolls past him, dropping the knife next to his feet. “Do not overlook it.”

With some time left to her disguise , she tries to gather any additional information she can about the kobalds’ plans without drawing too much attention to herself.

[Is Ned still with the party?]

In reply to Amorette Springspell (msg # 261):

The man shifted his position and grasped the dagger as best as he could with bound hands. As Amorette scanned the rest of the prisoners he was able to cut his bonds. With his hands free he shifted the gag enough to enable speech.

"Many thanks, If you give us some time we should be able to free ourselves before dawn." 

The drakes do not seem to notice anything. The remaining kobalds are sleeping. Just the 2 patrols of 5 are awake. They seem fatigued and struugling to remain alert.

Hearing the man’s whisper, Amorette gives a slight nod of her head. So by dawn then…

She squints at the sky, unsure how much time that would give her companions to prepare. Judging by the look of the kobalds, though, it seems that they may have better luck sooner rather than later. Best not to give them too much time to rest.

Lowly, she mutters. “If any among you can fight, be ready. I must go and alert my own.”

With that, she makes a winding path back towards the party’s encampment to share what she learned.

Amorette wanders out of the encampment without incident. The fatigued kobalds in the outer patrol will be approaching in a minute or two. You can see and hear them as they approach. The long day has eroded the discipline you've seen from them the last few days. They do not seem alert or careful about their task.

Sora watches as the guards seem to lose focus and get sloppy, and she smiles even as the disguised gnome returns. "Well done" She whispers.

"Seems the kobolds are less vigilant than we thought." she muttered. "...if there was a time to free them, it should be soon."

Catrina looks toward the encampment,"If it is so, then we should proceed with surprising vigor. Our opponents laziness shall be their undoing." she says as she watched the gnome,"Which foe should we strike first?"

Amorette smirks, letting her disguise melt away. “Of course!”, she acknowledges Sora’s whisper.

“They are rather loafish for followers of this crazy Queen of theirs, aren’t they? The prisoners will be able to cut their bonds by dawn- there is even one among them who I think will be especially helpful in a fight. However, they need some time. I would say let’s strike the patrols first, but that risks them raising the alarm before we can strike the main force. What say you lot? Think we can strike the camp itself quickly enough, at dawn, before they can muster their forces?”

Sora chewed her lip thinking. "if we can take the patrol that comes past us quickly and quietly, maybe the other guards wont notice....if we wait say an hour before dawn to do that. Then we can take the guards just before dawn where they may be free."

"Attacking them so they raise the alarm, in one place, is good, while the prisoners escape in another." Bross replies.

Amorette nods. "If we can time it right and get as many of them in one strike, that might just do it. But we should hit hard first, to maintain the element of surprise. Though they're lazy things, there are a lot of them."

She stares back towards the prisoners. "Maybe some of the prisoners could strike from behind as they escape. One amongst them is a bard of quite great renown. He likely has a trick or two up his sleeves that could aid us as well as his fellows."

"In terms of our strategy, let's start with the patrol, swift and quiet. Then see if we can hit the camp with some fire power." She smirks as her eyes slide to Taria.

Sora nodded. If we can take the guards out with little noise, then the rest should be in one fell swoup. I suggest the fighters focus on the drakes - if their tied up, us with ranged attacks focus on the archers before they can get their wits together"

"A tango with those lizard brains, yeah sure. I could completely go down with that, those enemies better pray to their Gods one last time before we're through with them." the masked woman says, eager for this fight to unfold.

[OOC: Okay, then, as soon as we declare we're going, Bross is going to lead off with a two-shot barrage with his bow on one of the Drakes.

20:28, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  First to-hit roll, Shortbow.
(Well. Drat. Do I have Advantage, so I can try rolling again?)

20:28, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Second to-hit, shortbow.
20:29, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 8 using 1d6+3.  Arrow damage.]

EDIT: REROLL, 1st Attack
08:56, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 22 using 1d20+3 ((19)).
8:56, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 6 using 1d6+3 ((3)).

This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Wed 25 May 2022.

Bross attacks with advantage and hits the Drake at least once. The drake hisses loudly. The kobalds are caught off guard. What is the rest of the party doing? If you attack you will have advatage during the surprise round.


OOC: PLease state your actions and roll initiative for next round.

As Bross started firing, Catrina and Manfred charged toward one of the Drakes. As she made it toward them, she then jumps them from her horse to deliver a drop kick, which was so strong that she might have crack it's skull. She then opts to finish it with a palm strike attack that she's been dying to attempt. She struck at the overgrown lizard on its snout, however the effects were less than what she wanted as the drake seemed unfazed by such an attack,"Hmm, looks like I need to keep on training." she says as she hops back toward her steed.

Initiative: 07:31, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

Move: To Drakes
Action: Punch Drake
07:31, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 26 using 1d20+6.  Unarmed Strike.
07:33, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 6 using 2d4+4.  Crit Hit

Bonus Action: Kick
07:35, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Unarmed Strike
07:42, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 20 using 1d20+6.  Forgot about advantage.
07:42, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 8 using 1d4+4.  Dmg

The lone drake with the outer patrol is down. Four shocked kobalds remain as the outer patrol.

Even as the otehrs spring into action, Sora is already chanting, her eyes as black as coal as her amulet shimmers, a globe of pink/purple magic flies and hits the kobold in the chest.

---

<OOC: Sora rolled 5 using 1d20+2.  iniative.

Action - Attack using Eldrich Blast

Sora rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  attack - Eldrich Blast.
Sora rolled 9 using 1d10+3.  damage - eldrich blast.

Bonus Action - None>

As his companions commenced attacking one of the patrols, Alleycat sighted on one of the Kobolds who had not been wounded yet (chosing one who looked like he might be an archer), and fired a bolt from his crossbow.

---

OOC:
Action: Ranged Attack v. Kobold.
17:01, Today: Alleycat rolled 12 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 4,7.  Ranged Attack v. Kobold (w/Advantage).
17:03, Today: Alleycat rolled 1 using 1d8.  Damage (Light Crossbow).
17:03, Today: Alleycat rolled 1 using 1d6.  Sneak Attack Damage.

Bonus Action: Cunning Action: Hide. Alleycat will attempt to Hide from the Kobolds in order to gain Advantage on his Attack next Round.
17:17, Today: Alleycat rolled 9 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 2.  Hide (Stealth Check).

17:18, Today: Alleycat rolled 13 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 10.  Initiative.

Comments: Sheesh. The Dice Roller didn't do me any favors this Round. I'm not sure whether or not a 12 on the Attack Roll will hit. If it does, Ac inflicts 5 points of Damage (the absolute minimum).  I forgot to add his + 3 Dex modifier to the Damage roll for the crossbow.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:29, Mon 23 May 2022.

Two of the four kobalds drop to the groud after the attacks made by Sora and AC.

Bross targets one of the remaining two, with his shortbow.

08:58, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 11 using 1d20+3 ((8)).
08:58, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 20 using 1d20+3 ((17)). (Reroll, advantage)
08:59, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 9 using 1d6+3 ((6)).

Amorette turns her gaze to the other, her eyebrow cocked. She plucks tauntingly at her lute, and in a sing-song voice says,

"Poor little lazy lizards,
marching to and fro.
They have no brains to help them plan
and no brawn when blood starts to flow"


17:03, Today: Amorette Springspell rolled 4 using 1d4. (Casting vicious mockery)

Alleycat had slipped back into some bushes, and it seemed to him that the surviving Kobolds had not spotted him.

He quickly reloaded his crossbow, and aimed it at the Kobold that looked to be the healthiest of the two. His bolt struck true, slamming into the little lizard's midsection.

After taking his shot, the rogue slipped back into the bushes and began reloading his crossbow again.

---

OOC:

17:07, Today: Alleycat rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Initiative v. Kobolds.

17:07, Today: Alleycat rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13.  Initiative (Advantage Roll).

Action: Alleycat will target one of the Kobolds with his crossbow. 17:11, Today: Alleycat rolled 24 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 19,19

17:13, Today: Alleycat rolled 6,2 using d8+3,d6 with rolls of 3,2.  Damage (Crossbow Bolt, Sneak Attack).

Total Damage Dealt: 8.

Bonus Action: Cunning Action; Ac will attempt to Hide again, just in case the fighting continues into the next Round.

17:36, Today: Alleycat rolled 11 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 4.  Cunning Action: Hide (Stealth Check).

Notes: The DM confirmed that Ac was successful in his efforts to Hide last round (using his Cunning Action). This gave him Advantage on his Attack this Round (which also allowed Sneak Attack damage).

The DM also mentioned that Ac needed to beat the Initiative of the Kobold that he attacked in order to prevent its whistling (presumably to attract the attention of the second patrol), so I burned an Inspiration Point to give Ac the Advantage on his Initiative Roll.

Ned springs from the bushes and thrusts at the remaining kobald with his spear. The kobald stumbles clear of the first strike but gets clobbered by the swinging haft as the swineherd spins the haft over his head and brains the staggering kobald with a masterful swing.

The outer patrol has been eliminated. The camp seems to be unaware of what happened.

Amorette silently dusts off her hands and glances at the others. "Nicely done. Now, to finally free those prisoners. If we can hit hard with some magic initially, hopefully we can take out a few lizards before we even have to cross blades."

She smirks at Catrina."I know some of us might enjoy a challenge, but I'm sure the half-dragon and a few drakes will make for an interesting enough fight. Let's not waste your time with the small fry."

"Heh, of course, I'm only saving my strength for my inevitable rematch on that half-dragon jerk." Cat says with an overconfident grin. She rides to Sora's side and will wait to see this magic attack.

"Let's not get in over our heads by tangling with that Half-Dragon again, unless we have no choice," Alleycat said.

"Our job is to free the prisoners and recover as much of their goods as we can, not pick a fight with half the Kobold strike-force."

Sora, her eyes still black, grimaced. "People focus - time is on our side. Lets finish this. Spellcasters and ranged focus on teh lizards, those who fight in front, go in fast and hard."

She looked at Catarina. "Redeem yourself in their eyes as well as ours - use your power and strength to save them."

She looked at the nearest drake, and still concentrating on her spell, moved her curse against it.

---

<OOC: Moving Hex to closest Drake>

Taria quietly nods. She has held back so far to keep things quiet. To much power released could be a beacon of light, sound, and arcane power to those she'd rather keep in the dark.

Bross, switches from bow to ax and gets.aet to go to work.