Friends from the academy or perhaps similar apprenticeships, whatever the case, most of you have become acquainted on the road and felt strength in numbers would be a wise course of action.

Whatever the reason may be, you've all determined to answer a plea for assistance.

Attention:

Seeking to reward any who can locate a lost item and return it to my possession. Please seek out Treona for further details.
 - Location of Treona and her Tower is given.

The call to a higher purpose, perhaps glory, or fame. A method to gain a reputation for further adventures. Whatever stirs your blood, and motivates your path forward, you are going. Every journey begins with a single step, and this one is yours!


You have spent a few days on the road with like-minded individuals who share some of your ideals perhaps.

OOC: Here is your excuse to introduce your character to those who travel with you and perhaps strike up some role-playing interactions.

Movkon was fairly chatty, happy to speak to any who wanted to talk. It was clear from his mannerisms, dress and how he walked that he was more used to living in the city than the wilderness: he had never quite been able to get rid of that dockside accent he'd had as a kid.

Swift's own profession was pretty clear: he was carrying a pike and wore reinforced leather armors commonly preferred by poorer (or at least more lightly armored) fighters, and had the slim build and graceful stride of a skirmisher.

He noted some of the travellers, wondering where each of them were from, if there were any kindred spirits who had lost their home back when the goblins took over. A little payback would be nice, and he might recover something his family had left behind while he was there.

He tried not to frown around Jess. The idea of travelling with an 11-year-old disturbed him a bit. As one of many refugees, he knew just how quickly violence could end the life of the unprepared, and it was difficult to believe that an 11-year-old was prepared for the onslaught of combat. Mokvon knew he wasn't when he was that young.

Kaleas had by no means lost his homeland. He was simply far from it.

And that, or so he claimed, was by design. However long the journey, he had been tasked to Help the people of the Nentir Vale, in ways great and small. The notice put up in town had been the first thing to catch his eye, so here he was.

He looked a little more like a warrior than Mokvon, or at least like a better-outfitted one, wearing a suit of scale armor (tailored to his frame) and bearing an arming sword and light shield (currently stowed), but he made no secret of the fact that those things were secondary to his talent for runeweaving.

As for his background? He was also a city-dweller, though by no means unfamiliar with the rigors of travel, especially after that long journey to the Vale; if there was any tell-tale sign of prior social status in his accent, it was lost amidst the general foreignness of it, and perhaps a touch also amidst the forming of words from within a muzzle - though thankfully it was a clear baritone that came forth when they did, not some half-comprehensible growl.

At first glance Jessica looked like a normal, bright, freckled faced cute little 11 year old girl with long, wavy, golden blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She could easily be mistaken for a royal princess save for her tomboyish attire consisting of a blue shirt, brown pants, a hooded green cloak that partially concealed a backpack and a pair of well worn black boots.

But upon closer examination there are things that make her stand out. Especially when she is travelling. For one thing she does not tire easily as party travels to Lady Treona's Tower. And she seems sure of herself and very alert. She does not have a belt pouch because she keeps it deep in her backpack and she seems to have the look and feel of a seasoned traveller. This is more evident by the fact that she never strays too far from the party and always seems to maneuver herself in such a way that she is close to the center of the party as possible.

If one would have seen her a month ago you would not have thought her to be the same child. Gaunt, rail thin and with an empty look in her eyes when she first arrived in Lady Treona's Tower, she was once more full of life, energetic and fully recovered. The trip back to her former hometown invigorated her and set her on a path to recovery after her traumatic experiences in Gorizbadd. She still had nightmares though and was not sure she wanted to return to the ruined city to retrieve the stone.

Go on say it Mokvon. You don't think I should help retrieve the stone., she said, rolling her eyes in a friendly nonmocking way as if she was 'been there, done that'.

A brazier burned wood that was either too wet or too green to combust cleanly, creating smoke that seemed reluctant to ascend skyward, instead billowing around and generally making miserable the tall fellow standing near it. Holding hands out to gather a bit of warmth, the figure looked to be rather rangy and under-fed. Ragged-looking furs covered similarly dubious hide armor. A quiver of long arrows and a worn bow were slung over his shoulder. His footwear were also of hide, hair on, tall forest boots that looked to be in need of repair. His black hair was wild and needed a good trimming. His golden eyes were those of a predator.

The chill from the previous day had yet to leave him. An accident by the river had caused him to nearly drown, but worse yet, the furs he'd been collecting had washed downstream and over the falls. He'd lost a month's worth of work in a few short, dangerous moments. It was a loss he could not afford.

He'd seen the advertisement and thought perhaps that such a chore would net him enough coin to cover his losses. He hadn't counted on so many people responding to the call. He watched as they approached, too tired and cold to be on edge, but wary nonetheless.

They were a strange group, but one caught his attention more than the others... A shiver climbed his spine like a mountaineer ascending a frozen waterfall.

He stepped back from the brazier a half-step and indicated there was room if they wished to join. It was the most friendly thing he'd done in months.

Mokvon shrugged at the girl.

"On the contrary. I would be happy for your help retrieving the stone...
in about five years when you were grown.

Of course, no one asked my opinion till now.

If it's any consolation, I wouldn't have taken myself at your age either."

He made his way over to the man who had the look of someone used to the wilderness and warmed his hands a bit. You didn't want your hands numbed when wielding a pike.

It was good to travel with at least a few woodsy people. He wasn't totally helpless out here, but he'd spent most of his life learning a different set of survival skills.

"Good to have someone who's prepared for the wild.

He had absolutely no idea what to say to the armored wolf-man, but gave a polite nod indicating his presence. He was no diplomat, but you'd best be polite when you were a professional.

Kaleas inclined his head slightly as he regarded the wild-looking huntsman. The fellow's reaction was laced with ill-concealed... tension? excitement? fear? A little of each, it seemed, but the why of it was unclear. That it seemed to be focused on him even more so. There was little time to dwell on the question, however, as another matter came under debate.

"What stone are we retrieving, and where are we retrieving it from?" The conversation between the pikeman and the child had just revealed something of the nature of the item that Treona wished retrieved - the notice hadn't been specific on that point - but ordinary rock-hunting would hardly call for such capabilities as had been gathered. Kaleas looked at Mokvon and Jessica alike, but his eyes finally settled on the latter, about whom a third point had just been openly raised. "And, leaving aside whether you should, why do you want to do this?"

His helmet may have slightly shrouded his expression, but both it and his tone were even, not condescending. A child, even a magically-gifted child, seemed like an odd choice to send into danger, but perhaps Treona subscribed to the trial-by-fire philosophy of wizardly apprenticeship?
This message was last edited by the player at 09:39, Sun 09 Jan 2022.

Zur stepped forward to light a taper from the brazier and then applied that to his pipe, stoking the tobacco within.

"All for Treona, to decide, eh?" inclining his red-haired head, now sans helmet, toward the girl.  "Manyatimes, people aren't what they seem, and ofttimes have qualities that are unknown - soometimes even to them.  I wager this little one has lots we don't know yet.  Besides - I could practically fit her in me shield - and still wield it!" He guffaws some. "My story is similar.  I didn't have much direction before.  I was supposed to be a priest but never really grabbed me.  By brother wasn't, but it did.  Then his temple got raided.  He's missing.  Should it have been me?  Hard to know.  It was in the looking for him that I picked up my first real skills in fightin'.  I've a lot to learn, but my knack for it's surprising to me sometimes, and that's the truth."  He takes another pensive puff.  "I like helping people, in me own way."

"The soup is ready," Vetur states after tasting from the large pot he has set up on some warm coals. He ladles the contents into a wooden bowl and sticks a chuck of hard bread into it before passing it to Jessica. Vetur's soup is always a little bitter from the herbs he uses.

"It is fine, child. Better you start as early as you are useful."

Scooping another bowl and piece of bread he moves towards Mokvon at the brazier, his mere presence causing the fire's warmth to lessen for those closest to him.

"It is unseemly to get into it with a child in front of so many people0," he suggests, pushing the bowl into Mokvon's hand before retreating to see to his own bowl.

Kaleas's shoulders rippled in a shrug at Zuranduil and Vetur's dissuasions. He certainly had no intent of pressing on any of those points (or "getting into it", as the latter had put it).

He'd just finished setting up the last of the tents before the questions had broken out. They weren't all of standard make; some of them would be sharing the larger ones while others would get a small one unto themselves. The only question that remained was who would be waking when.

"I'll take the first watch?" It was as much an offer as a statement, but given his heavier kit, it was more prudent (or at least much less trouble) to be first or last, just in case. The same applied to another member of their company, though. "Unless you'd rather have it and I take the last, Zur?"

There wouldn't be a need for seven watches, of course, so the downside to this arrangement for the rest of them - that those who were woken would have interrupted sleep - was set against the blessed benefit of getting a full night's worth some of the time!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:51, Sun 09 Jan 2022.

"I will let Lady Treona explain the details. But if you must know the place we will be hired to search in is the former city of Kiris Dahn now known as Gorizbadd.", Jessica said, "We will be searching for the Slaying Stone."

She is again closemouthed about her intentions or reasons but there is a hint of sadness in her face when she mentions the city.

Having travelled on the road through 6 years of her short life, she is not picky with her choice of food and actually eagerly slurps up the soup in no time.

"I will join you Kaleas for first watch."

Mokvon smiled in what he hoped was a friendly manner as he accepted a bowl of soup. He was surprised by the bitterness, but the fact that it was hot soup was the primary concern at the moment.

"No row here. I just answered the question she asked, honestly.

When I want to row with someone, trust me, it'll be unseemly.

Second watch, unless someone has an issue."

"Alright," Kaleas nodded toward Jessica, accepting her offer to join in the watch. "You can tell me all about Gorizbadd then, perhaps? I'm recent to the Vale." There was a touch of apology there. The Slaying Stone sounded dire enough not to need any further explanation for now, but city names and histories weren't his strong point, especially this far from home.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Sun 09 Jan 2022.

Vetur sits down next to the soup pot and makes his own bowl.

"I stand corrected. Let us not have too many questions or answers in the future, then."

He paid the discussion of watches no mind. Explaining the ins and outs of eladrin physiology was of little interest to him. He would be here, sitting all night, whatever the watch order was.

"Early riser, I am" he nods, agreeing with himself.  "But Iike a little music, before sleep.  If it safe enough for stew, safe enough for a little clarint, yes?"

Barring any objections, he'll get it outa play some, low and slow, more pensive than sad, but certainly not a reel.

Kaleas collected a bowl of soup and piece of bread for himself before settling down on a patch of grass, relaxing as he ate and listened to Zur's music. First watch would come soon enough, and it was best to be as rested as possible before then.

Vetur's preference for bitter flavors struck him as curious. It wasn't bad, just unusual in Kaleas's experience. A local custom? Personal preference? What Vetur happened to have on hand? He'd have to inquire into local seasoning and cooking customs, if only to be better prepared when his turn came to prepare the meal.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:17, Mon 10 Jan 2022.

Ever since the mention of the mission, Jessica's mood seemed to go on a downward spiral. In truth she did not want to mention anything else about the mission since it brought back bad memories and grief. So she sat by the fire and ate. She will remain silent and brooding for the first shift and then get some sleep.

Being the newest addition to the group of travellers, Ehryk had kept mostly to himself. He could not help himself from staring at Kaleas, and got caught on several occasions. Uncomfortably, he took his bowl of soup and took a spot away from the warmth of the brazier to eat it.

He broke his gaze away from the wolf-man and looked at the child instead. He himself had been introduced to the cruel world at a young age, but he had been much better equipped to handle himself... this thought caused him to look once more at Kaleas.

He nearly burnt his mouth after the first sip of soup, sucking it down hungrily. The warmth chased the river's chill from his bones and silenced the rumblings of his too-oft-empty stomach. He used his finger to wipe any remaining drops and licked it clean.

"I'll take the middle watch," he said quietly.

He then listened to the melody of the dwarf=music as he curled up in his fur cloak.

Merric had walked along with the others and thought about speaking a few times but didn't exactly know what to say. He is a short lad standing just under four feet, and from a distance could easily be mistaken for a child. He wears leather armor and has a shortsword and a dagger sheathed to his side.

He sat around the fire for warmth and ate his bowl of soup. As the man dressed in wolf pelt spoke about taking watch, Merric looked up to him and said, "Oh... taking watches is good. I'll take the last watch as I tend to be an early riser anyway. Oh goodness me, where are my manners? My name is Merric Lightfoot but some just call me Merri... and you are?"

Mokvon didn't treat Merric any differently than the others in the party. He'd met enough halflings living in cities. He offered a handshake.


"Mokvon the Swift: have pike, will travel."

He debated mentioning the fact he'd been born in the city. On one hand, he might be able to help. On the other, it had been occupied by goblins for years, and who knows what condition the streets and buildings were in.

"Kaleas Eldran." It was the first time that he'd offered up a last name, and it would do for now. A lengthy discussion of sociological differences on his account probably wasn't what everyone wanted right before bed.

Then, playing directly (if unintentionally) right into Mokvon's thoughts, he glanced toward the suddenly-morose child mage before looking back to the rest, and added, "What's the significance of Gorizbadd? Something about it is clearly troubling Jessica, and I apologize for stirring up whatever bad memories it holds, but I really don't know anything about it, and apparently we're going to search there."

The fur-wrapped man moved a bit, laying on his side on the hard earth. Glanced over his shoulder at the halfling and said, "Ehryk." After a few more efforts to get into a comfortable position, he ended up on his back.

From beneath a flap of fur he asked, "What are you doing here Merri?" Perhaps a bit blunt or even rude, but if he couldn't fall asleep he might as well humor the little fellow.

He was also listening closely to the conversation about Gorizbadd. "An abandoned town is it not? West I think?" Having hunted the breadth of the Vale for years, he was familiar with names and places, even though he'd never been to many of them himself. There were many places one did not treat alone...

Jessica is not really offended at all. She simply avoids the conversation because it brings back painful memories.

"Well I am Jessica Darkwood and I am a wizard. My dad taught me.", she then adds mostly in a defensive and quick manner, "He died a about a month ago when me and him were prisoners in Gorizbadd."

There is a tinge of grief in her voice as she tried to deflect and hold back her emotions about her recent past.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Vetur reaches a long limb over and lightly pats Jessica on the back. Whether it is meant to be a sign of sympathy or merely a soothing motion is hard to say.

Then he answers the halfling, "Feywarden-Errant Amastacia."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

Kaleas's initial look of surprise and concern quickly shifted to one of sympathy as he looked directly back at Jessica, and his tone was similarly gentle. "Again, I'm sorry."

Abandoned and taken to by bandits or worse, quite possibly in possession of something called The Slaying Stone. A bad place to be held captive, and Jessica had the scars to prove it.

A firmness crept into his next words. "I will support you in confronting your ghosts, whatever else we do."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:49, Tue 11 Jan 2022.

Mokvon visibly frowned. He'd lost his own parents when the city had fallen, years ago. But it seemed impolite to mention that in the face of the child's fresh pain. He hoped she did not join her father here.

"Not so abandoned then..." Ehryk said from his repose beneath the furs.

After a moment he added, "Your sorrows are known to me young one. Now I understand..."

He would not question her place in the party again.

Zur stops playing for a bit.  "A lot of loss here." He murmurs, as much to himself as those around, in acknowledgement of the conversation.  "Only time will heal."  He goes back to playing a bit longer before he gets under his heavy plaid blanket and tries to get some sleep before the last watch...

Kaleas split his time on watch between slow-strolling the periphery of the campsite and sitting near the fire and tending to both his gear and whatever stray pieces others had left nearby, respecting Jessica's disinclination to speak further during the watch even though he felt that she would do better to focus on something other than her grief. Vetur betrayed no such turmoil, but his recuperative practices didn't invite much conversation either.

Mokvon needed no special handling when the time came to rouse the next pair for second watch and was the first to be roused, but Kaleas made a point of standing well back when he called Ehryk's name, just in case.

Once things were duly in order, he doffed his sword, shield, and armor, setting them carefully next to the entrance to his tent, and retired for the night.

Jessica is ever watchful and alert. She had already set up her tent up so once the time came she woke up the next shift and also went to bed. Before entering her tent she says, "Good night Kaleas and thanks. All I can say for now is that what we need to get from that city is far too dangerous and lethal to fall into the wrong hands."

Ehryk jerked awake and sat up. He seemed to be a bit bewildered as to where he was. Finally, he ran his hand through his wild hair and got to his feet. "My turn. I... I guess I'm not used to sleeping with anyone besides Keeta keeping watch." He stared a few more moments at the wolf-man as he prepared to bed down, looking almost as if he wanted to ask something of Kaleas. Finally, he turned away and crossed the campsite to where he'd have a better vantage for his portion of the watch.

A mongrel dog that could have been any of a number of breeds crawled out from beneath the furs where Ehryk had been sleeping, padded over and sat down at his master's feet. Ehryk reached down and scratched behind a half-missing ear.

Then he heard the girl arise.

"Go ahead and sleep young one, Keeta and I can manage." He said to her quietly.

Maybe it was something a noise - or a feeling - that pierced his subconscious, or maybe a dream of an evil wizard cracking the walls of his brothers's temple with waves of sound, but Zuranduil woke with a start, grabbing his axe and half-kipping to a fighting stance "What was that?" He growlingly whispered, and still partially in dreamland "Something live? Or was it Memorex?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:33, Thu 13 Jan 2022.

Silent and stiff as ice, Vetur sits throughout the night. He breaths in deep, repetitive exercises, channeling some inner force as he exhales visible breath. Though focused inward, his eyes track movement as the other camp members move about.

Perception roll: [roll=1642101281.76138.364032]

Vetur, the fine hairs of the neck raised in a primal concern. This brought your eyes to focus on the periphery of the camp. Downwind and at the edge of camp, a rather large shadow caught the attention. Perhaps a glimmer of an eye at waist height. Then it was gone.

Other than the nocturnal mutterings of the dwarf the camp remained quiet. A light mist was beginning to envelop the camp. The moisture would enhance the cold and the rare warmth of the fire would be sought by those who prefer remaining warm.

At present, the mist will likely form a thick fog by early morning.

Taking a final, deep breath to complete the cycle, Vetur breaks his trance. He makes a subtle motion beckoning Mokvon and slowly reaches for his weapon, while his ears strain.

"Too big for goblin. Beast, I think. Scouting us." he speaks softly, not quite a whisper. "Warn the others. Quick and quiet."

Kaleas quickly emerged from his tent once he was alerted to the danger, picking up his sword belt and shield as he stood to survey the situation. If an attack was imminent, or already underway, then he'd just have to make do and join in the defense as he was.

If there was time, though, he'd suit up first. He was well-practiced at fighting in light armor, and could do so nearly as well as in heavy. Still, naught but a sturdy pair of trousers - all that he had on - was a little too light for his liking.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Fri 14 Jan 2022.

Once others were rousing him, he was up quickly, used to sleeping in areas where you couldn't be quite sure if someone was going to slit your throat. It was good to travel in a reasonably sized group for once.

Still, he was a little stiff from the cold.

He started to put on his light armor. It shouldn't take long. If they came before that, at least he was good at avoiding being hit.

Jessica is also able to react quickly after being roused. Years of travelling with her father, while she was no ranger, enabled to handle forest and travelling conditions with more calm and alertness than most children her age. She immediately has her wand out and looks around.

14:49, Today: Jessica rolled 22 using 1d20+6 ((16)).

Ensconced once more in his armor, Kaleas crossed the campsite to stand near Vetur and followed his gaze out into the darkness looming beyond their camp light.

"Nothing?" he surmised. Nothing had attacked them, at least, and there was no sign of anything still lurking. "I'm not a tracker, but if we've one who'll take a look, I'm willing to to watch their back out there."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Sun 16 Jan 2022.

Kaleas saw nothing. The night is silent except for the creaks and sounds of people donning equipment. The mist is light. Will any tracker venture to where Vetur indicated he saw something?

"So.... what's the alarm, other than this damnable fog?"

Mokvon didn't take too long to get his reinforced leather armour on: it was (functionally) hide armour... it just looked a little more produced looking than your typical bear hide outfit.

He kept an eye out not only for attackers, but any party member that got too far frmo the main camp. He kept an eye on Jess, who was clearly doing something with that wand, to make sure she wasn't attacked, though he was certain to stay well back from her and not get in the way of... whatever magic she was working.

Since she is no ranger by any means and since she just woke up she naturally has no idea what is going on. Assuming that noone is playing a joke on her she stays alert and ready.

"What did you see or hear?"

Ehryk sat up sharply and strained to see and hear or smell anything amiss. Beside him, Keeta, his hunting dog, was alert and doing the same. Ehryk gathered himself together quickly and spoke to the dwarf about what he'd seen.

With a gesture and a clicking of his tongue, Ehryk guided Keeta to the spot and began to search for spore of whatever had spooked Vetur.


Ehryk rolled 24 using 1d20+14 ((10)).  Perception, tracking bonus +4 from Keeta, (Animal Master Power)

True to his word, Kaleas followed along behind Ehryk, sword drawn but held at ease at his side, and maintaining enough distance that he wouldn't interfere with the huntsman's work or disturb the ground under study. As there seemed to be no benefit in keeping their position hidden, his shield hand also clutched a lit sunrod, giving Ehryk plenty of light to see by - and coincidentally making it much more difficult for anything still lurking out there to get the drop on them.

20 squares of illumination around their position, effectively 40 for anyone with Low Light Vision.

Ehryk  - The dog picked up the scent of a wolf. It has left the area. Perhaps scouting the area. You aren't certain whether they'll return or not...

Ehryk returned to the group after a few minutes of scouting. "A wolf," he said, patting Keeta for his good work. "I doubt we'll have trouble, it was probably just... curious." He could not help but glance at Kaleas as he said this. That the wolf-man had eagerly offered his support was not lost on Ehryk, adding to the awkwardness of the situation.

"Well then... we're all up, shall we eat something quickly and get an early start?" His posture was that of one unaccustomed to dealing with a group and eager to be about his business. He began to gather his bedroll and pack.

Kaleas retired his sword as Ehryk's concluded his investigation and they headed back to the camp. If there'd been a threat, it had fled well beyond the light's range. The revelation that they'd roused themselves to chase off a single curious beast was slightly vexing, even if the local tales held them to be far more aggressive in these parts. He also couldn't fail to notice the not-so-subtle look that accompanied the pause was also slightly vexing; best to close the matter with this group now before anyone's imagination ran wild.

"I don't have any special kinship, if that's your thought," he replied, glancing right back at Ehryk. His words carried a hint of something just shy of the faintest of smiles. Yes, it could be wearying to have to repeat the disclaimer time and again, but it was also somewhat amusing. The sometimes-presumption that he and his must surely ascribe symbolic significance to such beasts, keep them on every corner, and festoon their homeland with artwork and literature honoring them; all of that was as sensible as if he'd come marching into the human-dominated Vale expecting to find them doing the same but with monkeys, or that should he visit Vetur's homeland, it would be redcaps or somesuch similar in that place. "Nor, as far as I know, do they with me."


The suggestion of packing up and moving on caused him to close his eyes and take a deep breath that ended in a light sigh. "Most of us have had only half a night's worth of sleep, and two of us barely any, but if that's the consensus, I'll make do." At least the sunrod wouldn't go to waste that way; it would light their path most of the way until morning.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Sun 16 Jan 2022.

Frowning, a common expression for Vetur, he settled back down. "Best to go back to resting." He picks up his canteen to take a drink.

After a pause, he thought of something that made him frown more deeply, "Wolves are dangerous. They may try to harry you in your sleep. Watch out for any dream horses they may drive your way."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:17, Sun 16 Jan 2022.

Mokvon was a little surprised at being woken up, but he certainly didn't look mad. He felt the need to speak given the false alarm.

"Oh well. Better waking us for nothing than one of us getting eaten in our sleep."

He'd been more worried about the two-legged variety of predators in the city, but the principle still remained the same.

Jessica is sort of relieved being a child and all and is willing to go with what the party wants. In truth though she always felt that a good nights rest was always the best option. And travelling through this fog was a bad idea. They would be more prone to and less ready for ambush.

"I think it might be better to have a full nights sleep and be fully rested and aware by the morning. Besides maybe by then this fog will clear up. If we travel we might be prone to ambushes whilst at least if we stay here if we are attacked anyways we might be in a better position to defend ourselves and make precautions to ensure that."

19:14, Today: Jessica rolled 22 using 1d20+6.  Nature Check(Knowledge on Wolves).

Jessica: Wolves are pack hunters. A lone wolf could be scouting for food, or be curious of the creatures, or if hungry sizing up your 'herd'.

"Once you've been in enough fight, bairn, you'll know there's nae visitin dreamland; least fer some.  My ire is up, damnable wizards or no.  Beggin your exception, a course."  He looks about and then down.  "Tell me I'm wearin at least a loincloth?"  He twists slightly.  "Ah, I am.  Ok, well, if that's the worst then, good people, alls well.  I'll um suit up a bit then eh?"

Zur gets kinda ⅓ suited - the padded layer, not the chain or plates - at least for breakfast.

Jessica just shrugs. She is only following her more cautious instincts, experienced or no. If anything her guard would never let up.

"We might want to consider keeping alert for more wolves just in case. They are pack hunters and while that wolf might have went astray, if it were very hungry, and wolves hunt in packs as I said, it might bring more of his pack soon. Maybe we should continue on for a bit and find a safer spot to continue to full rest."

*Assuming the crew doesn't pack up camp, walk a few miles, and then set back up*

Another wolf prowls nearby for the last watch pre-dawn, but as before left. When you get the camp all packed up the heavy fog persists and puts everyone in a somber mood. Travel is quiet as is natural when you are bundled up to stay as dry and warm as traveling through the chill mist of the fog...

Perhaps a few hours have passed when suddenly the howls of the wolves begin to emanate around the group. Though making landmarks is difficult, Jessica is confident they are close to the tower.

Anyone with knowledge of wolves would get the sense this pack is desperate and likely to attack.

*Map will be in a separate thread. Getting tokens for you as we speak...

Ehyrk's stare turned into a glare and he turned his attention toward gathering his gear and weapons. Suddenly he stopped, frozen, and then turned to his new companion.

"How long has it been? Since you turned completely I mean. How long have you been..." He didn't know how to finish his question. In the early light of dawn, there could be noticed a very haunted look on the archer's face. There was something very important being asked, and the asking had taken a great effort.


OOC: Sorry for the delay in this rather important RP, I'm not quite able to keep up with daily posting. Perhaps we continue, but just treat it as flashbacks to the conversation as we fight the wolves?

~~~

Ehryk sniffed the air and placed a hand on Keeta who had reacted to the howl by perking his ears and growling in low tones. He quickly looked around for a defensive position. "How far to the tower?" he hissed.

Kaleas had been about to head back to his tent when Ehryk began speaking again, prompting Kaleas to come about slowly to face him with a faintly puzzled look. How long had it been since he what?

Then he remembered where he was, who he was among, and something of how things were here. Also, the briefing-talk that mentioned a connection between the Vale and the Fey-realm of Brokenstone. Ehryk's tone and expression told him the rest.

Confusion swiftly turned to comprehension. Oh.

With deliberate care, Kaleas slowly raised his arms halfway out and to his sides while turning his head a little to the right so that he was regarding Ehryk slightly sidelong, a nonthreatening pose that nevertheless put his wolfen form (scale clad, of course) fully on display.

"I'm not sure whether you'll be disappointed or relieved to hear this," he said softly, "But I'm not a werewolf, or any other sort of shapeshifter. Me and mine come from lands far to the west of what was Nerath. We're the populous race there, just as humans are here." He would have said more, but the moment seemed too delicate. Ehryk needed a chance to take it all in.




Kaleas looked sharply from one side to the other as he began to ready his shield and sword in response to the sudden eruption of famished howling all about.

"That's not curiosity," he stated flatly.

At least it was just the beasts. They'd have had a lot more to worry about if there'd been goblin-calls too.



This message was last edited by the player at 07:58, Wed 19 Jan 2022.

Zur looks around - and lets his pack slide to the ground, looking at the mistwall, and glad that some time had passed from first scouting to now.

"This seemsabe un-natural." he cracks his neck to one side, then the other, and hefts his shield properly, bringing his axe to hand. "They'll come from all around us; fragile types behind me, I'm ready."

He calls out to the mist "Come on then, mangy dogs!"

Vetur gives Mokvon a hand sign to follow up.

"Zur, take the Grey, I'll form up on the other one. Better we do the charging than them."

"No, defensive line. Repel them, then we press," Kaleas called. While he'd be the first to admit his limitations, he'd had some training in squad tactics.  Spreading out would leave them vulnerable to getting swarmed, while a line of waiting weapons was a formidable obstacle to beasts that had no choice but to close to strike.

Sticking together gave them another advantage. Bracing for the wolves' rush, he held out his blade in front of him, point upward, and tapped the air before him with it. There was nothing of substance to strike, of course, but that wasn't the point. An elaborate sigil flared, first translucent, then with radiant power, before fading out in the very spot that his blade had swished. Let the wolves break their fangs against that.


Move: None.
Minor: Rune of Mending on self. No surge spent. Kaleas and all allies within Burst 5 (that's everyone!) gain a +1 power bonus to all defenses until Kaleas's EONT.
Kaleas enters the Runestate of Protection: While adjacent to Kaleas, allies have Resist All 2.
Std: Ready Divine Rune of Thunder with Rune of Protection, to target the first enemy that comes within range. (+8 vs AC; 1d8+4 thunder damage; target is pushed 3 and dazed until Kaleas's EONT.)



Mokvon, Jessica, Merric, Ehryk, Zur, and Vetur are up!
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Thu 20 Jan 2022.

In an odd cadence, Zur growls to the mists

'"Zur sets his shield
And bares his teeth;
Ready, waiting
Axe seeking wolf-flesh to sheath
Action in front
Missileers behind
Valor vanquish all b'tide!"

OCC: Zur holds his action, and if a wolf comes within striking, attack with Brute Strike and mark if not dead.  If two are within striking, Passing Strike.  If one comes close enough and stops to growl or otherwise posture, Sure Strike and throw something - hammer, throwing axe, javelin or even Merric.  ;)

OCC2: I probably did that wrong. Sry.

OCC3: maybe Zur will slide into Skald.  idk where that couplet came from...

Brute Strike is +7 vs AC; 3d10+4 & in a miss, it's still available
Passing Strike is +7 vs AC; 1d10+4 & 1d10+4 vs the second opponent
Sure Strike is +9 vs AC; 1d6+4
This message was last edited by the player at 19:21, Fri 21 Jan 2022.

Without much complaint, Vetur shuffles into place and begins chanting the soft, alien words of magic.

Move: Move to W31
Minor: None.
Std: Ready Frigid Blade for the first enemy that comes into melee. (+6 vs AC; 1d8+3 cold damage; If target starts next to Vetur next turn -3 Movement.)

Jessica knew enough about wolves to know that the situation was grave. But she had always been taught by her father to always be calm and never lose her cool. A calm mind was the first step in handling any situation, especially combat situations. So she has her wand out.

Jessica will cast Magic Missile on the nearest wolf that comes within sight for 7 points of damage.

With a smooth and practiced motion, Ehryk raised his bow and loosed an arrow toward the nearest approaching wolf. He watched it arc toward the beast as he shouted, "AWAY WITH YOU! WE'RE NO MEAL BROTHER!" To anyone taking the time to notice, his face wore a pained expression.

Knowing they were likely to get surrounded, he took a couple of steps back to increase the size of their circle and give the fighters room to maneuver.


Standard: Longbow attack Wolf 2_2
  Ehryk rolled 20 to hit for 11 damage!
Move: 15' east to T,35

Move: Move to U31
Minor: None.
Std: Ready Positioning Strike for the first enemy that comes into melee. (+8 vs AC; 3d6 + 4 damage; Slide the target 1 square up or down to trigger another readied attack from a different character.)

Mokvon moved over to a good defensive spot and readied his spear. Once the wolves were closer, he could show off his mobility.


(OOC: Move to U31, ready to attack anyone who walks in range)

ROUND 2
Wolf 2_2 charged to Merric (V30). Merric's readied action triggered and (21 vs AC, for 12 damage), drops the wolf. No shift.

Grey charged to Merric (V30). Triggered Vetur (17 vs. AC for 4 cold damage), I'm assuming Mokvon was readied, so triggered attack (19 vs. AC for 10 damage)


Grey 1 (24 of 38) attacks Merric (16 vs AC for 7 damage) - Merric has no Shield and should have the +1 AC bonus, so that results in a near miss.

Grey 2 charged Zur (R32) its attack will be (25 vs AC for 11 damage) but Zur is triggered for a brute strike (+7 vs AC; 3d10+4 - which results in 15 vs AC for 19 damage - The Grey Wolf dodged the strike!)

Rav2_1 charged Merric (U30) which triggers Kaleas (11 vs AC,11 damage - but this misses) the wolf likewise missed (11,9)

Archived: https://cdn.discordapp.com/att...082571/Battle-1b.png


This message was last edited by the GM at 04:44, Tue 25 Jan 2022.

Mokvon saw his opportunity, leaping back quickly from the wolf, which desperately charged forward... only to run directly into Mokvon's suddenly extended pike, stuck directly into the thing's eyesocket.

Death was instantaneous.

He gave a smirk, then danced around the entire melee, standing next to Zur.

"How's it going?" He asked Zur casually, keeping an eye out for another opening.


EDIT - Included Actions from OOC thread.

Swift: Mobile Blade Stance (Lets me move 5 after I hit someone)
Move: Shift to 32U
Standard: Basic attack on rav 1 with reach.
20:05, Today: Mokvon The Swift rolled 28 using 1d20+8.  Roll to hit Rav 1, Basic Attack.
This triggers the mobile blade, move to 28V by going diagonally down to Y30. No attack of 00 because I'm attacking from reach.
Action Point, Chrage to 29V to Attack Rav 1, (Triggers) Surprising Charge
Note: Use  "Power Strike" on the first attack that actually hits.
So that's 27 damage enough to one shot the thing, which kind of makes spending an action point irrelevant.
Instead, use my free five move from the stance to move to 31 S.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:24, Sat 22 Jan 2022.

They'd repelled the charge. Now it was time to press.

Kaleas dubbed the air in Zur's direction. As before, a rune - somehow both similar to and distinctly different from the first - flared momentarily into being, crowning Zur as it suffused the area with its power. Then he brought his blade about and struck the ground in front of him. Brilliance flared outward across the ground in thin, deceptively delicate-looking lines from the point of impact, and a comforting radiance rose all about.

In the ancient days, the gods created a mighty rune to protect their astral dominions against the primordials...

Comforting to the members of the company, at least. For the wolves caught therein, the divine luminescence was clearly anything but. He stepped forward into the gap left by Mokvon's maneuver and the sudden demise of one of their assailants. Two down, three to go.


Minor: Rune of Mending on Zur: Zur may spend a healing surge. Kaleas and All allies within burst 5 (all of us) gain a +2 power bonus to damage rolls until Kaleas's EONT.
Kaleas enters the Runestate of Destruction: Allies gain a +1 bonus to attacks against enemies adjacent to Kaleas.
Standard: Rune of the Undeniable Dawn: Close burst 3. Creates a zone. Kaleas and all allies within the zone gain a +2 power bonus to all defenses until Kaleas's EONT (sustainable). Kaleas hits Gray Wolf 1 and Gray Wolf 2 for 13 radiant damage.
Move: Walk southwest to U30. Granting +1 to attack against Gray Wolf 1.



This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Sat 22 Jan 2022.

Jessica was about to cast one spell but realized as one of the other ravenous wolves fell, that it was better to wait until the other ravenous wolf came closer. So she turned her attention to the gray wolf nearest to her and then again unleashed one of her 'silver missiles' on the beast.

Cast Magic Missile on Gray Wolf 1 for 7 points of damage.

Merric licks his lips, a little alarmed at all the wolves trying to eat him. He does his best to hold in place and look big as the beast in front of him snaps at him. "Cheeky, ain't they?"

Delay until Gray-01 dies to go catch Gray-02 from behind.

Delayed turn
Move: Walk to Q33
Standard: Sly Flourish vs Grey-02. Attack hits with or without CA. 18 damage with CA, 9 damage without.



This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Sat 22 Jan 2022.

The huntsman readied another arrow, trying to line up a shot. His new companions were moving around in the chaos of battle. Being overly cautious,  he ended up pulling his shot high.


Standard: Longbow attack GreyWolf1
  Ehryk rolled 7 to miss!
Move: 10' east to T,37

As the beast focuses on Merric an Kaleas, Vetur draws a series of sigils on his longsword. He darts to the side, his blade erupting with a white glow as he cuts into the beast, leaving a frozen trail which shows off the creature's internal organs.

Move: Shift 1 to W30
Standard: Frigid Blade vs Gray1. Hit for 9 cold damage.

Merric's delayed action goes off.


This message was last edited by the player at 18:15, Sat 22 Jan 2022.

"Och, but for a nip, alls well, Mok." Zur replies, keeping his shield high and slicing hard and low with the axe...

Standard: Sure Strike on Grey 2; +9 v AC, d10+4
Move: (do I need to move for an attack on Grey 2?)

13:38, Today: Zuranduil rolled 11 using 1d10+4.  If hit.
13:37, Today: Zuranduil rolled 18 using 1d20+9.  To hit. (I didn't put anything in for Combat Advantage...but I don't think I'll need it...)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Sat 22 Jan 2022.

Four down, one to go.

Kaleas turned toward the last wolf and bared his fangs in a deep-throated snarl, a deliberately theatrical gesture on his part that, along with the swift fall of the rest of its pack, was meant to convey a clear message to the beast: we are not a herd of prey.

If that was enough to scare it off, great, but he had no reservations about bringing it down if it persisted.


Not a turn, just thematic!

Based upon the results….

The wolves were no match for the herd, erm, party of adventurers. The final remaining wolf latched onto the body of a dead wolf and dragged it away to satiate its ravenous hunger in the brush and leave the party to continue onward to the tower that lay beyond the bridge.

OOC: we are out of combat. And shucks, Merric lived to tell of this harrowing tale…

Kaleas eased out of his fighting stance as the creature dragged one of its own off to eat. If it was really that desperate then perhaps a final blow would have been a mercy, considering its likely fate, but no matter.

"No one hurt?," he called over his shoulder between breaths, unwilling to turn his back on the thing, just in case. "Let's get to the tower before anything else decides to take advantage."

"Aye" agrees the dwarf.

"Tis but a flesh wound...and we were headin ta that tower anyway; I can't know why we'd change that now."

Zur shoulders his shield and pack, and with a glance back, sets to walking.

As they walk, Merric springs around like a child with too much sugar, asking anyone who will listen, "Did you see that? I gave it the real 'how's about that', didn't I?" whilst making a midair stabbing motion.

"Yep, you sure did. Hopefully all our foes will be so easy.. but I doubt it.

Looks like no one got TOO hurt this time."


Mokvon cleaned his spear and continued to walk, trying to keep a look out for more threats.

Jessica just rolls her eyes and just follows the others to the Tower. While on the outside she is calm and collected, on the inside she is a bit flustered. Yet she continues to put up a brave face and moves on, staying near and in the middle of party until they are safely in the Tower.

While Merric's enthusiasm brought a hint of a smile to his face, Kaleas nevertheless kept a wary eye out as they crossed the bridge and approached the tower, his runic resonance fading out not long after they'd reached safety.

Ehryk let the others go ahead as he knelt by the remaining bodies of the slain wolves. His craggy face was dark and grim, and he spoke lowly, words of sorrow towards his "brothers" for their plight. He bowed his head briefly as if in prayer, rubbed the wrists of each hand, and then proceeded to quickly skin the wolves.

As this was taking place, he glanced up to see Kaleas looking questioningly his way. "The hides are worth money, and our brothers no longer need them. I would hate for their deaths to be completely meaningless.  They were driven to this..."

Ehryk seemed to consider saying more, but did not. He worked quickly and then made his way to catch up with the others.

Kaleas returned a small nod of understanding as he proceeded to the tower. While he held some concern that the last wolf might come back to harry a lone target, Ehryk was an alert sort, and he needed the moment alone besides.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:09, Wed 26 Jan 2022.