A soft wind began to blow as you left the city and slowly headed down the trail.

Althan kept a look out from his position.

The environment was quiet as you went. An hour passed, nothing seemed to happen, even as you entered the forest. Up ahead you can see a bridge passing a small rived. Two large humanoids stand before it and you.

Althan glanced at farmer "Where you expecting a toll bridge?"

'There ain't normally one," the farmer said.

"'Ello there!" an ogre with a grin on his face said. "Looks like yer the first one at our toll bridge."

Althan jumped off the cart and walked in front of the Ogres "Greetings, and what is your toll?" he asked in a forced cheerful tone.

"Be ready if we can't talk our way through this" he sent telepathically to Amara.

"It's three-no-five gold!" the ogre said.

Althan nods "Arn't you worried that adventures might be sent from the city?" he asked "maybe you'd be better finding honest work you know" he suggested "I'm sure big smart fellows like yourself could get good work, then you'd have money all the time"

[OOC: Persuasion to convince them that doing this would be bad for them. Using my channel divinity to give my self a +5 bonus. Althan Scaleborn rolled 28 using 1d20+8 ((20))

"You make a good point," the ogre said. "We'll move on after taking your money."

Althan bowed and produced the gold, hading it to the Ogre.

Amara looked over at you in shock.

"Do you want to fight two Ogres?" Althan asked telepathically "I'd prefer to give them a chance to set their lives straight"

The Ogre took the bag and tipped his hat to you.

"Have a good day now."

The two ogres wandered off.

Althan wondered back to the cart and grinned "And done got them to move on as well. Hopefully they listen and get proper jobs"

The wagon was soon on it's way again.

Althan resumed his watch.

After a while, you came to the edge of trees and can see a small village before you.

Althan looked over at the village "Reminds me of home" he commented a little wistfully.

"I want you two to stay for supper. My wife should have it ready by the time we arrive," the man said as the wagon entered the village.

Althan nodded "We'd be happy to right Amara?" he replied.

"Sure, that sounds fine," Amara said, as the man pulled up near a house.

Althan jumped down as they stopped "Do you need any help unloading?" He asked

"It's fine, you can head inside," the man said.

Althan nodded and headed inside.

There's a woman dressed in plain clothing that smiles when she sees you.

"You must be the brave people who helped my husband. Sit down, the stew is ready."

Althan does as he is instructed "Thank you" he said.

The woman served you and Amara heaping bowls of stew with fresh bread and beer.

"Go ahead and dig in, I need to speak with my husband for a moment," she said and exited the front door.

Althan sniffed at the food "Looks good" he commented and took a mouthful of the stew.

It was very good, the best food you've had in a while.

"You okay Amara? You've been pretty quiet" Althan asked after he'd finished eating.

"I...," Amara started to say and then passed out.

You are starting to feel rather sleepy yourself.

Althan places his hand on his chest and channels divine power into himself to try to counter act the drug.

[[OOC: Lay on hands using 5HP to counter disease/poison]]

(OOC: Okay, so deal worked out, that doesn't happen)

You pass out before you're able to do that and then you're awoken by a vigorous shaking. You're on your back, staring at a stone ceiling.

Althan looks at who is shaking him and groans "What happened?"

Amara was looking down at you concerned.

"There must have been something in the stew."

Althan sits up and checks himself over. "Yeah, guess we got trapped by the actual cultists" he said.

"Yeah," Amara said.

There was a large man with a large club sitting in a cage across from the two of you, on the other side of the bars.

Althan checked to see if he still had his holy symbol on him, "Amara, you got any of you gear still?"

Your holy symbol was gone.

"No, I've got nothing," Amara said.

Althan rubbed at his horn for a moment and then turned to the man and called out to him softly"Hey, who are you?"

"That is none of your business," the man said.

Althan stood and examined the bars "Well if you decide you don't like being in a cage and change your mind do let us know" he said as he worked.

The man chuckled.

"The hells you going on about?"

Althan shrugs "Who knows, feel like sharing what this is all about?" He asks the man.

"Well, right now, both of you are our prisoners," the man said. "I think I'll keep the rest of what's to happen a surprise."

"I'm not really cut out to be prisoner so if it's all the same to you I think I'll leave" Althan said with a grin.

"You're welcome to try. I can't kill you, but you're amazed the amount of pain you can feel without dying," the man said.

Althan nods "I think we're at an impass then" he said and took a deep breath and then exhaled a blast of Necrotic energy at the man.

[ooc: Breath Attack DC11 Althan Scaleborn rolled 8 using 1d10]

The man screamed as the breath weapon struck him.

"You damn lizard! I outta kill you right now!" He said as he unlocked the cell and rushed in with his club.

Althan rushes in at the man and takes a swing at the man, aim8ng for the side of his head.

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  4dmg and if he hits me using reaction to trigger rebuke the violent, DC13 or he takes radiantdamage equal to what he dealt]

The man strikes you with his club, before dropping to the ground.

(OOC: Take 8 damage)

Althan winces at the blow and grabs the man's club and quickly checks his pockets "Well that's step one complete" he commented to Amara.

You find a ring of keys and a small bit of copper coins.

Althan took the keys and examined the rest of the room.

It seems a lot like a normal guard office, but you do find a strange looking statue on the desk. It appears to be a demon of some kind.

"A Demon cult maybe?" Althan suggested and moved towards the door listening carefully for a moment.

You don't hear anything.

Althan slowly opened the door.

Inside was a huge pit where you can't see the bottom.

"Big pit this way" Althan said glancing back at Amara "Any sign of our gear?"

"Let's try another door," Amara said.

Althan nodded and checked another door.

Behind the next door, you find several pieces of armour and weapons on the shelves. Yours would probably be here as well.

"Here we go hopefully" Althan said as he searched for his gear.

You can find them easy enough, but you do also have your pick of several other pieces of equipment as well.

Althan examines the other items.

You do find some armour that could fit you and Amara.

Althan takes a suit and with some help quickly puts it on, and hands some to Amara.

You managed to find a suit of splint armour that fits you and grab a nice metal shield. The shield feels nice and lighter than it should be.

"Okay, that's us geared up, so let's see if we can find a way out of here" Althan said and then sighed "ugggh this means we're not going to get payed doesn't it?"

"Maybe we can sell all the gear here?" Amara said.

Althan considers that for a moment "Not sure we can cart it all out" he said after a moment "Let's focus on escaping first" he said checking the next door.

It was just a closet, which left the main door leading outside.

Althan moved towards the final door "Ready?" he asked Amara.

"Yep!" Amara said, getting her weapons ready.

Althan readied his weapons and opened the door.

You can see several figures in robes heading away from where the guard office was.

"I guess they know we've escaped now" Althan whispered to Amara "Be ready for a fight" he said and led the way out.

Althan Scaleborn rolled 12,13 using 1d20,1d20 ((12,13))

You manage to get past a few of the cultists before one stops and looks in your direction.

"The sacrifices are escaping!" he shouted.

"Well that tears it" Althan shouted breaking into a run "Run, lets see if we can lose them in the trees"

You both take off, though Amara is clearly faster. You find your armour difficult to run in.

Althan kept running drawing in deep breaths and feeling his muscles burn.

The cultists were gaining on you.

Althan risked a quick glance over his shoulder to determine how many were close by.

They were within fifteen feet of you now.

Althan kept running trying to dig into his reserves for an extra burst of speed.

The cultists continue to gain on you as you reach the trees.

Althan gasps a sigh of relief as they get into the trees "We need to try to loose these guys or hide" Althan sent telepathically to Amara.

A couple of arrows whizzed past your head, striking a pair of cultists behind you.

Althan ducks behind a tree looking about him for somewhere to hide or way to loose the cultists.

"There she is!" one of the cultists shouted and you can hear the mob chase after Amara.

"Damn it Amara, you better stay safe" Althan sent and then tried to move quietly deeper into the woods.

It seems the cultists were chasing after Amara, leaving you free to move deeper in.

Althan fought the urge to chase after the cultists he knew how sneaky Amara could be, so he headed deeper into the forest.

There were a few cultists now wandering about.

(OOC: Stealth roll with disadvantage)

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 9,5 using 1d20,1d20.  Stealth roll. CLANG CLANG]

"It's the lizard!" one of the cultists shouted, pointing you out to the other stragglers.

(OOC: Init time)

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 14 using 1d20.  Init roll.]

Althan charges the closest Cultist muttering a quick prayer as he did so "Bahamut guide my blade".

[ooc: using bonus action to cast Divine Blessing. Althan Scaleborn rolled 11 using 1d20+6 ((5)). If by a miracle that hits 9dmg Althan Scaleborn rolled 8,1 using 1d8+4,1d4.  Dmg Roll.

The cultist was taken by surprise and let out a cry as your blade struck them. The other cultists rushed towards you.

Althan continued the attack trying to take down the Cultists as quick as possible.

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 14 using 1d20+6 attack Roll. Althan Scaleborn rolled 11 using 1d8+4+1D4.  Dmg Roll.]

One of the cultists went down as the others attacked you.

(OOC: two hits for 9 damage)

Althan snarled as he continued fighting and struck at the next Cultist.

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 16 using 1d20+6,attack. Althan Scaleborn rolled 13 using 1d8+4+1D4. Dmg]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:36, Mon 07 Mar 2022.

Another cultist went down and the others fled towards the massive group.

"Time to make myself scarce I think " Althan muttered and headed deeper into the trees.

You could hear Amara cry out.

Althan rushed towards the sound of her voice "Amara are you okay?" He sent telepathically as he run.

"Arrow, they got with one" Amara sent back.

"Damn it, I'm almost there" Althan sent back griping the hilt of his sword tighter as he moved.

Soon you were there, Amara was desperately trying to fight off the cultists, but there were a lot of them.

"Amara!" Althan yelled as he crashed into the back of the Cultists, he took a breath and unleashed another blast of Necrotic energy over the Cultists "Back off! I'm not going to let you hurt her"

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 6 using 1d10.  Breath attack . DC11 save]

Several cultists screamed as the breathe weapon struck them.

(OOC: Init time)

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 5 using 1d20]

"The lizard is here too. Here for your girl?" one of the cultists taunted as their attack went wide.

Althan countered and stabbed at the Cultist "Dragon, not a lizard. And she's my friend you blockhead" he snarled.

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 12 using 1d20+6. Attack roll. Althan Scaleborn rolled 6 using 1d8+4.  Dmg Roll]

The cultist cried out as he was cut down by you. More broke off from the main group and headed for you.

(OOC: Take 3 damage)

Althan charged forward trying to force his way to Amara.

[OOC: Althan Scaleborn rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Attack Roll.Althan Scaleborn rolled 5 using 1d8+4.  Dmg Roll.]

You manage to kill another cultist, but more surge towards you.

(OOC: No hits this time)

Althan continued to move towards Amara and use Lay on hands when he got close.

You managed to get to her, but there were at least ten or so cultists left.

"You okay?" Althan asked looking around for an escape route.

"I guess, there's still too many of them," Amara said, leveling her bow at them.

"Got any suggestions?" Althan said "I have a bit of magic but I don't think anything will help us here"

Suddenly a very loud bell began to ring, mist started to roll in and the cultists withdrew.

"Let's get out here before they come back" Althan suggested.

Amara nodded and took off running.

Althan followed as quick as he could, glancing over his shoulder occasionally.

There didn't appear to be anyone chasing you.

"I Think we're clear" Althan said slowing slightly.

"I guess...why'd they give up and what's with the fog?" Amara asked.

"I'm not sure" Althan said "But for the moment I'm thankful for it"

[ooc: using divine sense]

You can sense evil all around.

"But I'm not getting a good feeling from this fog,let's try to get out ofvhere" Althan suggested.

"Right, but it seems to be all around us," Amara said.

"I know, but waiting for whatever is in this fog, or the Cultists to come back seems a bad idea as well" Althan said "maybe if tried to find the road?"

(OOC: Perception check please)

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Perception Check ]

You catch sight of something standing in the fog behind you. It hasn't made a move.

Althan spins round to face it "Who are you?" He challenges them.

Standing there was a figure about nine feet tall, dressed in what looked like a raggedy scarecrow. A hug scythe was in it's hands.

Althan maneuvered himself so that he was placed between Amara and the figure "Not very talkative are you, what do you want?"

The figure raised its scythe above its head and charged.

(OOC: Initiative time)

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 7 using 1d20.  Init roll.]

The figure charged toward you and attacked, planting the scythe's blade into the ground right next to you.

Althan took a step back and raised his shield, and focused on his blade for a moment as it was surrounded in a crackling sheath of energy and the struck out.

[ooc: BA Thunderous Smite Althan Scaleborn rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  Attack Roll. Althan Scaleborn rolled 10 using 1d8+2d6+4.  Dmg Roll. Stength saving throw DC14 or he gets knockedback 10ft and is prone

The figure was knocked prone as Amara put arrows into it. It rose back to its feet.

Althan charged forward again and struck out with his blade.

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  Attack Roll. Althan Scaleborn rolled 12 using 1d8+4.  Dmg Roll.

You cut into the creature, but you notice it isn't bleeding. The thing brought it's scythe down again, you manage to partly dodge out of the way. Amara's shot goes wide.

(OOC: Take 6 damage)

Althan focused his divine energies for a moment and felt his wounds heal.

[ooc: lay on hands to get 15hp back]

The creature attacks again, but you manage to dodge as Amara put another arrow into it.

Althan launches a clumsy strike that goes wide.

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  Attack Roll.]

The scarecrow-thing strikes you with the scythe.

(OOC: Take 7 damage)

Althan counters and strikes back.

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Attack Althan Scaleborn rolled 11 using 1d8+4.  Dmg Roll.Roll

The limbs and head of the scarecrow thing collapses into a pile and disappears. The fog disappears.

Althan breathes heavily and cleans his blade before sheathing it "Let's get out of here before the cultists come back out" he suggested "Any idea what that thing was?"

"You're the big hero, you tell me!" Amara said.

Althan racked his brains trying to think if he had seen something similar before.

You can't recall anything.

"Sorry no idea" Althan said after a few moments of silence "Guess we can worry about that later"

"It's going to be a long walk back," Amara said.

Althan sighed "Tell me about it. Would be easier if we had the cart but I don't think that's likely right now"

"We had better get going," Amara said.

Althan nodded in agreement "Yeah, you're right" he agreed and started to head back towards the city.

You make a good bit of distance, but the sun is beginning to set.

"It's getting dark,  I think we'd better make camp" Althan suggested "Let's see if we can find a bit of shelter "

After a bit of searching, you find an opening leading to a small save.

"I think this should work, I'll cut some brush and we can put in front of the cave mouth" Althan suggested.

"I'll help," Amara said and soon enough you have enough brush for it.

 "Thanks" Althan said  as they dragged the brush across the cave mouth and retreated inside "So today hasn't exactly gone to plan has it? I'm sorry should of spotted it sooner"

"You don't need to apologize. We're in this together," Amara said.

Althan smiled "You're right, just feels like.. oh I don't know" he said "We'll need to let the guild know about the cult when we get back"

"Yeah, plus, maybe they can help us out a bit since it was a fake job posted on their board," Amara said.

"Good Point" Althan agreed cheerfully "Hadn't thought about that. Do you want to take first or second watch?"

"Second!" Amara said and rolled over.

Althan settled in to do his watch.

Nothing happened, the cave was actually decently warm.

Eventually Althan woke Amara up for her watch "Come on sleepy head your turn" he said as he gently shook her.

Amara woke up and took her place, leaving you to sleep.

Althan curled up and tried to drift off to sleep as he considered the days events.

You fall asleep eventually and eventually wake up when the sun is high and bright.

"Morning" Althan said as he awoke and stretched. Grabbing some rations for a quick breakfast "Reckon we'll reach the city today?"

"Maybe? It's probably around noob. I let you sleep," Amara said.

Althan looks embarrassed "You didn't need to do that, you know"

"You looked like you needed it," Amara said.

"Thanks then" Althan said "You good to go?"

"Yep, let's go," Amara said.

You manage to get to the bridge by the time it started to get dark again.

Althan looked about in case the Ogres had returned.

The ogres appeared to be gone with a quick glance.

(OOC: Perception check)

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Perception Check]

They are certainly gone.

"Looks clear" Althan said "Let's find somewhere to camp the night"

There were options in the trees and you can see the bridge is over a dry trench of some kind, so even under the bridge would be an option.

"What do you think? " Althan asked "Trees are probably a bit more out of the way, than under the bridge"

"In the trees then?" Amara said.

Althan looked in the trees for a good camping spot.

You notice a decent one. Amara begins to set it up.

Althan helps Amara set up the camp.

"I'll take first watch this time," Amara said.

"Sounds good to me" Althan said rolling out his blankets "night" he added as he rolled over and tried to sleep.

Sleep comes quickly and then suddenly Amara is waking you up.

"I'm up.." Althan said a bit sleepy "Seen anything?" He asks.

"No, it's your turn," Amara said. "Sorry if it was too quick while you were sleeping like an angel."

Althan sticks his tongue out and settles down to take his watch.

Amara smiles as she lays down and goes to sleep.

Althan tends the low fire and keeps watch.

(OOC: Perception check)

[ooc: Althan Scaleborn rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Perception Check]

You notice a pair of large humanoids coming towards you.

"Amara wake up" he said quietly "We've got company "

Amara woke up and grabbed her weapons.

"Hello again," a jolly, brutish voice said.

Althan looked up at the voice "Hello, how are you gentlemen this fine evening"

"We're glad to find you again. You see, our purses are light again and would like another donation from you," the well-spoken ogre said, the other one nodding enthusiastically.

"I see unfortunately as I'm sure you can see from our current circumstances" Althan said "We are not currently able to make another donation at this time"

"That is a shame. We will take donations of flesh as well," the ogre said.

"I'm not sure meat is on the menu right now" Althan said with false cheer "Have you considered asking the village through the forest? They do a lovely stew, they'd be happy to share you know"

"A village you say? Are they well defended?" the ogre asked.

"They are just farmers" Althan said "No threat to mighty warriors such as yourself"

"Which way is it?" the ogre asked.

Althan point over the bridge "Over in that direction"

The quiet ogre whispered something in the ear of the talkative one.

"We'll be heading off. Oh, my friend thinks yours is cute. Anyway, have good morning," the ogre said and the two were off.

Althan breathed a sigh of relief "Let the cultists and those ogres deal with each other" he muttered after they had left.

He glanced at Amara "You okay?"

"Yeah, I get quiet when I'm tense," Amara said.

"I think..." Althan started "I think we should go, in case they come back. What do you think?"

"Yes, let's go," Amara said.

Althan quickly packed thier gear and set off down the road.