While the group packed the gear away and prepared to travel Keryth surveyed the area trying to ensure they are on the right track or atleast heading in the right direction.

Whilst doing that he reaches into the pockets of his Travel Cloak and brings forth some rations which he shares with Shadow along with a small flask of water.

OOC: Take 10 on Survival Roll to give a total of 17 to check if they are heading in the right direction. If required I can take 10 on Knowledge (Geography) which gives a total of 15 to assist.

Not having need for sleep, Jerinvar had spent the time his companions had spent resting, keeping an eye out for any sign of danger.  Once he sees his allies preparing to depart again, Jerivnar descends and transforms into his humanoidal form.

"What is the plan, friends.  Are we sure we are going in the right direction?"

With the combined skills of the group, you realize you were going in the general right correction, though you will have to adjust your journey from now on, Keryth is able to guide you with Artour's assistance through the forest. Near dusk, you break free of the thick forest, and what lays before you is a massive plain, and a few miles away what appears to be a village, with blackish smoke raising from what would be the center of the town. This would be your mission, at least according to your map, begins. The town of New Barrow.

"Let's sleep in the forest", suggests Eriale, "And then set off fresh in the morning."

Keryth nods at Eriale's suggestion. "Yes totally agree, no point in trying to investigate in the dark."he says

"Though this close to the town and with the Cult of the Dragon involved we will need to keep a good watch tonight"he continues "Lets keep with three watches and I am happy to take the middle watch"

"First or last for me", says Eriale, "preferably last."

  "I mind not either," adds in Artour, having chosen the form of a large cat for the day's travel, the skies getting unfriendly for flying. "It might be an idea to camp just inside the wood so that we can watch the town for any unusual activity too."

As Jerinvar didn't need sleep, it didn't matter to him which watch he took.  He would take whatever others didn't want.

"I shall take first watch, then Eriale can take last and Artour takes the middle of the night. If Jerinvar does not need the rest, he can pair up with each and we will always have four eyes..." she looked up the Ghaele Healer and remembered his alternate form, "ermm... always have two people at the same time." she suggested, as two people were more difficult to fool than just one.

"And I agree to resting near the treeline, which means no fire tonight." the warrior added, although she was pretty sure the others already got that idea themselves. With everything being said, the dragonkin began the preparations for the night by looking after Albion first, then setting up her bedroll.

ooc: Unless there are objections of course.

Jerinvar agrees with Aerin as to the distribution of watch shifts within the group and to the absence of a fire.  No sense giving their position away if there were those intent on finding them

   "I'm sure Keryth will want to take a watch too," adds Artour.

Keryth grinned "well I'm happy to miss a watch if not required" he said "Otherwise I will just join the middle watch. Shadow will also be around" he continued pointing up at the leopard lounging on a tree branch above the party.

The night passes almost without incident. The forest life apparently ignores the group. It is towards dawn that something large slithers and sneaks towards your group.

Athena projects a sense of alarm to Eriale. "Something big is approaching, smells of snake and other." She speaks softly. Jerinvar only begins to hear it moments later after Athena whispers to Eriale.

OOC: Everyone but Athena, Eriale, and Jerinvar are still asleep, those three are able to act in the surprise round. Everyone roll initiatives.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 10:17, Fri 09 Sept 2022.

ooc: 10:19, Today: Aerin rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

11:33, Today: Jerinvar rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  initiative.

OOC: Artour will be going last with an Initiative of 2 :( poor rolls are back.

11:43, Today: Keryth Silverbow rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Initative.

A huge, pale form emerges from the foilage of the forest, its shape vaguely dragon except with longer limbs, its neck and tail easily twice the length of a dragon similarly sized. It does appear to lack wings, unusual for a dragon. Its scales appear thicker than you would expect, almost like armor. It appears to have been following a scent, its long tongue tasting the air like a snake.

OOC: Initiative Order is Jerinvar, Keryth, Monster, Eriale, Aerin, Artour. Again, Eriale and Jerinvar are first to go. The foilage is slightly dense, causing difficult terrain to traverse, and the form is about thirty feet away from the cold camp.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Thu 15 Sept 2022.

Eriale frowns at the alleged dragon and moves backward, seeking to avoid being detected by scent.  She's rather worried about it and so brings out her staff and decides to go on full defensive for the first round.

note: Lore roll = 12 (6 on d20+6)
This message was last edited by the player at 07:31, Sun 18 Sept 2022.

Jerinvar saw the monstrosity step out from the edge of the forest.  He stood his ground and brought into existence a protective aura that would aid not only himself, but his allies as well.  He then attempts to induce a degree of fear into this adversary.  A non-threatening action toward it, but one that might give it pause to continue toward them.

OOC:

Move action if necessary (moves to a position 30' away from the creature).

Standard action: uses daunting presence (will save vs DC 18 or shaken for 10 minutes)

Free action: Protective Aura (Su): free action, surround self with a nimbus of light 20' radius.  Acts as a magic circle against evil (all within 20' gain a +4 deflection bonus to AC and a +4 resistance bonus to all saves).

https://dnd.arkalseif.info/fea...ence--516/index.html

You may take a standard action to awe an opponent. The opponent must be within 30 feet, have line of sight to you, and have an Intelligence score. If the opponent fails a Will saving throw (DC 10 + 1/2 your character level + your Cha modifier), it is shaken for 10 minutes. This feat has no effect on a creature that is already shaken.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:51, Fri 16 Sept 2022.

The creature moves forward, attracted directly by the glowing orb of light, hissing in annoyance as it begins to feel some of the effects of the various auras emitted by the glowing orb. Its scales begin to blend well into the forest environment, its underbelly turns the color of freshly churned earth. A low growl emerges from its throat, erupting into a roar, breaking the silence of the night.

OOC: Dragon moves forward to engage the group.

The warrior witch opened her eyes at the commotion and looked at the dragon creature with surprise. Aerin quickly rolled out from her bedroll and onto her feet, simultaneously drawing her sword from its sheath with a metallic ring, coming to stop in a defensive stance. Swiftly she said a few words and casually plucked the strings of the weave making a silvery disc of force appear before her, disappearing from view a breath later.

The great blade lay firmly in her hands, its weight bringing comfort in the form of familiarity. "Bahamut give me strength!" the dragonkin said and it seemed the dragongod answered the words of his faithful servant.

"Oi! - Why don't you take on someone of your size for a change?" she shouted at the creature, not at all happy at having her beauty sleep interrupted. The leather of the sword's handle creaking as she tightened her grip on the weapon, expecting a shift of attention.

ooc:
Move a.: Stand up and take a 5ft step.
Free a.: Draw weapon as part of movement.
Swift a: Cast 'Shield'
Std. a.: Activate wand 'Fist of Stone'

Keryth quickly returns from reverie as the creature approaches and his allies prepare to act. Smoothly leaping to his feet he grabs his bow and with a phrase "Shield me" whispered under his breath activates his Force shield ring.

Assessing the situation he looks up at Shadow watching in the tree.
"Shadow attack"he says pointing towards the dragon.

Moving to the right of the creature he draws his bow and swiftly looses two arrows.

Actions. Move atleast 10ft to the right to a spot with a clear line of fire to activate skirmish and release 2 arrows at the creature using Many Shot. Flawless stride means no terrain Penalties.

Focussing her intention through her staff, Eriale uses her magic to turn her own skin into the colour and texture of wood.  She steps back five feet, striking at the dragon with her staff should it come close enough. 

Standard action - Cast Barkskin
Move Action - Step back 5 feet
Attack Action (Conditional) -
11:27, Today: Eriale Zora rolled 3127 using 1d20+117.  Attack with Staff.
11:28, Today: Eriale Zora rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  Damage.  (Doubled for Critical to 10)

   Time has passed and Artour is sleeping soundly back in human form.
   That is until the shouting of his companions rudely wake him up. Opening an eye, he sees the strange creature and mutters a quick prayer his god: "Gwaeron give me the strength to defeat thine enemies and protect mine companions," as he rolls upright. As he rolls, he grows; limbs lengthening, claws growing, and skin toughening until the creature standing where Artour was sleeping is a fearsome cave troll.

OOC: Standard action: Cast Divine Favour
    Move action: Wild shape into cave troll (move equiv due to class).