For those of you in the conversation about tracking down the Gnolls to the north.

Malcolm poured himself another cup of coffee. "I understand that there was a group of gnolls. I just traveled down the northern trade route from Lake Altier. I haven't heard of any gnolls, but we were a large caravan. Where was this attack?"

"Have a seat friend. What's your name and how can you help us?"

"To avoid repetition we'll get to it when everyone has gathered. I believe we're awaiting the other Knight."

"Do you know him Tarek?"

”I’ve an interest as well. Our caravan is slated to head north in the next while. If Gnolls are causing problems, best to take care of them before the lads head out.” Knut says as he joins the table with a fresh cup of coffee.

Vogryn rises, having finished his breakfast, the bucket of coffee still in his large hand.  He walks over to stand next to Tarek, towering over his fellow order brother.  "I am Vogrryn, of da same orrderr, as Tarrek.  Vere are dese Gnolls to hunt?"

Longwalker stood, his breakfast finished, and spoke to the group, "I will go and gather the men and get them in order. It may take a while. They, too, enjoyed the festivities last night. But, old Sergeant Harkness is a real hard ass. He'll have them ready by mid morning."

With that the old man walked out with purpose.

Tarek glanced up at the towering Vogryn and smiled. He turned back towards Knut, Brother Samuel, and Knut. "It would seem that our purposes are aligned. Do we have a tally of the previous attacks? It may be that we if spend a modest amount of time we could determine if there is a pattern to the attacks. Perhaps with hope and good luck and some guidance..."

Tarek clasped his holy symbol that was hanging from a chain around his neck, "we could possibly determine where they may have a stronghold or locate their base of operations."

"Have a seat Sir Vogryn. I will explain while we give the good sergeant time to do his job."

"A short time ago a peaceful steading of Half-Orc folk on the edge of the Bayou was attacked and killed but for a single survivor."

At this point he indicated Yprish.

"I was travelling with Longwalker, he who has just stepped outside, and a small unit of troops and happened upon the scene of this crime. We tracked the Gnolls and cut the trail of the survivor who led us here. Which as it turns out was very fortunate."

"It is clear to me that The One God has sent help. As to why the masters of these others are concerned I do not know but I will not turn away help freely given."

"The plan is simple. We will return to the trail of the Gnolls. Longwalker will lead us to them and we will destroy them and bring their heads back here where they will be presented to the magistrate and subsequently burned on a sacrificial pyre to Ator."

"Gather what you need. We leave as soon as the soldiers are ready."

Yprish sat there absentmindedly whittling a stick with his dagger while the others talked about killing gnolls.

Tarek nodded  in agreement. 'This is news most foul indeed. I shall lend my sword to this quest as I do my blood and the hear that pumps it. These Gnolls must be routed else their contaimination shall continue to fester."

The Paladin turned towards Yprish. "You have my sincerese condolences on your loss."

Turning back to the others, Tarek posed a question. "As I am new to this area I woefully ignorant of the area. How far is this encampment? How many if possible do we expect? Can you recommend  how many rations we will need?"

Knut nods and gets up. He walks over to a rather fat dwarf that's still somewhat sleeping off the nights festivities. Giving the dwarf a few nudges in the ribs with his foot, Knut speaks directly to him as he rouses him. [Language unknown: "U io thu Ith. U hasic moes e estkorres p kor. Korel ill os ore etnenc vir Traeenive riss st acat ioposi iv mo roill trait ee ivmeho k preratted. Wit Hatlatate ur waous saicnc ll P oul ta."] With that done he returns to his seat.

Vogryn takes a seat, the chair creaking under his weight.  He sips from his bucket of coffee, as he listens to the others talk.  Whatever thoughts may be going on behind his ice blue eye, he keeps to himself for the moment.

"Very well, we'll leave once the soldiers are assembled." Malcolm got up from the table to get another helping of breakfast. He sat down again, "As I've already shared with some of you. I have practiced magic at an early age."

it took the sergeant a while to locate and hydrate the soldiers. of the fifty from the day before only forty-one were able to make muster in any condition to march into the swamps and fight. The other eight would be left behind to help the locals with town chores such rebuilding walls, dredging the drainage ditches, chopping wood for fires, and patching roofs.

Longstrider came to retreive them, he was already muck damp from the swamps. He told them, "The men are assembled, and I have already found their trail. The band has moved southwest. They are below the town in the deep swamps. My guess is that they are moving through the bullywug territories to the south to hide and hunt. The men are on the march, meet out front when you are ready to go and we will catch up to them. Bring your kit, this will take some days' work."

"Well I shore ain't gonna spend the next month muckin stalls, now am I," Yprish said to nobody in particular when he stood up in response to Longstrider's announcement.

He looked the paladin up and down. "Condolence is kind, but you's a-coming along to scalp some gnolls an that's better by a far piece. Name's Yprish. Much obliged to ya."

The big man picked up his pack and spear from where he'd laid it and walked outside. He pulled out a shawm, inserted a reed at one end, and played while he waited.

"Your skills will be of great use. I suggest you wear your high boots."

Samuel picked up his pack and hammer and joined Longwalker outside.

Tarek drained the last of his coffee. "Now that I think of it I should consider some additional equipment or what we will need in the days to come. I have ten days of rations. Will that be enough for the trip? Also, I am without any bow. How are we equipped for that? What other equipment we will need? I have enough funds for one healers kit but it would be useful. Not that I want to use it mind you."

"I expect ten days rations will be enough. Beyond that your judgement is as sound as anyone's. Bring what you feel will be useful, but hurry. We leave in minutes and trying to catch up to that Old Man is an embarrassment you do not wish to suffer."

Knut checks his pack when its brought to him and notices the rations put in. He hands over a small bit of gold to the dwarf in payment and settles the pack on his shoulders. "I'd not wager I'd be able to catch up to you long legged lot. Try not to leave me too far behind." Knut laughs a bit at his own joke, but otherwise seems ready to go.

"Haste may create mistakes. But I do hear that some urgency in the matter." Malcolm picked up his pack and took several pastries from the breakfast table. "Is this a purely a hunting party? Or is there a possibility of of survivors?"

"The only survivor we are aware of is Yprish here."

"If we will need range, I will pick up some javelins.". Vogryn says, as he finishes the last of his coffee.  "It would be a foolish captain that left a soldier behind, or set a march they could not keep.". He says to Knut.

Tarek jumps up and downs his coffee, or at least what is left of it. "Wait for me comrades! I will be right back!"

Tarek sprints out to gather the supplies that he could acquire in time. After awhile, he returns puffing carrying some additional items. "I am back!"

OOC: Tarek purchases a healers kit, bag of caltrops, grappling hook, 5 torches will update my character sheet shortly

As Tarek sat down, lookig forward to a final bite of breakfast before they set out, Longstrider came into the Ye Olde Bucket and called out, "Alright you heroes, get up and lets go. We've got seven miles to cover just to catch up to the troops." He turned to walk without waiting, "Trail's getting cold."

By the time the group found its pace, which was decidedly slower than Longstrider had started them off at, it became evident that the old Ranger was actually cutting a new trail. They passed his trailblazes on a regular basis making everyone realize the man intended for others to follow them. They had been moving steadily all morning, but left the road near lunch time. Stomachs unaccustomed to such activity growled. Apples were passed back along the short line of people as Longstrider passed them back from the front.

"Two more miles, hard miles, and we will cut just ahead of the platoon." The Ranger said over his shoulder from just ahead of them. "We can take moment to catch our breath and let them catch up to us."

It didn't take long for Malcolm to realize that the group was headed southwest, not north. But he trusted the old tracker knew where they were going. Every so often, Malcolm was wave his hand through the air in an intricate manner. His clothes would seem crisp and fresh. "Seem that this band of lizards passed by Vandis, unseen." Malcolm quickly added, "No guards raised the alarm."

"Gnolls. Dog men. Not lizards. They are at home on the wilderness and far more stealthy then you may assume for creatures of their size."

"However I do not think we are on their trail yet. We are, I believe, on our own back trail where we followed Yprish from his home."

Tarek adjusted his heavy backpack as the leather straps were starting chafe his shoulder which was the result of the chain mail biting down. However, he was accustomed to the frequent forced marches from the Order. "While they may be stealthy, they lack from what I understand and have learned lack the foresight and intelligence. As long as we are prepared against any attacks and apply a good strategy we will surely prevail against these feral creatures."

Yprish laughed when he heard the knight talk about how to fight the gnolls. “Everybody got a strategy till they get bit in the face. When that happens, hang on and hope the fella next to ya don’t decide all of a sudden he gotta be somewheres else.”

Longstrider called a halt overlooking a small glen near a smaller stream. He got comfortable near the base of a tree in some thick bramble and honeysuckle and seemed to be too quiet. Until spoke quietly.

"We should see our boys in that glen soon. Take a seat out of sight and be real quiet." Was all he had to say.

Sam knelt behind the tree Longstrider was using for cover and whispered a question,

"I understand mysterious is part of the game but are we expecting friendly Soldiers or unfriendly Gnolls?"

Malcolm took the time to freshen his clothes before he sat back. He pulled out some leftovers from breakfast and finished it off. He pulled his cloak over his lap. Seconds later a small terrier crawled out. "Keep quiet Trix. We're expecting people in the glen over there." He pointed the area out. "Wake me if one of my companions gets anxious or if you see people over there." The young man settled down for a quick nap.

Tarek crouch down behind Samuel and Longstrider. He did his best to remain hidden and waited.

Vogryn crouched down, though that doesn't work as well.  The Goliath is simply too tall to blending with the others.  He does attempt to though.

Yprish squatted on his haunches behind a tree. Noticing what kind of tree it was, he took his dagger to cut a strip of bark off the trunk; he popped it in his mouth and started to slowly chew it.

Well that answers that question...

Samuel whispered a prayer to Arak and made ready to spring the ambush.

[Casting Divine Favor with a 1st level spell slot]

Longstrider gave a short whistle drawing everyone from the sweaty boredom they were dealing with in silence. Malcolm's familiar gave a low growl near his ear to wake him. Moving slowly and quietly they all looked towards the old Ranger who pointed out into the clearing to the southwest. Everyone followed his pointing finger to see a small pack of Gnolls moving across the clearing where they expected the troops to emerge. The Gnolls were moving across the clearing along the proposed line of march of the the troops, though they did not seem to know the party was there watching them.

(OOC: from Longstrider's position to where the Gnoll leader is at the start of the scene is 240 feet (80 yards). All of you are within ten yards of Longstrider, some are closer than others of course. The Gnolls are spread out about the same.)

"We should try to let them get closer."

Nodding at Brother Samuel, Tarek nods and silently as possible readies one of his javelin ready to throw if possible. He was not happy though with the thought of the effective range, however.

OOC Tarek tries to ready a javelin but with the range of 30 feet he would have to let them get closer. Any further than 30 feet to 120 feet would be at a disadvantage If it appears that they are getting close enough to allow the range he will attack once the others attack. If not he will ready his longsword and shield
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Mon 17 Jan 2022.

A spear and dagger was all Yprish had… you better believe he was going to let them get closer.

He nodded at Samuel, gripped the spear shaft tightly, and squinted his eyes for that white-striped bastard.

Malcolm fished out a strip of leather from his pouch. He recited several arcane words as his hands wove an intricate pattern in the air.

---

AC 15

Cast Mage Armor
Move 10' to his left, left of 4 and 5

Vogryn waits, his maul eager in his mail clad fists.  His gaze marks the leader, and he focuses on it, even as he scans the rest of the group.  He remains quiet though, as Longstrider instructed, waiting for them to get closer.

Knut had remained quit for all the trip. With Gnolls in sight he flexes his fingers in preparation to use some magic.

As the Gnolls approached it became evident that they did not know they were being watched. The lead Gnoll was only thirty yards (90 feet) away from Longstrider when he knocked an arrow and took a kneeling position. The Gnolls seemed to be singing in their strange tongue and laughing.

Several Gnolls had bundles of spears, swords, and daggers. They had several bundles of blankets and knapsacks. It was obvious that they had ambushed the troops along the trail. Though their numbers had been seriously curtailed in the fighting as well. The Gnoll raiding party, as tracked days before by Longstrider and the soldiers, had been over thirty strong before this morning.

"It would seem this band survived a very tumultuous encounter." Longstrider said. "I fear, however, our friends did not."

"Well then we must make sure it was not for nothing."

Yprish stayed quiet but was working himself up for the fight, grimacing and taking it out on the bark he was chewing.

Tarek gripped his javelin tightly and waited for the signal to let loose his might and avenge those comrades who fell to the goblins

With a fluid motion, Longstrider stands while he draws an arrow to his ear. With a twang the longbow let loose sending an arrow streaking out to strike the lead Gnoll. With a bellow of rage the creature realized it had led it's paltry crew into an ambush.

(OOC: surprise round, everyone post their action, make appropriate rolls, the range is twenty yards or 60 feet.)

Knut points two fingers at the Gnoll leader and shoots a purple bolt of crackling energy.



Action: Eldritch Blast

18:48, Today: Knut StoneHammer rolled 3 using 1d10.  spell damage.

18:47, Today: Knut StoneHammer rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  spell attack.

gah! so little damage for such a nice attack roll

Malcolm moved immediately after Longstrider fired his arrow. He exposed his position by moving for a better view. He stood next to the water and the pink bush. He recited several loud words of power as he focused on the gnoll with the shortbow.

The young wizard looked around and found himself exposed. "Opps. I thought we were going to rush them!" Malcolm ducked back behind Vogryn and Tarek.

---

Move: 15' to get to Pink bush
Action: Cast Mind Silver on G3, DC 13 INT save or take 6 Damage and -4 on next SAVE.
rolled 6,4 using 1d6,1d4.  Mind Silver

Bonus: Use Telekinetic feat to pull G3 5' toward me (position Pink bush), DC 13 STR with a -4 modifier if Mind Silver save FAILED.

Very interested to see this action :)

Move: 15' back behind 4 and 5, which would be left of their current position on the map.

Yprish pulled a thread of fleece out between the fingers of his left hand as he broke cover to advance at the gnolls. He got about halfway there before he jumped behind a tree surrounded by low bushes -- and disappeared.

---

OOC:
Action: Minor Illusion, bushes to hide in.
Move: 30' towards the gnolls and ducking into the illusion

Samuel breaks cover and moves 30ft toward the Gnolls and zings a bolt of holy light at the gnoll in the front of the formation.




11:14, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  To Hit w/ Guiding Bolt.

11:15, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 11 using 4d6.  Dmg w/ Guiding Bolt.

If this hits the next person to attack that target will get Advantage.

Tarek also  breaks cover and hurls his readied Javelin at the nearest Gnoll

9:56, Today: Tarek Darksturm rolled 15 using 2d20+4 with rolls of 10,1.  Attack Javelin disadvantage due to range.

OOC: first roll 15 second roll 5

20:01, Today: Tarek Darksturm rolled 4 using 1d6+2 with rolls of 2.  javelin damage if it.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:02, Mon 24 Jan 2022.

The lead Gnoll, despite his armor, was struck with an arrow in the chest. Growling in rage he spun to face the direction the shaft had fallen from. And turned into a flashing purple bolt of eldritch energy. Caught off guard, the wounded Gnoll was suddenly slammed head on by a bolt of radiant light that ended his suffering. And his growling. As the body fell, half turned to the left, Tarek's javelin past through the air where Gnoll had just fallen away from.

Yrpish moved forward through the foliage quickly, taking advantage of the action, and cast an illusory bush ahead of him. Kneeling once again he could see that the Gnolls were caught by surprise. At the death of the leader the Gnoll in rear turned, dropping his bundled loot, and began running off into the weeds to the north.

Turning towards the attackers, the Gnolls that were left reacted by charging into the stand woods where the group had been waiting in. The ran, gnashing their teeth and hurling growls, into the edge of the trees less than ten feet from Longstrider. The Ranger seemed unfazed as he gave a hand movement and uttered a few phrases.

Malcolm was astonished when a Gnoll, frothing at the mouth with rage, ran to within twenty feet of him brandishing its shortbow. It's movement aided by his spell, the Gnoll was bleeding from one ear and found itself far too close to two of its enemy who were prepared for close fight.

Samuel stepped to the Gnoll that was ten feet from him and wielded his warhammer violently.

[Using my War Priest ability to make an extra melee attack as a Bonus Action.]

10:12, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  To Hit w/ Warhammer.

10:12, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 11,2 using 1d8+4,1d4.  Dmg w/ Warhammer.

Hit AC 15 for 13 Damage.

10:11, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  To Hit w/ Warhammer 2.

10:09, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 5,2 using 1d8+4,1d4.  Dmg w/ Warhammer 2.

Hit AC 11 for 7 Damage.

Tarek cursed to himself that the javelin missed. He readied another advanced if possible to be within the accurate range if at all possible. If not he would still hurl the javelin.


17:00, Today: Tarek Darksturm rolled 7 using 1d6+2.  Damage if possible.
16:59, Today: Tarek Darksturm rolled 6 using 1d20+2. (if at disadvantage)
16:59, Today: Tarek Darksturm rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  2nd Javelin .

Malcolm found that many of his companions did rush out from the copse of trees. The Gnoll with the shortbow was very close, too close. He pushed out with his palm outstretched accompanied by several distinct words of arcane power. "That's a little too close for my comfort."

---

Action: Cast Mind Sliver on G3, DC13 INT Save to avoid 4 damage and -1 to next SAVE
rolled 4,1 using 1d6,1d4.  Mind Sliver

Bonus: Telekinetic feat to push G3 away 5' if G3 fails DC13 STR Save (-1 modifier if G3 failed the save from Mind Sliver

Move: 5' to the south

Yprish saw the fleeing gnoll and said under his breath, "Now where do you think you're goin, boy?" He stepped out from behind the illusion, allowing it to fade, and hustled after him, stopping only to cast a spell.

---

OOC:
Move: 30' towards fleeing gnoll.
Action: Cast Sleep, 90' range, 20'-radius.

13:21, Today: Yprish rolled 15 using 5d8 ((1,1,7,1,5)).  Sleep HP.

Woof. Tough roll. Fingers crossed, I guess.

In reply to Brother Samuel (msg # 55):

Brother Samuel swung with all of his might striking the Gnoll squarely in the side of the torso. It howled in pain as he wound up a follow up blow. But as he swung and arrow shot past him and struck the Gnoll in the throat dumping him to the ground under Brother Samuel's second wing.

In reply to Yprish (msg # 58):

Yrpish watched as the Gnoll seemed to stagger a step, shake it's head, and then continue on. Though it was running slower than before. The Gnoll did, however, look back and saw  that Yrpish was in pursuit. It slowed to a stop and drew a hand axe from its belt.

Malcolm used his spell to attack the Gnoll again, shoving it back a little further. Blood burst from its other ear causing it to yelp in pain.

Tarek drew back sent another javelin at the Gnoll. But, suddenly, it was mystically shoved backwards and his javelin missed. Again.

Yprish grinned when he saw the gnoll turn to fight.

"Boy, you dumber than you look." He started jogging towards his target. "But not fer much longer."

---

OOC:
I started ~90' away, so I'll move and dash 60', closing the distance to ~30'.

Knut observes the battle before moving closer to the Gnoll Malcom has targeted. He says a couple of words and waves his hand at the Gnoll.




Dex save DC 14 or take  4 radiant damage

15:58, Today: Knut StoneHammer rolled 4 using 1d8.  spell damage.

In reply to Game Dude (msg # 61):

"Sorry, Tarek. I didn't know that I would cause you to miss." Malcolm brought his hands down and repeated several arcane words of power directed at the Gnoll (G3).

---

Action: Cast Mind Sliver, DC13 INT Save to avoid 3 hp damage and -1 on next SAVE
rolled 3,1 using 1d6,1d4.  Mind Sliver

Move: NA
Bonus: NA

Vogryn charges the nearest Gnoll, his maul swinging in a powerful strike.


20:52, Today: Vogryn rolled 12 using 2d6+4 with rolls of 3,5.  Maul Damage.

20:52, Today: Vogryn rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Maul Attack.


Move: to nearest Gnoll.
Action: Attack.

This message was last edited by the player at 03:33, Sun 30 Jan 2022.

Hammer pummeled, spell blasted, and caught in the worst of all predicaments, the last of the Gnolls that had charged forward fell in a bloody heap after the briefest of yelps. Vogryn drew back his hammer in time to look up and see the last Gnoll, that had initially fled, was no charging up to Yrpish. Using all its might and momentum the Gnoll hurled its hand axe at Yrpish. The axe struck the Half-Orc powerfully in the chest powerfully.

(OOC: Yrpish took a hand axe throw from the last Gnoll for 7 points of damage. Well, at least on of the bad guys managed to get a shot in during this fight.)

Samuel moves 60ft toward the axe hurling Gnoll.

Knut runs towards Yprish after seeing the axe hit him


If Knut is able to get within 60ft of Yprish. He will use Healing light giving Yprish 1d6 healing.

08:17, Today: Knut StoneHammer rolled 1 using 1d6.  Healing Light.

oh wow so much healing :(

Tarek shrugged his shoulders at Malcom. "No matter, it happens. I should have known better." Tarek then readies his sword and shield. Calling out to Vogryn, "Now this is the true mettle of combat!"

Tarek charges towards the nearest Gnoll and attacks.


21:48, Today: Tarek Darksturm rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  damage.
21:46, Today: Tarek Darksturm rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  combat long sword.

The gnoll's axe buried itself in Yprish's armor, knocking the wind out of him. It was all he could do to keep the spear on-line and stop quick follow up blow from hitting him.

---

OOC:
Action: Cast Booming Blade
23:37, Today: Yprish rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Spear attack Gnoll.

Knut ran hard, stumbling here and there in the dense undergrowth of the swampy soil. His short legs carried him to within fifteen feet or so of Yrpish. Panting he quickly cast Healing Light and the bleeding slowed in Yrpish's wound.

Brother Samuel and Tarek both rushed out, passing the Gnome as he cast, and came to stand to either side of the wounded Half-Orc. The Gnoll howled and cast its glance back and forth between the trio.

Not waiting for worse to happen, Yrpish quickly cast booming blade upon his spear and thrust it at the Gnoll. The creature seemed to slink to the side causing the spear to miss by an hand's breadth. A move the Gnoll seemed all to familiar with.

(OOC: Tarek, you would have to move too far to be able to attack, you would have needed a dash to get to the Gnoll/Yrpish.)

Samuel literaly brought the hammer down on the surviving Gnoll.

14:38, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  To Hit w/ Warhammer.

14:38, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 11,4 using 1d8+4,1d4.  Dmg w/ Warhammer.

That's AC 16 for 15 Damage.

If that doesn't put him down I will use Warrior Priest to miss him with my second attack.

14:38, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  To Hit w/ Warhammer 2.

14:37, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 10,2 using 1d8+4,1d4.  Dmg w/ Warhammer 2.

That will be a miss for 0 damage if it happens at all.

Malcolm rushed after the rest of the group. He didn't want to be left behind. "Give up. You'll be surrounded in short time. Give up!"

---

rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Persuasion

Vogryn charges forward, moving to flank the Gnoll that Tarek is facing.  His maul ready to strike the creature.

In a most anti-climatic action, Longstrider loosed a final arrow. The Gnoll, as well as those surrounding it, was caught off guard. The arrow struck true and pierced the Gnolls skull. It simply fell like puppeteer's marionette whose strings were suddenly and unexpectedly cut.

"Never trust those foul beasts." Longstrider said as he approached the group. "Cleric, please come with me. I fear we have friends and allies in need of burial rights."


With that he walked past the little group and continued on in the direction the Gnolls came from. In passing he said, "You fellows cut those heads loose. Bring them along so we can get properly rewarded."

Yprish jabs his spear at the gnoll looking for an opening, and sneers. "Don't look so tough now is ya?" he taunts.

---

OOC:
09:32, Today: Yprish rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Spear attack Gnoll.

I'd like to roll above the bottom quintile, please, dice roller. At some point.

"Heads?" Malcolm asked with some confusion. He knew that his dagger wouldn't be good for chopping off head. "Someone is going to have to do that. I'll check their pockets. There may be something that might help us."

Malcolm got on a knee. He never imagined that he would be rifling through a dead corpse body. He hesitated briefly. "So this is what adventuring feels like..." He muttered to himself. He moved from body to body checking their pockets, pouches and removed their weapons.

Malcolm tossed the items into a small pile.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:06, Tue 01 Feb 2022.

Samuel picked up the gnoll leaders longsword and followed Longstrider.

"That battleaxe one of them had should help with the head collecting."

"Yeah, heads. Damn sight easier to stick 'em up on a spike that way."

Yprish picked up the handaxe that had wounded him. "An this hatchet is fine and dandy for this 'un." Gripping the gnoll's topmane four quick strokes were enough to sever the neck completely. "See? Now... wonder if that white-striped bastard is round-about..."

The halforc went from body to body, hewing the heads clean off and tossing them in a pile.

Tarek was still breathing heavily after the pitched battle. It was his first true battle but he tried not to look as though he was about the become ill. He hesitated but then gathered his composure. He then called out to the  others

"Is anyone need of healing?"

"No, I'm unharmed." Malcolm answered Tarak. He pointed to the small pile he had gathered. "Take your pick. I'll be with Longstrider."

---

G1.Knoll leader in chain shirt with longsword
G2.Gnoll with spear
G3.Gnoll with short bow
G4.Gnoll with spear
G5.Gnoll with battle axe

Longstrider led Brother Samuel and Malcolm along the Gnolls' backtrail. Within a mile they came across of narrow stream with a footbridge spanning it along a narrow trail. The Gnolls had laid and ambush and attacked while the troops were crossing the footbridge. Bodies on both sides of the stream and in the water under the bridge lay bodies riddled with arrows. There were, also, several Gnoll's riddled with arrows dead among the ambush.

The broken paths in the undergrowth from the ambush showed where the Gnolls attacked the troops with spears and axes. Bodies littered the shores, averaging two troops to every Gnoll. The bodies were rifled, pillaged for their weapons, armor, shields, backpacks, and belt pouches. It was a bitter fight.

Looking the scene of the fighting over, Longstrider was the first to speak, "Well, lads, at least this fight only left the five for us to deal with. The Gnolls could have pitched a much better ambush. These poor lads will need proper burials. Best we get back to town and come back with men and beasts to carry the dead back."

At the clearing where the party had ambushed the Gnolls all of the looted weapons and gear was gathered. It was a lot of spears and daggers, a fair number of longswords and battle axes, several short bows, and a couple of hatchets and shortswords. Shields and chain shirts were piled alongside the weapons. There were backpacks with the usual travel kit of soldiers; bedrolls, rations, waterskins, oil, metal brushes, wet stones, ropes, tarps, weapons black, and so on.

"I'll collect these heads. if there is some sort of reward then any family these men had will benefit from it."

He began to make a stack of gnoll heads after decapitating them with the borrowed longsword.

   Vogryn takes out his heavy, curved short sword.  He uses it to easily decapitate the Gnolls, tieing the heads together with rope for easy carrying.  Once done,he joins Longstrider in digging a long trench deep enough for a grave to bury the soldiers in.  It was not his first battle, but it was gruesome.  Perhaps he was a little greyer than usual, but that would be hard to tell for non-Goliaths.

Samuel set down his bundles of gnoll heads next to Vogryn's.

"Won't need the shovel Vogryn. We aren't burying them here."

After the head-collecting had finished, Yprish walked over to the paladin.

"Well I hate ta say it, but that sumbitch got me good. Yeah, I reckon I could do for a patch-up."

In reply to Yprish (msg # 86):

"How about we all take a breather." Malcolm looked for a place to rest. "Or should we move a bit before we rest?"

---

Short rest?

In reply to Malcolm d'Tor (msg # 87):

Yprish shakes his head. "Bad idear to take a nap before we get back together with them others." He looked around and secured his kit. "Maybe after, but let's go see what them fellas up to, how bout that?"

Malcolm picked up a dagger from the pile. An extra may come in handy. "Good idea. I wouldn't want to be caught outside. Was that all of the gnolls? Or was this part of a larger group of gnolls?"

Tarek took a few moments to compose himself after the battle. It was his true first battle and he did not believe it went as suspected. However, he felt that the powers were guiding him and it was guiding him along the path. He vowed he would do better.

Yprish's words brought him back to the present and he nodded. "Forgive my lack of response."

He approached Yprish and gently pressed his hands over the wounds. "My the forces of good and the path of righteous always guide our path. May the powers of good flow from me to heal thy wounds."

OOC: Can heal up to 5 hp at this tims - lay on hands

Tarek took a few moments to see to the fallen bodies that were killed by the Gnolls. He placed his hand on each one and offered a small prayer.

Later, he then approached the others after he recovered his javelins. "If no one objects I would take the short bow. I believe it would do much better than the javelin which is woefully useless at larger rangers."

Taking the short bow Tarek will find what arrows he could
This message was last edited by the player at 08:57, Sat 05 Feb 2022.

Samuel stood over the stack of heads and raised his long arms to form a cross of his own body.

He then raised his voice in prayer.

"ARAK, War Sign of the One God, witness the tribute of these brave soldiers!"

"These men who fought when they could have run!"

"These men who charged the enemy a Blood Tax for their lives!"

"These men who left only a fragment to threaten their allies and the innocent people!"

"...And that fragment we have slain in revenge for their deaths so that they bear no burden upon their souls in the Afterlife!"

"Accept this Tribute and Welcome these men, ARAK, into your Army in Heaven that they may serve there for Eternity in Undying Glory Forever and Ever!"

"So Be It!"

He bowed his head and crossed his powerful arms across his chest.

"We will take all of their weapons and armor. If it will strengthen our unit then by all means equip yourself from it."

"Whatever remains we will sell and divide as befits warriors."

"Now, as Longstrider says, let's get back to town and get help to bring in these bodies before they are gnawed by scavengers or begin to fester."

It was clear that once the funeral prayer was over he did not consider the corpses to be the men that they had been in life but rather a responsibility to be respectfully dealt with.

He shouldered a bundle of weapons and one of the bunches of gnoll heads he had gathered and headed back along their trail to town.

OOC: Was going to discuss the longsword he picked up but since their are enough for everyone to have one if they want one he's just going to keep that one.

Longstrider walked past them as the younger members the party stacked and sorted the accumulated equipment on the field of battle. He glanced at Malcolm as he passed and said, "Gnolls in Vallorn are like fish in the sea. Take your fill, yet more are there. This is but a single band. Large, but a single band. We have them for this day, but soon enough more will drift into our lands."

Longstrider's response seem to satisfy the young lord. "Let's return to town as you suggested. If I'm lucky the room will still be available for me tonight." A small terrier looked up when Malcolm addressed him. "Go scout around. Give me a yip, if you see anything. Let me know if you see something suspicious."

Vogryn hefts a large pack of the weapons and armor, sparing others a heavier load.  He strides along Longstrider on the way back.

The march back to town was a somber one. Though victory was ultimately achieved, the cost had been high. Longstrider let the pace slow bit. He knew the others would be still thinking of the fighting and the loss of the soldiers. But he reminded them to stay vigilant. The swamps had other things to be wary of after all.

Once they made into town the sun was very low on the horizon. Food and cold beer was waiting for them, on the house of course, in the Ye Olde Bucket of Beer. Longstrider turned to the group as they neared the porch of the tavern.

"Leave the heads and gear over there at the end of the porch." Longstrider said. "Let's eat. I'll have Ralsotn send someone to fetch the local magistrate or the mayor. Either one will do. It's payday lads. And a good day; you came back on your feet."

Tarek had been silent the entire march back towards the town. He barely heard Longstrider's words. He was hungry but he did not feel it was right to eat or to drink. He fallen soldier's faces still haunted  his memory.

"It just seems to me to be an ill wind to eat after what we had witnessed the slaughter those Gnolls inflicted. I am famished that is no lie and a respite would not go unappreciated. It is just to me to be wrong to celebrate with food and drink when there are others that will not feast this day."

"The go get a shovel." Longstrider said absently. "I am sure that after you dig eighteen holes for the dead, and then fill them in once the bodies are recovered you will feel like eating without so much grumbling. You are alive, you Knight of the Order, take pride in that."

Once the group returned to Ye Olde Bucket, Malcolm inquired about his room. "Need to wash off some of the dirt and grime from the road. I'll join everyone in a bit."

Samuel had been a soldier long before The One God had chosen him and eating was a matter of practicality. So he ate. But he offered no criticism.

The evening passed. People would clap them on the shoulder, buy them a sweet roll, or offer them a pipe of local cherry tobacco. None would bring up the lost troops, the dead Gnolls, or the fighting out of respect, however. A bard played as the chilled buckets of stout and bowls of venison stew drifted past them. After a while the Mayor, with the Magistrate and the local Commandant of the Watch trailing in his wake walked in to speak with the group of now-famous Gnoll slayers.

"Good evening, Heros!" The mayor, a tall Halfling name of Kellog von Hoffenbaust, called to them as they approached. "Glad to make you acquaintances. And please enjoy the services of the tavern on the town tonight."

An Elf in regal judges robes stepped up and dropped a heavy bag of coin on the table. Plates and forks near the bag jumped when the heavy bag hit the table top. It spilled open sending a cascade of golden coins across the table.

"Apologies for the untidiness. I am magistrate Luras Inar. I understand that you wished that the portion of the reward for the troops who fell in battle to be given to their families, i have made those arrangements."

"And I have several watchmen seeing to the heads and recovered weapons and armor." The last of them, a human fighter of local repute said. "I am Sylus Biaz, Commandant of the Watch locally. I am afraid your services are needed again."

"Longstrider, you see, put your names forward." The mayor said. "A person has gone missing. An important person. It would mean trekking into the swamp again I fear. And to find foe somewhat more dangerous than Gnolls. But, we are willing to pay you for the risk taken. Are you interested?"

"I will help."

Samuel clapped Yprish on the shoulder.

"My friend here is a native of the swamp."

"I anticipate he is going to ask,'Pay? How much?'."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:29, Sat 12 Feb 2022.

Malcolm kept silent as the matter of compensation came up.

Finally, he asked. "Who is this important person? Was anyone else with this person before he went missing? Was he alone?" Malcolm didn't like the person's chances if he was alone in the swamp. "I'll go as well." He offered.

Tarek watched with interest and was silent. He then nodded. He had gratefully accepted the offering from the townspeople of the tobacco. He stuffed some of the tobacco into a pipe and struck a flint against some tinder and quickly lit his pipe. As he took a few puffs, the sweet smell of the cherry tobacco filled the room and the flaring embers from the pipe illuminated his face.

"I for one would be honored to assist as needed. Count me in this and I will endeavor to assist to find this person."

"A Drow trade delegate from the city-state of Lanis to the north." The Mayor said. "Her name is Portia Anno. She is also a Priestess of their goddess Lolth. She was traveling with a caravan that has gone missing in the swamps to the northeast. I have a rough map of their proposed route and several of their known stopping points. This needs to be handled with a mind towards saving the delegate and assisting her as she needs. This is to ensure a very favorable trade agreement. So, please, do not let her theocratic airs drive you to do something to jeopardize this. For this you will be handsomely rewarded."

"It's only fair that I warn you..."

He gestured at the two paladins and then to himself.

"...that if she asks us to do anything that is a violation of their code, or my own vows, she will likely never leave the swamp?"

"No promise I can make to you will foreswear my service to The One God."

"I'll be glad to try though."

"You have my word, that so long as she does not inflict evil upon others, she will be returned to you safely.". Vogryn states, his deep voice carrying easily across the tavern.

Tarek nods after Vogryn and Brother Samuel comments. "I too will pledge my word that I will do what I can, and let me be clear about this, if it benefits the cause of good. But if there is any evil that results of this then I will do what I can do to right these wrongs."

"Let me get this straight. We are going to try to save a lost trade delegate from Lanis. Her name is Portia Anno, a priestess of Lolth." Malcolm looked to his three companions, who seemed to be hedging their bets. "Is this related in any way with Madam Druall?"

Yprish had been sitting next to Samuel quietly eating his fare and thinking about what it meant to have killed the gnolls who killed his family, when his new friend slapped him on the shoulder. Looks like they were being offered payment to go rescue a drow.

Smirking at the priest he said, "'Handsome reward' shore is pretty words, but beggin yer pardon, it's a pig-in-a-poke. Lemmie see that there map, some places more dangerous than others, if'n you follow."

---

OOC:
Hi folks. Sorry for the absence; necessities of IRL.

"Yes, yes, excellent, wonderful." The Mayor said. He set a packet of documents on the table. "This is some useful information on Priestess Anno. And a good likeness."

The packet contained her letter of introduction. A document of of her family lineage. Admission into the order of the Dancers of Elbe. And a listing of her religious and professional studies. The last was a picture of the Drow. She was beautiful in an exotic fashion but she was not a exquisite beauty. She would be easy to identify, however, thanks to the scar across her right cheek. Or was it a brand?

Samuel pushed the map toward Yprish and picked up the picture.

Vogryn observes the documents, easily looking over the heads of others.  Considering their contents, and necessities.

Tark puffed on his pipeweed while trying to glance at the documents

Malcolm reviewed each document as they are passed to him. "Will we get a chance to enjoy the night or do we need to leave immediately?"

"Please, take you ease tonight and recover your strength." The Judge told them as the trio eased away from the table. "But, please, come the morning move with a sense of urgency. This is a matter of great concern."

Yprish rubbed his chin as he looked at the map, offering what he knew of the area. "Yessir, plenty of spots this lady coulda found herself in: lotsa ruins and such of time gone by."

He moved his finger around the whole area of the map. "Down here the trees is plenty thick: don't expect much sunlight gettin through. Don't step on no logs floatin in water neither; could be that there's an ally-gator. Good eatin' on one of them, though. Creepy-crawlies, too, so poison might could be a problem."

"Boat might be of some use, if'n y'all knows how to use it. Couple of dry roads, but ain't much."

"Folk down in them parts don't take too kind to stranger, and they's got their own ways. Best mind yer manners and not get all preachy, now, y'hear?" He said the last with an arched eye and grin at Malcolm, Tarek, and Samuel.

Tarek clapped Yprish on the shoulder. You speak well on this. I am no tracker but I will be here in the morning to offer what assistance that I can. "

The night was one of music and laughter at he Ye Olde Bucket of Beer. Minstrels played while entertainers sang, tumbles, juggled, and so on. The beer was cold and the buckets marched along until the middle of the night. A cow had taken a fall in the afternoon, by the evening it had become a fine roast with carrots and cabbages. Games went on into the night as well; cards, dice, chess, backgammon, and darts, until much copper and no small amount of silver had changed hands.

Many would come by and shake a hand or pat the back of the 'heroes' of the Gnoll hunt. Brother Samuel found it no small measure to keep an eye out for the errant brawl between young men. Especially between the local Elves of the swamps and the caravan running Dwarves of the far mountains. Something about dainty swamp flowers wilting in the heat of real work.

Yrpish received many well wishers that offered a 'sorrow felt for your lost clan' sentiments. Malcomb delighted in the commonality of it all, the acceptance, and the way the young females seem to be drawn to him. Even if strong drink, and much of it, ruined any amorous opportunities.

Vogry sat stolidly, mostly talking with Tarek of the tales of the knights they admired, until he was offered a brew of brandy from a passing caravneer. A remarkably tall and elegant human, she handed him a glass of what she called Dragon Fire Brandy with a smile as dazzling of bolt of lightning. He awoke without a headache but there was a subtle lip outline on his left cheek.

From the kitchens came the sent of breakfast cooking; ham, eggs, frying potatoes, and fresh bread.

Malcolm certainly enjoyed his evening. The drinks flowed and several young women approached him with flirtatious smiles and honeyed words. The young noble smiled and enjoyed the attention but restrained himself to just the attention in common room. He made sure to secure the door lock to his larger room upstairs before retiring for the night.

The young wizard spent the early hours preparing spells and reviewing several pages of notes. Finally, Malcolm emerged from his room drawn by the aroma of breakfast sausages. He filled his plate before he sat by the hearth. As he waited, he smiled as his thoughts returned to the previous night. "Seems that my friends may have taken too much ale." He got up to take a second helping of breakfast.

As Vogryn woke, and collected his thoughts, he wondered who that woman might be.  Trying to focus on the details of her firm and face, to fix them in his mind.  This thinking, he bathed himself, then checked his belongings.  Once done, he geared up and headed downstairs, the outline of her lips scrubbed from his cheek, but their presence still felt on his skin.

Yprish began the night sullen, fondling the foot-long white-streaked scalp of Umog he's spent the afternoon scraping clear of blood and fat. Over time the leather would toughen but it was a token he'd promised himself he'd bear forever.

But by and by, and as the buckets emptied themselves, he found himself roaring to antics and singing the songs. For a time he picked up his shawm and

10:59, Today: Yprish rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Shawm performance.

managed to keep near the beat, but playing meant having two few hands to drink with and he gave it up before long. The song he sang nearing midnight about the love-sick crocodile would have had the place in stiches, had anyone understood him.

Samuel drank his share but stopped short of getting drunk.

The One God's war aspect had no issue with strong drink but unpreparedness was a sin.

At breakfast He ate while the food was still warm and waited with Malcolm for the others to arrive.

As breakfast was served to them Longstrider came into the tavern and sat nearby. He laid out a map of the area. It was well detailed and had tiny, clean notes at the edges. Looking to small group he spoke.

"This is one of my finer maps. Take it." He sighed. "I cannot attend this trek into the swamps with you. More Gnoll business to the east, I'm afraid. There is a stable down by the south bend out of town and tell a man named Timons that old Jack said you were good for mounts. He can provide a pack mule as well. There is a bag of foods and several skins of water on the porch, courtesy of the Watch. You will want to get into the swamps quickly, there is a storm moving in and it will swell the river something fierce. The only other usable crossing is eight days northwest."

Yrpish's mind spun with the route it seemed that the old Ranger implied. It was a good route; it kept to higher ground and avoided the areas where the alligators would migrate to. The rest smiled and nodded through their hunger and headaches at the old man, not really sure what he was talking about but assuming it would be alright. Brother Samuel regretted losing the company of the man, but knew it would be for a good reason. Such was the will of the One God.

"Sooner started, sooner finished. Let's go."

He set off for the stables.

Yprish stood up and walked out with Samuel.

"Shoot, if this rain come down hard ain't gonna be no finishin, on account of that drow lady getting warshed away. But nothing's happening here, now is it?"

"Thanks for the map and supplies as well." Malcolm took the map. "Hey slow down guys. I'm going to need some help with these supplies. I've got the map but I can't carry everything."

"Easier to leave them and bring the mule back here but I'm glad to see a man of your birth willing to do manual labor."

"I don't mind getting my hands dirty." Malcolm stretched out his hand and smoothed out the wrinkles of his clothes. He snapped his fingers several times in the air. With each snap a fresh scent of mist appeared to moisturize his hear. "I'll wait here for the mule. Please be sure to lead my horse here Brother Samuel. Thank you."

Longstrider laughed at the exchange of words and turned to walk away. He also tossed a satchel on the table as he did so. Walking away he said nothing but the satchel seemed to hold a silver flask and a healer's kit.

The small satchel floated through the air towards him. "I'll take that." He grabbed the satchel from the air. He took the silver flask and offered the healing kit to Brother Samuel. "Let me check this flask."

---

Use Telekinetic Mage Hand
Identify the contents of flask by sniff and taste

Malcolm was surprised to find the flask was full of water. Judging by the symbols of the New Gods on the flask it wasn't hard to make the jump of logic; it was holy water.

An elf in livery apron and work clothing came in the door and called out to Longstrider as he walked away from the party's table, "Scout, the horses are ready. New shoes, fed, watered, and walked to get their muscles warm."

Longstrider tosses a small bag, the jingle of coins wasn't missed, to the elf. As the elf turned and left Longstrider continued to walk but said over his shoulder, "The horses are getting tired of waiting on you."

Malcolm gathered his horse and made sure that the provisions were stowed carefully. "Alright. Lead us out. Let's go save a damsel."

Vogryn shoulders his pack, then joins the others.

Yprish swung his leg over in the saddle and adjusted himself; it wasn't something he was all that used to. Wasn't like his family could afford horses to hitch ploughs to.

He slotted the butt of his spear in the stirrup and clicked his tongue at the horse, jigging the reins a bit.

"Giddyup, doggy."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:37, Tue 08 Mar 2022.

Using the map and notes left by Longstrider the little group of searchers quickly found the site where the Drow priestess went missing from. A few more notes were quickly added  to those already on the map. Yrpish was thankful for the map, this area was particularly thick in low, ground hugging vines and bushes.

The region was noted for a particular type of poppy that grew in the shadows of the vines. No doubt this was what drew the Drow so deeply off the main routes. The site of the last camp was still quite well laid out leading them to believe this was a place that was often visited if not by the Drow then by others at the least. But there were the tell-tale signs of the Drow here. A few trees had been branded with a hot iron with the symbol of Lolth, the spider goddess. The area was laid out with extreme care and showed signs of regular use by someone who valued tidiness as much as uniformity. And there was a what seemed to be a sacrificial alter made from a lightning split tree.

A collage of footprints, hoof prints, and paw prints told a story of a frantic fight. Drag marks, blood stains, and broken arrows added to the collection of details. There had been an attack, most likely at night, by Orcs and men. And odd combination in these parts, to be sure. The prints were deep and rounded at the edges indicating heavy armor.  The paw prints were from a large canine with a odor of charcoal; hell hounds most likely. It had been a frantic fight.

While the tracks were confusing, the rain had yet to fall and wash away all signs. Many had fallen here. Some marks showed the dragging of bodies. Others bore the sign of heavily laden wagons. It painted a picture of an attack. Sorely defeated. And a systematic search of the area. Then the packing of the camp and the egress of those here.

(OOC: Insight rolls would be useful here.)

Yprish dismounted and walked around the camp looking for clues as to what had happened.

---

OOC:

22:24, Today: Yprish rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Survival.
22:24, Today: Yprish rolled 10 using 1d20+1.  Insight.

Malcolm dismounted and began to move through the campsite. Here, he found a footprint. There, he found a drag mark. He carefully set his feet into one of the prints, then he skipped to place his feet in another set of prints. "There was a great battle. Look. Here the survivor fell to a knee before being dragged off..."

"Apparently someone didn't care for the graffiti."

18:58, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  Wis(Insight).

More and more the scene was beginning to take on a very furious fight with many wounded or killed on either side. It seemed that the attackers left first, light of their dead. So that could only mean that the Drow had either buried the dead in a sneaky manner or took the dead Orcs with them. Thoughts of necromancy crept through their thoughts.

A trail was found. A trail of many layers. The long, narrow footprints of and elf. Most like female. And headed out of the camp at a sprint. Another layer of heavy, clunky footprints of heavy armored feet in pursuit. And a final layer of long, narrow footprints also in pursuit.

Then thunder cracked overhead. A new and powerful thunderstorm was brewing in the skies above. It would only be a matter of time before nature wiped away the path.

"Strange. The trail indicates that the drow has allies that followed her... in pursuit of her attackers." Malcolm rubbed his chin in thought. "We've no choice but to follow the clues. Let's hurry before the rain washes away the trail."

Vogryn watched as the others assessed the area, careful to avoid entering it and confusing the tracks.  When Yprish was ready, he followed.  His maul resting easy in his hand, as he marched along far enough back to give their tracker space to play his craft.  Vogryns' own thoughts turned to the woman of the previous night.  And why he could recall no details more about her.

A  clear path lay before them. For the time leastways.

The weather was creeping in and threatened to be on them by sundown if not a little sooner. Their trail led them into the deeper swamps where horses could be a real liability to predators. And there was, as far as they knew, parties of Drow, Humans, and Orcs ahead of them. And their was no way knowing, at the moment, for sure if the Drow female leading this wild chase was actually the priestess they were after.

"This is shaping up to be interesting."

Samuel led his horse and picked their footing carefully.

"Well, hell... we go on in there with these horses, they's just gonna get 'et up by some hungry critter. Shore as hell cain't get 'em back to town afore this rain come down..."

Yprish sucked at his teeth for a moment, then pulled the map out to take a look at it.

"Let's see here... if'n I was gonna set down stakes for a homestead, where'd I go... maybe we find some folk there can take care these horses for us without losin' the whole dadgum day."

---

OOC:
Don't suppose I know of a hamlet closer than town we could drop these (expensive, loaner) horses off to? Or a likely-looking spot on the provided map?

"I agree that we can't take the horses there." Malcolm dismounted and got his gear. "But we still have the pack animal and the gear there. What do we do with that?"

"Horses can go anywhere we can, except maybe up a tree, as long as we're not riding them."

"If a Gator gets after one of them we'll kill it, the horse will kill it, or we'll be down one horse and that well fed gator will leave us the hell alone."

"We've got to keep moving."

And he did.

The trail was easily followed until the rain began to fall. The dense rain forest with its multiple layers of tree canopies and the intensifying storm made it increasingly difficult to follow the trail. There was the occasional close call with an alligator or displacer beast, but the night was coming on and the weather was turning more foul as the sun sank.

After a time they wondered upon a hunting cabin. It was simple affair; four walls of very crude planks, a hide cover for a door, two odd shaped openings for windows, and a leaky roof of similar crude planks. It was large enough for them all with their horses with room to spare but held only two things of note; several corpses of Orcs and Men in chain shirts and bandages sitting in drying pools of their own blood and shelves holding traps, bags, ropes, firewood, and other such things that hunter's would use while working from the cabin.

Yprish peered into the cabin seeing the carnage and let out an extended, "Well, sheeeeeeit. Let's hope it ain't catchin."

He'd left his horse at the hitching post outside while they took a look on the inside, and threw the gear he'd taken off the saddle on the floor inside the door, pausing only to light a torch.

In the glimmering firelight and the dimming light of the overcast sky, Yprish examined the dead bodies: how they'd died, how long they've been dead, and for any peculiar signs that would help them know who'd slain them.

---

OOC:
22:59, Today: Yprish rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Medicine - corpses.

The corpses where recent, dead in the last day, likely in the last half day. Their wounds made him think that the warriors had been killed while in the pursuit of the Drow, not injured assaulting the camp. They wouldn't have been able to keep up. The bandages were tailored, not simple makeshift strips of cloth, but folded and stitched rags designed to hold ointments and herbs to treat injuries. Town bought, no less, so these people were more than mere raiders or bandits.

Vogryn scans over the scene, taking in the numbers of fallen.  Then searches among them for any weapons.

In reply to Vogryn (msg # 151):

"What did you find?" Malcolm looked around from his current position. "Let me know if anyone needs anything. I'm here to help."

"T'weren't no random meetin in the woods fer this here drow princess. These fellas look like pros. Standard issue sorta stuff, know what I mean?"

Standing up Yprish looked around the cabin. "They used this place as a hospital fer the ones what couldn't keep going. Strange they all died... If you weren't worried 'bout poison afore, then reckon you could start now..."

"I'm more inclined to think the men were here wounded and the orcs came in and killed them. Taking some casualties in the process."

"It's all conjecture though. All we know is they're dead...and we need to set a good watch so we don't join them."

"Are we staying here to continuing?" Malcolm asked, "I think that we can keep moving. The day is still young."

"Well, maybe they had it comin," Yprish concludes in response to Samuel. "Still, this weren't no bunch of bandits..."

He stood up to take a look out the window. "I ain't gonna sneeze at a roof over my head durin' a blow. How long you reckon it'll be afore the skies open up?"

---

OOC:
16:38, Today: Yprish rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Survival - weather forecast.

16:40, Today: Yprish rolled 20 using 1d20+1.  Perception.

Yrpish looked out the door, surprised at the lack of visibility. The storm would blow on for some time, likely all night long. He was about to turn back into the shack when he noticed the sound of stomping feet nearing from the south side of the old place. From the marsh itself. It was the sound plodding, the plodding of many feet.

Malcolm hunched down when he heard the sloshing of feet. "Hush." He waved his hand in a downward motion. He pointed to where he heard the sound. "Someone is outside. More than a few."

Yprish stifled a curse, then said, "Shoot... they's gonna mark us for havin' killed these fellas! Might be better goin out in the open." He shrugged. "Make it easier to run..."

"Calm down. A friend once told me that running in a swamp during a storm is foolish."

"I'll go see who it is. If they try to murder me we'll fight them and if they don't I'll invite them to share this shelter until the storm is over."


He walked to the door and made to look outside, being sure to give everyone time to get ready in case there was a fight.

16:38, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 9 using 2d20+4, dropping the highest dice only.  Wis(Insight).

16:38, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 13 using 1d20+6.  Wis(Perception).

Brother Samuel walked out onto the porch. The storm's ferocity soaked him with windswept rains despite the roof. He could just make out the sound of slogging foot steps. Stepping closer to face into the storm's bite, he could just make out the shape of eight, ten, maybe a dozen figures shuffling through the storm. They were headed towards the cabin in a loose cluster, fighting the storm's fury, but he was unable to make out any real characteristics of these people.

Malcolm watched Brother Samuel from the doorway. He hushed the others so that he could hear the exchange.

The words Brother Samuel spoke seemed almost lost to the winds. But, there was a reaction to them. Slowly, almost as if by some ill will, the footsteps subtly changed and began moving directly towards the war cleric. A moment later the first of the figures could be seen with some clarity. They were partially skeletal, long dead warriors. Human, Elf, Dwarf, others as well.

And they were now moving directly towards the cabin. They were armed, some of them, with old weapons. A several wore rotting armor. None possessed even a glimpse of hesitation. Nor a bit of fear.

"Aw, hells naw..." said the halforc. "I don't care for rain, but damned if I like that sight any better!"

He looked around the cabin to see how well it could be boarded up in a hurry, if it came to that.

The cabin was crude, solid, but crude. It lacked doors and shutters. But there were shelves and a few chairs with a single table. It occurred to Yrpish there was little in the way of barricading materials.

Malcolm stepped away from the door. Brother Samuel was still outside. "Get to cover. You'll get torn apart!" He hastily cast a spell on himself, [Language unknown: Her Secefi]

---

Cast Mage Armor AC: 15

"Shit... shit..." Yprish started repeating in a low undertone. "Surrounded out there or in here?"

When he looked down at the corpses of the fallen soldiers he had a horrible feeling... "An what if these here decide to join in on all the fun? This no place to be, yer lordyship."

He stepped outside next to Samuel. "We gotta skedaddle, rain or no rain!"

The leading undead shuffled closer, there skeletal forms partially clad in ruined armor and adorned with poorly aged weapons. Acting with casual violence, the leading skeletal warriors began to hurl old spears at those at the door of the cabin. Several hit the structure and fell to pieces, a pair stuck in the wall deep enough to have killed. And a third went sailing through the doorway past everyone to sail out of a nearby window into the storm again.

"The Restless Dead are my responsibility. I won't fault you if you fall back friend but for my part I WILL FIGHT!"

With that declaration he sent his hammer whirling into the undead attackers!


15:01, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  To Hit w/ Warhammer.
15:02, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 7,3 using 1d8+4,1d4 with rolls of 3,3.
Likely a hit for 10 dmg.

15:03, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 21 using 1d20+6 with rolls of 15.  To Hit w/ Warhammer (War Priest).
15:02, Today: Brother Samuel rolled 7,1 using 1d8+4,1d4 with rolls of 3,1.  Dmg w/ Warhammer (War Priest).
Also likely a hit for 8 dmg.

Bearing the storm, Brother Samuel strode into the enemy delivering powerful blow into the skull a skeletal warrior as it ascended the step-up onto the cabin's porch. With a battle cry and short advance the cleric swung his weapon and short, flat arc striking the nest skeletal warrior to approach the porch in the side of its neck sending vertebrata tumbling.

Vogryn comes charging from the shelter, hearing the call of restless dead.  U slinging his great hammer, and swinging it at the nearest walking corpse.  Unfortunately some tree branches catch it and throw off his aim, causing it to sail harmlessly past the undead.  He brings it around again, ready to continue this fight, positioned to guard the door.