Pulling A Thread
Log Info
- Title: Pulling A Thread
- Emitter: Lorik
- Characters: Kaelthilas Rgr3, Ashilde Clr3, Braith Brg3, Aegis Ftr3, Preston Wiz2, Azer Rgr3
- Place: Felwood
- Time: May 2, 2018
- Summary: Off once again to cause problems and find information in the Felwood
- APL: 4
- Encounter 1: Giant Geko CR1, 2 Troglodytes CR1, Stone Scorpion CR1, Terror Wolf CR1 - CR 5
The previous excursion into Felwood had gone so well, with the exception of Lorik spending most of his time at the bottom of a pit trap, the shadow elf decided to get together a second little excursion.
Posting it up at the guild, him and his intrepid band...of poor suckers in need of a buck...headed back into the corrupted boughs of the ancient forest.
Being a good tracker, even if he is a complete loss with a map, the shadow elf led them back to the sight of the previous battle. Then like a bloodhound he traced their path deeper into the wood. The tieflings and their flaming minions left quite an obvious trail so that made it easy. However eventually the trail began to fade. But before it peetered out entirely it came to a larger path though the wood. One traveling east to west and traveled by many feet.
A few moments of discussion and Lorik and Kaelthilas went east, while the rest of the band chanced to go west.
Past the mushrooms with eyes that stared at them. Past the tree that cried sap. Past the strange six headed snake that watched them curiously. To the edge of a stream the path wondered, but no sign of a second band of miscreants has been seen.
Just went the sun was starting to dip low in the sky, just when the thoughts of returning were beginning to wink into peoples heads...
...the little path opens up into a larger clearing. Much larger. Near the opposite side of this strange cleared space a great mound of stone and earth raises up. One with a yawning opening of a cave mouth set into it, and over that cave is a makeshift wooden door. Poorly constructed.
Around the clearing are signs of a small encampment of something. Firepits, cleared places where tents would go, even a makeshift stockade for...livestock? The door now hangs open, the rickety hinge squeaking in the wind.
Preston Bayweather is definitely a poor sucker in need of a buck. He also looks like he doesn't belong here. He steps carefully, trying to keep his richly woven and finely cut clothing from getting ripped or torn on various branches. Mostly in shades of green, today, because...they were going into the woods. The silver threads picking out patterns on the cuffs of his coat and along his collar don't do much to camoflauge him, even if they //are// in the shapes of leaves and acorns.
For all that, he is no complainer. Indeed, he was very curious about some of what they passed. Looking apt to try to take samples of mushrooms with eyes, or to make a familiar of a six-headed snake, as he hasn't gone about summoning one yet. But good sense prevails even over the hearts of the most intrepid of scholars, and he decided, ultimately, that not //touching// anything really and truly was the better part of valor.
And now...this.
"Ah, excellent," he remarks, with fine surface cheer. "An engraved invitation into a no-doubt terrible place."
One of Angoron's minions appears to be tagging along this time - the short blonde and freckled Aesir with a hammer so large, she shouldn't have business wielding it. She does seem to lag behind the party a little bit - likely becoming tired from the long trek. This is now cutting into her drinking hour. "Oi." She looks about, "Looks like we jus' missed 'em?" Glancing to Preston, "That or we missed the party." Pausing to adjust her breastplate. "Either way. We're gonna party." Shooting the others a wink.
Azra had been off scouting but she is approachign the group now, her face partially obscured by the blue headscarf she is wearing and body shrouded in a cloak of red. Piercing eyes stare out past her exotic garb, taking in everything around her in a measured way. "Well," she remarks in thickly accented Tradespeak, "At this rait we will find something soon, Guyes."
A loud shriek answers her, rattling leaves and branches. A shape is circling overhead, huge brown feathered wings beating the sky. The broad-winged juvenile hippogriff stays above the treeline for now, losing elevation only quite slowly. "You're right," Azra agrees. "We should search the camp."
Ashilde is flashed a brief smile as the Azra strides past her. "There's a two drink minimum, "I hope you brought the booze."
Braith was mostly looking for a chance to smash things. The dwarf is sporting her armor and paired warhammers as she moves along with the others, "A cave, nae bad, wonder if it be what we looking for or if our quarry did this to someone else." she looks around at the others for a moment and then back to what she sees in front of her.
Through brush and bramble, it strides with an unerring force, metal boots that may well be it's feet stomping through smaller bits of foliage until it comes to a branch or a tree that does not so easily break. These it pushes on, making the sap tree cry all the more, as the unnerving sound of muscle formed only of metal casts and eerie echo from within it's armor, as if every motion were singing a song.
Aegis takes point as much as it can, knowing little of fear, for it does not have memories of it. Before it, a small two-headed lizard with six horns rears up. The metal man does not seem to notice as it crushes the creature into oblivion. Only when the camp opens up before them does it raise a great metal fist to indicate they should all stop, one hand moving to the greatsword belted at it's hip, worn as a smaller man might wear a bastard sword.
A slow look around, and then it draws the blade, taking leveling it along it's line of sight as it watches. As it waits. Here it looks for movement, or some sign that this camp belonged to the Tieflings they had previously dispatched.
As others offer up plans of action, it remarks, a voice like rough gravel tumbling down a metal mountain oozes from the confines of it's eight feet of hulking might. "I shall guard the mouth of the cave while you conduct your search."
To this point it moves, making sure that if anything does come charging out of that cave while everyone is searching the rest of the camp, it will meet great prejudice.
GAME: Ashilde casts Guidance. Caster Level: 3 DC: 14
GAME: Ashilde rolls perception: (11)+6: 17
Ashilde walks around Aegis while looking upwards somewhat in marvel at the construct. "Wow. You're the sort that would rule the prison block, arncha?" Shivering at the thought of rumbling with him. "Good plan." The priest offers to Azra and places her hand upon her shoulder as she moves towards the camp - offering a subtle warming sensation that should aid her in her searching. "We don't know how deep that cave goes. You sure you're wantin' to stay outside?" Offering to Aegis, "You'll miss all the fun." And she begins looking around the camp with some renewed focus.
GAME: Azra rolls perception: (5)+1: 6
GAME: Preston rolls perception: (8)+3: 11
GAME: Aegis rolls perception: (7)+4: 11
GAME: Azra rolls +5: (14)++5: 19
GAME: Azra rolls Perception+1: (10)+1+1: 12
"Well... This place doesn't look abandoned. Per se. Relocated by the looks of it." The Cleric offers, "Whomever was here is simply not home. So... Uh. We could always set an ambush? After we see what's in that cave, aye?" Meandering over to the livestock pen, Ashilde taps her fingers against her lips and looks at the ground, "These hoofprints.. There's something off. Too many legs? Six legged horse? Huh. Anyone a good tracker?"
For a long moment, Preston is valiently searching the camp like anyone else.
His attention is diverted.
"Oh, I say," he says, and here he crouches down into the underbrush to have a look at something.
It's probably not very germane to the mission, given he pulls out some dried beef, breaks it into six pieces, and lays all six on the ground. Yes, apparently the six headed snake has followed the group. Apparently Preston is feeding it. "I wonder how you ended up with six," he muses. "I've heard of two. Do you have six hearts or only one? You don't look as though you're trying to cannabalize yourself, well done. You're not poisonous are you? I'd rather you not bite me. Have the meat instead. It's not wriggling, but it's tasty."
He's easily distracted. He'll get back to our regularly scheduled camp and cave in a sec. Then again, mention of a six-legged horse...
"Six is rather a theme around here, isn't it?"
Braith isn't really that perceptive or maybe she is just watching over those searching but she doesn't really seem to be looking around all that much, except for checking to see if anyone might come jumping out of somewhere.
The War Golem takes a slow step back from the cave after listening. Enough that if the door opened, it would have clearance to swing or skewer anything that comes rushing out without being impeded by the portal.
"It is possible the Tieflings I destroyed had cloven feet. I am also detecting what could be movement from behind this barrier. If one of you opens it, I shall take point inside."
It seems like it had intended to go in after all, answering Ashilde's question, and only posted as a guard to make sure something didn't run out and start rampaging at them mid-search. Now though, with little found here, Aegis seems eager to move inside.
"I'm a pretty decent tracker," Azra notes quietly. "Not as good searching a clearing apparently. That is a good catch. Hmmm..." Azra looks down at the hoof prints and then reaches up to undo her scarf, pulling it away from her face. the move reveals long brunette hair and a surprisingly youthful face. her stare is just as stern.
Azra turns then, surveying their surroundings briefly before giving Preston a brief nod. "We'll see what comes of it, I suppose..." She pauses for a second and then takes a deep breath as she bends down to examine the tracks. "They clealry went in this direction, however..."
GAME: Azra rolls Survival+1: (8)+6+1: 15
GAME: Azra rolls +5: (5)++5: 10
GAME: Preston rolls perception: (11)+3: 14
GAME: Ashilde rolls perception: (18)+6: 24
GAME: Braith rolls perception: (10)+7: 17
GAME: Azra rolls Perception: (4)+1: 5
GAME: Azra rolls 5+1: (8)+5+1: 14
GAME: Ashilde casts Bless. Caster Level: 3 DC: 15
Preston's new friend examines the offered food. Then the wizard. Then back at the food. As if trying to figure out if he can get the entire wizard into his mouth or not. Being a smallish snake he decides its too much trouble. And instead two of the heads snap up the offered snack. Two of them keep watch. And two of them turn upside down to contemplate things from a different angle.
MEANWHILE. The door rattles slightly.
...just as the wind died down.
Odd timing but it could be compleatly natural.
...it could be.
Braith pulls her warhammers from her waist, holding one in each hand. "There is something behind the door definitely." she says softly, she knows she heard something.
"There's something behind that door. Sounds reptilian." Removing her maul from her back and placing the large weight of the hammer on the ground. "On you, big guy." Nodding at Aegis to throw open the door when he's ready. In the meanwhile, Ashilde takes the hammer with both hands and begins speaking a prayer to Angoron and blessing those gathered around her.
Azra unslings her bow from her back. She leans the long wooden staff against the ground and braces it with her left foot and hand while she takes the unwraps the cord wrapped about it quickly. Then she quickly pulls the bow taut and restrings it. Her weapon now readied, Azra reaches for an arrow and moves to stand just to Ashilde's left. "Would you care to open it?" She asks. The hippogriff has landed in the boughs of an enormous tre, looking down at the group and their campsite with keen eagle's eyes. Guys, for now, says nothing.
Ready or not, Aegis gives a nod to Ashilde, reaching forward with a great metal hand and then taking a step back to level it's sword, prepared to receive a charge.
There is a winding tension to it's pose, but it is not one of a mindless brute. No, it's stance is that of a proper duelist, one versed in the techniques of using it's sword as more than an edged bludgeon.
An emotionless countenance peers past as Aegis opens that door, waiting to see what comes for them.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ATTENTION -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Lorik has dropped a TIMESTOP!
Please +init, then cease all roleplay and actions immediately and wait for Lorik to instruct you further.
For in-combat commands, type: +thelp.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
GAME: Preston rolls initiative: (15)+initiative: 15
The door tears free of its hinges. It really wasn't very well built. Calling it crude is an insult to low level crafters. But as it opens the gaping maw of the cave is revealed. The entry is big enough for two people to easily walk in, and it opens up even more beyond that. Angling down and back away from the bright sunlight.
Standing there in the entry way, armed with javelins are...well...a pair of horrible looking feral savages. Humanoid but twisted and wearing little more than untanned leathers the pair of them hiss at the sunlight.
<INTERLOPERS!> One shouts in draconic. So to most people is sounds like giberish. <YOU SHALL NOT MESS UP MASTERS PLAN!>
<NO TALK ABOUT MASTERS PLAN! THEY MIGHT BE SPEAKING GOOD!> Shouts the other.
<THEY NO SPEAK TROG TOUNGE IDIOT! WE ONLY ONE THAT SPEAK GOOD!>
<SHUT UP AND GET PINCHY!>
<ALREADY GOT HIM! SO THERE!!>
Behind them something large and insectoid moves, skittering scales catching the sunlight. Large pinchers snapping with an ominious sound and a tail beginning to curve up and over a flat body as 'Pinchy' lumbers forth to battle.
...and on the ceiling of the cave is an odd sight. A strang lizard creature. A very large one. Huge eyes and little squishy feat sticking to the rock as the massive man-sized gekko blinks curiously at the people that invaded its domain.
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 20.
It is now Azra's turn! Troggy Bill is next!
GAME: Azra rolls ranged+1+1-2 (Rapid Shot): (10)+7+1+1+-2 (Rapid Shot): 17
GAME: Azra rolls ranged+1+1-2: (5)+7+1+1+-2: 12
GAME: Azra rolls 1d8+4+1: (6)+4+1: 11
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 19.
It is now Troggy Bill's turn! Preston is next!
GAME: Lorik rolls +0: (19)++0: 19
GAME: Lorik rolls 1d6: (5): 5
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 17.
It is now Preston's turn! Pinchy is next!
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 13.
It is now Pinchy's turn! Aegis is next!
GAME: Lorik rolls +2: (17)++2: 19
GAME: Lorik rolls +2: (12)++2: 14
GAME: Lorik rolls +2: (4)++2: 6
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 13.
It is now Aegis' turn! Ashilde is next!
Preston's hands lift as if he is about to cast something or another, but he pauses, tilting his head thoughtfully.
And then he pitches his voice to the two in the cave. <<"Don't be so certain, I can speak your language just fine. Do you see the party of fine warriors I bring with me? They will slaughter you and Pinchy in the blink of an eye. They will reduce you to dust and your Master cannot save you. But perhaps were you to share the details of this plan, I could convince them to stand down before they turn you into a fine red paste.">>
He spreads his hands and gives a charming smile, a sort of 'what-can-ya-do' gesture.
<<"Might want to hurry though, if you're entertaining this decision. It really won't take them long to kill you.">>
GAME: Preston rolls diplomacy: (7)+6: 13
GAME: Aegis rolls weapon1+1: (4)+9+1: 14
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 12.
It is now Ashilde's turn! Troggy Bob is next!
GAME: Ashilde rolls 1d20+7: (6)+7: 13
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 11.
It is now Troggy Bob's turn! LIZARD?! is next!
GAME: Lorik rolls 1d2: (1): 1
GAME: Lorik rolls +4: (16)++4: 20
The great metal behemoth whirls it's blade as the attacks come in, a terrible scraping sound shearing across armor as claws and a tail rattle at it's defenses, looking for someway to pierce the defenses of the War Golem.
In the flurry, Aegis steps sidelong, spinning around with surprising grace to bring it's sword in for a counter. It makes an error in it's judgement, used to fighting creatures that stand taller, even if few stand as tall as it does, and the sword clatters over armor to nick at the tail and send it wobbling, but doing little by way of damage.
The reset brings a whirl of it's blade, and though it does not have eyes to connect with Ashilde's, there is some measure of notice, or recognition, that they have this monster in a tight spot.
GAME: Ashilde rolls 1d20+8: (3)+8: 11
GAME: Lorik rolls 4: (5)+4: 9
GAME: Lorik rolls 4: (19)+4: 23
GAME: Lorik rolls 1d4+1: (2)+1: 3
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 8.
It is now LIZARD?!'s turn! Braith is next!
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round One - Init 6.
It is now Braith's turn! Azra is next!
Ashilde dashes forward when Pinchy comes after Aegis. She is of course smiling in this moment as this is the sort of shit she lives for. The massive hammer comes up with both hands and she brings it down violently onto the insectoid. With a dull thud, there is little effect. None too pleased with herself at the moment, but given her positioning, Aegis will have some benefit in his retaliation. And so will she. Ashilde does give Preston a sidelong look when he begins speaking in some other tongue. A look that is both puzzled and concerned.
GAME: Braith RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 6 temporary HP
GAME: Braith rolls melee+2+1+2: (1)+7+2+1+2: 13 (EPIC FAIL)
Braith closes her eyes for a moment and calls on her rage. As she opens her eyes they are now solid black. Her fingers start to lengthen, her nails growing, and her hands turn black. She is soon gripping her warhammers with blackened claws as she darts forward to flank the reptillian guy. She swings a warhammer at it but is out of position and misses completely.
The battle is joined!
Azra draws first blood as she feathers one of the twisted creatures, causing it to shout in pain and rage as he flings a javalin back in responce. His aim is off though as the crude weapon clatters against the ground.
<He use big words though like master.>
<Shaman tell us to follow Master! You no go against Shaman!>
<STOP BEING STUPID AND GO DO USEFUL THING!>
<Fine I will and I no miss!!>
The second creature dashes out of the cave mouth even as Pinchy stalks fowards. The scorpions strikes against Aegis catch nothing, but one eye does catch sight of Braith. And it looks...hungry?
The second Trog takes advantage of Ash's momentairy annoyance with with the lack of Hammer time and slips by her backswing to throw himself tooth and claw first on Aegis' back, the claws fail to find purchage but the fangs tear though part of the war golems armor.
<Eww. Taste like metal.>
<ALSO WE NO SURRENDER! MASTER SAY WE MAKE YOU ALL OUR SLAVES AGAIN! THEN STUPID SUNDWELLERS WILL KNOW WE THE BEST!!>
...and meanwhile...the geko just stares at all this. And his skin slowly shifts from green to a fiery red color as its cheeks start to puff out.
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 20.
It is now Azra's turn! Troggy Bill is next!
Kaelthilas has arrived.
GAME: Azra rolls 10: (13)+10: 23
GAME: Azra rolls 1d6+4: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Azra rolls +10: (11)++10: 21
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 17.
It is now Preston's turn! Pinchy is next!
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 13.
It is now Pinchy's turn! Aegis is next!
GAME: Lorik rolls 4: (9)+4: 13
GAME: Lorik rolls 4: (2)+4: 6
GAME: Lorik rolls 4: (20)+4: 24
GAME: Lorik rolls 2: (10)+2: 12
GAME: Lorik rolls 1d4: (3): 3
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 13.
It is now Aegis' turn! Ashilde is next!
_
"
GAME: Braith rolls fort: (17)+6: 23
GAME: Aegis rolls weapon1+3: (20)+9+3: 32 (THREAT)
GAME: Aegis rolls weapon1+3: (10)+9+3: 22
GAME: Aegis rolls 4d6+18: (16)+18: 34
Preston frowns thoughtfully. Well, it's more than they knew before. It wasn't an ideal stab in the dark, but it's a start. Finally, he mutters his first spell and completes the series of gestures. Shimmering energy settles over his body and clothes. It seems he's getting ready to wade in at last. Maybe for the best. Given the various and sundry activities of the lizard.
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 12.
It is now Ashilde's turn! Troggy Bob is next!
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 11.
It is now Troggy Bob's turn! LIZARD?! is next!
GAME: Ashilde casts Lesser Restoration. Caster Level: 3 DC: 16
<FOR THE GLORY OF MASTER AND SHAMAN! OUR ARMY SHALL SMASH SUNDWELLERS!!>
And the creature continues to try to bite Aegis about the head and neck.
...no one said they were smart.
GAME: Lorik rolls 2: (3)+2: 5
GAME: Lorik rolls 2: (17)+2: 19
GAME: Lorik rolls 2: (6)+2: 8
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 8.
It is now LIZARD?!'s turn! Braith is next!
GAME: Lorik rolls 2: (12)+2: 14
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 6.
It is now Braith's turn! Kaelthilas is next!
Again the Scorpion comes, claws snapping, tail whipping. Aegis watches helplessly as one of it's companions is stung, and to this it feels a remorse like no other, for once upon a time it had a purpose steeped in protection.
Now, it has no purpose but vengeance. The moment those claws clatter off it's armor, the great behemoth of a War Golem cleaves through those claws in a savage backswing that leaves the Scorpion screeching, but it is not a long screech.
The greatsword rises and then falls, cleaving into the scorpion and sticking to the blade as green blood flies. It rises with the sword when Aegis lifts it again, and again it slams it to the ground. Again and again until it flies apart every which way, covering the lot of them in Scorpion viscera.
GAME: Braith rolls melee+2+1+2-4: (11)+7+2+1+2+-4: 19
GAME: Braith rolls melee+2+1+2-4: (3)+7+2+1+2+-4: 11
GAME: Braith rolls 1d8+5: (8)+5: 13
The blackclawed dwarf whips one warhammer and then the other at her target. The first hits with a solid crunch, though she misses with her second.
As the battle rages on it turns against the cave dwellers. The arrival of Azer's bird friend spells the end of one of them, even though the bird itself draws the anger of the large lizard on the ceiling.
A lizard that is now on fire?
That not...great.
A moment later Pinchy is gone, felled by the War Golem's sword. Only the lizard and the Trog remain, the latter bloody but not in the mood to surrender.
MEANWHILE!!
Kaelthilas and Lorik had traveled down the opposite path from the rest, having run into the tracks of a blighted wolf like the one they had fought before Kael had tracked the beast while Lorik waited at the crossroads.
The trail? Had lead to a clearing, and just as Kael had the strange shadow-tainded creature's path tracked out...sounds of combat had erupted from the clearing. Causing the wolf to bolt...
...towards the clearing.
Which is when a maassive slavering midnight black beast tears from the treeline to rush towards the embattled 'heros'.
Followed quickly by an elf.
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Two - Init 3.
It is now WUF PART TWO's turn! Kaelthilas is next!
GAME: Kaelthilas rolls will: (11)+3: 14
GAME: Preston rolls will: (4)+6: 10
GAME: Kaelthilas rolls MydraahilHIT+2-1: aliased to Melee+1+2-1: (13)+6+1+2+-1: 21
GAME: Kaelthilas rolls mydraahilDAM+3: aliased to 2d6+4+1+3: (2)+4+1+3: 10
GAME: NEW ROUND!
Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 21.
It is now Kaelthilas' turn! Azra is next!
GAME: Azra rolls Will: (20)+1: 21 (CRITICAL SUCCESS)
GAME: Azra rolls 1d20+7: (8)+7: 15
GAME: Azra rolls 1d20+7: (20)+7: 27
GAME: Azra rolls 1d20+7: (2)+7: 9
GAME: Azra rolls 1d20+7: (8)+7: 15
GAME: Azra rolls 1d6+3: (2)+3: 5
GAME: Azra rolls 2d4+6: (3)+6: 9
GAME: Lorik rolls 2d2: (2): 2
GAME: Azra rolls Ranged+1+1-2: (5)+7+1+1+-2: 12
GAME: Azra rolls Ranged+1+1-2: (13)+7+1+1+-2: 20
GAME: Azra rolls 1d8+4: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 20.
It is now Azra's turn! Preston is next!
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 17.
It is now Preston's turn! Aegis is next!
The hippogriff lets out a screech and starts clawing violently into the lizard. Between the aid of Angoron's blessing and allies pressed in around him he is able to pin the lizard and tears into it viciously despite flames burning all arond. Azra watches this briefly, but she is busy drawing a bow. A pair of arrows zip past the wolf, the second of which buries into its left eye. The creature keels over onto the ground amid the trees.
"Lorik, if you find yourself in peril: Blow on my recorder and I will return." The dawn elf commands.
Then he's off...
Midnight black and frothing at the jaws the bestial lupine bursts through the treeline. Ravenous for flesh? Fleeing for its life?
The dawn elf leaves no trail as he sprints through the woods. Leaves and brush unstirred by his passing his emergence following the wolf comes without significant notice. He erupts from the forest leaping into the air and reaching towards the pommel at his left shoulder.
A flash; Mydraahil, the sword of Dycan.
The blade snarls at it is loosed, thin elvish steel glimmering in the daylight as it is raised into a two-handed grip. The current bearer of the blade, Kaelthilas, is covered in thick mixture of mud and blood the his burnished scale mired by his Felwood adventure.
At the pinnacle of his leap he swings the blade so that it points downward and as gravity takes hold he thrusts. Landing atop the wolf he plunges the enchanted blade into its hindquarters spiking it momentarily to the ground as his feet connects with the firmament and he shifts to find balance.
_
"
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 13.
It is now Aegis' turn! Ashilde is next!
GAME: Lorik advances the initiative order.
Round Three - Init 12.
It is now Ashilde's turn! Troggy Bob is next!
It must be said that Preston Bayweather lived a very sheltered life, really. He got some instruction with combat magics, versus little golemns and things. He is of generally calm and cool temperament, which helps, though there's this moment when the wolf is just bounding towards him where he lets out a sound like: "Ah-aaah!"
During this time, he sort of cringes, one leg and one arm coming up as if this is going to do something for him, expression a rather comical one of oh god oh god oh god. And then the wolf is splatted, and all is well. He clears his throat, acts like none of that happened, and mutters another spell as he closes his fists. They turn to stone. Now then! There's a target around here somewhere right? Now that he's taken forever and a day to prepare and stopped to engage in some erudite exercises of information gathering, he's just going to wade right in there before all these warriors tear their foes apart! Theoretically!
GAME: Aegis rolls weapon1+3: (11)+9+3: 23
GAME: Aegis rolls weapon1+3: (12)+9+3: 24
GAME: Aegis rolls 2d6+9: (8)+9: 17
As the Berserker engages the Trog, Aegis feels the touch of it's ally as Ashilde lends might to it's frame, and and then a cunning accuracy. With little ceremony it strides forward, flipping it's greatsword over and then rounding through the Trog with an uppercutting strike that catches it in the groin, powers halfway through it's body, and drops it's guts to the ground.
There's a twist to the blade, and a sideward yank leaves what's left of it in a steaming, twitching pile on the ground. That done, the War Golem whirls around, putting it's back to Azra to take up a defensive position, it's forearm out, blade held in one hand across it, waiting for other challenge to present itself.
GAME: Braith ends her rage.
GAME: Lorik removes the timestop.
Timestop by Lorik has left.
Sudden silence, broken only by panted breathing and the drip of blood from blade and hammer. And occasionally the crunch of a hippogriff sampling giant lizard. As calm decends again on the clearing the little group of adventurers have time to take stock.
The 'cave' is large, but not deep. The group left here as some kind of guard it seems. More cages line the walls though, empty now but large enough for creatures bigger than horses.
It also smells like a barn.
That nno one has mucked out for years.
Or changed the hay in.
A crude firepit is inside the cave, burning meat on a spit tells what the twisted trogs were doing.
Best not to think just what kind of meat it is.
A few small pouches of belongings lie haphazardly across a pair of fur piles. A sleeping area for the creatures maybe.
Otherwise the clearing is the same. An abandoned camp of some nomadic force. Gone for now.
Ah. See. It's done. Preston banishes his stone fingers, but keeps his armor in place. Flexing them, he says mildly, "They spoke of a Master. Educated. He appealed to their Shaman and made grand promises of making all 'sundwellers' their slaves. This might not just be the leavings of a random camp of followers. Whomever this individual is might be trying to build an army for some unspecified purpose. Or he might be a meglomaniac that knows you get trogs to do your bidding by making grand promises. Whomever or whatever he is, it's probably worthwhile to make sure he does not continue his business unchecked. I couldn't get much information about the 'plan,' but...it seems there is one."
<<THOK>>
The arrow downs the wolf and Kaelthilas brings his blade to a defensive position. Seconds later the second foe falls and a beat later the elf begins to turn. Pivoting in a slow circle he turns three times before pausing and then canting his head to one side.
"Lorik," the dawn elf calls loudly, "Are you, unarmed?"
Pulling a cloth from his belt as he listens for a response he lays the cloth over his forearm and swipes the greatsword across it and then flips it upward. Sheathing his sword then he uses the cloth to brush chunks of earth and gore from his scale and plate. His breathing is labored for the distance he ran though he tries to hide it with deep controlled breaths.
Looking at the litter of corpses he moves for the shallow cave and, finding none in peril, begins dutifully searching the camp. Rooting through furs, "The woods have been poorly kept," he remarks after a time hurling a ragged blanket back to the ground, "Weak minds dwell in darkness. They believe it to be eternal. Despite their calling the will be helpless before the dawn. If not us then others. If not them then the artillery upon the city walls."
The slow cant of the metal man's head follows Kael's voice, and as the Dawn Elf speaks of light and day cycles as if armies were involved it seems to stare into an abyss of misunderstanding.
"I prefer us."
That said, it turns to Preston, suddenly looming over then man and reaching out to curl a great hand over his shoulder, and much of his bicep. This, meant to be a steadying motion, may be anything but.
Look, Aegis is trying to be personable!
"Tell me, did you glean where this leader might be? I would have few words for him, but decisive action."
Braith comes down from her rage, her hands returning normal and her eyes going back to their natural color as well. She takes a moment to calm herself and then puts her warhammers back on their hangers.
GAME: Aegis rolls perception: (7)+4: 11
GAME: Kaelthilas rolls perception: (12)+10: 22
GAME: Preston rolls knowledge/arcana: (11)+8: 19
GAME: Kaelthilas rolls knowledge/nature: (20)+4: 24
GAME: Braith rolls perception: (9)+7: 16
GAME: Preston rolls perception: (7)+3: 10
GAME: Braith rolls knowledge/arcana: (17)+6: 23
Preston, valiant soul that he is, only makes the ah-aah-ah /face/ of fear when Aegis puts his giant metal hand on his shoulder, rather than making the /sound./
He clears his throat and recovers quickly. "No," he says, looking up, and up. "Our search of the area might provide more, or the tracks that have already been spoken of. If not, there may be some other ways to make sure you have your chance, my good fellow."
He peers into the cave, at the cages, distaste twitching over his features, though he can't help but be curious about who or what might have been kept there. He gently extricates himself from beneath the great, metal, very personable hand he finds himself briefly beneath and goes to study them, running a hand over them. His lips curl in distaste. "/Ugh/. The magical energies in here are /foul/. I don't know the forest is producing this effect or if it's something they were doing on purpose, but it would twist anything it touched."
GAME: Preston rolls knowledge/arcana: (3)+8: 11
Kaelthilas pauses a moment. Perfect features scrutinize the war machine and then, he smiles, "Agreed."
Then he resumes his search, "This clearing has the make of a paddock," he begins crouching at turning over a leather satchel that appears to have been used as makeshift pillow, "Cats. Horses. Wolves. Beasts of war. A dire cavalry comprised of the twisted fauna."
Opening the satchel he pulls out several sheathes of paper which he sifts through while crouched and then shakes his head. He lifts the satchel in one hand while holding several of the papers in the other and approaches Preston, "Wizard," he thrusts the papers at the man in a universal sign of 'what do you make of these' and if they are taken he begins rooting through the satchel again.
It leaves Preston in it's wake, and then takes to the task of searching, as suggested. "Most of these weapons are of pitiful quality. Save for this, it seems."
Here, in it's great hand, it holds what looks to be a spear at first, but close inspection would reveal it to be Javelin of great make, masterfully crafted with an insignia carved into one end, with a horned horse rearing back and breathing fire. As if to accentuate this insignia, the blade itself is a jagged thing also meant to emulate flame, and is spouting from a base that resembles a horse's head.
Braith is looking around as well. She shakes her head, "The...things in the cages, were warped by it." she says after Preston. "They aren't normal. Not anymore." she shakes her head a bit.
Un'eth has arrived.
Preston had paused to draw the third eye upon his forehead, where it sits, glowing a faint blue. He is staring at those magical energies, and getting a headache in the staring, when the paperwork is thrust upon him. He blinks, rather like a startled, sleepy owl, and then starts going through them. /Papers/ are always of interest, especially to this pedantic soul, and he pauses to give them all the attention they deserve, which is to say he looks like he's rather blocking everything else out as he studies them.
He glances at the sigil. "Our quarry calls himself the Master of Helsteeds," he says thoughtfully. "He wants another shipment. Given the beasts that were in these cages looks like they were /literally/ breathing fire like that lance, if the scorchmarks are any indication, he has named himself well. They have trainers and trappers and all manner of things, and he's playing his audience rather well. I'd say he is definitely gathering an army. And making one nasty sort of a calvalry to go with it. I must wonder if that sigil is a bastardization of a more normal sigil, or if he simply made it up because he hit on this daft idea of making firebreathing horses out of nasty magic."